Pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive disease of the lungs. It occurs when the lung tissue gets damaged and scarred, causing shortness of breath, dry cough, fatigue, chest pain, appetite loss, and other discomforts. Unfortunately, there’s no complete cure for pulmonary fibrosis. However, proper nutrition can help manage the condition. This article lists the foods patients must eat and avoid, along with a few medications, including Esbriet®, as treatment options for pulmonary fibrosis. Foods to eat The following foods can help manage pulmonary fibrosis: Whole grains Whole grains like oats, quinoa, and brown rice are packed with fiber. They also have nutrients that can help lower cholesterol levels and decrease inflammation, improving the quality of life among pulmonary fibrosis patients. Lean protein Protein helps strengthen the chest and abdomen muscles, reducing breathing issues. One must choose high-quality lean proteins like skinless chicken breasts, eggs, and fatty fish. Some excellent plant-based protein sources include beans, peas, nuts, legumes, and tofu. Fruits and veggies Fresh fruits and vegetables like carrots, celery, spinach, berries, kiwi, and pineapple are loaded with a slew of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help support lung health and ease pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. Plus, they’re high in fiber and can boost digestion. Foods to avoid Certain foods can worsen pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. These include: Fried foods Fried foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and potato chips, can cause throat irritation. This may trigger cough and also lead to bloating and gastric disturbances, making breathing difficult. Moreover, fried foods can cause fat gain, which can further worsen breathing problems. Cured meats Cured meats are loaded with nitrates, which act as a preservative and help meats maintain their color. Studies show that nitrates can damage lung tissue and worsen pulmonary fibrosis symptoms. Therefore, one must avoid cured meats like bacon, hot dogs, ham, and salami.

Leading a regular life becomes quite challenging when one faces breathing troubles sporadically. Breath-related issues, such as shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and pain or pressure in the chest are usually symptoms of lung diseases like MAC disease and COPD. Certain foods we regularly eat can negatively affect our lungs and exacerbate breathing problems. So, this article lists some common foods one must avoid to ease breathing issues and control MAC disease and COPD symptoms. 1. Fried foods Fried foods, such as French fries, fried chicken, and potato chips, are among the unhealthiest foods anyone can eat. These foods can cause gas and bloating, making breathing more difficult in those suffering from breath-related conditions. Fried foods, being calorie-dense, can also lead to weight gain, which increases pressure on the lungs. 2. Salty foods Too much salt spells more trouble when you’re suffering from breathing problems. That’s because salt, or sodium, can cause fluid retention in the body, triggering high blood pressure and shortness of breath. Steer clear of various high-salt foods like canned soup, pasta sauce, and tortilla chips, and replace salt with spices and herbs in dinner recipes. 3. Processed meats Ham, hot dogs, sausages, and other processed meats are usually loaded with nitrates to improve color and prolong shelf life. Studies have found that nitrates can aggravate symptoms of lung diseases, especially COPD. Besides, processed meats tend to be high in sodium, contributing to breathing problems. 4. Sodas Sodas are infused with carbon dioxide. This can lead to excess gas, bloating, and heartburn, all of which can make it harder to breathe. Additionally, sodas are devoid of essential nutrients and high in sugar and calories, promoting excess weight. One must particularly avoid caffeine-containing sodas, as caffeine increases respiration rate, heart rate, and blood pressure. 5. Dairy Whole milk and other dairy products can aggravate symptoms in those with conditions like MAC disease and COPD.

Having a pet is an incredibly rewarding and heartwarming experience, but caring for them isn’t easy. It requires a lot of involvement, whether it is in the form of time, attention, or resources. A pet’s health and happiness depend on many factors, including proper nutrition, regular exercise, preventive measures, mental stimulation, a loving environment, and more. However, some mistakes that pet parents make may compromise their pet’s health and well-being. Ignoring fleas and ticks Pet parents often make the mistake of ignoring minor fleas and ticks, thinking that they will go away on their own. But fleas and ticks are pests that not only cause pets discomfort but also put them at risk of developing infections, skin irritation, and other diseases like Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. So, one should regularly check for signs of these pests and use measures like flea collars and treatments, especially during warmer months, to ensure optimal pet health. Not paying attention to oral hygiene Pets may not necessarily need brushing and flossing daily as humans do, but they require a certain level of dental care. Poor oral hygiene can cause tartar buildup, gum disease, or heart or kidney issues. While brushing a pet’s teeth is the best option to maintain their oral hygiene, chewable toys like chewables by PetSmart, especially for dogs, are also an option. These easy-to-digest treats give clean teeth, fresh breath, and mental stimulation. One can get chewable PetSmart items in different sizes and tastes. Not using identification tags Using an identification tag is often overlooked as a simple precautionary measure. A collar with an ID tag contains all the necessary information about the pet owner’s phone number, name, and, in some cases, home address. It ensures the pet is never lost or, if found, can be returned to safety and reunited with their owner.

