Saturday, December 28, 2013

Orthokine - Treatment of Arthritis and Spinal Disorders


Orthokine is an antilogous concept that is used for the treatment of arthritis and spinal disorders. Osteoarthritis, the loss of cartilage in the joint has many causes. The factors like being overweight, predisposition, heavy load by work, etc are the main causes for osteoarthritis. In western countries there is about ten percent of the populations suffering from osteoarthritis. A protein named interleukin-1 (IL-1) plays a crucial role in the development of osteoarthritis and destruction of cartilage. Osteoarthritis patients will have too much IL-1 present in their joints. IL-1 is a most prominent active agent which damages the cartilage and so the natural shock absorber in the joint loses its function.

The therapy of osteoarthritis is done using IL-1 blocker which is known as interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra). IL-1Ra is anti-inflammatory, reduces pain and also protects the cartilage. The orthokine procedure is done by taking blood from the patient using a special syringe called orthokine syringe. The orthokine syringe is approved in the EU and Australia. The blood taken from the patient is an antilogous injection solution and it is called as orthokine serum. The Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is naturally present in the blood. However, with the production of orthokine, it is produced and extracted in higher concentrations. So, to increase the concentration of IL-1Ra, blood samples are taken from the arm vein using special EOT syringe. The glass beads in the syringe induces the blood cells to synthesize increased amounts of protective proteins. The temperature of 37'c in the incubator is the optimum environment for protein synthesis.

During incubation, the white blood cells present in the bloods are stimulated immediately to produce IL-1Ra and other anti-inflammatory and regenerative proteins. They are increased in concentration and the "Antilogous Conditioned Serum"(ACS) is injected into the joint. A centrifuge separates the blood clot from the amber serum, containing the protective proteins in high concentration. The protective protein IL-1Ra displaces the damaged protein IL-1 and the inflammation process is blocked. Subsequent therapy includes about six injections that will be given once or twice weekly.

The orthokine procedure is used throughout the world by orthopaedic surgeons and rheumatologists. This procedure cannot be compared to treatments using the patient's own blood that is often used in alternative medicine. In Germany alone there are over 20,000 patients have been treated by this orthokine treatment. The advantages of this treatment is, pain in the joints will be reduced, improves the joint function and mobility and the continuing process of cartilage destruction will be blocked. This treatment is very efficient and safe.

Tips for Dealing with Arthritis Symptoms


Most modern day suffers of arthritis (and tendonitis and gout) are fighting the symptoms of these inflammatory diseases with pharmaceutical grade drugs. Early symptoms generally occur between 25 and 50 years of age, but can show up in individuals under the age of 16. Understanding the symptoms
can help identify the problem early and deal with it right away.

Do you know which signs point to arthritis symptoms? If not, you should arm yourself with as much knowledge on this disease as possible. Besides general signs each form of this problem tends to present a peculiar result in the body.

However the causes are still not known fully. Arthritis is thought to be an autoimmune disease - literally where self attacks self. Foods which can be beneficial to sufferers include: Oily fish such as mackerel, tuna, salmon, trout, herring, anchovies and sardines - these contain omega 3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory. This joint problem should not be taken lightly or ignored, so investigate the treatments and choose the best for yourself.

With the passage of time, new and more effective treatments against it are starting to come through. If you are experiencing pain in one or more joints and you do not get relief from over the counter medication, or through the application of heat or cold packs, it's possible you may have it. You may find that your pain disappears completely, or that the pain lessens once you've eliminated or reduced your use of the offending foods.

Massage is also helpful in managing it, but because the affected area may be very sensitive, a professional massage therapist familiar with it is best suited for this. There are many groups and organizations that offer exercise specifically developed for individuals suffering. Visit your physician when you first feel that you are maybe starting to deal with it.

Arthritis Treatment: Exercise Treatment for Low Back Pain


One of the most common reasons for a visit to a rheumatologist is low back pain. And one of the simplest and safest forms of treatment is therapeutic exercises.

There are eight exercises that can help. These should only be done after consulting with a physical therapist or your physician.

#1. The first is to lie flat on the floor in a relaxed fashion, bring your right knee toward your chest, and clasp your hands around the knee. Pull the right knee toward the chest firmly and at the same time straighten your left leg. Do 5 repetitions. Repeat the same with the opposite leg. It may help to have a small pillow under your head to prevent neck strain.

#2. Lie on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, with your arms at your sides with the palms down. Tighten the muscles of your lower abdomen and buttocks so your low back flattens. Slowly raise your lower back and buttocks off the floor and hold for five seconds. Relax and repeat five times.

#3. Lie on your back with your knees bent. Feet flat on the floor, hands at your sides, with the palms facing down. Tighten the muscles of your abdomen and buttocks so as to push the lower back against the floor. Hold this position for 5 seconds. Relax and repeat five times.

#4. Lie on the floor with your knees bent, feet flat on the floor, arms at your sides. Bring both of your knees to your chest and clasp your hands around the knees and pull them toward your chest. Hold this position for five seconds and relax. Repeat five times.

#5. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, and arms at your side, with the palms facing down. Raise your left leg up as far as comfortable without overstretching the hamstring muscles behind your leg. Return your left leg to its starting position and repeat five times. Do not jerk! Repeat the same exercise with your right leg five times also.

#6. Lie flat on your back with your arms at your sides, palms facing down. Slowly raise your left leg and bring it towards the opposite side of your body until you feel a stretch. Repeat the same motion with the right leg. Do each side five times.

#7. Lie on the floor with your knees bent. Place your hands next to your ears. Squeeze your stomach muscles and lift your head two to four inches off the floor, while looking at the ceiling. Hold this position for 5 seconds and repeat five times. Do not put your hands behind your neck as this can cause you to strain your neck.

#8. Stand with your hands against a wall and your left leg 18 inches behind your right foot with the heel flat against the floor. Bend your right knee but keep the left leg straight. Slowly bend forward until you feel the stretch in your calf. Hold this position for five seconds. Repeat five times, then do the right leg the same number.

It may be more comfortable for you to use a small pillow to cushion your head. This will also prevent neck strain. Use a yoga mat if you have one.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Practical Tips for Overcoming Its Obstacles


The principle of the lever: it can be applied to help with most of the everyday tasks that arthritis makes difficult. For example: if Rheumatoid Arthritis has deformed your hands, even turning a key in the lock of your front door becomes a teeth-gritting struggle.

  • A key-turner can make you the winner. Your key - of any size - slots between the two blades of a handle and is held securely by tightening a screw that holds them together. Made of a durable plastic, the handle is about 6 inches long, giving you the leverage your weakened hands need.

  • Jar openers that incorporate the principle of the lever do many jobs in the kitchen, laundry and workshop.

  • An ingenious device I bought to turn the taps on our former gas range is now in the twentieth year of its daily duty in the studio. I use it to turn dials of mechanical items such as the timer on my workbench and the dashboard of my studio air-conditioner.

The device has a platform embedded with multiple metal pins that retract as they meet resistance from hard surfaces. A two-inch column rises from the platform to support a handle just four inches long. The pins can adjust to objects of any shape of object and by pushing down and twisting the handle, I can deal with knobs and dials that were once beyond my strength.

You can make Time your ally instead of the enemy, if you resist the natural resentment you feel over how long it now takes to do simple things. Make it easier on yourself by:

  • Doing some stretching exercises before you even get out of bed in the morning. These will combat the effects of muscle contracture that beset people forced into long periods of inactivity.

  • Taking a shower rather than struggling into and then back out of a bath tub. Morning aches, in muscles that have cramped around sore joints during the night, will be eased by turning the water jets on full blast. Some say this is due to the ionising action of water bouncing from the tiled floor, similar to the refreshing effects of a nearby waterfall in the rainforest.

  • Alternating between hot-as-you-can-stand-it and almost cold water, also helps. This is said to be due to an increase in blood flow around the body. I only know it works for me. It's the very best way to start your day. ( Though a kiss from your loved one is hard to beat.)

  • In the shower, use a pump-action dispenser for shampoo and liquid soap. Keeping a soap dispenser beside every hand basin and sink is a good idea,too.

  • When you're finished showering, wrap up in a giant-sized towel that will have the job of drying yourself half done by the time you reach for a hand towel to dry between your toes.

  • Buttons and zips can be a major cause of frustration, particularly when you're in a hurry. You can beat this obstacle with a clever device made of heavy duty brass wire. Covered in soft but sturdy foam rubber, the wire has a hook for catching and pulling zippers at one end. At the other, it forms a kind of super-sized needle-threader. You insert through this into the buttonhole to capture and pull the elusive button through. Once closed, the threader can be wiggled to release it from the button.

All of these devices are manufactured items readily available at pharmacies that cater for people needing orthopedic aids. Usually made of plastics, many can be replicated at home in wood or metal.

They not only save your precious time and lessen those daily frustrations. They boost your morale by decreasing the number of times you must ask for help. That, in turn, lessens the friction that can arise between you and the person who helps you over the daily hurdles.

Some of the daily obstacles you face have no ready answer, as yet. I encourage you to use your first-hand knowledge of the problems to imagine possible solutions. Brain-storming with a partner or friend who is handy at working with wood or metal can result in a design for tools that do the jobs your hands no longer manage. Along with our son, my partner has turned many of my dream-designs into practical devices that help me work at what I love doing.

What is the Future of Stem Cell Treatment For Regrowing Cartilage?


Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Estimates of its prevalence among Americans vary from 20 million to 40 million.

The underlying pathophysiology is the premature deterioration of articular cartilage, the gristle that caps the ends of long bones. Cartilage is a form of connective tissue. It is unique in that it receives its nourishment from the lining of the joint- the synovium. Cartilage itself has no blood vessels or nerves.

