Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the gradual breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. This degeneration can lead to the deterioration of motor skills and cognitive thinking, also affecting mental health. While there is currently no cure, managing HD’s symptoms can help enhance the quality of life of those affected. A part of management is avoiding certain foods to slow down the progression of the disease and alleviate its symptoms. Understanding Huntington’s disease Huntington’s disease is a genetic condition caused by a mutation in the HTT gene. This mutation leads to the production of a faulty protein called huntingtin, which accumulates in the brain, causing damage to nerve cells. As the disease progresses, those with HD experience a wide range of symptoms, including motor dysfunction, cognitive decline, and psychiatric disturbances, affecting their daily lives. Foods to avoid Processed foods Processed foods, such as fast food, packaged snacks, and fried foods, are often high in trans fats. These unhealthy fats have been linked to various health problems, including heart disease and inflammation. In those with HD, inflammation can exacerbate symptoms and cause further damage. So, it is advisable to avoid or limit the intake of processed foods rich in trans fats.

Circulation is one of the body’s critical functions, where freshly oxygenated blood from the lungs is pumped to all organs and extremities by the heart and is a continuous process. However, certain risk factors can trigger the formation of blood clots that affect this function. Several common and less typical signs make it difficult to confirm this problem. One should never ignore the early and unusual warning signs of blood clots. Unexplained swelling One of the earliest signs of a blood clot can be sudden and unexplained swelling in a specific body part. Blood flows through an intricate network of arteries and veins to all organs and extremities of the body. Clotting in this function results in the blood pooling that builds pressure and causes swelling. This type of swelling is easily identifiable as no injury or bruising results in the swelling. Pain or tenderness Blood clots often cause pain or tenderness in the affected area. Patients often complain about sudden cramps, a deep ache, or even a sharp stabbing pain that usually worsens with the most basic movements. Warmth and redness Clotting triggers a slight temperature change around the skin over a clot. It might feel warm to the touch and appear red or discolored.

Huntington’s disease is a genetic, neurodegenerative condition characterized by emotional, cognitive, and motor symptoms. The course of the disease involves a gradual development of involuntary jerking muscle movements and a progressive decline in memory and cognitive function. It shows symptoms such as uncontrolled movements and mental instability. Huntington’s disease (HD) is a genetic disorder inherited from a parent and is commonly divided into five stages of disease progression. So, let’s learn more about each stage. Stage 1: Preclinical stage People in the initial stage of Huntington’s disease may develop mild symptoms. While they may exhibit signs of a neurodegenerative disorder, the doctor might not diagnose the individual with Huntington’s disease. The symptoms of HD usually begin between 40 and 60 years of life. However, it may also appear as two years of age or as late as 80 years. In the early stages, damage to brain cells may cause symptoms such as: Involuntary twitching in the toes, fingers, or face Poor coordination May struggle to concentrate or solve problems Irritability Loss of inhibitions Depression Issues with complex movements Once these symptoms appear, a patient is diagnosed to be in the active stages of HD. It may take about eight years to pass from this stage to the next.