A healthy diet is one of the essentials of living an illness-free lifestyle, including lowering your risk of cancer. Understanding nutrition is essential if you are either managing this illness or trying to avoid it. Speak to a doctor in detail to know why these following foods should be avoided to reduce the risk of cancer. If you are managing your symptoms, you can also read about immunotherapy that may be helpful for your recovery. Processed meats These are primarily red meats like hot dogs, salami, sausage, corned beef, beef jerky, and ham. These meats are preserved using smoke, curing, salting, and canning and these processes can create carcinogens in the food. Several reviews suggest that over-consumption of processed meat is related to breast, stomach, and colorectal cancer. Fried foods According to research, a compound called acrylamide is formed when starchy ingredients are cooked in high temperatures, and this compound is responsible for damaging DNA and causing the death of cells. As over-consumption of fried foods can lead to obesity and risk of diabetes, it also increases oxidative stress in the body. These unhealthy reactions in the body may increase the risk of cancer. Alcohol The liver in the body breaks down alcohol into a compound called acetaldehyde. This compound is carcinogenic, and it promotes oxidative stress and damage to the body’s DNA. When such a reaction occurs in the body, it weakens the immune system, making it difficult to kill any cancerous cells in the body. Studies suggest that women who drink too much alcohol are at high risk of getting estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Immunotherapy treatment This is a type of therapy that works with the immune system to fight cancer cells. A healthy immune system can fight off the infections and diseases in the body, which are major health risks.

High blood pressure is one of the most prevalent health problems globally. While it is a lifelong disorder with no cure, high blood pressure can be managed through treatments and lifestyle modifications. One of the crucial aspects of managing it is eating the right foods and avoiding others. Fresh fruits, green vegetables, and whole foods are often recommended to maintain safe blood pressure levels. Equally importantly, one must avoid fried and fatty foods, among others. 5 foods to avoid that increase blood pressure Cold cuts and cured meats Salami, sausages, pepperoni, bacon, prosciutto, and hot dogs contain a high amount of sodium. The high level of sodium is necessary to preserve the meat. It also gives the cold cuts and cured meats their flavor. However, for those with high blood pressure, eating these meats on a regular basis will worsen the symptoms. Packaged sandwiches Sandwiches can be healthy meal options. However, the nutritional value and whether they are safe for high blood pressure or hypertension greatly depends on the ingredients used. Most packaged sandwiches use white flour-based bread, deli meats, cheese, pickles, and other condiments. All of these make these sandwiches high in sodium, which is bad for managing high blood pressure. Instead, homemade sandwiches with fresh vegetables, whole-grain bread, and non-sodium-rich ingredients are a better alternative. Frozen pizza This may seem like a quick and convenient alternative to cooking a meal. However, frozen pizzas can potentially make hypertension worse, especially when consumed on a regular basis. This is because they have high amounts of saturated fats, sodium, and sugar. All of these can increase blood pressure levels and aggravate symptoms. Sweetened beverages Packaged sweetened beverages contain huge amounts of artificial sweeteners and sugars. From packaged fruit juices, milk shakes, to carbonated beverages, all of these can do more harm than good in the case of hypertension.

Emotional support is one of the foundations of mental health and well-being. Recent studies suggest that 74% of pet owners believed their mental health improved after buying a pet. Thus, it is believed that emotional support from animals plays a therapeutic role in helping one navigate tough times. As of 2019, there are nearly 2,00,000 emotional support animals in the country. Here are the answers to some key questions on emotional support animals: What are emotional support animals? Emotional support animals are animals that provide comfort to individuals through companionship. Individuals with mental health conditions are typically able to manage their symptoms better in the company of such animals. What animals are typically classified as emotional support animals? While dogs and cats are typically classified as emotional support animals, other animals like ferrets, guinea pigs, and rabbits are also becoming popular in this category. Dogs Dogs are popularly referred to as a human’s best friends and for a good reason. Studies have shown that the company of dogs can reduce stress and anxiety and help manage depression and loneliness. Cats Many individuals find the company of cats to be soothing and comforting. Their stress-reducing effect can elevate one’s mood. A study has demonstrated that cat owners have better psychological health than individuals without pets. Ferrets These tiny, energetic animals are becoming popular emotional support animals today. Ferrets love cuddling in the arms of their owners, which helps lower one’s anxiety and stress levels. Guinea pigs Guinea pigs are classified as highly effective emotional support animals for individuals with mental and emotional issues. Classroom activities involving guinea pigs can help enhance children’s social skills and are beneficial to children with autism spectrum disorder and other conditions. What is the difference between service and emotional support animals? Service animals are those trained to perform specific services, such as assisting individuals with disabilities or special needs in daily activities, altering their owner to low blood pressure levels, etc.

