If you have been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), you will find it very difficult to breathe due to blocked airways. To avoid and prevent the worsening of symptoms and flare-ups, you would need to make specific changes to your lifestyle. Besides, you would also need to avoid certain foods that can make your symptoms severe. Listed below are the worst foods for COPD that you should stay away from. 1. Acidic foods Citrus or acidic foods and beverages, such as orange juice, lemon juice, tomatoes, and tomato-based products like sauces, are among the worst foods for COPD. These foods and beverages affect the functioning of the ring of muscle in the esophagus. This muscle is also known as the lower esophageal sphincter (LES); it works as a valve or seal preventing stomach acid from flowing into the esophagus. However, when it does not function properly, food and stomach acid flow back into the esophagus, causing heartburn. This can affect or trigger the symptoms of lung diseases like COPD. 2. Fizzy or gassy drinks Carbonated drinks are among the worst foods for COPD and other respiratory disorders as they cause bloating. This can increase the pressure on the lungs, exasperating the symptoms of breathing disorders.

When you are feeling sick, soups are the best thing to have. Soups, whether creamy or clear with a dash of spices, can help fight any infection. Additionally, they can be had for their immunity-boosting power anytime, even if one is not sick. Flu- and cold-fighting soups are easy on the palate and can help relieve congestion while nourishing and hydrating. Here is a list of flu- and cold-fighting soups. 1. Hot and sour shrimp soup The soup is made from homemade shrimp stock. Adding lemon and lime zest, straw mushrooms, cooked salad shrimp, Asian fish sauce, and green onions make it light and filling soup. You could use low sodium chicken broth as an alternative. The spicy and sour combination is just the right thing to beat the cold. 2. Garlic spinach soup A comforting soup, it uses the goodness of garlic and ginger with the nutrition of chicken. Bring added taste with zucchini, cellophane noodles, and spinach. You can serve it with soya sauce as well. You can make a vegetarian variant by replacing chicken broth and chicken with vegetable broth and tofu. 3. Miso soup Another nutritious one among the flu-fighting soups, miso soup is cooked using kelp.

Certain foods that are very nutritious are often referred to as superfoods. These foods contain many nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants and tend to have very few calories. They, therefore, provide numerous health benefits. Listed below are a few superfoods that help lower cholesterol. 1. Chia seeds If you are a vegetarian and looking for a plant source of omega-3 fatty acids, then you should include these tiny seeds in your diet. Rich in omega-3s, chia seeds can help lower the levels of triglycerides in the blood and reduce your risk of abnormal heart rhythms. This is one of the superfoods that help lower cholesterol that is not only rich in antioxidants but is also a good source of proteins and minerals such as calcium, iron, and magnesium. It also has soluble fiber that can help to keep cholesterol levels in check. 2. Green tea A powerhouse of antioxidants known as polyphenols and catechins, green tea can reduce your risk of developing heart disease. The catechin in green tea known as epigallocatechin gallate is known to improve heart health and metabolism. However, to reap the benefits of this ,  you should opt for tea that does not contain any other ingredients.

Migraines can be debilitating, so one should always identify their potential triggers and avoid them. It is common knowledge that certain foods can trigger migraines in some people, but some others have soothing effects. These beneficial foods help reduce the frequency of migraine headaches and soothe the symptoms. This article lists a few healthy foods that help control migraines. 1. Fruits, vegetables, and legumes Fruits, vegetables, and legumes contain plant estrogens, which can be used to substitute the estrogen that our bodies produce naturally. These foods work especially well for women who get menstrual migraines due to a sudden drop in estrogen levels before their menstrual cycle. At such times, women can opt for foods that help create and regulate it, like flax and sesame seeds, fibrous fruits and vegetables, ginseng, carrots, and sauerkraut. 2. Fatty fish Apart from being excellent additions to the diet and helping fight numerous diseases, fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, trout, and herring are among the healthiest foods that control migraines . Fatty fish are storehouses of omega-3 fatty acids, which are anti-inflammatory in nature and prevent or soothe migraine symptoms. You can also consult your doctor for omega-3 supplements if you’re on a vegetarian diet or don’t like fish.

Hunger can affect focus and make kids cranky. It is therefore vital to ensure that they get healthy and light snacks in between their meals. Most kids might also have an active metabolism due to which the food they eat digests fast. To curb their hunger pangs while also keeping them ready for the next meal, here are quick and healthy 5-minute snack ideas for kids. 1. Colorful smoothies If you have cold milk and fruits, you can quickly whip up a healthy smoothie. Choose naturally sweet fruits like bananas, and you do not even have to bother about adding something to make it delectable. For fruits that are not too sweet, you can also add a dash of honey. One better way to make this smoothie more appealing to the eyes and the taste buds is to add some colorful fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or you can also add some veggies like beets and carrots. 2. Fruit sandwiches Make thin slices of readily available fruits like apples or even bananas. Spread some unsweetened organic nut butter of your choice and place another piece of the fruit on the top to make a quick and easy sandwich. You can easily make bite-sized pieces suitable even for young kids.

