Many people are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis every day. The exact cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown; however, the illness can be hereditary. Rheumatoid arthritis causes the tissues which line the joints to become stiff, swollen, and inflamed. The result is a great deal of pain. Many people who suffer from the illness try different remedies in order to ease the pain. Some remedies include: heat, rest, diet, exercise, acupuncture, nutritional supplements and herbs.
Some people rely on heat and rest during a painful flare up. Heat is often effective for joint swelling. You can apply hot compresses to the affected area in order to ease the pain. Rest is also beneficial during a flare-up. Other people rely more on natural supplements and herbs. One great natural supplement which aids in rheumatoid arthritis is fish oil. Fish oil is known to reduce inflammation and decrease joint stiffness. Some experts believe that a diet low in dairy and animal fat can also reduce inflammation and decrease joint stiffness. Herbs are also a vital aid in reducing pain and swelling. Many people make hot compresses out of herbs in order to decrease the swelling during a flare up. Some popular herbs include powdered ginger, borage seed oil, and devil’s claw.
Another way to ease some of the arthritis pain is through exercise. If you suffer from arthritis you can plan a healthy exercise regimen with your physician. Keeping the joints mobile is very important. Exercise is especially important if you are overweight. Being overweight and suffering from arthritis in your lower back, knees and legs could intensify the pain. In that situation, a healthy exercise regimen is a must.
Another way to reduce arthritis pain is through acupuncture. Acupuncture is said to reduce pain and increase flexibility. When you reduce pain through acupuncture, you reduce your dependency on painkillers. These are just a few methods for reducing the pain associated with arthritis. You can try some of these remedies and you just might find something that will ease your pain and your mind.
Archive for the ‘Arthritis’ Category
Natural Arthritis Remedies
Natural Gout Treatment – Why Strawberries Are Good For Gout
The 18th Century Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus said that a diet of only strawberries had cured his gout. As a botanist he presumably knew a lot about fruits and flowers. Since you can find photos of a painting of him he was probably a well known expert in his time. He lived until he was 71, quite old for that very gout-aware century. But he couldn’t have known about Vitamin C because it was discovered in the 1930′s.
If this really happened, remember that single-foods diets such as just eating strawberries are crash diets. These can bring on gout attacks, so copying Linnaeus is definitely not recommended.
What was it in the strawberries that did it? For a start strawberries have a high Vitamin C content. At least three studies have reported that Vitamin C will reduce uric acid levels or is protective against gout. In the last study, not by a great deal, but by enough (10-15% of an excess level), to make it a useful aide to reducing uric acid.
And one of the ways to take it in its best forms is that flavonoids are added. This is not exactly news because many Vitamin C products have added flavonoids from citrus fruits. But the problem with many Vitamin C products is that experts have said that an equal (or nearly equal) amount of flavonoids should be with the Vitamin C. There is then more of a therapeutic effect. I have found only one supplement (and I examined about 10 Vitamin C preparations) that does this. Most have 10%-20% of flavonoids to the Vitamin C content.
And it’s always said that Vitamin C is best taken naturally, from foods and juices. So there’s at least one thing the world’s nutritional experts agree about.
There are, it’s thought, maybe 4,000 flavonoids, but only five, plus the proanthocyanidins, have so far been analysed in foods. The five sub classes of flavonoids are: anthocyanidins (aka anthocyanins), flavon-3-ols, flavanones, flavones, and flavonols.
Quercetin, the dietary supplement reported to be helpful in gout treatment because it’s an antioxidant and because it may inhibit xanthine oxidase and thus reduce uric acid production, is one of the flavonols and is notably found in onions and apples (it’s mainly in apples’ skin). Also it’s found in grapefruits, and some green leafy vegetables. There is some quercetin in strawberries too.
Strawberries are towards the top of the high Vitamin C foods list (amount 59 mg per 100 grams) and they are also high in flavonoids. Their flavonoids’ profile (the anthocyanidins, flavan-3-ols and so on) is comparable to cherries, but not precisely the same. For proanthocyanidins amounts, strawberries wack cherries.
But strawberries value as a gout food doesn’t end at this. Let’s look at other dietary factors that are beneficial for gout.