The pain that arises from osteoarthritis is due to irritation brought about by local inflammation. These local inflammatory changes occur as a result of the production of destructive enzymes as well as local irritation due to altered biomechanics.

Until recently, the treatment of osteoarthritis has been purely symptomatic. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs either in oral or topical form, local joint injections of glucocorticoids, or intra-articular injections of viscosupplements (lubricants).

While helpful for alleviating pain temporarily, these approaches also are associated with potential side effects, and do not address the underlying problem- loss of articular cartilage.

In the 1990's there was interest in developing what are called disease modifying osteoarthritis drugs (DMOADS). However, research efforts directed at these disease modifying remedies were disappointing.
More recently there has been interest in the use of stem cells (SCs) to help with cartilage regeneration.

The questions, though, with this line of thinking have been many. What type of SCs should be used? What keeps the SCs inside the joints? How can the SCs be made most productive? When do they stop working? How do you provide the right environment for the SCs to make cartilage? What are the dangers of involved? What criteria are involved in selecting the right SCs expert?

The major breakthrough recently has been in the field of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). The original work done by Shinya Yamanaka in 2007 has laid the groundwork for some excellent investigations involving the use of this techniology. Basically what Yamanaka was able to demonstrate was the ability to take adult stem cells, and reprogram them- essentially rewinding the biologic clock- so that the adult stem cells now behave like embryonic stem cells. The advantage is that these induced adult stem cells can become any type of tissue given the right environment.

However, there are technical problems with this approach and the reality of being able to use these types of stem cells, particularly for arthritis, is way off in the future.

So what is available now and how good is it? Currently, the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), adult stem cells located in the bone marrow and, which, if placed in the right location with currently available growth stimulators, appears to be effective.

MSCs are multipotential. They can become a limited number of tissue organs. Fortunately, cartilage appears to be one of them.

How effective the approach is, is difficult to say since there are no good long term randomized controlled studies. What is available are anecdotal reports. Unfortunately, these anecdotal reports fall far short of what would be considered good science.

Also, the application of MSCs where there is no cartilage left and there is an angulation deformity is problematic. In our hands, these patients do not respond.

Age and body mass index (weight) are two other important factors to consider.

What is known is that the approach is safe and appears effective for the short term (2-3 years). Clinical measurements, along with cartilage thickness improve.

Also, there is no evidence of cancer, which is the concern using the induced pluripotential approach.
So... the bottom line...the best current approach appears to be the use of adult MSCs made by concentrating marrow, along with growth factors derived from platelet rich plasma. In addition, the utilization of adipose tissue (fat) to serve as a scaffold is strongly advised.

Finally, the technical harvesting and administration of MSCs using diagnostic ultrasound guidance by an experienced and expert physician seems to be the most important ingredient necessary for a successful outcome.

Preventative and Rehabilitative Exercises for Those With Osteoarthritis


Osteoarthritis is often seen as an inevitable part of aging. As it turns out, people younger than 65 may also develop osteoarthritis. Even though the majority of osteoarthritis patients are older, osteoarthritis is not a necessary facet of aging. Being overweight, having a family history, decreased bone density, a sedentary lifestyle, and previous joint problems are all risk factors for developing osteoarthritis.

In fact, more than 20 million Americans suffer from Degenerative Joint Disease, or osteoarthritis (OA). Knee osteoarthritis is also the major cause of musculoskeletal pain, disability and impaired mobility in elderly populations. Women are most often affected. However, research also shows that elderly people aren't bound to suffer from osteoarthritis pain. There are many holistic ways to address the condition that can have a long-lasting impact on osteoarthritis and the patient's general well being.

The Osteoarthritis Diagnosis
Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage - the tissue on the ends of bones that merge in a joint - and causes the cartilage to break down and gradually wear away. Cartilage is responsible for helping bones smoothly glide over one another. Instead of gliding, however, osteoarthritis causes bones to rub against one another. This can lead to pain, swelling, and motion loss.

The diagnosis of osteoarthritis is made by assessing the patient's clinical history, and performing a physical examination; an x-ray may be needed. Additional tests, such as taking fluid from the joint, may also be recommended.

Signs of osteoarthritis may include, but are not limited to: persistent, steady or recurring joint pain, stiffness in the joints after not moving for a prolonged period of time (this can include sleeping or sitting for extended periods), joint swelling or tenderness, and the sound of bones rubbing against one another, or a "crunching" sound/sensation.

The above are signs that you should contact your chiropractic doctor. Even though an osteoarthritis diagnosis is not difficult to make, oftentimes it's not immediately apparent whether the patient's symptoms is caused by OA. As such, it's important to rule out other disorders and conditions that may be aggravating the symptoms. Making a diagnosis at an early stage of the disease's onset and providing the right course of treatment will help reduce pain, improve overall function, and stall the degeneration process.

Exercise
One of the best forms of treatment for osteoarthritis is through prevention. One of the ways to accomplish this is through adopting some form of regular exercise. Exercise strengthens the muscles around the joints, as well as aids and maintains the joint's function and ability to move. Exercise also helps with weight management and improves the patient's emotional well being; these are factors that can have a significant effect on decreasing the severity of symptoms.

Here are some exercise tips for dealing with osteoarthritis:

  • Go for low-impact activities, such as walking, and light weight training. Avoid heavy weights as they can place a strain on your joints.

  • Adopt strengthening exercises targeted at the affected muscle groups.

  • Develop a careful exercise approach. You don't want to place too much stress on your knee and ankle joints, especially if you are overweight.

  • Try climbing stairs or water aerobics. These can help keep the joints mobile without putting a strain on them.

  • Make sure to read your body's signals, which tell you when to stop or slow down.

  • Your doctor of chiropractic may also recommend proper supplements that play important roles in osteoarthritis prevention and treatment.

Your Doctor of Chiropractic Can Help
By the nature of their work, doctors of chiropractic are able to detect the degenerative changes in the joints at their earliest of stages. Doctors of chiropractic can see and evaluate the impact of degenerative changes in the spine. They can also see their overall impact in the hips, knees, and weight-bearing joints.

Chiropractors are trained experts, with reliable methods of alleviating osteoarthritis pain which, at the same time, improves joint function. Chiropractic doctors do this with the use of natural therapies, such as chiropractic manipulation, massage, and especially designed exercises, as well as a host of other techniques.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Natural Arthritis Treatment For Joint Pain Relief


Arthritis is a joint disorder affecting the musculoskeletal system of our body. An arthritic joint is inflamed, very painful, stiff, swollen, warm and tender. The joints are actually the union or meeting junction of two or more bone heads. The joints of our body bear the weight of our body even while we are sitting and support the entire body structure. Therefore joints are prone to much wear and tear. When arthritis invades a joint, not only the bone heads but also the adjoining tissues, muscles, ligaments and tendons are affected, making mobility painful and in some cases impossible.

Therefore arthritis may be the cause of disability for many. Arthritis may be of a hundred types, of which osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout are most widespread. Osteoarthritis occurs due to friction between bone heads at the wearing out or loss of cartilage cushions that could have otherwise protected the bone heads from friction. Rheumatoid arthritis is the result of a misdirected immune system attacking healthy joints and tissues. Gout results from metabolic malfunctioning and crystallization of uric acid in joint cavity and between bones. Some causes of arthritis may be listed as follows:

1. Lack of exercise
2. Wrong diet
3. Dehydration
4. Sedentary lifestyle
5. Obesity
6. Degeneration of cartilages
7. Natural aging of joints
8. Joint injury or bone fracture
9. Joint infection
10. Faulty joint alignment
11. Heredity
12. Lack of vitamins
13. Over-active immune system
14. Metabolic disorders.

Natural Arthritis Joint Pain Relief

1. Prickly ash tea effectively eases arthritis joint pain by improving blood circulation.

2. A cup of hot ginger tea daily alleviates arthritis joint pain and inflammation.

3. A cup of tea made from nettle leaves or root sufficiently heals arthritis joint pain.

4. Heating pad or warm, damp towel application relaxes muscles and does away with stiffness and pain.

5. Rubbing ice cubes wrapped on fabric on joints reduces pain and swelling.

6. Massaging aching joint with camphorated mustard oil or coconut oil gives much relief from pain. Olive oil, castor oil, hot vinegar or warm paraffin may also be used for massaging.

7. Application of peppermint oil on aching joints gives much relief.

8. Soaking in warm bath water in tub or adding Epsom salt to bath water also lessens arthritis joint pain.

9. Taking walk in sun without any sunscreen is perhaps the easiest way to treat arthritis joint pain naturally.

10. Practicing gentle stretching around stiff joints as many times as possible through out the day keeps arthritis pain at bay.

11. Intake of alkaline juices like carrot, celery and red beet dissolve that deposits in and around joints, relieving pain.

Traumatic Osteoarthritis


Traumatic osteoarthritis or post-traumatic osteoarthritis as it is better known is mainly caused due to an injury of the joints, followed by a number of physiological and mechanical changes. A patient may develop arthritis in a joint which may have been previously injured. The development of arthritis in that joint though may or may not be related to the injury. The progressive degeneration of the joint after an injury along with the genetic or other natural causes of bone degeneration worsen the condition as the patient grows in age. It is extremely important for the treatment, to know whether or not the condition is a direct consequence of the injury.

There are various factors which can lead to conclude whether or not the patient?s condition is a case of traumatic arthritis. If it is noted that other joints are also suffering from similar symptoms as the traumatized joint then the condition is definitely not one of traumatic osteoarthritis. One must also try to recall whether or not the joint was absolutely normal even before the injury and whether or not any evidence of structural damage was found only within a few days of the injury. Many a times, a closer investigation into the history of the injury also reveals that it was not that bad enough to have caused an internal joint condition like arthritis.

