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Showing posts with label arthritis effects. Show all posts
Showing posts with label arthritis effects. Show all posts

There Are Natural Ways to Cope With Joint Pain

Posted by Unknown Sunday, December 27, 2015 0 comments
Anyone can suffer from joint pain, regardless of their age. It is very common for younger adults to be diagnosed with inflammatory joint diseases including gout and rheumatoid arthritis. Dealing with this pain while keeping up with the demands of a busy lifestyle can be difficult.

Normal activities like taking a walk during a lunch break or carrying a briefcase can cause excruciating pain. There are ways to decrease arthritis pain and other joint ailments without using traditional medicines that may cause further health problems.

Exercise is a great way to loosen stiff joints. People with extreme cases of arthritis should first start with light stretching movements and slowly progress to other exercises. This does not have to be strenuous, but just enough to get the joints engaged and active.

Sometimes joint and arthritis pain can be so bad that exercise is simply not an option. This is when a natural supplement like Provailen could be taken. It contains all-natural ingredients that will relieve inflammation, pain and stiffness. It has no known side effects and can be used as a standalone treatment.

Relief from joint pain can also come through the help of an occupational therapist. They will be able to assist you with daily living activities, and help you devise a plan to deal with your pain that may include accommodations in your workplace. If needed, the therapist may recommend that you wear a supportive orthotic device for a certain period of time. This helps to ensure that you maintain the active lifestyle that you want.

There are certain instances where surgery is necessary to repair the damage caused by arthritis and other joint ailments. Extreme cases like this are not exclusive to older adults. Middle aged and young adults have found themselves consulting with a surgeon about their joint problems.

Arthritis does not discriminate with age or race, or any other factor. Children, young adults and seniors can all be plagued with this debilitating disease. The best way to deal with this is to first be properly diagnosed by a physician, and then begin to do your research on treatments that will best fit your lifestyle. 

You may be prescribed traditional medicines, but there are other natural remedies available for you. By taking the time to understand this disease and research different treatment methods, you will be more prepared and empowered to continue a young, healthy, active lifestyle.


How To Prevent Arthritis Pain During the Freezing Winter Months

Posted by Unknown Saturday, December 26, 2015

What is the difference between treating arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Arthritis describes the sensation of joint discomfort, achiness, and sometimes pain. From a doctor’s perspective, it can be classified as inflammatory (Rheumatoid and autoimmune arthritis) or degenerative (osteoarthritis).

Most people have degenerative arthritis—a condition that stems from wear and tear in the cartilage.
Both types of arthritis respond to anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen for example), but few hear about the anti-inflammatory supplements or foods that also can help.

On the diet side, anything that is highly saturated with fat or is high in sugar content (including high fructose corn syrup) will increase inflammation. So avoid any foods that are high in fat like fried foods, sugary foods, and saturated red meat. To decrease inflammation, eat foods with high nutrient contents such as leafy green veggies, whole grains (not too much), and high-fiber foods such as raspberries, pears (with the skin), and whole-wheat spaghetti.

There are also a number of supplements that have been shown to reduce inflammation. Some studies have indicated that turmeric, ginger, hops, fish oil, and ground flax seed are great for helping to relieve joint pain. Some of my patients have even added glucosamine and chondroitin supplements and found good results, though the clinical studies have had mixed results.

Lastly, lifestyle modification goes along way for relieving joint pain because it gives the body more healing time. Giving yourself adequate sleep (enough to be refreshed) and paying attention to balancing and decompressing stress can reduce inflammation and enhance your body’s capacity to heal by leaps and bounds.

Source: justnaturallyhealthy.com

Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid For Arthritis

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, November 24, 2015 0 comments

Many diseases, including arthritis are caused by chronic low-grade inflammation. It is now widely accepted that some foods fuel inflammation, while others make it better.
The inflammatory response is connected with the body’s immune function. A big part of the immune system is located in our digestive tract. Therefore, it’s no surprise that when the gut is not looked after, this causes a domino effect. It disturbs normal immune reactions and turns a healthy protective mechanism (which inflammation essentially is) into a foe.

Types of Arthritis

It’s important to distinguish between the two types of arthritis:
  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
They have similar symptoms and both affect the joints, but the origins are different.
While OA is usually an age-related condition caused by the wear and tear of joints, RA develops any time in life and is considered an auto-immune condition.

Osteoarthritis  – New Findings

Traditionally, OA was considered a non-inflammatory type of arthritis. However, new findings suggest that in both cases, low-grade inflammation is a major driver of ongoing joint degeneration, and that the distinction might not be as big as once thought. Therefore, the diet recommendations described below can often refer to both types of arthritis.
Before implementing any (drastic) dietary changes, discuss it with your medical team.

Arthritis and Food

There is no ‘arthritis diet’ as such. It is generally recommended to eat a balanced diet, maintain a healthy body weight and reduce your stress levels.
According to Arthritis Research UK, some studies show that people who eat a lot of red meat are more likely to develop joint inflammation.
It has also been suggested that vegetarian and vegan diets can reduce the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. If you do follow such diets, you just need to make sure you provide your body with sufficient amount of nutrients from plant sources. The most common deficiencies in vegetarians and vegans include:
  • Calcium 
  • Selenium 
  • Vitamin B12 
  • Vitamin D
If you think you might not be getting enough of these nutrients with your daily diet, consider a good quality supplement.

What to Eat to Improve Arthritis?

1. Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids

Research suggests that omega-3 fatty acids prevent inflammation. They are readily available in oily fish, salmon being the prime example. Actually, all fish contain omega-3, so you needn’t limit yourself. The highest doses, however, are available in salmon, sardines, anchovies and herring. For example, a 3 ounce serving of salmon provides you with 2 grams of these healthy fatty acids.
Plant sources of omega-3 are not as good
Unfortunately for vegetarians and vegans, plant sources of omega-3, such as flax seeds and walnuts, don’t contain a full spectrum of essential fatty acids. They contain only ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). The body needs to convert the short-chain version (ALA) to a long-chain version (EPA and DHA) in order to make use of it, however some studies indicate that the conversion of ALA to DHA and EPA is relatively small.
Omega-6 to omega-3 ratio
Another important point I’ve written about before is the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio. Modern diet contains too much omega-6 and not enough omega-3 fatty acids. The imbalance itself is often a cause of inflammation and needs to be addressed by increasing omega-3 intake and reducing omega-6. Omega-6 fatty acids are present in vegetable oils, so are often consumed with the abundance of fried and processed goods we eat these days.
Your best bet to get it right is to increase fish consumption, and use oils that are low in omega-6, such as coconut oil and olive oil.

2. Extra-virgin olive oil

As I mentioned above, olive oil reduces your omega-6 intake and is a vital part of the Mediterranean diet, which has been linked to the reduction in RA symptoms, according to webMD.
Studies have shown that a compound in olive oil inhibits the production of chemicals that cause inflammation, which is very similar to the mechanism of pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory drugs. For more useful information about olive oil.

3. Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants

Consuming food that contains a lot of antioxidants is another way to reduce your inflammation. Nutritionists often recommend eating colorful food – the reason for that is not esthetic, but health-related. Fruits and veg that are bright get their rainbow colors from flavonoids and carotenoids, which are powerful antioxidants. 
Fruits and veg high in antioxidants:
  • Berries
  • Broccoli
  • Spinach
  • Sweet potatoes
  • Squash
  • Carrots
  • Tomatoes
  • Melons
  • Papaya
  • Grapes

4. Whole grains

According to The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, whole grains reduce inflammatory markers in the body and in this way prevent exacerbation of arthritis.
Eating whole grains – oatmeal, barley, brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and bread- will not only help you avoid a flare-up, but it will also help you reduce/maintain your weight, which is important for the health of your joints.

5. Ginger

Ginger has been counted amongst the natural anti-inflammatory remedies. The study results have not been uniform, but, according to some reports, the root is supposed to act in a medicinal way and reduces inflammation. 

6. Turmeric

Curcumin, the component which gives turmeric its golden color and its many health benefits, has been well-studied over the years. It works as a powerful antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. Turmeric is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. .

7. Vitamin C

This vitamin also works as an antioxidant and has been shown to reduce the risk of developing RA by 30%. Good sources include:
  • Bell peppers
  • Oranges
  • Mango
  • Strawberries
  • Kiwifruit
  • Broccoli
Foods to Avoid if You Have Arthritis
  1. Sugars – they provide you with nothing but empty calories and increase your blood sugar levels. This has a negative impact on inflammation development and your overall health.
  2. Saturated and trans fats – these fats are most common in processed foods, so try to avoid processed foods as much as possible. A small amount of saturated fat that comes from natural unprocessed sources is fine.
  3. Dairy and red meat – excessive consumption of both has been linked to inflammatory reaction.
  4. Salt and sodium – you often consume salt without even realizing – it’s present in processed foods many people like to munch on. Overdoing it on salt can bring your blood pressure up – another risk factor for many chronic diseases.
source:healthyandnaturalworld.com

How To Relieve Pain in Arthritis? Choosing The Best Option

Posted by Unknown Wednesday, November 4, 2015 0 comments



Among the different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the most common.  Osteoarthritis is mainly found in the spine, hand, hip, knee and sometimes the feet.  The condition by joint failure and damage which is caused due to damage of the cartilage and the growth on new bone in the joints that are affected.  The result is pain and stiffness.
The repair of osteoarthritis in the body is slow and for some, the body is unable to correct the problem due to severe damage of the joint. Symptoms begin to appear, which is pain.  However, during the body’s repair process symptoms are not caused. 

Limitations & drawbacks of using prescription medicines in arthritis
Pain relievers that are prescribed by your physician such as indomethacin (Indocin®), dicolfenac (Voltaren®), and ibuprofen (Motrin®).  Although these are strong pain medications and provide relief, they do not come without risk such as causing the stomach to bleed or a heart attack.  Also, these drugs mask the pain temporarily and do not help to combat the condition.

Limitations & drawbacks of using OTC medicines in arthritis
Stomach bleeding is associated with over the counter drugs such as NSAID pills like aspirin, naproxen (Aleve®), or ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®).  There is no saying how long you can use these over the counter remedies before experiencing bleeding.  To lessen your risk, it is suggested to take the lowest does for the shortest time period possible.  Even with that, you still run the risk of stomach bleeding.  Unfortunately, low doses often don’t work, and you are back at square one.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is shown to be affective to reduce mild pain.  However, it likely does not reduce or prevent swelling and inflammation.  Also, risks increase if you have had liver or kidney problems, heart attack, high blood pressure or stomach bleeding.

Natural supplements – A long-term, safe solution for pain
Because there are many side effects that result from the use of allopathic drugs, more and more osteoarthritis suffers are seeking natural therapies.  It is a safe alternative that has proved to be effective without resulting in side effects.  The herbal supplements treats the condition by:
·         Working to ensure permanent relief of the major symptoms which are experienced including:  swelling, stiffening and pain
·         Boosting your immune power in a natural way which enables you to protect your bones and joints against arthritis
 The herbal supplement targets the primary cause of your condition without adding the risk of side effects even when taken long-term.  The herbal supplement is  safe and affordable and allows you to manage your arthritis.






Weight Loss and Arthritis - The Crucial Connection

Posted by Unknown Tuesday, October 13, 2015 0 comments


Weight control is particularly important for people with osteoarthritis. Excess weight directly contributes to the development of osteoarthritis. Weight control not only helps prevent osteoarthritis, it is an important element in your treatment of the disease as well. The following simple yet interesting facts will help you understand the crucial and critical link between your body weight the health of your bones and joints specifically when you have a serious disorder such as osteoarthritis.

Body weight & arthritis – Some interesting facts


1. While the cause of osteoarthritis is not yet known, but certain weight gain or obesity certainly increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

2. While osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is most common in the hands, feet, spine, and in large, “weight-bearing” joints such as the hips and knees.

3. Increased body weight is a serious factor in the development of osteoarthritis, particularly in the knees, which carry the brunt of weight day in and day out.

4. Weight control is important for prevention of and to slow the progression of osteoarthritis affecting the weight-bearing joints (knees and hips) and low back.

5. Over 294,000 or 1 in 250 young people under 18 years are affected by arthritis

6. For every pound a person gains, add 3 pounds of pressure on the knees and six times the pressure on the hips.

7. Likewise, losing as few as 11 pounds can cut the risk of developing knee osteoarthritis by 50 percent for some women.

8. Similarly, for every one pound of weight lost, there is a four pound reduction in the load exerted on the knee for each step taken during daily activities.

9. Weight loss of only 15 pounds can cut knee pain in half for overweight individuals with arthritis.

10. Physical activity (as performed to lose weight or as a part of overall weight loss program) keeps joints flexible and maintains or improves muscle strength.

11. Studies also show that people who lost an average of 57 pounds of their body weight, significantly improved their knee pain, stiffness and physical function within the first six months.

12. Since weight gain gradually increases the stress on joints, the weight gain the decade before a person has OA symptoms, particularly in middle age, plays a big role in determining if they will have OA.

13. Maintaining an acceptable body weight is one of the key treatment goals in therapy against osteoarthritis.


Conclusion

Osteoarthritis patients who are overweight or obese need to lose weight. Weight loss can reduce stress on weight-bearing joints and limit further injury. While a dietitian or nutritionist can help patients develop healthy eating habits, healthy diet and regular exercise help reduce weight. 

When Kids suffer From Arthritis

Posted by Unknown Monday, October 12, 2015 0 comments
image source: arthritis.org

People often think that arthritis, or the disease characterized by the pain, swelling and stiffness of joints, is just for the older population of society. However, that is not the case. Arthritis is not just a disease of the old, and even children as young as 6 months can acquire this illness.

What is it?
Dr. Christine B. Bernal, who specializes in Pediatric Rheumatology, defines Juvenile Arthritis or chronic arthritis as the persistent inflammation of the joints for a period of more than 6 weeks in a child who is less than 16 years of age. By chronic, it means that the symptoms of the illness have been felt for a long period of time or have been frequently recurring.

“The exact cause of the illness is unknown,” says Dr. Bernal. However, studies have been shedding new light about the illness. “The current theory is that a patient with Juvenile idiopathic (or unknown) arthritis has a genetic susceptibility that is triggered by some known environmental cause,” she stresses. Putting it simply, one theory purports that a problem in a child’s genetic makeup and outside factors from the environment may be the root cause of the illness.

Other theories suggest that genetics plays a valuable role. Furthermore, theories also state that a child who is genetically predisposed or susceptible to juvenile arthritis may have greater chances of being affected by triggers in the environment because of his weak immunity. There are even some theorists who go as far as saying that behavior and nutrition during conception or pregnancy, as well as pollution and other factors from the environment contribute to a child’s acquisition of the illness. It’s a chicken-and-egg debate on nature vs. nurture when it comes to juvenile arthritis, and no definite cause can be pinpointed yet.

What are the symptoms of this illness?
There are three types of Juvenile Arthritis, according to Dr. Bernal. First is the Oligoarticular type, which is the kind of arthritis that affects four or less joints. Polyarticular type is arthritis that affects five or more joints. Lastly, Systemic type is the kind that affects any number of joints, is associated with fever, rash, enlarged lymph nodes, organomegaly (enlargement of internal organs in the body), and a high count of white platelets. “In the US, the oligoarticular type is the most common, but here in Asia, it’s the polyarticular and systemic which are more commonly seen,” she says.

The different types of juvenile arthritis are significantly different from each other. However, these three still share common symptoms. “The most common symptom is joint pains/stiffiness that is usually felt in the morning or with prolonged immobility,” Dr. Bernal stresses. A child may have limited movement due to swelling and pain in the joints.

Dr. Bernal emphasizes, though, that the diagnosis of this illness in a child is purely clinical. This means that to confirm if a child indeed has Juvenile Arthritis, the manifestations of the illness must be closely studied through a battery of physical examinations and laboratory tests.

Tai Chi Could be Prescribed for Illnesses

Posted by Unknown Saturday, October 10, 2015
Tai Chi is a suitable exercise for older people with conditions like arthritis, a study has found.
The ancient Chinese art improves physical performance and enhances quality of life, say researchers.
Tai Chi combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements.
The study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggests the exercise helps with pain and stiffness in arthritis.
It can also help improve quality of life in the lung condition, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
And it may have some physical benefits for people with breast cancer or heart failure, according to researchers from the University of British Colombia, Vancouver.
In the future, it might even be possible to consider prescribing Tai Chi for patients with several illnesses, they said.
"Our findings support the results of a previous systematic review that showed the effectiveness of Tai Chi on health outcomes in older patients with chronic conditions," Dr Yi-Wen Chen and colleagues wrote in their research paper.
"Tai Chi can improve some physical performance outcomes in four chronic conditions (cancer, osteoarthritis, heart failure and COPD) but not at the expense of worsening pain or dyspnoea (breathlessness)."
The data comes from a review of more than 30 studies looking at the health benefits of the exercise.
Past research has found that Tai Chi may reduce the risk of falls among older adults who are at increased risk.
source:bbc.com

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