Constipation is a common health condition that affects the function of bowel movements. One experiences trouble passing stools. Stools can be hard, dry, lumpy, and infrequent. If you experience any three bowel movements within seven days, a healthcare provider could diagnose you with constipation. The good news is there are various ways to manage the condition and its symptoms. Here are some effective ways that help induce bowel movement at the earliest: Treatment options – LINZESS® or MOVANTIK® Sometimes doctors may advise you to take antibiotics to relieve chronic constipation. LINZESS® (linaclotide) works by raising the level of chloride and water in the intestines. This helps soften stools and stimulate bowel movement. LINZESS® is used to treat severe constipation and IBS. MOVANTIK® (naloxegol) also that helps relieve constipation caused by opioids (pain relievers). It treats constipation without reducing the pain-relieving effects of the opioid. Foods to eat Drink enough water Dehydration is a common cause of constipation, so make sure you keep yourself hydrated. Drink two to four extra glasses of water a day. Avoid carbonated drinks as they can worsen the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). In some cases, sparkling water may also be effective at relieving constipation.

Diabetes hinders the body’s ability to produce sufficient insulin, or it fails to use the hormone to its required potential. Such an issue results in excess blood sugar present in the bloodstream. Furthermore, the rise in blood sugar can trigger nerve and kidney damage. Today, about 37.3 million adults in the country are affected by this disease. Here are three essential tips for lowering blood sugar levels and managing diabetes: Seek the right treatment Getting the right treatment is a great way to manage diabetes.  Glucotrust is one such treatment option for diabetes. Available in the form of capsules, Glucotrust is a support supplement for managing blood sugar levels. The formula helps you maintain healthy blood sugar levels in the body, get sound sleep, and promote smooth blood circulation.  Those who have type 2 diabetes must take the prescription INVOKANA® (canagliflozin). It curbs blood sugar levels in adults and reduces the risk of symptoms like heart attack and stroke.  Another treatment option is  Kerendia, which helps treat chronic kidney disease in adults with type 2 diabetes. The once-daily tablet will help prevent symptoms like worsening kidney disease, heart attacks, and kidney failure. Further, one may consider Dexcom G6, which is a  continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device that needs to be inserted just beneath the skin.

Eczema is a severe, recurrent skin condition with painful flare-ups. The symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis can hinder one’s day-to-day routine. The limitations can cause a lot of stress and, in turn, increase the frequency of flare-ups. Major symptoms, such as oozing blisters and flaky skin, can lead to extreme itchiness, resulting in skin infections and mental distress. Given below are various treatment and remedial options that can help in managing eczema: Treatment CIBINQO® CIBINQO® is an oral solution that blocks the enzymes that trigger eczema symptoms. Doctors prescribe CIBINQO® to patients when topical treatment solutions do significantly improve the patient’s condition. DUPIXENT® DUPIXENT® is a prescription treatment option for people with moderate to severe eczema. It is available in the form of pre-filled syringes and belongs to the monoclonal class of treatment options. RINVOQ® RINVOQ® is an upadacitinib-containing treatment option given to moderate to severe eczema patients who fail to respond to other treatment options. Apremilast (Otezla®) It is mainly used for the treatment of mild to severe plaque psoriasis. However, some studies suggest that it may reduce itching and severity of atopic dermatitis symptoms in adults.  Foods to eat and avoid Here are some foods to eat to manage eczema:

Multiple myeloma is a disease that develops in the white blood cells, called the plasma cells. These cells are responsible for keeping the body healthy by fighting off infections by producing antibodies. The inability to perform its function, the cells accumulate in the bone marrow, leaving no space for healthy blood cells, which further causes several complications. Here are some treatments, foods, and lifestyle changes that help manage the illness: Treatment options Car T-cell therapy This is proved to benefit patients who have relapsed or the body has not responded to any of the multiple prior treatments. This is a specialized therapy that uses the patient’s own T-cells to attack the disease-causing agents. BCMA B cell maturation antigen is a targeted immunotherapy treatment to attack the cancer cells. Immunotherapy This treatment option uses the patient’s  immune system to attack the cancer cells. Bone marrow transplant This treatment plan, also referred to as stem cell transplant, replaces the diseased bone with a healthy bone. Foods to eat and avoid Fruits and veggies, rich in antioxidants, are great for managing the illness. Constipation can be a side effect of the treatment, so antioxidant-rich foods and fibrous vegetables can help relieve the condition.

