Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that affects over 1.2 million Americans. Because rheumatoid arthritis also affects the immune system, it can have damaging effects on other parts of your body such as your eyes, skin, lungs, and heart as well. The causes of rheumatoid arthritis are currently unknown, however, many treatments do exist. These treatments include the use of steroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), biologic agents, and more. Although there are many natural treatments that can help soothe symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, a healthy diet to help combat inflammation and improve the functionality of the immune system cannot be emphasized enough. The following snacks can be utilized as natural pain relievers to help those with rheumatoid arthritis in a safe and practical way: 1. Tart cherry juice One serving of tart cherry juice per day can significantly decrease inflammation as long as the variety you chose is unsweetened. 2. Fatty fish Examples of fatty fish include salmon, tuna, and mackerel, all of which are loaded with vitamin D and Omega-3 fatty acids to significantly reduce inflammation in joints and bones. 3. Grapes High in antioxidants, grapes also contain a compound called resveratrol which blocks the formation of new arthritic cells.

Irritable bowel syndrome, also known as IBS, is a fairly common gastro-disorder that affects the large intestine specifically. Although there is no cure for IBS, patients can manage the uncomfortable symptoms, which often include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea and/or constipation. IBS isn’t usually severe for most people, but a small amount of individuals do experienced severe symptoms. The individuals who experience severe symptoms may be prescribed medication by a doctor, however, those who don’t have severe symptoms can often manage their symptoms via diet: 1. Fiber for IBS There are many different diets that an individual can use to soothe IBS. REmember, irritable bowel syndrome can cause constipation or diarrhea, or both. Depending on which you suffer from, you may either respond positively or negatively to insoluble fiber. For many, too much insoluble fiber in the diet can trigger an IBS flare ups, flatulence, and constipation. However, those who respond well to added fiber in their diets should try to eat more fruits and vegetables and limit the grain intake. 2. Elimination diets for IBS One of the most commonly used diets to treat irritable bowel syndrome is an elimination diet to identify specific food triggers that you may not be aware are causing issues.

The Whole30 diet is a fairly new trend that as taken the health and wellness world by storm. Created in 2009, the diet utilizes elimination methods to challenge participants to find what eating habits work best for them. This is achieved by adhering to the strict guidelines for a total of 30 days and observing the results. Participants are advised to eliminate inflammatory foods, such as sugar of any kind (real or artificial), alcohol, grains, legumes, dairy, and additives, like sulfites, MSG, and carrageenan. As with any diet, there are positives and drawbacks to following the Whole30 program. We’ve compiled a list of the most common pros and cons of the Whole30 diet: 1. Pro: Allows a reset The nice thing about this diet is that it gives your body a chance to rest and recuperate. Because the American diet can be so unhealthy with processed foods that include additives, coloring, sugar, and unhealthy fats. This diet allows your body to heal by processing real food and vitamins after years of damage from unhealthy eating. 2. Con: May deprive you of vitamins Before starting any diet, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional. That is because, while you may be cutting out many unwanted foods and additives, you may also be missing out on other vital nutrients, such as calcium and vitamin D that comes from dairy or the healthy plant proteins often found in legumes.

Diabetes is a condition that develops when a person has too much sugar in their blood. There are basically 3 major forms of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes results from the pancreas making too much or not enough insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is not able to process blood sugar. Gestational diabetes happens to pregnant women who have high blood sugar from their condition. The following safe snack options for diabetes are important for maintaining healthy blood sugar levels: 1. Almonds and other nuts Almonds are a great snack for people with diabetes. These fantastic nuts have been known to balance a person’s blood sugar and they contain essential nutrients that make them practical for decreasing sugar levels. They can keep blood sugar levels from spiking too high and ensure that a diabetic can effectively manage their condition. 2. Berries and yogurt Berries and yogurt are a highly recommended snack for diabetics. This delicious combination is packed with nutrients and other high-quality food ingredients that benefit the body. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, black berries, and cherries are among the best berries to consume. They have fiber, anti-inflammatory qualities, and powerful antioxidant properties that cleanse the body. Greek yogurt is often recommended since it contains more protein than regular yogurt.

People with high cholesterol must be consciously aware of every bite that they eat, especially the little snacks in between meals. Eating snacks at regular intervals is good for helping to maintain normal blood sugar levels and for keeping the metabolism moving during the day. Cholesterol is a waxy substance in the blood that the body needs for building healthy cells. Having high cholesterol levels increase the risk of heart disease, so eating foods to lower cholesterol is very important. Snacks do not have to be cut out, but it’s important to choose foods that positively impact cholesterol, like the following snack foods: 1. Popcorn Popcorn is the best movie snack food. Minus the salt and butter, it is great for lowering cholesterol and is low in calories. It contains fiber and more whole wheat grains than whole wheat bread or brown rice. The taste of this cholesterol buster can be enhanced by spraying on a little olive oil and sprinkling on some parmesan cheese. 2. Nuts Nuts, like almonds, walnuts, pecans, and peanuts, contain healthy fats that the body needs. These healthy fats can help lower LDL cholesterol, the bad cholesterol, and keep it from oxidizing. It is important to stick to a single serving of nuts because they are high in calories, so a handful should suffice.