Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic condition autoimmune disease which means rheumatoid arthritis is for life. As with any autoimmune disease, it attacks healthy joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in that joints affected. Rheumatoid arthritis may result from a combination of genetics, environmental influences and your own immune system however the exact cause of what triggers rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. Since RA is a disease for life, it is important to change your lifestyle and diet. Something as simple as a diet change and/or supplements can ease symptoms and improve the overall joint function over the course of your lifetime. It is to your advantage to include the following anti-inflammatory foods in your rheumatoid arthritis diet: 1. Fresh produce Fruits and vegetables are full of anti-inflammatory compounds. If you lean towards a plant-based diet, you will have lower inflammation markers and therefore the symptoms of RA will not be so prevalent. Start with berries, citrus fruits like oranges, celery sticks, broccoli, and cauliflower. Make your snacks apples, grapes, peaches and pears as their edible peels provide rich nutrients and anti-inflammatory compounds. Fresh produce is easy to prepare as simple snacks. Chunks of pre-cut watermelon, pineapple or cantaloupe can be easy to grab and help your RA.

Fibromyalgia is a condition that directly affects the muscles and soft tissues. It is reportedly caused by a glitch in the perception of pain by the body. Symptoms of this syndrome are fatigue, chronic muscle pain, painful trigger and tender points, anxiety and sleep trouble. Common treatments for fibromyalgia include lifestyle changes, stress management and medication. Studies have found that certain foods can also be eaten to help make the syndrome’s symptoms more tolerable. Sufferers should try these dietary options: 1. Plant-based diets A few reports have shown that about 70% of fibromyalgia sufferers who have tried this type of diet have reaped benefits such as lower pain levels and felt better overall. It’s very important that any newcomers understand that this is a plant focused therapy. It is not a nutrient-poor vegetarian diet that includes primarily processed plant-based food. Examples of the correct foods that should be eaten during this diet are: Beans and nuts Whole grains Fruits Veggies All of the energizing foods listed above are nutrient rich. They have minerals, antioxidants, and vitamins. Additionally, you can get your carbs, fats, and protein from these same plant sources. Even though vegans and vegetarians both eat a plant-based diet, vegetarians also eat eggs, dairy, honey, and even fish.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that affects sugar (glucose) metabolism in the bloodstream. This chronic condition occurs when the body either resists the effects of insulin or doesn’t produce enough to maintain normal glucose levels. Symptoms can include increased thirst, frequent urination, increased hunger, unintended weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, slow-healing sores, frequent infections, and patches of darkened skin. Various types of medications can be used to help treat and manage type 2 diabetes, as well as managing nutrition. Below is a list of healthful snacks that can be included in a type 2 diabetes diet or any low-sugar diet: 1. Nuts According to the American Diabetes Association, nuts are a great snack for people who have type 2 diabetes. This is because nuts contain high amounts of certain fats that are beneficial, primarily unsaturated fats, which are known to protect organs and support cell growth. They are also a good source of protein, fiber, vitamin E, antioxidants, and carotenoids. However, it’s best to avoid salted nuts, as too much sodium can lead to complications. Instead, opt for unsalted almonds, walnuts, cashews, pistachios, and peanuts. 2. Hard boiled eggs In addition to nuts, the American Diabetes Association also recommends eggs as friendly food for individuals who have diabetes.

Did you know that migraine headaches are actually a neurological disease? Every 10 seconds someone goes into an emergency room complaining of a severe headache, yet about half of migraine sufferers go undiagnosed. Around 12 percent of the U.S. population suffers from migraines and many are so severe that it interferes with daily life. Migraines are genetic, but very little money has been spent on research, so doctors know little other than how to treat symptoms. 1. Things that cause migraines  According to the Mayo Clinic, migraine triggers can include: Hormonal changes in women Severe sleep changes (getting too much or too little sleep) Intense physical activity (including sex) Certain Medications Stress And weather changes By far, the triggers that precede many migraine attacks include food, food additives, caffeine, and alcohol. 2. A migraine diet  After ruling out other problems with either an MRI or CT scan, most doctors, besides prescribing management medications and various preventive drugs, will put their patients on a migraine diet to avoid certain triggers. These food and drinks can include: Caffeine Caffeine is a double-edged sword because while it can often be used to cure mild headaches, it can also cause problems with migraine sufferers.

Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a chronic condition that affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Each person’s IBS symptoms are unique, but the condition can present a host of symptoms that include abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. IBS can begin in childhood or adulthood and it is the most common gastrointestinal condition. Between 3 and 20 percent of Americans experience IBS symptoms and is more common in women than men. While there is no cure for IBS, there are certain dietary modifications that can help. Tracking your diet with a food journal can help the patient identify food triggers and avoid them in the future. Implementing an IBS diet is the first step to finding relief. We’ve compiled a list of the best foods for IBS sufferers: 1. Lean meats Comprised mainly of protein, lean meats are easily digestible and not fermentable by gut bacteria, so they won’t lead to uncomfortable gas. Fatty cuts of meat can contain pro-inflammatory fats or unhealthy toxins and can upset an already fragile stomach. Stick to healthy portions of white meat chicken and turkey, pork, and lean cuts of beef. 2. Low FODMAP  The FODMAP (Fermentable, Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols) diet focuses on eliminating or reducing fermentable, short-chain carbohydrates.