Arthritis Supplements - Medifast Plus Shakes For Joint Health

Medifast Plus shakes are an option that Medifast offers, in addition to their regular weight loss products. Each shake includes supplements designed to help with some additional health issues. One of the more popular is the Medifast Plus for Joint Health shakes, which include supplements for arthritis pain. So let's take a look at what they can do for you.

The Joint Health shakes are especially designed to help alleviate some of the symptoms of arthritis. Each packet contains 500mg each of glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements work together to help increase elasticity, repair cartilage, and decrease joint pain. Both supplements normally are formulated using the shells of various shellfish, but you certainly won't taste anything fishy in the shakes!

If you are using Medifast to lose weight, you would replace at least two of your other Medifast meals with the Medifast Plus for Joint Health shakes. If you aren't on the weight loss program, then you can just add two shakes to your regular diet. The joint health shakes are available in chocolate and vanilla. Each shake contains 100 calories and 15g of protein. They also are supplemented with the most important vitamins and minerals so this could help improve your nutrition each day, even if you don't need to lose weight.

Just be certain that if you are taking arthritis medication, you check with your doctor before adding the Medifast Plus products to your daily regime. Also, you may not want to use any products containing the glucosamine and chondroitin supplements if you currently use blood thinners or NSAIDs. So you might want to take to your doctor in any case if you are worried about those.

If you don't have any contraindications and you are looking to lose some extra weight, Medifasts's joint health shakes can be a healthy addition to your weight loss program. So if you find that you have trouble with pain in your knees, ankles and other joints, they are worth considering. You will likely experience some pain alleviation as a result of your weight loss anyway, but it is nice to get an extra boost in the supplements department to help you get pain-free faster.

Arthritis Relief with Homeopathy

Homeopathy dynamically empowers the chiropractor with a comprehensive therapeutic armamentarium to help the majority of chronic degenerative health problems plaguing our society, including the many forms of arthritis.

Arthritis affects over 37,000,000 Americans. The broad spectrum of arthritis includes osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related conditions, such as Ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, gout, Juvenile arthritis, lupus, Lyme disease, psoriatic arthritis, and Reiter's syndrome.

Homeopathy equips the chiropractor to not only help the multiple symptoms of arthritis; it works deep within the body to correct the underlining causes in many cases. This powerful ability of homeopathy corrects the genetic predispositions we have acquired through a thousand years of our family tree. This remarkably in-depth correction comes through an incredible discovery in homeopathy called miasms. Dr. Samuel Hahnemann originally developed the concept of miasms as the "obstacle to the cure of disease". Homeopathy can clear these miasms from our body - thus correcting the genetic predispositions we have to disease.

This phenomenally powerful therapy can not only correct the individual 's predisposition to a disease such as arthritis, but also help the offspring of that individual born after the deeper correction has been made!
Homeopathy uses minute doses of pure extracts from all realms of nature and activates the body to heal itself by correcting underlying causes of diseases rather than merely suppressing symptoms. There are many homeopathic ingredients that have stood the test of time - as they have been researched, tested and proven to provide relief from many of the painful associations with arthritis. An abridged summary of some of the most beneficial ones (as researched by William Boericke, MD, Pocket Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica and Repertory, 9th Edition) are as follows:

Actaea Spicata: (Baneberry) A rheumatic remedy, especially for small joints, e.g. wrist, fingers, knees, ankles and toes. Relieves spasmodic and throbbing pains in head, face, stomach, abdomen and extremities.

Arnica Montana: (Mountain Arnica) Muscular tonic for limbs, body aches and strained joints, with a tendency to tissue degeneration. Gout.

Bellis Perennis: (Daisy) Excellent remedy for sprains, bruises, rheumatic symptoms, sore joints and muscles, varicose veins.

Bryonia Alba: (White Bryony) Relieves soreness, weakness, stiffness, dizziness, rheumatic pains, swellings, irritability, physical weakness, and apathy.

Calcarea Carbonia: (Carbonate of Lime) Great remedy for impaired nutrition for glands, skin and bones. Relieves rheumatoid pains, rheumatism in lumbar region, swelling of joints (especially knees), and cramps in calves.

Calcarea Fluorica: (Fluoride of Lime) Powerful tissue remedy for hard, stony glands, varicose and enlarged veins and malnutrition of bones. For chronic lumbago, gouty enlargement of finger joints, depression and groundless fears.

Causticum: (Tinctura acris sine Kali) Action mainly in chronic rheumatic, arthritic and paralytic affections, indicated by pains in the muscular and fibrous tissues with deformities about the joints. For progressive loss of muscular strength, and relief of heaviness, weakness and unsteadiness of muscles.

Cimicifuga Racemosa: (Black Snake-Root) Especially useful in rheumatic, nervous subjects. For restless feeling and aching or jerking in limbs and muscular soreness. Also for depression and for nausea and vomiting caused by pressure on spine and cervical region.

Formicum Acidum: (Formic Acid) For arthritis, articular rheumatism, chronic gout and stiffness in joints. For weakness of lower extremities, pain in hips, nodes around joints, complaints of over lifting.

Hypericum Perforatum: (St. John's Wort) Great remedy for nerve injuries. Relieves pain after operations, cramps in calves, pain in toes and fingers (especially in tips), joints that feel bruised, jerking and twitching of muscles. Useful for puncture wounds.

Ledum Palustre: (Wild Rosemary) Relieves throbbing in shoulder, cracking in joints, swollen ankles, rheumatism, gouty pains shooting through feet, limbs and joints.

Magnesia Phosphorica: (Magnesium Phosphate) Anti-spasmodic remedy. For neuralgic pains, cramps in calves and sciatica, weakness in arms and hands, and general muscular weakness. Especially suited for languid, exhausted subjects.

Phytolacca Decandra: (Poke-root) For aching, soreness, restlessness and prostration, rheumatic pains, pain in under side of thighs; pain in legs, ankles, feet. Relief of stiff back.

Pulsatilla: (Wind Flower) For intense pain in thighs, hips, knees and legs with restlessness, sleeplessness and chilliness. Relieves numbness around elbow.

Rhododendron Chrysanthum: (Snow Rose) Relieves rheumatic and gouty symptoms with swollen joints, rheumatic tearing in limbs, stiffness of neck, pain in shoulders, arms, wrists, toe joints, and pain involving dental nerves.

Rhus Toxicodendron: (Poison Ivy) For rheumatic pains spread over a large surface. Relieves swelling of joints, tingling in feet, pains in tendons and ligaments, pain and stiffness in small of back, loss of power in forearm and fingers, and state of being listless and sad.

Ruta Graveolens: (Rue) Relieves pain in small of back and loins, bones of feet and ankles, pain and stiffness in wrists and hands, contraction of fingers, and great restlessness.

Salicylicum Acidum: (Salicylic Acid) Useful for swollen, painful knees and acute rheumatism. For sciatica and vertigo.

Symphytum Officinale: (Comfrey Root) For injuries to sinews, tendons and the periosteum. Acts on joints, neuralgia of knee, perineum and bones.

Needless to say, arthritis is a painful and often debilitating disease. However, with application of the appropriate homeopathic remedies, many patients can find relief that allows them to live their lives filled with more happiness and contentment than they ever imagined.
Although these are some of the more common remedies for arthritis, there are over a hundred other remedies to consider when uncovering the various underlining causes associated with arthritis. I recommend using homeopathic formulas designed to address the many possible causes and predispositions to arthritis.

Natural Cures For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disease estimated to affect approximately 1-2% of people worldwide. It is believed that the body is attacking the synovial fluid, a fluid that surrounds and cushions your joints. This results in painful inflammations and joint stiffness.

Many people have sought treatment from doctors and while there is no sure-fire cure, many people have has success with natural cures for rheumatoid arthritis. These cures provide a safe and effective to reduce inflammation naturally, without the side effects of drugs or the painful stomach ulcers from continually taking Advil. As with any treatment for a medical condition, and especially with rheumatoid arthritis, it's important to keep track of when you start a treatment, how you feel during the treatment and if there are any side effects associated with the treatment. It may be helpful to keep a food journal just to remind yourself when you started which treatment.

Some of these natural treatments people have tried include taking natural food supplements (such as vitamins and minerals) as well as altering diet to try to modify their bodies intakes of certain foods (such as omega 6 fatty acids or dairy) as well as increase their intake of other foods (such as omega 3 fatty acids, or glucosamine chondroitin). It's important to realize that it takes time for a chemical to build up in the blood stream and joints and that it may take a while before you start to see any effects. This can often lead to the belief that these cures for arthritis are old-wives tales. Typically, you'll need to wait at least 12 weeks before you'll see any results.

With a little bit of patience and perseverance you'll be able to find the natural cure for rheumatoid arthritis that works for you.

Arthritic Myth Busters

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints, which causes a combination of pain, swelling and limited mobility. It is very common - more than one is six adults suffers from some form of arthritis and with the increasing aging of the population, those figures are rising.

There are actually more than one hundred different types of arthritis and therefore it is very important that the type of arthritis you have is correctly diagnosed because successful treatment is dependent upon it. Several types have a known cause, although the majority of types do not. Those with no known cause include all cases of rheumatoid arthritis and the majority of osteoarthritis cases.

Even when the cause is known, it is not known why some people develop arthritis while others with the same risk factors don't. Some people think it's due to the fact they cracked their knuckles as a kid or that their joints are acting up because of damp weather, however, neither of these myths (or many others) have ever been proven in clinical research studies.

Cracking your knuckles

Although you may cause injury to a joint by over enthusiastic knuckle cracking, evidence suggests that doing this has little effect on the health of your joints.

Cold, damp weather

Arthritis sufferers seem to be affected more when the weather is cold and damp, however, this does not mean that weather causes the arthritis, although it does appear to aggravate the symptoms.

Overuse of the joints

Although certain occupations with repetitive manual work and athletes who have had repeated joint injuries may develop degenerative arthritis, there is no rhyme or reason to this theory. If it were due to overuse, then why do marathon runners not appear to be at increased risk?