If you’re a cat parent, you’d already be aware of their eating habits. Cats prefer a variety of meals in small proportions. No wonder we find them grazing over their bowls time and again. Although, if you’re new to the concept of wet and dry foods for cats, dive right in, for we’ve got something for you. There are benefits of serving both wet and dry foods to felines. Mainly because, unlike dogs, they’re difficult to please, and one can’t trick them into things they don’t like. If your cat is a fussy eater, they may enjoy wet food better. Find out the benefits of the best dry and wet cat foods. Benefits of dry cat food While dry cat food is convenient to store and serve, cats may throw tantrums if served the same food every day. However, dry cat foods help maintain their dental health by preventing the buildup of tartar. Dry foods are also the best way to get the cat to chew its food, exercising its jaws. These foods are ideal when cats are suffering from diarrhea as it helps add bulk to their stool. Some best dry cat foods that are readily available in every kitchen include: Cooked sweet potatoes Beef Pork Lamp Dark meat chicken Cooked carrots Banana Green beans/ asparagus/ broccoli (steamed) Melon Spinach Pumpkin Peas Benefits of wet cat food Wet cat food has a potent aroma and taste, making it ideal for fussy eaters. Cats have a stronger sense of smell than taste, and that’s why they tend to lean more towards foods with a fresh aroma. Additionally, wet food is a great way to keep your feline friend hydrated, especially when they don’t consume adequate fluids in a day. Wet cat food helps induce digestion and prevents constipation. It also helps keep stomach issues at bay.

Black Friday will be here soon, presenting pet parents an opportunity to stock up on food for their feline friends without spending a lot. There will be plenty of discounts from the top pet food brands, including Royal Canin and Purina. But if you cannot wait until then, check out these ten fantastic deals that are available right now. Take your time researching well and pick the healthiest options for your cat! Merrick Purrfect Bistro Grain-free Healthy Weight Recipe Dry Cat food This grain-free recipe ensures your pet gets the proper nourishment and maintains a healthy weight. Besides promoting weight control, it supports the muscles and improves digestive health. The product is already available at a discount of 7% on Chewy, but you can expect a better deal during the year-end sale. Wellness Healthy Indulgence Gravies Grain-free Variety Pack This variety pack makes mealtimes quick and easy. Created by nutritionists and veterinarians, the recipes are enriched with the finest ingredients to promote your cat’s well-being. Petco is offering a discount of 5%, but you can get it at an even lower price by opting for repeat delivery. Tiki Cat Queen Emma Luau Variety-pack Grain-free Canned Cat Food You can save 10% on this variety pack from Tiki Cat at Chewy. It contains unique recipes to boost your cat’s hydration and provide essential vitamins and minerals. The product is excellent for cats with allergies and comes in various flavors, ideal for even the pickiest of eaters. Solid Gold Katz-n-Flocken Lamb & Brown Rice Recipe This delicious dry cat food option from Solid Gold has pearled barley. Your pet will love its taste while benefiting from high-quality and nutritious whole grains. Get it for a discount of 7% at Chewy. Wysong Archetype Burgers Freeze-Dried Raw Dog & Cat Food If you are looking for healthy raw cat food in large quantities, a great option is Wysong Archetype Burgers.

Fleas and ticks are probably the most annoying things one has to deal with as a pet parent. If a rash seems a bit suspicious and one that could be caused by ticks or fleas, the best thing to do is search for a vet and get meds that could help ease the discomfort the pet might be feeling. Another way to deal with this issue is to grow plants that repel ticks and fleas. Some of these plants are – Sage Many use sage leaves to enhance the taste of food. Interestingly, the plant is also great at repelling ticks and protecting your pets. So, consider growing sage indoors to prevent infestations. Lemongrass As the name suggests, this plant smells like lemon. While the fragrance may be appealing to you, it repels parasites. Many prefer growing this plant to repel ticks as it requires little maintenance. Lavender While this plant is known for its calming properties, insects would beg to disagree. Lavender is an effective repellent against moths, mosquitoes, and ever-annoying ticks. Its color, as well as its scent, are unappealing to the blood-feeding parasites. Garlic Ticks find the scent of garlic abhorrent. So, if you are looking up for plants that repel ticks from your household, grow this one in your outdoor and indoor garden. Rosemary This herb has a long list of benefits, and repelling parasites is one worth mentioning. Brushing the leaves of the rosemary plant releases fragrance and oil, which protects against ticks, fleas, mosquitoes, and other pests. Your pet may need treatment in case of a severe tick or flea infestation. Here are a few options: Simparica Trio These are available as chewables to be used once a month. The effect of a single chewable can last for weeks, protecting against fleas, ticks, and heartworms.

