A person’s eyesight is probably the most important of the 5 senses. Eyes are complex organs that require different nutrients and vitamins for proper functioning. Common conditions like dry eyes, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma, can significantly impact a person’s eyes. Though various factors might be responsible for this condition, poor or insufficient nutrition influences it the most. Here is a list of vitamins one must consume to improve eye health. Vitamin A Vitamin A has antioxidant characteristics to help reverse or slow down oxidative damage to the cells and DNA. These have a significant role in several age-related conditions. Vitamin A is crucial and one of the quintessential vitamins for eye health. It enables the eyes to yield pigments, allowing eyes to see the full spectrum of light. Vitamin A also nourishes other parts of the eye. Vitamin A deficiency causes Xerophthalmia, a condition that damages the cornea. It is also a prevalent cause of preventable blindness. People who consume less Vitamin A suffer from dry eyes. Of course, using dry eye drops is an option, but doing so won’t fix the body’s deficiencies. Thus, in addition to the dry eye drops, one must consume foods rich in Vitamin A.

Headaches are one of the most prevalent forms of pain. They can affect anyone regardless of their age. Sometimes, it is a primary headache, implying the problem is the headache itself. For this, you can get a migraine prescription online, and the prescribed treatment can cure your pain. However, at other times, a headache indicates an underlying medical condition. This is known as a secondary headache. Here are some headache signs you must never ignore. Temple pain or tenderness In people aged over 50 or older, a throbbing headache concentrated around one’s temples might indicate temporal arteritis (giant cell arteritis), meaning the blood vessels in the head are inflamed. A few more signs of this disorder include fatigue, tenderness of the temples or the scalp, trouble chewing or jaw pain, vision changes, and flu-like symptoms. The condition is more prevalent in women than in men. Typically, the headache from giant cell arteritis aggravates over time or might go away and recur. Regardless, it is vital to get it checked. It can result in sudden vision loss if one fails to get it treated in time. Fever It can be concerning if the headache is accompanied by a fever and might imply an infection in the brain, like meningitis, or encephalitis.

The pandemic has led to an uptick in diabetes cases, as the low-grade inflammation triggered by the virus can worsen existing diabetes by tampering with insulin resistance. Certain research indicates that the virus can replicate within pancreatic beta-cells responsible for insulin production, hampering both synthesis and secretion. While the general health risks associated with excessive sugar consumption are well-known, this highlights the need to understand the seven warning signs of excessive sugar intake listed below. Sugar cravings If you have intense cravings for sweet foods and drinks, like candy, donuts, and soda, it may be a sign of consuming too much sugar. When we eat a lot of sugar, our bodies become used to getting a regular dose of it and start craving more. But giving in to the temptation can create a vicious cycle that leads to further cravings. While saying “no” to sweets can be challenging initially, it provides a range of health benefits in the long term. Trouble sleeping If you have difficulty falling or staying asleep, it could be because you’re adding too much sugar to your meals. Excess sugar can cause blood sugar spikes, leading to difficulty sleeping. It can also disrupt your circadian rhythm, the body’s natural process that regulates your sleep cycle.

Lupus, or systemic lupus erythematosus, is an autoimmune disorder that can cause issues or pain in different body organs and systems. It might also result in complications and inflammation ranging from minor to life-threatening. In this autoimmune disorder, the body’s immune system affects the healthy cells. Studies by the Lupus Foundation of America concluded that over 1.5 million people in the country have lupus. Scroll to learn the systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis and symptoms. Fatigue Around ninety percent of people with lupus experience fatigue. Of course, an afternoon nap might be beneficial, but excessive sleeping during the day might cause insomnia at night. Given your condition, it might be challenging, but if you try sticking to a routine and remaining active, you can keep your energy levels high. If the fatigue prolongs, you must consult a medical expert for a problem treatment plan. Raynaud’s syndrome It is a prevalent health condition wherein the small blood vessels in the toes and fingers spasm. It also hinders circulation. Some people with Raynaud’s syndrome experience extreme sensitivity to cold weather. Hence, when the temperature drops, they will experience a loss of color and poor circulation than people sans this condition. This condition affects thirty-three percent of people with positive systemic lupus erythematosus diagnosis, resulting in color loss in toes and fingers.