Tardive dyskinesia is a movement disorder that causes uncontrollable stiff, jerky muscle movements in the face, neck, arms, and legs. It is primarily a side effect of long-term neuroleptic treatments. Studies indicate that about 20 to 50 percent of people who undergo neuroleptic treatments for a long time develop tardive dyskinesia. The good news is that the condition need not be permanent. Here are the treatments, meal plans, and lifestyle changes to manage tardive dyskinesia: Treatment options As mentioned, neuroleptic treatments are among the leading causes of tardive dyskinesia. So, it is crucial to consult with a doctor who can evaluate current treatment plans and make adjustments, if required, to reduce the symptoms. If the symptoms are still persistent and severe, doctors may recommend additional treatments. The FDA has approved two oral treatments for tardive dyskinesia: deutetrabenazine and INGREZZA®. Both control the amount of a neurotransmitter in the brain that plays a vital role in muscle movements. Note that deutetrabenazine and INGREZZA® have a few common side effects, such as sleepiness, irregular heartbeat, and Parkinson-like symptoms. Meal plans Uncontrolled muscle movements associated with tardive dyskinesia make eating difficult for patients. In such cases, doctors recommend liquid meal plans and foods that can be swallowed easily, like bananas.

Depression is a medical illness that can affect anyone. More than 17 million adults in the country aged 18 and older suffer from depression in a year. This condition negatively impacts how a person feels, acts, and thinks. If the symptoms of depression are left unchecked, it can lead to issues like social isolation, conflicts at home and work, and bouts of anxiety and anger. Here are three tips that can help manage this illness. Seeking treatment Depression should be treated at the earliest to avoid any complications. Here are two prescriptions that help cope with this condition: REXULTI® (brexpiprazole) This oral tablet is prescribed to treat major depression in adults. Studies show that REXULTI helps reduce depression symptoms by 62% when combined with other antidepressants. CAPLYTA® (lumateperone) CAPLYTA is a once-daily pill that can be taken with or without food. The prescription treatment curbs depressive episodes in adults with bipolar I or II disorder. The tablet can also be combined with lithium or valproate, based on the doctor’s directives. Having a disciplined meal plan No nutrition regimen is proven to get rid of depression, but certain foods can help regulate the symptoms. Here are two main types to consider:

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system attacks and damages the healthy cells, affecting the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis and is diagnosed in 1.5 million adults in the country each year. Currently, there is no cure for it; however, FDA-approved prescriptions and healthy changes in lifestyle habits can help alleviate symptoms. Here are a few tips for managing the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis: Treating rheumatoid arthritis Actemra® is a prescription for treating moderate to severely active rheumatoid arthritis among adults. It helps block the action of specific proteins that trigger symptoms. Doctors also suggest Tremfya® for active psoriatic arthritis to block the interleukin-23 proteins that trigger pain, swelling, and stiffness. Additionally, Plaquenil® can be combined with other prescriptions to help relieve joint pain and inflammation. Foods for symptom management Foods like salmon, tuna, herring, and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that help lower inflammation. Colored fruits and vegetables are rich in antioxidants that help counter oxidative stress. Also, whole foods like oats, brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat grains are rich in fiber and nutrients that help lower the risk of associated health complications related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Atopic dermatitis, also known as AD, is a type of eczema that causes your skin to become red, itchy, and flaky. It is most commonly seen in children, but even adults can develop the condition. Approximately 16.5 million adults in the country suffer from atopic dermatitis. In this article, read on to know the common treatment options, foods, and lifestyle changes that can help control and manage the symptoms of atopic dermatitis: Treatments for atopic dermatitis While there is no cure for atopic dermatitis, you can manage it via specific treatments. Here are some common prescriptions: CIBINQO® CIBINQO® is an oral treatment for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis. This is mainly prescribed to those who cannot control the symptoms of this condition with other modes of treatment and therapies. Individuals who use CIBINQO® have a higher risk of developing severe infections such as herpes simplex, herpes zoster, UTI, and dizziness, among other side effects. DUPIXENT® DUPIXENT® is mainly used to treat eczema and atopic dermatitis. It works by targeting the source of inflammation beneath the skin, helping prevent flare-ups. This treatment is not a cream, steroid, or immunosuppressant. It is a biologic that has to be administered subcutaneously via injection. DUPIXENT® has serious side effects, including allergic reactions, eye troubles, and joint pains.