The list of worst cities to live in for people with asthma is drawn up by the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America (AAFA). Cities are judged on parameters such as the number of asthma cases, asthma-related deaths and trips to emergency rooms, pollution, poverty, access to health insurance and asthma specialists, and exposure to smoke. These factors gravely affect the quality of life of people with asthma. The most challenging cities include: Detroit, Michigan In 2022, Detroit was named the most challenging city for people with asthma, according to the AAFA. This can be attributed to the city’s high poverty rates and low air quality. Detroit also ranks third highest for asthma cases and eighth highest for asthma-related deaths among the 100 cities that were examined. Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland’s high ranking on this list is due to the high levels of asthma cases, along with asthma-related deaths and visits to the emergency room. This is further worsened by high levels of poverty and ozone pollution, which have reduced the chances for asthma care in the city. Allentown, Pennsylvania Allentown has a high level of asthma cases in the city, along with the second highest level of visits to the emergency room for asthma, according to the AAFA.

If you are an asthma patient, exposure to environmental triggers can lead to severe breathing problems. Being inadvertently exposed to these triggers for long periods can result in aggravated symptoms compromising your quality of life. Statistics suggest more than 26 million people in the country live with asthma. And if you are one of these people, you know how much the environment of the city you live in contributes to your daily life and health. Louisville, Kentucky Louisville is one of the cities in the country with the biggest red flag for people with asthma. It is also ranked high on the list of cities in the use of treatment for long-term asthma control and management. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Philadelphia is ranked 11th on the list of cities prevalent in asthma. It also ranks high on the list of places with a substantial number of asthma-related deaths. Philadelphia also is home to a greater amount of the population that is struggling to make ends meet. This directly or indirectly impacts the patient’s ability to seek treatment for their asthma and is a cause of poor lifestyle. Dayton, Ohio Dayton, Ohio, is ranked one of the worst cities for asthma patients. It is largely believed that the entire midwestern belt of the country is unhealthy for people with asthma to live in.

About one in four adults across the country have arthritis. At their core, inflammation causes issues like arthritis and joint pains. Issues like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can be prevented or treated by consuming anti-inflammatory foods such as fruits and greens, which contain plenty of antioxidants to fight inflammation. Frozen fruit and vegetable-blended smoothies are counted as healthy food options. Here are some of the best smoothies to address arthritis and joint pains: Tropical sunrise smoothie The Tropical Sunrise Smoothie has a sweet taste to it, featuring an irresistible blend of unsweetened coconut milk and half a cup each of frozen pineapple, banana, and mango. This makes it an ideal starter for any meal. More importantly, this concoction is rich in antioxidants, making it one of the best foods to prevent or treat health conditions from arthritis and joint pains. Pineapple anti-inflammatory smoothie Pineapple juice and pulp contain massive amounts of pain-killing enzymes. One such enzyme is bromelain. Additionally, the other ingredients used in this smoothie, such as Romaine lettuce, ginger, and cilantro, all contain several anti-inflammatory properties. The main components of this drink are half a pineapple, a handful of coriander, a small piece of ginger, a head of Romaine lettuce, and two ribs of celery.

Acid reflux is a condition that causes heartburn due to the backflow of stomach acid into the esophagus. This is also referred to as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although it is a common condition, it can cause problems such as heartburn, nausea, vomiting, a dry cough, foul breath, difficulty swallowing, and chest pain. High-sodium meals, acidic foods, and lack of fiber worsen acid reflux. Here are the best foods to eat to avoid GERD. Best foods to consume to avoid GERD Oatmeal Oatmeal is a high-fiber, whole-grain breakfast cereal. Foods with a lot of fiber can lessen acid reflux. These foods also promote intestinal health and help general digestion by easing constipation. Oatmeal is also linked to the easy digestion of other foods and the absorption of stomach acid. Thus, including oatmeal in your breakfast meal significantly lowers GERD symptoms. Lean meat and seafood Lean meats are simpler to digest and less likely to cause GERD symptoms, such as skinless chicken breast baked or sautéed rather than fried and greasy. Other options for lean meat include turkey, leaner beef, and seafood like fish, prawns, and lobster. Fatty meats are typically higher in cholesterol and can cause heartburn, so leaner meats are a better option for GERD symptoms.

Arthritis is an inflammatory condition that causes swelling and tenderness in one or more joints in the body. The main symptom of this condition is joint pain and stiffness, making it difficult to function in daily life. There are many different types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. While there are many treatments to tackle this condition, individuals can also aid their treatment by eating the right foods. Here are some smoothies to try for managing arthritis. Fresh fruits It is one of the best smoothies to help with arthritis and joint pain. It is also suitable for those who are fans of sweeter foods. You can add pineapples, mango, and bananas to the grinder. Don’t forget to add some unsweetened coconut milk to get that creamy and delicious base. Each of these foods contains tons of antioxidants that can help fight inflammation in the body and reduce the signs and symptoms of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. You also have the option to choose from fresh fruits or frozen fruits. Leafy greens If you’re a fan of leafy greens, you can try this green smoothie. One of its main ingredients is spinach, a rich source of many nutrients.

