Chronic kidney disease, or chronic renal disease, is when the kidneys gradually lose their function. Since the kidneys’ primary function is to filter out wastes from the blood, their deteriorating function can lead to metabolic wastes building up in the body, making the person unwell. Therefore, the basic idea of a kidney-friendly meal is to limit the consumption of food rich in sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorous. So let’s learn about what foods are ideal. Foods to eat: Blueberries Blueberries are known as a “superfood” for a good reason, as antioxidants are abundant in this berry. They are also a low-calorie fiber and vitamin C source and contain only low potassium levels. Hence, these are good for kidney patients. Alternatively, raspberries, strawberries, and cranberries are other fruits equally suitable for those with stable renal conditions. Olive Oil The best supplement to any meal plan imaginable is olive oil. Its low sodium, potassium, and phosphorus concentrations make it highly edible for people with renal issues. Its high concentration of beneficial monounsaturated fats makes it the ideal cooking oil for kidney patients and healthy individuals. Extra virgin or virgin olive oils should be purchased as they contain more antioxidants. For example, one may use olive oil in cooking, salad dressings, bread dipping, and vegetable marinades.

It is normal to lose fifty to one hundred hairs per day. This suggests that new hair is replacing the existing hair as the hair goes through its natural growth cycle. Alopecia, which is another name for hair loss, however, denotes a more serious health condition where a person loses more than a hundred strands every day. Here are several underlying diseases that may be the cause of the hair loss. What are the indications of severe hair loss? Hair loss caused by illnesses can appear in different ways. For some, the signs may appear suddenly, and for others, they may only be visible over a period. Some general signs include: Bald patches on the scalp Broken hair Redness or swelling on the scalp Sudden thinning of hair Loss of hair in the beard, eyebrows, or elsewhere in the body Which diseases trigger hair loss? Here are some health conditions that may trigger hair loss in some people: Lupus Lupus is an autoimmune condition in which one’s immune system cannot differentiate between the body’s healthy cells and the foreign bodies and begins attacking them. Hair loss is one of the most common signs of lupus and occurs when the inflammation affects the scalp.

About 80% of women worldwide suffer from menstrual cramps, also known as dysmenorrhea. Women can have period pain right from their teens and continue till menopause. However, in around 5 to 10% of women, menstrual cramps are painful enough to disrupt their daily lives. These cramping pains are intense throbbing sensations in the lower abdomen experienced during the menstrual period. This pain can radiate to the thighs and the lower back as well.  The menstrual pain begins 1 to 3 days before the period starts, peaks on the second day of the menstrual cycle, and usually subsides after the third day. Some women may also have headaches, nausea, loose stools, dizziness, and painful menstruation. How to deal with menstrual cramps? If the cramps are mild or moderately painful, certain home remedies can help relieve the pain. However, if it is debilitating and disrupts your daily life, you may need to see a doctor. For pain that is not too severe,  there are some home remedies that you can try. They include: Hot water bags Hot water bags or compresses applied to the lower back and abdomen can help soothe the period pain Exercise Some studies suggest that light exercises like yoga and mild cardio can reduce period cramps.

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that affects approximately 2 to 3% of the world’s population. The symptoms of psoriasis include dry, cracked skin, colored patchy rashes, scaling spots, and itching or burning sensation. There is no cure for this condition, and all the treatments for psoriasis aim to improve the symptoms. Patients need to stick to a proper nutritional regime that includes eatables that help manage the symptoms and excludes the foods that can worsen the condition. 6 foods that can help manage psoriasis Fruits and vegetables Fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants. They protect a person’s body cells from the effects of free radicals. They contain lots of vitamins and minerals that help keep inflammation down. Foods like berries, grapes, tart cherries, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. are beneficial for managing psoriasis flare-up. Fatty fish Since fish like tuna, lake trout, cod, mackerel, and sardines are rich sources of omega-3, they can be consumed to keep psoriasis in check. However, it is seen that the intake of omega-3 is linked to a decrease in inflammatory substances and overall inflammation. Heart-healthy oils Consume olive oil and coconut oil, which are considered heart-healthy oils is considered healthy for managing the condition.

