Causes, treatment, and preventive measures of asthma
Causes, treatment, and preventive measures of asthma

Asthma is an autoimmune disease caused when there is an inflammation in the airways of the lungs. If statistics are to be believed, there are almost 25 million people in the country with asthma. Asthma patients are likely to be very sensitive to particular things. However, this varies from patient to patient. The following article lists causes, treatments, and preventive measures to manage asthma and help asthma patients live better lives.

Causes

Allergens
Allergens are a common trigger of asthma. Common allergens present in the air that can cause asthma attacks to include dust mites on pillows or carpets, pollen from plants, molds or fungi in the air, pet hair, insect droppings, or rodents.

Smoke
Second-hand smoke and polluted air can lead to severe coughing, wheezing, and even an asthma attack. This can be in the form of burning wood, strong fumes, vapors, odors from perfumes, fresh paint, gasoline, and scented soaps or candles.

Health conditions
Certain health conditions such as allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA), pregnancy hormones, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), obstructive sleep apnea, nasal polyps, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sinusitis, and rhinitis can also cause asthma.

Weather
Changes in the weather are a common cause of asthma. Hence, it is recommended to avoid stepping outside during high pollen seasons like spring and fall.

Exercise
Exercise is crucial for a healthy lifestyle. However, for asthma patients, aggressive forms of physical exercises can make them pant more, causing breathing difficulty. Asthma caused due to excessive exercise is called bronchoconstriction.

Treatment options for asthma
While there may be no direct cure, the following options can efficiently help manage asthma symptoms:

One of the most important modes of treating asthma is medication. Although, not everyone who suffers from asthma relies on the same types of medication. Medication is prescribed based on a number of factors like the age of the person, possible triggers, and factors that help them keep their breathing and asthma in check. Medication can be divided into two categories – long-term asthma control medication and quick-relief medication.

Long-term medication is taken daily. This helps keep the signs and symptoms of asthma in check and reduces the chances of an asthma attack due to potential triggers. Types of long-term asthma medication include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, combination inhalers, and theophylline.

Quick-relief medication is the second most common type of asthma medication used to keep the symptoms of asthma at bay. These are normally used in situations of emergency and to tackle an already active asthma attack. They work quickly and provide short-term relief. They are used as per the doctor’s prescription. Some asthma patients use these medications before indulging in exercising or any activity that exerts their body. The types of quick-relief asthma medication include short-acting beta antagonists, anticholinergic agents, and oral and intravenous corticosteroids.

Allergy medication is another type of medication used to treat the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack. This only helps if the asthma attack is triggered due to allergic reactions. Types of allergic medication include allergy shots and biologics.

Prevention

Take a steam bath
One of the effective home remedies for managing asthma is to take a steam bath. It is a simple way of getting relief from the symptoms of asthma. If not a steam bath, even steam inhalation can help. The steam opens up airways, providing relief from symptoms like wheezing and breathing difficulties.

Food regime
Food plays a key role in managing asthma. Certain foods can trigger asthma symptoms. So, one needs to identify what triggers asthma symptoms and avoid such foods. One needs to eat balanced and nutritious meals with fruits and vegetables, as they help boost immunity. Including foods rich in vitamin C and D helps improve immunity.

Practice yoga
Yoga involves postures and exercises that are beneficial. It requires the practice of breathing exercises like Pranayama. These exercises strengthen the diaphragm and lungs, which provide relief from the symptoms of asthma. When done regularly, it can be helpful for people with chronic asthma.

Use garlic and ginger
Garlic is anti-inflammatory in nature helpful in reducing inflammation, which is one of the aggravating factors in asthma. Also, eating a few pods of ginger can help manage asthma.

Drink coffee
While coffee is not beneficial in most health conditions, it can help asthmatics, as it works as a bronchodilator and opens blocked airways. A cup of hot coffee can provide relief from asthma symptoms.

Lose weight
People who are overweight or obese are prone to suffer from severe asthma symptoms. This is because the tummy presses on the lungs, putting pressure on them. Losing weight can be helpful for asthma patients as it increases lung volume. Weight loss also provides relief from other diseases like hypertension and diabetes that can aggravate asthma.

Consume omega-3
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish and nuts can help increase lung strength and is also good for the heart. You can even take omega-3 supplements to help manage asthma.