However, if the injury may have caused a dislocation of the bone, a fracture, a torn ligament or anything as serious then it may have led to the present condition of arthritis which can easily be classified as traumatic arthritis. Also, if one realizes that only the previously injured joint is affected then too it is a case of traumatic arthritis. An MRI scan can sufficiently establish the condition.

The disease becomes evident only 2 to 5 years after the injury. However, certain changes which are symptomatic of an osteoarthritic condition maybe visible immediately after the injury.

How Eating Wheat Can Contribute To Arthritis


There are a number of less obvious neurological and autoimmune conditions that are the indirect result of consuming wheat and gluten, these symptoms and conditions tend to present themselves in less obvious ways, than gas, bloating and skin conditions and tend to get diagnostic labels that don't help solve the underlying problems. Sadly, most of the people who need this information aren't reading this article right now. The good news is that YOU are and the more you are aware of symptoms and potential conditions which are known to be linked, the safer and healthier we all will be.

It is important to note that many of these conditions can be caused by a number of factors - however, my experience is that most people suffering from the diseases and conditions I'm going to discuss in a minute, never consider wheat or gluten as a possible root cause - and that's why it is important to be aware of all the ways that wheat and gluten can affect our physiology.

Let's start with a class of diseases known as autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases by themselves create a variety of symptoms by definition-and this makes it really difficult for the medical community to properly diagnose and treat the real disease.

One of the most common is arthritis, which tends to be one of the common diseases that come from wheat and gluten especially in middle-aged and elderly people, although it can affect kids too. Arthritis is a medical term which actually covers over 50 conditions and rheumatic diseases that affect something like 20% of adults.

Rheumatic diseases by the way are those which are characterized by inflammation or pain in muscles joints or fibrous tissue. One of the things that I really struggled with before cleaning up my diet was extreme pain in my neck and back both of those areas are linked to old rugby injuries. I'm not sure if the inflammation in those two areas for me or any area of the body is a result of eating wheat or gluten, or if it's an indirect result of the inflammation response that comes from having toxic byproducts in your bloodstream because your liver can't break down the toxins being produced in your lower intestine.

Either way arthritis affects joints and tissues around the joints and is a painful condition which is in the United States and Canada anyway technically classified as a disability. More than 10 million of the 40+ million adults diagnosed with arthritis say that the condition affects the quality of their life in some way.

One of the more common types of arthritis that affects something like 1% of the North American population is called rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a process where the synovial lining-or the membrane that surrounds the joints swells up and then loses its protective qualities. Over time these inflamed cells will begin to release bad enzymes in that area that can actually break down bone and cartilage which inevitably causes the joints to lose its shape and alignment not to mention pain and loss of movement.

When I got off wheat and gluten I immediately noticed a dramatic improvement in the pain I had in my neck as well as my back and of all the non-typical symptoms that come from eating wheat or gluten, most people in the medical community recognize arthritis - specifically rheumatoid arthritis as one which can be greatly improved by eliminating gluten from the diet.

Osteoarthritis is primarily where you just have wear and tear on the joints. Most people as they get older show some kind of osteoarthritis. Having said that the inflammation that comes from wheat and gluten can exacerbate the pain and suffering that comes from osteoarthritis.

Arthritis - Management With Honey


Honey is one of the oldest natural sweeteners on the earth which date back many centuries. Honey is not only good as a substitute for sugar but also for medicinal uses. Honey is inexpensive, thus making it economical to use. It is comprised of approximately '181' substances including minerals, proteins, sugars, and enzymes. Also present in honey are the 'B' vitamins that are needed for 100's of processes in the body. The highly advantages of honey to humans is its anti-inflammatory potential in the treatment many gastrointestinal diseases and it accelerates skin healing.

I personally suffer with the effects of osteoarthritis which one of the oldest and most common forms of arthritis. It causes the breakdown of cartilage which allows the bones to rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and loss of movement in the joint. This can mean that you limp when you walk or have trouble going up and down from a sitting position or walking the stairs. Since suffering with osteoarthritis I have suffered a loss of mobility and functionality. I recently received some information regarding the use of honey and cinnamon as a method of possibility getting some relief from the symptoms of arthritis as well as some other aliments. I anxiously begin to use the honey mixture for my arthritis and within a few days I noticed a tremendous difference in my mobility with less pain. I am now able to do moderate exercise and walk for longer periods of time. The stiffness and soreness has been drastically reduced.

For potential relief of arthritis it is recommended to take daily morning and night one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon Power. A recent research study at the Copenhagen University discovered that when doctors treated their patents with a mixture of one teaspoon honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast they found that within a week most the '200' patients treated '73' were totally relived of pain within a month,. Most of the all of the patients that could not walk or move started walking with out pain. I personally like to have my honey and cinnamon on toast.

Honey can be obtained through many different sources. You may purchase honey directly from the grocery store or a health food store, however, if you prefer organic honey then I would suggest Manuka Honey. This is a premium, medical-grade honey produced by bees that feed on the nectar from the flowers that grow on the Manuka Tea Tree. Researches have found that this type of honey contains extraordinary healing properties that are capable of treating a wide range of health conditions besides arthritis. Manuka Honey has been very effective on the treatment of ringworm, intestinal complications, eczema, ulcers, acid reflux irritable bowel and others.

Although I wasn't expecting any results, I am amazed that the honey and cinnamon has been effective in relieving some of the pain that I was experiencing.

Dehydration is Common, Contributing to the Misery of Arthritis


Water is good for you everyone knows and would agree. You are probably thinking to yourself this is rather obvious and doesn't need stating. However, research is revealing a different picture, I might be stating the obvious but most people are ignoring the obvious. You seriously need to think about your fluid intake, if you want to feel better. In the clinic we come across a lot of tired people that certainly look older than they are and tell me they feel older than they are. There are many reasons for fatigue, aches and pains but one of the reasons is dehydration and dehydration is more common than you think.

Drinking enough water relieves pain and joint stiffness. If you suffer from headaches, maybe you are not drinking enough hydrating fluids. When you are dehydrated your cells contract and retain waste products. When you are well hydrated your cells expand allowing them to get rid of their waste products, allowing them to maintain the correct pH balance, enabling the cells to take on nutrients, slowing down the aging process. This very important aspect of health is often over looked by practitioners and patients alike. Being hydrated is fundamental to any health and pain relieving program. But surprisingly is easier said than done for some people.

We all know how important water is, no need to explain. Or is there? Survey after survey tells a completely different story. We are not taking water seriously enough. Research has revealed that many people are dehydrated and that some people are very dehydrated. As we get older the situation seems to get worse. Being dehydrated is very aging, a bit like a dried up old prune. Our organs find it extremely stressful trying to function correctly under these circumstances. Over a period of time being in this state will have some very serious health consequences.

However many people including children tell me how they drink plenty during the day. It is possible to drink yourself into dehydration? The answer is yes it is. It is estimated that a lot of people are only getting one third of the hydrating fluids they need!

Water is -
a) Major component of blood
b) Prevents constipation
c) Flushes out toxins
d) Prevents muscle stiffness
e) Prevents joints from being painful
f) Maintains a normal metabolism
g) Temperature control
h) Needed for protein digestion

I am often asked 'how much water should I drink'?
The answer will depend on several things like your activity levels, the climate, how much you sweat, how much alcohol you drink, the amount of stress in your life, how much tea and coffee you drink and what you eat - some food is very dehydrating and some are hydrating. The average person will need about 6 to 8 glasses a day. This amount would increase if for instance if you are in training and live in a hot country.
What are the symptoms of dehydration? This list of symptoms is not exclusive to dehydration it must be added.

Before you consider taking a medication, (which by the way is also dehydrating) for the symptoms listed below, first make sure you are well hydrated and you are eating well. Many people find these symptoms disappear or at the very least lessen to a large extent, it may take a week or two before you notice a difference.

* Frequent headaches
* Spots and blemishes
* Stiff muscles
* Painful joints
* Dry skin
* Saggy skin
* Lack of energy
* Hunger
* Fluid retention
* Fuzzy thinking

Did you know? Research has revealed Research shows that the brain gets confused between hunger and thirst. People often eat when in fact our bodies are crying out for a hydrating drink.
Balance It is important to start increasing your consumption of hydrating drinks and decrease your intake of dehydrating drinks.

Hydrating fluids - water, herbal teas, fruity teas, vegetable juices and fruit juices diluted with at least 50% water

Dehydrating fluids - coffee, tea, sodas, milk shakes, alcohol, chocolate drinks etc

An Overview Of Neck Arthritis


Neck arthritis can cause pain and affect the ability to turn and use the neck normally. It can be caused by the natural aging process or can be part of a larger arthritis disease called rheumatoid arthritis. A person may at first believe they simply have a stiff neck from sleeping wrong, but soon they will realize the pain and stiffness is not going away and that is when they discover they are suffering from it. It is important at this point to seek a doctor's advice on how to deal with the issue.

Any type of arthritis can severely affect a person. Arthritis is when joint and bones have swelling and cause movement to be impaired. Arthritis is most often associated with aging and usually occurs in older adults. This is because it takes time for the arthritis to settle into joints and bones. However, most arthritis is treatable and can be managed through a doctor's care.

If the neck arthritis is caused by a degenerative, age-related, condition then the symptoms may not be noticed early. In fact, the symptoms of degenerative neck arthritis can be seen on an x-ray long before they are felt by the person. However, in general the symptoms of neck arthritis include pain, stiffness, problems moving the neck and pain going into the head and shoulders. Symptoms can also include pain in the arms, problems with arm movement, weakness in arms or legs, clumsiness and headaches.

