Nasal congestion is quite common, with a stuffy or runny nose being early symptoms. It is often accompanied by a throbbing headache, and can also lead to a sore throat as a side-effect. The condition mostly occurs due to allergies that cause the nasal tissues to be inflamed. Sometimes, sinus pressure also causes nasal congestion, leading to a stuffy or runny nose. The symptoms can be easily relieved with home-based remedies that moisten the nasal passages and lower inflammation of nasal membranes. Usually, humidifiers, nasal saline sprays, and steam showers ease the symptoms of this problem. Additionally, eating certain foods can help in decongestion of the nasal canals, while certain other foods worsen it. Here are the dietary dos and don’ts to follow by one suffering from nasal congestion. Foods that help to stop nasal congestion Certain foods have anti-inflammatory properties and eating them can help in providing relief to inflamed sinuses. Garlic: When crushed or chopped, garlic releases the enzyme called allicin. This enzyme is anti-bacterial and anti-viral. Adding it to soups, salads, dressing, or any meal prep can help in giving relief from nasal congestion. Garlic is thus one of the most effective decongestants you will find in your kitchen.

For many with multiple sclerosis, diet does not seem to be the obvious thing to manage their symptoms. Multiple sclerosis affects the central nervous system. The body’s immune system begins to attack the central nervous system. A person will start experiencing symptoms such as tingling, weakness, and pain. There might be mood swings, trembling, and fatigue. These symptoms may flare or relapse. To manage these symptoms better, a person needs to undergo therapy and medication along with exercise and a healthy diet. Eating certain foods may alleviate the symptoms. Also, avoiding certain foods may help in avoiding triggers that cause symptom flare-ups. Foods that will help Foods rich in antioxidants, biotin, probiotics, and vitamin D can help strengthen the immune system. This can help in avoiding flare ups and alleviating some of the discomfort associated with MS. Foods rich in probiotics Gut health is extremely important for those with progressive relapsing multiple sclerosis. The gut contains bacteria that break down food and help with digestion. A good gut health is therefore essential since it also gives a boost to the immune system. Probiotic foods such as yogurt, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut contain beneficial bacteria. These strengthen the immune system, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of MS.

When a person has a stuffy nose, scratchy throat, and/or throbbing headaches, the symptoms can point towards a cold or the flu. These symptoms can also overlap. So, unless a doctor runs a diagnostic test, it is hard to determine what the person is suffering from. More often than not, flu is worse than the common cold and can lead to complications like pneumonia. Both are caused by viruses and are highly contagious. If a person is down with cold and flu, it is important to eat a healthy diet to accelerate the process of recovery. Some studies suggest that the following foods may reduce the symptoms of cold and flu: Chamomile tea Chamomile is known to have antibacterial properties and is also commonly regarded as a sleep inducer. The symptoms of cold and flu can make a patient restless and uncomfortable, which can affect their sleep. Lack of sleep can mess up one’s immunity, which can be counterproductive when they’re down with cold and flu. So, a cup of hot chamomile tea can help the body relax and provide a good night’s sleep, consequently helping the body to fight the virus. Turmeric Turmeric contains curcumin, a natural and potent anti-inflammatory compound.

Migraines are not just headaches. They are a neurological condition that can trigger severe sensitivity to light and sound, often accompanied by nausea. The distress can be of varying severity and often a result of hormonal changes and changes in one’s diet. Genetics also plays a big role in a person developing an uncontrollable headache as the condition runs in the family and is passed down through the gene pool. One can manage these headaches with certain over the counter medications, or by making changes in diet and lifestyle. But before we can understand what works best, here is what you must know about the triggers. Foods and beverages that trigger migraines Alcohol Alcohol is one of the most common triggers of migraine. In fact, the hangover one experiences the very next day after drinking heavily is the result of the alcohol interacting with blood vessels in the brain. Substances like tyramine, histamine, tannin, and sulfites trigger inflammation and neurotransmitter activity that causes a migraine headache. Red wine, beer, white wine, and all types of liquor can result in an induced immediate or delayed migraine headache. Caffeine withdrawal Coffee helps many people get through the day. While some people may experience a headache due to the consumption of coffee while others experience moderate to severe migraines during caffeine withdrawal.