Severe cases of asthma are treated with prescription medications like Fasenra® and Nucula. Fasenra® is one of the most effective asthma treatment options. It can be self-injected using an injection pen. Fasenra® improves breathing in asthma patients and lowers their oral steroid use. It can be used once every eight weeks. Mepolizumab or Nucala works to reduce the number of eosinophils in the blood, thereby reducing airway inflammation. Other clinical treatment medications include Singulair®, Zyflo®, and Ventolin® HFA.

5 foods that can help fight lymphoma
5 foods that can help fight lymphoma

A lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the immune system, specifically in the lymphocytes, which are the are the infection-fighting cells of the body. The lymphocytes of a patient with lymphoma, change and grow out of control. This results in rapid cell growth which leads to cancer. Lymphoma is of two types—Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It can be treated with chemotherapy and other cancer treatment methods. However, diet plays an important role since the immune system is already weak and vulnerable to attack. Here are 5 food items that help fight lymphoma and improve the quality of life during treatment.

Broccoli

Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and radish have proven to help strengthen the body’s immune system and can thus help significantly in fighting lymphoma. Patients are advised to have anywhere between 5 and 10 servings of vegetables daily. Other sources of cruciferous vegetables include Brussels sprouts, kale, turnips, and arugula.

Chicken

Meat is a large source of protein and lean meat like chicken and turkey can help give patients the required amount of protein during or after the treatment. However, it is important to avoid excess consumption of red meat since doctors have found a correlation between increased risk of cancer and the consumption of excess read meat. Lean meat, on the other hand, had much fewer side effects and is the healthier option in general.

Quinoa

The body requires a healthy diet, especially during cancer treatment. This involves the consumption of the right carbohydrates to give the body the energy it needs. A healthier alternative to traditional sources of carbs like rice, potatoes, and bread is quinoa. Cooked quinoa has 23% carbohydrates while keeping it as a simultaneous source of both protein and fiber. Moreover, quinoa is gluten-free which is an added advantage to who those who are intolerant to gluten.

Oranges

Oranges, lemons, and grapefruit are good sources of citrus and help patients with lymphoma. Citrus flavonoids generally are known to have anti-cancer properties and are rich in antioxidants. It is high in vitamin C which are good sources of thiamin and folate and also encourages collagen synthesis. Other sources of vitamin C include cruciferous vegetables, kiwi, pineapple, and berries of most kinds. It is essential to incorporate citrus fruits in the diet to help fight lymphoma.

Ginger and peppermint

Chemotherapy is known to cause nausea and ginger can help with that. Ginger and its active components are known to reduce feelings of nausea and in turn vomiting. It helps to consume organic ginger in tea, raw, or incorporated into meals. Ensure that pure ginger is being used. Refrain from resorting to pills that contain ginger since more often than not, these pills have side effects that get magnified when given to cancer patients.

The above foods are all necessary components of a healthy balanced diet for everyone. Patients with lymphoma have a disadvantage that their immune system does not function at its prime and is vulnerable to attack. Hence, a healthy diet is essential in fighting lymphoma and keeping its effects at bay. Incorporate as much healthy food as possible and drink lots of water to keep the body strong and ready to fight off infections.

6 foods that could fight lung cancer
6 foods that could fight lung cancer

Research talks about plenty of tips and food products that claim to prevent lung cancer; however, only a few mention foods that could help fight this condition. Since lung cancer is fatal, it is advisable to first consult a doctor before trying out any of the diets or foods.

Some of the foods that could help fight lung cancer are:

  • Pears
    Studies showed that phloretin, which is found in apples and pears, noticeably induced cell death in these cancer cells. Not only that, phloretin also enhanced the anticancer effect of cisplatin, which is a common chemotherapy drug used for those suffering from lung cancer. Additionally, phloretin could also reduce fibrosis in the lungs.
  • Green tea
    Green tea has a key role in the prevention of lung cancer and is beneficial to those already suffering from this condition. One needs to keep in mind that green tea contains caffeine, so if someone is sensitive to it, they might want to go in for a caffeine-free variety. Also, skip the creamer, as dairy products could neutralize the compound which helps prevent the effects of cancer.
  • Salmon
    A diet rich in vitamin D could greatly benefit people who have lung cancer. Moreover, vitamin D deficiency could end up leading to many health problems. Of all the minerals and vitamins in our food, vitamin D could be the hardest to get in dietary form. However, vitamin D is found in fatty fish such as herring, mackerel, and salmon.
  • Ginger
    Ginger contains a compound known as 6-shogaol, which has been proven to prevent lung cancer from developing and lower the risk of metastases cancer. Since the metastasizing of cancerous cells is the chief reason for fatalities for people with cancer, consuming ginger is important. Try eating ginger in a crystallized form or in the form of ginger tea.
  • Carrots
    Carrots are rich in chlorogenic acid, a phytochemical. In order for cancerous cells to grow and attack the tissues, they need to grow new blood vessels without which they cannot expand. Certain cancer treatments, known as angiogenesis, are designed to disrupt this process. Additionally, chlorogenic acid seems to disturb the pathways of lung cancer.
  • Oysters
    Zinc has a major and direct role in fighting lung cancer. Oysters are extremely rich in zinc, which can also end up stimulating the effects of Taxotere, a lung cancer chemotherapy drug. Certain enriched breakfast cereals also contain a good amount of zinc for those who are vegetarians.

Other foods that are great to help fight lung cancer include pineapples, potatoes, strawberries, apples, and flaxseed. In addition to that, one can also consume capers, berries, red grape juice, tomato sauce, watercress, and flaxseed.

Avoid These Foods to Lower the Risk of Lung Cancer
Avoid These Foods to Lower the Risk of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is a common form of cancer all over the world. The death rate due to lung cancer is considerably high. Most forms of cancer are caused due to quick and changing lifestyles, bad dietary habits, and heredity. Once a person is affected by cancer, he or she has to undergo painful and uncomfortable treatment. However, you can prevent getting cancer if certain food items are avoided.

The food items to be avoided in order to prevent lung cancer include:

Processed meat
Studies have proven that processed meat is related to poor lung function. This type of meat is processed using various artificial flavors like color fixatives, preservatives, taste improvers, antimicrobial agents, and added nitrates. These added flavors and chemicals increase chances of inflammation in lung tissues and airways, which leads to cell damage in the lungs. Meat is an important source of protein, however, there should be a healthy limitation to the quantity consumed, along with proper intake of fresh fruits and vegetables — this can lower the risk of cancer.

Red meat
High intake of red meat increases the chances of lung cancer. Red meat needs to be cooked well before consuming. It needs to be well-done and reheated until it is steaming hot before being served or consumed.

Fat
Consuming high amounts of fatty foods increases the cholesterol level in our body, which leads to a higher risk of lung cancer. Chain smokers already face cancer risk, which increases when these fats are consumed in larger amounts.

Coffee
Increased intake of caffeine leads to higher chances of getting lung cancer. Consuming more than two cups a day affects the lung airway, which leads to a deficiency in oxygen that damages lung cells.

Unpasteurized food and products
Any food product in its raw form is a habitat to several infectious viruses and bacteria. It is advisable to cook or process raw food materials to kill the germs present in it. Consuming milk or products cooked from unpasteurized milk, like cheese and raw milk yogurt, can cause severe health hazards, and cancer is one among them. Pasteurizing plays an important role in killing these harmful germs. It makes food more edible and healthy.

Unwashed fruits and vegetables
Washing vegetables and fruits before you consume them is a basic and important process. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, and herbs like mint, coriander, and thyme need to be washed thoroughly before you consume them. There might be tiny dirt particles hidden within the leaf folds and edges. These specks of dirt can lead to various deadly diseases that might develop into lung cancer.

Alcohol
Excessive intake of alcohol, especially when combined with smoking, damages lung tissues and cells, which leads to lung cancer. Most individuals consuming a high amount of alcohol tend to eat more fatty food products. Doing so displaces your eating habits, leading to an unbalanced diet. Alcohol consumption leads to problems in other organs such as the liver, pancreas, heart, besides lungs.

8 Foods that can Help Prevent Lung Cancer
8 Foods that can Help Prevent Lung Cancer

Cancer has become widespread in today’s world. Out of the many types of cancer, lung cancer is becoming common. Rapidly changing lifestyle and food habits contribute to the increase in cancer cases. Habits such as smoking and excessive drinking lead to the development of this disease. Once a person is affected by lung cancer, they need to analyze their lifestyle and make healthy changes.

