You can get the best deals on Medicare health insurance policies during specific periods in the year. Similarly, there are some norms associated with the purchase of this insurance. As per the rules and regulations levied by Medicare, you’re not allowed to buy health insurance plans at the same rates around the year. This brings up the question, when is the best time to buy Medicare supplement plans? Read along to find out more about this. Buy on first eligibility The best time to get yourself a Medicare supplement plan is when you become eligible to make the purchase for the first time. The initial 6-month window is listed as the most favorable time to buy Medigap supplement plans from the official Medicare website. This window will open when you turn 65 years old and are already enrolled in the Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). During this period, you can buy Medicare supplement plans that are sold in your state. You can make the purchase even if you have a pre-existing health condition. On the expiry of this 6-month period, you might not be allowed to purchase a Medicare supplement plan. Even if you are eligible for coverage, it might cost you a lot more than the original price of the policy.

In an era of rising pollution levels and novel respiratory disorders, keeping the lungs healthy can be a challenge for many. While exercising and frequent physical screenings can help, what a person eats is equally critical for their respiratory health. Certain foods, such as apples, tomatoes, and blueberries, are great for the lungs. On the flip side, some foods can seriously degrade lung health in the long term. So let’s look at such foods. Ice cream Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt can worsen asthma and its symptoms in patients. Milk is a rich source of calcium and vitamins. However, milk products also have casomorphin, a chemical that has been known to increase the mucus quantity in the intestines. Ice cream is arguably the worst of them all, as overeating can inflame the respiratory tract tissues and produce excessive mucus in the lungs. Ice creams contain refined sugar, which makes them one of the worst foods for the lungs. Chocolate Speaking of sugar, chocolate also contains high amounts of artificial sweeteners, sugar, and a surprisingly low number of nutrient elements. Additionally, it has caffeine, which rapidly increases the heart rate of a person. Like milk and other dairy products, sugar is also an inflammatory agent.

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis can make it challenging for people to get the proper nutrition their body needs. However, the body may not digest or absorb the nutrients well, leading to malnutrition and other deficiencies. To avoid these troubles, it is essential to know the foods that can trigger inflammation and lead to flare-ups in people with Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis and their treatment options. Foods to avoid for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis Some foods can trigger IBD symptoms and worsen inflammation. However, there’s no single chart that applies to every person with IBD. The condition can change over time. To understand current triggers, try to maintain a food diary to help patients track their state over time. Common culprits that may trigger flares of Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis include: Caffeine Caffeinated drinks like coffee can worsen Crohn’s and UC symptoms, like diarrhea and stomach pain, by speeding up gut motility. Carbonated drinks Carbonation is gassy and can cause bloating, which can be an unpleasant symptom of IBD. Crunchy nut butter Nuts are sharp and complex to digest, irritating the lining of the intestines; therefore, opt for smooth nut butter instead.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is the term used to refer to chronic inflammation of tissues in the digestive tract. IBD is generally categorized into two types – ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s Disease. These disorders are characterized by diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. The effects of the disease differ from individual to individual. While symptoms of IBD may be mild for some, they may lead to life-threatening complications for others. However, there’s no single chart that applies to every person with IBD, as the condition can change over time. To understand current triggers, try to maintain a food diary, which may help patients track the condition over time. Common culprits that may trigger IBD flares include: Peas Peas, beans, and lentils contain indigestible sugars that may cause gas, so avoiding these during a flare may help. Carbonated drinks Carbonation is gassy and can cause bloating, which can be an unpleasant symptom of IBD. Dried fruits Dried fruits, berries, and fruits with pulp and seeds are often high in fiber and can worsen symptoms during a flare. Crunchy nut butter Nuts are sharp and difficult to digest, irritating the lining of the intestines, opt for smooth nut butter instead.

The thyroid gland regulates hormones controlling key aspects of cardiovascular and blood circulation, and any imbalance in this hormone production can lead to serious health complications. Thyroid cancer is the development of abnormal cells in the gland. The condition can be triggered by an abnormal mutation in the gland’s healthy cells. Most symptoms linked to this cancer develop gradually, causing varying levels of discomfort. Here are a few key warning signs of developing thyroid cancer: Visible lumps The thyroid gland is located at the base of the neck. The gland’s main function is to produce the necessary hormones that regulate vital functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and even body temperature. One of the visible signs of thyroid cancer is a small lump that starts forming around the gland, and it can be easily felt or observed through the skin. Even if the lumps have not formed yet, visible enlargement of the thyroid gland can indicate a developing problem. Persistent neck discomfort Commonly, people experience discomfort around the lower base of the neck when the first symptoms of swelling and enlargement develop as cancer progresses. This is similar to the feeling of wearing a collared shirt that is tight around the base of the neck.

When eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, start building up in the esophagus, it leads to a condition called eosinophilic esophagitis. This can cause symptoms like soreness, pain, heartburn, and difficulty swallowing. The condition is triggered by immune system dysfunction and allergic reactions. It is a rare disease, so there is limited awareness regarding its symptoms and treatment options. However, food plays an important role in managing the symptoms and preventing flare-ups. Dairy-free milk Milk and other dairy products are common food allergens that can aggravate the body’s allergic response. It is safer to eliminate all dairy-based foods from one’s meals and replace them with safer alternatives that do not trigger eosinophilic esophagitis. This means avoiding foods that include any milk compound, including lactose, casein, tagatose, and whey. Dairy-free milk derived from coconut, hemp, or rice is a great alternative. You can also use dairy-free cheese and yogurt. Egg substitutes Be it mayonnaise or meringue, anything that comes with eggs is can trigger an allergic reaction when dealing with eosinophilic esophagitis. This also includes baked goods that usually contain eggs. Check ingredient labels for compounds like lecithin, albumin, and globulin, and avoid such foods. Alternatives like apple sauce, mashed banana, flax seed and water mixture, and other binding ingredients can be used.

Eosinophils are white blood cells that circulate in the blood and help the immune system fight diseases. An abnormally high count of these cells can trigger inflammation and affect other organs in the body. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic reaction where the inflammation affects the esophagus, forcing the passage to become constricted and develop rings or abnormal abscesses. One way to counter this reaction is to eliminate certain foods from the nutrition regimen. Common discomforts of eosinophilic esophagitis Patients may experience abdominal pain, vomiting, chest pain, or heartburn. This reaction can also make it difficult to swallow food. Food can get stuck in the esophagus due to inflammation and constricted passages if the symptoms are left unchecked. Foods that trigger eosinophilic esophagitis This kind of allergic reaction is caused by one of these common trigger foods: Dairy products Dairy products and ingredients derived from them can trigger or worsen the symptoms. This includes milk, condensed milk, buttermilk, artificial cream, margarine, cheese, ice cream, sour cream, and even some forms of mayonnaise. Casein, lactose, lactoglobulin, lactalbumin, milk powders, milk sugars, milk solids, and whey proteins commonly used in recipes are also potential triggers to eliminate or consume in moderation as per the doctor’s advice.

Eosinophilic esophagitis, widely known as EoE, is a chronic condition that affects the esophagus—the pipe that connects the mouth and stomach. It occurs when a large number of white blood cells named eosinophils accumulate in the lining of the esophagus, causing it to swell. Those with eosinophilic esophagitis may experience symptoms like heartburn, trouble swallowing, and chest pain, to name a few. The condition can sometimes lead to a health emergency. Top foods to have for eosinophilic esophagitis After visiting a doctor, the patient might be advised about the foods to eliminate, including all possible food allergens, and the foods that help manage the disorder better. Below are some examples of foods that one can add to their meals when dealing with the condition: Oats Instead of opting for a potential food allergen like wheat, patients can add oats to their daily food plan. Pure oats are gluten-free and provide the body with protein, fiber, and complex carbohydrates. However, when buying oats, one should carefully read through the labels and look for terms like “gluten-free” to avoid health risks. Amaranth Various studies have shown that the amaranth grain has immense nutritional benefits. It slows the body’s immunoglobulin E production, thus reducing inflammation and pain.