Parkinson’s is a progressive degenerative disease that impacts a person’s brain and motor functions. It is characterized by unexplained and unstoppable tremors, loss of balance, and changes in gait. Fortunately, the symptoms of Parkinson’s can be managed with the right intake of nutrition. Similarly, eating certain foods can exacerbate the condition. This article sheds light on the foods to eat and avoid and medications that help manage Parkinson’s.  Foods to eat Berries These fruits provide numerous benefits and are high in bioactive ingredients like anthocyanins, a type of flavonoid rich in antioxidants. Flavonoids are known to protect the brain from damage. Berries are counted among the best fruits for Parkinson’s patients, as foods rich in antioxidants help reduce the amount of oxidative stress experienced by the brain and body. Berries are also rich in vitamin C, which acts as an immunity booster and plays a significant role in preventing secondary infections and conditions. Berries have other essential minerals and vitamins that keep the immune system healthy.   Foods packed with omega-3 fatty acids It has been a long-held belief and scientifically proven that omega-3 fatty acid is helpful in the improvement of cognitive functioning. Since Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological disorder, this compound can help slow down the cognitive impairment of patients.

You are what you eat. People may say otherwise, but the quality of food you eat defines your health. Therefore, you should not opt for ready-to-eat meals, as they contain unhealthy fats, carbs, and calories. Foods high in these things can also contribute to increased chances of various diseases like cancer. As cancer and lifestyle go hand-in-hand, eating certain foods that assure better overall health is essential. Read on to know what you should include in your daily meals. Broccoli Broccoli and the other vegetables of this family are known for having potent anti-cancer properties. They contain glucosinolates, which produce protective enzymes when they pass through the digestive system. These enzymes help the body detoxify harmful chemicals that can lower the risk of cancer. Broccoli is also best known for being a vegetable that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It has proven effective against breast, prostate, lung, colon, mouth, esophagus, and stomach cancer. Try and eat broccoli at least once a day. Carrot Carrot is replete with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin K, and calcium. This vegetable also has cancer-fighting properties. It is a good source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that shields cell membranes from toxin damage. Carrots are believed to slow the growth of cancer cells.

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), also known as macular degeneration, is an eye condition caused due to the deterioration of the macula, a small area in the retina. Fortunately, food plays a vital role in preventing and slowing down the progression of the condition. Let’s take a look at the common symptoms of the condition and what one must include and avoid in their meal regimen to manage these symptoms.  Early signs of macular degeneration These are the common signs of macular degeneration: Blurry vision One may experience vision that is blurry or distorted. Dark or blurry areas may appear in the center of the vision caused by the thinning of the macula.  Sensitivity to contrast As the condition progresses, one may find it difficult to distinguish between different textures and colors. That said, this symptom is not as common in patients with macular degeneration.    Difficulty adjusting to changes in light levels One may find it difficult to adjust their eyes when they move from a well-lighted room to a poorly-lighted room and vice versa, leading to blackouts.  Foods to include One must include these foods in their meal regimen to help manage or prevent macular degeneration: Colorful vegetables Studies have shown that eating colorful and leafy vegetables, such as carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, squash, spinach, and kale, can help prevent or reduce the effects of macular degeneration.

Mycosis fungoides is a type of cancer that majorly affects the white blood cells, leading to the cancerous growth of T lymphocytes in the body. Normally functioning white blood cells protect the body from external pathogens. In this type of cancer, these cells behave abnormally and begin to attack the skin. This type of cancer is quite rare and is usually observed in people over 58 years of age. Foods to avoid When dealing with mycosis fungoides, it is important to avoid foods that contain certain active ingredients that may trigger chemical interactions, aggravating cancer. Bell pepper Bell peppers are rich in antioxidants such as Maltol, Capsaicin, and Solasodine. These antioxidants are active chemicals that can interfere with the chemical reactions caused by Romidepsin, which is a common treatment option for mycosis fungoides. As a result of such interactions, a different biochemical pathway called MYC gets triggered, interrupting the action of Romidepsin. Thus, it is better to avoid eating bell peppers when undergoing treatment for mycosis fungoides. Processed meat Processed meat contains many nitrates and nitrites that help preserve the meat for longer periods of time. These chemicals are responsible for curing the meat and also prevent bacteria from growing over time.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic respiratory condition in which the lungs undergo severe damage, leading to the thickening of tissues and internal. As a result of such damage to the respiratory system, patients of this condition find face a lot of breathing difficulties. Pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic disease, which means there is no cure. However, one can slow the progression of this disease with some changes in lifestyle and nutrition habits. To slow the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, certain foods, like the ones discussed below, can be of great help to patients: Fatty fish Fish like salmon, tuna, and herring are rich in omega-3s fatty acids. These nutrients are quite beneficial for pulmonary fibrosis patients as omega-3s protect the lungs from unwanted infections as reduce inflammation. Sardines and mackerel are other great examples of omega-3-rich fatty fish that are quite beneficial for those suffering from this condition. Whole grains Brown rice , oats, quinoa, whole-wheat, and barley are whole-grain foods containing a wide wide variety of nutrients. Some examples include vitamin E, fibers, selenium, fatty acids, as well as other antioxidants. Whole-grain foods also contain anti-inflammatory properties, which help in reducing inflammation in the respiratory system. Moreover, such whole foods are rich in complex carbohydrates, that are necessary for the body to generate energy.

GISTs or Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors are rare types of cancer that develop in the gastrointestinal tract, commonly known as the digestive tract. The wall of this tract has special cells called the interstitial cells of Cajal, which help the stomach muscles to move the food along during the digestive process. Knowledge of food, nutrition, and treatment options can be helpful in managing this illness a little better. This article talks about the same in detail. Food and nutrition Food is an important source of energy, especially during an illness when the system requires an additional boost to recover from and manage symptoms. While there is no conclusive research to suggest any particular food can help prevent or cure cancer, there is research to suggest what food groups might or might not be helpful in maintaining a low-risk cancer lifestyle. Turmeric The curcumin in the herb has medicinal properties has been found out via several studies and research in the past years. According to a clinical study, those with a particular type of cancer were treated with intravenous and imatinib medication to promising results. Vitamin B12 It has been studied that the consumption of vitamin B12 can help in reducing anxiety and weakness during GIST treatment.

Melanoma is one of the most aggressive cancers. It is considered such due to the rapidity with which it metastasizes if not treated in an early stage. However, it is difficult to detect since it rarely shows symptoms, and more than 70% of melanoma cases were detected in normal-looking skin. The following article lists some foods to eat and avoid for melanoma and other types of cancer, along with medication for melanoma. Foods to Have for Those Suffering from Melanoma and Other Cancers Plant-based Foods – Sweet Potatoes and Barley Cooked vegetables are easier to digest than raw ones. Therefore, one should eat plant-based foods such as oats, barley, bananas, turnips, sweet potatoes, and pears. Cruciferous Vegetables – Cauliflower and Broccoli Cruciferous vegetables like Brussel sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and bok choy, among others, may affect the progression of cancers like melanoma. Cancer cells damage normal cells and DNA for mutation. Cruciferous vegetables protect these normal cells and DNA from damage from malignant cells. Moreover, these vegetables also protect the cells from damage occurred due to cancer treatments like radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Fruits – Strawberries and Raspberries The presence of free radicals is one of the risk factors that increases the risk of an individual suffering from melanoma and other forms of cancers.