More than 30 million Americans have some form of eczema. Eczema is a group of conditions that fall under the general term “atopic dermatitis”. This condition causes the skin to become itchy, red and inflamed. There is no cure for eczema, but there are over the counter and prescription treatments for the condition that can help in minimizing symptoms. There are also a number of foods that you should avoid to help lessen the effects of the condition. Eczema is often triggered or enhanced by the following foods: 1. Citrus fruits Chemicals found in citrus fruits including oranges, limes, lemons, and grapefruit often trigger an allergic reaction and should be avoided. 2. Dairy Milk and dairy products contain saturated fats and hormones which may raise inflammation in individuals who have eczema. 3. Gluten or wheat Although the exact cause is unknown, research has determined that there is a link between gluten and eczema. It is important to read labels to identify products that contain gluten. 4. Soy Soy is a common allergen. The Journal of Dermatology reported that avoiding soy for three months significantly reduces eczema symptoms. 5. Spices Certain spices including cinnamon, vanilla, and cloves are known to trigger outbreaks.

Smoking affects your health in many ways. For starters, it can lead to lung, mouth and throat cancer to name a few. Not only that, but smoking puts you at higher risk of stroke, heart attack and pneumonia. Cigarettes can also make you more susceptible to viruses and worsen symptoms associated with respiratory conditions. With that said, here are the top effective ways to quit smoking for good: 1. Avoid tempting individuals and situations It is important to avoid situations and individuals that may tempt you to light up a cigarette. All too often a person will quit smoking; They’ll do great for awhile, but they’ll hang around with people who smoke and then they’ll start smoking again. If you find yourself around people who smoke or a tempting situation, then remove yourself immediately. 2. Use a nicotine patch or nicotine gum Using a nicotine patch or gum is effective because you’re putting nicotine in your body. Nicotine will decrease symptoms that are typically experienced when people quit smoking. Your urges to smoke will be reduced as a result of having nicotine present in your body. Furthermore, gum and patches don’t contain the harmful chemicals that cigarettes contain, hence why gums and patches are far healthier than cigarettes.

Hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating is abnormal or excessive sweating that is not associated with vigorous exercises or heat. The patient normally sweats to the extent of wetting his or her clothes. Usually interrupt daily activities and lead to social nervousness and humiliation. Symptoms of hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating occur when patients sweat excessively and abnormally through clothing and bedding. Hyperhidrosis may affect certain areas of the body such as the hands, underarms, feet, and face. Natural remedies to control heavy sweating may include: 1. Apple cider vinegar ACV is an unbelievable multipurpose product that can be used to preserve food, clean, as well as assist in skin illnesses. Used to regulate smell-causing bacteria that leads to symptoms of hyperhidrosis or heavy sweating such as bromhidrosis. Used a natural astringent when applied in the patient’s skin using a cotton ball. This is usually done before bed and wiped off in the morning. 2. Baking soda and cornstarch The two natural remedies assist in absorbing excessive sweat, minimizing pH concentration, as well as reduce smells. Produced by mixing baking soda with an equivalent proportion of cornstarch. Once it is well mixed it is smeared to the clean dry skin. For better outcomes you are supposed to apply this mixture several times in a day.

A migraine is a neurological condition that causes what is often described as a throbbing pain and sensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea. Migraines can be caused by a number of things, such as stress, caffeine, certain medications, changes in your sleep or physical activity, foods, or even something as seemingly little as certain smells. While this could include a wide range of different smells, some of the most common triggers are: 1. Cigarette smoke Cigarette smoke is a cause for nearly 72% of those who have migraines that are triggered by smells. It is fairly self-explanatory, as this smoke is often a prominent smell to those who do not smoke themselves. The smell is one that, many times, bothers even those who do not suffer from migraines. 2. Food odors This particular smell affects those triggered by smells differently on a case by case basis. For some, it is only certain foods. For others, it pertains more to the burning of certain foods. One of the most common migraine triggering food is onions. Also at the top of the list would be fatty and fried foods. 3. Perfumes Perfumes triggered migraines in 95% of those who are affected by smells.

Cold and flu season typically strikes in the fall and winter. Cold and flu are different viruses but share many of the same symptoms. Some symptoms of the common cold may  include chills, fatigue, sneezing, running nose, sore throat, headache, and chest discomfort. While the flu often features these same symptoms with fever, chills, and in some cases, nausea and vomiting. If you become sick with the cold or flu, over the counter cold flu medicine or cold sore medicine for kids is often taken to lessen symptoms. It is also important to consume the following superfoods to boost immunity so your body can fight off a cold or flu: 1. Ginger Ginger promotes healthy aging and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can boost the body’s immunity to fight off the cold and flu. The strong taste and smell can help sooth a sore throat and nausea caused by the cold or flu. The root can be eaten raw, used in receipts or boiled and consumed as a tea. 2. Citrus Citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, grapefruit, mandarin oranges and kumquats are excellent sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is used in many of your body’s functions, such as healing, repairing body tissues and protecting your cells from free radicals.

