Lung conditions affect a lot of people across the globe. In most cases, people tackle these conditions and diseases with various treatments. But, aside from treatments, individuals can fight these ailments and promote lung health with the help of food. Certain foods can strengthen the lungs and keep symptoms at bay. But, some can aggravate the condition, negatively impacting lung health, increasing the risk of lung diseases. Read to know foods that you should avoid. Bread Bread is one of the foods that can contribute to poor lung health. Bread is made of simple carbohydrates such as refined flour and sugar. These foods are known to affect the overall health of the body. They can even have a negative impact on lung health. This is because these foods are harder to break down and require the body to work harder to metabolize. Foods that are low in carbohydrates are less taxing on the body. They also produce less carbon dioxide in the body, which bodes well for those with existing lung conditions. To promote better lung health, individuals can opt for complex carbohydrates instead. Chips Processed foods, in general, are not good for the overall health of the body. They are packed with saturated fats, preservatives, and other harmful food additives. Processed foods such as potato chips can wreak havoc on your lung health. The salt in these foods contributes to increased blood pressure. It can also increase water retention in the body, which can eventually leak fluids into the lungs and make it difficult to breathe. Processed foods also negatively affect the cardiovascular system and heart. Carbonated beverages Carbonated beverages are also filled with sugar, carbohydrates, and carbonation. All these elements can contribute to an increase in weight and also result in bloating. Not to mention, bloating or the development of gas in the digestive system can lead to an increase in pressure on the lungs.

Nutrition plays an important role in the treatment of lung cancer and the correct kind of nourishment can help speed up recovery. To strengthen a compromised immune system and support treatment, the right kind of food is required. There are some foods that need to be avoided and some that need to be cooked with care to prevent food poisoning and illness. Here is a list of some such foods. Eggs Avoid eating eggs unless absolutely sure that they haven’t been unrefrigerated or cracked. Home-cooked is safest because eggs could carry salmonella that cause food poisoning and sometimes even death. Uncooked yolks are a complete no-no, and definitely do not eat foods that could have raw eggs in the final product. This includes even some salad dressings. Cured meats Processed and uncooked meat like cold cuts can carry the listeria bacteria that could cause food poisoning. Cheese Not all cheese, but some soft ones like Brie and feta that could be made from unpasteurized milk should be off-limits. In fact, any milk or dairy products including cream or custard-filled sweets that could be made from unpasteurized milk should be avoided because raw milk can contain bacteria like E. coli, listeria, and salmonella that may cause food poisoning. Sprouts and leafy greens Bacteria grow well in warm moist conditions and so do raw vegetable sprouts. Don’t eat these uncooked. Leafy greens are healthy but hard to clean. Avoid adding these to an eating regime to reduce the risk of illness. Sushi Shellfish that are raw or undercooked can carry the Hepatitis A virus. Lightly cooked fish and sashimi can have bacteria that can make one ill. Well-cooked fish (some types) can also have high levels of mercury. Caffeine Avoid caffeinated drinks as these can cause constipation brought on by loss of fluids.

In most asthma cases, food allergies and intolerances will trigger inflammation or result in the narrowing of the lung airways. An estimated 19 million individuals in the country have mild to moderate asthma, and it is vital for them to monitor their food intake. Drastic changes in daily eating habits will not necessarily help; however, moderation lowers the risk of flareups. Here are 4 such foods that trigger breathing difficulties for those with asthma. Foods high in fat content Red meats are heavily processed and contain saturated fats, which leads to an increase in LDL (low-density lipoprotein) levels in the body. Most saturated and processed fats tend to worsen symptoms like inflammation, causing difficulty breathing. The risk is especially high among people who suffer from conditions like asthma or COPD. Dairy foods and beverages Whole milk (the full fat variant) can trigger excess mucous production when the body breaks down the dairy product during digestion. Mucous buildup in the lungs increases the risk of infection and worsens the inflammation linked to asthma flareups. Preservatives and artificial sweeteners Most foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket are laced with preservatives and additives to increase their shelf life. These include different types of sulfites found in pickled foods and snacks, frozen seafood, and dried fruits or vegetables. Additives can trigger asthma flareups. Also, one of the more commonly used artificial sweeteners, aspartame, is the leading cause of food allergies that develop with asthma. Foods that are rich in salt Excess consumption of salty foods leads to an imbalance in sodium levels in the body. This increases the risk of edema, which is a fluid buildup that leads to swelling, causing blood pressure levels to rise. High blood pressure results in pulmonary hypertension, one of the risk factors associated with common respiratory disorders.

