Psoriasis is an autoimmune skin disease that causes one’s skin to become scaly, inflamed, or itchy. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, over 8 million people in the country suffer from this skin condition. Psoriasis doesn’t yet have a definitive cure, but there are several treatments to manage its flare-ups and ease its symptoms. Every psoriasis case is different. So it’s best to consult a dermatologist for treatment alternatives in combination with some home remedies. Natural remedies for psoriasis Aloe vera While there’s no evidence that shows a direct connection between psoriasis treatment and aloe vera, some studies suggest that it can ease the disease symptoms. Aloe Vera absorbs easily in one’s skin and is a natural moisturizer especially suitable for sensitive skin. Natural aloe vera gels are enriched with antioxidants. Its healing, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties can ease psoriasis flare-ups like itchiness and irritation. Turmeric Turmeric is another powerful remedy for easing psoriasis flare-ups. It contains curcumin which has antifungal and medicinal properties. It usually comes in powder form and can either be used externally on the skin or included in one’s daily meals. Applying natural turmeric paste on itchy skin or discolorations, scrapes, or lesions can help soothe and heal it.

A person’s neuromuscular system involves the synergistic working of their nerves and muscles to facilitate movement. Neuromuscular diseases directly or indirectly affect the nerves or the neuromuscular junction (the meeting zone of muscle fiber and motor nerve ends) to impair an individual’s muscle movement. Multiple factors can trigger these disorders, including metabolic issues, hormonal imbalances, viral infections, and others, many of which are still unknown. Here are some vital details about the various neuromuscular disorders: Symptoms of neuromuscular diseases Neuromuscular disease symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening. Some of the symptoms are: Muscle wasting It is common for individuals with neuromuscular diseases to experience shrinking, weakening, and loss of muscles, indicators that are collectively known as muscle wasting. This symptom reduces a person’s ability to heal muscular injuries. Movement issues As stated earlier, an individual’s neuromuscular system regulates and facilitates their movement. Neuromuscular diseases make any kind of movement painful and difficult for patients. Apart from movement, these diseases (in their advanced stages) also affect an individual’s balance, making it difficult for them to stand on their feet. Skeletal deformity In its advanced stages, neuromuscular diseases cause severe muscle spasticity, or stiffness, in individuals. This causes extreme difficulty in bending joints for performing day-to-day functions.

The tears secreted by the eye are a combination of mucus, oils, water, and antibodies. This mixture helps lubricate and moisturize the eye. Moreover, tears help provide proteins to keep eye infections away. But sometimes, the organ cannot secrete sufficient tears, which results in complications that may affect one’s daily lifestyle. As for those who are affected with dry eyes, studies show that between 16 million to about 49 million individuals in the country have the condition. Symptoms The symptoms of dry eyes affect each person differently. Here are some of the most common symptoms of the health condition. Excessive tearing. A feeling of grit in the eyes. Sensitivity of the eyes to smoke and wind. Blurred vision as the day comes to a close. Discomfort when wearing contact lenses. Trouble keeping the eyes open for a prolonged time. Seeing double vision. String-like mucus formations around or in the eyes. Experiencing stinging or burning sensations. Redness or soreness. Fatigue of the eyes after reading even for a short time. Sticky eyelids, especially when the individual wakes up. Excessive pain in the eyes is a common trigger of anxiety. The pain can also negatively affect the person’s ability to perform daily activities.

