The eyes are extremely delicate organs that must remain healthy at all times, as once injured, they cannot regenerate or repair. The body requires several vitamins and minerals to maintain clear eyesight and good eye health. So, it is crucial to make better food and lifestyle-related choices to maintain sharp eyesight. While one can choose supplements to avoid nutrient deficiency, vitamin-rich foods are excellent, natural ways to ensure healthy eyes. Vitamin A Vitamin A, or retinol, is a fat-soluble vitamin that can be found in two different forms in foods: provitamin A carotenoids and preformed vitamin A. Carotenoids are found in green leafy vegetables, orange and yellow vegetables, tomatoes, and fish oils. Milk and meat products such as liver and fish are excellent sources of preformed vitamin A. This vitamin is an essential component of rhodopsin, a protein in the retina that aids in night vision. Additionally, vitamin A helps in protecting and preserving a clear cornea, the transparent outer surface of the eye. It also protects the eyes against many eye diseases. Studies have shown that maintaining an adequate level of vitamin A in the body can help minimize the chances of developing juvenile blindness and cataract. According to anecdotal evidence, the nutrient appears to reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).  If one is experiencing a persistent deficiency of vitamin A, their tear ducts may dry up.

For the body to function optimally, it is vital to have a stable blood count and good blood circulation. Blood count refers to the total amount of red blood cells (RBCs), white blood cells (WBCs), and platelets in the blood. Of these, the count of the RBCs and platelets should not drop below the normal range. A low RBC count can cause anemia, while a low platelet count can result in internal bleeding. Foods that help improve blood count A natural way to boost blood count is to include certain beneficial foods in the meal plan. The following foods help in raising and maintaining RBC and platelet numbers and preventing complications: Red meat Red meats like beef, poultry, and liver are rich in iron, an essential element for producing RBCs. These foods also boost hemoglobin levels in the blood, which are crucial in supplying oxygen throughout the body. Spinach This green leafy vegetable is a good source of folic acid (vitamin B9) and iron, which are vital for maintaining RBC levels. Spinach also helps increase platelet count to some extent. Dairy products Dairy products, such as milk and cheese, can help stabilize blood count. They contain vitamin B12, which is critical for creating RBCs and platelets in the blood.

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is an inflammatory skin condition that can affect anyone, irrespective of age and gender. It causes skin dryness and discomfort that can affect a person’s quality of life. Eczema has no definitive cure, but certain home remedies can help prevent flare-ups and control the symptoms. It’s recommended to start with a good skin care regime, along with other treatments, when its first signs start to show up.  Early warning signs of eczema The most important thing to know about eczema is its symptoms differ for everyone. It can also impact different areas of the body depending on an individual’s skincare routine.  Itchy skin This condition always begins with itchy skin. Eczema-related itchiness may range from mild to moderate. People with severe itchiness may even feel the need for constant scratching resulting in bleeding and inflamed skin. Rashes People with eczema may develop unique rashes in specific areas. They tend to have flaky skin that lets irritants and allergens penetrate the outer layer. This, in turn, causes an inflammatory response leading to redness and rashes.  Inflamed and discolored skin The area of the rash may get inflamed and swollen. There will be a noticeable discoloration which means the affected skin may look darker than the surrounding skin.  Scaly patches Scaly patches occur when the outer layer of the skin starts to form scales due to dryness.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that causes swelling and inflammation of the airways. It is estimated that more than 339 million people worldwide suffer from this disease. It affects people of all age groups, and genders. However, it is more common in adult women than in men. Asthma has no specific underlying cause, but various allergens like pollen, dust, mold and even perfume can trigger asthma. Read on to learn more about the condition. What is uncontrolled asthma? Uncontrolled asthma is when affected individuals have persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life, even when they are on regular medication. It is estimated that over 60% of adults who are asthmatic suffer from uncontrolled asthma.  Causes of uncontrolled asthma Stress People may experience asthma attacks due to excessive stress and strong unpleasant emotions like unhappiness or crying. One must try to reduce one’s anxiety and stress. Underlying health condition Some respiratory health conditions like sleep apnea that block the upper airway while sleeping can lead to an asthma flare-up. Environmental allergies could also worsen asthma attacks. Weather change Moving from drier to humid air or warmer to colder air might cause asthma attacks. This condition can be brought on by minor weather changes or leaving a controlled environment.  Looking at the global statistics, the prevalence of asthma is observed more in the country.

