About one million people in our country are affected by Parkinson’s disease (PD), with approximately 60,000 new cases each year. Parkinson’s causes progressive deterioration of the nervous system, leading to symptoms like tremors, stiff muscles, and difficulty balancing. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease, and it can only be managed. Read on to learn about the treatment options, foods to eat and avoid, and healthy lifestyle changes to cope with Parkinson’s disease: Treatments for Parkinson’s disease Parkinson’s is usually managed with treatments that have a combination of levodopa and carbidopa, such as ONGENTYS®, RYTARY®, and opicapone. ONGENTYS® is for people with PD who have “OFF” episodes. RYTARY® is a treatment option with a unique combination of time-release beads to keep LD levels steady for longer. Opicapone inhibits a natural substance called COMT, helping elements like levodopa and carbidopa work effectively to improve brain function. Foods to eat and avoid Certain foods help manage Parkinson’s disease symptoms. For instance, walnuts, blackberries, cranberries, tomatoes, and peppers are rich in antioxidants that help reduce oxidative stress, which can make Parkinson’s worse. In addition, foods with omega-3 fatty acids like soybeans, flax seeds, kidney beans, and oysters can improve cognitive function. Some foods may also worsen the condition. Foods that are processed or fried, such as French fries, sausages, and other canned meats, are rich in salt and nitrites.

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a health condition that affects about 30% of people affected by psoriasis, bringing the number of patients in the country to around 2 million. Just like psoriasis causes inflammation of the skin, Psoriatic arthritis results in inflammation of the joints. The best way to manage this condition is a combination of medical treatment and lifestyle changes. Here are some essential management tips necessary to manage psoriatic arthritis and reduce flare-ups: Treatment options Doctors might have to go through various treatment plans since finding one that suits the patient isn’t easy. That said, there are some options that show substantial results and are commonly prescribed. These include the following. OTEZLA® Approved by the FDA, OTEZLA® is a prescription treatment option for patients with psoriatic arthritis. It acts by inhibiting the phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzyme that is the cause of the increased inflammatory response of the body. Regular use of OTEZLA® has proven beneficial for patients and can be combined with phototherapy or topical treatments. RINVOQ® RINVOQ® is an oral treatment option for active psoriatic arthritis patients. Doctors usually prescribe this treatment option when patients fail to respond to one or more tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. It is an oral treatment option used for adult PsA patients only.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease caused by inflammation in the lungs’ airways. If statistics are to be believed, there are almost 25 million people in the country with asthma. Asthma patients are likely to be triggered by certain foods and environmental factors. However, this varies from patient to patient and depends on the severity of the condition. This article sheds light on some effective tips to help asthma patients keep their symptoms at bay. Keep these treatment options handy The best way to manage asthma is to seek medical intervention. Fasenra® and Nucula are two excellent medications. Fasenra® is used as one of the most effective asthma treatment options. It can be self-injected using an injection pen. Fasenra® is used to improve breathing in asthma patients and lower their use of oral steroids use. It is to be taken once every eight weeks. Mepolizumab or Nucala works by reducing the number of eosinophils in the blood, thereby reducing airway inflammation. Oher clinical treatment options include Tezepelumab, Xolair, and Zyrtec. Eat and avoid these foods Lifestyle changes like adding foods to one meal regimen and avoiding certain foods can also effectively manage asthma. Ginger should be added to daily meals because they are anti-inflammatory and can reduce asthma symptoms.

Cholesterol is an essential element produced naturally in the body. It is a type of fat found in the blood that helps the system function smoothly. However, excess cholesterol is harmful as it can narrow or clog the arteries and increase the risk of heart conditions. According to the CDC, about 94 million adults in the country have high cholesterol levels. Let’s take a look at cholesterol treatment, food plans, and tips to manage it: Treatment Livalo® is popularly prescribed by doctors to manage high cholesterol levels. It is classed under stanins or HMG CoA reductase inhibitors. It helps in reducing triglycerides and bad cholesterol while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or good cholesterol. Livalo® may lower the risk of developing heart conditions and hardened arteries, helping prevent a stroke and vascular diseases. It is also used to treat inherited high cholesterol in children of at least eight years of age. Some doctors may have to give Repatha® to manage high cholesterol. It is taken alone or with other options to effectively reduce the risk of heart diseases. Repatha® is categorized as a PCSK9 inhibitor. It is administered to aid people with homozygous or heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (inherited types of high cholesterol).

Diabetes hinders the body’s ability to produce sufficient insulin, or it fails to use the hormone to its required potential. Such an issue results in excess blood sugar present in the bloodstream. Furthermore, the rise in blood sugar can trigger nerve and kidney damage. Today, about 37.3 million adults in the country are affected by this disease. Here are three essential tips for lowering blood sugar levels and managing diabetes: Seek the right treatment Getting the right treatment is a great way to manage diabetes.  Glucotrust is one such treatment option for diabetes. Available in the form of capsules, Glucotrust is a support supplement for managing blood sugar levels. The formula helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels in the body, get sound sleep, and promote smooth blood circulation.  Those who have type 2 diabetes must take the prescription INVOKANA® (canagliflozin). It curbs blood sugar levels in adults and reduces the risk of symptoms like heart attack and stroke.  Another treatment option is  Kerendia, which helps treat chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes. The once-daily tablet will help prevent symptoms like worsening kidney disease, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Further, one may consider Dexcom G6, which is a  continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that needs to be inserted just beneath the skin.