Breathing problems affect millions in the United States each year. Breathing issues, or conditions like asthma or COPD, can be passed down genetically, through the air we breathe, the environment, or even the food we eat can place a toll on our breathing. Let’s explore foods that can increase breathing difficulties: 1. Corn Farmer’s Lung is a condition that can be caused by mold spores on corn commonly affecting farmers. Some of the symptoms that are common with Farmer’s Lung include a dry cough, increased heart rate, and even shortness of breath. Usually, doctors are able to diagnose this illness with a pulmonary function test or an invasive lung biopsy. There is actually not a cure for Farmer’s Lung but it can be controlled by staying away from the allergens or steroids can also be effective in treating the inflammation. 2. Excess salt or sugar The sodium in salt can cause your body to hold on to water. When someone’s body has extra fluid the heart has to pump extra hard, eventually causing high blood pressure and shortness of breath. People who have allergies to sugar could go into anaphylaxis shock which would be shortness of breath or wheezing. Reducing your salt or sugar intake can help prevent these breathing issues from occurring before it is too late.

Overactive bladder, or OAB, causes frequent and sudden urination. This urination may be extremely difficult to hold at times, but it can also be extremely uncomfortable and embarrassing on the patient’s body. The symptoms of OAB include frequent urges to urinate, waking in the night to urinate, and uncontrollable urges. There are several causes for an overactive bladder. Weak muscles, nerve damage, certain medications, alcohol consumption, caffeine intake, infection, and even being overweight can cause many issues. Thankfully, there are a number of various ways individuals are now able to try and better control their overactive bladders: 1. Strengthen muscles A great way to try and combat an overactive bladder is to work on strength and control in order to improve the weakened muscles. The pelvic floor muscles support not only the bladder but also the uterus, small intestine, and rectum. In order to work in this area, individuals should try to do kegel exercises. By doing Kegel exercises daily, individuals will be able to regain the necessary strength in their pelvic floor muscles in order to better control their bladder. This is one of several great overactive bladder treatments that you can do anywhere at any time. 2. Pass up the caffeine Another effective tip for individuals managing an overactive bladder is to limit caffeine consumption.

Skin care is very important as part of our general health care. There are various conditions that can affect the skin and cause much discomfort and distress, such as eczema or atopic dermatitis. These allergic skin conditions cause inflammation of the skin which result in red, itchy inflamed, and cracked patches of skin. One topical care product that can activate eczema is soap. The kinds of soap which are likely to trigger eczema are as follows: 1. Soaps containing methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone Soaps containing MCI and MI are not recommended for use on your skin if you suffer from eczema. Although these ingredients were used in cosmetic care and baby products, they are not healthy for your sensitive skin. These ingredients can cause itchiness or flakiness on your skin 2. Soaps with propylene glycol This ingredient is present in many skin care products, such as soap, medication and even in eczema treatments. However, it can cause skin irritation so soaps containing this ingredient should be avoided. 3. Antibacterial soaps Although soaps are designed to eliminate bacteria, they can aggravate sensitive skin. If you are struggling with eczema these soap can worsen the condition causing flare-ups. 4. Strong fragrance soaps Everybody, especially women, want their skin to smell lovely.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that affects the bowel by causing inflammation and sores along the innermost lining of your large intestine (colon) and rectum. Colitis symptoms may develop over time and get worse each time they flare up. Some of the most common symptoms include rectal bleeding, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, extreme abdominal cramping, and pain. While there is no cure for colitis, doctors aim to help patients manage the disease via lifestyle changes, medication, and diet.  Diet plays a crucial role in managing ulcerative colitis, and patients are recommended to review their intake of foods that trigger UC and avoid those foods, which may include: 1. Foods high in fiber Wholemeal products tend to require a longer time to digest, which is not suitable for those with ulcerative colitis. You can avoid foods made from whole grain flour; these may include bread, cereals, kinds of pasta, noodles, and macaroni. Instead eat foods with lower fiber, such as puffed rice and corn flakes. Raw vegetables have high fiber; whereas they are a good source of nutrition, they may be hard to break down and release a lot of gas in your system, especially when uncooked.

Osteoporosis is a bone disease in which the bones become porous, weak and brittle. It is the constant nature of the body to replace and absorb bone tissue. However, with osteoporosis, the new bone creation does not keep up with the old bone removal. However, common symptoms include loss of height over time, having a stooped posture, and having bones that break easier than expected. The following are some of the worst foods for osteoporosis: 1. High-salt foods When you consume many salts, your body produces calcium, which is harmful to the bones. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you consume foods that are not more than the 20% recommended sodium value. When consuming salt and being affected by osteoporosis, ensure that you take no more than 2300mg a day. Salts are essential to the body and the bones, but large quantities are harmful to bones. Moderation is of importance. 2. Alcohol As much as a little alcohol is considered safe for osteoporosis patients, excessive consumption can cause bone loss. Consuming alcoholic drinks is limited as it predisposes one to injuries that might cause fractures. Little amounts, if necessary, are therefore recommended. The national osteoporosis foundation recommends a maximum of two drinks a day.