One of the most important ways to prevent the onset of cancer is to consume healthy food. Given below is a list of foods that help fight lung cancer:

Pears and apples
As per recent studies, scientists have discovered that pears and apples have a certain amount of phloretin chemicals in it, which helps in the recovery of lung cancer. Phloretin helps in reducing the growth of tumors. They also prevent fibrosis in the lungs, due to the presence of photo-chemicals in them.

Green tea
Green tea contains compounds such as Theaflavin and Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate (EGCG). These compounds are mainly used in cancer-curing drugs. It is important to consume freshly made green tea and not the bottled ones available in store, as the bottled ones have less or no traces of these compounds.

Salmon
Increased intake of salmon helps in providing increased nutrition. Salmon consists of Vitamin D3, which is one of the powerful resources to heal or recover from cancer. In most cases, the intake of Vitamin D can be increased by being exposed to sunlight regularly. However, people undergoing chemotherapy face a higher risk of sunburns, and therefore, cannot be exposed to the harsh sun rays. In such cases, salmon and other food products can provide your daily dose of Vitamin D.

Ginger
Ginger has several health benefits and it is rich in antioxidants like 6-Shogaol. It plays a prominent role in preventing the development of lung cancer by reducing the level of metastasis or spread of lung cancer. Ginger can be consumed in several ways and is a great ingredient that can be used in your regular diet.

Turmeric
It is a well-known fact that turmeric is filled with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory properties, and immune-stimulatory compounds. Curcumin in turmeric plays a vital role in curing several diseases, with lung cancer being one of them.

Berries
A large variety of berries such as blackberries, cranberries, raspberries, and blueberries contain a high amount of delphinidin, a compound that is a form of anthocyanidin. Delphinidin helps in reducing the growth of tumors and prevents further blood clots.

Flax seeds
Flax seeds are beneficial in many ways and play a vital role in protecting the healthy cells in our body. Spreading this protective layer on healthy cells boosts our immune system. Flax seeds help in reducing pulmonary fibrosis, which occurs during lung cancer.

Red grape juice
Sometimes, cancer cells become non-responsive to cancer treatment. In such cases, resveratrol, a compound found in red grape juice, plays an important role in sensitizing tumors to co-operate with treatments and medicines. Resveratrol is also present in dark chocolate and blueberries.

Arthritis – What Foods You Should Eat
Arthritis – What Foods You Should Eat

Arthritis is an inflammation of one or many joints, which can cause pain and stiffness. There are multiple types of arthritis and each has its own symptoms. Characterized by swelling, fatigue, loss of appetite, and redness of the skin around the joints, arthritis can also cause a decreased range of motion. Moreover, wear and tear of the tissues around your joints is a major cause for arthritis.

Although no food can completely cure arthritis, it can make a difference. Eating healthy foods can decrease the severity significantly. Some of the food that you should consume regularly when suffering from arthritis are:

Fish
Omega-3 fatty acids are components in food that greatly reduce the effects of arthritis by decreasing the inflammation around the joints. Fish are packed with high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, especially salmon, mackerel, and tuna. These fish are great for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Soy
Serving as an alternative for fish, this vegan product is also packed with Omega-3 fatty acids. Soy also contains high fiber and is wholesome. Some items containing soy that you can incorporate into your daily diet include tofu, soy milk, etc.

Oils
As bad as corn oil is for people with arthritis, other types of oils such as olive, avocado, safflower, and walnut prove to be extremely helpful to reduce the effects of arthritis. These oils have great anti-inflammatory properties. Walnut oil has more Omega-3 content than olive oil. Avocado and safflower oils also reduce cholesterol. These oils are especially helpful for osteoarthritis.

Cherry
Cherries are known to reduce the recurrence of gout attacks. Anthocyanins present in cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect on your joints. This substance is also found in other red and purple fruits, such as raspberries and blueberries.

Dairy
Low-fat dairy products show results that are exactly the opposite of high-fat dairy products. They are packed with Vitamin D and calcium, which increases bone strength. Dairy products also help the calcium absorb into the blood effectively. They also boost the immune system; however, one needs to observe their health for side effects. Always consult a doctor before making a dietary decision.

Broccoli
Broccoli is great for your health and comes packed with vitamin K, vitamin C, and sulforaphane. It reduces the progression of osteoarthritis and is also rich in calcium, which builds up bone strength.

Citrus
Lemons, grapefruits, and oranges are high in citric acid and vitamin C, which are effective against rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. They help maintain healthy joints and strong bones

Beans
High in fiber, beans help lower the CRPs (C-Reactive Protein) that are found in your blood plasma. They are also a great source of protein, which helps in muscle development and bone growth. Some beans are also rich in iron, zinc, and potassium, which are great for the immune system. The best types of beans are red beans, pinto beans, and kidney beans.

Garlic
Diallyl disulfide, present in garlic, reduces the enzymes that damage the cartilage. Reduction in these enzymes, reduce the risk of you developing osteoarthritis.

Lung Cancer – Prevention and Home Remedies
Lung Cancer – Prevention and Home Remedies

Lung cancer develops when there is an increase in cancerous cells in lung tissue. Research shows that the number of deaths caused by lung cancer increase every year. Once a person is diagnosed with lung cancer, they surely need medical assistance. It is, therefore, beneficial to follow a few home remedies to prevent the occurrence of lung cancer.

Mostly, cancer is caused due to lifestyle choices, genetics, and faulty food habits. There are several reasons for the occurrence of lung cancer. Here are some of the most common ways to prevent it:

Quit smoking: It is proven that nine out of ten people who smoke are affected by lung cancer. Smoking damages the lung tissues and covers it with tar, which results in the deficiency of oxygen. It leads to various infections in the lungs, which includes lung cancer. The probability of lung cancer can be reduced if you quit smoking.

Beware of passive smoking: Unintentionally taking in cigarette smoke is called passive smoking. Breathing air filled with smoke from burnt cigarettes increases the risk of lung cancer. Though the intake of the smoked air is minimal, there are high chances of being affected by lung cancer, as the air is filled with traces of cancer-causing agents. Staying away from tobacco filled air is definitely a wise way to stay away from lung cancer.

Staying away from dangerous gases: People working in industries that involve exposure to dangerous materials such as nickel, chromium, arsenic, and asbestos need to follow proper precautionary methods to prevent their intake. These dangerous materials are known to cause lung cancer.

Intake of proper diet and physical activity: A proper, balanced diet with regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is an added advantage, and improves the chances of preventing cancer. Along with a proper diet, a regular exercise routine helps in increasing immunity, which in turn helps the body fight against cancerous cells or infections.

Home remedies
Though there are several ways to prevent lung cancer, there are a few unavoidable situations where a person is affected by lung cancer. For example, if someone inherits the cancer gene. In such scenarios, one can seek medical help, and follow certain home remedies for quick recovery. Some of the common home remedies are:

Regular intake of fluids: While a person undergoes medical treatment for cancer, his or her body develops certain side effects. One of the most common side effects is dehydration. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated at all times is the best treatment. Due to dehydration, the patient is affected with diarrhea or nausea. Some of the common ways of being hydrated are:

  • Rinse mouth regularly
  • Consume hard candies with less sugar content
  • Stay in well-humidified rooms

Avoid strong food: Staying away from spices and oily food is a wise decision. These foods might cause acid reflux, contributing to irritation in the lungs. It is also advisable to increase the intake of foods that contain low fiber and spices for easy digestion.

6 Tips to Avoid Migraine Headaches
6 Tips to Avoid Migraine Headaches

Migraine is one of the most unpleasant neurological conditions and can even disrupt everyday activities. Anyone who has ever experienced it knows how difficult it can be to cope with the constant throbbing pain and nausea. If you are susceptible to these headaches, here are some tips to help deal with the pain and discomfort. We’ve curated a list of effective remedies that you can use to avoid the headaches:

  • Don’t skip meals
    Eating habits can have a major impact on a person who suffers from migraine headaches. Skipping meals is an unhealthy habit that can increase the risk of a headache as fasting or skipping a meal can result in low blood sugar levels. You should ensure that you follow healthy eating habits and consume food at frequent intervals to prevent the attacks.
  • Sleep well
    According to reports, people prone to migraine headaches often experience sleep problems that worsen the condition. To avoid headaches, it is imperative to get proper sleep regularly. By getting seven to eight hours of sleep every day, you may keep migraine headaches at bay. Meanwhile, improper sleep habits can spark intense headaches if you are prone to migraines. Try to stick to a sleep schedule to improve your sleeping habits as it can help with the treatment and prevention of the headaches.
  • Manage stress
    It is a tried-and-tested tip that can help with the treatment as stress is one of the primary culprits of headache disorders like a migraine. High-stress levels cause certain hormones to act abnormally, which can trigger a migraine headache, and managing stress is crucial to ward off the risk. There is an array of ways to alleviate stress and promote relaxation. Practice meditation and spend time doing things that you enjoy regularly to keep stress levels in check.
  • Exercise regularly
    Regular exercise is another effective way to fend off migraine headaches. When you work out, your brain releases endorphins, which are chemicals that can naturally block the pain. Also, by staying physically active, you can alleviate the symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders that are known to exacerbate migraine headaches. Play a sport, take up aerobic exercises, or do yoga to reduce the severity of the symptoms. Some yoga poses are known to help in reducing the frequency of headaches and act as treatments.
  • Avoid dietary triggers
    There is scientific evidence to prove that certain food items like alcohol, aged cheese, chocolate, processed meat, and caffeine can trigger a migraine headache. Cutting down on their consumption can help with the treatment. Also, try to reduce the consumption of salty and fermented foods like pickles and cheese to reduce the chances of an attack.
  • Stay hydrated
    Dehydration is one of the primary factors that contribute to this condition. A loss of fluids in the body leads to a drop in the blood volume, which can provoke a migraine headache. To prevent this, ensure that you consume plenty of water every day. Staying hydrated can prevent headaches and also provide relief from any discomfort caused.

Foods That You Should Avoid When Suffering from Arthritis
Foods That You Should Avoid When Suffering from Arthritis

Arthritis, a disease that affects your bones and joints, is characterized by inflammation and pain that can worsen with age. It is a very common condition. Although the effects of this condition can be reduced, it can never get completely cured. Foods like fish, nuts, and vegetables help prevent arthritis. However, some foods can cause inflammation and trigger the many symptoms of arthritis.

There are many foods that you should avoid if you’re suffering from arthritis. Some of these include:

AGEs
Advanced Glycogen End (AGE) is a toxic substance that is formed when food is grilled, fried, or heated up in any form. This substance can cause damage to the proteins in your body. To fight this damage, your body releases cytokines, an inflammatory substance, which could trigger arthritis.

Sugar
High amounts of sugar in your food could also contribute to the development of AGEs. It is best to reduce the intake of candies, sodas, and other items that are rich in sugar.

Dairy
The protein found in dairy products is harmful to some people with arthritis, as it irritates the joints. If dairy products disturb your health, it is recommended you shift to vegan products which do not contain this protein. However, some studies have shown that milk has anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, you should only stop dairy if your body reacts negatively.

Alcohol
Alcohol leads to several health issues, one of them being arthritis. Drinking can increase the chances of you developing gout as well. Avoid alcohol as much as possible and concentrate on a healthier lifestyle to keep your joints free from irritation and stiffness.

Tobacco
Tobacco is a major culprit when it comes to health issues. Along with other major diseases, tobacco can also trigger inflammation that causes arthritis. The most common form of arthritis caused by tobacco is rheumatoid arthritis.

Salt
Most foods contain excessive amounts of salt and preservatives, which are generally bad for your health. And, if you have arthritis, the negative effects are even more pronounced. Salt can cause inflammation in your joints, which then triggers arthritis.

Corn oil
Corn oil, which is used in most snacks and baked goods, is really bad for arthritis. However, foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids have shown positive results in reducing joint pain. So, it is better to replace corn oil with alternatives such as olive and flaxseed oil.

Saturated fats
Adipose inflammation is caused by the intake of saturated fats. It worsens the condition of arthritis by causing inflammation. Since most people consume pizzas and other such fatty foods containing cheese, they are more prone to this condition. Red meat, full-fat dairy products, and desserts are some other sources of saturated fats.

