Can what we eat help prevent serious illnesses like cancer? The link between disease and foods has been extensively studied. For instance, the research findings of the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research have indicated that food choices greatly affect one’s health and well-being. The results also suggest that certain plant-based foods can help lower one’s cancer risk. So, here are some of the best foods to have: Garlic This pungent food item’s benefits outweigh the inconvenience (i.e., bad breath). Its odor is brought on by its sulfur compounds, which are also responsible for stopping the development of cancer-causing substances in the body. Additionally, garlic can help speed up DNA repair and kill cancer cells. Garlic also battles bacteria, especially the kind of bacteria associated with stomach cancer (H. Pylori bacteria). Studies have also indicated that garlic can reduce the risk of pancreatic, colon, esophageal, and breast cancer. To get the most out of garlic, peel and chop the garlic cloves and let them sit for 20–30 minutes before cooking them. This enables the activation of enzymes and the release of sulfur compounds. Adults should have one clove of garlic per day for better health.

Arthritis is a group of bone-related disorders that include gout, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PA), and osteoarthritis. A person with arthritis is susceptible to inflammation, which triggers pain and other associated symptoms. The underlying cause is inflammation which eventually affects the tissues around the joints, leading to chronic conditions like heart diseases and diabetes and worsening the arthritis symptoms. Here are eight foods and beverages to avoid with arthritis:  Salt The sodium content in salt is required for the body to perform innumerable functions. However, over intake of salt calls for a lot of trouble. Several researchers point out that one mostly uses way too much salt than is required. Excess salt intake is associated with greater inflammation levels which can also trigger pain and other symptoms related to arthritis. Make sure you look for foods with no added salt. Use spices or herbs to garnish food.  Omega-6 fatty acids These polyunsaturated fatty acids, when used in excess, cause inflammation. Some common sources of omega-6 fats include sunflower oil, canola oil, nuts, and meat. Opting for olive oil would be a smarter choice as it contains primarily monounsaturated fat. Sweetened beverages Sweetened drinks like fruit juices, soda, and other sweetened drinks contain a high amount of sugar.

Nearly thirty percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis later in life. While the former targets the skin, the latter causes the immune system to affect the joints. Both are autoimmune disorders. Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and inflammation, which can often be debilitating. There is no definitive cure for psoriatic arthritis. However, here are some treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle tips that can help manage the symptoms: Clinical treatment options While psoriatic arthritis can be managed by making changes in nutrition and home remedies, it is crucial to be aware of clinical options too. This is because natural remedies may not provide immediate relief from worsening symptoms as compared to the clinical treatment options. Otezla® Inflammation is one of the significant and most problematic symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, which can make performing daily tasks difficult. This oral treatment option can help manage symptoms like joint swelling, tenderness, and pain. One of the advantages of using Otezla® is that it does not require initial or routine blood tests. Rinvoq® It is yet another treatment option used for managing various types of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis. It helps effectively manage symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with psoriatic arthritis and also protects from irreversible joint damage.

Rheumatoid arthritis is quite a painful inflammatory condition, generally classified by the presence of stiffness, soreness, and pain in the hands, wrists, and feet. With the help of treatments, one can alleviate physical stress, reduce inflammation, and keep complications under control. Today, we’ll be discussing the various prescription options, foods that patients should include and avoid on a regular basis, and some management tips that can prove effective for relief: Treatment options These prescriptions are known to provide quick action against rheumatoid arthritis symptoms: ACTEMRA® This treatment for rheumatoid arthritis contains tocilizumab and is effective for patients with moderate to severe symptoms. The mode of action is based on the blockage of the IL-6 compound that causes inflammation in the body. Actemra® injections can be used as a weekly treatment. On the other hand, the IV infusion is used once every month or as prescribed by the doctor. Planquenil® Planquenil® is a prescription option used for addressing inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The primary component is hydrocholoquine, which is sometimes even on its own for certain conditions. Common side effects of Planquenil® include headache, vomiting, nausea, and loss of appetite. Foods to eat and avoid Here are some foods to include in a rheumatoid arthritis meal plan:

Sleep is a natural state of rest, essential for maintaining physical and mental health. Doctors recommend that one must get at least eight hours of sleep every day. But sometimes, an individual may not be able to sleep well despite returning home exhausted after a long day’s work. It could be because of certain unhealthy practices right before bedtime. Below are four habits to avoid before bed to improve sleep: Drinking coffee Beverages like coffee, energy drinks, and chocolates are laden with caffeine. Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system and increases alertness, making a person feel full of energy and more awake. Therefore, drinking these beverages a couple of hours before bedtime can make it hard to fall asleep, disrupting one’s sleep cycle. The tiredness and sleepiness that follow the next day may compel the person to drink more coffee to stay awake for work, thus entering a never-ending cycle of poor sleep. Therefore, cutting down or avoiding coffee, especially a few hours before bedtime, is advisable. Other foods that may affect one’s sleep pattern are spicy foods, those with added sugars, fatty foods, packaged products, and processed foods. Staring at a screen Many people claim that they do not get sleep unless they watch a movie on television or browse through their smartphones in bed.

Atopic dermatitis, also called eczema, is an inflammatory skin disorder affecting approximately 16.5 million adults across the country. It could develop at any age due to genetics, environmental factors, and stress. The most common symptoms include red, scaly, and itchy rashes on the skin. These rashes tend to flare periodically and are often accompanied by physical discomfort, emotional burden, and disturbed sleep. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle tips for managing atopic dermatitis: Treatment options Since atopic dermatitis is a long-term skin condition, patients need professional assistance. Below are some popular treatment options: DUPIXENT Doctors recommend this treatment option for adults and children over six months to treat mild-to-severe atopic dermatitis. It is ideal for those who do not get better with topical ointments or therapies. DUPIXENT is administered subcutaneously under the skin, targeting the key source of inflammation. The possible side effects include eye problems, joint pain, and allergic reactions. CIBINQO It is a once-daily oral treatment for people with moderate-to-severe eczema. CIBINQO targets a specific protein responsible for inflammation, providing relief from symptoms like itchy skin. The treatment is available in multiple dosage options, and one can consult a doctor to understand the correct dosage as per their requirement.

Constipation is a condition in which a person passes occasional bowel movements that are difficult to pass. It’s one of the most common digestive problems in the country, affecting around 16 out of 100 adults. It’s often caused by low fiber or water intake. Many people experience constipation occasionally, but for others, it’s a long-term or chronic problem. Here are multiple treatment options, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to help combat constipation: Treatment options Some effective treatment options for constipation include: LINZESS LINZESS (linaclotide) is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with irritable bowel syndrome, causing constipation or chronic idiopathic constipation. It can proactively manage symptoms of these health conditions, including stomach pain and abdominal discomfort. It acts locally in the intestine and works by accelerating bowel movements and calming pain-sensing nerves. LINZESS is an oral treatment that is usually taken once a day on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before the first meal of the day. Some of the common side effects include diarrhea, gas, abdominal pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. MOVANTIK MOVANTIK (naloxegol) treats constipation caused by opioids, which are powerful pain relievers. It works by blocking opioid receptors in the intestines, enabling bowel movements, and relieving constipation.

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a condition in which the skin becomes inflamed, red, and itchy. This condition can also lead to leathery skin over time and patches that bleed or ooze transparent fluid. It is difficult to control the various eczema symptoms if you are unaware of the right treatment options, nutrition and remedies. So, here’s a look at some of the ways in which this illness can be managed: Treatment options and prevention of eczema There are several prescriptions that individuals can be recommended based on the severity of their case and certain other criteria: DUPIXENT® This is an FDA-approved treatment option for adults and children who are 6 months-5 years of age. It is used when other options to control the symptoms of moderate to severe atopic dermatitis have not worked out or for those who cannot use other topical therapies on the skin. However, DUPIXENT® can be used with or without the use of topical treatment options as well. CIBINQO® CIBINQO®, a JAK1 inhibitor, is an FDA-approved option for managing eczema symptoms in adults. This is an oral treatment option for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis whose condition cannot be controlled via other prescription options.