The treatments for neck arthritis vary. Treatment may be restricting the neck movement through the wearing of a brace. Using heat or massage therapy is another option. Typically, pain relief medications are used. Certain exercises may also help. The treatment is usually related to how sever the pain is and how severely effected the person is by the neck arthritis.

Neck arthritis is something that you will likely have to live with. It is hard to prevent, but thankfully there are many treatment options to help with the pain and discomfort you are feeling. This is a very globally condition, meaning that it can affect more then just your neck.

Getting treatment is important to being able to fully function and not suffering from side effects of the arthritis. It is possible to live a normal life with neck arthritis, but it all depends on your ability to handle the condition and your mindset in dealing with it.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment


Rheumatoid arthritis treatment aims to accomplish several things:

-Reduce systemic inflammation
-Reduce symptom severity and duration
-Modification of the disease process
-Improve general health
-Send the disease into remission

While RA treatment should deal aggressively with the causes of the disease and seek to treat them first and foremost, the patient is certainly entitled to relief from the sometimes debilitating symptoms of RA.

RA Treatment of Symptoms

For mild to medium RA symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness, various supplements and over the counter medications can be used with good results. Both anti-inflammatory drugs and pain relievers can help treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.

Non-steroid anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen are quite effective for low-grade symptoms but their continued use is not advised as they have a number of potentially serious side-effects such as stomach bleeding.

Several other pain relievers are available both over the counter and by prescription such as opiodes (hydrocodone, oxycodone, etc.) for more serious pain.

RA Treatment via Surgery

The part of the joint that becomes inflamed by RA is the synovial membrane and surgery is sometimes indicated. The purpose of the surgery is to extract the inflamed synovial fluid which helps preserve the joints. The synovia has a discolored appearance which is indicative of inflammation and is sometimes used as a diagnostic tool to check for RA. This surgery is particularly useful when RA is still relatively undeveloped and has a success rate of about 50%.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment by means of surgery is usually performed on knees, elbows, ankles, shoulders and feet. The surgery requires the cartilage to still be intact and physical therapy is required afterwards.

RA Treatment With Other Methods

There are many other therapies that an individual can employ to ease RA. Diet and exercise, for example, can essentially reverse much of the symptomatic portion of the disease. Specifically, a highly anti-inflammatory diet that avoids grains and often dairy and is high in protein and high-quality fat. This diet is popularly known as the paleo diet and has significant implications for sufferers of inflammatory diseases.

Light use of medical marijuana and alcohol have been endorsed by RA patients as ameliorative.

Exercise and a low-stress lifestyle can improve general health and immunity substantially and thus help the body help itself. However, it should be noted that too much exercise with insufficient recovery periods can actually have an inflammatory effect.

Certain supplements can be useful for RA patients. Fish oil is a highly anti-inflammatory supplement that is very safe even in large doses as it is essentially a food. Patients with active inflammatory processes often see fantastic improvement with high dose (several grams a day) of high-quality fish oil.

Further, MSM, glucosamine and chondroitin are anecdotally reputed to have joint supportive properties although the scientific literature is conflicting.

One rather fascinating supplement that this author has used for non-RA joint pain is Cissus Quadrangularis. This is a fairly new supplement on the market and studies indicate that it is rather safe. It is highly anti-inflammatory and has a powerful analgesic (pain-relieving) effect on joint pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment can take many forms depending on the rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and progression of the disease but it all starts with the patient taking control of diet and exercise.

How to Treat Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis


Believe it or not you can in fact be born with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), where in the U.S approximately 300,000 babies a year are diagnosed with some form of arthritis with RA being the most common.

Known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or JRA, this is often detected when your toddler or young child will complain of stiffness, joint pain and swelling.

JRA Cause

The cause is still not fully understood. Genetic traits may play a part but why your own body mistakenly attacks its healthy cells at such a young age - known as auto-immune disorder - causing the joints to swell is unclear, however what triggers this action is thought to stem from an environmental toxin.

JRA Symptoms

Like many forms of JRA, it can either go undetected for years or the symptoms will become noticeable shortly after birth.

As mentioned, swelling, joint pain and stiffness, especially before your child gets up in the morning can be worse before the day pans out and occasionally the lymph nodes will swell up, where a fever might develop along with a rash.

Internal organs can also become affected but this is rare.

Diagnosing JRA

If you feel your child has some form of arthritis or you are simply concerned over the joint pain they're experiencing, visit a pediatric rheumatologist.

They will carry out the standard tests such as a blood test, a physical, ask about the symptoms and maybe take some xrays.

This diagnosis won't confirm JRA but once all alternative ailments have been ruled out and if the symptoms still persist after 6 weeks, then JRA is often confirmed.

There are 3 types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

1. Systemic JRA

This is the least likely form of JRA and includes all the symptoms listed above and it also affects the internal organs.

This is the most serious form of JRA and accounts for 20% of all JRA cases. It also increases your childs chances of JRA not disappearing but developing into RA in their teens and twenties.

2. Pauciarticular JRA

This affects roughly 50% of JRA cases where most children grow out of it, but you have to be careful with one of the symptoms which is swelling of the eyes that can lead to a loss of vision down the years, so be sure to consult an ophthalmologist.

It will only affect a few joints, those being the major ones like the arm and knee joint.

3. Polyarticular JRA

This is quite serious as 30% of polyarticular sufferers are unable to shake off this form of JRA in childhood.

It frequently affects a handful of both big and small joints and is predictable in its nature by targeting the same joints on each side of the body.

Anemia is also a risk so plenty of physical therapy is advised to keep the child active and fit.

JRA Treatment

Fortunately modern medicine and natural supplements today will help prevent JRA from flaring up, where a worst case scenario would affect the child's bone development.

This quite severe case though is now treated through physical therapy and medication, restricting any potential growth defects.

However, what's disturbing in the West is that like adults who are prescribed NSAIDs, so are children.

This is worrying because NSAIDs can deliver dangerous side effects and can also affect the health of the liver, kidney and heart.

VIOXX and Celebrex were recently withdrawn from the market for posing exactly these dangers, so if you want to avoid these pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory supplements, and not place your child in harms way, the following natural anti-inflammatory ingredients will help reduce the swelling safely, numb the pain and increase bone density.


  • Glucosamine Complex

  • Reishi

  • Chondroitin Sulfate

  • MSM

  • Magnezium and Calcium Suplements

  • Vitamin C and D

  • Ginger

  • Tongkat Ali

  • Capsaicin

  • White Willow Bark

Don't Place Blame On Feline Arthritis When Your Cat Pees Outside of the Box


Just like with humans, when a your kitty becomes a senior she is prone to typical disorders of aging cats. If she can't jump up on your lap like she used to then she may have feline arthritis. If you are treating her for that problem, but now she's peeing outside of her litter box don't make the mistake of thinking her painful joints are the cause of the potty errors. Here's help to get you to the right diagnosis.

It's not uncommon for a cat owner to think their cat is misbehaving when they discover their cat peeing outside the box. However, if this is a new pattern for an aging cat that is also suffering from feline arthritis, you may incorrectly diagnose the problem cause being related to feline arthritis symptoms. Perhaps you think she is having problems getting in and out of the litter box because of arthritis pain or that her painful joints prevent her from squatting properly.

Don't just assume your cat's potty problems are related to pain caused by feline arthritis. These are also symptoms of a feline urinary tract infection or cat bladder stones. You see, when your cat has a feline UTI or stones her urinary tract is inflamed and irritated. The stones and irritation are painful when she urinates.

Along with the pain, she may also feel like she hasn't completely voided her bladder. Your cat may associate the litter box with the pain and start peeing outside the litter box. If you cat is suffering from cat bladder stones then the urinary tract may actually become plugged. Not only is this very painful for your cat, it can also be deadly if your cat can't eliminate waste.

Quite often owners of cat's who are missing the litter box as well as suffering from feline arthritis make the mistake that this is caused by the cat's stiff joints and inability to get in and out of the litter box. Some owner replace the cat litter box with a pan that has a shallower lip to make less of a step in for the kitty.

When the cat continues to miss the pot they spread newspaper around the litter box to capture the urine. As the scenario carries on every day the entire family grows weary of the smell of cat urine and the nasty clean up chore too. Sadly, this is the stage when the owner finally take the cat into the vet, but for all the wrong reasons.

They explain to the vet the potty problem and may even wonder if they need to euthanize the cat. While that certainly is a sad option, your cat may still have a lot of years left in her. You need to have your veterinarian test your cat for a feline UTI or cat struvite stones. In most cases, your vet can help your old cat get over this disorder.

You may even find that using certain natural remedies will help heal her urinary system and prevent future outbreaks of a feline UTI. The good news is that you can give these remedies to you cat in conjunction with a homeopathic natural remedy for feline arthritis. Now you have a natural solution for two painful problems that affect older felines.

Do You Suffer from Osteoarthritis? Here's How to Tell!


The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis (OA). This type of arthritis is commonly referred to as wear and tear arthritis or degenerative arthritis."

While this condition probably begins in the early teen years, it does not become symptomatic until a person reaches their 40's.

Osteoarthritis affects cartilage, the slippery elastic tissue that covers the ends of long bones. Cartilage functions to absorb shock from movement and also to provide a gliding surface for the joints. With OA, the cartilage begins to wear away and the underlying bones begin to rub against each other. This leads to pain. As OS progresses, it causes swelling and loss of motion. Bone spurs develop and the joint starts to deform. Microscopic particles of cartilage and bone flake off and cause irritation of the joint lining leading to more inflammation which leads to pain and more damage.