From movement and awareness to thinking, speech, and hearing, the CNS controls several integral bodily functions. Epilepsy is a CNS-related disorder caused by brain activity abnormalities, triggering abnormal behavior phases. Muscle stiffness, uncontrollable body jerks, and loss of consciousness are some of its common symptoms. A systematic treatment course, a healthy meal plan, and some lifestyle changes can help control epilepsy symptoms. Here are some foods patients with epilepsy should avoid or limit: Bananas Bananas contain high potassium levels, which is an essential nutrient for the body. However, excessive banana consumption will lead to excess potassium concentration in one’s body. This may lead to periodic seizures. Thus, patients with seizures must consume bananas in limited quantities. Sugary foods and beverages Increased sugar intake can spike in blood sugar levels, which may trigger seizures in some people. Consequently, it helps to avoid foods and beverages containing high sugar concentrations, including soft drinks and processed foods. Baked items Baked foods are typically prepared using refined flour and contain trans fats, which can increase one’s risk for cholesterol and heart diseases, including cardiac arrhythmia. Cardiac arrhythmia can lead to convulsive syncope, characterized by seizure-like symptoms. Thus, it is important to avoid or limit having baked foods like cakes, pastries, and bread, particularly if they are store-bought. Caffeine Caffeine often triggers an overactive CNS. According to the Epilepsy Society, caffeine may increase one’s susceptibility to seizures. It is best to keep one’s intake of caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee, and aerated drinks in check. Monosodium glutamate Monosodium glutamate, or MSG, and other food additives may aggravate nerve cell firing and worsen neurological disorder symptoms. Hence, individuals with epilepsy must steer clear of food items containing MSG and other food additives, typically found in ready-to-eat foods and food bought from restaurants. In addition to avoiding or limiting the foods mentioned above, patients with epilepsy should also be attuned to any food intolerances they may have.

One loves pampering their pet dogs with the best of foods and treats. This often means that you may indulge in sharing some of your foods with them. But dogs have a different digestive system compared to humans. This means that some of the foods that you enjoy could actually be harmful to them. This article discusses foods that are safe for your dog and provide them with necessary nutrients. Carrots Carrots are known for their nutritional benefits for humans. They are loaded with vitamins and beta-carotene that help promote heart, eyes, and skin health. Carrots are also super good for dogs. Carrots help remove plaque buildup from your pet’s teeth, helping maintain good dental health. Their nutritional content can also help improve a dog’s immune health, promoting a shiny coat and skin. Chicken Dogs love chicken meals and chicken broth, and these foods are also healthy for them. Plain-boiled chicken is a great option for when your dog has an upset tummy. It is important to remember that you should give them this food with little to no seasonings. Popcorn Popcorn is a great snack for humans and dogs. They contain minerals such as magnesium and zinc that can help both you and your dog stay healthy. The only thing that you need to keep in mind when serving your dog popcorn is that the snack needs to be completely devoid of any butter, salt, or sugar. Ensure that you do not give them any uncooked kernels, as this can cause them to choke. While human foods act as great treats for your dog, you may want to consider dog food for all your pet’s nutritional needs. Some of the most popular brands of dog food include the following. Royal Canin Royal Canin is one of the most popular dog food brands across the globe.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory immune condition that causes eosinophils to build up in the esophagus lining. This build-up can lead to symptoms such as trouble with swallowing food, allergic reactions, chest pain, and more. The condition is caused mainly due to allergic reactions to outside food substances. This is why it is important to avoid certain types of food and food allergens and instead opt for a few healthy alternatives such as: Dairy-free alternatives Dairy products such as milk, cheese, butter, ghee, etc., should be avoided to manage eosinophilic esophagitis, as dairy products are common food allergens. Long exposure to these foods could lead to the development of eosinophilic esophagitis. Individuals who have EoE should switch to dairy-free alternatives instead of dairy products. They can try milk substitutes from coconut, hemp, and even rice. Moreover, dairy-free cheese and yogurt give the essential nutrients a body requires for smooth functioning. Nuts Nuts are also a big no-no when it comes to eosinophilic esophagitis. Those with this condition should avoid nuts like peanuts and cashews. They should also avoid nut butter, nut-based foods, and nut milk. That said, some nuts are safe for consumption, even with eosinophilic esophagitis. These include macadamia nuts and pine nuts. Seeds are comparatively safe, and those with eosinophilic esophagitis can have sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and more to their meals. Coconut is also a safe food and can be added to meal plans. It is recommended to check in with a healthcare professional about what food works and what doesn’t. Gluten-free grains and foods Grain allergies occur when the body’s immune system reacts to certain proteins. These proteins could also trigger eosinophilic esophagitis if consumed for a long period of time. Grain allergies are typically caused due to the protein known as gluten which is found in wheat and other grains.

Our body is home to tons of different microorganisms and bacteria. Most of these bacteria reside in our gut and are known as the gut microbiome. The gut microbiome is essential for absorbing nutrients, supporting the immune system, and maintaining the body’s overall health. This is why it is crucial to know which foods to foods could harm your gut health. And one must avoid such foods at all costs to improve overall well-being. Artificial sweeteners Artificial sweeteners and flavors are found in various processed foods. But, when we consume the latter, the former does not break down in the body. Instead, they leave the body undigested and affect the microorganisms in the gut, leading to gas, bloating, and diarrhea, which may be severe based on how much sweetener you have consumed. Studies have also found that consuming artificial sweeteners increases the risk of developing harmful gut bacteria such as E. coli and E. faecalis. When purchasing foods off the shelf, ensure that the foods do not contain artificial sweeteners such as Stevia, sucralose, aspartame, and saccharin. Fried foods Fried foods are unsuitable for the body’s overall health and can affect gut health negatively. Fried and oily foods are more difficult to digest than organic foods. Not to mention fried foods also typically contain excessive oil, which contains saturated and trans fats that are difficult to break down, eventually leading to gas, stomach ache, diarrhea, and other symptoms. Excessive saturated and trans fats can also harm the body’s cardiovascular health and put you at risk of heart failure, heart attacks, stroke, and other secondary conditions. Meat Red meats such as steaks, bacon, and pork are rich in a compound known as L-carnitine. This compound can alter the bacteria in the gut leading to poor gut health. This alteration can also lead to the development of a substance called trimethylamine N-oxide, more commonly referred to as TMAO.

