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Macular Degeneration – Safe and Unhealthy Foods

Macular Degeneration – Safe and Unhealthy Foods

When it comes to vision health, conditions like macular degeneration must be taken seriously. Nearly 20 million people in the country are believed to be living with this condition. If left unchecked, this chronic eye disorder can trigger vision problems and may lead to blindness sometimes. However, by making changes to one’s nutritional regime, one can delay its symptoms. Listed below are some safe foods and unhealthy foods to avoid while dealing with macular degeneration.

Macular Generation
Macular degeneration is a severe eye condition that affects the retina’s central part, called the macula. The macula is responsible for the sharp, clear vision required for reading and driving. In macular degeneration, the cells in the macula start to break down, leading to a loss of central vision. It can make seeing fine details, recognizing faces, or reading small print difficult. Sometimes, vision loss can progress and become more severe with time. Macular degeneration occurs in two types-

  • Dry macular degeneration, the most common type, is characterized by the slow breakdown of the macula over time.
  • Wet macular degeneration is less common but more severe and is characterized by the growth of abnormal blood vessels in the macula that can leak blood and fluid and cause rapid vision loss.

Foods to eat to manage macular degeneration

Kiwi
Kiwi contains vitamins A and E and carotenoids (natural color-giving pigments) that help with vision health. Research indicates that these naturally occurring compounds may slow the progression of macular degeneration symptoms as they offer the same functionality as antioxidants. Eating kiwi can also help with eye health by lowering oxidative stress (oxygen imbalance), which can cause cell damage. You can cut it up as an evening snack or blend it into a smoothie.

Spinach
Eating spinach can help treat macular degeneration symptoms by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Spinach is rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two carotenoids that support eye health and reduce the risk of macular degeneration. It also contains vitamins A, which helps protect the cornea. Spinach also contains healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect cells from inflammation.

Additionally, it is a good source of magnesium which can aid in rejuvenating blood vessels that supply essential nutrients to the eyes.

Carrots
Carrot is a power-packed vegetable renowned for its uniqueness in safeguarding one’s vision. It is rich in beta-carotene, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, making it a great source of nutrition. Carrot is also a good source of vitamin A, essential to maintain eye structure and vision while reducing the risk of amnesia and glaucoma.

Thus, adding carrots to the daily meal plan can help manage macular degeneration symptoms and improve general health. Add this nutrient-rich vegetable to soups, juices, curries, rice, and noodles to reap its benefits.

Sunflower seeds
Eating sunflower seeds has reduced the risk of developing conditions such as macular degeneration. The complex mix of vitamins and minerals (such as iron, copper, magnesium, and vitamin B6) in sunflower seeds makes them a nutritional powerhouse. In addition, sunflower seeds are an excellent source of Vitamin E, which helps slow the progression of age-related macular degeneration. You can enjoy sunflower seeds as is, add them to smoothies, or sprinkle them over fresh salads.

Before incorporating these foods into one’s nutritional plan, one must consider one’s allergies. People with any existing health condition must consult their healthcare provider before changing their nutritional plan.

Foods to avoid to manage macular degeneration

Trans fats
Trans fats often weaken cell walls, which affects the body’s ability to absorb essential vitamins A and E necessary for healthy vision. Studies have found that older people who eat high levels of trans fat are more likely to experience faster vision loss due to macular degeneration. Therefore, by avoiding these unhealthy fats, individuals can help maintain their vision or slow down the progression of this eye disease.

Increased omega-3 fatty acid intake has been linked to decreased rates of developing and worsening macular degeneration symptoms. Nutritious nuts such as walnuts and flaxseeds are abundant sources of omega-3 fatty acids and are less in trans fats. It makes them excellent alternatives when looking for healthier food options for managing this disease.