A person with psoriasis must avoid all triggers. Doing so will manage the condition and avoid any unexpected flare-ups. Such triggers may include certain foods, so their complete removal from the food plan may help patients live discomfort-free lives. Also, as psoriasis is a chronic condition, its management becomes extremely difficult, but avoiding potential triggers may prevent the worsening of symptoms and flare-ups. Given below are food items that a person with psoriasis must avoid. Foods to avoid Patients with psoriasis and its accompanying symptoms should avoid food that can increase inflammation because immune system response and inflammation may lead to a flareup. Hence, here are some foods that a person with psoriasis must avoid. Eggs Eggs are considered harmful for people who have psoriasis. In this case, one factor that plays a significant role is the presence of a fatty acid known as arachidonic acid, a known trigger for psoriasis symptoms. Hence, patients are suggested to steer clear of eggs and avoid consuming them in any form. Wheat In most cases, celiac disease is characterized by an immune response to gluten. Research suggests that psoriasis patients have shown increased gluten sensitivity markers. Thus, cutting out all wheat-based products containing gluten is suggested, and opting for gluten-free alternatives such as buckwheat, quinoa, and rice is recommended.

Studies indicate that the human brain absorbs about 20-30% of energy from one’s daily calorie intake. Brain health determines a person’s cognitive abilities, including learning, attention, memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Cognitive capacity is greatly dependent on the type of food one eats. Nutrient and antioxidant-rich nuts, eggs, fish, fruits, and vegetables boost cognitive functionality. But certain foods, like the ones mentioned below, are best avoided to ensure optimal brain function. Refined sugars Added or refined sugars can include baked goods like donuts, candies, chocolates, cakes, cookies, ice cream, and more can lead to memory problems. Glucose is an essential component to fuel one’s cellular capability, but overconsumption of it in the form of added or white sugar can slow down one’s cognitive functions. Some studies indicate a link between chronic intake of refined sugar and memory impairment. Sodas and energy drinks Energy drinks and sodas are marketed as products that instantly boost one’s energy levels but could also lead to forgetfulness. Elevated blood sugar levels due to high intake of sugary beverages may lead to diabetes, abnormal insulin levels, and decreased blood flow to the brain. These, in turn, heighten the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Vegetable oils Vegetable oils can provide the much-needed omega-3 fatty acids, but the high intake of refined oil made from corn, canola, or sunflower is associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline.

Daily nutrition impacts overall health, so one must maintain a healthy intake of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients to keep vital organs in check. Simultaneously, it is necessary to avoid triggering foods and beverages that spike blood sugar and blood pressure levels. These spikes can affect the eyes, heart, brain, and overall metabolism resulting in a number of health complications. Therefore, here are foods to avoid to lower the risk of dry eyes and irritation. Processed meats Processed meats contain a lot of unhealthy fats, additives, and preservatives. These elements spike blood pressure (hypertension) and increase the risk of hypertensive atrophy. The condition mainly damages healthy blood vessels in the eye, causing blurry vision. High blood pressure also triggers a buildup of fluid behind the retina and blocks the blood flow to nerves that control vision. One must avoid excess consumption of red meats like beef, pork, lamb, sausages, bacon, and other cuts sold at the deli counter in the supermarket. Foods rich in unsaturated fats and sugar Cooking in hydrogenated vegetable oils increases the intake of unsaturated fats. Safflower, sunflower, corn, soybean, and sesame oils all contain linoleic acid. Studies show linolenic acid increases the risk of inflammation with dry eyes syndrome.

People with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, can experience symptoms such as rectal bleeding, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, and muscle loss. IBDs cause inflammation in the colon, rectum, upper gastrointestinal tract, and other critical areas in the digestive and excretory systems. Certain foods can trigger such inflammation and aggravate IBD symptoms. So, the following foods should be avoided when dealing with an IBD. Foods to avoid One should make changes to their meal plans when dealing with digestive or gastrointestinal issues like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, diverticulitis, malabsorption, short bowel syndrome, and intestinal ischemia. Here are foods to avoid for IBD: Coffee Caffeine-based drinks like coffee can aggravate inflammation associated with an IBD, especially Crohn’s disease. Regular and excessive coffee intake can cause diarrhea, flare-ups, and discomfort in people dealing with bowel issues, making coffee one of the key foods to avoid for IBD. Walnuts Nuts and seeds of all kinds are difficult for the body to digest and absorb, worsening symptoms of IBD. Healthcare experts and nutritionists advise people with the condition to avoid nuts like walnuts, hazelnuts, pecans, cashews, almonds, peanuts, and seeds like sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, wild rice, and pumpkin seeds. Limiting these foods can help one avoid flare-ups, gas, diarrhea, and bloating.

