Eosinophils are white blood cells in the immune system that ward off external attacks and protect the body from diseases. However, some allergic reactions trigger an unprecedented increase in the production of these cells. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation and swelling in the esophagus. Many risk factors are involved, but certain foods mainly trigger this allergic response. Here are common food substitutes that help manage EoE and prevent major flare-ups. Milk substitutes Milk contains a natural protein called casein that triggers an allergic reaction to the condition. People who are lactose intolerant are anyways unable to process any dairy. The top culprits include milk in all its forms, butter, margarine, cheese, yogurt, sour cream, mayonnaise, and salad dressings. These are all trigger foods that need to be eliminated. Nutritionists advise switching to more safe alternatives like coconut milk, hemp milk, oat milk, almond milk, and rice milk. These fortified substitutes eliminate the dairy digestion problem while retaining a balanced nutritional value. Further, one can switch to dairy-free yogurts and cheeses made from coconut, cashew, or hemp milk for regular intake. Eat gluten-free snacks Gluten is a protein commonly found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye.

Most people, at one point or another, suffer from digestive disorders. It could be something as common as constipation and diarrhea, which cause just a minor inconvenience. Or, it could be a complex digestive or gastrointestinal issue that affects one’s quality of life. Sometimes, problems like constipation and bloating appear as signs of another underlying health condition. Regardless, it is crucial to be aware of the common digestive conditions and their symptoms. Food intolerance This is one of the most common digestive disorders today. Food intolerance is a health condition where the digestive system does not react well to certain foods. A few common symptoms one may experience during an episode of food tolerance include bloating, cramps, gas, diarrhea, heartburn, headache, vomiting, and irritability. Food intolerance should not be confused with food allergies, which can also cause hives and respiratory issues. Constipation Chronic constipation indicates the body’s inability to get rid of waste matter. It occurs when the colon cannot move the bowels through the digestive tract. Around 63 million people in our country alone deal with this problem on a daily basis. Some causes of constipation include low physical activity, dehydration, low fiber intake, and specific treatments. When suffering from constipation, a person may experience decreased bowel movements, slow transit and passing of stools, and hard stools.

Headaches can be difficult to categorize because their symptoms and level of pain can differ from one person to the next. An individual may experience painful symptoms of migraines (a type of headache), while others may find their condition moderate. Sometimes people may develop constant headaches even if they have never experienced the sensation before. In this situation, individuals should visit a healthcare expert to check if the signs are indicators of other complications. Headache with sudden fever While the symptoms of headaches, including migraines, are treatable with prescriptions or adequate rest, one may require a professional diagnosis if one runs a fever simultaneously. A few with a headache usually indicates that the patient has a sinus infection. It could also mean that the individual is at risk of a more severe condition like meningitis (stiffness of the neck) or encephalitis (an infection of the brain), which may cause confusion and difficulty with speech. These conditions can turn severe if left untreated. Moreover, older individuals have weaker immune systems and are at a greater risk of developing these infections. A “thunderclap” onset A “thunderclap” onset refers to a headache that develops suddenly. Individuals susceptible to this phenomenon usually describe it as one of the worst pains they have experienced.

The thyroid gland is one of the most crucial organs in the human body and is responsible for producing hormones. These hormones control vital functions like blood pressure, heart rate, and core body temperature. It is located in the lower region of the neck. Any abnormal cell growth in this region causes thyroid cancer, more cases of which are reported among women. The known causes, risk factors, and symptoms of thyroid cancer are listed below. Causes and risk factors Family history of cancer Having a close family member who was previously diagnosed with thyroid cancer significantly increases the risk. It is for first-degree relatives, including parents, brothers, sisters, or children. Genetic risk Inheriting faulty genes also increases the risk of certain types of cancer. A modified genetic code can trigger health complications linked to the thyroid gland. Genetic risk is a common trigger factor in 25% of the cases diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer. Exposure to radiation The thyroid gland is susceptible to radiation. Therefore, repeated exposure does increase the risk of cancer among men and women. Commonly, the first signs of radiation exposure include developing nodules and lumps around the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency Iodine is an essential nutrient for the thyroid gland to function normally.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that may affect multiple joints in the body. Furthermore, the chronic condition may make it difficult to hold or grab objects and affect one’s ability to participate in daily tasks, which can be quite frustrating. There are several ways to deal with the inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. However, it is also imperative for one to let go of certain unhealthy lifestyle habits to manage their condition better. Walking around in uncomfortable footwear One may wish to wear trendy footwear that they come across on social media daily. Sometimes, people do so even if the shoe is uncomfortable. Wearing uncomfortable shoes may lead to pain in the toes and also affect the joints in the legs, especially if the individual has arthritis. Therefore, one should ensure they wear well-cushioned shoes and those with adequate ventilation. Individuals should also avoid shoes with high cushioning and arch support as this may reduce the foot’s natural shock-absorbing contractions when it makes contact with the ground. Furthermore, the heel of shoes should be kept to a minimum of 1.5 inches or lower. Lack of physical activity The onset of pain from rheumatoid arthritis may also discourage a patient from indulging in regular physical activity.

Healthy skin is rarely a result of frequent salon visits or pricey skin treatments. To keep one’s skin healthy, one needs to consistently have good hygiene practices, good food habits, a proper sleep schedule, and a healthy gut and stomach. A few things can negatively affect one’s efforts to get healthy skin. In severe cases, the following factors may also result in breakouts, signs of premature aging, or a common skin condition called eczema. Things to avoid Exposure to UV radiation Exposing bare skin to harsh sunlight or UV rays for a prolonged time may damage the skin tissues. It can also irritate the skin, cause sunburn and pigmentation, trigger premature aging, or even lead to skin cancer. Wearing sunglasses, caps, and sunscreen is the best way to avoid UV exposure. A tinted moisturizer sunscreen for the face not only protects the skin but also hydrates it and provides a thin layer of foundation. Moisturizer sunscreen works well for dry and sensitive skin. Alternatively, people with oily skin can opt for sunscreen with a lightweight formula. Unhealthy eating habits Gut health and skin health are closely related. Processed and refined foods can lead to toxins getting accumulated in the colon.

Long-term lung disease known as asthma affects breathing and results in coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. For some, it might only be a slight annoyance, but for others, it might interfere with regular tasks. Situations that pose a threat to life might arise from uncontrolled asthma. Although asthma cannot be cured, there are several techniques to control its symptoms. The causes, signs, and cities where asthma emergencies are most common are listed here. Causes of uncontrolled asthma There are several asthma triggers that should be avoided to prevent an attack. Common triggers include exercise, pollen allergies, dust, and pets. Undiagnosed problems can cause severe asthma symptoms. Some of the causes of uncontrollable asthma include: Underlying health condition Certain health disorders might worsen asthma symptoms. Environmental allergies and GERD are examples of such disorders. Other conditions, such as sleep apnea, can obstruct the upper airway while sleeping. Tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia are two other disorders that result in swollen airways and difficulty breathing. Therefore, it is critical to have a diagnosis for any of these underlying conditions to treat the symptoms at their source. Stress People with anxiety disorders may experience asthma attacks due to a panic attack or hyperventilation. Some people may experience difficult asthma symptoms due to intense emotions such as unhappiness, stress, or crying.

Blood circulation is essential for the supply of nutrients and oxygen to all parts of the body. Poor circulation can negatively affect vital organs, such as the heart, kidneys, and brain, and prove fatal if left untreated. But besides circulating well, the blood must also have a healthy count of vital constituents like plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Here are some foods that help improve blood count and circulation. Peppers Peppers like cayenne contain a compound called capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Some studies say it can help lower the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and arteriosclerosis. Beetroot Beetroots are rich in nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide. Nitric oxide is a vasodilator that helps expand blood vessels and improve blood flow to tissues and organs. It helps lower systolic blood pressure, widen arteries, and improve stamina. Beets are also a great source of folate, potassium, vitamin C, and fiber, which are essential nutrients for a healthy body. Leafy greens Like beetroots, leafy green vegetables, such as spinach and collard greens, are rich sources of nitric oxide. They help the blood circulate better through the body by dilating the blood vessels.