Dairy products
Dairy products tend to contain high levels of saturated fat, which increases inflammation and can put people at a higher risk for developing macular degeneration symptoms. Other studies have also indicated that dairy products may be difficult to break down in the digestive system. In addition, it leads to an overaccumulation of unhealthy chemicals in the body and amplifies damaging inflammation levels, which can aggravate symptoms.

Fast foods
Fast foods aggravate one’s risk of macular degeneration and can lead to severe vision loss. Such foods can cause cholesterol plaque to accumulate in blood vessels across the body, eyes included. Such plaques can trigger damage to these blood vessels, leading to developing conditions such as macular degeneration.

Nutritional experts advise following a healthy and balanced nutritional plan comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats such as fish, nuts, and seeds. Such foods are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients that can help support overall eye health and reduce the risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

Macular degeneration can be tough to manage as daily food habits influence the progression of this condition. Therefore, evaluate what kinds of food you’re eating and modify your meal accordingly. Eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables, like kale, carrots, and oranges can protect the macula. Furthermore, avoiding processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats is also crucial.

Consulting an ophthalmologist is another way to keep AMD from occurring or worsening. If diagnosed early, treatment can delay AMD significantly, so it’s always best to stay informed and take steps toward prevention. Macular degeneration is manageable; all it takes is making conscious decisions about your meal plan and getting regular eye exams.

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Foods to Eat and Avoid for Optimal Kidney Health

Kidneys help filter waste from the blood and dispose of it off the body via urine. They also help balance the electrolyte and fluid levels in the body. But, conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes may intervene with their ability to work as required. Furthermore, damage to the kidney might also result in chronic kidney disease. Hence making changes in your meal plan is a vital aspect of treatment. You can prevent damage to these organs by following a kidney-healthy meal plan. Below, we will address some foods to eat and avoid for better kidney health. Foods to eat Cauliflower Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable. It's an excellent source of folate, Vitamins B, K, and C. It's rich in anti-inflammatory compounds like indoles, a fiber source. In addition, you can use mashed cauliflower as a replacement for potatoes. For example, a cup of cooked cauliflower has 40 mg of phosphorous, 176 mg of potassium, and 19 mg of sodium. Sweet potatoes They are relatively similar to white potatoes but have more fiber content, resulting in them breaking down more gradually. Hence, you will experience a less spike in insulin levels. Sweet potatoes are also rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium that help balance the sodium levels in the body and lower their impact on the kidneys. But, since sweet potatoes have a high potassium content, people on dialysis or those with CKD should curtail the intake of this vegetable. Red bell peppers They are rich in flavor and low in potassium, but that is not the sole reason they are considered a hit among people with kidney disease. Red bell peppers have Vitamin C and A sources and are also high in fiber, folic acid, and B6 vitamin content. In addition, red bell peppers are also suitable because they have lycopene, an antioxidant that shields against some cancers. You can eat them raw with a dip, mix them into your salad, or enjoy them as an appetizer. Some people also like roasting bell peppers and using them as a topping for lettuce salads or sandwiches. Olive oil It contains healthy fat and has anti-inflammatory properties. Since