Constipation is a common health condition that affects the function of bowel movements. One experiences trouble passing stools. Stools can be hard, dry, lumpy, and infrequent. If you experience any three bowel movements within seven days, a healthcare provider could diagnose you with constipation. The good news is there are various ways to manage the condition and its symptoms. Here are some effective ways that help induce bowel movement at the earliest: Treatment options – LINZESS® or MOVANTIK® Sometimes doctors may advise you to take antibiotics to relieve chronic constipation. LINZESS® (linaclotide) works by raising the level of chloride and water in the intestines. This helps soften stools and stimulate bowel movement. LINZESS® is used to treat severe constipation and IBS. MOVANTIK® (naloxegol) also that helps relieve constipation caused by opioids (pain relievers). It treats constipation without reducing the pain-relieving effects of the opioid.  People experiencing occasional constipation can try the Laxative Caplets from Phillips. Its formula works with the body’s natural process to provide relief without cramping. It is suggested for adults and children 12 years and older. The prescription must be introduced to the body with a full glass of liquid for best results. Foods to eat Drink enough water Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, so make sure you keep yourself hydrated.

Eczema is a severe, recurrent skin condition with painful flare-ups. The symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis can hinder one’s day-to-day routine. The limitations can cause a lot of stress and, in turn, increase the frequency of flare-ups. Major symptoms, such as oozing blisters and flaky skin, can lead to extreme itchiness, resulting in skin infections and mental distress. Given below are various treatment and remedial options that can help in managing eczema: Treatment CIBINQO® CIBINQO® is an oral solution that blocks the enzymes that trigger eczema symptoms. Doctors prescribe CIBINQO® to patients when topical treatment solutions do significantly improve the patient’s condition. DUPIXENT® DUPIXENT® is a prescription treatment option for people with moderate to severe eczema. It is available in the form of pre-filled syringes and belongs to the monoclonal class of treatment options. RINVOQ® RINVOQ® is an upadacitinib-containing treatment option given to moderate to severe eczema patients who fail to respond to other treatment options. Apremilast (Otezla®) It is mainly used for the treatment of mild to severe plaque psoriasis. However, some studies suggest that it may reduce itching and severity of atopic dermatitis symptoms in adults.  Foods to eat and avoid Here are some foods to eat to manage eczema:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system attacks and damages the healthy cells, affecting the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis and is diagnosed in 1.5 million adults in the country each year. Currently, there is no cure for it; however, FDA-approved prescriptions and healthy changes in lifestyle habits can help alleviate symptoms. Here are a few tips for managing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: Treating rheumatoid arthritis Actemra® is a prescription for treating moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis among adults. It helps block the action of specific proteins that trigger symptoms. Doctors also suggest Tremfya® for active psoriatic arthritis to block the interleukin-23 proteins that trigger pain, swelling, and stiffness. Additionally, Plaquenil® can be combined with other prescriptions to help relieve joint pain and inflammation. Foods for symptom management Foods like salmon, tuna, herring, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help lower inflammation. Colored fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that help counter oxidative stress. Also, whole foods like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat grains are rich in fiber and nutrients that help lower the risk of associated health complications related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable stiff, jerky muscle movements in the face, neck, arms, and legs. It is primarily a side effect of long-term neuroleptic treatments. Studies indicate that about 20 to 50 percent of people who undergo neuroleptic treatments for a long time develop tardive dyskinesia. The good news is that the condition need not be permanent. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to manage tardive dyskinesia: Treatment options As mentioned, neuroleptic treatments are among the leading causes of tardive dyskinesia. So, it is crucial to consult with a doctor who can evaluate current treatment plans and make adjustments, if required, to reduce the symptoms. If the symptoms are still persistent and severe, doctors may recommend additional treatments. The FDA has approved two oral treatments for tardive dyskinesia: deutetrabenazine and INGREZZA®. Both control the amount of a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a vital role in muscle movements. Note that deutetrabenazine and INGREZZA® have a few common side effects, such as sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, and Parkinson-like symptoms. Meal plans Uncontrolled muscle movements associated with tardive dyskinesia make eating difficult for patients. In such cases, doctors recommend liquid meal plans and foods that can be swallowed easily, like bananas.

Depression is a medical illness that can affect anyone. More than 17 million adults in the country aged 18 and older suffer from depression in a year. This condition negatively impacts how a person feels, acts, and thinks. If the symptoms of depression are left unchecked, it can lead to issues like social isolation, conflicts at home and work, and bouts of anxiety and anger. Here are three tips that can help manage this illness. Seeking treatment Depression should be treated at the earliest to avoid any complications. Here are two prescriptions that help cope with this condition: REXULTI® (brexpiprazole) This oral tablet is prescribed to treat major depression in adults. Studies show that REXULTI helps reduce depression symptoms by 62% when combined with other antidepressants. CAPLYTA® (lumateperone) CAPLYTA is a once-daily pill that can be taken with or without food. The prescription treatment curbs depressive episodes in adults with bipolar I or II disorder. The tablet can also be combined with lithium or valproate, based on the doctor’s directives. Having a disciplined meal plan No nutrition regimen is proven to get rid of depression, but certain foods can help regulate the symptoms. Here are two main types to consider: