Top 9 foods for managing macular degeneration
Health

Top 9 foods for managing macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a condition in which the retina’s central portion (macula) deteriorates. The macula is responsible for recording images one sees before they are sent to the brain. Macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, usually affecting people over 65. However, the condition can also develop in younger individuals due to genetic factors. One could make better food choices to manage the symptoms of this condition and improve eye health. Salmon Adding fish like salmon to one’s meal plan may significantly help improve eye health. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and proteins—essential nutrients that encompass each cell in the body. Moreover, salmon is rich in a type of omega-3 fatty acid called DHA, which is commonly found in the retina and the brain. Other fish varieties that may help maintain eye health include sardines, anchovies, and mackerel. Broccoli Multiple types of leafy green vegetables, including broccoli, can provide the necessary nutrients to maintain eye health. One can also choose other healthy veggies, like bell peppers and Brussels sprouts, that are rich in vitamins A, C, and E, which help the body fight and prevent cellular damage. Carrots One of the carrot’s primary benefits for people with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is its antioxidant called beta-carotene.
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11 foods to avoid with Crohn’s disease

11 foods to avoid with Crohn’s disease

Crohn’s disease is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes chronic inflammation in the lining of the digestive tract, from the stomach to the anus. Although its primary cause is unknown, experts believe the condition may result from an autoimmune response. Crohn’s is treated with the help of various therapies, but patients are also advised to follow a healthy meal plan. This includes avoiding specific food categories that trigger inflammation and worsen Crohn’s flare-ups. Whole grains Whole grains are a generally healthy source of fiber and nutrients and a staple in many kitchens. However, they can worsen Crohn’s symptoms like diarrhea and abdominal pain and create a lot of unrest in the gastrointestinal tract. So, during a flare-up, one must avoid high-fiber whole grains like barley, popcorn, rye, and wheat. Instead, patients can turn to rice, rice pasta, potatoes, cornmeal, polenta, oatmeal, and gluten-free bread for their daily dose of carbs. Beans Beans are incredibly nutritious and an excellent vegetarian source of protein. However, they are also rich in insoluble fibers and are notorious for causing gas. Further, they contain lectin, a compound that can be hard to break down, causing inflammation and worsening one’s symptoms during a flare-up. FODMAP fruits Fruits high in short-chain carbohydrates like fermentable oligo-, di-, monosaccharides, and polyols (together known as FODMAPs) have been reported to worsen the symptoms of Crohn’s, like diarrhea and bloating, during a flare-up.
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