Medicare is a federal insurance program that helps those aged 65 and above meet their healthcare expenses. Divided into two parts, Part A and Part B, it covers inpatient care in hospitals, skilled nursing facility care, preventive services, medical equipment, and several other costs. However, the plan is not all-encompassing, so individuals are usually advised to purchase supplemental insurance to be on the safer side. Here are six things Medicare does not cover. Routine dental care Both Medicare Part A and Part B do not pay for routine dental care, including the costs for dental checkups, routine cleaning, or other dental maintenance services. The program also does not cover X-rays, fillings, root canals, and dentures. However, in some instances, Medicare may include dental surgery or X-rays. This is especially true during accidents, dental exams needed before kidney or heart surgery, or treatment for mouth cancer. Several Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) may provide routine dental coverage as an extra benefit over Part A and Part B. However, people must purchase these plans from a Medicare-approved private company and pay an additional monthly premium. Routine vision care Medicare does not cover routine vision care. So, despite enrolling in the program, members must pay for eye exams (performed to determine if new prescription eyewear is needed) out of their pocket.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an immune system disorder recognized as a major source of issues in the digestive system. EoE develops when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus, causing injury to the sensitive esophageal tissues. Certain foods are known to aggravate the condition. Its management consists of removing triggers from one’s daily routine and gradually reintroducing them to identify the cause. Here are foods that aggravate EoE and those that relieve it: What is eosinophilic esophagitis? The esophagus is a tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. Eosinophilic esophagitis or EoE is a medical condition where the immune system overreacts to allergens and triggers like unsuitable foods. This reaction causes acidic reflux and leads to the build-up of white blood cells in the lining of the esophagus. The buildup inflames the tissues and stops the organ from functioning optimally. Those with EoE may experience common symptoms like difficulty swallowing, vomiting, stomach pain, heartburn or chest pain, and a burning sensation in the throat. Hampered growth is a common symptom in kids who may be slow in gaining healthy mass. Foods to avoid Wheat products People with eosinophilic esophagitis should avoid wheat products like bread, noodles, muffins, crumpets, pasta, cakes, cereal bars, pastries, and crackers.

If one finds themselves tossing and turning all night, only to wake up feeling more exhausted than when they went to bed, it may be time to reassess one’s sleep habits. A healthy sleep cycle is essential for physical and mental well-being, and there are some key habits to avoid if one wishes to improve their sleep quality. This could include changing one’s eating habits and making better lifestyle choices.  What is a healthy sleep cycle? A healthy sleep cycle is essential for one’s overall physical and mental health. This dictates when an individual sleeps, wakes up, and rests in between. A healthy sleep cycle should follow the circadian rhythm, which is regulated by the body’s natural 24-hour internal clock. An unhealthy sleep cycle can lead to various health issues like fatigue, low energy levels, impaired memory, and difficulty concentrating. Some habits should be avoided to ensure one gets quality sleep and maintains a healthy sleep cycle. Things to avoid for better sleep Caffeine Caffeine is a stimulant in coffee, tea, energy drinks, and certain soft drinks. It works by blocking the activity of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that helps promote sleep. In addition, caffeine can increase alertness and cause restlessness.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that causes unintentional or uncontrollable movements, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. The symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse with time. Therefore, the most common concern for people diagnosed with the condition is how to continue working if and when the disease progresses. Fortunately, there are a few ways, as mentioned below, for Parkinson’s patients to keep working and further their careers. Let the employer know Most people who are newly diagnosed with Parkinson’s do not tell their employers and coworkers about their condition because they are under the impression they might be treated unfairly. Since every work setting differs, the decision to inform peers lies with the person affected by Parkinson’s disease. But there might be an advantage to keeping one’s colleagues informed right from the early stages rather than waiting for the disease to progress. If the employer knows about the employee’s condition, they can work with them to accommodate their needs. Read about ADA An individual with Parkinson’s should read about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The act was created, in part, to ensure that employers do not discriminate against people with disabilities or specific health conditions when they are hired, on the job, or let go.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune system disease where white blood cells (eosinophils) build up in the lining of the tube that connects the mouth to the stomach. The buildup results from reactions to foods, allergens, or acid reflux and may inflame or injure the esophageal tissue. While the condition can be managed well in many cases, it must be diagnosed early. The following are nine common warning signs of eosinophilic esophagitis. Dysphagia When a person swallows food, it moves from the oral cavity to the upper airway and into the digestive tract. However, health conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis disrupt this process. Consequently, the patient may find it hard to swallow food or water, needing immediate expert attention. Impaction When food gets firmly stuck in the esophagus, it is called “food impaction.” This symptom may occur due to severe esophageal inflammation and progressive fibrosis. These complications narrow the esophageal lumen, causing food to get stuck. Patients may require immediate healthcare intervention if the food does not pass into the stomach. Vomiting Those who suffer from impaction due to eosinophilic esophagitis may also experience signs like vomiting. When food does not pass into the stomach, it might climb back into the mouth, resulting in vomiting.