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11 food items that worsen hereditary angioedema

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare genetic disease characterized by recurrent episodes of severe swelling, often in the face, throat, and abdomen. Various factors can trigger HAE. However, certain foods have been identified to worsen the condition. One should take note of these food items to avoid unintentionally triggering the condition and exacerbating its symptoms. Eliminating or carefully including these foods in meals can help individuals manage their condition better and avoid unwanted complications.

Aged cheese

Aged cheese items like blue cheese and cheddar contain elevated histamine levels. Histamine is a compound that can lead to the dilation of blood vessels, potentially triggering or worsening HAE symptoms. For individuals with HAE, consuming aged cheeses can increase histamine levels in the body, which may result in heightened swelling and discomfort.

Processed meats

Processed meats like smoked sausages and cured hams contain histamine and harbor additives like sulfites. These compounds have been linked to the worsening of HAE symptoms. For individuals with HAE, eating these meats may increase histamine levels, potentially causing an episode.

Shellfish

Crustaceans such as shrimp, crab, and lobster are a well-known source of histamine in foods. Eating shellfish can elevate histamine levels, increasing the risk of an HAE episode. People with HAE are advised to choose alternative protein sources to mitigate this risk.

Nuts

Food items like walnuts contain some level of histamine. For individuals with HAE, consuming these specific nuts may increase histamine levels, leading to swelling and discomfort.

Spinach

Spinach and tomatoes are both rich in histamine-releasing properties. They can prompt the body to release more histamine, potentially leading to an episode in individuals with HAE. Therefore, it is advised to explore alternative sources of essential nutrients that could replace these vegetables.

Spicy peppers

Specific varieties of spicy peppers, like jalapeños, habaneros, and cayenne peppers, contain capsaicin, a compound that can stimulate blood flow and potentially exacerbate swelling in individuals with HAE. Those with HAE should cautiously approach dishes seasoned with these specific spicy peppers.

Strawberries

Strawberries and pineapples contain enzymes and compounds that may prompt histamine release, potentially leading to an HAE episode. While delicious, it is recommended to eat these fruits in moderation for those with HAE.

Processed foods with additives

Processed foods like ready-made meals, snack bars, and certain sauces often contain artificial additives, including sulfites and preservatives. These additives can be problematic for individuals with HAE, potentially triggering symptoms. Reading labels carefully and choosing natural, additive-free alternatives can be a wise choice.

Oranges

Oranges, lemons, and grapefruits are high in histamine-releasing properties. While they are a rich source of vitamin C, individuals with HAE should be cautious with their intake to avoid potential histamine-induced reactions. Exploring alternative sources of vitamin C is advised.

Papaya

Both papayas and mangoes contain enzymes like papain and bromelain that may stimulate histamine release. Individuals who often include these foods in their daily intake might have to deal with increased histamine levels in the body. It could also cause swelling and discomfort for the patient and trigger additional HAE symptoms.

Kimchi

Fermented foods like kimchi and kombucha are known to be rich in histamine. For individuals with HAE, eating these foods will increase their histamine levels, potentially triggering an episode. Therefore, it is advised to opt for alternatives that are lower in histamine content.

Hyperkalemia – 10 foods to avoid

Potassium plays a huge role in the health of our heart muscles and nerve cells. And high levels of this element in the blood cause hyperkalemia. If you consume meals high in potassium, your doctor may advise you to decrease portion sizes and concentrate on fruits and vegetables with a lower potassium content. Here is a list of foods rich in potassium that must be avoided if you have hyperkalemia. Yogurt and dairy products A serving of nonfat yogurt weighing eight ounces has roughly 625 mg of potassium, making it one of the dairy aisle's highestÂ sources of potassium. Even reduced fat milk contains 366 mg of potassium in a glass of cow's whole milk. Ricotta and cottage cheese are also high in potassium. Goat cheese is a low potassium food, proving that not all cheeses are made equal. Likewise, About 131 milligrams of potassium may be found in a half cup of vanilla ice cream. Bananas When people consider foods high in potassium, bananas frequently come to mind. A banana normally contains 422 mg of potassium. Among all the fruit, bananas are athletes' favorite as they provide energy. However, it could be highly dangerous for someone suffering from hyperkalemia. Consult your doctor if you have hyperkalemia and stick to fruits such as apples and berries. Leafy vegetables About 420 milligrams of potassium can be found in only a half cup of cooked spinach. Raw spinach, young or mature, has roughly 167 mg per cup. Fennel, bok choy, beet greens, and Swiss chard are also high in potassium. You can opt for kale instead. Kale has more nutrients than these other dark leafy greens, but it has less potassium. 73 mg is present in one cup of raw kale. Fish Clams, which provide 534 mg of potassium in just 3 ounces, are the finest source of protein from seafood. Around three ounces of skipjack tuna offers 444 mg, another major source of potassium. One of the most popular fish, salmon, frequently has a lower potassium content. Keeping a check on what type of fish you are eating if you have hyperkalemia is a must. Kidney beans Beans are a balanced addition to any meal plan as they're rich sources of protein and fiber. However, according to data from the USDA, one cup of the kidney-shaped type has 713 mg of potassium. A half-cup of black beans has 489 mg of potassium. Avocado This creamy, green-fleshed fruit is packed with 690 mg of potassium and is high in fiber and heart-healthy lipids. Although it might seem good for your heart, you should avoid it if you have hyperkalemia. Potatoes Potassium is heavily concentrated in potatoes; 925 milligrams of potassium may be found in a baked potato. A three-ounce portion of french-fried potatoes has 470 mg of potassium and a lot of fat and calories. The potassium content in an ounce of potato chips is 465 mg. Indulging in fast foods like fries is adverse for those with hyperkalemia. Oranges A single orange has 240 mg of potassium, making it a food with a high potassium content. With 450 mg per 8 oz glass, orange juice is a more potent source of potassium. Fruits vary in their potassium content. Berries are a poor source of potassium and can be a decent substitute for oranges and orange juice. Another good option is apples. Dried fruits The nutrients in fruit, including potassium, that have been dried are concentrated. You get roughly 750 milligrams from half a cup of dried apricots. Also, even though raisins and dried plums make a fantastic snack, they should be avoided by someone with hyperkalemia. Legumes and beans Legumes are a significant source of potassium as well. White beans have the most, with 600 mg of potassium in a half cup. In half a cup serving, other legumes such as lima beans and pinto beans have between 300 and 350 mg.

8 sunscreen mistakes that could harm the skin

Direct and prolonged exposure to the sun's harmful UV rays can increase one's risk of sunburn, premature aging, wrinkles, fine lines, skin damage, or even cancer in extreme cases. When it comes to protecting one's skin from sun rays, sunscreen is a crucial tool. However, many individuals make common sunscreen application mistakes that can do more harm than good. Here are some mistakes that should be avoided for optimal skin protection: 1. Not reapplying the product Sunscreen's efficacy diminishes over time and needs to be reapplied regularly, especially if one is spending time outdoors. Failing to reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying can lead to sunburn and long-term skin damage. 2. Not using enough sunscreen Many people underestimate the amount of sunscreen needed to provide adequate protection. It's recommended to coat the skin with at least an ounce of the product to shield the skin effectively, for instance, on a beach day. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a nickel-sized portion to oneâs face on regular days. 3. Neglecting sensitive areas It's easy to forget those often neglected areas, such as the ears, lips, and the back of the neck. To avoid harm, one should use sunscreen generously on all exposed skin. 4. Overlooking the neck and chest The face isn't the only area that requires protection. The neck and chest are often exposed and susceptible to sun damage. Extend your sunscreen application to cover these areas and maintain healthy, youthful skin. 5. Using expired sunscreen Using expired sunscreen can be ineffective and even harmful. Check the expiration date on the sunscreen and discard any that have passed their prime. If there is no expiration date, replacing sunscreen every year is generally recommended. 6. Relying on makeup with SPF While makeup products with SPF can offer some protection, they are not a substitute for dedicated sunscreen. Most people do not apply enough makeup to achieve the stated SPF level. Therefore, it is advised to use a separate sunscreen as the base layer before applying makeup for adequate protection. 7. Ignoring cloudy days UV rays are present even on cloudy or overcast days. Neglecting sunscreen when the sun isn't brightly shining is a common mistake. One should always use sunscreen, regardless of the weather conditions. 8. Relying solely on sunscreen The effectiveness of sunscreen can diminish with time, sweating, or swimming. So, it's important to complement sunscreen use by wearing shades, applying lip balms with SPF, and wearing sunglasses or wide-brimmed hats. This multi-pronged approach ensures comprehensive protection.