Migraines are headaches that cause severe pulsing or throbbing sensations, usually on one side of the head. The headaches may be accompanied by symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine attacks can last a few hours to a few days, and the pain may become severe enough to interfere with one’s daily activities. Thankfully, patients can employ self-help remedies and lifestyle modifications to manage the condition better. Managing migraine pain – Mistakes to avoid According to the Migraine Research Foundation, migraine is one of the most misunderstood and undiagnosed conditions. Many patients make mistakes while managing the pain, leading to other health complications. Below are some common mistakes migraine suffers make and solutions to help one manage the symptoms better: Consuming too much caffeine Although small amounts of caffeine can relieve headaches, an excess can have the opposite effect and trigger migraine attacks. Multiple studies have shown that consuming 100 mg of caffeine per day increases the risk of headaches three-fold. Hence, avoiding or eliminating coffee, tea, and other caffeinated beverages is suggested to manage the condition. Skipping meals or eating unhealthy foods Foods with MSG, aspartame, and nitrates can trigger migraine headaches or worsen the symptoms and should be avoided.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic health condition involving the accumulation of eosinophil, a type of white blood cell, in the esophagus or food pipe. Besides experiencing symptoms like trouble swallowing and chest and abdominal pain, patients with EoE may also grapple with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or regurgitation of gastric acid from the stomach to the esophagus. While healing from EoE, incorporating certain foods into one’s meal plan may help fight EoE-induced acid reflux: Ginger Ginger contains several antioxidants and is a common home remedy for treating nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Moreover, gingerol, a natural element in ginger, enhances gastrointestinal motility, or the efficiency with which food passes through the stomach. Ginger is also highly effective in treating throat conditions, boosting immunity to help the body fight the agents causing these diseases. Due to such combined benefits of ginger for the throat and stomach, this ingredient is excellent for treating EoE-induced acid reflux. Chopped or julienned ginger may be added to stir-fries, soups, gravies, etc.; alternatively, ginger tea is a soothing and nutritious beverage. Oatmeal Oatmeal is a rich source of soluble fiber, which dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance in the stomach. Such foods prevent the displacement of stomach acid and facilitate a sense of satiety.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition wherein the digestive acids from the stomach flow back into the esophagus. People with this condition experience frequent throat aches, ingestion difficulties, and heartburn. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a condition characterized by the aggressive inflammation of one’s food pipe lining. Although both these conditions are fundamentally different, they share some common symptoms. Additionally, these symptoms can be alleviated by eating healthy foods, some of which are mentioned below. Coconut milk Coconut milk is an excellent, delicious, and creamy alternative to conventional cow’s milk. Cow’s milk contains specific proteins, such as casein, that trigger an immune response and cause esophageal inflammation. On the other hand, coconut milk can address two problems with one solution. Firstly, it does not cause an EoE flare-up. Additionally, coconut milk is highly nutritious in its own right. It is loaded with nutrients and minerals, many of which safeguard the esophagus and stomach lining from rampant inflammation. As a result, it is one of the best foods to eat to counter GERD. Oatmeal (gluten-free and without milk) Oatmeal that is used to reduce the severity of GERD symptoms must be gluten-free and milk-free. One can eat gluten-free oatmeal made using coconut milk for the purpose.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a modern form of birth control that are long-lasting, effective, and safe. They are shaped like a ‘T’ and fit inside the uterus. Their primary role is preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs. IUDs may be hormonal or non-hormonal. However, there are several myths associated with IUDs and their usage that need to be debunked for the safety of women’s health. Here are six common myths to note. IUDs can only be used by older women IUDs are a safe and effective option for women of all ages. They are available in different sizes to suit the size of a woman’s uterus; it is not a one-for-all device. If a doctor recommends that one is too young to get an IUD, try getting a second opinion. IUDs can cause infertility While this may have been true for some intrauterine devices in the 70s, modern IUDs pose no risks to one’s fertility and are perfectly safe to use. IUDs lead to infections Earlier, IUDs (in the 1970s) were linked to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and had to be recalled for the same. IUDs today do not cause any infections. However, they also do not protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases, so it is advised to always use a condom, even with the implant.

The pain caused by arthritis is often agonizing. It is a broader term for joint pain or joint diseases, and its effects can be disabling and prevent one from indulging in regular activities. Eating certain foods may also help one tackle the symptoms of arthritis. However, constantly having limited meals can be tiresome. Therefore, here are six healthy and delicious smoothie ideas to help one manage arthritis and joint pain. Pineapple anti-inflammatory smoothie Pineapple juice is rich in enzymes like bromelain that can reduce pain caused by arthritis. You can make a delicious smoothie by mixing other ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like romaine lettuce, cilantro, and ginger, to create a healthy smoothie. Add water occasionally until the blend reaches a consistency of your liking. Blueberry kale smoothie Berries like blueberries are known for their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Blend three-quarters of the food with a cup of kale, bananas, two pitted dates, and half a tablespoon of almond butter, and top it with low-fat milk. This combination may help fight the effects of arthritis pains. One can also try making a smoothie with other berries, including blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, as they have similar properties that may help curb arthritis inflammation.