Macular degeneration or age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 55. It is characterized by changes in the macula, the area in the center of the eye where vision is the sharpest. Understanding the condition’s symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and timely treatment. However, one’s food habits can worsen or lower the risk of AMD. Here are some safe foods and foods to avoid for managing AMD. Foods to eat Pomegranate and its juice The liquid found in the seeds of this red fruit helps with vasodilation or blood vessel dilation. Further, pomegranates are a rich source of vitamin K, minerals, polyphenols, and Vitamin C. They help lower blood pressure and increase blood flow across the body and within the eye. Moreover, pomegranate has three times better antioxidant activity than green tea. Hence, it can address concerns like oxidative stress, high blood pressure, hyperglycemia or high blood sugar levels, and inflammation, which worsen or contribute to AMD. Nuts and seeds Studies reveal that nuts have polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats in them. In addition, nuts and seeds are also good sources of bioactive compounds with excellent antioxidant potential. They also provide the body with essential vitamins, minerals, fiber, and protein.

Osteoporosis can make the bones weak and brittle. Sometimes, the bones are so brittle that mild stress or a fall like coughing or bending over might result in a fracture. Typically, osteoporosis-related fractures occur in the spine, wrist, and hip. Bone is a living tissue that constantly breaks and replaces itself. Osteoporosis occurs when the new bone creation fails to keep up with the loss of old bone. There can be different causes of osteoporosis, but some health conditions increase the risk. Inflammatory bowel disease Several studies reveal that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), predominantly Crohn’s disease, are more susceptible to developing osteopenia and osteoporosis. Studies suggest that osteoporosis might occur in every one in seven people with Crohn’s Disease. However, there is no one specific reason for IBB being responsible for osteoporosis. But some plausible explanations include: Prednisone, a corticosteroid for IBD treatment, impacts bone metabolism. In only a few months of consumption, it decreases bone density and heightens the susceptibility to fracture. Sadly, even low prednisone dosage can increase the risk of fractures. Alternative options like methotrexate and cyclosporine can also lower bone density. Crohn’s disease, or IBD, is a known risk factor for osteoporosis. Many newly diagnosed patients showed low bone densities even before they started corticosteroids.

Poor blood circulation can result in several health conditions, such as peripheral artery disease and Raynaud’s disease. It can also cause digestive issues, numbness, muscle cramps, a cold sensation in the feet and hands, and pain. While one can treat circulatory issues with therapies, proper nutrition is also essential. The foods listed here not only optimize blood flow but also improve a person’s blood count—the vital cells in the blood. Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper gets its spiciness from a phytochemical called capsaicin that reduces blood pressure and promotes blood flow by triggering the release of nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a popular compound that ensures blood flows seamlessly through the arteries and veins by relaxing the tiny muscles in the blood vessel walls and expanding the blood vessels. Studies suggest that cayenne pepper also improves blood vessel strength and lowers plaque buildup in the arteries. Interestingly, this spicy pepper is a typical inclusion in pain-relieving creams because it amplifies blood flow to the affected area. Beetroot Beetroots are a powerhouse of healthy nutrients like nitrates, which help improve blood flow and regularize blood pressure. Beetroot juices are an absolute hit among health fanatics as they are also a great immunity-boosting food.

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.

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, allergic inflammatory disease of the esophagus. The esophagus is a tube that carries food and liquids, connecting the throat to the stomach. EoE can happen at any age but is most commonly diagnosed in adults and children. Fortunately, one can keep the symptoms of EoE at bay with the help of certain nutritional changes. Keep reading to learn about how nutritional changes can help manage the condition. Safe food choices Almond milk For EoE patients, it is an excellent alternative to cow’s milk. It has fewer allergens than cow’s milk and is also high in vitamin E, which helps reduce inflammation. Coconut milk It is a dairy-free and lactose-free alternative to cow’s milk. It is high in monounsaturated fats, believed to help reduce inflammation associated with EoE. Coconut milk is also high in essential vitamins and minerals such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, and iron. All these make coconut milk a good source of nutrition for EoE patients. Quinoa It is a gluten-free grain that is high in protein and fiber. It has antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage by free radicals, which can play a role in causing health problems like cancer.

Digestive disorders or gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are a group of conditions that affect the digestive system. These conditions can cause various symptoms, from abdominal pain and nausea to bloating and difficulty swallowing. This article lists five common digestive conditions, their associated symptoms, and the possible treatment options and remedies to help better manage those symptoms. One should consult a doctor for a confirmed diagnosis if they think they might have these disorders. Heartburn Heartburn is a common digestive condition that causes a burning sensation in the chest, which can be pretty uncomfortable. The burning sensation is typically felt after eating or when lying down and is often accompanied by a bitter or sour taste in the back of the throat. In some cases, the burning sensation that begins in the chest can travel up to the neck and throat. Heartburn can result from several factors, including a poor nutrition plan, lifestyle habits, and other underlying health conditions. Treatment for heartburn can vary depending on the cause and severity. Several treatments are easily available on the market to help reduce symptoms, but it is best to speak with a doctor before using them. In addition to treatments, doctors may recommend lifestyle changes to manage heartburn, such as avoiding certain foods and including fiber-rich options in the meal plan.