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5 kinds of foods that can trigger eosinophilic esophagitis

5 kinds of foods that can trigger eosinophilic esophagitis

Eosinophils are white blood cells that circulate in the blood and help the immune system fight diseases. An abnormally high count of these cells can trigger inflammation and affect other organs in the body. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic reaction where the inflammation affects the esophagus, forcing the passage to become constricted and develop rings or abnormal abscesses. One way to counter this reaction is to eliminate certain foods from the nutrition regimen.

Common discomforts of eosinophilic esophagitis
Patients may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, chest pain, or heartburn. This reaction can also make it difficult to swallow food. Food can get stuck in the esophagus due to inflammation and constricted passages if the symptoms are left unchecked.

Foods that trigger eosinophilic esophagitis
This kind of allergic reaction is caused by one of these common trigger foods:

Dairy products
Dairy products and ingredients derived from them can trigger or worsen the symptoms. This includes milk, condensed milk, buttermilk, artificial cream, margarine, cheese, ice cream, sour cream, and even some forms of mayonnaise. Casein, lactose, lactoglobulin, lactalbumin, milk powders, milk sugars, milk solids, and whey proteins commonly used in recipes are also potential triggers to eliminate or consume in moderation as per the doctor’s advice. Acceptable alternatives include milk derived from coconut hemp, rice, almonds, and dairy-free yogurts or cheeses.

Seafood
Common seafood options like shrimp, crab, lobster, oysters, clams, mussels, and scallops should be eliminated as far as possible. This includes fish used to prepare soup bases and stock for everyday recipes. These foods contain active allergens that aggravate the symptoms of eosinophilic esophagitis. One may switch to other animal-based proteins sourced from poultry, pork, or beef, depending on their choice.

Wheat and soy products
Any form of wheat that can trigger a gluten intolerance is considered bad for those with eosinophilic esophagitis. This includes bran, bulgur, couscous, farro, semolina, Kamut, and hydrolyzed ingredients derived from wheat for making commercial products. An allergic reaction from consuming these can result in permanent scarring of the esophagus or constriction of the already narrow passage. Tofu, tempeh, soya, bean curds, edamame, miso, and soy products are also unsuitable. Instead, patients may consider rice, oats, corn, quinoa, and acceptable refined soybean substitutes to avoid flare-ups.

Egg products
Eggs may be one of the best sources of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. But this poultry option may not be suitable for regular consumption for those struggling with the condition. Egg yolks, egg whites, and eggs in their dried, powdered, or natural form should be eliminated from daily food plans as they are trigger foods for eosinophilic esophagitis. Children can develop a more severe egg allergy as their digestive system cannot easily break down the nutrients to be absorbed by the body. Plenty of substitutes work best in place of eggs, especially for everyday recipes.

Assorted nuts
Assorted nuts are a great source of essential B vitamins and nutrients the body needs for nourishment. However, walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, Brazil nuts, and any form of cold-pressed or hydrogenated nut extracts can trigger inflammatory allergic responses. Therefore, nuts feature among the list of foods that trigger eosinophilic esophagitis and should be eliminated from the nutrition plan.

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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 joints’ 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 popping 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 one’s 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.

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Best foods to manage eosinophilic esophagitis

When eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, start building up in the esophagus, it leads to a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis. This can cause symptoms like soreness, pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. The condition is triggered by immune system dysfunction and allergic reactions. It is a rare disease, so there is limited awareness regarding its symptoms and treatment options. However, food plays an important role in managing the symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Dairy-free milk Milk and other dairy products are common food allergens that can aggravate the body’s allergic response. It is safer to eliminate all dairy-based foods from one’s meals and replace them with safer alternatives that do not trigger eosinophilic esophagitis. This means avoiding foods that include any milk compound, including lactose, casein, tagatose, and whey. Dairy-free milk derived from coconut, hemp, or rice is a great alternative. You can also use dairy-free cheese and yogurt. Egg substitutes Be it mayonnaise or meringue, anything that comes with eggs is can trigger an allergic reaction when dealing with eosinophilic esophagitis. This also includes baked goods that usually contain eggs. Check ingredient labels for compounds like lecithin, albumin, and globulin, and avoid such foods. Alternatives like apple sauce, mashed banana, flax seed and water mixture, and other binding ingredients can be used. Gluten-free grains Gluten is another ingredient that can induce an allergic response. As gluten is a common allergen, it is considered to be among the common food groups that need to be eliminated to keep eosinophilic esophagitis symptoms in check. This means replacing all types of wheat products like pasta, bread, and other foods with those made from gluten-free sources. Rice noodles are a great substitute for wheat or semolina-based ones. One can also opt for gluten-free grains like oats and quinoa. Seeds While seeds are comparatively safer than nuts like almonds and peanuts. This also means avoiding nut butter, nut milk, and nut-based yogurts for the most part. Further, macadamia and pine nuts are usually considered safe for patients. Additionally, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds are great alternatives. One can also opt for tahini, sunflower, and pumpkin seed butter as alternatives to nut butter. Fresh, unprocessed meat As a general rule, fish and seafood is the preferred source of lean protein. However, seafood should be avoided when dealing with eosinophilic esophagitis. For patients with this condition, seafood is better avoided and replaced with chicken, turkey, or other meats that are not processed. This includes avoiding all types of shellfish, like crabs, lobsters, oysters, shrimp, and mussels. One can also opt for other sources of protein, like chicken and bison. Elimination protocol plays a big part in the treatment and management of eosinophilic esophagitis. As this condition is triggered by an allergic reaction, it is important to make better food choices and avoid trigger foods. Any changes to one’s nutritional regimen should be based on the guidance of a healthcare professional. Doctors can help one choose safer foods and alternatives and make manageable changes to one’s meal plans.

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