it is monosaturated fat, it stays stable even at higher temperatures as you cook. Thus, switching to extra virgin olive oil can give you more antioxidants while you still enjoy your favorite dish. Green vegetables Leafy veggies like spinach, kale, romaine, arugula, and cabbage are hydrating, low in calories, and have high antioxidant and vitamin content. If you wish to be cautious about your mineral levels, you must opt for cabbage and arugula, which are nutrient-rich and lower in sodium, potassium, phosphorous, and calcium. In addition, kale and spinach have a high potassium content, which is ok for people seeking to improve their kidney health, but best for those already dealing with chronic kidney disease. Blueberries They are called superfoods because they are rich in antioxidants and are a low-calorie Vitamin-C and fiber source. You can stock them in abundance from your local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also shop for frozen berries in the off-season and enjoy healthy smoothies. People with kidney diseases can also eat other berries like raspberries, cranberries, and strawberries. Apples Apples are low in potassium and rich in fiber when you eat them with peel. They also have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and are ideal for your kidneys. Foods to avoid Soda Soda has zero nutritional benefits and instead has high sugar content. It only adds to the extra calories. Some studies link high soda consumption to conditions like kidney disease, osteoporosis, dental problems, and metabolic syndrome. If you opt for their lower calorie alternative like coke zero, even that will do you no good, as it has no nutritional value and contains artificial sweeteners and additives. Hence, you must omit soda and opt for healthy beverages like water. If you do not enjoy plain water, add a slice or two of fresh fruit for added flavor. Avocados Avocadoes are known for their many nutritious qualities. They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, and heart-healthy fats. Even though consuming avocado is often considered healthy, people with kidney disease must avoid it as avocados have a high potassium content. An average-sized avocado has about 690 mg of potassium. If you love the taste and do not want to eliminate it, you can reduce the portion size to only 1/4th of the avocado. In addition, it will lower potassium intake.  Salty foods Sodium or salt is one of the most prevalent inclusions in foods you consume daily. However, their density is higher in processed foods. Salt results in water retention and may cause blood pressure, lung, and heart disease. Healthy kidneys work towards maintaining the correct fluid balance in the body. So, if your kidneys do not function as desired, the fluid balance may be disturbed. Hence, you must curtail sodium-rich foods like processed foods, packaged items, and soy sauce. When cooking meals at home, opt for low-sodium alternatives. You can replace salt with spices and herbs and keep the salt shaker off the table. Dairy Dairy products like yogurt, cheese, ice cream, and milk are rich in protein, calcium, and other vital nutrients. They also contain potassium and phosphorous. People with stage three kidney disease might want to curtail their potassium, phosphorous, and protein intake, which is high in dairy. So, you can instead reach out for dairy alternatives like rice, soy, or almond milk as they have lower potassium, phosphorous, and protein content than cow’s milk. Bananas Though naturally low in sodium, bananas' potassium content is significantly high. So, to ensure your kidney disease does not aggravate, monitor your potassium intake, and it might be challenging if the banana is your staple. Conclusion Whatever you eat or drink will affect your health regardless of any health issue. Therefore, maintaining a healthy weight and following a balanced meal plan are prerequisites to staying fit and controlling blood sugar levels. A kidney-healthy meal plan is less about eliminating certain foods but following portion control and finding a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