Medications

There are no medications generally recognized as a cause for arthritis, although there may be a few exceptions. Corticosteroids may cause interruption of the blood supply to the hip bones causing death to the bone, which may result in the development of arthritis. Also, water pills may cause gout but not arthritis. There are some other drugs which may cause bone or joint pain, but they won't cause arthritis. However, there is a rare condition called 'drug induced lupus' which may follow after using certain medications and it is thought that arthritis may develop afterwards.

Infection

As far as we know, most infections will not cause arthritis. There is a very small fraction of infectious causes and these include: bacteria such as Gonorrhea and Staphylococcus; Lyme's disease; some viruses (including occasional cases of Hep B, Hep C or parvovirus).

Vaccinations

Similarly, some vaccinations, including those for Lyme's disease and Rubella are thought to be linked (although very rarely) to the development of arthritis. This connection is unclear though. Fortunately, the majority of people receiving the most common vaccinations never develop arthritis.

Diet

For centuries, there have been theories about which foods are the best to eat to prevent/treat arthritis, however, the types of food we eat are not thought to have a role in the development (or not) of arthritis.

There are some exceptions though. Some people notice that eating certain foods or drinking alcohol, triggers gout attacks. There is also a link between obesity and osteoarthritis, so a diet that helps with weight reduction would obviously be helpful.

In some cases, osteoporosis may be caused by not having sufficient calcium or vitamin D intake. Lack of these vital nutrients will cause the bones to become weak and if a fracture occurs, then arthritis may follow.

Old age

This cannot be seen as a cause, since it doesn't come inevitably with old age.

Stress

Although there may have been cases where people have developed arthritis after going through prolonged periods of stress, there is no conclusive evidence to suggest that it causes any specific type of arthritis. Stress can make pain feel worse though.

Any prolonged mental or emotional stress will cause illness in your body.

Bad posture

Despite the myth, slouching will not cause arthritis, however any type of arthritis can affect your posture.

Osteoporosis may cause you to have a stooped posture if the vertebrae collapse and arthritis in your spine may follow, however, the stooped posture does not cause the arthritis. Another example of this is ankylosing spondylitis - a condition in which inflammation of joints in the lower spine leads to a rigid spine. Therefore, poor posture can be seen as a result of arthritis, but is not known to cause it.

In conclusion, with so many different types of arthritis and little understanding of their causes, it is understandable why there are so many myths circulating regarding arthritis. For now it's just a case of 'nobody knows' and there is no known cure. Once you have developed arthritis you may adopt a new diet, move to a warmer climate or opt for some risky treatment, however, you may be very disappointed in the results and find that things are just as bad, if not worse, than before.

The same goes as for every other disease of the body - try to keep your mind and body healthy and active by having a healthy lifestyle and healthy, balanced diet. Also make sure you are getting plenty of Calcium and Vitamin D to keep those bones strong and healthy.

Natural Cures For Gout, Also Known As Metabolic Arthritis

Gout is one of the over one hundred forms of arthritis, and is triggered by excessive blood levels of uric acid.

Gout, otherwise known as gouty arthritis, is commonly accompanied by sudden and severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and inflammation. Post-menopausal women may experience an elevated risk of developing this form of the rheumatoid disease. Middle-aged men, between the ages of forty and fifty feature the usual face of a gout sufferer. Nine out of ten gout patients are men over the age of forty.

The Four Stages of Gout

Gouty arthritis is marked by four stages. The four stages of gout are asymptomatic, acute, intercritical, and chronic.

The first stage of gout is the acute stage. Generally accompanied by no symptoms, this stage of gout marks the onset of the excess uric acid crystals, which is responsible for the irritation and inflammation associated with the advanced stages of the condition.

The first attack of gout occurs in the acute stage of the disorder. This second stage of gout sports both mild and severe bouts with gout. Gout attacks can last as long as one or two weeks.

The first gout attack is followed by a period of several months, or possibly years, without a single symptom of gout. This is known as the intercritical stage of gout. The majority of gout sufferers experience their second attack within two years of the first episode.

The final stage of gouty arthritis is the chronic stage. Episodes of gout attacks become more frequent during the chronic phase of the condition. Chronic gout can cause damage to other areas of the body; damage to the kidneys and the development of high blood pressure are signature features of gout's chronic stage.

Gout is a highly treatable form of arthritis. There are a number of home remedies for gout and it's natural treatment.

Herbal Medicine: Herbal medicine is one of the holistic home remedies for gout treatment. The pantry may be the optimum spot for snagging some of the staples of home remedies for gout. Cherries, juniper berry, bilberry, nettle root, and celery.

Nutritional Therapy: Nutritional therapy is one of the home remedies for gout. Vitamin B12, vitamin E, folate, and the B family of vitamins are a part of nutritional home remedies for gout treatment. Implementing nutritional improvements is one of the home remedies for gout used to reduce the occurrence of metabolic arthritis flare-ups. Many of the vitamins included in the therapy have been proven beneficial in preventing gout.

Regular Exercise: A buildup of uric acid plays a pivotal role in the development of gouty arthritis. Regular exercise is one of the home remedies for gout episodes that has been documented as useful in both treatment and prevention. Exercise routines that improve circulation include stretching, dancing, yoga, Tai Chai, and aerobic.

Metabolic arthritis, or gout, is one of the one hundred forms of arthritis that characteristically features severe and sudden attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and warmth afflicting the joints.

Gouty arthritis is a treatable condition that most commonly affects the joint of the big toe, but may also occur in feet, ankles, knees, hands, and wrists. The first onset of gout generally occurs at night and continues on for a week or two before the symptoms subside. Seventy-percent of first gout attacks occur in this part of the body.

Gout is one form of arthritis that made it's debut as early as the eighteenth century. Gout was historically linked to overweight, lazy, middle to upper class, middle-aged men. This perception of gouty arthritis sufferers was born from the fact that many of the foods the influence the onset of gout were routinely reserved for the rich-earning the rheumatoid condition the nickname of "The Disease of Kings." Queen Anne, John Hancock, and American founding father, George Mason are some of history's most noted gout sufferers.

Gout occurs as a result of the body hosting uric acid in elevated levels. Only designed to carry trace amounts of uric acid, the human bloodstream turns excess uric acid into crystal deposits that lodge themselves into the joints of the body, sporting a chalky white-colored material. Uric acid buildup occurs during the body's breakdown the waste product called purines. Purines is commonly found in foods like liver, brains, and kidneys, as well as sweetbreads, mushrooms, and asparagus.

Natural Cures for Gout

Since highly treatable, implementing a number of lifestyle changes can serve as one of the effective natural cures for gout. Adopting a low purine diet is one of the natural cures for gout suggested by some medical professionals. Cherries, strawberries, and blueberries have been identified as some of the staples of a diet low in uric acid. Limiting consumption of fish, poultry, and tofu is also a part of a low purine diet. Other foods to avoid to discourage a gout flare-up include:

Sardines

Sweetbread

Scallops

Alcohol Beverages

Diet Soda

Who's At Risk For Developing Gout?

The condition is most common among middle-aged men between forty and sixty years old. Women are at an increased rate for developing gout following menopause. African-American men are twice as likely as White men to suffer the onset of gout.

How to Get Rid of Gout Tophi Naturally

Tophi gout is that painful stage in gout where horrible-looking 'lumps' appear at the joints. And if left untreated they can cause some serious issues. Luckily, there are drugs that can help, but they can have side effects, and, they need to be taken regularly. But, there are natural treatment alternatives for tophi gout you should discuss with your doctor.

Tophi (tophaceous) gout is caused by the build-up of uric acid salts (monosodium urate crystals) in and around the joints affected by gout. This usually happens as a result of prolonged, frequent, and repetitive gout attacks arising from elevated uric acid levels in the bloodstream.

They are normally seen as chalky-colored, bulging lumps under the skin at the joint(s) affected. And although by far the most common joint for gout is the big toe, tophi can appear in almost any joint. They can also be seen at the ear ridges.

Apart from the fact that they are horrible and unsightly, untreated tophi can eventually lead to serious complications such as permanently damage to joints and surrounding tissue. They can also become ulcerated and septic, so septicemia is a possibility that would need urgent medical attention.

Since tophi is caused by continuously elevated uric acid levels, the key is to reduce those levels and keep them at a level that prevents tophi forming. Of course, this also means that recurring gout attacks are prevented.

There are various drugs available (such as allopurinol) that can help to lower and maintain uric acid at healthier levels. And they seem to work pretty well. But, they are only effective whilst being taken. Once they are stopped there is nothing to prevent uric acid levels rising again. Which is why many sufferers end up taking them for years on end. And, unfortunately, they do have some nasty side effects for many people.

Which is why more and more people are turning to more natural alternatives to get rid of tophi gout. There are many natural remedies that can help to neutralize and lower uric acid levels. There are also remedies that have natural anti-inflammatory properties. Typical are herbs such as alfalfa, burdoch and buchu. Also things like natural kidney cleanses.

But underpinning the whole natural approach is your diet. Since uric acid is actually produced by the breakdown of purines in our bodies and food, gout sufferers, and especially those with tophi gout, need to go on a low-purine diet. Otherwise you are just producing more and more uric acid which your kidneys can't process and excrete efficiently enough.

Dietary information is too detailed to go into here but, generally speaking, gout victims need to avoid high-purine foods within the following groups; red meats, gravy, meat extracts, poultry, fish, shellfish, vegetables, etc. plus, yeast products and alcohol.

Is it a Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptom?

A serious disease of the autoimmune system, rheumatoid arthritis mostly affects the joints. Nonetheless, since it is a systemic autoimmune disease, rheumatoid arthritis may also affect other body areas. Here are some of the other symptoms that can be linked with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.

Heart

One area that may be unfavorably affected due to rheumatoid arthritis is the heart. It is common for fluid to collect near the heart as a result of inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Although such symptoms are frequently fairly mild, this problem may potentially develop into something more serious.