Symptoms of OA include pain or stiffness in a joint particularly after getting out of bed or after sitting for a prolonged period of time. Some people have "flares" of their symptoms with weather changes. Stiffness and pain in the joints with movement may occur as may "crunchiness".

Some people report no symptoms. One study done at the National Institutes of Health showed that one third of patients with osteoarthritis on x-ray had no symptoms.

While any joint may be affected, the most common areas of involvement are weight-bearing parts of the skeleton such as the neck, low back, hips, and knees. The great toe and the base of the thumb are also common locations. In older women the last row of finger joints and the next to last row of finger joints may be affected. Less common sites are the shoulders, elbows, ankles, and jaws.

Many factors including the way people use their joints. Occupational experiences also play a role. For instance, miners and dockworkers may develop knee OA while farmers have a higher incidence of OA of the hip. Ballet dancers can also develop OA in the feet, ankles, and hips. Athletes also fall into a high risk category with women soccer players being more likely to develop knee OA as a result of prior injury. Other athletic activities which cause joint trauma also can be a trigger for the development of OA.

Obesity is a major risk factor for OA of the hips and knees. The famous Framingham study showed that obese women had the most severe OA.

People with other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout are at increased risk for developing OA also.

Probably the most significant risk factor is genetic. Patients with a strong family history of OA are at high risk themselves for developing OA. This is most likely a result of defects in cartilage metabolism which hastens wear and tear.

African Potato Mashes Arthritis Pain


African potato, Star-grass, Star lily, Yellow stars, Yellow star-grass

Hypoxis hemerocallidea (previous name H. rooperii)

Appearance

Hypoxis hemerocallidea is the best known variety of the genus. Plants will grow to about 100 to 500 mm tall. Leaves clearly 3-ranked, distinctly arching in the shape of a sickle and are hairy throughout.

The name Hypoxis is coined from the Greek words hypo meaning below and oxy referring towards the pointed lower ovary or fruit.

Being geophytic herbs, Hypoxis plants overcome winter conditions in the form of an underground rootstock called the corm. Corms are hard, fleshy, mucilaginous and white or yellow-orange within. Sliced corms, when exposed to the atmosphere, turn black with oxidation.

In spring, a brand new set of leaves grows from the apex from the corm. In most species, leaves are arranged one above another in three rows that radiate outwards. In some species, leaf bases are enclosed in a sheath, forming a false stem.

Leaves range from linear to broadly lance-shaped and die back over the wintertime months. Flowering stems appear with the leaves after the first rains in spring. They're unbranched, with 2-12 flowers per stalk. Flowers are symmetrical with 6 tepals, rarely 4 or 8, are bright yellow, giving the genus its common name "yellow stars".

The fruit is a capsule that splits across its diameter to expose the small black seeds.

History

Widespread in the summertime rainfall region of South Africa, from the coast to the interior, extending nothwards into Botswana but with less frequency. Used for centuries in African traditional medicine and recently recognized in the alternative medicine trade because of its immune-boosting properties.

A South East African plant from the Hypoxidaceae species, the plant tuber has been used by traditional healers for it's medicinal properties for centuries and has been affectionately dubbed the "African Potato".

Usage

The African Potato Tuber reportedly balances and regulates the immune system.

Arthritis is an auto-immune disease. The painful joints come from the malfunctioning of the defense mechanisms. The sterols and sterolins are the active ingredients inside a remedy originally developed from the African potato which boosts the defense mechanisms and helps fight Aids, cancer, TB, psoriasis and arthritis.

Currently the cause is treated with plant sterols and sterolins which regulate the defense mechanisms. The greatest advantage of treating rheumatoid arthritis symptoms with sterols and sterolins is that these plant fats are natural, non-toxic and don't have any side effects.

Plant sterol and sterolins occur in all plants. In their natural state they're associated with plant fibres, making it difficult to allow them to be absorbed through the body during digestion. This is especially the situation with seniors, whose digestive systems dwindle efficient.

Research teams have proved that sterols and sterolins boost the functioning of T-cells which control and regulate the immune system. Rheumatoid arthritis is caused by the malfunctioning from the sufferer's defense mechanisms. Instead of attacking only bacteria, viruses and parasites in your body, the synoval membranes, which facilitate the movements of joints, will also be attacked. Eventually the cartilage is destroyed and the bones eroded.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms is more common one of the aged whose natural defenses aren't that efficient. When it happens in younger people it is almost always a result of stress or trauma.

Osteoarthritis sufferers can also enjoy the utilization of sterols and sterolins, but it may take longer to see the results. Sterols and sterolins cannot remedy the damage already caused towards the joints and bones by arthritis. They can, however, prevent further damage and relieve this, but must be used for a long time.

No hypoxis should be taken whilst on anti-coagulants such as heparin and warfarin.

Propogation

Hypoxis species are attractive for development as garden ornamentals. Species suited to garden beds are those with small corms and soft leaves like H. angustifolia and H. membranacea which spread quickly through multiplication from the rootstock to form a mass of plants.

Hardy species with large corms and strong leaves like H. hemerocallidea, H. colchicifolia, H. obtusa and H. acuminata are fairly easy to upkeep once established in a garden. Seeds of Hypoxis germinate better if sown right after maturity. Being a veldt plant subject to the vagaries of weather, the African potato is easy to develop and will see regular watering and feeding as a bonus to growth potential.

Arthritis Treatment: The Role of Weight Loss In Osteoarthritis Treatment


Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and affects more than 20 million Americans. It is a condition that affects hyaline articular cartilage, the tough gristle that caps the ends of long bones.

Hyaline cartilage consists of a matrix made up of a combination of proteoglycans (complexes of proteins and sugars) and chondrocytes. Chondrocytes are cartilage cells that manufacture matrix under normal circumstances. They are responsible for nourishing the matrix as well.

However, when OA develops, a distinct change in the milieu of the joint environment occurs. Chondrocytes begin to elaborate destructive enzymes causing cracks in the cartilage, the synovium (lining of the joint) becomes inflamed, and the underlying bone becomes hard and forms spurs.

What causes OA to develop is usually injury or trauma. In any event an injury to the joint appears to be the inciting factor. Genetics play a role as well.

As OA progresses, biomechanical factors come into play. And this is where obesity plays a huge role in the worsening of disease. While overloading of the joint is the obvious major consideration, there is now abundant evidence that fat itself acts as an "organ" that perpetuates inflammation.

"Adipokines" are chemical messengers produced mainly by adipocytes (fat cells). The major adipokine is a substance called leptin. Leptin is interesting because it has contradictory actions. While it appears to help with the synthesis of growth factors that stimulate cartilage growth, it also appears to lead to the production of inflammatory proteins that cause further cartilage deterioration.

But that's not all. There are other adipokines that make a significant contribution in this cascade of events. Adipopnectin also seems to promote inflammation in arthritis. It causes the cartilage matrix to degrade and also promotes the manufacture of destructive enzymes.

Visfatin levels are also associated with cartilage degradation. Resistin promotes inflammation.

These fat produced proteins may explain why symptoms in people with OA who are overweight seem to get better with loss of body fat rather than just with weight reduction.

The bottom line is that OA is more than just a mechanical disease. Abnormal fat metabolism appears to lead to the production of factors that cause further cartilage loss and deterioration.

These new developments confirm the long held belief that people with symptomatic OA who carry excess fat may benefit from fat reduction.

These findings have been substantiated in real life clinical trials. Richette and colleagues (Richette P, et al. Ann Rheum Dis. 2011; 70: 139-140) demonstrated that obese individuals with knee OA who underwent gastric banding surgery not only had improvements in their symptoms but also blood levels of adipokines plummeted along with other inflammatory markers.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Treating Osteoarthritis with Glucosamine


Osteoarthritis is identified as the most common form of arthritis and has affected millions of people around the world, mostly in their forties or more. Also referred to as degenerative joint disease, it is characterized by damage to the cartilage, the substance found between joints and serves as cushion against constantly rubbing joint bones. Among the joints commonly affected by osteoarthritis are the hips, knees, and in the hands, all of which bear the body weight in some degree or another. Along with pain, swelling and inflammation also occurs in the affected joints. There has been a lot of products promising relief from these symptoms as well as addressing the destruction of the cartilage, one of which is the liquid glucosamine product offered by Synflex.

There are numerous reasons for the development of osteoarthritis. These include injury, infection, and the result of wear and tear over the years. Typically, glucosamine, the active ingredient in Synflex and Syn-flex 1500 Liquid Glucosamine products, can be naturally produced in the body. However, as one grows older, the body loses its capability of producing the amount of glucosamine needed in order for the body to produce collagen fibers and proteoglycans, building blocks of cartilages. Because of the damage done to cartilages, there is hardening of the joints, which makes movement painful. Bone spurs also develop in the affected joints, adding to the pain and discomfort of arthritis patients. Apart from pain, osteoarthritis is also manifested in bone deformation and vastly reduced mobility.

In several studies conducted, glucosamine has been found to be effective in alleviating pain and inflammation, as well restoring movements. It is also found that liquid forms of glucosamine sulfate are more readily absorbed by the body compared to glucosamine products in capsule forms. And because it is readily available and extracted from animal cartilages, a lot of glucosamine liquid products have found its way into the market. Syn-flex products, however, are touted to be one of the most effective liquid glucosamine products for osteoarthritis, not only in humans but also in pets.

What makes Synflex liquid glucosamine a cut above the rest is the assurance of its high quality raw materials and the combination of several other substances to ensure pain relief as well as cartilage repair among its users. Syn-flex not only addresses pain and inflammation, but goes right into the source of the problem. Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine is effective in the long-term management of osteoarthritis. Though other medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs promise immediate pain relief, they are only good in masking the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Syn-flex liquid glucosamine is not only effective in rehabilitating but also in restoring movements to affected joints. It also affords protection from further damage to the cartilage. Many users report favorable results in as little as ten days following the intake of Synflex products.

