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5 foods to avoid when dealing with bronchitis

Bronchitis is an illness brought on by inflamed bronchial tubes—the airways to your lungs. These tubes become swollen, making it harder for air to pass through and causing breathing issues, throat pain, and cough. Along with the doctor’s prescribed treatment, one can make certain lifestyle changes to deal with the condition, such as limiting and avoiding food items that could hurt the health of the lungs. Some foods one should avoid are:

1. Red Meat
Red meat is difficult to digest, and when one is affected by respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis, digestion is already slower than usual. So, it could take up to 3–4 times longer to digest this heavy food item. A slow digestive system could result in inflammation and obstruction in the respiratory system, which can cause pain in the throat, persistent cough, and breathing issues. Additionally, a 2017 study in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition discovered that the consumption of processed and red meats is connected with inflammatory indicators in both men and women.

2. Excessive salt
In people with lung disease, excess sodium induces fluid retention, which can result in breathlessness. Even though table salt is the most popular source of sodium, the majority of our daily sodium intake comes from the food we eat. So one should reduce salty snacks and read the labels to make sure the food products they buy do not contain more than 300 milligrams of salt per serving. It is better to use herbs and spices instead of salt to season food.

3. Sugary drinks
One should choose water or drinks with no added sugar to avoid fizzy drinks and protect lung health. According to a 2019 study, children and adults who consume more than five sweetened soft drinks per week are more likely to suffer from chronic bronchitis and asthma. Even sugar-free soft drinks can harm the lungs when accompanied by other unhealthy lifestyle habits. Aerated drinks frequently contain artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and colors, none of which are good for people with bronchitis. One’s ability to breathe could be affected by the pressure exerted in the center of the torso from the carbonation in these beverages. Additionally, caffeine, sweets, and sugar substitutes in these drinks have little nutritional value. One should increase their water intake to stay hydrated and give the body adequate fluid to perform all metabolic functions. Sodas, energy drinks, colas, and other aerated beverages should be avoided.

4. Dairy
Research suggests that dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and milk can reduce one’s risk of lung cancer. Dairy products are linked to anti-inflammatory characteristics. However, casomorphin, a substance that is produced when milk is digested, stimulates the production of phlegm and mucus. This can lead to more coughing, which might make people with COPD experience wheezing and pain. Reducing one’s dairy intake by switching to milk substitutes such as almond, oat, or soy milk instead of lactose can help avoid worsening bronchitis symptoms.

5. Fried foods
Foods such as French fries and onion rings contain harmful fats that can exert pressure on the diaphragm and cause bloating and pain. Such foods can eventually result in elevated cholesterol levels and weight gain, in addition to the discomfort to the lungs brought on by bloating. This can worsen lung disease symptoms. In addition to causing indigestion, unhealthy fats can produce gas, exacerbating respiratory issues like bronchitis. Those with COPD should stay away from spicy and fried foods. It is also important to avoid fast food restaurants and drive-throughs to reduce the intake of fried foods.

The best strategy to improve one’s overall health is to ensure proper nutrition and adopt good eating habits.

Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected jointsâ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause poppingÂ sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase oneâs risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

Food items to be ignored when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an integral mineral that keeps your nervous and cardiovascular systems functioning. However, excess of it can result in conditions such as hyperkalemia. If your potassium levels are high, you might need to review your food intake to manage this condition effectively. High potassium levels in the body over a prolonged period can lead to serious health complications. Here is a list of food items to be avoided if you are diagnosed with hyperkalemia. Dried apricots Dried apricots are very high in potassium and must be avoided at all costs. Half a cup of dried apricot contains 755.3 milligrams of potassium. There are other dried fruits too which are rich in this mineral and should also be avoided. Half a cup of prunes has about 700 milligrams of this element, whereas the same quantity of raisins has 618 milligrams of potassium. Beans and lentils Food items such as beans may seem like a good option for energy and minerals but they can likely be harmful for consumption to a person diagnosed with hyperkalemia. For example, just a handful of canned kidney beans might contain about 607 milligrams of potassium and, thus, should be avoided. However, you can reduce the effects of potassium in beans by soaking uncooked beans overnight and rinsing them thoroughly before cooking. Another item that should be restricted is a cup of cooked lentils might contain about 731 milligrams of potassium High potassium veggies A cup full of veggies such as acorn squash has 644 milligrams of potassium. In comparison, other vegetables like potatoes and raw spinach could contain 610 milligrams and 344 milligrams of potassium, respectively. Other veggies that are rich in potassium include tomatoes, pumpkins, mushrooms, and beetroots. In addition to avoiding fresh tomatoes, one might want to consider avoiding tomato products such as sauces, purees, etc. Meat and dairy It is pertinent to note that potassium is not just found in plant-based food items but also in animal meat. For example, 3 ounces of chicken will have 332 milligrams of potassium. Nonfat yogurt could have 330 milligrams and 3 ounces of salmon could have 326 milligrams of this essential element. Beverages Apart from food items, certain beverages should also be avoided when you are diagnosed with a condition such as hyperkalemia. It would help if you avoided certain teas that contain alfalfa, dandelion, or nettle. Although, hot or cold coffee in limited amounts should be fine. When in doubt, always choose water. High potassium fruits You may find potassium in some largely common fruits that are otherwise very healthy to have. One should avoid fruits such as avocado, oranges, bananas, kiwis, mangoes, and cantaloupe to keep potassium levels in the body in check. Grains You must know that while following a strict eating habit for hyperkalemia, whole grains and bran, although healthy, should be avoided. Instead, you can try eating rice cereal or bread made up of refined flour. White rice and pasta made from refined white flour are also allowed. Sweets Several sweet desserts are rich in potassium. Desserts such as nuts, syrups, and even chocolates must be strictly restricted. If you desire for a dessert after a nice, healthy, low-in potassium meal, then look for sponge cakes with no icing, frosting, or toppings. If you are unsure what to eat and avoid when diagnosed with hyperkalemia, it would be helpful to ask a good doctor for more information. Although some of the foods listed above are healthy food choices, they should be avoided because of the amount of potassium they may contain. You might also want to ask your doctor about taking supplements to ensure your body gets all the nutrients it needs to function best.