If severe inflammation occurs, it can affect the heart muscle. Coronary arteries may swell, making the heart muscle work harder. The lungs might also be involved in rheumatoid arthritis. Similar to the heart muscle, fluid may collect around the lungs, and the lung tissue may stiffen. Rheumatoid arthritis related inflammation can make breathing difficult.

Skin

It is not uncommon for rheumatoid arthritis patients to report small nodules that are formed under the epidermis, as one other area that may be affected is the skin. The majority of the time, these small nodules are located in close proximity to a joint area. These skin nodules become most noticeable when a joint is flexed.

Purpura is another skin condition regularly associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Purpura are purplish patches on the skin which develop due to damage to blood vessels. Rheumatoid arthritis can make blood vessels develop damage, triggering them to rupture and bleed into the skin, a process known as vasculitis. Another skin problem associated with rheumatoid arthritis are skin ulcers; they appear because of vasculitic lesions.

Musculature

Rheumatoid arthritis can severely affect the body's musculoskeletal structures. As inflammation strikes the joints, muscles can become shrunken and weak. This is called as atrophy. The hands are the area most vulnerable to atrophy.

Atrophy is the result of not using a muscle or set of muscles for an extensive period of time. Muscles joints affected by arthritis are prone to becoming the source of discomfort, pain, and swelling. In turn, the patient does not use the stricken muscles, and this causes atrophy.

Gastrointestinal

The digestive tract is also affected. The most common effect is known as dry mouth, which is related to Sjogren's syndrome. Most digestive complaints associated with rheumatoid arthritis seem to come as a result of medications taken for it. Typical digestive conditions related to these medications comprise stomach ulcers and gastritis.

Difference Between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is a common ailment people experience as they age. All Arthritis conditions affect the joints of the body in some form, with almost all those afflicted with the disease reporting pain. The most common form of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis, with a similar form being Rheumatoid Arthritis. Despite being subgroups of Arthritis, there are key differences between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is also known as Degenerative Arthritis, in that joints and connecting bone degrade, leading to a loss of cartilage for bone support. The hands, feet, and spine are the areas most commonly affected. Those who are obese, elderly, suffer from joint stress, or muscle weakness are at greater risk for the disease. Treatments for this disease include lifestyle changes such as exercise and weight loss which are commonly recommended.

The other common form of Arthritis is called Rheumatoid Arthritis. Unlike Osteoarthritis, RA is an inflammatory response that is chronic. Joints are similarly affected as in Osteoarthritis, however, the membrane that lines the joints are what become inflamed instead. Small joint areas such as the hands and feet are affected most commonly. Unlike Osteoarthritis, this form of Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. The body's immune system actually attacks normal tissue in the body. Treatments includes anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relieving drugs, and drugs that prevent future joint degradation.

Despite affecting similar areas of the body, Osteoarthritis and RA are two very different conditions. Osteoarthritis will affect those with demographic risk factors, while Rheumatoid Arthritis can attack anyone, as it is an autoimmune disorder.

Inflammation - The Link Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Depression

Inflammation is now recognized as an underlying basis of a significant number of chronic diseases. Although there is still much more to understand, we have sufficient information presently to make the necessary changes in our lifestyles to significantly affect the inflammatory process and potentially live longer, healthier lives.

The relationship between inflammation, pain and depression has been explored in multiple studies. Studies have found a significant relationship between inflammation, pain and depression in patients with Rheumatoid arthritis. Recently, a Japanese study found that C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of inflammation, was associated with elevated depression and pain scores; inflammation and depression were found to have an independent effect on patient-reported pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis:

The Arthritis Society estimates that about 300,000 Canadians have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Although it can affect people of all ages, it most commonly develops between the ages of 25 and 50. Twice as many women than men will develop the disease. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic disease that is characterized by an inflammation in the lining of the joints, resulting in damage to cartilage, bones, tendons and ligaments. This in turn can lead to permanent joint deformity and significant disability.

Depression

By 2020, depressive disorders are projected to be the 2nd leading cause of worldwide disability. Currently there are studies indicating that inflammatory changes in the brain are pathological features of depression. Several cytokines (hormones of the immune system) and markers of inflammation (C-reactive protein, interleukin 1 and 6) were positively correlated with depression. Cytokines seem to trigger a quick onset of what is called 'sickness behavior'-meaning malaise and fatigue, as well as a delayed onset of depressed mood. Just as the body's repair mechanisms for physical injury can sometimes result in chronic pain and inflammation, so too can the response to psychological trauma, resulting in chronic depression.

Is inflammation playing a possible role in your depression?
Ask yourself these questions:

Do I have a physical sense of 'brain fog'?
Do I have a recent reduction in short term memory?
Do I have trouble finding words?
Do I sometimes feel confused?
Do I have learning disabilities, or neurodegenerative disorders?
Do I feel that if I had plenty of energy my depression would be gone?
Do I have a lot of pain?
Do I have gastrointestinal problems?

Treatment:
Inflammation can serve an important physiological purpose, i.e. healing cuts and wounds but when inflammation persists it damages the body and causes illness. Stress, lack of exercise, exposure to toxins and dietary choices can all contribute to chronic inflammation. Learning how specific triggers including food influence the inflammatory process is the best strategy for reducing long-term diseases such as arthritis and depression.

Tips for an anti-inflammatory diet:
Include as much fresh organic food as possible
Minimize your consumption of processed foods and fast food
Eat an abundance of fruits and vegetable
Eat more whole grains
Eat more beans, winter squashes, and sweet potatoes
Cook whole grain pasta al dente and eat it in moderation
Avoid products made with high fructose corn syrup.
Eat omega-3 fatty acids rich foods i.e. salmon, sardines, herring, omega-3 fortified eggs; hemp seeds and flaxseeds.
Decrease your consumption of animal protein except for fish and high quality natural cheese and yogurt.
Eat more vegetable protein, especially from beans in general and soybeans in particular
Eat cruciferous (cabbage-family) vegetables
Include soy foods in your diet
Drink tea instead of coffee, especially good quality white, green or oolong tea
If you drink alcohol, use red wine
Enjoy plain dark chocolate in moderation (with a minimum cocoa content of 70 percent)
Drink pure water, or drinks that are mostly water (tea, very diluted fruit juice, sparkling water with lemon) throughout the day

Arthritis Treatment: New Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment Guidelines for 2012

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis affecting between approximately two million Americans. It is a systemic, chronic, autoimmune driven disorder that affects not only joints but internal organs as well. The disease has been associated with a significant mortality causing people affected by the disease to die 7-10 years before people who do not have RA. Also, it is associated with significant morbidity, meaning patients will suffer a loss of independence as well as the ability to continue to pursue gainful employment.

A prior set of guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology in 2008 laid out treatment recommendations and guidelines for starting and switching medications.

However, these guidelines were formulated before complete knowledge as to the effect of newer drugs on disease course was fully appreciated. Those of us in practice, of course, felt these guidelines were antiquated even as they were released.

The newer guidelines deal with new discoveries and also make recommendations about how to use biologic drugs in high risk patients. As a result, I think these guidelines do make more sense and support the treatment approach that most private practitioners already follow.

The key point that the authors made was that low disease activity or even remission should be the goal of treatment. This is a critical point. It is now possible to get most patients with RA into remission.

One of the major changes from the 2008 guidelines was the emphasis on more aggressive treatment in patients with early RA that is - the first 6 months of disease onset. The recommended change to more intensive early therapy is necessary since more aggressive early treatment can provide better outcomes.

It's no secret that early diagnosis and treatment makes a huge difference in patient outcome.

Since joint damage in RA is irreversible, prevention of damage is an important goal. In addition to the obvious joint issues, preservation of physical function and health-related quality of life is important in order to limit the likelihood of disability.

To that end, they recommend early institution of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy, drugs that slow the rate of progression of RA. Examples would be medicines like methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil). Biologic drugs should be added quickly if DMARD therapy does not appear to be working effectively. Biologic drugs include the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), etanercept (Enbrel), golimumab (Simponi), or infliximab (Remicade). Non TNF biologics include abatacept (Orencia), tocilizumab (Actemra), or rituximab (Rituxan).

One other point: Biologics should not be combined since there is no increase in efficacy but there is an increase in side effects.

Finally, when I consider how far we've come with our approach to RA since I began practice in 1981, the difference is both astounding as well as gratifying.

Rumatory Arthritis - Tips for Pain Relief

For those dealing with rumatory arthritis, pain is a constant problem. The swelling and inflammation that comes with this disease causes stiffness and pain in the joints. Some of the main areas where pain can occur include in the hip joints, wrist joints, hand joints, knee joints, and the spine. To deal with this chronic pain, here are some helpful tips for pain relief that can provide the pain management needed.

Tip #1 - Healthy Diet - One excellent tip for rheumatoid arthritis pain relief is to eat a healthy diet. A diet that is well balanced can help to keep weight under control, easing the strain on joints. Limiting certain foods like saturated fats and read meats can help to reduce inflammation, since it limits arachidonic acid, which can make inflammation worse. Eating foods that contain omega 3s can also be helpful, since they are proven to help reduce inflammation in the joints.

Tip #2 - Cold and Heat Therapy
Many people find that cold and heat therapy can help to ease some of the pain that comes along with rheumatoid arthritis. When a joint is aching and inflamed, cold therapy can help to reduce some of the inflammation, easing the pain. Other people find that heat therapy is helpful for relaxing muscles and easing the pain felt in joints.

Tip #3 - Non-Impact Exercise
Exercise is an important part of reducing pain with this disease. Building muscles that are strong and fit provides better support for the body's joints. Exercise can also reduce pain symptoms and increase flexibility as well. Non-impact exercises are the best options for those with joint damage, such as water therapy and swimming. Speaking with your doctor before getting involved in a new exercise plan is a good idea.

