Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological condition affecting around one million individuals nationwide. Studies suggest a hybrid of environmental and genetic factors is responsible for the condition. Though there is no cure, a combination of therapies can help improve the quality of life for patients with the condition. Understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of the disease can be helpful for an early diagnosis and better management of the condition. Tremor Rhythmic shaking or tremor typically starts in the limb, usually your fingers or hands. You may rub your forefinger and thumb back and forth. It is called the pill-rolling tremor. In people with Parkinson’s disease, the hands tremble while at rest. The shaking usually reduces while performing tasks. However, not everyone experiencing shaking may have Parkinson’s. In some cases, shaking might be routine, especially during stress, after workouts, or after injury. At times, shaking may also be an outcome of ongoing prescription treatments. Small handwriting A sudden change in your handwriting size might also be an early warning sign of Parkison’s disease symptoms. People with Parkinson’s cannot monitor their movements because of neurological changes. It can make motor skills, such as writing, more challenging.  The condition is known as Micrographia.

Dementia is a progressive disease that often begins with subtle changes in memory, mood, and behavior but can quickly lead to a loss of independence and cognitive function. In the following article, we will discuss six red flags that indicate the presence of dementia that one should not ignore and avoid in the future. Identifying the early warning signs of dementia is crucial to receiving an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Warning signs of dementia Memory loss It is one of the commonly known signs of dementia. If your loved one seems to be forgetting important details about themselves, their family, or life events, it could indicate dementia. While everyone experiences some degree of forgetfulness as they age, significant memory loss that disrupts daily life is a red flag. They might forget recent events or conversations, repeat themselves frequently, and rely heavily on notes or reminders to remember basic tasks. In some cases, individuals with dementia might also forget important dates like birthdays or anniversaries or lose track of the season or year. If you notice your loved one is struggling to remember information that was previously easy to recall, it may be time to talk to a healthcare professional. Difficulty with everyday tasks Another alarming sign of dementia is difficulty with everyday tasks.

Your bladder is an integral part of your body that deserves the utmost care. Maintaining a healthy bladder is a prerequisite for proper urinary function and overall well-being. Nevertheless, some common mistakes while peeing can damage an individual’s bladder and lead to various health problems. Therefore, in this article, we will discuss six pee-related mistakes that you need to sidestep to ensure a healthy bladder. So, let’s learn more about them. Not peeing when needed One of the most common pee mistakes people make is holding it in when they need to go. Whether you’re at work, on a long road trip, or just don’t want to move from your couch, ignoring the urge to pee can harm your bladder health. For example, holding in urine can cause your bladder to stretch beyond its capacity, leading to bladder infections, kidney damage, and incontinence. The preferable thing you can do for your bladder health is listen to your body and go when needed. If you’re in a circumstance where you can’t access a restroom right away, try to find ways to distract yourself or use relaxation techniques to help you hold on until you can go. However, it’s important not to hold in your urine for extended periods habitually.

Arthritis affects 350 million people around the world. The condition causes joint pain and inflammation. In addition to seeking appropriate treatment, making healthy nutritional changes can also help reduce the pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. An easy way to get more anti-inflammatory foods and essential nutrients into the meal plan is to have smoothies. So, here are delicious and nutrient-packed smoothies that can help one deal with arthritis and relieve its symptoms. What is arthritis? Arthritis is a comprehensive term used to describe over 100 different types of joint conditions. It affects people of all ages, genders, and ethnicities. The most common type of this condition is osteoarthritis, which develops when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones wears down over time. Other common types are rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Some factors may contribute to the development of arthritis, such as genetics, injury, infection, and hormonal changes. The condition can cause pain, stiffness, swelling in joints or surrounding tissues, decreased range of motion in affected areas, and fatigue. Symptoms vary based on the type but generally worsen with age or after extended periods without movement, such as sitting for long periods at work or sleeping for too long without stretching.  Best smoothies Tropical sunrise smoothie For those looking for a refreshing and nutritious beverage to ease arthritis pain, the tropical sunrise smoothie is the perfect option.

Our body converts food into energy through metabolism, when the food and oxygen get broken down as energy and carbon dioxide, respectively. We exhale the carbon dioxide while breathing out. Those with a lung disease might have to work much harder to exhale the carbon dioxide. A meal plan that is poor in antioxidants and fiber or rich in nitrates, fat, and sugar is bound to affect the lungs and trigger symptoms like breathing difficulties. Foods to omit for healthy lungs Lung diseases can cause breathing difficulty, prevent the lungs from working properly or affect other respiratory organs like airways, blood vessels, and lung tissues. The lungs’ main function is transporting oxygen to all body parts and carrying carbon dioxide away from the lungs. Some of the common diseases that affect the lungs include viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, asthma, mesothelioma, lung cancer, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Inflammation in the lungs and airways can also lead to many lung-related diseases. One should omit all foods that can trigger any infection or worsen existing lung disease. This is crucial for anyone with a history of lung infection, who has been exposed to harmful chemicals, lives in polluted environments, or works in hazardous professions.

