Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a slow progressive disease that affects the central nervous system. MS results in the deterioration of a protective covering called Myelin that insulates the nerve fibers and disrupts flow of information from the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. There is no cure for MS, yet. The condition can be managed with changes in lifestyle, medications, and targeted treatment to overcome common discomforts. The following substitutions or eliminations in daily food can also help provide some relief. Saturated and trans fat Saturated fats (cooking in coconut oil, palm oil, dairy fats, and meat fats) can trigger an increase in cholesterol levels. People who are suffering from MS are at a high are risk of developing cardiovascular problems. High cholesterol only further increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Baked good and confectionaries also contain high amounts of trans fats as they are made using hydrogenated vegetable oils and shortening. Trans fats can trigger inflammation of blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular problems. Foods rich in sugar and salt Studies reveal a large number of relapse cases happened due to increased sodium levels in the system. Excess salts also increase the risk of high blood pressure that may lead to significant circulatory problems if left unchecked.

5 migraine-triggering odors Odors and fragrances are today present in a lot of things that surround us. However, not everyone is as tolerant to them. Especially for people with migraine, various smells can act as a trigger because of sensitivity. Inhalation of these strong odors can lead to dizziness and headaches. Here are some odors that can be toxic to migraine sufferers: Car exhaust Car exhausts are among the leading cause of environmental pollution. The gas leak from car exhausts is therefore understandably harmful. The leak has a very strong odor and over time can be the reason for high CO or carbon monoxide gas buildup. These fumes often cause nausea, shortness of breath, headaches, and dizziness. Cigarette smoke Cigarettes contain nicotine, a compound that is known to constrict blood vessels thereby decreasing the amount and speed of blood flowing to the brain. This can lead to severe migraines resulting from the slowing down of brain activity. Areas like the back of the head, face, and sides can hurt a lot too. This is because the blood reaching the meninges is also restricted. It is safer to avoid public places that permit smoking in order to avoid a migraine. Gasoline Gasoline emits potent vapors that hold the ability to dilate blood vessels.

3 foods that help manage Parkinson’s Parkinson’s is a degenerative neurological disorder that commonly affects the older population. However, there are times when patients present with early onset of the condition. Parkinson’s is associated with a lower amount of dopamine in the brain and damaged nerve cells. Parkinson’s does not have a specific include and exclude plan, however, there are certain foods that are said to be beneficial: Berries Berries are high on the list of foods that help improve our immunity and develop overall health. They pack a high amount of bioactive components namely anthocyanin – a flavonoid that is known for its antioxidant content. Flavonoids play an important role in protecting the brain against damage and degeneration. Additionally, the high amount of Vitamin C in berries helps keep secondary infections at bay. Fava Beans Carbidopa levodopa has been found to be important in the treatment of Parkinson’s patients. This makes fava beans a must-include food item in the list of foods that help prevent Parkinson’s. It can also help steer clear of carbidopa-levodopa side effects that can be encountered by taking supplements for the compound. Research suggests that there is more to fava beans and their ingredients that prove beneficial as a part of the patient’s menu.

Skincare products are formulated to help you cleanse, exfoliate, and counter surface odors. But most of these daily use sunscreens, face wash, shampoos, conditioners, and cold creams contain chemicals. Regular use only increases the concentration of such chemicals on the skin that can possibly trigger skin irritation, allergies, and even skin disorders like eczema. It is better to switch to more organic to lower this risk. Here are five major skincare ingredients to avoid and better protect your skin. Parabens You must have come across so many products these days that come with a paraben free disclaimer. That’s mainly because parabens are one of the most used preservative ingredients in almost all cosmetic products, especially fragrances. Compounds like propylparaben and Iosbutylparaben will increase the shelf life of the product but are really harmful for sensitive skin and people with eczema. Moisturizing agents Lanolin, propylene glycol , and petroleum jelly are largely used in moisturizing products or protective lotions. But improper refining processes trigger a release of harmful carcinogens called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). These are skin irritants that further worsen the symptoms of atopic dermatitis or eczema. It is one of the skincare ingredients to avoid at all costs. Synthetic fragrances Fragrances are formulated to mask the body odor and provide long lasting effect even on hot summer days.