Parkinson’s disease affects a large number of individuals in the country. It is characterized by tremors and rigid muscles and affects the day-to-day functioning of the individual. No specific nutritional program can help cure Parkinson’s disease. But research has shown that following a healthy meal plan and nurturing a healthy body can help deal with the condition better. Herein, we shall discuss the foods that help tackle Parkinson’s as well as those to be avoided. These foods are highly recommended for Parkinson’s disease patients: Fatty fish Fatty fish can go a long way in helping tackle Parkinson’s disease. The omega-3 fatty acids present in fatty fish can help reduce inflammation of the nerves and improve neurotransmission. Omega-3s can also help slow the progression of neurodegeneration due to Parkinson’s disease. Foods high in antioxidants Free radicals can damage organs and fatty tissue, and even lead to the development of Parkinson’s in the body. Antioxidants help tackle free radicals that wreak havoc in the body. Blueberries, grapes, strawberries, and citrus fruits are great sources of antioxidants. Foods with high nutritional value Those who suffer from Parkinson’s disease also suffer from nutrient deficiencies. To tackle this issue, eating foods with tons of zinc, iron, and essential vitamins becomes cricial. Maintaining a healthy nutritional regimen goes a long way when it comes to fighting this degenerative disease. Certain foods can do more damage and can actually increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Here are a few of them: Processed foods Having a lot of processed foods can increase the severity of symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients. Common processed foods include canned foods, breakfast cereals, bacon, and candies. Foods with high saturated fats Certain studies have suggested that having foods with saturated fats or cholesterol can increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Although the link between such foods and this condition remains to be confirmed, avoiding foods with high saturated fats is best for leading an overall healthy lifestyle.

Food choices matter a lot when you try to combat a health condition. And diabetes is a chronic, long-term disease that needs to be managed with a combination of a healthy lifestyle and food choices. Quality sleep, an active lifestyle, and nutritious food choices can be rewarding for those with diabetes. However, while some foods make for a good choice, some can do equal harm. This article highlights the worst foods for those with diabetes. Starch While carbs are important, the source of carbs is what matters the most. Some of the worst choices in this food category for people with diabetes are rice, white flour, cereals, fries, white bread, and fried tortillas. Canned vegetables Vegetables are best eaten in their raw, organic form. Avoid canned vegetables and try to cook a meal from scratch, using fresh produce. Also, stir-fried veggies made using a generous amount of butter are not a good option too. Sodium-rich foods Pickles, frozen and canned foods are all high in sodium, which can spike the blood pressure levels in people with diabetes. Diabetes is an illness associated with the heart and kidneys, so the diet must be low in sodium. Artificial fruit juices and packaged by-products While fresh fruits are a good choice and are recommended to be consumed as is, other forms of fruits are to be avoided. Fruit juices are loaded with a generous amount of sugar and are best avoided. And other fruits by-products include jams, jellies, sweetened applesauce, fruit punch, canned juices, and fruit drinks. Dairy Whole milk, yogurt, sweetened yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, and ice-creams are some of the worst dairy choices for diabetics. Instead, those with diabetes must rely on skim milk, low-fat yogurt, and low-fat or non-fat sour cream. Fried foods High fatty food items can adversely affect heart health.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus. This condition can make it difficult to swallow and easier for food to get stuck in the food pipe. People with EoE develop allergic reactions to certain foods, causing their esophagi to swell up and become narrow. Doctors may recommend an elimination method to understand which foods trigger EoE in patients. The most common foods that trigger Eosinophilic Esophagitis are: Eggs: Apart from whole eggs, also avoid any foods that contain eggs, such as eggnog, mayonnaise, meringue, surimi, and egg substitutes. Beware of egg content in baked goods and puddings. Ingredients to watch out for in packaged goods include albumin, lysozyme, ovalbumin, lecithin, globulin, and ovovitellin. Wheat: Avoid foods rich in wheat, such as bread, couscous, crackers, most flours, pasta, and pizza crusts. Wheat ingredients to look out for are bulgar, durum, einkorn, emmer, farina, Kamut, matzoh, semolina, spelt, and triticale. Instead, opt for gluten-free foods made from potato, rice, or tapioca. Soy: Soy-rich foods to avoid include edamame, miso, natto, shoyu, soy sauce, soybean, tamari, tempeh, tofu, and Quorn. Soy ingredients can be found on packaged goods under the name of soy, soy flour, soy fiber, soy protein, and textured vegetable protein. Peanuts and tree nuts: Avoid all nuts and lychees. Watch out for ingredients like nut meal, nut meat, nut milk, nut extracts, nut paste, and peanut oil in packaged/pre-cooked foods. Fish: Avoid all fish and shellfish like krill, barnacle, crab, crayfish, lobster, shrimp, and prawns. Ingredients to avoid include imitation fish, fish stock, fish sauce, seafood flavoring, surimi, and bouillabaisse. Dairy: Milk and milk products to avoid include cheese, butter, cream, custard, cow’s milk, half-and-half, pudding, sour cream, and yogurt. It is also advisable to avoid ingredients like casein, diacetyl, lactalbumin, lactose, lactulose, recaldent, rennet casein, tagatose, and whey.

