Depression is a mental health concern that can affect anyone. It drains a person’s energy and leaves them feeling tired and empty. Those battling depression find it hard to focus on their daily tasks and often withdraw from society. Thankfully, the proper guidance from a professional can help one manage the problem. Below are a few valuable tips and strategies that can help people cope with depression better and improve their quality of life. 1. Accept the situation The first step toward tending to any illness, whether mental or physical, is to accept its presence and know the current situation is perhaps not permanent. Being open to the situation can help one navigate depression in the long run. 2. Focus on the positives Depression causes patients to focus on the problematic and unhelpful negatives of life. One should avoid this and instead focus on the good. Appreciating the small things in life can help immensely. One can maintain a diary and write down the meaningful or happy events occurring every day. 3. Set realistic goals Depression makes it difficult to carry out even the most basic tasks. So, instead of making a long list, patients should begin with a couple of tasks that can be completed throughout the day.

Atrial fibrillation is a health problem that affects a person’s heart. When someone develops it, their heart’s upper chambers do not beat in sync with the lower ones. If patients ignore the issue, it can lead to stroke, heart failure, and other complications. When doctors treat the illness, they try to control the individual’s heartbeat and restore the organ’s normal rhythm. They may use multiple approaches for the treatment process. Medicines 1. Beta-blockers Beta-blockers slow a person’s heartbeat rate when it is beating too fast. They lessen the organ’s muscle strain and give the ventricles enough time to fill blood completely. Atenolol, bisoprolol, and carvedilol are common names of beta-blockers 2. Blood thinners Doctors also call these medicines anticoagulants. Many people use them to lower the risk of blood clots and stroke. Experts may suggest warfarin for atrial fibrillation. It is the most commonly used blood thinner for this problem. 3. Calcium channel blockers Diltiazem and verapamil are the most common options in this category. Calcium channel blockers control a person’s heart rate and reduce the pumping action of the organ. People with low blood pressure, however, may need to avoid this medication. 4. Heart rhythm medicines These can also be called antiarrhythmics.

Angioedema refers to swelling within the skin, typically around the eyes and lips. The condition can develop as an allergic reaction or in response to certain treatments. Certain prescription options can help one manage the condition. One may also have to identify and avoid triggers to limit the episodes of swelling. Some foods can trigger an episode. So, here are some of the foods to avoid when dealing with angioedema: 1. Shellfish Shrimp, crab, and lobster are common food allergens. They can induce a flare-up in those with angioedema and so they should be avoided. One can opt for other sources of protein and omega-3s. 2. Nuts and seeds Tree nuts, like almonds, walnuts, and cashews, and seeds are known to cause strong allergic reactions. So, one should avoid nuts, nut butter, and foods with seeds. Additionally, one should check the food label before buying the product to avoid an allergic reaction. 3. Dairy products Dairy products such as cheese and yogurt contain histamine—a chemical involved in allergic reactions as part of the body’s immune response. One may also have trouble digesting lactose. So, one should opt for milk alternatives and limit dairy products. 4. Eggs Eggs can also cause or worsen allergic reactions.

Getting diagnosed with lung cancer can be hard to come to terms with. The treatment plan that follows can take a toll on the body; fortunately, eating certain foods can help alleviate the side effects of the treatments. As with foods that can help patients get better and give their bodies essential nutrients, they are foods that patients should avoid. This article lists certain foods that lung cancer patients should avoid: 1. Processed meats like bacon Processed meats like bacon, sausages, and lunch meats usually have extra nitrates and chemicals to keep them fresh. These things can be harmful during lung cancer treatment, as they might cause swelling and possibly stop the body from getting better. 2. High-fat dairy products like whole milk Dairy is a great source of calcium and vitamin D, but products like whole milk with lots of fat can be tough on the body, especially for those undergoing treatment for lung cancer. These foods can cause inflammation and trigger mucus production. 3. Desserts like cakes Eating too much sugar is usually not advised during cancer treatment because it might affect the immune system and cause inflammation. Also, sweet snacks and treats can lead to the intake of excess empty calories.

Food plays a vital role when it comes to allergies and intolerances. Studies state that the regular consumption of more processed foods compared to fresh foods can be linked to adverse immune system reactions and higher cases of asthma. However, some foods, such as almonds, apples, broccoli, and salmon, can also help relieve asthma symptoms. Here are eight such foods that individuals going through asthma may add to their food regime. 1. Vitamin E-rich foods Vitamin E-rich sources like almonds, peanuts, sunflower seeds and oil, hazelnuts, avocados and spinach contain tocopherol, a potent antioxidant. This chemical compound helps decrease the risk of asthma symptoms like coughing and wheezing along with supporting lung health. 2. Fruits with vitamin C and flavonoids Brightly colored fruits like cherries, apples, oranges, grapes, and strawberries contain flavonoids and vitamin C and are rich in antioxidants, presenting as the best sources for asthma patients. Further, their anti-inflammatory benefits help overall lung health and respiratory function. 3. High beta-carotene foods Converted into vitamin A once ingested into the body, beta carotene has immune-modulatory properties, anti-inflammatory properties and also supports lung function. So, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, cantaloupes, apricots and broccoli are better suited for asthma patients due to their ability in helping reduce asthma symptoms.