5 household things that can cause lung damage Lungs are an integral part of the respiratory system. They make the absorption of oxygen into the bloodstream possible. It is important to keep the lungs healthy to maintain optimum oxygen intake. However, there can be things in the environment that can trigger lung damage. This article lists five such household factors that can trigger lung damage and diseases Mold Mold is a type of fungus that grows on damp surfaces and corners. It is common in houses with issues of leaking pipes. The fungus releases spores in the air and can trigger a severe reaction in people that are allergic to mold. The reaction is relatively severe in people with lung damage and diseases like asthma, COPD, and more. Carpet Carpets add to the allure and warmth of our homes. But there are some other things as well that they add to. This includes acting as a storage space for dust mites, cockroach droppings, mold, dander, pet hair, and other allergens. These are released back into the air often. It is advisable to clean and vacuum carpets multiple times a week to ensure they do not work as carriers for lung-damaging components.

Buying a mattress can become really confusing at times due to the sheer number of options available today. It is a product that you use daily but cannot purchase frequently. So you will have to make the right choice in the first go. Options only increase the odds of an impulse buy and could land you in potential sales traps. So here are a few common mattress buying mistakes to be aware of and avoid for your next purchase to get the best deal available. Do your research There are four types of mattresses namely memory foam, latex, coil springs with padding, and hybrid. Each bedding style offers a unique comfort level for different sleeping positions. Some are also designed to provide supportive orthopedic comfort. You must compare available options to check what type of bedding is suitable for your sleeping needs. Don’t go for the cheapest one While price is a major deciding factor, consider spending a little more to get a decent product. For example, single foam mattresses with minimal design elements are the most affordable ones to buy. But these mattresses lack the quality and necessary lumbar support for a good night’s sleep. Try them out Go for brands that offer a free trial period.

4 everyday activities that result in weaker eyesight We are aware of more than a few things that can cause our eyesight to dwindle. One of these major factors is aging. However, there are some day-to-day choices and activities we partake in that are slowly but surely impacting our eyesight. This article talks about some obvious and some not so obvious things that land us in the office of an Ophthalmologist, at some point. Make sure that you make an effort to avoid making the same mistakes after reading this The staring game Extended screen time is a norm in today’s world. The majority of the population spends time looking into the huge void of screens be it their computers, phones, or televisions. This community of pixels on our screen emits blue rays. While these rays are not as harsh on the eyes as UV rays, they have a better penetrative range and can end up causing deeper damage. Other side-effects of extended screen time include dry eyes, pricking of eyes, strained eyesight, and headaches that can result in progressive worsening of the condition. Rub rub rub Rubbing your eyes can be a knee-jerk reaction for people dealing with dry eyes.

An estimated 19 million Americans today have mild to moderate asthma. And for most people, there are certain food allergies and intolerances that worsen the symptoms. Many commonly consumed foods trigger inflammation or result in the narrowing of the airways in the lungs. Note that any drastic changes in daily eating habits will not necessarily be of help. However, moderation and abstinence lower the risk of flareups. Here are 5 such foods that trigger breathing difficulties with asthma. Foods that are rich in fats Red meats are heavily processed and contain saturated fats, one of the worst types that leads to an increase in LDL (low density lipoprotein) levels in the body. Most saturated and processed fats tend to worsen symptoms like inflammation causing difficulty in breathing. The risk is high among people who suffer from conditions like asthma or COPD. Dairy foods and beverages Whole milk (the full fat one) can trigger an excess production of mucous when the body breaks down the dairy product during digestion. Mucous buildup in the lungs increases the risk of an infection and worsens the inflammation linked to asthma flareups. Preservatives and artificial sweeteners Most foods bought off the shelves in the supermarket are laced with preservatives and additives to increase their shelf life.