These natural glucosamine products are available in apple and orange flavors, and can be taken in original form or mixed with other beverages.

Most pet owners would be happy to know that Synflex liquid glucosamine products are also veterinarian recommended for dogs and cats with arthritis. Administered in dosages according to the weight of the pet, these supplements also promise the same pain relief and joint rehabilitation as experienced by humans. Owners will find that their pet who used to whine in pain and just lie in the corner to avoid movements will regain their alertness and zest for activities.

What Food is Bad For Arthritis?


The links between diet and arthritis have been the subject of a lot of talk, but very little conclusive advice can be found on what food is bad for arthritis. The recommendations may differ among different types of arthritis, and for the most part, foods that aggravate arthritis may vary on a case by case basis. In the end, each sufferer from arthritis must be responsible for cutting out foods which make the condition worse.

For most types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, there is no real set of dietary instructions. In the case of gout, a low purine diet is advised, and sufferers should avoid meat, beans and alcohol. There is, however, plenty of unproven advice on the relationship between food and arthritis. Many recommend avoiding foods belonging to the nightshade family, such as tomatoes and peppers. Others recommend cutting down on packaged snack foods and reducing consumption of saturated fats, which often requires cutting down on meat consumption. Some feel better when they remove glutens from their diet, and others when they eliminate dairy products.

While none of these recommendations has been supported by scientific evidence, doctors recognize that an individual may find that certain foods can aggravate arthritis. On an individual basis, these common culprits can be foods to test with to see if elimination improves the condition. For those who suffer from arthritis, figuring out which foods aggravate the problem can take some real work. There are no universals, but certain foods are common aggravators.

The relationship between diet and arthritis can be very individual, but some general recommendations can be made. Maintaining a healthy diet is important, and weight loss can help ease some pain of arthritis. Losing weight can be especially effective in osteoarthritis of the knee. Omega-3 fatty acids can help limit arthritis inflammation. Limiting consumption of fat, cholesterol, sugar, and alcohol is a good idea overall.

4 Types of Food to Avoid If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis


I've seen a lot of articles lately that talk about how important early detection, and treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is. No kidding, but what kind of treatments might they recommend? Steroids and biologics of course. Diet is never offered as a treatment and when mentioned the only guideline is to follow a "healthy diet." What does that even mean? For anyone with RA it means you'll need to stay away from the following foods.

1. Dairy. (Milk, Cheese, Butter) Dairy has been tied to other auto-immune diseases like Diabetes, as well as Heart Disease and even food allergies. Many people have a sensitivity to Dairy and those with auto-immune diseases such as RA seem to be more sensitive.

2. Grains. (Wheat, Barley, Oats, etc...) Celiac Disease is an auto-immune disease associated with RA. Celiac patients are advised to follow a gluten free diet, suggesting that the elimination of glutens would be beneficial to patients with RA as well.

3. Nightshades. (Potatoes, Tomatoes, Eggplant, Peppers and Tobacco) These foods have an inflammatory effect on arthritis. Dr. John Pagano does a good job explaining the effect of nightshades on arthritis and psoriasis in his book Healing Psoriasis: The Natural Alternative. You may also want to check out this explanation on nightshades from The Worlds Healthiest Foods.

4. Meat. (Beef, Pork, Poultry, and yes, even fish). It seems there is more information every day on the ill effects that meat has on our bodies. Patient testimonials from places like The Gerson Institute and Hippocrates Health Institute show positive results from a vegan diet related to RA and other forms of arthritis and auto-immune diseases. There are also stories from people who have not visited these centers but have taken their treatment in their own hands and succeeded on such a diet.

According to a study by the Karolinska Institute in Sweden a gluten free vegan diet has a positive effect on RA and Cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease is common in people with RA so this study is good news for anyone looking to improve their overall health, not just RA itself.

By avoiding the above foods, especially when first diagnosed, it will go a long way in helping you manage your RA. Check out an article by Dr. Scot Lewey titled Foods May Contribute to Rheumatoid Arthritis Through a Leaky Gut - The Gut-Joint Axis for more information on the relationship between leaky gut syndrome (caused by toxins, poor diet, medications, etc...) and RA. Also check out the set of case studies by Andrew W. Saul of doctoryourself.com which discusses the impact diet has on RA. Andrew was also featured in the film Food Matters which I highly recommend.

Psoriatic Arthritis Along With Pustular Arthritis & Steps For a Cure


Psoriatic arthritis, a chronic disease, is characterized by inflammation or swelling of skin (psoriasis) and joints (arthritis). It features patchy, red areas of human skin with inflammation and scaling. Psoriasis frequently affects the tips of our elbows and knees, the scalp, around the genital areas and the navel. Approximately 30% of patients who get psoriasis also develop an inflammation of joints. And patients having inflammatory arthritis and psoriasis are mostly diagnosed for having psoriatic arthritis.

The beginning of psoriatic arthritis is generally found in the fourth and fifth decade of human life. Gents and ladies are equally affected. The skin disease and the arthritis often appear separate. In fact, the psoriasis precedes the joint disease in about 80% of patients. But sometimes the arthritis also precedes the psoriasis in 15% of patients. In some people, the diagnosis of this arthritis may become difficult if the joint disease precedes psoriasis by long years. In fact, some patients have arthritis for more than 20 years before psoriasis actually appears! But also, patients have psoriasis for more than 20 years prior to arthritis development, leading to the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis is nothing but a systemic rheumatic disease that can cause inflammation in body tissues other than the skin, such as in eyes, lungs, heart, and kidneys. It shares several other arthritic conditions, like ankylosing spondylitis, reactive arthritis (formerly known as Reiter's syndrome), and also arthritis associated along with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. All these conditions may cause inflammation or swelling in the spine and other joints also, and the eyes, mouth, skin, and various other organs. According to their similarities and tendency to give rise to inflammation of spine, these conditions are conjointly called as "spondyloarthropathies."

Genetic problems, disorder in immune system as well as atmospheric changes are the most important causes of this disease. In patients with the above cited disease who have arthritis of spine, a gene named HLA-B27 is frequently found. Blood testing is now available to test this. Several others are also found to be more common in patients with this arthritis. Some changes in immune system may be important sometimes in its development. For example, the decline in the number of helper T cells in AIDS patients plays a role in the development and progression of the disease psoriasis in patients. Now-a-days the importance of these infectious agents and also other environmental factors in the cause of this arthritis is investigated by researchers.

Pustular psoriasis is also one of the several types of psoriasis which causes parts of our skin to redden, expand and covered by pus-filled blisters called as pustules. There are also several subtypes of this psoriasis. It may stay confined to small areas of patients' body; some times, just on the palms of our hands, the soles of our feet, or the fingers and toes are harmed and this is called the focal form of this disease. But It also can cover larger areas of the body as well. The generalized form which is also called as von Zumbusch psoriasis is more serious, and this form can also be fatal. For its cure we have to follow the same steps as in normal psoriasis like, reducing stress, smoking, drinking and dealing a healthy life. Its treatment also follows the three processes that are, topical, light therapy and systemic.

Living With Rheumatoid Arthritis - How to Deal With Pain Without Drugs?


Rheumatoid arthritis is not caused by aging, instead this condition is caused when your immune system starts to attack your joints for an unknown reason. When your immune system attacks these areas inflammation results, and this causes pain, problems with joint movement and function, tissue and bone damage, deformities, and even fatigue and a higher temperature. This fever affects the entire body, not just the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis can be extremely painful, and affects all ages and ethnic backgrounds. Because of the pain, which can be debilitating at times, many people take narcotic pain medications or other drugs to become more comfortable and increase their movement ability. It is possible to manage the pain of this condition without harmful drugs though, and using alternative methods can be just as effective at relieving your symptoms and pain as anything your doctor can prescribe. In addition there are no risky side effects or mental dullness that pain medication may include with drug free treatments.

One very effective technique that can help with rheumatoid arthritis involves the use of heat and cold compresses or packs. Applying heat or cold to the joints that are affected can give you some relief, and the choice will depend on whether the pain is acute or chronic. A general guideline is that cold compresses and ice packs will work best if you suffer from acute pain, while chronic pain will usually respond better to a heat pack or compresses. Another step that can help minimize your discomfort is to exercise as much as you can within your specific physical limitations. If you do not use the joints then they will start to stiffen up, increasing the pain every time you move them. Exercises for range of motion in each joint will prevent this, and help decrease your pain in the long term.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis it is important that you stay positive and upbeat as much as possible. Your mental attitude plays a big part in the pain you experience, and depression can cause pain to be felt more severely. If you start to feel down or have negative thoughts make a conscious effort to reverse this thinking pattern and try to look at any positive things in your life. Laughter is an excellent way to minimize pain from rheumatoid arthritis, and this has been scientifically proven regardless of the cause of the pain. When you laugh your brain releases chemicals which minimize the pain impulses and improve your mood, making the pain seem much more manageable. Fill your life with people who make you laugh and help you stay in a positive frame of mind. Other treatments that do not involve drugs can include massage, acupuncture, relaxation techniques and training, electrical stimulation which increases the natural endorphins released by your brain, topical applications which will decrease the pain sensitivity of the nerves, and others.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar on Psoriasis: Have You Tried It Yet?


That's right, vinegar. It's that clear zesty liquid which you pour all over fish & chips, make tasty salad dressing from, and according to thousands, cure your psoriasis with. It sounds suspicious, doesn't it? How can acidic vinegar, the same type that is used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria and clean tough stains, actually be good for your skin? We're here to find out.

The use of ACV for cosmetic purposes and as a treatment for different skin conditions can be traced back all the way through history. It has been found in Egyptian urns dating to 3000 BC, it was used by Romans for healing purposes and as a wound disinfectant during the American civil war. Apart from that, ACV was fashionable during the 19th century, when it was bottled with different essential oils and sold as vinegar de toillete. Unsurprisingly, we don't see many perfumes marketed as having vinegar nowadays. It has a very pronounced smell (it stinks!) However, don't let that distract you from trying it out on your psoriasis; there are hundreds of testimonials in books and forums that apple cider vinegar can reduce itchiness, alleviate scalp psoriasis, reduce the inflammation of psoriatic arthritis... you name it, it can do it.

So, how does it work? The magic of ACV is that it is reported to make pH levels in and on your body more alkaline. According to some theories, this is beneficial because psoriasis is connected to an acidic body state. This pH imbalance is the result of the modern diet, which is over-dependent on acidic foods. As the pH levels plummet in the digestive tract, it can lead to "leaky gut syndrome", which eventually leads to toxins being released through your skin! This is when psoriasis pops up.

Drinking Apple Cider Vinegar for Psoriasis

Using apple cider vinegar internally is a popular treatment for psoriasis. All you have to do is mix 1 tablespoon of raw ACV in a glass of water and sip it slowly. Repeat this three times a day, and space it out throughout the day to make sure your body is in a continual alkalized state.

If you want the best apple cider vinegar for your psoriasis, make sure it is organic! It should be made from nothing but apples - no preservatives or other ingredients. Furthermore, the best brands have the "Mother" inside them. Essentially, this is a little tangled clot of enzymes, bacteria and living nutrients. It is created during the fermentation process and is the most nutritious thing in the whole bottle!

However, make sure to take the following precautions. Don't forget to rinse afterwards (as ACV can erode your tooth enamel), and for heaven's sake dilute it! Otherwise it can injure your throat and esophagus.

The brands that come highly recommended are Bobby's Organic Apple Cider Vinegar, Holland & Barrett's English ACV and Bragg's Raw - Unfiltered ACV.

Using Apple Cider Vinegar on Psoriasis

Apart from using it internally, you can also use it externally. It promotes blood circulation in the small capillaries of the skin, has antiseptic qualities which prevent bacteria, viruses and yeast from aggravating your psoriasis, and regulates pH levels on the skin. You might need to squeeze your nostrils shut with a clothes peg to stomach the smell, but it only lasts for a few minutes. When it dries, the smell evaporates away with it.

One way to use ACV externally is to take a vinegar bath 3 times a week. It's great for calming the effects of psoriasis over the whole body. To prepare one, start filling the tub with lukewarm water and mix in 2 cupfuls of apple cider vinegar as the water rises to the top. To make it a bit more nose-friendly and take advantage of aromatherapy, you can also add a few drops of lavender or chamomile oil. After that, soak in the tub for 30 minutes and just rinse of the water in a quick shower afterwards.

The other way is to dab it onto your psoriasis patches directly and rub it in. You can do it in the evening and leave it on overnight to get the most benefits. Applying it directly to tough skin - such as the scalp, the elbows and the torso is okay, but dilute it if it will be going anywhere near the face. To use it throughout the day, you can buy a small spray bottle / atomizer and squirt your spots here and there. The smell is temporary and can be masked easily by using aftershave and eau de toilette. Lastly, for fingernail and toenail psoriasis, just soak them in ACV for 5 minutes at a time; the quality of your nails will improve tenfold!

Apple cider vinegar might be one of most wallet-friendly treatments for psoriasis on the planet and it attacks the stubborn skin condition from all directions, inside-out and outside-in. Just remember, it takes a minimum of 2 weeks to start seeing any improvements, so wait a while before making your mind up. Who knows, maybe you'll join the existing number of psoriasis sufferers who practically swear by apple cider vinegar. It's doesn't just make tasty salt & vinegar crisps, it saves skin!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Failure to Diagnose Septic Arthritis, What Should I Do?


Septic arthritis, also sometimes referred to as bacterial arthritis, reactive arthritis, along with several other clinical names, is a type of infection that affects the joint spaces of the body. The infection can be caused by a number of different types of microorganisms, such as bacteria. The most common culprit is the bacteria known as staphylococcus aureus. Of all the joints in the body, the knee joint is the one that is most commonly affected by this type of infection.

There are a number of different ways that organisms can enter the joints, including by means of a consequence from a surgical incision. It is estimated that twenty thousand cases result in the United States every year.

There are three main symptoms of septic arthritis that patients should be aware of. These include: a spike in temperature above one hundred and one degree Fahrenheit, joint swelling, and sharp pain in the joint especially in the days immediately following surgery.

The issue of septic arthritis is most definitely an emergency medical condition that needs to be addressed immediately. Without prompt medical attention, including a proper diagnosis (and in some cases even with prompt medical attention), the infection can become so severe that it damages the articular cartilage and can lead to infections of the blood. When this happens serious injuries and even death can occur.

As soon as septic arthritis is suspected or symptoms are present, the surgeon should arrange to perform an arthrocentesis. This is a type of procedure that removes fluid from the space in the joint. The fluid is then sent to a laboratory so that a culture can be performed. Since joint infections can spread quickly and become so serious, antibiotics are often administered before the culture results are returned. If there is an infection found, the fluid should be drained by means of an incision and all infected tissue should be removed.

As previously mentioned, septic arthritis usually causes severe discomfort in the affected joint, swelling and fever. Other symptoms of note include: poor appetite, tachycardia (otherwise known as a rapid heartbeat), warmth to the area that has been affected, irritability, and malaise.

If you are currently taking other medications to help control arthritis pain and discomfort, the severe pain associated with septic arthritis may not be felt as much because medication often masks the pain as well as the elevated body temperature.

Adults most commonly find their knees are the most affected by the condition of septic arthritis, and in some cases the joints of the arms as well. Children are most often affected in the area of their hips. Septic arthritis in the hip region can cause children to have to hold their hips in a fixed position in order to avoid any type of movement, which causes pain.

More rare cases of septic arthritis can affect the neck, back, and head.

It is critical that treatment for septic arthritis be prompt and make use of the proper antibiotics as well as drainage of the fluid from the joints. This combination often is enough to resolve the infection. That being said, if treatment is put off for any reason, the infection can spread which can cause permanent joint damage and degeneration.

In addition to joint damage and degeneration, other complications of septic arthritis include joint deformity and osteoarthritis. There are even cases that require the joint to be completely reconstructed surgically. In the event that the infection impacts a prosthetic joint, it may be necessary to replace that prosthetic joint.

To help make a definitive and correct septic arthritis diagnosis, a joint fluid analysis (as discussed above) needs to be completed. This will provide medical staff with the information needed to determine the exact bacterium that is causing the infection so that proper treatment can be administered. The fluid around your joints, also known as synovial fluid, typically appears thick and clear. When bacteria have affected this fluid, the color, volume, makeup, and consistency of the synovial fluid will change. In addition to fluid tests, blood tests should also be ordered. This is done to help medical professionals determine if bacteria have made their way to the blood stream. Furthermore, imaging tests are also commonly used. Tests such as x-rays or other forms of imaging are done to determine the extent of damage that may have been done to the joint.

Any time you or someone you know has been injured following a surgical procedure, such as is the case with septic arthritis, it is important that you contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. These types of injuries can be avoided, and they should be avoided at all costs. In the event that a complication such as septic arthritis does occur, it is important that the proper medical attention be given in a timely manner. Delaying treatment for any reason, or making an incorrect diagnosis, is another type of medical negligence or malpractice. If this happens, you also need to contact a personal injury attorney promptly to help protect your legal rights.

Personal injury attorneys who specialize in the area of medical negligence and malpractice know the ins and outs of this area of the law extremely well. He or she will work hard to seek the compensation you deserve, and help you to cover past, present, and future medical bills. Compensation can also be obtained for loss of income, loss of use, and pain and suffering. In some cases, punitive damages may also be sought in order to punish those who caused the initial harm.

These cases can be quite complex in nature and should not be handled on your own; professional legal assistance provides your best bet for a positive outcome. Since personal injury attorneys do not typically require any type of payment upfront, you will not have to worry about funding your claim as it progresses through the legal system. This can provide a great deal of comfort, and allow you to focus on your personal health and recovery.

Arthritis in Cats - Holistic Treatment Options


Studies have shown that 30% of cats over 8 years of age, and a stunning 90% of cats over 12 years of age, have arthritis (osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease). These figures should give the veterinary community, which doesn't give nearly as much thought to arthritis in cats as it does to dogs, something to think about. What is generally perceived as "slowing down" or "a little stiff" may be a sign of significant joint deterioration, and probably causes some degree of discomfort in most older cats.

Arthritic cats often gradually stop jumping up as high as they once did, and may be reluctant to use the stairs. (Arthritis can cause litterbox problems if there is not a box on every level of the home.) Providing "steps" (a box or stool, for instance) up to a bed, chair, or other favorite high spots may be greatly appreciated by an older cat.

Cats cannot adequately metabolize many of the arthritis and pain medications commonly given to dogs, such as carprofen (Rimadyl). Moreover, ibuprofen (Advil), naproxyn (Aleve), and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are all highly toxic to both cats and dogs. Meloxicam (Metacam) is a newer NSAID that is commonly used for post-operative pain but only for a short time. Some experts claim it can be given long-term at a very low dose, but others are wary of the significant potential for kidney damage in cats. Aspirin can be used, but the dose and schedule are extremely limited; never give your cat aspirin without your vet's advice.

The good news is that there are simple, inexpensive nutritional supplements that are very effective and, most important, very safe. Supplements for arthritis include: glucosamine sulfate (250 mg per day), and MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) (200-400 mg per day). Both of these supplements have excellent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Glucosamine supplies the basic building blocks of cartilage and helps maintain the fluid that cushions and nourishes the joints, and MSM provides elemental sulfur for the body to make certain amino acids and other compounds. But they are not quick fixes-it may take 3-5 weeks for improvement to be noticeable (MSM may take less or more time), and they must be given daily without fail to prevent return of pain. They may not work in all cats. But many guardians notice significant improvement in their cat's activity and flexibility. Glucosamine is often packaged together with chondroitin, another cartilage compound. However, the evidence is less clear that chondroitin is effective, and it is much more expensive. Plain glucosamine (sulfate only, not hydrochloride) is adequate in most cases.

Another cartilage building block, hyaluronic acid, is also available in oral form. This is the basic ingredient of Adequan, a drug commonly injected directly into affected joints. However, these injections need to repeated regularly and there is always a risk of infection. Hyaluronic acid now comes in oral capsules, but the most effective form appears to be a saline-based liquid called "Hyalun."  A cat would need at most a few drops per day, although if you also have dogs (or if you have joint problems yourself!) it is a good way to go.

Some herbs, such as Boswellia (frankincense), appear to be effective anti-inflammatories, but few herbs have been thoroughly studied for safety in cats. Boswellia is traditionally used in combination with other herbs in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. Since some herbs can be extremely toxic to cats, it's best to consult with a veterinarian trained in the use of western or Chinese herbs (see below).

The antioxidant algae blend, BioSuperfood (read more about this in the Little Big Cat Free Article Library) may also minimize the inflammation and pain of arthritic joints.

Omega-3 fatty acids also have excellent anti-inflammatory properties; we recommend Nordic Naturals pet products for their purity and safety.

From a holistic viewpoint, no physical condition is simply physical. In energetic terms, disease, including arthritis, starts on the energetic plane and progresses through the mental and emotional spheres before manifesting itself in the physical body. One way to address this is through the use of flower essences, which can heal the imbalances on the mental and emotional planes. Another way to look at this is that mental "stiffness" ultimately contributes to stiffening of the physical joints. Our sister company, Spirit Essences, has developed an essence remedy called Creak-Away that's designed to keep the animal mentally and emotionally "flexible" and minimize the energetic stresses that contribute to the development of arthritis.

Acupuncture, chiropractic, herbs, homeopathy, specific nutritional strategies and other holistic treatments may also be helpful for arthritic cats. For a practitioner in your area, visit or call the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association at (410) 569-0795.

Diet For Arthritis - Natural Arthritis Remedies For Pain Relief


Is there a diet for arthritis? There are more than 100 forms of arthritis. Arthritis attacks the joints and can inhibit your mobility. The affected area is often painful, swollen and inflamed. Arthritis can rob you of sleep, decrease your ability to move and prevent you from doing some of the activities that you enjoyed before you were stricken with the disease. In short, arthritis is an insidious disease and if you have it, taking steps to remedying it should be a top priority.

One of the best ways to control arthritis is through your diet. Some foods are natural antioxidants, and contain vitamins, minerals and nutrients that your body needs to repair the damage that arthritis causes, and to stop the disease from spreading.

Here is a list of foods you should add to your diet to halt arthritis:

Salmon

Salmon is an amazing food that is rich in good fat. Salmon contains Omega-3 fatty acids, which is ideal for fighting arthritis. Salmon also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin D and folate. Salmon not only reduces the pain of arthritis, but it also protects your cardiovascular system. What more could you ask for in a food?

Green Tea

Green tea is a wonder drink! It contains hundreds of antioxidants, as well as polyphenols, which are believed to be able to ease the pain of arthritis, much like an anti-inflammatory would. Green tea also prevents cancer and heart disease. If you've never tried green tea before, it's about time that you did, especially if you suffer from arthritis.

The Banana

Bananas may look like nothing special, but beneath their yellow skin is a treasure trove of Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, potassium and folate. Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C are two of the best Vitamins for fighting arthritis.

Mangosteen

Mangosteen is a fruit that contains an antioxidant called xanthone. Most people haven't even heard of this fruit, but meanwhile, it is one of the best natural remedies for arthritis. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory, but the problem is, it can't be bought just anywhere. However, you can order it, or find it in juice form.

A diet rich in the foods mentioned above will not only reduce arthritis pain and inflammation, but help you to lose weight as well. A healthy diet can go a long way in fighting arthritis. Since arthritis attacks the joints, the less weight or pressure those joints have to handle on a daily basis, the better your symptoms are going to be.

This is just the tip of the iceberg. If you really want to beat arthritis you need a plan. Research has shown that exercise, consuming superfoods and raising the body's pH level alone can begin working to reverse arthritis in as little as 7 days. You can stop the scourge of arthritis and live a normal pain-free life.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief and Cure


Living with the pain is the most difficult thing to accept among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, but this is not necessarily true for those people who seek ways for pain relief.

There are traditional and natural treatments as rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. Short-term relievers are drugs such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and cortisone-type medications. The use of drugs in the long-term medication has shown negative results among patients as certain complications developed over time.

Examples of these complications are the development of osteoporosis and gastrointestinal problems in the long-term use of aspirin. Side effects such as headaches, vomiting, nausea and gas problems are also among its known negative effects. Cortisone, usually given through injections are harmful in the long run because it promotes dependency as one of its side-effects.

Taking control of the situation is the first step towards rheumatoid arthritis pain relief. It should start with knowing what type of arthritis it is, its causes, symptoms and how to treat it. Get to know the medical terms that are used to refer to the condition and the other terminologies associated with it.

There have been books which are available in the market written by those who have suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and who found ways on how to eliminate the pain. A detailed outline about the condition and its causes are well explained in the books. These people have found the effective treatments by studying and experimenting on the different methods that help cure arthritis.

Natural rheumatoid arthritis pain relief includes losing weight, proper diet, fish oil, exercise and the use of natural food supplements. Alternative pain relief treatments are hot and cold treatments, positive thinking, relaxation techniques, massage, electrical stimulation, topical lotions and lastly, a good sense of humor.

Heat applications are useful for chronic pain suffered by those with rheumatoid arthritis. There are a lot warming techniques you can experiment on. Sometimes, the use of cognitive behavioral therapy is called for in cases where the physical pain has greatly altered the lifestyle of the patient by affecting his or her emotional and psychological health.

Food supplements are known to be the most effective pain relievers because they actually work on the main cause of the pain to relieve the symptoms such as swelling, redness and pain. Chemicals known to draw fluid to the cartilage to enable the mobility of joints are present in these food supplements such as chondroitin and glucosamine sulfate. One food supplement is available in the market that combines these chemicals to better repair the affected joints.

Naturally Treat Arthritis - The Link between Nutrition and Arthritis


Is arthritis literally draining the life out of you? If you answered 'yes', you should pay close attention to this next sentence. What you eat and drink is determining how much your joints ache! Let me explain.

Over the past centuries, arthritis has been a plague for most civilizations. However, in recent decades arthritis cases have sky rocketed, particularly in developed countries. You would expect just the opposite, right? But still today, in some indigenous, primitive tribes there is NOT one case of arthritis. Even more amazing for these indigenous tribes, men and women live to almost 100 years of age and go on working (planting, gathering, harvesting) up till their dying day. Why is this? The answer to this question is also cure to arthritis.

Arthritis has been denoted as the 'incurable disease' but is it? Hundreds of natural health experts say arthritis is curable and is determined by your diet. In fact, you could naturally treat arthritis with a simple 70/30 nutrition rule!

Arthritis-Free Nutrition: A New Way to Eat

Imagine what life would have been like 500 years ago? Now picture what kind of foods you would be eating. It doesn't take too much time to discover how our diets have changed in the past 500 years. And as we live in this age of McDonalds and fast foods, arthritis cases skyrocket like never before! Could you be arthritis-free by changing your diet? This information might surprise you!

If you are to prevent arthritis from destroying your life you must refrain from processed foods and other acid forming foods. Normally, a healthy diet should be 70% alkaline and 30% acidic. Alkaline foods are typically foods which are still in their natural state (raw and fresh). And acidic foods are typically foods which have been altered through processing, frying, and high-fat cooking.

Therefore, instead of eating acidic foods (cooked and processed), you should be eating mostly raw, fresh vegetables and fruits. Also, reducing the consumption of meats could also be helpful to your arthritis. By eating less meat and more fresh fruits and vegetables, you would be allowing your body to receive more nutrients and keep your acidic levels low. The result of your new diet could change the pain and inflammation affecting your arthritic joints.

The following is a list of alkaline foods (70%) and acidic foods (30%).

Alkaline and Acid Foods

Alkaline foods include: all vegetables (except peppers and beets); all fruits (except blueberries and prunes); flax, millet, quinoa, and amaranth; almonds, pignoli, fresh coconut, chestnuts; alfalfa sprouts, radish sprouts; unsalted butter; eggs; milk; honey; fruit and vegetable juices; herbal teas; most herbs and whey.

Acidic foods include: processed foods; fast foods; all meat and fish (eat sparingly); rice; oats; wheat; cornmeal; popcorn; pasta; most breads; grains; beans; cheese; seeds; nuts; sodas; alcohol; coffee; tea; most yogurts; and most condiments.

Cure Your Arthritis Today!

Imagine life without ever worrying about arthritis again! Imagine doing all the things you once loved! Imagine a 100% guaranteed natural cure for arthritis! If you are interested in living arthritis-free again, we would love to help! Discover more arthritis-free tips and learn how you could be arthritis free in less than 3 weeks... guaranteed!