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Foods to avoid for managing Crohn’s disease

When you have been diagnosed with a condition such as Crohn’s, it is vital to watch what you consume to avoid triggering or worsening symptoms. Although there is no specific meal plan for patients with this condition, it has been noticed that avoiding a few foods can help to manage the condition more effectively. However, these trigger items can vary from one person to another. Read on to learn about the foods to avoid during Crohn’s flare-up:

Dairy products

If you have Crohn’s disease, you might be lactose intolerant too. Lactose is a protein found in milk and dairy items such as cheese, and some people find it difficult to digest or process. Hence, consuming these items could trigger the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and lead to bloating, diarrhea, cramping, etc. However, dairy products are a rich source of vitamin D and calcium; if you are avoiding them, you would need to get these nutrients from other food sources. This can include green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals or juices. You might also need to talk to your doctor about taking supplements.

Greasy and fried foods

People with this condition should avoid items such as French fries and fried chicken. Even items such as sauces made with cream should be avoided. These, too, are difficult to digest and might not be adequately processed in the digestive tract, and could result in loose stools or cramping. Choose cooking methods that involve minimal oil and fats, such as baking, steaming, and broiling. Also, limit your intake of high-fat foods such as salami, sausages, and deli meats, as they can be difficult to digest.

High-fiber foods

If you experience a flare-up of symptoms of Crohn’s disease frequently, then it might be best to steer clear of whole grains and certain fruits and vegetables. Bread and pasta made from refined flour are good alternatives. High-fiber foods can irritate the gut and trigger or worsen symptoms of this condition. Consume fruits and vegetables without skin and seeds and ensure they are properly cooked. The cooking process helps to break down the fiber in these nutrient-dense foods. Also, try to avoid cruciferous vegetables as they can cause the formation of gas in the digestive tract and worsen symptoms of this condition.

Nuts and seeds

Although a good source of healthy fats and protein, nuts can be difficult to digest and exacerbate inflammation in those with Crohn’s disease. Seeds can also be difficult to digest and can worsen the symptoms of diarrhea. Hence, it might be good to avoid certain fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes, strawberries, and raspberries.

Spicy foods

Foods that contain spices such as cayenne pepper and chili powder can irritate the digestive tract and worsen or trigger symptoms of Crohn’s disease. Hence, limit your intake of food items such as burritos, chili, and curries to keep your symptoms of this condition in check. Try using herbs and a dash of lemon juice to season and flavor your food instead of spices and hot sauce.

Fizzy drinks and caffeine

It is best to avoid fizzy drinks such as soda and juices that contain artificial sweeteners such as fruit juices. Check the labels of beverages for ingredients listed as sorbitol, maltitol, and xylitol. These sweeteners can cause bloating, gas and diarrhea in some individuals.

Caffeine consumption can aggravate certain symptoms of Crohn’s disease. It may lead to discomfort and diarrhea. In fact, if you are experiencing Crohn’s symptoms, it might be best to consume water to avoid dehydration.

These are just a few foods that are best avoided if you are suffering from a frequent flare-up of symptoms. Keeping a food journal might help you determine your trigger foods so that you can avoid them. Also, it is necessary to speak to your doctor before making any changes to your meal plans to ensure that you get all the nutrients your body needs to function.

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.

Foods to avoid for managing bronchitis

Bronchitis is a lung condition in which the lining of the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for transporting air to and from the lungs, gets inflamed. The condition can be chronic or acute and can develop as a result of an underlying respiratory condition or a cold. Certain foods can also trigger the condition and cause the symptoms to worsen. Here are some foods to avoid when diagnosed with bronchitis. Dairy products People suffering from chronic bronchitis need to limit their intake of dairy products. When digested, these items release a compound known as casomorphin, which is known to elevate the amount of phlegm and mucus released by the body. This can lead to severe coughing, which could worsen wheezing and pain in patients suffering from the disease. Instead of dairy products, you can opt for alternatives such as almond or soy milk. Excess salt Excess salt can be extremely harmful to patients suffering from the disease because too much sodium can cause water retention in the body leading to difficulty breathing. To season your food, it is essential to opt for low-sodium salt alternatives, as suggested by a nutritionist, to counteract any harmful effects on the body. It is also essential to keep an eye on labels about the amount of salt present in snacks and processed foods. Certain fruits Fruits are very healthy, but when it comes to those with bronchitis, it is important to check on the fermentable carbohydrates in the fruit. For example, apricots, apples, peaches, and melons are high in fermentable carbohydrates that lead to bloating and acidity. This, in turn, causes breathing difficulty in patients suffering from the disease. Alternatively, you can have fruits such as pineapple and grapes, which have a lower level of fermentable carbohydrates. Processed meats Large amounts of fats and salts in processed meats and nitrites used to process and preserve them are known to cause swelling and stress in the lungs. Hence it might be best to avoid or limit the consumption of bacon, sausage, ham, and more. Sugary drinks There could be severe implications of consuming soft drinks regularly, both for adults as well as kids, as these drinks are known to cause problems such as asthma and bronchitis. This is because packed beverages contain a high amount of sugar, leading to increased constriction and swelling in the airways. Many types of low-calorie soda use artificial sweeteners in the form of aspartame which makes it low in calories. However, this substance is known to negatively impact respiratory health and cause problems such as shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. White bread People with respiratory issues are also advised to avoid foods such as white bread as it has simple carbohydrates that require more work by the lungs to metabolize it. Instead, opting for whole grains containing complex carbohydrates can be a much healthier choice to boost lung health. Chocolates Foods that contain a high amount of caffeine, such as chocolate, coffee, or tea, should be strictly avoided by people suffering from breathing issues as these foods are known to interfere with bronchitis medicines. These products are also known to increase acid reflux which elevates the symptoms of respiratory diseases and triggers symptoms such as coughing or wheezing. Fried foods The consumption of fried items such as French fries, donuts, and more should also be restricted, as these contain a high amount of fats that take more time to digest and even cause bloating or indigestion making it difficult to breathe. In addition to prescribed treatment options, keeping a check of what you eat can help you manage respiratory conditions such as bronchitis in a better way.