A severe form of arthritis, gout occurs when the uric acid levels in the blood increase. The spiked up uric acid levels cause crystal formation, which accumulate in the joints. Uric acid in the body forms when the body breaks down a chemical called purine. This naturally-occurring compound is also found in plants, animal meats, and other food sources. Eating these foods can worsen gout symptoms. Here is a list of food triggers that should be avoided by gout patients. Fish Some seafood and fish such as shellfish, scallops, anchovies, herring, mussels, codfish, haddock, and trout contain high levels of purine. Consuming these can increase the purine levels in the body, and result in painful formation of crystals in and around the joints. Salmon and crustaceans such as crabs, lobsters, oysters, and shrimps contain moderate amounts of purine. Meat These are one of the major food triggers for gout patients. Organ meat such as kidneys, liver, sweetbreads, brain, and game meat such as pheasant, veal, and venison contain high amounts of uric acid, which can increase purine levels in the body. This can result in gout symptoms such as swelling, redness, and pain in the joints. Meats with medium uric acid content include chicken, beef, ham, and pork.

Ulcerative colitis (UC), a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), causes ulcers and long-lasting inflammation in the digestive tract, including the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum. The symptoms usually develop gradually rather than suddenly in the form of flare-ups. The symptoms of this type of IBD can be significantly reduced with medications and a few simple dietary tips. These eating tips for patients with ulcerative colitis should be followed only after consulting a doctor. Eat cooked vegetables This is one of the most important eating tips for patients with ulcerative colitis. Raw fruits and vegetables can cause gas, bloating, and stomach pain during a flare, as they can be hard to digest. Cooked food and peeled fruits are better for people with ulcerative colitis. For extra nutrient intake, the broth left after cooking vegetables can be used to cook rice. The rice will absorb the nutrients from the vegetable broth. This will ensure a nutrient-packed light meal. Cut down on spicy foods Spicy foods can aggravate ulcerative colitis symptoms. These types of foods increase the acidity in the digestive system, which can provoke an already-irritated colon. So, it is advisable to stick to bland or moderately spicy food during a flare-up and give the gastrointestinal tract sufficient time to heal.

Our body needs some amount of cholesterol to carry out daily activities. But, too much cholesterol in the diet ends up sticking to the walls of the arteries, thereby blocking them. This further increases the risk of suffering from coronary artery disease and other heart ailments. Lipoproteins present in our blood carry two types of cholesterol throughout the body – LDL (low-density lipoprotein), which is sometimes called the “bad” cholesterol, and a high LDL level leads to a build-up of cholesterol in your arteries. Another type, HDL, is sometimes called the “good” cholesterol. It carries cholesterol from other parts of the body back to the liver, which removes the cholesterol from the body. The following are some cholesterol-lowering foods that can be included in the daily diet. Oatmeal, oat bran and high-fiber foods The soluble fiber, in oatmeal, reduces the “bad” cholesterol. It is also found in such foods as Brussels sprouts, apples, kidney beans, and pears. Soluble fiber can reduce cholesterol absorption into the bloodstream. Fish and omega-3 fatty acids They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can reduce triglycerides in the body. A type of fat, triglycerides are found in the blood. These fatty acids can also lower blood pressure and the risk of developing blood clots.

Today, osteoporosis is a leading disease and cause for bone weakness and brittleness. Unfortunately, many patients don’t realize that they have the condition until a fracture occurs. According to WebMD, osteoporosis often starts very quietly and is not discovered until an injury occurs, such as a major bone fracture. However, there are symptoms of osteoporosis that you can look out for. Common symptoms of osteoporosis include: Chronic spin or backache Fractures in the hip, wrist, or spine A gradual loss of height or stooped posture Along with medication and physical therapy to treat osteoporosis, doctors will often recommend incorporating certain foods into the diet that support bone health. In fact, research from the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends certain bone-building foods to help prevent osteoporosis, such as foods high in calcium and vitamin D, as well as: 1. Fish Fish is one of the best foods for osteoporosis. All fish is rich in calcium, which helps bones stay strong and healthy. The best types of fish to eat for osteoporosis are sardines, salmon, and anchovies, as well as shrimp, swordfish, clams, and mackerel. Not to worry if you don’t eat meat, there are also non-fish foods that are rich in calcium such as kale, oranges, almonds, sesame seeds, white beans, and blackstrap molasses.

The common flu and cold are similar illnesses that affect the respiratory system, but are caused by different viruses. Symptoms can manifest in the form of sore throat, stuffy nose, and headaches for either cold or flu. However, navigating the flu and cold season is not as tricky as you may think. In addition to using supplements and pharmaceuticals to combat flu and cold symptoms, your diet can also foster immunity and lessen the duration of both illnesses. Below are five foods that help boost your immunity during the flu and cold season: 1. Garlic Garlic is known to be one of the best examples of foods that cure cold. This food houses a compound called alliin that, when chewed or crushed, turns into allicin. Furthermore, because allicin is unstable, it then turns into sulfur-compounds that lend itself to medicinal properties. These sulfur-compounds have proven to amplify the body’s response to diseases when it encounters things that cause illnesses, such as those that cause the regular cold or flu. It is because such a response is prompted, in the body’s white blood cells, that immune function is increased. 2. Ginger Another food that helps to treat and prevent the flu and cold is ginger.