Total flavonoids to Vitamin C: 68%. High. Good.
pH: Strawberries are moderately alkaline. Good.
Purines: Low. Good.
Glycemic Index: Moderate. Good.
ORAC score (antioxidant capacity): Amongst the highest of the top Vitamin C foods. Good.
Water: about 91%. Good.
Are there testimonials to strawberries in gout treatment? I have seen a few. I seem to remember one where the fellow said he went to the refridgerator for a bowl of strawberries whenever he felt a gout attack coming on, and the feeling went away after eating them. The kind of story you read about cherries, cherry juice and dried cherries.
That famous British summer dish… strawberries and cream, (cream is low purine, low GI and fairly low carb), anyone? Yes, and an extra serving too if there’s any leftovers please.
NB. The contents of this article contain medical information not medical advice. Please always discuss remedies with your doctor or other health care professional, before implementing any treatment.
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gout good foods,natural gout treatmentEffectively Using Your Dog Training Aids
It is a good thing that one should use all available and necessary dog training aids when training your dog. But the problem arises when the owners who decide to train their dogs themselves do not know how to use the dog training aid appropriately.
In most of the cases, young boys and girls who become the proud owners of a pet by rescuing a dog from a dog pound face the challenge of training it. the first thing that is to be understood is that a dog recovered from a rescue center is most likely the one who had been either mistreated by his previous owners or had some kind of behavior problem which they considered uncorrectable by them. In certain cases a dog with poor health would likely to end up at such a place.
It is very important to know that the training should not begin right away and such a dog should be initially kept under close observation. Later after giving him a lot of love and confidence his training should start. Avoid using training aids which he might associate with danger like a stick initially.
It is important for a trainer to understand the uses of the training aids such as the clicker needs proper usage to get the desired results. It is therefore necessary for a new user to first understand the functions of the dog training aid before committing himself to its use for training his pet. In many cases once the aid is incorrectly used initially it takes a lot longer to then get your dog to adapt to your commands later and the time goes wasted.
The correct way is to first read and understand the instructions that come with the aid and carefully understand the downsides of it. If you find that your dog is not acting or properly responding to your commands. It is better to get advice from an expert who can guide you in a better way to tackle your problem, instead of forcing your training on to your pet.
Five Reasons Why Fish Oil Helps Arthritis
Commonly referred to as the “inflammation of a joint,” arthritis is one of those conditions that can be long-tern and can lead to disability if not given proper medical attention.
There are two main types of arthritis: the most common form called “Osteoarthritis” characterized by a mild yet painful aches that occurs to aging people and the “Rheumatoid Arthritis” (RA) characterized by pains in the joints that lead to fever, weakness, and deformity and affects people of all ages.
Studies show that about two percent of the people around the world are suffering from this systemic inflammatory disease. In this percentage, women become more prone to having the disease. RA is characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the joints affected, stiffness of the affected especially in the morning, exhaustion, fatigue, depression, swelling, bulging, and inflammation of patient’s eyes and noticeable lumps or nodules beneath the person’s skin.
RA is hard to cure because its cause is not yet determined. Researchers say that RA is attacks like a culprit because it starts with destroying innocent tissues in the body especially those located in the cartilage and joints.
From this attack, numerous joints suddenly turn swollen, red, and hot and will create a symmetrical sequence of inflammation that occurs on body’s both sides.
Remedies for the “culprit” disease
Rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed by matching a specific pattern of symptoms with a certain laboratory result. After the diagnosis, treatment would be recommended to the patient. Today, the most common means of treating RA is through medical treatment that is categorized into two types of drugs that include drugs that are “anti-inflammatory” that only relieve the symptoms of the disease but does not affect its progression, and drugs that belong to the “disease-modifying antirheumatic” or DMARDs group that greatly affects RA itself.
Sadly, these drugs used to treat RA are said to change the route of the disease and they can cause harsh side effects to patient. Because of the severity of the side effects, experts tried looking for a milder approach in treating the disease like natural treatments and alternatives especially in the early stages of RA.
Fish oils as a powerful preventive alternative remedy
For people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, it is indeed a challenging and tiring disease to battle with. Aside from trying medical treatments, more and more people who have RA are now looking for other options to somehow lessen the burden of the disease. Aside from anti-inflammatory drugs, people who suffer from RA are now more open to trying other alternative options such as different programs or sets of exercises, diet programs that include the consumption of fish oil, adequate rest, and proper exposure to heat.
Among all these alternative options, using fish oil is becoming more popular. Many studies are finding out how fish oil may help arthritis-especially rheumatoid arthritis. The following are just some of the reasons why many people are trying this breakthrough approach for an arthritis remedy.
1. Fish oil helps in the reduction of inflammatory compounds in the affected area. Studies show that adequate supplementation of fish oil in the affected area-such as joints or tissues-helps reduce the discharge of inflammatory composites from attacking the tissues.
2. Fish oil helps relieve some arthritis symptoms. With regular and proper use of fish oil, it helps relieve various symptoms of arthritis that include stiffness of the affected area especially in the morning.
3. Fish oil helps diminish joint pains. By using an average of three to six grams of fish oils everyday, it can lessen the inflammation and pain of joints especially those that are already tender.
4. Fish oil also helps in the reduction of heart disease risks especially in arthritis patients. Because of the Omega 3-fatty acids found in fish oils, the possibility of RA patients to develop various cardiovascular diseases is lessened.
5. Fish oil helps patients to save money. Compared to the price of drugs used in the medical treatments, RA patients are provided with what might be a cheaper and safer option for treating arthritis by using fish oils.
The Painful Truth About Using Arthritis Drugs For Men and Women
The Bextra arthritis drug by Pfizer is classified as a COX-2 selective inhibitor. Bextra (valdecoxib) was cleared for release by the FDA on November 16, 2001 and was marketed in March 2002.
It is indicated for relief of the signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. It is also used for treatment of primary dysmennorhea.
COX-2 inhibitors belong to the category of medications called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Drugs falling under this category, which include popular name brands like Motrin and Naprosyn, relieve pain and inflammation.
This type of NSAIDs works by limiting the effect of a natural enzyme called COX-2. This next generation of NSAIDs does not interfere with COX-1, a related enzyme that provides protection to the lining of the stomach.
Thus, Bextra arthritis drug and other COX-2 inhibitors are less likely to cause bleeding and ulcers. These side effects are the common concerns to the sustained use of the older NSAIDs.
FDA Warning on Bextra Arthritis Drug
The FDA, following results of a recent study, has ordered Pfizer on April 7 2005 to withdraw Bextra arthritis drug from the market.
The FDA order was based on the general findings that “the overall risk versus benefit profile for the drug is unfavorable.” Pfizer, Inc. has since then suspended marketing and distribution of Bextra pending further discussion with FDA.
Special Warning on Bextra
Patients are likely to develop stomach problems especially if they have a history of ulcers or had bleeding in the past. Older people and those with compromised health conditions are more likely to develop side effects. Other factors that can create complications include smoking, alcoholism, and long term use of NSAIDs.
This drug can also cause liver problems. Symptoms usually include nausea, fatigue, rash, itching, right-upper stomach pain, flu-like symptoms, and yellowing of the skin and eyes.
The long term use of Bextra can harm the kidneys. People with heart condition, poor kidney function, or liver problems are at serious risk of kidney damage. Also exposed to potential risks are people suffering from dehydration and people taking water pills or ACE inhibitors.
Documented Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Though the documented adverse reactions are considered rare, some patients required hospitalization. This adverse reactions can be life threatening and FDA had strongly recommended that people discontinue the drug immediately at the onset of adverse reaction.
Since this adverse reactions starts with rashes, FDA, from the onset of its release to the market, have warned patients with known allergy to sulfa and sulfa-containing drugs not take Bextra.
The more common side effects include- abdominal pain; diarrhea; headache; nausea; swelling in the hands and feet, and upper respiratory infection.
The following are the less common and rare side effects – abdominal fullness, abnormal or bloody stool, blood disorders, breast pain, and constipation.
Patients were also observed to develop several adverse reactions that include:
* Skin rashes
* Swelling of the tongue, face and throat
* Difficulty of breathing
The FDA has also documented 20 reported very serious reactions which include:
* Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
* Toxic epidermal necrolysis
* Exfoliative dermatitis
* Erythema multiforme.
Hypersensitivity reactions include:
* Anaphylactic reaction
* Angioedema
The Bextra arthritis drug has so far been withdrawn by the drug company, Pfizer, Inc., pending results of ongoing study.
Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis – Defined
Arthritis pain and the options for relieving pain can be very frustrating. According to Gene Hunder, M.D., rheumatology specialist at Mayo Clinic, if joint damage is already evident, the arthritis pain worsens with stressful or repetitive activities to the joints affected. However, if mild joint pain exists a gentle exercise program may be beneficial.
Ankylosing Spondylitis – This arthritis affects the spine, hips, heart, lungs and heels, which is chronic, painful and progressive. Ankylosing spondylitis can eventually cause fusion of the spine in those of genetic predisposition. Typical symptoms affect males between the ages of 15-30 consisting of chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back and fatigue. Children as young as three may experience knee pain often misinterpreted as rheumatisms. Generally, X-ray tests will show indications of any spinal changes and sacroilitiis characteristic to ankylosing spondylitis. Ankylosing spondylitis is classified as a systematic rheumatic autoimmune disease, with no known cure available. However, medication, physical therapy and exercise are available to reduce pain, inflammation and symptoms.
Juvenile Arthritis – This arthritis affects children between the ages of 6 months to 16 years. Many of the symptoms are the same as rheumatoid arthritis (see below) and usually the child outgrows juvenile rheumatoid arthritis before reaching adulthood. Medications are available to improve symptoms, which might include a variable fever.
Osteoarthritis – Degenerative arthritis, another name for osteoarthritis affects the joints. The wearing of the cartilage, which acts as a cushion for the joints, causes inflammation and pain. Because the bone surfaces have less protection from the cartilage, walking and standing, or any other weight bearing activity creates pain, but little if any inflammation. Currently this arthritis affects 21 million people within the United States. Because it is, so far anyway, impossible to replace cartilage, there is no cure for Osteoarthritis. The type of pain usually associated with osteoarthritis is described as a sharp ache, or burning sensation in the muscles and tendons associated with the bone. Occasionally when the joint moves or is touched, it will make a crackling noise. Other symptoms noted include muscle spasms, tendon contractions and fluid in the joint. Areas affected by Osteoarthritis are hands, feet, spine, hips, knees and in theory any joint in the body. When knees are affected, they tend to curve outward and usually feel worse the more they are used during the day. This separates osteoarthritis apart from rheumatoid arthritis. On fingers nodes form, but usually are not painful. Bunion formation that may become red or swollen is a common form on the toes. There are two causes of osteoarthritis; Primary, caused by aging where the water content of the cartilage increases and loss of protein composition; Secondary, other diseases or conditions including, but not limited to, obesity, repeated trauma, hormonal disorders, surgery and inflammatory diseases. Because 60% of the population has family members affected by osteoarthritis, this indicates a hereditary condition. X-rays and MRIs, in addition to a physical examination, are the most common techniques used to diagnose osteoarthritis. No matter how severe the osteoarthritis condition, weight control, appropriate rest and exercise and support devices, if necessary are the most beneficial treatments. To relieve pain associated with exercise, apply heat before and cold after for 10-20 minutes each, along with mild pain relievers, if necessary. In severe cases, surgery may be required to remove fragments, reposition bones, or bone fusion, which will increase stability.
Rheumatoid Arthritis – This chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disorder allows the immune system to attacks joints, which is both painful and destructive and may create loss of mobility. Rheumatoid arthritis differs from other forms of arthritis because it attacks the soft-tissue of many joints at the same time and stiffness and pain are worse in the morning, improving with use. Rheumatoid arthritis may lead to joint deformity should joint surfaces erode or become destroyed, such as fingers and assume unnatural shapes. This disorder is more common among women and is genetic. Common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are morning stiffness, soft-tissue swelling in three or more joints, arthritis of hand joints, symmetric arthritis, subcutaneous nodules in specific places, radiological changes that suggest joint changes. Blood tests are used to determine if a patient suffers from Rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists do not know what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but suspicions lead to an offending organism causes an immune response that leaves behind antibodies specific to that organism. Though this disease is progressive, regular diet and exercise can ease the symptoms of pain and stiffness associated.
Arthritis dates back as far a 4500 BC when the remains of Indians were found in Tennessee. The first text written is dated 123 AD noting symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
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intitle:blog RheumatologyArthritis – Tips for Easing the Pain
Contrary to popular beliefs, arthritis is not a product of old age alone. In fact, there are several types of arthritis, which have nothing to do with one’s chronological age. Being afflicted with arthritis can greatly interfere with how you spend your time. The pain associated with it can be so debilitating that you might find yourself with no interest or strength left to do the things you have always enjoyed so much.
However, this does not mean that you have to spend your time wasting away. Here are several suggestions that you can follow to spring back to life and start doing the things you love to do before the disease took over.
. Don’t just sit there, exercise! The best time to exercise is when the inflammation has already calmed down. There are a number of exercises which can benefit arthritis sufferers most. Among these are range-of-motion exercises, isometrics and certain weight bearing exercises. Stretching and warming up the joints should always be incorporated as the first steps in the routine to make the joints more flexible. And as a safety precaution, remember to consult with your family physician first before engaging in these types of activities.
. Every movement counts. The best way to dodge arthritic pains is to keep your joints moving. Maintaining movement in your joints helps them to function properly for longer periods of time. It does not matter if small movements are all that you can manage. Remember that every little bit of movement counts!
. Consider exercising in the pool. Exercising in a heated pool might be a very good idea especially if you feel pain with even the simplest of movements. The natural buoyancy of the water will help reduce the pressure in your joints and the heat coming from it will actually help you loosen those joints. This idea, however, is not recommended for people with high blood pressure.
. Water workout for the hands. If your hands are in pain, a warm water workout may just do the trick. Try doing hand exercises in a tub of warm water and notice the comfort that it will bring.
. Exercise is good but do not overdo it. Overdoing your routine will not help you and may only bring you more pain. A good indication of how much is too much when it comes to exercising can be determined by observing how you feel a few hours after you have completed your routine. Then again, see how you feel after 24 hours. If you notice any significant increase in pain during that period, you definitely are overdoing it. It is best to cut back on the rate and amount of exercise that you are doing.
. Put on your gloves. Wearing your gloves provides the warmth needed to reduce the pain. Using a pair of stretch gloves might even help reduce the swelling that accompanies arthritis. For best results, keep your gloves on all night while you sleep.
. Go easy on over-the-counter creams. These may provide temporary relief but overusing these preparations can actually activate certain enzymes that can damage the cartilages in the joints.
. The bed issue. Several studies indicate that arthritis sufferers who used to sleep in water beds actually noticed reduced morning stiffness, especially when they used heated water beds. Similarly, patients who used sleeping bags on top of their beds also noticed reduced morning aches and pains.
. Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, the joints naturally bear a heavier load. Thus, losing excess weight can actually reduce the stress on your joints and help them function better.
Following these suggestions can help you get back on the swing of things and may allow you to spend your days doing the things you want to do.
Athlete’s Foot Symptoms And The Skin Peeling Monster
So you have athlete’s foot symptoms? Caused by the ringworm fungus known as trichophyton, athlete’s foot is an invasive fungal infection that attacks the skin of the feet and leaves you with the irritating causing the intense symptoms married to athlete’s foot.
Here’s the thing, if you have ever had a case of athlete’s foot, then it is something that you will definitely remember. With easy to understand symptoms, athlete’s foot is pretty easy to understand.
Athlete’s foot symptoms really do grab your attention.
With athlete’s foot, often the very first thing that you will notice is the unending itch and burn of your feet. You might find that in between your toes simply feels like it is on fire. You might even find that the soles of your feet won’t stop itching and burning. Not surprising. These are hallmarks of athlete’s foot symptoms. The burning, the itching, the cracking, the peeling, oh just curse the fungal invasion that causes it all.
This wicked little fungus can even motor its way into your toenails. And with a little help from you, it can even move to your groin or underarms. All the fungus needs is a little transportation and you can unknowingly provide that if you scratch your feet and then scratch your underarm or your groin.
So if you don’t want to transfer the fungal infection from your feet to other areas, then knock off the scratching! Forget about the scratching!
Capable of living a really long time, the fungal organisms of athlete’s foot can be terribly persistent, so you will need to treat your athlete’s foot symptoms as soon as possible and for the prescribed amount of time.
Dry, scaly areas, redness, inflammation and even watery blisters may be seen with athlete’s foot symptoms. Often the blisters can open up and cause even more challenges.
When the blisters break apart, they then leave you with a foot of raw tissue. These open areas can leave you with even more swelling and pain. These open sores can also leave you at risk for a secondary infection. A delay in healing and an increase in the burning and itching, athlete’s foot blisters are definitely something that you would like to avoid.
While athlete’s foot symptoms are easy to identify, it is more important that as soon as you identify the symptoms that you immediately begin treating the fungus. No delay.
If you sufficiently treat your athlete’s foot symptoms then you can beat back the irritating symptoms that are causing you such pain. So be smart and treat the fungus and get back to healthy feet.
You don’t have to live with the annoying athlete’s foot symptoms but you do have to treat them.
Must-Have Ingredients of Anti Wrinkle Cream
Anti wrinkle cream brings life back into the skin where needed to repair and rejuvenate the skin. Unfortunately, many anti aging creams on the market do not work as advertised. They contain very little of the ingredients stated on the label, and some products may only temporarily help the skin look better on the surface. For lasting skin care results, you’ll want an anti aging cream that contains a high concentrate of important active ingredients.
One Key Ingredient for Anti Wrinkle Creams – Aloe Vera
Look for anti wrinkle creams that contain the ingredient aloe vera. Aloe vera comes from plant juice and is completely natural. It has been used for years as a healing remedy for skin cuts and burns, and the medical and herbal world are now exploring its remarkable anti aging properties.
Anti aging creams with aloe vera (particularly aloe vera barbadendis leaf juice) can help rejuvenate the skin without harsh chemicals and unwanted side effects. Natural anti aging skin care products such as Rejuvion contain a base of aloe vera, meaning all other ingredients are mixed into the main constituent of aloe vera.
L-Carnosine (Endymion)
Another important ingredient to look for in an anti wrinkle cream is L-Carnosine, or Endymion, which combines two amino acids called beta-alanine and L-histidine. This ingredient enhances the body’s ability to rejuvenate cells, or make old cells younger and extend the cell’s life cycle. It can also help other bodily functions such as protecting healthy cells from radiation damage, fighting allergies, improving blood flow to the brain, and many other functions.
Tamanu Oil
A helpful ingredient found in some anti wrinkle creams is Tamanu oil, which comes from the Tamanu tree. This oil is an amazing topical healing oil for the skin and has antibiotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antineuralgic, and antimicrobial properties. It has been used in various countries around the world for many purposes including skin rashes, cuts, sores, chapped lips, arthritis, diaper rash, skin allergies, boils, burns, gout, and ringworm.
Other Ingredients for Skin Care and Rejuvenation
These are only a few important ingredients, but there are many others to look for on skin care product labels. A blend of the above plus a healthy concentrate of the following ingredients can create lasting results: shea butter, mango seed butter, camellia sinesis leaf, avocado oil, alpha arbutin, hydrolised collagen, sodium hyaluronate, ubiquinone, phytonadione, methylsulfonylmethane, sweet almond oil, evening primrose, centella asiatica leaf extract, vitamin B5, and sorbitan oleate.
These ingredients and others each have a purpose in the anti wrinkle cream to help your skin look and feel healthier than ever. Buying online is the easiest way to find an effective anti aging cream. Be sure the online retailer lists the active ingredients in the cream, and read information about possible side effects before making a purchase. Check out online anti aging skin care products to find a cream that blends these crucial ingredients for maximum results.