Tip #4 - Massage
Even massage therapy can provide some pain relief for those with rheumatoid arthritis. Massage can help to warm up and relax muscles that are tense because of the constant pain. A good massage also can help the body to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers, alleviating pain.

Tip #5 - Medications
Today there are a variety of excellent medications that can help to treat rheumatoid arthritis and relieve some of the pain that comes with the disease. Inflammation can be reduced with medications like corticosteroids and NSAIDs, which leads to the reduction of pain. Other anti-rheumatic drugs are available today that actually treat the disease, leading to pain reduction as they begin to work. Some of the newer biological medications that are available include Enbrel, Orencia, and Humira. Several are taken by infusion, while others are given as injections.

Dealing with the pain that comes with rheumatoid arthritis can be frustrating. However, there are many great options available that can provide some pain relief. If you are dealing with this disease, consider some of these tips and talk with your doctor about the options that may work best for you.

Osteoarthritis and Inflammation - The Chicken or The Egg?

One of the primary differences between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis has to do with inflammation. Although inflammation is generally thought of as a negative or undesirable condition, it is actually one of the body's many responses to a metabolic crisis usually bought on by the presence of one microbial pathogen or another. The heat that is often generated by inflammation - as in the case of fever - is actually the body's way of attempting to literally cook the intruder to death in combination with increased activity of your white blood cells and various chemicals. In a healthy metabolism this is obviously meant to be a short lived process where the intruder is effectively dealt with and the system can return to balance. Without this mechanism the body would be unable to prevent infection and heal wounds.

There is another form of inflammation that can exist in the body without the local heat, redness and swelling. This is inflammation that exists in a more general sense - a sort of ongoing low grade type of chronic inflammation that is a result of the metabolism falling out of balance. This is the type of inflammation which leads to what have become known as auto-immune diseases like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, colitis, Crohn's disease and arthritis to name just a few. In a sense this type of inflammation leads to a biological situation of the body attacking itself and damaging tissues.

As with most health problems, one can trace this imbalance back to dietary input and the metabolic environment created by the foods we eat. Our biological predisposition is uniquely adapted to run on certain key macro and micro nutrients which we obtained from our traditional environment. If these necessary food items are not available to the metabolism, it's not too much of a stretch to suspect that this might cause a problem. It would also follow from this line of reasoning that if there is an over abundance of low nutrient or harmful foods in the diet that there could also be problems. To make matters even more complicated, there is the contemporary issue of exposure to an ever-growing list of negative environmental factors. In short, the environment from which we now feed has in a fraction of evolutionary time become anything but traditional. I'll explore in more detail the actual causal components of our modern diets that lead to this and other conditions in future articles, but for now let's keep the discussion to the outcome of such a diet, which is inflammation.

With regards to rheumatoid arthritis a couple of factors come into play. First, there is the acidic and low oxygen environment that develops through an improper diet. This allows for an increased presence of microbial fauna in the form of anaerobic bacterias, yeasts, moulds, and ultimately fungus in the worst cases. Some of these pathogens like to colonize particular parts of the body. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis this obviously occurs in the joints causing in turn the localized inflammation and discomfort. The protocols to treat rheumatoid arthritis are most effective with a two pronged approach involving alkalization of the metabolism through dietary modification - which reduces the chronic inflammation - in conjunction with the use of natural anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal agents to go after the particular colony of pathogens residing in the joints.

Osteoarthritis is a somewhat different creature and is generally accepted to be a condition brought on by excessive wear and tear or simply by age. Although metabolic inflammation does come into play, the discomfort caused by osteoarthritis is not a result of pathogens colonizing your joints. Any localized inflammation which does occur is usually later in the development of the symptoms and is more a result of sufficient cartilage being eroded to the point that bone starts coming into contact with bone. This is often accompanied by the formation of bone spurs which contribute to the irritation of local tissues, leading to increased discomfort and ultimately inflammation.

The medical mainstream consensus view is that this is a mechanical issue and the only viable treatment is replacement of the affected joint or joints. This of course stems from the consensus refusal to recognize and take advantage of the body's inherent abilities for regeneration of tissues when it's provided with the necessary raw materials.

History is not exactly full of people complaining of aching joints and the statistical occurrence of osteoarthritis has been increasing steadily; like many diseases in lock step with the industrialization of our food supply and the increased presence of environmental toxins. If nothing else, this infers a dietary deficiency coupled with toxic exposures that place us outside of our evolved patterns of metabolism. This in turn leads to impaired tissue regeneration (insufficient raw materials) and over-burdening of toxicity (lack of minerals to clear waste). It is this scenario which I believe has led to this condition of chronic inflammation, which appears to have become a cultural commonality.

There are many dietary myths and factors that pervade the mainstream consensus, making it difficult for a lay person to make informed decisions about the correct diet for ultimate health. Despite newer research pointing to flaws in current modalities, the corporate interests profiting from the infrastructures built around these myths continue to protect these interests through 'paid for science' and obfuscation of the facts. The low fat myth and the high carbohydrate diet coupled with a misrepresentation of the relationship between LDL, HDL and total cholesterol, are just three factors that contribute to the systemic problem of low grade chronic inflammation.

As I've stated before, osteoarthritis can be viewed as a canary in a coal mine. Relative to the pantheon of different severe diseases/symptoms that can be brought on by ongoing inflammation, the discomfort caused by osteoarthritis could be considered minor, though annoying. Tissue regeneration is a metabolic process that goes on throughout the life experience and in this regard the cartilage between your bones is no different. If headway with symptoms is to be made there is no doubt that your metabolic environment needs to be adjusted through dietary modifications. One of the many biological systems that become affected by chronic inflammation is the endocrine system. Within the myriad of enzymes both manufactured and absorbed by the body are those that modify the proteins to create the various proteoglycans responsible for cartilage maintenance. This is just one of the many biological sub-systems that are affected by improper diet and the resulting chronic inflammation.

So when it comes to osteoarthritis, is inflammation the chicken or the egg? The answer appears to be both.

A Note on the Blood Type Diet - A Personal Viewpoint

'Eat Right for Your Type' by Peter J. D'Adamo has become widely known as the blood type diet. Since I am constantly asked to give my input on this dieting system, I have decided to add my comments here.

I agree with and respect quite a few of D'Adamo's insights and perspectives but have major reservations about others. The book suggests that you use your blood type to determine which foods you should be eating. According to the theory, when you eat foods that 'agree' with your blood type, you reduce the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes, infections and liver disease. Type A people supposedly had ancestors that were farmers. If you are of this type, you should be a vegetarian and avoid meat and dairy products. According to the author, people with Type B blood had ancestors that were nomads; therefore they should eat red meat and fish. Those with Type O blood had ancestors that were hunters and gatherers; this means they should eat lots of animal protein and few carbohydrates. Finally, those with Type AB blood, had mixed ancestry, and are supposed to eat a combination of the Type A and B diet. Does this mean, for example, that all nomads used to have the blood type 0, and all farmers used to have type A blood? What about people who didn't farm and who didn't move from place to place?

Unfortunately, these theories are not supported by scientific literature, traditional knowledge and records of the world's oldest medical systems, such as Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda. D'Adamo's discoveries have not been confirmed anywhere else. There is little or no distinction made between individuals who have lived in the Andes, the tropical rain forests, or plains of Africa for hundreds of thousands of years. The Indian subcontinent thrived and flourished for thousands of years on a vegetarian diet, and so has most of the world's population. And where does ancestry begin anyway? Two thousand years ago, 100 centuries ago, or 60 million years ago? How far do we go in the bloodline of our ancestors to determine our dietary needs? When the last Ice Age began, many vegetarians living in formerly tropical lands were suddenly forced to eat animals in order to survive. Some ate a mixed diet, because of more moderate climates. Others in the all-year-round tropical places of the Earth continued with vegetarian foods until quite recently. The proposed theory is highly inconclusive about all of these facts.

When I went on the high protein diet (very similar to the type O diet plan) at age 5, I felt great for about 18 months, as do so many others who go on the popular Atkins diet. Then I started developing stones in my liver, a dangerous arrhythmia and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, among other diseases. I had no idea that these ailments were due to protein poisoning. Ten years later I switched to a balanced vegan diet, and most of my illnesses went away within a matter of weeks. However, I still had to live with the many stones that had been produced in my liver and gallbladder as a result of what is known today as the O-type blood diet. Forty gallbladder attacks later, I did a series of liver and gallbladder flushes, which cleaned out these vital organs. Finally, I was free of any illness or discomfort.

You won't notice the effects of a high protein diet until the blood vessel walls are well-thickened with excessive protein. Eating lots of animal protein triggers a powerful immune response in order to get rid of the foreign DNA and the dead, coagulated and damaged protein of meat, fish, eggs, poultry and dairy products. This immune response involves a powerful release of energy, thereby cleaning out impurities, improving skin functions and making you feel more grounded. However, as soon as the immune system is exhausted by the constant excessive activity, which took a mere 18 months in my case, the situation begins to backfire and the body becomes increasingly congested.

The blood type diet theory is flawed in the sense that it does not recognize the basic body type requirements generated by the three forces/humors of nature (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) that control the physicality of matter and the body of humans and animals. Only a fraction of the body's energy requirements are met through food, and there are many more influences on the body than one's blood type. The 6,000-year old medical system of Ayurveda accounts for most of these influences. One's constitutional body type is not as simply and easily determined as one's blood type. The theory of blood type foods is really based on guesswork, not on science or time-tested traditional knowledge as found in Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Greek medicine or ancient Egyptian medicine.

If concentrated protein foods were a necessary part of the human diet, as the blood type diet advocates for the O-type, for example, why does nature not reflect that need when it formulates human milk in a mother's breast? Its protein content is a mere trace amount of 1.1-1.6 percent, provided to a baby at the time of its biggest growth spurt. Wouldn't O-type babies die if they lived on so little protein for up to 18 months, since most babies in the natural world only get mother's milk as food? On the contrary, the babies actually develop perfect organs and systems, and are emotionally the most content. If nature's most perfect food doesn't give you much protein at the time when you are growing more rapidly than at any other time in your life, why would you need to eat concentrated proteins, such as meat, when you are older and no longer growing?