Migraines are a severe type of headache that can cause extreme pain in the form of throbbing or pulsing sensations, usually on one side of the head. Based on research, healthcare experts conclude that certain risk factors may worsen the symptoms of migraines. Prominent triggers are also determined by the city in which one lives. So factors like their lifestyle, weather and associated changes, and temperatures can vary based on the particular geographical location. St. Louis, MO One of the primary reasons why St. Louis makes the list of worst cities for migraine management is the lifestyle. Here, people usually have extremely busy schedules, due to which they might also be more stressed compared to those in other cities. Stress is a common trigger for migraines. Augusta, GA When a storm hits the city , cold and warm air mix, leading to changes in barometric pressure. These variations are often known to trigger or worsen symptoms of migraines. Augusta is constantly subject to such changes, so a person dealing with migraines should avoid moving here. Cincinnati, OH Cincinnati is home to multiple tourist attractions, including the Cincinnati Art Museum and the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. However, people affected by migraines who live in the city may notice their symptoms worsen frequently.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a chronic acid reflux condition in which stomach acid repeatedly flows back into the tube connecting the mouth and stomach. This acid reflux can irritate the esophagus lining, causing other health complications. While it is common to experience acid reflux sometimes, it is still recommended to see a doctor. It is also essential to be careful of food choices, so here are some foods which keep GERD at bay. Ginger Known for its medicinal properties, ginger is one of the best herbs to consider when managing acid reflux. It is alkaline and is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice of ingredient to add to vegetables, soups, and tea. It is learned that acid reflux also often happens due to an inflammation in the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, so ginger can provide some relief. Some ways to incorporate this in meals include adding crushed ginger to cooked vegetables, ginger paste, or even sliced ginger to soup and boiling a broth with this ingredient. Ginger tea is another clever way of getting the ingredient benefits without chewing on it by simply sipping on this hot brew slowly in the morning or evening.

Cold sores, also known as fever blisters, are painful blisters that appear on the lips and the surrounding areas. These blisters can be seen in groups of 10 or individually and are caused by the Type 1 or Type 2 herpes virus. The infections can be painful and make one feel sick for days at a stretch. These cold sores may be manipulated by the food eaten; hence some food items are better avoided. Coping with cold sores – foods to avoid Food and nutrient intake plays a vital role in overall health, including lip health. If one finds themselves prone to cold sores, it’s important to check the foods taken in because this condition results from various factors, and food can be one of the primary triggers. Curry In general, spicy foods should be avoided by patients prone to cold sores. One of the reasons is that a highly spicy meal may irritate the area around the mouth. It increases the discomfort caused by the condition and can heighten the problems suffered by the patient. Instead, one can try a stew, mashed potatoes, or even a mild casserole for the main meal. Pickle Salty foods rich in vinegar can cause irritating sensations in people suffering from cold blisters.

Studies show that a person’s emotional and mental health are closely related to what they consume. A change in eating habits and lifestyle is frequently the first line of treatment for patients suffering from depression or other mental health conditions. Every individual’s nutritional needs are distinct. But barring allergies, everyone can rely on food to improve their cognitive functions and emotional state. Here are some ways that show how food impacts one’s mental health. Brain chemicals and the gut Science has termed the gastrointestinal tract the body’s “second brain.” Trillions of bacteria in one’s gastrointestinal tract help the brain produce dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals are mood stabilizers responsible for regulating one’s feelings of calmness, happiness, motivation, and rewards. It is believed that gut bacteria produce 95 percent of the body’s supply of serotonin. Nutrition-rich food promotes the growth of good bacteria that support the production of these chemicals. Insulin resistance On the contrary, processed and sugary foods are toxic to brain functioning. The high sugar content in foods strains the pancreas and results in insulin resistance. This, in turn, increases cortisol and glucagon levels. These neurotransmitters make one feel more anxious, fatigued, hungry and irritated. Nutrient deficiency and mood The nervous system and brain depend heavily on nutrition to produce new proteins and repair cells and tissues.

Cold sores or fever blisters are common skin conditions wherein people develop small, liquid-filled blisters on and around their lips or other areas. These blisters are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) or herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Usually, cold sores are contagious and can be controlled through treatment. However, certain foods can worsen symptoms in individuals. Here are some foods that are best avoided while managing cold sores. Peanuts Nuts are among the biggest triggers of cold sores as they contain a large amount of arginine. This chemical causes flare-ups and worsens cold sores in people with the condition. Among nuts, peanuts and hazelnuts contain the largest reserves of this chemical, and, therefore, they must not be eaten when dealing with cold sores. Additionally, peanut butter must be avoided entirely for two to three weeks, the normal lasting period for cold sores. Oranges Citrus fruits are another big no-no when it comes to foods to eat when one is coping with cold sores. Oranges and grapefruits are known for their citrus-filled refreshing flavor; therefore, one must avoid them at all costs. Such fruits contain an acidic element that will cause pain and a burning sensation when they get into contact with a cold sore blister.