The common cold and influenza are contagious respiratory illnesses triggered by various viruses. While one can recover from the infection in a week or two, some persistent symptoms can affect overall health. To control such health risks, one should try to maintain a robust immune system. Here, making better food choices is a great way to strengthen immunity. So, one can try these simple smoothies to beat flu and common cold symptoms. Apple smoothie This recipe calls for blending apple chunks and a cup of coconut milk. The smoothie will improve vitamin C levels in the body essential for boosting the immune system. Orange smoothie All one needs is a large orange, half a cup of dairy-free yogurt, a small carrot, some ground ginger, turmeric, and ice. This vitamin C-rich smoothie is a great option to deal with cold and flu symptoms. Green smoothie A green smoothie usually contains fresh fruits and vegetables, like kale, spinach, mangoes, and pineapples. All the ingredients should be blended with one-and-a-half cups of unsweetened almond milk until the mixture is smooth. The ingredients contain calcium, vitamin C, fiber, and folate, which boost immunity. Turmeric-infused smoothie Adding turmeric to smoothies is known to enhance antioxidant action.

Intrauterine devices (IUDs) are a modern form of birth control that are long-lasting, effective, and safe. They are shaped like a ‘T’ and fit inside the uterus. Their primary role is preventing sperm from reaching and fertilizing the eggs. IUDs may be hormonal or non-hormonal. However, there are several myths associated with IUDs and their usage that need to be debunked for the safety of women’s health. Here are six common myths to note. IUDs can only be used by older women IUDs are a safe and effective option for women of all ages. They are available in different sizes to suit the size of a woman’s uterus; it is not a one-for-all device. If a doctor recommends that one is too young to get an IUD, try getting a second opinion. IUDs can cause infertility While this may have been true for some intrauterine devices in the 70s, modern IUDs pose no risks to one’s fertility and are perfectly safe to use. IUDs lead to infections Earlier, IUDs (in the 1970s) were linked to Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and had to be recalled for the same. IUDs today do not cause any infections. However, they also do not protect against sexually transmitted infections or diseases, so it is advised to always use a condom, even with the implant.

The pain caused by arthritis is often agonizing. It is a broader term for joint pain or joint diseases, and its effects can be disabling and prevent one from indulging in regular activities. Eating certain foods may also help one tackle the symptoms of arthritis. However, constantly having limited meals can be tiresome. Therefore, here are six healthy and delicious smoothie ideas to help one manage arthritis and joint pain. Pineapple anti-inflammatory smoothie Pineapple juice is rich in enzymes like bromelain that can reduce pain caused by arthritis. You can make a delicious smoothie by mixing other ingredients with anti-inflammatory properties, like romaine lettuce, cilantro, and ginger, to create a healthy smoothie. Add water occasionally until the blend reaches a consistency of your liking. Blueberry kale smoothie Berries like blueberries are known for their rich antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Blend three-quarters of the food with a cup of kale, bananas, two pitted dates, and half a tablespoon of almond butter, and top it with low-fat milk. This combination may help fight the effects of arthritis pains. One can also try making a smoothie with other berries, including blackberries, raspberries, and strawberries, as they have similar properties that may help curb arthritis inflammation.

Acid reflux is an increasingly common digestive disorder affecting many people worldwide. The condition is characterized by a burning sensation in the throat and chest caused by the backflow of stomach acid. People with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) can have a more challenging time managing acid reflux as it causes inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus. To manage this condition, eating certain healthy foods is advised. Keep reading to learn more about them. Ginger A natural anti-inflammatory food, ginger can also help relieve the inflammation in the esophagus and alleviate acid reflux symptoms. Ginger has also long been used to help with digestive disorders and manage an upset stomach. Adding ginger to daily meals can prevent the acid from backing up into the esophagus and triggering EoE symptoms. Oatmeal Oatmeal is high in fiber and low in fat content. It is a great breakfast choice for people with acid reflux and helps reduce the amount of acid that finds its way into the esophagus. In addition to that, it also provides a better satiety value and absorbs the excessive quantity of acid present in the stomach. Bananas Bananas are one of the fruits people with acid reflux can eat without concerns.