Ulcerative colitis is a condition where you might notice symptoms like diarrhea, pain in the abdomen, among others. This occurs when sores appear on the inner lining of the colon. Every time your colon is involved in the digestion of the food you consume, these sores might create problems. This is why it is important to know about the worst foods for ulcerative colitis to keep the symptoms at bay. Worst foods for ulcerative colitis 1. Dairy products Lactose intolerance is very common in people with ulcerative colitis. If that is the case, it would be a good idea to avoid dairy products like milk. But you can add milk to your diet in moderation if you are not lactose intolerant. 2. Brown rice and whole-grain products The fiber in whole grains is a very healthy ingredient for most individuals. But this could be a troublemaker for ulcerative colitis patients. Millets and bulgur wheat can be quite difficult on the stomach. Oats and brown rice are the other common triggers. 3. Caffeine in all forms Coffee and tea are common sources of caffeine. Then there is chocolate and a few other energy drinks loaded with this stimulant. Too much caffeine in the diet can lead to hyperactivity of the intestine and thus worsen diarrhea.

Diet and exercise play a significant role while treating mental illnesses like schizophrenia. Psychotropic drugs can lead to fluctuations in weight, and this makes it even more vital for people with schizophrenia to pay attention to the little details when it comes to their everyday diet. The nutrition tips for schizophrenia patients mentioned below can help prevent mood swings and reduce other symptoms effectively. Simple diet and nutrition tips for schizophrenia patients 1. Add lots of fruits to your diet The key is to focus on fruits that help in replenishing the body’s dietary fiber levels. With this, the patients would be able to improve their digestive health and prevent the adverse effects of accumulating bad cholesterol in the body. Fresh fruits can keep the blood clean and healthy. 2. Omega-3s from fish Fatty fish products are known to be critical sources of omega-3 fatty acids. This ingredient is known to be a critical component in psychosis treatment and prevention as well. Adding salmon to the diet might be a good idea for people with schizophrenia. 3. Vitamin B12 sources is essential Healthy sources of vitamin B12 are shellfish, tuna, eggs, and chicken. This vitamin has the potential to lower schizophrenia symptoms.

A build-up of uric acid in the joints leads to a condition called gout, a form of arthritis. Our body produces uric acid due to a breakdown of a substance called purine, found in many foods. To avoid triggering the condition or worsening an existing case, it is best to avoid purine-rich foods. Alternatively, you can consume anti-inflammatory foods for gout. 6 anti-inflammatory foods for gout 1. Low-fat and non-dairy fat products, such as yogurt and skim milk Dairy products like low-fat yoghurt, low-fat cottage cheese, and skimmed milk may have a role in reducing the risk of gout. They have low purine levels and add protein to the diet. They are especially good to add to your diet if you are trying to reduce meat, poultry, and fish intake. 2. Fruits and vegetables Most fruits and vegetables have low purine content, but it is especially beneficial to have vitamin C rich options (500 g or more). These include broccoli, grapefruit, oranges, cherries, and red bell peppers. It is recommended to take at least five portions of one of the items per day. You can also replace the meat in your casseroles and stews with vegetables to avoid meat as it is high in purines.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is known to specifically affect the joints. And some green smoothies discused herein contain plenty of nutrients and vitamins that promote weight reduction and decrease the strain due to arthritis. These green smoothies for arthritis are also helpful in the reduction of inflammation and discomfort too. Let’s take a look. 1. Carrot and Pineapple Smoothie Carrot and pineapple smoothie is great for joint pain and inflammations. The spinach included in it gives it that healthy green glow, while orange, pineapple, and carrots provide plenty of fresh flavors. The ingredients you need to prepare a carrot and pineapple smoothie include 2 large chopped carrots 1 and a half cup of cubed pineapple 1 whole orange 2 tablespoons of chia seeds 2 cups of spinach Half a teaspoon of fresh finger 8 ounces of water 2. Guava-Strawberry Smoothie Guava and strawberry smoothie is one of the delicious summery drinks. This drink relies on spinach for its green hue and is a powerhouse of healthy vitamins and minerals. Thus, this green smoothie for arthritis has acquired properties to fight joint pain. Besides, this drink is rich in vitamin C and, thus, reduces the inflammation and discomfort caused by arthritis. These are the ingredients you will need for these green smoothies for arthritis:

Diabetes is a condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are controlled by insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas. When the pancreas does not produce sufficient insulin, blood sugar can increase. High blood sugar can also occur due to a number of other reasons. One of these is food. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, then managing and controlling it can be difficult. Listed below are a few foods that help control the condition: 1. Fatty fish Fish such as sardines, herring, anchovies, salmon, and mackerel are at the top of the list of foods that help control diabetes. This is because they are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), all of which are essential for heart health. Consuming these fatty acids regularly can help reduce the risk of complications, such as heart disease and stroke, which can occur due to high diabetes. Studies have shown that fatty fish can also help regulate blood sugar levels in the body, as they are a good source of protein. 2. Leafy greens Vegetables such as kale and spinach contain many vitamins and minerals. They are nutritious and low in calories and are, therefore, also among the foods that help control diabetes.