Leading a regular life becomes quite challenging when one faces breathing troubles sporadically. Breath-related issues, such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and pain or pressure in the chest are usually symptoms of lung diseases like MAC disease and COPD. Certain foods we regularly eat can negatively affect our lungs and exacerbate breathing problems. So, this article lists some common foods one must avoid to ease breathing issues and control MAC disease and COPD symptoms. 1. Fried foods Fried foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and potato chips, are among the unhealthiest foods anyone can eat. These foods can cause gas and bloating, making breathing more difficult in those suffering from breath-related conditions. Fried foods, being calorie-dense, can also lead to weight gain, which increases pressure on the lungs. 2. Salty foods Too much salt spells more trouble when you’re suffering from breathing problems. That’s because salt, or sodium, can cause fluid retention in the body, triggering high blood pressure and shortness of breath. Steer clear of various high-salt foods like canned soup, pasta sauce, and tortilla chips, and replace salt with spices and herbs in dinner recipes. 3. Processed meats Ham, hot dogs, sausages, and other processed meats are usually loaded with nitrates to improve color and prolong shelf life.

Oral health is essential, but despite that, most often easily neglected by individuals. While it is recommended to visit a dentist regularly, there are some tips and tricks that we can use at home to make sure our teeth are healthy, clean, and white! Here are some ways on how you can keep your teeth shiny and white through safe and tested methods. Do speak to your dentist before using these tips regularly at home. Easy at-home teeth whitening tips Whitening trays and strips You can easily find reputed whitening strips and trays which contain a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide. These strips are applied directly to the enamel to see desirable results. Activated charcoal whitener Charcoal whiteners have three very effective ingredients, namely activated charcoal, bentonite, and an oil like orange seed oil. These whiten the teeth by getting absorbed into them. Teeth whitening pastes These pastes contain ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate that remove stains from the teeth and polish them. Whitening packs These whitening packs are to be applied directly onto your teeth. You can do so at night after brushing your teeth. The pack is to be used as per instructions.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disorder that commonly affects senior individuals. However, there are times when patients are diagnosed with the early onset of the condition. The disease is associated with a lower amount of dopamine in the brain and damaged nerve cells. Dealing with a condition such as Parkinson’s does not have a specific to-do not-to-do plan; however, there are certain foods that are believed to aid in its management. Foods that help manage Parkinson’s Bananas Bananas contain magnesium, a critical nutrient that helps lower the risk of spasm and muscle cramps. Patients with Parkinson’s are also low on dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter that regulates communication linked to movement. Bananas contain tryptophan and tyrosine, both key building blocks of dopamine that help supplement this requirement. Berries Studies reveal that free radicals can damage healthy brain cells and worsen the cognitive symptoms linked to Parkinson’s. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, goji berries, and elderberries are loaded with essential antioxidants and vitamin C to combat this stress and boost cognitive function. Berries are also loaded with fiber that helps manage constipation, one of the critical discomforts linked to the disease.  Broccoli Green vegetables are rich in fibers and antioxidants that actively help combat oxidative stress to minimize dopamine loss.

Cholesterol is a naturally-produced essential fatty substance in the body. The type of fat found in the blood helps the body build healthy cells, thereby ensuring it functions smoothly. However, excess cholesterol is harmful as it can lead to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, narrow or clog the arteries and increase the risk of heart conditions. Below are six foods that help lower cholesterol levels and also improve heart health. 6 superfoods that help lower cholesterol levels Apples Apples are rich in a type of soluble fiber called pectin that brings down cholesterol levels by about 10 percent. It also helps reduce triglycerides, which is a type of fat in the blood. In addition to their fibrous content, apples also contain polyphenols, which could help control cholesterol levels. Avocados Avocado contains monounsaturated fatty acids or MUFAs, which keep the cholesterol levels in check and help in keeping the heart healthy. This fruit contains about 10 grams of fiber. You can pair it with whole grain, pumpernickel, or rye toast to make it even more fibrous. Add a squeeze of lemon juice or sprinkle some herbs like oregano for extra flavor. Dark chocolate Cocoa in dark chocolates contains flavonoids that control blood pressure levels and lower cholesterol.

When the body fails to replace older bone tissues with newer ones, it leads to osteoporosis. It is a condition that results in weak and brittle bones. Osteoporosis increases the risk of bone fractures and is often diagnosed late due to limited symptoms. So, it is important to look after your nutritional requirements to maintain bone health to avoid any health complications. To help you, here are the top five foods for managing osteoporosis. Nuts Nuts are a convenient and tasty remedy that also enhances the effect of bone density supplements for osteoporosis. You should include an assortment of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, pine nuts in your daily snacks. Nuts are replete with minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and manganese, ensuring bone health. Milk Milk and milk products are superfoods that strengthen bone density. The recommended intake of dairy products is three servings a day. However, low-fat or skimmed milk is better as they contain less fat. Alternatively, soy milk and products are also good sources of calcium. Fatty fish Fatty fish include options like tuna, mackerel, salmon, and more. They are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins A, C, D, and E and are high in protein content.