Nasal polyps are characterized by multiple teardrop-like outgrowths appearing on the lining of the sinuses or nasal passages. Chronic inflammation, associated with health conditions such as asthma, recurring infection, and allergic reactions, is the leading cause of nasal polyps. It is a curable condition, with endoscopic sinus surgery a particularly effective treatment alternative. Certain foods can reduce the severity of this condition’s symptoms. Some safe foods that help fight nasal polyps are listed below. Flaxseeds Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids help fight nasal polyps. These fatty acids are effective antioxidants that can reduce inflammation in the nasal pathways. Foods rich in this nutrient are flaxseeds, salmon, soybeans, and walnuts. Pineapples Pineapple is loaded with bromelain, an inflammation-reducing enzyme that deters swelling inside a person’s sinuses and nasal passageway linings. Additionally, it is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that lowers inflammation in the sinus. Moreover, pineapple is also a delicious and refreshing fruit that is incredible to eat or drink as a pulpy juice. Broccoli Like omega-3 fatty acids, flavonoids are also incredible antioxidants that can fight respiratory infections like asthma in people. Some of the best sources of flavonoids are apples, red grapes, onions, cherries, citrus fruits, and tea.

Some people suffer from food allergies very often because they don’t know how to identify their trigger foods. Here’s where an elimination meal plan can help. A food elimination meal plan enables individuals to assess if they’re sensitive to one or more ingredients in their everyday meals. It usually requires the patient to stop eating suspicious foods and then reintroduce them gradually. Here are five food elimination plans that might help identify food allergies. Basic elimination This meal plan requires individuals to eliminate gluten-based foods and dairy products from their nutrition regimen. The healthcare expert may tell the patient to reintroduce one or both of these if there’s no change during the exclusion phase. However, people with celiac disease may need to avoid these food items permanently to manage their allergies. Full elimination A complete elimination plan excludes shellfish, eggs, corn, soy, soy products, and tree nuts from meals. The foods are systematically reintroduced to the body to narrow down potential allergies. Besides allergies, the method may help diagnose food intolerance. Nightshade elimination Nightshade elimination requires patients to exclude foods from the nightshade family, including white potatoes, tomatoes, goji berries, paprika, eggplant, chili peppers, and bell peppers. While most of these foods offer multiple health benefits, someone intolerant to nightshade fruits and vegetables may suffer from food allergies.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a disorder that develops when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in one or more deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. People with the condition experience leg pain and swelling. Doctors may recommend prescription options, compression stockings, or surgery as treatment options. Although treatable, the disorder can lead to serious complications if it remains undetected. So, here are a few warning signs of DVT: Swelling Swelling, the most common warning sign of DVT, affects approximately 70% of patients. If the DVT develops in the thigh or calf, the swelling is limited to the area of the blood clot. However, if the clot develops in the pelvic region, both legs may have significant swelling. Leg pain About 50% of people with DVT experience leg pain. The pain can be moderate to severe and is independent of the size of the blood clot. The pain here, which may feel more like a cramp, is usually felt in the calf muscles or along the vein as it travels down the inner thigh. Changes in skin The skin around the affected area may appear red or discolored. Additionally, the region may feel warmer than the rest of the body.

A bunion is a bony bump at the intersection of the big toe and the foot. It usually develops when constant pressure is applied to the big toe, causing it to push against the second toe. Individuals with bunions experience intermittent pain in the affected area and restricted mobility of the big toe. Besides seeking treatment and practicing natural remedies, adding certain foods to the meal plan can help control bunion symptoms better. Garlic Garlic contains high levels of diallyl disulfide, an anti-inflammatory compound that helps alleviate the symptoms of joint and muscle inflammation. Using up to two cloves of garlic in meals every day may be highly beneficial in controlling bunion symptoms. Berries Berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries are rich in anthocyanins, which help reduce inflammation. Consequently, they may relieve bunion symptoms. Patients may eat these fruits directly or add them to muesli, oatmeal, porridge, or fresh fruit juices and smoothies. Turmeric Curcumin in turmeric has potent anti-inflammatory properties, which help regulate bunion symptoms. Many studies also demonstrate the role of curcumin in reducing joint pain and promoting bone and joint health. Turmeric may be added to stir-fries, soups, and smoothies not only for health purposes but also for natural flavor enhancement.