Parkinson’s disease is a movement-related disorder caused by degeneration of the brain cells that control the body’s movements. The nerve cells stop producing dopamine – a neurotransmitter that works with other chemicals to communicate between nerve cells and muscles that control movement. This condition can be managed with timely diagnosis and various treatment methods, including oral prescriptions, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) procedures, lifestyle changes, and exercise. Role of foods in managing Parkinson’s disease There is no official recommendation or solid evidence yet to show that a specific food or a combination can help in managing the advancement of Parkinson’s Disease. It is a degenerative condition resulting in tremors, slow movement, imbalance, rigidity, sleep disorders, pain, mental health disorders, and sensory disturbances. Oral treatments for Parkinson’s Disease are known to cause multiple side effects: Nausea Vomiting Loss of appetite Constipation Dyskinesia – uncontrollable movements of arms, legs, torso, and face Confusion Daytime sleep Constipation Low blood pressure Since Parkinson’s Disease mostly affects seniors, their food intake has to consider the physical and mental changes they go through, any comorbidities they may have, and also manage the side effects of the oral prescriptions. It is recommended to consult a nutritionist to devise the right menu plan that provides the required nutrition, helps manage side effects, and prevents worsening symptoms.

Inflammation, infection, cell and tissue damage, and aging are some of the common factors that can contribute to issues that interfere with the normal functioning of the lungs. Respiratory issues are usually triggered by viral or bacterial infection, exposure to irritants and environmental pollution, lack of nutrition, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and a family history of a lung-related condition. Here, good eating habits can help in maintaining lung health and preventing respiratory issues. Managing lung health Limiting exposure to pollution is a key measure to protect the lungs. So, one should wear masks outdoors to avoid dirt, dust, smoke, and hazardous fumes from entering the body. Maintaining the highest hygiene standards at home and outside can help one prevent contracting any infection through airborne pathogens. While a healthy meal plan and regular exercise can strengthen the lungs, frequent medical checkups can help identify any risk of lung disease so that one can take necessary preventive measures. Best foods for lungs A nutritious, balanced, and lung-friendly meal plan can help the immune system keep infections at bay. So, one should add the following nourishing foods to their daily meals: Sources of vitamin A The lungs are among the last organs to develop in a fetus, so the right nutrients during pregnancy help in healthy lung development.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting children and adults. It occurs due to inflammation of the esophagus, which leads to issues in contraction. In some cases, the esophagus may also become narrower and develop abscesses. Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, and food getting caught in the esophagus are some of the symptoms. Read on to know more about this condition and which foods can help manage the symptoms. What You Must Know About Eosinophilic Esophagitis Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) has become one of the most common esophageal and reflux diseases. When a person has EoE, white blood cells known as eosinophils accumulate or overcrowd the esophagus, causing pain and inflammation. Though eosinophils are meant to protect us from infection, if there are too many and they begin to collect in the wrong places, it causes problems. Allergies, infections, and diseases like inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis, sarcoidosis, some types of blood cancers, and autoimmune myocarditis can lead to the overcrowding of eosinophils. If one finds it difficult to swallow food or if it frequently gets stuck in the throat, it could indicate EoE. Family history and genetic changes can also lead to an increase in the number of eosinophils.

Just like how the human body replaces old cells with new ones, bone tissue often gets broken down and is replaced by new tissues. If the body cannot produce new bones fast enough to replace the lost ones, it is a condition known as osteoporosis. Here, the skeleton becomes fragile, and the bones turn weak and brittle, putting people at risk of frequent fractures. Keep reading to learn about healthy foods to manage osteoporosis symptoms. Food and osteoporosis Osteoporosis can affect all the bones, but it is most common in the hip, wrist, and spine. Fractures can also affect the upper arm, lower legs, and pelvis. The broken bones can lead to severe pain and disability. Osteoporosis is a silent disease, as symptoms don’t show until a fracture occurs. An individual’s bone mass increases steadily until they reach 12 years of age, accelerating at puberty until mid-twenties, after which it begins to decline steadily. Though it is impossible to prevent bone loss, a healthy nutritional regime can help children achieve peak bone mass and prevent premature bone loss in adults. For people with osteoporosis, the bones become so weak that a cough, a mild fall, or stress can lead to fractures.

Arthritis is a chronic condition that leads to the stiffening of joints and surrounding tissues, causing severe pain and movement issues in the affected areas. Prescription treatment and physical therapy are the recommended course of action for dealing with arthritis pain. However, changes in eating habits can aid treatment and relieve the discomfort to an extent. An arthritis-friendly meal plan consists of nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory foods and is free from highly processed snacks that worsen symptoms.  Arthritis and nutrition There are many types of arthritis, including gout, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and osteoarthritis. Although they can cause different symptoms, all forms of the condition are caused by inflammation, leading to pain and joint stiffness. There is no cure for the condition, so doctors focus on a combination of prescription treatment, physical therapy, exercise, lifestyle changes, and food choices. Although nutrition alone cannot cure or relieve arthritis, a good food plan can help manage the symptoms. Here, the ideal food regimen should focus on providing adequate nutrition and maintaining regular body mass. High BMI results in additional pressure on the joints, causing pain and stiffness, directly increasing the dependency on prescriptions.  Doctors recommend a plant-based meal plan with fruits and vegetables, omega-3 fats, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats as the best option for dealing with the condition.