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Identifying and Managing Psoriatic Arthritis

The occurrence of red, scaly skin patches and intense joint pain is usually indicative of psoriatic arthritis. It's a form of inflammatory arthritis with symptoms such as joint stiffness, swelling in the wrists and fingers, fatigue, and back pain. Knowing its causes and treatments can help manage this potentially disabling disease. This blog will discuss what causes psoriatic arthritis, how to identify its symptoms, and which foods may benefit people with psoriatic arthritis. What triggers psoriatic arthritis?Psoriatic arthritis may affect joints such as the spine, fingers, toes, and hips. It's normally diagnosed through simple lab tests to detect inflammation and antibody levels in the body. Its symptoms are stiff joints, body pain, swelling in different body parts, tiny dents in nails, inflammation, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, and fatigue. The condition may be triggered by severe stress, infections, certain treatments, the use of tobacco, injuries or wounds. If you experience these symptoms and need psoriatic arthritis relief, you must consult your healthcare provider immediately. The following are a few methods of treatment for psoriatic arthritis:UV light (therapy for severe cases)Anti-inflammatory remedies (to help alleviate the pain)Biologics (a process to block inflammation-causing proteins)Surgery (to replace a joint with a metal counterpart)6 foods to manage psoriatic arthritisWalnutsWalnuts are a healthful addition to any meal plan, especially for those managing psoriatic arthritis. Studies have shown that consuming walnuts can reduce inflammation in the body. It can be beneficial in providing relief to joint pain and other physical symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis. Walnuts are also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids and antioxidants, which help protect health by reducing disease-causing free radicals. These radicals are unstable atoms that damage other atoms and cause inflammation. Additionally, high omega-3 and vitamin E levels in the nut may help reduce the pain and stiffness usually felt when dealing with this autoimmune disorder. You can blend a handful of walnuts into breakfast smoothies, top your pancakes with crushed walnuts, or eat them whole.Dark chocolateDark chocolate has health benefits for those struggling with psoriatic arthritis. It is a natural source of polyphenols (antioxidants) that can reduce inflammation and decrease joint swelling caused by psoriatic arthritis. Additionally, dark chocolate contains omega-3 fatty acids, giving it anti-inflammatory properties to help manage symptoms of the condition. Eating dark chocolate can improve overall health by strengthening the immune system and aiding digestion. To reap its health benefits and manage psoriatic arthritis symptoms, enjoy two ounces or less of dark chocolate daily to ensure you're not over-consuming sugar.Brown riceBrown rice is an incredibly healthful food that may promote healing for those with psoriatic arthritis. This grain is full of complex carbohydrates known to break down slowly into glucose, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, providing an influx of energy throughout the body. In addition to this metabolic benefit, brown rice provides a rich source of fiber, which helps maintain satiety while keeping digestion regular.  Additionally, brown rice contains flavonoids that can help protect cells from damage caused by arthritis and other environmental factors. Finally, consuming brown rice regularly gives your body a powerful dose of minerals such as magnesium, zinc, iron, and manganese. These minerals are essential in managing symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis, such as joint pain and swelling.Flax seedsFlax seeds can be a great asset in managing psoriatic arthritis. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, flax seeds have been proven to reduce inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis and aid in pain management. Moreover, their lignans, which are plant compounds with antioxidant and potential anti-inflammatory properties, can help counteract some of the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. Regular consumption of this food item may even slow down the progression of psoriatic arthritis. In addition to anti-inflammatory properties, flax seeds provide other health benefits such as improved digestion and a better functioning immune system.Dark berriesDark berries, such as blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, and acai berries, are a great addition to any diet to help manage psoriatic arthritis. These fruits provide a wide range of essential vitamins (such as C and K) and minerals (such as iron and manganese), which can be easily consumed fresh or frozen. As dark berries possess anti-inflammatory properties, they work wonders in relieving the painful symptoms associated with the condition. Furthermore, the antioxidants in them can inhibit certain molecules responsible for causing inflammation. Whether you choose blueberries blended into your favorite smoothie or sprinkle a handful of blackberries atop your cereal in the morning, incorporating dark berries into your health regimen can help promote health and treat psoriatic arthritis!Ground spicesGround spices can benefit people with psoriatic arthritis as they contain health-promoting properties. Curcumin, an active component of ground turmeric and curry powder, contains powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can reduce inflammation. It also helps to prevent oxidative damage (oxygen imbalance), which is linked to psoriatic arthritis flare-ups. Consuming curcumin supplements significantly reduces joint pain and swelling associated with this health condition. Nutrients such as magnesium and zinc, available in some ground spices such as ginger, rosemary, and turmeric, can also help boost immunity, improving health over time. In addition, ground cinnamon could help alleviate symptoms due to its strong anti-inflammatory properties, induce blood circulation in affected joints, and reduce redness and stiffness. Ground cloves may relieve chronic joint pains due to their analgesic (pain-relief) properties. In conclusionRecognizing the signs and understanding potential causes of psoriatic arthritis can help you accurately identify them and take proactive steps to manage your symptoms. Eating anti-inflammatory foods such as salmon and certain fruits while avoiding processed foods can help reduce inflammation and improve your well-being. Exercises such as swimming or pilates might be great for managing your pain. Additionally, working with physical therapists can provide further support if needed. Above all, remember to speak with your physician, who can assess your situation more accurately and make personalized recommendations.

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