If you are on the blood type diet and decide to continue following it, I recommend that you be vigilant about how your body feels. If you start feeling a dull sensation in your gallbladder or pain in your joints, muscles or head, or if you develop mucus and sinus problems, a coated tongue or other signs of congestion, you may need to reconsider your dietary regimen.

Juice For Arthritis Treatment

Juicing for joint pain and aches is a good long term solution. It is both effective and devoid of any side effects. One of the advantages with natural cure is that it has a holistic effect on your body. It rejuvenates the whole body. You don't have to worry to about over doing it since even at high doses it is safe. Natural cures can be used both as preventive medicine as well as as a cure for affected joints. You could continue using it as a maintenance dose even after you are cured. Below you will find some of the natural medicines which you can incorporate in your diet.

Pineapple juice is good for your joints. Pineapple juice contains and enzyme called bromelain, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Anti-inflammatory agent in pineapple is effective in athletic injuries, joint pain and post-surgery swelling. Juice is also great fuel for your body. Raw pineapple juice contains just about all minerals and vitamins necessary for the digestive system too. 300-350 ml of raw pineapple juice is recommended for daily intake.

Black Cherry juice if good for arthiritis too. Cherries contain chemicals called the anthocyanin which works as an anti-inflammatory agent which can alleviate pain for arthritis sufferers. Pineapple contains nutrients like beta-carotene and copper that helps in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

Experts believe that the results of drinking cherry juice are specific to a person. While for some relief can in few days, for others it might take months of juice drinking to get. Two glasses of juice twice a day

Raw potato juice is one of the most successful natural cure for arthritic conditions. It has been used for centuries. The traditional method of potato juicing is to cut a potato into very thin slices, leaving the skin on, and place it in a glass filled with cold water over night. Drinking this water in the morning on an empty stomach is great.

Other Juices that are highly effective for joint paint and arthritis pains includes the following:

o Green Barley Juice
o Celery Juice
o Bilberry Juice
o Aloe Vera Juice

So you can start juicing your way to pain relief.

Getting Rid Of Arthritis Pain Overnight Naturally With Diet

There is a little-known natural, diet solution to curing oneself of arthritis pain, which I discovered quite a few years ago. Arthritis sufferers today are still continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain. The first step when looking for solutions to an arthritis pain problem is to understand how arthritis works.

There are more than 100 different types of medical conditions that can affect your joints; it'll be difficult to treat your condition effectively unless you know exactly what your diagnosis is; get diagnosed. Arthritis is usually found in the joints of the fingers, feet, knees, hips, and spine.

Proteoglycans are large molecules that help make up cartilage; they bond to water, which ensures the high-fluid content in cartilage. The combination of the collagen meshwork and high water content tightly bound by proteoglycans creates a resilient, slippery pad in the joint, which resists the compression between bones during muscle movement. Collagen is the essential protein in cartilage; it forms a mesh to give support and flexibility to the joint.

As chondrocytes (the cells that make up cartilage) age, they lose their ability to make repairs and produce more cartilage; this process may play an important role in the development and progression of osteoarthritis. Most experts now believe that osteoarthritis results from a genetic susceptibility that causes a biologic response to injuries to the joint, which leads to progressive deterioration of cartilage.

Injuries sometimes can be the start in the arthritic disease process; osteoarthritis can develop years later even after a single traumatic injury to a joint or near a joint.

Some of the supplements commonly used for relieving arthritis pain, but I don't know if any of these work, are: glucosamine, chondroitin, bromelain, grapeseed extract, omega-3 and omega-6, cod liver oil, manganese ascorbate, MSM, boron, niacinamide, pantothenic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E.

Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question the value of these supplements; it's clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly. Dried Montmorency tart cherries seem to be helpful for arthritis pain also.

Supplements that help any disease or ailment include vitamin B12 -- the methylcobalamin type not cyanocobalamin, and has to be sub-lingual -- dissolves slowly under the tongue; and vitamin D3 especially if you can't get a daily dose of 15-20 minutes of sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.

Make smoothies with fruit only using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost -- no one will ever know. One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods.

With natural treatments there will be fewer, if any, side effects or adverse reactions. Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, that no one supplement can relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc.

Try massaging your fingers or other affected joints with coconut oil twice a day. Not a food, but many, including one well-known professional golfer, still wear copper bracelets and swear by them.

For arthritic fingers, a good exercise is to put your finger tips together and press hard and release, then repeat several times. Don't just sit there, keep moving. Even if you don't think you can exercise, you can do some movements. Exercise in a heated pool; it will help reduce the pressure on your joints and the heat will help you loosen those joints.

Exercise your affected joints every day, to keep them flexible. Whatever you do, keep moving; don't sit when you can stand, don't stand when you can walk. A good exercise routine is the key to beating arthritis and arthritis pain.

At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any drug you take. For conventional treatment of arthritis - if you do choose to take drugs or medications, be very careful and read the labels thoroughly. Let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other drugs, herbs or other supplements you're taking, to ward off any adverse drug reactions that might occur from the combining of different drugs or supplements.

More and more doctors are investigating the benefits of alternative therapies and most don't object to patients trying them. Stopping the progress of your arthritis as well as stopping your pain should be your number one goal. Begin your treatment program with a diet change, exercise and weight loss plan to see results and pain relief fast.

Gout & Uric Acid - How to Lower Your Uric Acid & Cure Gout Attacks

Curing gout attacks by lowering uric acid content.

Gout has been a plague to many since the ancient Egyptian era. Studied by Roman physician Galen (A.D. 131-200), and many scientists since then, it wasn't until recently that it was discovered the direct cause to this disease. Now steps can be taken to treat and cure gout using a proper diet and to detox your body.

Gout, or gouty arthritis, is a disorder that is painful and chronic if left untreated. Uric acid crystals attack and settle into joints, usually only a single joint at first. The big toe is the most common but no limited to a knee, foot, wrist, ankle or finger. The joint will become red, swollen and very tender. After the initial attack of gouty arthritis, it tends to spread to other joints and can cause chronic pain for a lifetime.

Gout is caused by having diets rich with the chemical known as purine can cause disease, the most common being gout. An over abundance of uric acid, produced by purine, deposits crystals in the blood and tissues, which in turn flows to the joints and kidneys. Kidney stones are also another problem caused by purine metabolism. A large intake of foods such as seafood, alcoholic beverages, beef kidney or any type of animal internal organs has been found to be the major cause of uric acid. Heredity can also play a role in having too much uric acid.

Lowering the uric acid in your system is a good way to begin your control on the gout attacks. Tart cherries, tart cherry juice or tart cherry capsules have been known to help alleviate the frequency of attacks because they are believed to dissolve the crystals in the joints and tissues. Cutting out foods high in purine from your diet is also a great path to take in controlling future damage. Taking steps to detox your body is a new method found to have amazing results with not only gout but also an array of other illnesses.

Detoxification has the means to rid your liver and kidney of toxins and uric acid through therapy. This is a relatively new procedure, although long used in the orient for medicinal purposes. Although there have been countless testimonials of gout being cured in addition to many other ailments, this method to detox your body has not been scientifically accepted by the Medical Association.

Most physicians cannot offer any suggestions as to how to cure gout. They can offer pain medications and inflammatory drugs to wait out the painful outburst but this does not help the re-occurrence of the problem. Controlling your diet is their main recommendation.

Foot detox therapy uses no drugs, is not painful and does not cause damage by any chemicals entering your system. Using a method based on quantum technology, the body is monitored to set your equilibrium to your specific body function, strengthening body cells and flushing out toxins naturally. Blood clots, heavy metals, bad cholesterol and toxins are other matter that can be eliminated when you detox your body. Totally cleanse your body the natural way using new technology and find a better, healthier way to live.

How To Beat Gout: The Gout Solution

Gout is a painful condition of the joints which affects parts of the lower body as well as the arms. To treat gout, there are prescription medications as well as the implementation of a healthy lifestyle. The Gout solution is a combination of the two.

Prescription Medications

For Gout, prescription medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen to control the swelling and the pain. Corticosteroids are also administered by injection or in the form of pills. Zyloprim is recommended for those with Gout. However, care should be taken as these prescription medications do not overrule the possibility of serious side effects.

Colchicine is taken in case the non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are producing a reaction. Adverse side effects can cause a problem and lead to great difficulties. Therefore medication should be prescribed in close consultation with your health care professional. Medications that block uric acid build up are generally prescribed for those with Gout. Also a part of the Gout solution are medicines that facilitate uric acid removal.

Healthy Lifestyles

Like many other diseases, gout is the result of a wrong diet and unhealthy lifestyle. To treat Gout, a healthy lifestyle needs to be followed. Here are some of the recommendations for how an anti-inflammatory diet can be followed to treat Gout:

Avoid meats that are a rich source of uric acid such as sardines and anchovies. Eliminate coffee and all other sources of caffeine from the diet.
Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol leads to dehydration and irritates the urinary tract.
You need to remain well hydrated in order to flush the uric acid out of your system. You should also lose excess weight if you are fat. Research shows that eating tart cherries inhibits certain enzymes just as well as certain anti-inflammatory drugs. Bromelain, a compound of digestive enzymes obtained from pineapple stems is another good way to beat Gout.

Gout is a painful arthritic condition and there is considerable research evidence to show that lifestyle changes make it possible to control the condition and treat it well. Gout is easily curable and manageable provided certain precautions are taken and certain lifestyle changes are made.

Gout can be treated not only through medication but also through major changes in diet and lifestyle. Gout can be cured easily and there is very little room for error. The increasing sophistication of medicines which treat Gout has been coupled with extensive research on what kind of lifestyle changes need to be made. Either of the two, medication and lifestyle changes need to be part of the treatment plan together for there to be relief from this condition. The Gout solution involves both.

