Asthma is a chronic lung condition that is leading cause of childhood deaths, especially among city dwellers. The risng toll of asthma has puzzed doctors, but many attribute it to a combination of factors, such as the cost of asthma medications, which may be beyond means of low-income families. Improper use of asthma medications, and exposure to environmental pollutants.

Wheezing, chest tightness, labored breathing and other asthma symptoms occur when the tiny muscles that control the airways to the lung constrict, causing a bronchospasm. Normally, the airways narrow somewhat when exposed to smoke, pollutants, very cold air or substances that are harmful if inhaled. In asthmatc people, however, the response is exaggerated and often triggered by otherwise harmless substances or activities, such as pollen and other allergens and exercise.

Heredity may be a factor. The reason some people have hyperreactive airways is unknown; heredity, however, is suspected of playing a role, because the disease runs in families. Many asthmatics also have hay fever and other allergies. Although stress and emotional upsets can trigger or worsen an attack, experts emphasize that asthma is a lung disease, not a psychological disorder; as such, as a serious and even debilitating physical condition.

Some asthma attacks are quickly reversed by taking a bronchodiliator medication. these ease symptoms by opening the constricted airways. Other episodes are more prolonged and as the airways become more inflammed and clogged with mucus, breathing becomes increasingly difficult. In such cases an injection of epinephrine( Adrenalin) and a corticosteroid may be needed to stop the attack. Although asthma is a chronic disease, the changes that occur during an attack that are temporary, and the lungs general function normally at other times.

When asthma starts during childhood, the frequency and severity of attacks tends to lessen as the youngster grows and may dissappear by adulthood. Some adults however may suffer a reccurence, often as an aftermath of a viral infection. In such cases the asthma may be even more severe than it was in childhood.

Eliminating Triggers
Doctors agree that the best reatment for asthma entails identifying and then avoiding its triggers. In some instances these are obvious for example, exposure to tobacco smoke and other noxious fumes, cold air, exercise, or an allergy to an animal dander. Seasonal asthma is usually due to various pollens, molds and other environmental factors .

Suspected, allergens can usually be identified by blood and skin tests.
Food allergies can cause attacks. In many asthma sufferers, food allergies are a trigger; in these cases identifying culprits may require considerable detective work, especially in children. Because food allergies vary from person to person there is no handy list of offenders.

But sometimes a child unconsciously links a food with his asthma by fusing of refusing to eat it. complaints such as “it makes my mouth feels funny” may point to an allergy. Often, foods that trigger asthma are identified by keeping a careful record of the time and ingestion of all foods and drinks, as well as many asthma symptoms. After a few weeks, a pattern of offending food emerge. A doctor can then do confirming skin or other allergy tests.

For some people, inadvetently ingested environmental allergen problem rather than the foods. People allergic to ragweed, for example, may also react to pyrethrum a natural pesticide made from chrysanthemums, or to other allergens related to plants. Similarly, people allergic to mildew and other environmental molds may react to molds in food; common offenders include cheese, mushrooms, hotdogs and other processed meat, as well as anything that is fermented including soy sauce, beer, wine, and vinegar.

Helpful Foods:
There are no specific food that prevent asthma, but some may lessen its complications. Omega-3nd may counter bronchial inflammation. Evidence continue to grow on the protective effects of fruits and vegetables on lung function.

Eat at least 5 to 10 serving of fruits and vegetables daily and include one citrus fruit. These foods provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants for healthy lung function. Viatmin C promotes a healthy immune system and may be helpful in reducing wheezing in children with asthma. Some studies have linked weight gain with adult onset asthma. In addition when obese people with asthma lose weight there can be improvement in asthma symptoms.

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Avoid foods that trigger or worsen eczema, external causes such as wearing wool clothing  next to the skin.

ROLE OF DIET
Certain foods trigger eczema. Common culprits include eggs, dairy products, seafood, walnuts, and pecans. It is important to be tested for food allergies by trained physician to avoid dietary limitations that may be unnecessary.

Cow’s milk can cause eczema in babies and small children, they may be able to tolerate goat’s milk or soy-based products. Many children outgrow their sensitivities by the age of 6, but others have lifelong recurrences.

Consume more antioxidants. Dryness may cause eczema by triggering the formation of free radicals and therefore may be countered by antioxidants such as beta-carotene. Preliminary  studies indicate that foods rich in this substance can improve eczema. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables including apricots, squash, mangoes,carrots,pumpkin and sweet potatoes are good choices.

Eat foods rich in essential fatty acids. Foods like vegetable oil, fatty fish, and flaxseed may decrease swelling by helpinng to generate hormonelike subtances called prostaglandins which reduce inflammation. Another source of essential fatty acids is evening primrose oil. In an experimental study, patients found that their symptoms improved when they took the supplements of evening primrose oil, rich in an essential fatty acid called gamma linolenic acid.
Get lots of vitamin B6. Some researchers believe a diet rich in vitamin B6 protects againts sensitivity rashes. Good sources include vegetable oil, eggs, oily fish, legumes, brown rice, wheat germ, and leafy green vegetables.

Environmental triggers. Chemicals in the environment probably trigger eczema more than foods do. Common offenders include nickel, which is often used for making costume jewelry, and latex which is used in household and industrial rubber gloves.

People in certain jobs are at high risk for developing eczema. Acrylic adhesives are a hazard for manicurists and their customers, for dental technicians and for people who build models as a hobby. Athletes sometimes suffer from skin rashes on the feet caused by adhesives used in bonding sneakers. Buying another brand of sneakers sometime solves the problem. Woolen clothing worn next to the skin can cause a rash. People sensitive to wool should also try to avoid skin-care products based on lanolin, the natural oil that is found in wool.

It makes sense to avoid known triggers. If your rash is worse in either hot or very cold weather, avoid extremes of temperature. Buy only soaps, detergents, and toilet papers free of dyes and perfumes.

credits to Readers Digest Food that Harms Food that Heals

Diabetes mellitus, a serious metabolic disease that affects the body’s ability to derive energy from blood sugar, or glucose. It results when the body cannot produce or properly use insulin, a hormone needed for glucose metabolism. Because all human body tissues need a steady supply of glucose, diabetes can affect every organ. In particular, it can lead to heart disease, kidney failure, blindness, and nerve problems.

TWO TYPES OF DIABETES

About 10 percent of diagnosed diabetes cases are type 1, also called insulin dependent diabetes melitus (IDDM), or juvenile onset diabetes since the disease often develops in children. In this autoimmune disease, the body’s mechanisms for protecting itself from foreign organisms are turned against its own tissue. Because diabetes often develops after an infection such as chicken pox, researchers theorize that after destroying the invaders, the immune system keeps attacking; but having no worthy targets turns on body issue. The result is destructiion of the cells that produce insulin in the pancreas.

People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily. They must also strictly control their diet and physical activity to maintain near-normal blood glucose levels.

The most common types of diabetes, affecting over 90 percent of diabetics, is type 2, or non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus ( NIDDM). Also termed adult onset diabetes this form typically occurs in older adults, who are usually overweight. Although these people often have adequate or even high levels of insulin, they cannot use the hormone properly. Unfortunately, because of the growing obesity problem in children, type 2 diabetes is beginning to show up in this population.

The early symptoms of type 2 diabetes may not be noticeable, so it can go undiagnosed until there is a serious complication, such as a heart attack or stroke. Although they may not experience any symptoms, the disease may be damaging the heart, blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes and other organs. While much of this damage is permanent, it can be prevented with early treatment. Adults over the age of 50 should have their blood sugar levels tested every 2 years, or more often if they are overweight, or have family history

For most people with type 2 diabetes, diet and exercise alone can provide effective treatment; however, some may need oral medications to improve the effect o their own insulin, and a few may need insulin injections

source: Readers’ Digest Foods that Harm Food that Heal an A-Z Guide to safe and healthy eating