Sweating the usual amount every day is no cause for alarm. It is just the body’s natural response to heat, rigorous exercise, or even stress. Sweat glands in the skin secrete this liquid from within to help maintain body temperature. However, excessive sweating is caused by certain eating and lifestyle habits, you must try to understand the trigger associated with the symptom. Foods that cause excessive sweating Apart from weather and external elements, changes in food habits including consuming foods that directly trigger excessive sweating must be taken into consideration. Some of the major foods and beverages that trigger sweating are Spicy foods Avoid eating spicy foods to prevent excessive sweating. Studies show that spices tend to excite and aggravate the receptors that recognize the food and its function. It also triggers sweating as an automatic response to the body’s rising temperature owing to the signals sent by the spice receptors to the brain. Spicy foods also increase metabolism, and the body has to work twice as hard to maintain equilibrium. Coffee Your morning, post-lunch, or even late-night cup of Joe is one of the common reasons for sweating. Caffeine is an active stimulant that directly affects the central nervous system.

Sleep apnea is one of the many sleep disorders that can disrupt a good night’s rest and result in fatigue during the daytime. The condition forces your body to breathe intermittently throughout the night, and the most common type of sleep apnea occurs due to a blocked air passage that causes multiple short pauses in breathing without you even realizing it. Often, these short breaths are also accompanied by loud snoring. There are three types of this condition: obstructive sleep apnea, central sleep apnea, and complex sleep apnea. In addition, the severity of the symptoms varies depending on the type of condition, which also affects the method of treatment. Having said that, some dietary and lifestyle changes can help you effectively manage the symptoms associated with sleep apnea. For starters, a healthy overhaul of your diet to accommodate the following foods will help you sleep well at night: Foods with complex carbohydrates Whole foods are great sources of complex carbohydrates that are both good for overall health and help induce deep sleep. Research shows that low blood sugar levels can result in poor sleeping habits as it affects the body’s natural process of producing serotonin, a hormone that contributes to the feeling of wellbeing and happiness, both of which are crucial for good rest.

Usually affecting people between the ages of 30 and 50 years, psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that is closely related to psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that results in the development of red, scaly rashes. Almost a third of the people with psoriasis are likely to be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, although the symptoms of the joint condition can also appear before the rashes develop. Symptoms and causes The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis, and the condition is characterized by severe joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. Swollen fingers and toes, foot pain, and lower back pain are common indicators of this condition that stems from an abnormal immune response leading to an attack on the healthy cells and tissues and resulting in the inflammation of joints. Environmental and genetic conditions are likely triggers of the abnormal immune response that leads to psoriatic arthritis, and certain genetic markers have also been linked with the condition. Can it be treated? There is currently no cure for psoriatic arthritis, and medications aim to reduce the severity of the symptoms that accompany the condition. That being said, leaving psoriatic arthritis untreated can be disabling, so medical attention must be sought at the earliest.

People suffering from insomnia normally have trouble falling asleep or maintaining a good sleep cycle. One can either have acute (short term) or chronic (long term) insomnia. And the severity of the symptoms and problems associated with sleeping will vary depending on the triggers. Insomnia can either be a result of poor sleeping and eating habits or may even stem from depression or anxiety. Although there’s no cure for insomnia, you can make a few changes in your diet and include foods that promote better sleep. Have a look. Milk or yogurt A glass of warm milk before bed promotes sound sleep. In fact, it’s one of the few dairy products that contain necessary nutrients and sleep-inducing compounds including melatonin, calcium, vitamin D, and tryptophan. Apart from the medical benefits, having milk is more of a childhood habit for many. So, the body is already accustomed to absorbing the nutrition benefits better than most alternatives to help promote restful sleep. Another preferable alternative is having some yogurt. This fermented dairy product has the same nutrients more or less that helps process hormones like melatonin and tryptophan regulate sleep. Tea Although it may not be the preferred choice, chamomile tea can help you get a good night’s sleep.