Diet Therapy For Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is marked by pain, stiffness and swelling of joints, affecting those under 16 years of age. Fortunately, the problem has low occurrence, as only about 1 out of 10,000 children report the disease. It appears in one of three forms; pauciarticular (less than four joints affected), polyarticular (four or more joints affected), and systemic-onset (inflamed joints with high fever and rash).

Despite encouraging medical advance, diet therapy is still an appealing way to control juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is a promising solution for the young ones with the early diagnosis of the problem. Therapy is an effective diet plan which controls symptoms like inflammation and pain, besides, contributing to the overall wellness of the child.

Several diets hold the promise to relieve or prevent arthritic symptoms. The effective dietary approaches use fasting, vegan diets and elimination diets. The fasting diet comprises of periods of only juice and water. Vegan diet brings everything, except the animal derived products, while the elimination diet restricts foods supposed to cause joint inflammation and hyper active immune reaction. Vegan diet is designed to meet all the nutritional requirements of the child.

Particular foods and nutrients are really exceptional for treating rheumatoid arthritis. For instance, omega-3 fatty acids containing foods are helpful in reducing inflammation. They are involved in decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine level. Different fish types including salmon, albacore tuna, lake trout, herring, sardines and mackerel are good sources of this helping agent. In addition, several plant-based sources such as flaxseed, flaxseed oil, walnuts and canola oil are good for it.

Mineral, vitamins and anti-oxidants play a significant role in controlling arthritis symptoms. Try to include fruits, vegetable and whole grain food in your diet. Intake of calcium-rich foods, such as low-fat dairy products improves bone health, making it stronger and resistant.

Put your child on the Mediterranean diet, having a low content of red meat and a high content of olive oil. Olive oil is good for inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation, natural killer cell activity, adhesion molecule expression on lymphocytes and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Some foods are strictly prohibited in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Citrus fruits, for example, generally aggravate the symptoms. Wheat and other rough grain products also may elicit severe allergic reaction in such patients enhancing the production of pro-inflammatory agents causing pain and swelling. Diet therapy is a mild, least risky but exceptionally effective way of treating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Ayurvedic Concept Of Rheumatology

Relief from pain or agony may be considered as the true object of any medical science. According to Ayurvedic texts, the entire cosmos is constituted of 'Panchmahabhootas' (Five Basic Elements - Sky or Ether, Air, Water, Fire & Earth) and when they combine together, three imperceptible functional forces, 'Vata' (constituted of Air & Ether), 'Pitta' (constituted of Fire) & 'Kapha' (constituted of Water & Earth) are created. They form the tripod of the body and are called 'Tridoshas' (three 'doshas' or blemishes or humors or morbids); the word 'dosha' is derived from the root 'dush' which means to pollute, vitiate or become impure.

'Vata' (Air), the mobile factor of the body, situated below the umbilicus, is said to be responsible for the functions of the nervous system, carrying of blood in circulation, locomotion, respiration, excretion and vitality of human being. 'Pitta' (Digestive Fire), the thermogenetic factor of the body, situated between the umbilicus & heart, is contributing to the glandular functions and is responsible for vision, controlling body temperatures, digestion, hunger, thirst & mental faculty. 'Kapha' (Mucosa), the stationary factor of the body, situated above the region of heart, is responsible for the formation of structure in the body & its biological strength and described as the principle of the maintenance of the smooth working of human physique.

Rheumatological disorder, described in Ayurvedic texts, as 'Ama-vata', is a popular Ayurvedic term for any inflammatory disorder that causes pain and stiffness, in joints, muscles and connective tissues, including minor aches and twinges as well as disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis etc.. In many texts, 'Ama-vata' has been referred as an "auto-immune disorder" and "exogenous non-compatibility" & "endogenous intoxication" as its main aetiological factors.

Due to complete abstinence from food, indigestion, over eating, irregular dietary habits, indulgence in incompatible articles of food, excessive consumption of cold substances, ill-effects of 'Virechana' (purgation), 'Vamana' (disgorgation), 'Snehan' (oleation), the wasting of tissues, states induced by faults or changes in place, climate & season, suppression of natural urges, impaired 'Pachak-pitta' (digestive heat), excessive use of dehydrated, over-hydrated or 'Guru-Madhur-Amal' (heavy, sweet & alkaline) food; physical stresses like excessive exercises, over indulgence in sexual pleasures, swimming etc.; mental stresses like rage, grief & hunger; and due to accumulation of 'Mala' (body's waste products), 'Ama' (unassimilated or undigested food juice) is produced & collected in the gastrointestinal tract. A part of it may be absorbed in the system causing systemic manifestations of certain 'Ama' related diseases.

The already vitiated 'Vata' transports this 'Ama' to all parts of the body and carries it to the sites of 'Shleshak-kapha' which has a common resemblance with 'Ama'. With the effect of place, climate & season, the 'Ama' is motivated by vitiated 'Vata' and established at the already vitiated site of 'Shleshak-kapha'. This 'Ama' associated with vitiated 'doshas', gets localised in a particular 'Dhatu' (tissue) to produce several types of endog¬enous diseases like 'Ama-vata'. In this disease, 'Ama' observed from the gastrointestinal tract reaches to 'Kapha-sthana' (site of 'Kapha') through the respective channels and gets modified and recirculated in the system causing capillaritis and synovitis. Probably some immunological mechanisms are involved in this process.

General langour or debility of the body, disgust for food, thirst, lethargy, heaviness of the limbs, fever, indigestion and swellings are the common symptoms of 'Ama-vata' or rheumatism. The acute phase of 'Ama-vata' is generally very painful with appearance of swellings in the hands, feet, head, ankles, waist, knees, thighs, and generally , in all the joints. These places, in which the vitiated 'Ama' accumulates, become subject to piercing pains. Loss of appetite, watery secretions from the mouth & nose, loss of energy, loss of taste in the mouth, burning of the skin, copious or scanty urine, deep-seated pain and hardness of the abdomen, sleep at day-time but want of it at night, thirst, vomiting, vertigo, swoons, pain in the chest, constipation, dullness of the body, rumbling noise in the stomach, obstruction of the intestines or a sluggish condition of bowels; are the associated symptoms.

The excited 'doshas' according to their characteristics cause particular symptoms like excited 'Vata' causes excessive pains; excited 'Pitta' causes burning of the skin and redness of the complexion; excited 'Kapha' causes wet sensation, heaviness of the limbs and continuous itching manifestations; besides the other symptoms. If the disease be due to the vitiation of two of the 'doshas', or all the three of them, the specific symptoms of each of the 'dosha' appear collectively.

What's New for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

One source of new information about rheumatoid arthritis is the annual American College of Rheumatology meeting. This year's meeting was held in Atlanta, Georgia from November 7-11.

Some of the interesting findings ion rheumatoid arthritis are summarized below...

One study described the combination of etanercept (Enbrel) and methotrexate in rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that disease progression is less frequent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who haven't responded to methotrexate alone if it is continued at the same time the biologic drug etanercept (Enbrel) is started. After randomizing "151 patients with active RA to etanercept, 25 mg twice a week plus methotrexate 6mg to 8 mg/week, or to etanercept alone," researchers found the following... Significant differences in joint erosion scores (joint damage scores) were seen after two years of combined etanercept plus methotrexate compared with etanercept alone. These results were reported by Hideto Kameda, MD, of Keio University in Tokyo, and colleagues at the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).

Another hot topic at the American College of Rheumatology meeting is an investigational compound called JAK. JAK has attracted increasing interest as a drug target in rheumatoid arthritis because it's pivotal to the inflammatory response. It's an enzyme that serves as the traffic director for the release of tumor necrosis factor and other cytokines (protein messengers) that accelerate inflammation in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The weakness of JAK is that it is an enzyme whose effects can be blocked by an oral, small-molecule drug.

There are three forms of JAK simply known as JAK 1, JAK 2, and JAK 3. Pfizer has a JAK inhibitor called tasocitinib. Earlier reports from the ACR meeting about this compound showed that it was extremely effective as well as possessing an acceptable safety profile. Tasocitinib blocks JAK 1 and JAK3.

Tasocitinib is taken twice a day.

Another JAK inhibitor, called INCB028050, is a product from the Incyte company. Incyte has partnered with Eli Lilly to manufacture and market this compound. The drug produced ACR20 responses (at least 20% reductions in symptom scores) in up to 70% of patients after 24 weeks, and ACR70 responses in nearly 30% of patients, reported Maria Greenwald, MD, of Desert Medical in Palm Desert, Calif. INCB28050 selectively blocks JAK1 and JAK2.

INCB28050 is taken once a day.

Side effects of the JAK drugs include elevations in both HDL and LDL cholesterol of up to 25%, depending on the dosage.

Other side effects that have been seen in the clinical trials with these medicines include an increase in respiratory tract infections, viral infections, including shingles, drops in white blood cell count, increases in platelet count, and slight abnormalities in both kidney and liver function.

On a more mundane note, the drug, leflunomide (Arava), may be an acceptable alternative to methotrexate for use in combination with rituximab (Rituxan) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who can't take methotrexate.

Katerina Chatzidionysou, MD, of the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, reported a study showing these findings at the American College of Rheumatology meeting.

A total of 29.1% of patients on leflunomide and rituximab had a good response at the six month mark. A number of research studies have shown that the B-cell targeting antibody drug, Rituxan, is beneficial in RA, and it has usually been given in combination with methotrexate.

But a big question for doctors has been how to deal with patients who have side effects with methotrexate.

Those of us who see a lot of rheumatoid arthritis patients find this information to be "old hat." But patients with the disease should find some helpful nuggets here.