Eating certain foods can be hazardous to one’s health. In fact, unhealthy foods, coupled with unhealthy eating schedules, are the primary cause of cancer in a vast majority of individuals with the condition. Now, there are several foods that fall into this category. While each food listed here may contribute to other health hazards, the common thread that connects them is their specific carcinogenic components. Here are the foods that can cause cancer: White bread Refined carbohydrates and refined sugar are directly linked to increasing the risk of cancer in individuals. So, foods such as white bread, white rice, white pasta, baked sweets such as cakes and pastries, and sugar-heavy cereals need to be eaten in moderation or avoided altogether to keep cancer at bay. Refined carbohydrates are chemically stripped of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other natural components that make them organically healthy. So, foods containing refined carbs and sugars can increase a person’s blood sugar and enhance the possibility of developing colorectal cancer and other malignancies. Farmed salmon Like other farmed fishes, farmed salmon leave consumers vulnerable to cancer if eaten regularly. Such fish are farmed and commercially raised in huge quantities. For preservation, farmers and businesses that farm and sell this kind of fish use a host of pesticides, antibiotics, and antivirals. These chemicals, used to prevent bacterial and parasitic growth in their fishes, have carcinogenic characteristics. Farmed fish does not even contain large quantities of omega-3 fatty acids, the main nourishing element found in non-farmed fish that is useful to fight cancer-causing elements. French fries Deep-fried foods are among the worst from any health-related perspective. Fried foods contain a compound known as acrylamide. Like other fried, starch-heavy foods, French fries also contain massive amounts of this chemical. Several research studies have found that acrylamide has serious carcinogenic properties, damages the DNA in a cell, and can eventually cause its death.

Short bowel syndrome refers to a condition that occurs when a major portion of a person’s small intestine has been removed. The small intestine is responsible for absorbing nutrients and water from the food one eats. Therefore, the removal of a major portion of it can significantly impact this absorption process. Consequently, people with short bowel syndrome need to change their food regimen. This includes avoiding certain foods, such as the following: Foods with high sugar content Sugar-rich foods can cause rapid spikes in blood sugar levels. This can cause one’s body to draw excess water into the bowels, leading to loose stools and frequent bowel movements. This further causes dehydration and loss of nutrients. Hence, patients with short bowel syndrome must avoid sugary foods such as candies, sweets, pastries, cakes, cookies, etc. They must also avoid sodas and sugary beverages, which often contain high fructose corn syrup. Foods with high fiber content Due to the reduction in the size of the small intestine, it gets harder for the body to absorb fibers, especially insoluble fiber. Hence, patients with short bowel syndrome must avoid foods with high amounts of fiber (particularly insoluble fiber). These include whole-grain products (like whole-wheat bread and bran products), legumes (like beans, lentils, and chickpeas), and certain vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts. High-oxalate foods Patients who have their colon intact after the bowel surgery may need to stop consuming foods with oxalate. Oxalate is a compound found in certain foods that can lead to the formation of kidney stones, which is why it must be avoided. Certain food items that contain high amounts of oxalate include spinach, coffee, chocolates, soy, rhubarb, strawberries, kiwis, beets, etc. Whole nuts and dried fruits Whole nuts can be particularly difficult to digest. Moreover, they are also high in fiber as well as oxalate.