Acid reflux is an increasingly common digestive disorder affecting many people worldwide. The condition is characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and chest caused by the backflow of stomach acid. People with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can have a more challenging time managing acid reflux as it causes inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus. To manage this condition, eating certain healthy foods is advised. Keep reading to learn more about them. Ginger A natural anti-inflammatory food, ginger can also help relieve the inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Ginger has also long been used to help with digestive disorders and manage an upset stomach. Adding ginger to daily meals can prevent the acid from backing up into the esophagus and triggering EoE symptoms. Oatmeal Oatmeal is high in fiber and low in fat content. It is a great breakfast choice for people with acid reflux and helps reduce the amount of acid that finds its way into the esophagus. In addition to that, it also provides a better satiety value and absorbs the excessive quantity of acid present in the stomach. Bananas Bananas are one of the fruits people with acid reflux can eat without concerns.

Bronchiectasis and Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) are lung diseases that can severely impact people’s health and quality of life. While managing these conditions can be challenging, eating balanced meals can certainly help maintain lung health while improving overall well-being and quality of life. This article reviews seven foods that one should try to include in their regular meal plan for eating well with chronic lung conditions like bronchiectasis or MAC. 7 foods to eat with a chronic lung condition Fish Fatty fish is high in omega-3-rich fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and could reduce lung inflammation and improve their function. Eating fatty fish regularly is an easy and tried and tested way to improve the health of your lungs. Nuts Nuts, such as walnuts and almonds, can offer several excellent nutritional benefits to those suffering from chronic lung diseases. Nuts contain vitamin E, an effective antioxidant that shields lung cells from damage caused by free radicals. This improves lung function and lowers the risk of getting respiratory illnesses, making nuts an ideal addition to a balanced meal plan. Berries Berries like blueberries and raspberries contain antioxidants that can reduce lung inflammation and improve their function. Furthermore, blueberries contain vitamin C, which has been known to boost immunity and protect against respiratory illnesses, making them an ideal food choice to help build a healthy lung.

A bunion is a bony bump at the intersection of the big toe and the foot. It usually develops when constant pressure is applied to the big toe, causing it to push against the second toe. Individuals with bunions experience intermittent pain in the affected area and restricted mobility of the big toe. Besides seeking treatment and practicing natural remedies, adding certain foods to the meal plan can help control bunion symptoms better. Garlic Garlic contains high levels of diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps alleviate the symptoms of joint and muscle inflammation. Using up to two cloves of garlic in meals every day may be highly beneficial in controlling bunion symptoms. Berries Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are rich in anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation. Consequently, they may relieve bunion symptoms. Patients may eat these fruits directly or add them to muesli, oatmeal, porridge, or fresh fruit juices and smoothies. Turmeric Curcumin in turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help regulate bunion symptoms. Many studies also demonstrate the role of curcumin in reducing joint pain and promoting bone and joint health. Turmeric may be added to stir-fries, soups, and smoothies not only for health purposes but also for natural flavor enhancement.

Bunions or hallux valgus is a condition in which a bulge develops on the side of the foot along the joint of the big toe. This happens due to the wrong alignment of the bones and muscles surrounding the joint, leading to this bump. Bunions are very common and affect one in every third of individuals in the country; however, there are ways to handle pain without surgery. Here’s how. Hot and cold therapy This is a great way to manage the pain caused by bunions. These are natural treatments with no side effects and can easily be administered in the comfort of your home. Here’s what you need to know – when the bunions are swollen, you should apply cold therapy, like soaking your bunion in cold water to help reduce the inflammation. Cold therapy helps constrict the blood vessels, which is helpful. The cool water will also help relieve the foot, which has been irritated because of the bunion swelling. Heat therapies are helpful when the blood vessels don’t need constricting but need better blood flow and help relax the sore muscles and joints. Heat therapy should be applied if soreness and cramping are the pain symptoms in the bunion-affected area.

Smoothies are so much more than just refreshment drinks, with their long list of health benefits almost always overlooked. One can concoct delicious smoothies for uses as varied as keeping the immune system healthy or strengthening one’s bones. In the cold and flu season, certain smoothies can help prevent the onset if consumed regularly. And the best part? The smoothies listed here are incredibly easy to make with daily groceries. Green tea and pineapple smoothie The first anti-flu smoothie combines an unlikely pair of green tea and pineapple to optimize the consumer’s health during the winter when most people are down with a cold or fever. To make this, one has to blend two cups of freshly-cut peeled pineapple slices, a tablespoon of honey, a cup of crushed ice, a cup of green tea made using loose leaves, and a finely chopped half ginger. One can serve this smoothie after decorating it with several different garnish combinations. Cold buster green smoothie As its name suggests, this smoothie contains loads of leafy green vegetables. To make this drink, one needs to blend 2 cups of spinach, three baby carrots, a banana, half an orange after peeling it, a cup of orange juice, half an apple slice, half a cup of ice, and half a cup of frozen pineapple.