Arthritis, a disease that affects your bones and joints, is characterized by inflammation and pain that can worsen with age. It is a very common condition. Although the effects of this condition can be reduced, it can never get completely cured. Foods like fish, nuts, and vegetables help prevent arthritis. However, some foods can cause inflammation and trigger the many symptoms of arthritis. There are many foods that you should avoid if you’re suffering from arthritis. Some of these include: AGEs Advanced Glycogen End (AGE) is a toxic substance that is formed when food is grilled, fried, or heated up in any form. This substance can cause damage to the proteins in your body. To fight this damage, your body releases cytokines, an inflammatory substance, which could trigger arthritis. Sugar High amounts of sugar in your food could also contribute to the development of AGEs. It is best to reduce the intake of candies, sodas, and other items that are rich in sugar. Dairy The protein found in dairy products is harmful to some people with arthritis, as it irritates the joints. If dairy products disturb your health, it is recommended you shift to vegan products which do not contain this protein.

Nasal polyps are soft, non-cancerous growth of the tissues that form in the nose or sinuses. If they are too large or there are many nasal polyps, it causes itching, runny nose, sneezing, and breathing difficulty. Nasal polyps are quite common and may be caused by allergies, inflammation, or infection. Surgery is a common treatment option; however, not everyone needs it. Here are some natural remedies to help ease nasal polyps symptoms and avoid surgery. Steam inhalation Inhaling steam can help unblock the nasal passages by thinning nasal mucus. It can also reduce swelling within the airways. An easy way of inhaling steam is to take a hot shower. Alternatively, you may heat a bowl of water and position the face over it while keeping a towel draped over the head to prevent steam from dispersing. Turmeric Turmeric is a yellow spice known for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. In people with nasal polyps, turmeric can decrease irritation and inflammation of the airways. There are many ways of using this spice. One can make turmeric tea by mixing 1-2 tablespoons of the spice in a cup of boiling water or add turmeric powder to curries, stir-fry recipes, and smoothies. Cayenne pepper Cayenne pepper contains an active compound called capsaicin, which makes the hot pepper taste hot.

Since Crohn’s disease directly affects the digestive tract and causes irritation and discomfort in the alimentary canal, people suffering from this disease should take primary care of their regular diet. The amount of food consumed, the calorie intake, and many other factors should be taken into consideration when suffering from this condition. In certain cases, the symptoms could get worse if one fails to maintain a healthy diet. What is Crohn’s disease? Crohn’s disease is both rare and life-threatening. It is a chronic disease which requires long-term medical attention and is mostly incurable. It results in inflammation of the intestines and might be accompanied by scarring of the inner intestinal lining. It can occur in any part of the intestine; however, the colon of the large intestine and ileum of the small intestine are prone to get affected more easily. The condition often lasts for years but can be lifelong for some people. Crohn’s disease may also result in ulcers in the inner lining as well as fistulae, which is extremely painful. Laboratory testing, as well as abdominal imaging, helps detect the disease. Foods to ease the symptoms of Crohn’s disease Since Crohn’s disease is not easy to cure, people suffering from it are advised to take thorough care of their diet.

Crohn’s disease is a chronic, lifelong disease that results in irritation and inflammation along the digestive tract. A Crohn’s flare-up could trigger or worsen symptoms including appetite loss, nausea, abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, among others. When one eats the correct kinds of foods, it can help in managing and relieving such flare-ups. Herein, we discuss the best foods one can have in such instances. Refined grains Refine grains such as pasta are easy to digest. They possess less fermentable fiber as compared to whole grains and, hence, they pass quickly through the digestive tract. They also are less likely to cause inflammation and tend to be easier on the gut. Some examples of refined grains are rice snacks, waffles, pancakes, plain crackers, pasta, white rice and bread, and fortified ready-to-eat cereals that contain added essential minerals and vitamins. Oatmeal Oatmeal made from rolled/quick oats is a kind of refined grain that contains slightly lesser fiber as compared to steel-cut oats. When one experiences a Crohn’s flare-up, it’s best to avoid foods that contain insoluble fiber, which could worsen diarrhea symptoms. Oatmeal has a soluble fiber known as beta-glucan that helps in easing diarrhea by adding bulk to the stool by slowing digestion, and absorbing water in the intestines and forming a gel.

Cholesterol plays an important role in many bodily functions. It is of two types — The first type is LDL or bad cholesterol, which leads to plaque build-up in blood vessels, increasing the risk of heart diseases. The other is HDL or good cholesterol, which can reduce the risk of heart conditions. It is important to develop healthy eating habits to lower LDL cholesterol. Mentioned below are three foods to avoid to maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Three high cholesterol foods to avoid Sugar-sweetened beverages Common examples of such beverages include off-the-shelf soft drinks, sodas, sports drinks, flavored juices, and energy drinks. Some form of electrolyte replacement drinks also contain excess sugar. These items are high in calories and provide zero nutritional value. Almost 11 percent of total calories come from sugar-sweetened drinks. Instead of these beverages, one can choose to have plain water since it provides adequate hydration. One can also opt for fresh homemade lemonade or fruit juices. To keep the calories in check, you can have herbal tea and low-calorie hot chocolate. Saturated fats Pizzas, butter, cheese, fast foods, red meat, or foods cooked in palm oil are all high in saturated fats. This type of fat increases bad cholesterol in the blood.

Studies indicate that heartburn may indirectly trigger heart palpitations, one of the common symptoms that may be a precursor to heart attacks. And there are many triggers of heartburn, ranging from unhealthy eating to lifestyle choices that could lead to potential problems down the line. However, simple substitutes and changes in daily foods can help both promote heart health and provide frequent heartburn remedies at the same time. Here is a brief overview. Green veggies Spinach, kale, collard greens, and other nutrient-rich green vegetables promote excellent heart health. These greens contain vitamin K, which helps protect arteries and are rich in dietary nitrates that lower the risk of blood pressure to improve overall cardiovascular function. Whole grains Brown rice, quinoa, buckwheat, barley, and oats are popular whole grains that help promote heart health. Whole grains help improve digestion, lower cholesterol, and improve systolic blood pressure levels, lowering the risk of coronary artery disease. Oatmeal also helps reduce the recurrence of heartburn as soluble fibers absorb a lot of the acidic content in the stomach. Banana Banana is rich in potassium and low in sodium, helping the body maintain healthy heart function and optimum blood pressure levels. Also, the alkaline content and soluble fibers, including pectin, promote better digestion.

Novavax, a leading biotechnology company, has gained worldwide attention with its innovative COVID-19 vaccine, NVX-CoV2373. This vaccine has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clinical trials utilizing cutting-edge nanoparticle technology, with 90% effectiveness in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and reducing the rate of hospitalizations. It has a favorable safety profile and the capacity for storage at standard refrigerator temperatures, which is helpful. Here are some things to know about the vaccine in detail: Development and technology The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine employs a novel nanoparticle approach to stimulate an immune response. This nanoparticle is designed to mimic the spike protein found on the surface of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. The vaccine does not contain a live virus, making it a non-replicating viral protein vaccine. This approach allows the immune system to recognize and develop defenses against the spike protein without causing the disease. Efficacy According to some clinical trials, the vaccine’s efficacy has been positive. In a phase 3 trial conducted in the country, the vaccine demonstrated an overall efficacy of around 90% against COVID-19. Importantly, it has also exhibited significant protection against severe disease, including variants of concern. Safety profile Safety is a paramount concern in vaccine development. According to reports, Novavax’s vaccine has shown a favorable safety profile, which means that the vaccine’s side effects are generally mild, including pain at the injection site, fatigue, headaches, and muscle pain.

Pneumonia, a widespread respiratory condition, majorly affects the lungs and is triggered by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. The body’s response to pneumonia is unique to each individual. Some may exhibit mild symptoms that could be mistaken for a common cold, while others may experience severe signs requiring immediate medical attention. Pneumonia may particularly affect those with weak immune systems. Recognizing the early warning signs of pneumonia is essential for timely intervention. What is pneumonia? Pneumonia is an infection that causes swelling in the lungs. Pus or other fluids due to external infections build up in the organ, leading to several health issues. Early warning signs of pneumonia Cough and breathing issues Persistent cough, wheezing, or noisy breathing, particularly when inhaling, accompanied by noticeable breathing difficulty, are some of the most common signs of pneumonia. Increased heart rate An accelerated heartbeat can be an indicator of pneumonia as the body attempts to compensate for reduced oxygen levels. Chest discomfort Individuals might experience sharp, stabbing chest discomfort that is exacerbated with deep breaths. Sweating and fever Profuse sweating and high fever that can go up to 105 degrees Fahrenheit are some other telltale signs of pneumonia. Fatigue Pneumonia often brings extreme fatigue in individuals.

As the country continues its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has taken a significant step to secure additional doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine. The federal government has recently adjusted its existing agreement with Novavax to secure extra supplies of the COVID-19 vaccine, NVX-CoV2373. Within the framework of this amended agreement, Novavax has committed to delivering an additional 1.5 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine and ensures continued public access to it. The need for extra doses The decision to purchase more doses of the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine reflects the nation’s commitment to bolstering its supply. This move acknowledges the need to offer the American people a diverse COVID-19 vaccine portfolio. It underscores the importance of Novavax’s partnership with the U.S. government to ensure continuous access to a protein-based option as part of public health measures. About the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine The Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, or NVX-CoV2373, is a protein subunit vaccine designed to stimulate an immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which causes COVID-19. It differs from the mRNA and viral vector vaccines as it uses a different approach. Novavax’s vaccine uses a harmless piece of the coronavirus’s spike protein to trigger an immune response without using live or weakened virus components.

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, can be a challenging skin condition to deal with. Itchy, inflamed skin can make day-to-day life uncomfortable and frustrating. But with the right strategies, one can take control of their skin’s health. If someone is dealing with atopic dermatitis, it’s important to know that there are ways to help manage and alleviate its symptoms. Here are three effective strategies for alleviating the symptoms of atopic dermatitis: Moisturizing Dryness is a common trigger for atopic dermatitis flare-ups, and one of the best ways to combat it is through consistent moisturizing. One must opt for thick, fragrance-free moisturizers or emollients. Moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and shea butter can provide long-lasting hydration. Ideally, moisturizer should be applied within three minutes of bathing or showering to lock in moisture. It is also advisable to keep a small, travel-sized bottle of water on hand for on-the-go hydration. Switching to an ointment-based moisturizer for extra protection in colder, drier months will also help. On a side note, it is essential to avoid hot water, as it can strip the skin of its natural oils, worsening eczema symptoms. Instead, switching to lukewarm water when bathing or washing hands would be better.