The Mediterranean diet plan is basically based on the diet plan followed by the people of Greece and Italy in the 1960s. The diet primarily consists of food items predominantly eaten by natives from that region such as generous helpings of fruits, vegetables, pasta, and rice and a limited quantity of red meat. There are alleged reports that swear by this diet plan’s ability to help one reduce weight, prevent strokes, type 2 diabetes, premature death, and heart attacks. There is no such exact diet plan because around the Mediterranean Sea, there are many countries and the people of those countries have a diverse palate influenced by indigenous produce and their culture. In this article, you will get dishes and foods that you can include in your Mediterranean diet menu in order to make it healthier. The basics of a Mediterranean diet Here are some of the some of the basic foods that you should include in your Mediterranean diet menu: Foods you must eat regularly: Vegetables, legumes, bread, whole grains, extra virgin olive oil, fruits & nuts, fish and seafood, seeds, herbs, and spices Foods to eat in moderation: Eggs, cheese, poultry, and yogurt. Foods to eat rarely: Red Meat Foods to be avoided: Sugary dishes, added sugars, refined grains, processed meat, and refined oils Food items you need to abstain from while on the diet: These are some of the unhealthy foods that you should not have in your Mediterranean diet menu: Added sugar: Candies, soda, ice cream, and other related sugary foods Refined grains: Pasta prepared with refined wheat and white bread Refined oils: Canola oil, soybean oil, and cottonseed oil Trans fats: Margarine and other processed foods Processed meats: Sausages and hot dogs, among others Food items that should be included in the Mediterranean diet: There is no exact definition of what a Mediterranean diet comprises since the region is made up of different countries that have varying culinary preferences.

Our eyes help us see what’s around us so that we can react accordingly. Since they perform such a crucial function, we must maintain them by following healthy practices. Sadly, many ignore eye care and increase their risk of ocular conditions. These conditions are usually treatable with timely intervention, but prevention is always better than cure. Below are a few simple yet practical ways to maintain eye health in the long run. 1. Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the functioning of the meibomian gland. This oil gland protects against age-related macular degeneration and dry eye disease. Fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids and should be a part of one’s meals to protect the eyes. Nuts like walnuts and seeds like flax and chia seeds are also rich in this essential nutrient. 2. Maintain an active lifestyle Moderate-intensity exercises considerably reduce eye pressure, lowering one’s risk of glaucoma, cataracts, age-related macular degeneration, and other eye disorders. Hence, individuals should avoid a sedentary lifestyle and incorporate walking, jogging, skipping, cycling, swimming, or other exercises into daily workouts. 3. Wear shades while stepping out during the day In the long run, persistent and direct exposure to sunlight can trigger several eye diseases, including macular degeneration, corneal damage, and cataracts. While stepping out in the sun is often inevitable, one should wear protective shades to prevent eye damage caused by UV rays. 4. Include foods with beta-carotene The body transforms beta-carotene into vitamin A, an essential nutrient that supports eye health and helps prevent ocular diseases. Carrots, leafy greens, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, broccoli, papaya, and red bell peppers are a few foods high in beta-carotene. 5. Avoid overuse of electronic devices It’s hard to imagine a life without gadgets today.

Loneliness is a common and deeply human experience that can affect anyone at various stages of life. It is also a complex emotion often arising from social isolation or the feeling of being disconnected from other people, among other factors. The good news is that there are practical ways to deal with such feelings while also fostering meaningful connections. So, here are a few ways that can help overcome loneliness: Engage in prayer Prayer can involve meditation, reflection, or quiet contemplation, all of which help by offering hope and faith in a better future. Additionally, engaging in this practice can help one find inner peace, possibly reducing feelings of loneliness. Spend time outdoors Connecting with nature can be a rejuvenating activity. Whether it is a leisurely stroll in the park, a hike through the woods, or enjoying the sun, stepping outside can help one experience a sense of peace and a connection to their surroundings. Volunteer for a cause Giving back to the community can be a fulfilling way to not just help but also connect with others. This way, volunteering provides a sense of purpose and belonging. Whether it is lending a hand at a local shelter or hospital, reading to children, or participating in neighborhood clean-up drives and other community initiatives, volunteering is a great way to make new connections. Try yoga or group fitness classes Exercise is known to boost physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here, joining a yoga class or a group fitness session offers an opportunity to improve health and also meet new people in the process. These group settings can create a supportive environment where one can connect with others through shared experiences and fitness goals. Read books or listen to podcasts Hobbies like reading a book or listening to podcasts can be intellectually stimulating and emotionally fulfilling experiences, activating dormant parts of the brain.