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that develops in some people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. It occurs when a person’s immune system starts to attack the body’s cells, leading to inflammation in joints and the overproduction of skin cells. It affects close to 1-3 percent of the world’s population. It is non-curable, and few treatment options aim to manage the symptoms. Read along to learn about its symptoms, triggers, and more. What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? Many signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. The manifestations of this disease also may vary from person to person.  Some of the common indicators of the condition include: Scaly and inflamed skin, especially on the knees, scalp, and elbows. Pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more back, hips, or neck joints. Lack of energy or tiredness. Tenderness in the soles and heels  Swelling of a whole toe.  Dents or pits in the nails. Inflammation of the eye and blurry vision accompanied by redness or pain. What triggers psoriatic arthritis? The cause of psoriatic arthritis is an immune system disorder, where your immune system acts against your body. Both genetic and environmental factors seem to influence this response.

Osteoporosis leads to the loss of bone mass and bone mineral density. It causes the bones to become weak and brittle from the inside, making them more porous. Once individuals reach a certain age, the natural process of bone regeneration slows down, resulting in loss of bone loss, especially in the event of physical injury. With osteoporosis, the bones become more prone to fracture even during routine activities like walking, bathing, and standing. Risk factors associated with osteoporosis Various factors increase a person’s chances of developing osteoporosis. Some of these aspects can be modified, while others are hard to avoid. For example, the body absorbs old bone tissues and produces new ones so that it can maintain the strength and density of the bones and, thereby, the structural integrity. As a person grows older, the bone breaks faster than it rebuilds itself. If this breakdown occurs excessively, bone loss progresses to osteoporosis. This disease can affect both men and women but is more likely to affect women after menopause. This happens due to a sudden decrease in estrogen. Here are some unavoidable factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis- Age The risk of developing osteoporosis increases after the mid-30s. This happens mostly with women after menopause.

Headaches are a common type of body discomfort resulting from nervous system disorders. It is a pain in any part of your head that gives a pulsating sensation. The magnitude of the pain can vary from mild to sharp and can either be a throbbing sensation or a constant feeling. There are several kinds of headaches, including tension headaches, migraine, cluster headaches, and more. Of these, migraine symptoms vary from the other headache types. Warning signs of headaches Though it may appear normal, frequent head pains may also indicate any underlying health condition, so it is necessary to keep a check on them. Keep reading to learn more about warning signs of headaches that must be addressed soon. Pain and high fever A headache accompanied by pain may indicate an infection. If there is a stiff neck, a high fever, and various neurological signs, doctors may diagnose it as Meningitis, a severe health condition. When a person experiences these symptoms, it is advised to consult a physician at the earliest for prompt treatment. Also, self-diagnosis is not safe and advised if you are experiencing headaches for a very long time or suffering from severe pain. Sudden severe headache It is also recognized as the thunderclap headache, appearing suddenly and turning severe soon.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), commonly known as lupus, is a chronic autoimmune condition. Here, the body’s immune system, which is supposed to fight infections, begins attacking healthy tissues and organs. This causes pain and inflammation. One may also experience symptoms like skin sensitivity, joint pains, rashes, and issues with internal organs like the kidneys, heart, and lungs. The condition does not have a cure, however, treatment options can help one manage its symptoms. Symptoms Here are a few symptoms one should recognize: Fatigue Most people with lupus experience fatigue, which can worsen with muscle and joint pain. Many may experience stiffness and swelling in the neck, thigh, and arms. While getting adequate sleep can relieve general exhaustion, when fatigue is accompanied by some sort of pain and discomfort, one should consult a doctor. Skin rashes The most common and prominent symptom of this disease is a butterfly-shaped rash on both cheeks and the nose bridge. Around 30% of people affected by lupus experience this symptom. The rash may appear suddenly before a flare-up or right after excessive sun exposure. For some, the condition also causes hives and non-itchy lesions all over the body. Some may notice discoloration in their toes or fingers.  Hair loss Hair loss and thinning hair are early signs of lupus.

The body goes through various changes, especially those affecting the senses, as one gets older. Here, weakening eyesight is a common phenomenon in older adults, however, it does not have to be inevitable. Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease characterized by the deterioration of the retina’s central portion. One’s lifestyle and food choices can have a huge impact on eye health. So here are some foods to eat and avoid to maintain strong vision:  Best foods Various foods can help one manage macular degeneration symptoms and keep eye diseases at bay. Here are some great options to consider: Broccoli Broccoli is loaded with vitamins and minerals that could help one deal with eye conditions like macular degeneration. It is rich in vitamin A, which helps fight eye diseases and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration. It is also loaded with vitamin K and B vitamins, fibers, magnesium, and potassium, which are essential for maintaining overall health. Blackberries Blackberries contain plenty of vitamins and minerals that help reduce the risk of age-related vision problems. Vitamins B6, C, A, folate, and zinc in these berries can prevent eyesight issues. The fruit also contains a dark pigment called anthocyanin, which protects the retina from sun damage.

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.