It is crucial to keep the lungs healthy in order to prevent the onset and escalation of serious conditions. There is a possibility that harmful toxins in the environment and consumption of inflammatory foods can lead to ailments such as chronic MAC infection, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and pulmonary fibrosis. Altering lifestyles and eating a nutrient-rich food regime can boost lung health. Here are five foods that can improve the function of the lungs. Beetroots and beet greens Beetroots are beneficial for the lungs, as they contain nitrates that relax blood vessels, decrease blood pressure, and improve oxygen levels in the body. On the other hand, beet greens are rich in magnesium and potassium, both minerals that boost lung health and help manage chronic MAC disease. Apples Apples, filled with beneficial flavonoids and a phytonutrient called quercetin, have always been known to keep doctors at bay. This fruit also contains phytochemicals that help keep your lungs healthy and your throat passageways clear. Apples contain all the good antioxidants that prevent chronic ailments. Ginger This immunity booster is an age-old remedy that helps keep the respiratory system healthy. Ginger is an anti-inflammatory spice and relaxes muscles of the lung tissue.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly referred to as eczema, is a skin condition that triggers itching, inflammation, and rashes on the skin. The symptoms are chronic and quite erratic, meaning they can develop without warning. The rashes also increase the risk of skin infections, mainly due to exposed skin. Eczema can be managed with a few topical treatments, prescriptions, lifestyle changes, and even by including the following foods that boost overall skin health. Healthy fats   Omega-3 fatty acids naturally prevent dry skin by providing moisture from within the body. These good fats also help lower skin inflammation and prevent acne flare-ups. Salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and herring are excellent choices loaded with zinc and omega 3s. Vegetarians can supplement this intake by including more avocados, soybeans, walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds. Fresh veggies Spinach contains the highest concentration of folates and B vitamins that lower the risk of carcinoma and help repair skin DNA. Kale is a superfood when it comes to boosting anti-aging properties of the skin with vitamins A, C, E, and K. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts are some other vitamin C-rich veggies to include in daily foods. Popular non-green alternatives like carrots and pumpkin are also rich in vitamin A, beta carotene, and essential skin-repairing compounds.

Air pollutants, seasons, and mood fluctuations are uncontrollable issues that can have a harmful impact on the skin. But one thing you can control is the food you eat. It is no secret that collagen and antioxidant-rich foods are good for the skin, but not many know the kind of foods that can ruin the skin. Here are some foods that you should avoid or limit to have healthy, glowing skin. Fried foods Deep-fried food items like french fries are cooked in refined vegetable oils such as canola, safflower, and peanut oils. While they seem healthy, these oils are loaded with trans-fat. This can cause inflammation, resulting in premature wrinkles and aged-looking skin. Processed meat Processed meats like bacon and brined chicken contain high levels of sodium. Excess consumption of sodium can lead to water retention in the body and cause puffy and swollen skin. Sodium nitrate is added to many processed foods that destroy collagen and cause premature aging. Doughnut Doughnuts are delicious and tempting, but it’s best to restrict their consumption. Such deep-fried and baked goods contain a high amount of sugar, which is probably linked to the development of wrinkles. Doughnuts also contain processed carbs that can damage the skin’s collagen and make it springy.

Eczema, scientifically known as atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition that leads to dry and itchy skin on the body. It is usually caused by inflammation. One can tackle this condition’s symptoms by eating the right foods and avoiding the wrong ones. The wrong foods can often trigger flares and worsen the condition. Read on to learn more about the foods that should be eliminated from your meals if you have eczema. Cow’s milk Cow’s milk is one of the most common eczema triggers in children. In rare cases, it can also cause flares in adults. However, completely removing milk and dairy products from a child’s meals can lead to vitamin and other deficiencies. Instead, this food should be avoided only in cases of severe eczema. Doctors can also suggest food substitutes for cow’s milk. Eggs Eggs are commonly known as eczema triggers in both adults and children. While the reason behind this is unknown, studies show that almost 70% of those who have eczema are allergic to eggs. Aside from this, long-term consumption of raw eggs can lead to biotin deficiency, triggering eczema. Soy Soy and soy products are rich in amines that can trigger eczema. Individuals suffering from eczema can avoid soy by reading the labels carefully because soy is present in many foods including chocolate and tea.

Skincare products are formulated to help cleanse, exfoliate, and counter surface odors. But most of these daily-use sunscreens, moisturizers, and creams are made using synthetic compounds. Regularly using such products intensifies chemical concentration on the skin and triggers irritation and allergies. People with sensitive skin or a disorder like eczema usually switch to organic products to protect the skin. This article elaborates five skincare ingredients that can be quite aggravating for those with eczema. Parabens A lot of beauty products come with a “paraben-free” disclaimer. This ingredient is one of the most used preservatives in almost all cosmetic products in the market, especially fragrances. Compounds like propylparaben and Iosbutylparaben will increase the shelf life of the product but are quite harmful to sensitive skin and people with eczema. Moisturizing agents Lanolin, propylene glycol, and petroleum jelly are largely used in moisturizing products and protective lotions. Any skin care product with these ingredients worsens the symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema. Improper refining processes trigger a release of irritants like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Synthetic fragrances Fragrances are formulated to mask body odor and have a long-lasting effect even on hot days. But a lot of these fragrances are made with chemicals and added scents that may smell good but trigger irritation in eczema patients.