People should get tested for food allergies to eliminate foods that could leave them with compromised digestive systems. Those who have recently suffered an infection or have been recommended powerful treatment can also experience changes in their gut microbiota. It is yet another case where digestive problems can arise. Some common signs of poor digestive function include difficulty swallowing, painful swallowing, or chest pain while eating. Individuals with digestive trouble must avoid trigger foods. Processed foods Fiber helps regulate the digestive system. Processed foods are not only low in fiber but also high in salts, preservatives, and food coloring. It makes things difficult for people with sensitive stomachs. Fiber deficiency leads to increased constipation, while the additives cause issues like gas, bloating, indigestion, and acid reflux. Artificial sweeteners Foods and beverages prepared with artificial sweeteners cause a change in the body’s natural gut bacteria. This can lead to gastrointestinal tract problems. Sugar-free drinks, candies, and gums are the best examples. They are loaded with refined sugar alternatives like xylitol, maltitol, and sorbitol, which cause gas, bloating, and other digestive and laxative effects. They can also cause the body to produce more acid than it needs, leading to stomach ulcers. Spicy foods Although spices are believed to help with digestion, they can trigger digestive problems in people with sensitive stomachs.

Parkinson’s disease is a neurological condition that leads to impaired movement. Symptoms vary by individual, but they typically include muscle spasms, tremors, and muscle soreness. There is no cure, but one can manage the condition by making changes to overall meal plans. While some foods, like fruits and vegetables, can help with symptoms, others should be avoided to maintain overall health. Thus, here are some foods to avoid to help prevent developing Parkinson’s. Foods to avoid to help prevent Parkinson’s disease Processed food Processed foods, such as canned goods, sodas, cereals, chips, sweets, and cakes, have been linked to increased symptoms of the condition. Parkinson’s disease frequently causes symptoms such as swallowing, speech, and odor problems. Processed foods only exacerbate these issues, making it vital to avoid them. Dairy products Drinking milk and having dairy products regularly may increase the chances of developing this condition; it may also hasten the progress. Thus, it is better to stay away from significant amounts of dairy items. Sausages Protein is essential for good health, but processed meats like sausages can weaken the immune system and raise blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Instead of cured meats like sausages and hams, one should eat fatty fish, skinless chicken, turkey breast, and various plant-based types of meat.

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects the plasma cells, which are a crucial component of the body’s immune system. Common treatment options for this disease, such as chemotherapy, can affect one’s appetite and make one feel overwhelmed and tired. This can make it challenging to get the right nutrition. Further, as multiple myeloma also weakens the immune system, it is important to steer clear of foods that can make one sick. Raw or undercooked meat Raw or undercooked foods are the most common cause of food poisoning. Cooking meat helps destroy any harmful bacteria. Due to this, those undergoing (or have recently undergone) treatment for multiple myeloma must avoid the following: Cold hot dogs or deli lunch meat if these are not cooked or reheated until the meat is steaming hot Dry-cured, uncooked salami Smoked fish Refrigerated pâté Raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters, may carry the Hepatitis A virus until not cooked properly Sushi and sashimi Undercooked eggs—soft-boiled, over-easy, or poached Foods containing raw eggs, such as raw cookie dough Unpasteurized dairy/drinks Raw milk can carry dangerous bacteria, such as E. coli or Salmonella, that can wreak havoc on a weakened immune system. People with multiple myeloma must avoid foods made from unpasteurized dairy products such as raw milk yogurt or soft cheeses like blue-veined, Brie, Camembert, feta, goat cheese, and queso franco/Blanco.