Amazing Arthritis Relief With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are an amazing arthritis relief treatment, since they are readily available, low in cost, and quite effective. They are in all fruits and vegetables. Most people are always looking for that magic bullet to cure arthritis and over look the amazing antioxidants. Antioxidants are effective in many inflammatory conditions such as bursitis, sprains, and rheumatoid arthritis. Since most diseases arise from inflammation, antioxidants can be there to stop the start of disease. But you must used them consistently, whether as a supplement or as a food

In his book, Pain Free, 1995, Luke Bucci, Ph.D. recounts,

"After taking four grams of vitamin C daily for several months, Dr. J. Greenwood reported that he had 'cured his lower-back pain.' He started recommending that his patients with degenerative-joint disease take daily oral does of one-to-four grams of vitamin C. Most patients got relief from their symptoms."

Vitamin C is in a class of well known antioxidants. The basic class of these antioxidants is vitamin A, C, E, and selenium. Vitamin C has also been found effective in many other conditions. You can take 4000 mg or more without side effects. If your stools become watery, then you have take to much vitamin C, so just back off a little to find the right dose for yourself. Take vitamin C daily with your other antioxidants.

You may also be familiar with these other antioxidants, glutathione, glutathione, coenzyme Q10, SOD, catalase, methionine, lipoic acid, and flavoniods. All of these antioxidants are powerful agents and you should be using them in your diet even though you may not have arthritis, since they will help stop other diseases.

So what makes these antioxidants so amazing for arthritis relief? Arthritis is a painful inflammatory disease that is difficult to treat. It is a disease that doctors have no cure for. This is why people use Anacin, Buffrin, and Ibuprofen and even more powerful drug pain killers to block this pain. But, antioxidants are not pain killers, yet they work as a treatment for arthritis. They stop the progression of arthritis and will help to lessen the pain gradually.

When your cells burn oxygen, oxidation, they create a by product called "free radicals." These free radicals are super reactive and look for tissue and other body surfaces to combine with and destroy. Free radicals are also created when you develop arthritis, since inflammation creates free radicals. When one free radical is created, it sets off a chain reaction, creating other free radicals, which go randomly damaging surrounding tissue molecules causing more pain and inflammation.

Free radicals cause cells to corrode and malfunction. They damage cell membrane, DNA, cartilage, and protein. By using antioxidants for an amazing arthritis relief, you can lessen the arthritic effects of pain and inflammation. Antioxidants grab up the free radicals as they are created. They neutralize them and preventing them from doing excess molecular damage. For this reason, antioxidants are a treatment for arthritis, provided that they are used in quantities higher than for normal maintenance.

Use of basic antioxidants - vitamin A, C, E - with one of the power antioxidants like SOD, flavoniods found in fruits, or glutathione precursors can provide you with a powerful and amazing arthritis relief and treatment.

Rheumatoid Arthritis And Possible Alternative Treatments

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation of the joints. Other typical symptoms of this disease are warmth, redness and swelling in the joints, pain and stiffness. Currently, almost 1% of the world's population suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Women are more oat risk of getting this disease than and mostly people between the age of 40 and 50 are affected.

Today, there are various treatments available, but there are still no treatments that can guarantee a cure of the disease. However, there are ways to slow down the development of rheumatoid arthritis and to get rid of the joint pain that's associated with the disease.

Now, is there anything else you can do to influence the development of the disease in a positive way? Yes, fortunately there are actually several things you can do to reduce the pain and ease the symptoms. Let's have a look at them:

* Physical activity: Light and regular physical activity should be part of any treatment plan. Some people say that physical activity is bad for the joints, but that's completely wrong. Studies have shown that regular light activity increases the range of motion, improves the blood circulation and helps to strengthen the muscles, ligaments and tendons around the joints. I recommend your ask your doctor to help you put together an exercise plan that's best suited for your case.

* Chose the right kind of physical activity: The best types of exercises for rheumatoid arthritis are range of motion exercises, endurance exercises (except running), swimming and water aerobics. All exercises that involve running and jumping or any other form of exercise that puts lots of stress on the joints should be avoided.

* Don't keep your joints in the same position for long periods of time. Get up at least once every hour, stretch yourself and walk around a bit.

* Your nutrition also plays an important role. Make sure to have a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables, vitamins and minerals. Drink at least 2 liters of water every day. Avoid smoking, alcohol and to many unsaturated fatty acids.

* Try to massage your joints with a mixture of rosemary, lavender or chamomile oils. These oils contain anti-inflammatory properties and help to reduce swelling and pain.

* Massage your aching joints with warm olive oil. Many patients have reported that this helps to reduce the pain.

Perform these actions in parallel to the treatment plan that was subscribed by your doctor to help reduce your pain and to positively influence the development of the disease. If you have any questions regarding the points listed here, don't hesitate to discuss them with your physician.

Natural Remedies For Wrist Arthritis Inflammation

Want natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation? Fish oil supplementation can help support the body's health and its efforts to provide natural relief from pain.

If you are among the millions of people who would like natural relief from the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis in the wrist or in other parts of the body, there are a few things you probably know by now. One of which is that natural remedies for wrist arthritis and inflammation really do exist.

For many decades now, the only relief we have known for joint inflammation and pain is through anti-inflammatory drugs. However, taking powerful pills on a regular basis can potentially bring about many health problems. These can range from simple gastrointestinal disorders to serious heart conditions. In fact, taking NSAIDs and being dependent on these drugs for pain relief can potentially bring your overall health more harm than good in the long run.

If you want natural remedies your wrist arthritis inflammation, why not try the following:

Rest your wrist.

Rest is most important during active inflammation of the wrist. Make sure to rest your wrist and avoid physical tasks requiring you to use your hands.

Add more fiber to your diet.

Fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, seeds and other foods rich in fiber have anti-inflammatory properties. They also stimulate the blood to flow to relieve inflammation. A diet rich in fiber is considered part of an "anti-inflammatory" diet.

Add in some spices.

Spices such as ginger, turmeric and black pepper have been found from Ayurvedice medicine to have some anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Add some spices into your regular meals and see how it relieves the pain and lessens the inflammation.

Take fish oil supplements.

Of all the natural remedies for wrist arthritis and inflammation, this is probably most well studied. Your doctor may tell you that if you want long term relief from wrist arthritis and inflammation, make sure to have enough omega 3 fish oil in your daily diet.

It has been proven from various research studies that omega 3 fish oils contain important fatty acids that can help stimulate the body's natural production of chemical hormones that may help to inhibit inflammation.

Specifically, DHA and EPA in omega 3 fish oils once ingested in the body are believed to then be converted to a chemical called Resolvin D2. This chemical may have a helpful effect on the inner linings of the blood vessels, which in turn can assist the body in preventing inflammation.

Where to get fish oil

Fish oil is found abundant in fish such as salmon, tuna, hoki and similar types.

But for health benefits to be enjoyed, ample amounts of fish should be consumed - which brings out the problem of fish contamination.

For long term, natural relief from wrist arthritis problems, it is much safer to take top quality nutritional supplements. Look for fish oil supplements from reputable health companies that are pure, safe and potent to bring out the most anti-inflammatory benefits possible.

The anti-inflammatory properties that fish oil supplements provide will not only provide natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation but would also nourish your body's veins, heart and brain for maximum healthy living. Ask your doctor about the benefits of taking this amazing health food supplement.

These statements are not medical advice and have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

Why Do People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Die?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is not just a joint disease. It is a systemic illness which can kill. Studies have shown that RA has a significant mortality attached to it. Consider this: In the mid to late 1980's, a middle-aged man with RA could expect to have the same life expectancy as if he had non-Hodgkins lymphoma or triple-vessel coronary artery disease.

While these sobering statistics have changed somewhat for the better, the mortality picture for patients with RA is still not rosy.

Why does this increased mortality occur? Because it is a systemic disease, RA can lead to complications. One such complication is vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels). In inflammation of blood vessels occurs in a major organ such as the brain or heart, a significant problem can occur. Inflammation of the eyes can lead to blindness. And RA involvement of the spine- particularly in the neck- can cause compression of the spinal cord. RA patients may develop significant lung disease with progressive interstitial problems leading to end-stage lung function.

Unfortunately, some of the medicines used to treat the symptoms of RA can also impair kidney function.

Patients with RA are also at increased risk for developing lymphoma.

The disability that occurs with poorly treated RA is in itself a cause of increased mortality.

The major discovery though has been the observation that RA patients are at markedly increased risk for developing significant early cardiovascular disease. Early cardiovascular mortality appears now to be the most significant factor leading to the shortened lifespan seen in patients with RA.

Why this occurs is still not clear. The major contributing factor appears to be the chronic inflammation associated with inadequately controlled RA. It is a subject of intense research now to see whether the more aggressive treatments that are being used will lower mortality by suppressing disease activity.

Patients with RA who have other cardiovascular risk factors such as elevated blood lipids, hypertension, cigarette smoking, etc. should be evaluated carefully. These other risk factors must be controlled or removed.

Managing Rheumatoid Arthritis - Five Steps to Manage RA Pain

To avoid preventable joint strain and added rheumatoid arthritis discomfort, try to follow these five useful steps. Remember, Rheumatoid Arthritis is an incurable disease, its not going to disappear, its not going to get better However, it can be managed effectively.

Step One: Mobilize every joint throughout its complete pain-free range of movement at least one time a day

This will help you keep liberty of movement in your joints. The volume you're able to Mobilize every joint devoid of rheumatoid arthritis pain may change daily be careful not to do too much. Keep activities gradual and smooth abrupt jerking or bending can cause pain your joints.

Steer clear of leaving your joints in the same position for a lengthy amount of time. Don't allow your joints the possibility to grow to be rigid, keep them mobile. After writing or doing handiwork, loosen your hold every 10 to 15 minutes, or as soon as your hand feels tired. On lengthy car journeys, exit the car, relax and walk about at least each hour. During watching tv, stand up and move around every half an hour.

Step Two: Try to understand and have respect for your rheumatoid arthritis discomfort

Understand the differences involving the common soreness of rheumatoid arthritis and the tenderness from overworking a joint. By knowing the movement that overworked a joint, you can keep away from continuing that motion. Pain that remains for more than an hour following an activity may suggest that the activity was too demanding. Consider ways that you can change the activity.

