Heartburn is an all-too-common problem affecting both men and women. Symptoms of heartburn include a burning pain in your chest and a bitter taste in your mouth. The pain may intensify when you bend over. The burning sensation in your chest is caused by stomach acid going back into the esophagus, the tube that connects your stomach to your mouth. Acid reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is often triggered by certain foods. Since sensitivity to these foods may vary among individuals, try to note which foods exacerbate the problem. By eating or drinking smaller quantities or avoiding these foods altogether, acid reflux can be controlled. Here are common six foods to avoid if you suffer from heartburn: 1. Spicy foods A spicy food choice is on almost every menu. Chili, curry, paprikash, and others are found on menus. These delicious and spicy foods can lead to heartburn. The culprit is the capsaicin, which is the active component in chili peppers. Capsaicin is found in spices like chili powder and paprika are used to add “heat” to a dish. If you are sensitive to capsaicin, limit the number of spicy foods, or prepare less spicy versions at home.

Migraines are a headache that varies in intensity, usually it’s on one side of the head, and is often accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light and sound. Migraines are very common, with 3 million cases in the U.S. per year. It is self-diagnosable, and can be treated by a medical professional. Main symptoms of migraines are hormonal changes, certain foods, drinks, stress and exercise. Without further adieu, foods that cause migraines: 1. Alcohol (especially red wine) Many alcoholic drinks contain tyramine, phenylethylamine, histamine, sulfites, flavonoid phenols, which have all been linked to migraines, and with the belief that alcohol causes migraines, remember to sip slow and drink in moderation! 2. Dairy products A group of phosphoproteins in milk are commonly referred to as “casein”. A major trigger in migraines and also 78.7% of all protein in milk. Furthermore, aged cheese since as it ages the tyramine levels increase. 3. Foods containing MSG Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is probably the best known for this group, and has been demonstrated to cause rapid cramps, diarrhea, and horrible migraines in 10-15% of migraineurs. Fast food, soups, frozen meals, processed meat, instant noodles, and chips are all main culprits of migraines. 4. Citrus fruits While citrus fruits are still up for debate in causing migraines, it’s still not completely proven.

Breast cancer is a disease that starts in the breast. This cancer occurs when breast tissue and surrounding cells start to grow out of control. Some of the most recognized early symptoms of breast cancer are discovering a lump, visible swelling or redness, changes in nipple appearance, and pain in the breast. It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to try to prevent cancer in your body. Education on breast cancer symptoms is key. While diet can’t prevent breast cancer, per say, it may help deter cancer from developing or returning. Here are some ideal eating tips for breast cancer patients and survivors: 1. Increase intake of fresh produce and whole grains Studies have shown that when eating 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day, a person can boost their immune system. Whole grains, such as wheat, rye, corn, barley, and oats, are also recommended as they are unprocessed and are high in complex carbohydrates. All these foods consist of antioxidants, a natural substance that can slow cell damage, and chemopreventive properties that could prevent cancer. 2. Decrease fat intake A diet high in saturated fats, such as beef, cheese, butter, and ice cream, can lead to an increased chance of getting breast cancer.

Diabetes is a disease that causes your glucose level, otherwise known as your blood sugar, to become too high. Type 1 diabetes, is a serious condition where the pancreas doesn’t produce any insulin or very little. Type 2 usually occurs in adults, which occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t make enough insulin. Some diabetes symptoms include; frequent urination, blurry vision, and sores that won’t heal. Patients who struggle with Diabetes Mellitus have to find ways of coping with the disease and their diabetes symptoms and they also have to make conscious health choices regarding food selection. Some foods cause health issues if consumed regularly: 1. Starchy carbohydrates While carbohydrates are a significant source of energy, a person managing diabetes should exercise care when picking which carbs to eat and how to disperse them evenly throughout the day. The main types of carbohydrates in food are starch, fiber, and sugar. Carbohydrates alter blood sugar more levels than other nutrients. Carbohydrates that are high in fiber. Fiber is a healthy carb that people should consume daily. A sugar-free diet is best for persons managing diabetes. Diabetics should abandon: • White bread, tortillas and cakes • Jasmine, Basmati and all types of white rice • White pasta e.g.

Sinus infections are characterized by inflammation and congestion of the nasal cavities, postnasal drip, and discharge from the nose. Nasal polyps are non-cancerous growths on the lining of nasal passages and sinuses which exhibit some of the same symptoms associated with sinus infections. Polyps are formed when mucous membranes in the nasal passages are inflamed and swell, eventually leading to blockage of the nasal passages. As symptoms of sinus infections and nasal polyps can be very similar, let’s look at the possible connection between the two: 1. Allergies Allergies, especially an allergy to airborne fungi has been shown to a risk factor in developing nasal polyps. Inflammation of the nasal cavities related to rhinitis caused by hay fever is also an associated risk factor that may cause nasal polyps. Sinus infections can often mimic the symptoms caused by allergies but often have more pain and thick discharge. Nasal polyps, if present, will also be more inflamed due to this. 2. Asthma Asthma is one of the conditions that may indicate that someone with frequent sinus infections may also have nasal polyps. Symptoms of nasal polyps can be more severe than those of sinus infections and conditions that cause inflammation, such as asthma, are often indicative that nasal polyps are the cause of sinus infections.