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have blocked airways, making breathing difficult. They have to use more energy while breathing than a normal person. Chronic inflammation weakens the immune system reducing its ability to fight the disease. People with COPD need to consume enough calories to produce excess energy for breathing. Following a nutrition-rich meal plan can help you maintain overall health, strengthen your immune system, and improve lung function. Here is a list of immunity-boosting foods for COPD patients. Salmon To boost energy, people with COPD should include protein-rich foods in their meal plans. Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation in the airways. Omega-3s are also critical for respiratory health and the immune system. According to a study, consuming fish frequently is associated with a decreased risk of COPD. Oranges Oranges are rich in Vitamin C, which is vital for a variety of immune system functions and for preventing lung infections. Citrus fruits like oranges help fight against toxins in the body and lower the rate of damage in the lung tissues. COPD patients also benefit from eating high-potassium foods vital to lung function. Oranges also contain potassium and can help with breathing issues.

The studies show that around 14% of people face chronic constipation at some point. The symptoms of constipation include passing stools less than three times a week, feeling bloated all the time, having hard stools, and needing too much force to pass the stool. Constipation can be due to poor eating habits, slow digestion process, dehydration, illness, pregnancy, certain treatments, etc. A person should keep their food habits in check to manage constipation. 6 foods that can help treat constipation Given below are some fiber-rich foods that can help relieve constipation and regularize bowel movements: Fruits Fruits are rich in insoluble fiber and have high water content, making them a good pick, especially if one suffers from constipation. Here are some high-fiber fruits that can help ease the condition: Kiwi : Kiwi contains the enzyme actinide, which helps with indigestion, pain, acid reflux, and abdominal discomfort. Apples and pears : These fruits have high water content and can aid digestion. Blackberries : They are a rich source of fiber and water. A bowl of blackberries and raspberries can help with constipation. Grapes : They contain a lot of water and can hence add moisture to hard stools. Whole wheat pasta, bread, and cereals Whole wheat products like pasta, bread, and cereals are a great source of insoluble fiber.

Migraine is a type of headache that may result from a neurological condition. It causes severe pulsating pain, usually on one side of the head. If you regularly have migraine attacks, consult a neurologist who can treat your chronic migraine. The doctor will help you identify the factors that trigger your headaches and treat the pain accordingly. A person’s age, family history, sex, and hormones make them more prone to migraines. Migraine triggers Though the deep-rooted cause of migraines remains unknown, specific triggers can cause the onset of migraines. Some of them are: Food and food additives Particular food and chemical additives may set off migraine attacks. Fasting is another meal-related trigger that is responsible for this h ealth  condition. Caffeine, chocolate, cheese, pickled, fermented, and cured foods are associated with a migraine attack. Also, it has been found that food items containing more Tyramine may cause this condition. It has also been reported that Migraines may also be triggered by aspartame, an artificial sweetener, and Monosodium Glutamate (MSG), the flavor enhancer. Many people believe in this rational finding, while the experiments have led to conflicting results for aspartame. Hunger and dehydration Hunger or skipping meals is another factor that triggers this  health  condition.

Potassium is the third most abundantly found mineral in the human body. It is an essential microelement needed to maintain normal fluid levels inside the cells. It plays an important role in the function of the heart, nerves, kidneys, and muscles. Additionally, potassium helps regulate muscle contractions and send nerve signals. Low and high potassium levels can adversely affect an individual’s overall health. As the body does not produce potassium, it can be obtained from foods. Health benefits and recommended intake Potassium has several health benefits, and these include:  It is required for managing blood pressure and maintaining good cardiovascular health.  It helps in maintaining bone density and muscle mass. It improves kidney function as it prevents the formation of kidney stones.  The recommended dietary intake (RDI) of potassium is 3500 mg/day to 4700 mg/day for healthy adults. Potassium-containing foods to include in regular meals  Avocados A whole Avocado without its seed and skin can provide you with 16% of the daily RDI of potassium. It contains around 690 mg of the mineral. Avocados are also rich in vitamin K, folate, and healthy fats. They are good for people who have high blood pressure as they are low in sodium.