Although there are some foods which are generally bad for people with arthritis, what works for one person may not work for others. Using a trial and error method is the best solution until you find your ideal diet plan.

Rheumatoid Arthritis – Diagnosis and Treatment Options
Rheumatoid Arthritis – Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an inflammatory disease. It leads to swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of movements in the joints of the body. One of the main causes of this condition is the malfunctioning of the immune system of the body, as it starts attacking the membrane linings of the joints instead of defending the body. One should always consult a doctor in the case they are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. This is essential as a proper and timely diagnosis will help with starting a treatment plan.

Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis vary from person to person, and it can range from mild to severe. For most people, the condition turns out to be chronic and often lasts for a lifetime. For certain people the symptoms remain constant throughout; however, for others, the intensity of the symptoms varies from time to time.

How is the treatment plan decided?
Doctors use a variety of methods to treat rheumatoid arthritis. These treatment options are administered to the affected individual through various combinations and sessions depending on the condition. Most of the time, the treatment plans are curated on the basis of the individual’s condition.

Communication is key and treatment is effective only if the patient is completely honest with their doctors. The patient should make a note of all the flare-ups and other symptoms and report them to the doctor as it would be important to devise an effective treatment plan for rheumatoid arthritis. A few common doctor-recommended options have been listed below that can help in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Change in lifestyle and behavior
There are different changes that one can make from their side to help improve and manage their condition. Some of the common options have been listed as follows:

Make sure to exercise and rest: Finding the perfect balance between the exercise and rest is the key. One should try to rest more during the intense flare-ups of the condition and exercise more when that phase passes by. Rest is needed as it reduces active joint pain and inflammation and helps combats fatigue.

Taking care of the joints: Some people find that splints help them a lot in reducing the pain and swelling around the joint. This is mainly due to the fact that they help the joint rest by providing support to them. A doctor can help the affected individual in selecting the perfect splint.

Try reducing stress: A lot of people suffering from this disease not only face physical challenges but experience a lot of emotional trauma as well. Due to chronic pain and loss of movements in the body, affected individuals may experience intense emotions such as anger or frustration as a result of missing out on performing various activities. Hence, it is important that patients with rheumatoid arthritis control their stress levels so that it does not add up to the existing pain.

Follow a nutritious diet plan: Consuming an overall nutritious diet inclusive of the required amounts of protein, calcium, and calories helps in managing the condition. When it comes to maintaining a diet for rheumatoid arthritis, almost everything is allowed except certain kinds of oil such as olive oil and fish oil.

Using medications: Doctors prescribe some types of medicines to everyone suffering from rheumatoid arthritis to help manage the symptoms. Doctors may recommend analgesics for pain relief, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation. Few people also use DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) that would help in reducing the time span of the condition.

Biologic response modifiers (BRM)
Currently, there are seven types of biologic response modifiers that can be used to treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. These response modifiers work in several ways. Four of the biologic response modifiers, golimumab, etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab help in reducing the inflammation by either blocking the immune system protein or tumor necrosis factor (TNF).

Abatacept: This biologic response modifier is known to inhibit production of T cells by limiting the particular chemical that produces it. Hence, it reduces the inflammation, as T cells ultimately cause inflammation.

Rituximab: This helps to stop the activation of B cells and restricts the overall activity of the immune system.

Anakinra: This blocks a chemical known as interleukin-1 (IL-1) that are seen to be in excess in people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Surgical treatment options
There are different types of surgical options available for people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Surgery may not be suited for everyone and one, who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, should discuss this option with their doctor before moving ahead with it. A few common surgical treatment options have been listed as follows:

Joint replacement surgery: This surgery involves removing a part of or all of the damaged joint and replacing it with synthetic hybrid components. One of the most commonly replaced joints is that of the knees and hips. Post-surgery, one can expect improved motor functions and experience effective pain relief.

Various other surgical methods include arthrodesis, synovectomy, and tendon reconstruction.

Just like any other disease or condition, before starting with the treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, one should discuss the pros and cons with their doctor. If the doctor agrees with a treatment option and does not see any harm in it, feel free to carry on. The important thing to note here is that one should never neglect regular health checkups and keep their doctor updated with all the latest developments concerning the disorder.