Exert yourself at a steady, careful pace and steer clear of hurrying. Rest before you become tired or in pain. Switch between easier or more difficult activities all through the day. And make use of occasional relaxation breaks.

Step Three: Use sensible body mechanics

The way you posture your body greatly changes how much stress you place on your joints. True body mechanics enable you to use your body more effectively and save energy. When you're sitting down, the correct height for a working surface is 2 inches lower than your cocked elbow.

If you type at a computer for extended lengths of time and your chair doesn't boast arms, think about using wrist or forearm supports. An angled working area for reading and writing is more helpful on your neckline. When you're standing, the height of your working area should allow you to work in comfort without lowering the head. To pick up objects from the floor,lower yourself by bending your knees and hips.

Hold weighty items close to your body, sustaining the load on your forearms, and keep up good balance. Poor posture creates uneven load distribution and can stress your ligaments and muscles.

Step Four: Be sensible how you use your hands

You use your fingers in several daily pastimes. Demanding positions and techniques may intensify the threat of pain. You can complete most tasks in more helpful ways with the aim to put a reduced amount of deforming pressures on your joints.

Keep away from situations that bend your other fingers in the direction of your little finger. As an example, steer clear of tasks that need stressful or lengthy gripping or clamping. Finger movements should be in the direction of your thumb when feasible. Avoid forming a clenched fist. Use utensils with ergonomically formed handles, that yield them more helpful to clutch.

Step Five: Make use of the strongest joint available for the task

Save your less strong joints for the particular tasks which only they can carry out. During the day, choose large joints. For example, hold objects with your palm wide open, distributing the burden equally above your forearm. Slide items across a counter instead of lifting them. When opening cabinets or weighty doors, use a strap that you can draw with your wrist or forearm to lower strains on your fingers.

Corn Should Fuel our Cars, Not our Sick Bodies-The Case against Corn and CFS, RA, and Fibromyalgia

Your diet plays a major role in activating or suppressing the inflammation responsible for autoimmune diseases like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and Fibromyalgia. I can't stress this enough. For that and other reasons that will be discussed shortly, I would like you to start thinking in terms of: "Is what I'm swallowing making me healthier or sicker?" There is little if any neutral ground. Just about anything you put into your mouth will have a negative or positive consequence on your autoimmune condition. It is as if everything that you swallow is sending a signal to your immune system to either cause more inflammation or less.

Corn is a food that sends a signal to the immune system to produce more inflammation in the body. Studies have shown that corn can irritate patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and the National Fibromyalgia Association (NFA) suggests corn should be avoided because it can aggravate Fibromyalgia.

Besides promoting inflammation, corn has been called the leading cause of chronic food addiction in this century. To give you an idea of how powerful the addiction can be, all cigarettes made in the U.S. since World War I have contained added sugars, usually from corn. Do you think the cigarette companies chose corn syrup for the great taste it adds to their products?

Corn syrup (fructose) is cheap and twice as sweet as cane sugar. In 1994, the average person ate 83 pounds of fructose. Corn syrup causes an increase in blood lactic acid, especially in people with diabetes. Fructose from corn syrup inhibits copper metabolism and decreases mineral availability, two substantial factors in autoimmunity. Fructose also breaks down into a substance that weakens your body's natural anti-inflammatory molecules. The body does not metabolize fructose the same as other sugars. Fructose converts to fat more than any other sugar. Corn fructose certainly isn't the diabetic-friendly and harmless sugar substitute that it is advertised to be.

Those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Fibromyalgia should avoid all sources of corn for a one-month period to see if their condition improves.

How to Lower Uric Acid in the Body Using Diet Food Supplements

Gout is caused by high uric acid in the body which produces urate crystals in the joints. So gout sufferers need to lower their uric acid levels. There are many natural ways to do this, but here, I'm going to discuss the use of dietary food supplements.

One of the first things that a gout victim is encouraged to do is to change to a low purine diet which, generally speaking, means avoiding foods high in protein. e.g., red meat (particularly organ meat), poultry, fish, and shellfish.

Although this is effective in helping to combat gout, the new diet regime is invariably deficient in several important vitamins, minerals and nutrients, etc.

However, a sensible intake of dietary supplements can make up this shortfall and so help to maintain good overall health. This is important because poor health and a poor immune system will actually make the gout condition worse.

In addition, studies have found that some supplements can impact directly on the condition itself by being able to reduce uric acid in the body, as well as helping to reduce the pain and inflammation of an attack.

So supplementation, when applied correctly according to the individual's specific needs, can be a powerful weapon against gout as well as a means of maintaining good health.

[N.B. Consult your doctor before using any dietary supplements.]

Lowering Uric Acid in the Body with Diet Food Supplements

Here are 7 supplements to help reduce uric acid in the body and maintain overall good health:-

1. Vitamin B Complex

Sufficient B vitamins, particularly B5, are required to help the body excrete uric acid. Gout often follows a period of high stress and stress is a common cause of low vitamin B. This is why gout patients are often deficient in the B vitamins.

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C has been shown to greatly reduce uric acid levels in the body. It's also great for combating stress, which many gout victims suffer from. Since stress can contribute to the condition as described above this is an important vitamin in the fight against gout.

3. Vitamin E

Low purine diets are particularly deficient in this vitamin. So, when on such a diet, the gout sufferer will need to make up for that deficiency through supplementation.

4. Fish Oil (e.g. Cod Liver Oil)

Research has shown that joint inflammation and even some cartilage damage can be reduced through the use of fish oil.

5. Tissue Salts (e.g. Silica)

These can help prevent urate crystals forming in the joints.

6. L-Glutathione

L-Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and helps the renal system excrete acid out of the body thereby reducing uric acid levels.

7. Glucosamine

Some fairly recent studies have shown that Glucosamine can rehabilitate cartilage and reduce inflammation and pain.

You can see that diet supplementation is an important element in lowering uric acid and beating gout. But it's only one element. Others, such as diet and lifestyle changes, have to be included too.

Joint Pain Relief For the Obese

How much do you know about rheumatism?

You probably know it's related to pain in the joints. Yes, joints are only one affected area. Therefore, rheumatism is a broad term that also includes inflammation of bones, muscles, tendons and even internal organs. But let's focus only on joint pain with you here.

What Causes Joint Pain?

The two most common causes of joint pain are osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Other factors can be sprain, fracture, gout in the big toes, septic arthritis or polyarthritis.

Let's take a closer look at osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis (OA)

It's a condition where spurs grow and cartilage degenerates in the joints, leading to joint pain. It's also known as "wear-and-tear" arthritis. Some symptoms are:

-- The stiffness in the joints disappears within 30 minutes from the time the patient wakes up but aggravates later in the day after repetitive use or after a prolonged inactivity.

-- Starts with one joint.

-- Often happens in large joints or joints related to knee and hip.

-- An affected joint tends to look a little larger than normal. This is due to abnormal growth of the bone next to damaged cartilage.

-- More common than rheumatoid arthritis.

-- Slow and gradual pain.

-- Usually affects older people.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

This is an autoimmune disorder due to the malfunction of certain immune cells in the patient's body which attacks the joints. Hence, he'll encounter the following symptoms:

-- Morning stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes.

-- Warmth, swelling and pain often begins with the small joints of hands and wrists near the palm or the small joints of toes.

-- Affected joints are usually symmetrical such as the same joints on both hands.

-- Can also trigger fever, fatigue, depression, loss of appetite, dry eyes and chest pain.

-- Can lead to joint deformities.

How does Obesity Worsen the Condition?

Although doctors have yet to prove if obesity causes rheumatism, they believe excess weight certainly doesn't help the patients. In fact, they believe obesity will increase the risk of both OA and RA.

That's because the excess weight will add more pressure on the inflamed joints, aggravating the pain, especially in the affected joint areas around knees, spinal cord and hip.

Currently, there are no cures for OA and RA but the treatments can help to relieve pain and improve joint movement so that patients can still go about their daily tasks.

The treatment often comes as a program - medications, physical and occupational therapy, reduction of joint stress and sometimes surgery. But if a patient is also obese, weight loss will inevitably become part of the program.

Right Exercise can Help Obese OA / RA Patient

1. Flexibility exercises help to maintain or improve the flexibility in affected joints and surrounding muscles. This contributes to better posture, reduced risk of injuries and improved function.

2. Strengthening exercises are more vigorous to work muscles a bit harder. Stronger muscles can better support the joints and cushion the shock impact to the painful joint. They also assist in better function and reduce bone loss due to inactivity, inflammatory arthritis and use of certain medications such as corticosteroids.

3. Aerobic exercises such as walking and swimming are good for weight control as they work off the excess fats and replace with useful muscles. For even better fat-burning results, you can engage in anaerobic exercises like strength training. But you must consult your doctor and make sure to have a certified trainer to guide you along such high-intensity exercises that can cause injuries pretty easily.

4. Body awareness exercises improve posture, balance, joint position awareness, coordination and relaxation. This is especially important as the patient's sense of balance and coordination may be impaired due to the illness.

Natural Arthritis Diet for Pain Relief

Stay away from acidic stuff like coffee, tea, sugar and alcohol. You should also cut down on intake of meat and seafood since these are high in cholesterol, saturated fats, salt and toxins. For best results, I suggest you include these natural vegetarian foods as a significant part of your diet:

a) Fruits - avocado

b) Vegetables - spirulina, wheat grass products, carrots, seaweeds, sprouts

c) Whole grains - millet, wheat, brown rice, barley and oats

d) Nuts - pecans

e) Soy and seeds - flaxseed, pumpkin and sesame

This natural diet serves to help you maintain a healthy weight. According to the Arthritis Foundation, for every pound of weight lost, there is a four-pound reduction in the load exerted on the knee for each step taken. Simply put, the less heavy you are, the less pain you suffer.

Last but not least, whether you're suffering from rheumatism or not, sticking to a healthy diet and regular exercise regime are always essential.