Depression is a growing concern among health care workers as well as the populace. The fact that the condition is not restricted to a demographic makes it even more difficult to deal with. Being mindful about the food being consumed or daily habits have proven to be beneficial for depression and other mental health conditions. Here are three foods that work tirelessly towards better management of depression and its symptoms. Sweet potato Sweet potatoes are a staple of many festive meals. But research shows that they may just be the perfect food for all seasons. Sweet potatoes are rich in many nutrients such as vitamin A, beta-carotene, and fiber. They are also rich sources of magnesium, which is known to reduce the levels of stress and anxiety in the body. Lower levels of magnesium have been linked to depression and insomnia. The complex carbohydrates present in sweet potatoes are also known to improve one’s mood, making it an ideal food source to manage depression symptoms. Dark chocolate Chocolates are considered unhealthy in most cases, but if it is the dark and unsweetened kind, it has several health benefits, especially for people with a mental health condition. The large quantities of antioxidants found in a bar of dark chocolate not only help manage stress but also lends a helping hand in managing anxiety and depression.

Food allergy is common in both children and adults. It is a condition in which a person’s immune system erroneously identifies specific components in food, typically protein, as enemies. As a result, it triggers an immune response that causes inflammation and other symptoms, such as diarrhea, rashes, shortness of breath, and even life-threatening anaphylaxis. Though nearly any food can trigger an allergic reaction, the following are more likely to cause a problem. Peanuts Peanuts are one of the most common causes of food allergies in humans. And the biggest concern is that allergic reactions caused by them can be severe and potentially fatal. Researchers are not sure why some are allergic to peanuts, but they maintain that a family history of peanut allergy increases an individual’s risk. Milk Milk allergy is the most common food allergy in infants and young children. However, most children grow out of it as they age. The problematic components in milk are its proteins—whey and casein. Milk allergy must not be confused with lactose intolerance, which is the body’s inability to fully digest the natural sugar (lactose). Wheat Approximately two-thirds of children with wheat allergy grow out of it by adolescence. Nevertheless, many adults are allergic to any of the hundreds of proteins found in wheat, causing symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, itching, and even anaphylaxis.

People who have eosinophilic asthma usually exhibit high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell that helps build a strong immune system. However, when abnormally high levels of eosinophils come in contact with the cells present in the airways, they can cause inflammation. Eosinophilic asthma can also cause type-2 inflammation, resulting in decreased lung function. The following article specifically focuses on allergens like smells that trigger the symptoms of asthma. Symptoms of asthma A person who has inhaled asthma-triggering odors may exhibit symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing when exhaling, and frequent coughing. Shortness of breath may be caused due to decreased lung function or inflamed air passages in the case of eosinophilic asthma type-2 inflammation. Odors that trigger the symptoms of asthma The symptoms may be caused due to a variety of allergens, including dust, dander, or pollen. While these allergens can be avoided to a certain extent, allergens like gases and aerosols can be a challenge to avoid. Statistics suggest that more than 40 percent of people with asthma report health problems due to odors. The odors that trigger asthma symptoms include: Household smells These include air fresheners, chlorine and bleach (present in cleaning products), colognes and perfumes, deodorants, furniture polish (wood varnish), nail polish remover, fireplaces, and wood-burning stoves.

Leading a regular life becomes quite challenging when one faces breathing troubles sporadically. Breath-related issues, such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and pain or pressure in the chest are usually symptoms of lung diseases like MAC disease and COPD. Certain foods we regularly eat can negatively affect our lungs and exacerbate breathing problems. So, this article lists some common foods one must avoid to ease breathing issues and control MAC disease and COPD symptoms. 1. Fried foods Fried foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and potato chips, are among the unhealthiest foods anyone can eat. These foods can cause gas and bloating, making breathing more difficult in those suffering from breath-related conditions. Fried foods, being calorie-dense, can also lead to weight gain, which increases pressure on the lungs. 2. Salty foods Too much salt spells more trouble when you’re suffering from breathing problems. That’s because salt, or sodium, can cause fluid retention in the body, triggering high blood pressure and shortness of breath. Steer clear of various high-salt foods like canned soup, pasta sauce, and tortilla chips, and replace salt with spices and herbs in dinner recipes. 3. Processed meats Ham, hot dogs, sausages, and other processed meats are usually loaded with nitrates to improve color and prolong shelf life.

Oral health is essential, but despite that, most often easily neglected by individuals. While it is recommended to visit a dentist regularly, there are some tips and tricks that we can use at home to make sure our teeth are healthy, clean, and white! Here are some ways on how you can keep your teeth shiny and white through safe and tested methods. Do speak to your dentist before using these tips regularly at home. Easy at-home teeth whitening tips Whitening trays and strips You can easily find reputed whitening strips and trays which contain a bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide. These strips are applied directly to the enamel to see desirable results. Activated charcoal whitener Charcoal whiteners have three very effective ingredients, namely activated charcoal, bentonite, and an oil like orange seed oil. These whiten the teeth by getting absorbed into them. Teeth whitening pastes These pastes contain ingredients such as sodium bicarbonate, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate that remove stains from the teeth and polish them. Whitening packs These whitening packs are to be applied directly onto your teeth. You can do so at night after brushing your teeth. The pack is to be used as per instructions.

Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disorder that commonly affects senior individuals. However, there are times when patients are diagnosed with the early onset of the condition. The disease is associated with a lower amount of dopamine in the brain and damaged nerve cells. Dealing with a condition such as Parkinson’s does not have a specific to-do not-to-do plan; however, there are certain foods that are believed to aid in its management. Foods that help manage Parkinson’s Bananas Bananas contain magnesium, a critical nutrient that helps lower the risk of spasm and muscle cramps. Patients with Parkinson’s are also low on dopamine, an essential neurotransmitter that regulates communication linked to movement. Bananas contain tryptophan and tyrosine, both key building blocks of dopamine that help supplement this requirement. Berries Studies reveal that free radicals can damage healthy brain cells and worsen the cognitive symptoms linked to Parkinson’s. Blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, goji berries, and elderberries are loaded with essential antioxidants and vitamin C to combat this stress and boost cognitive function. Berries are also loaded with fiber that helps manage constipation, one of the critical discomforts linked to the disease.  Broccoli Green vegetables are rich in fibers and antioxidants that actively help combat oxidative stress to minimize dopamine loss.