Saturday, September 14, 2013

How To Cope With Rheumatoid Arthritis - Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis The Natural Way


People that suffer with rheumatoid arthritis deal with pain every day. This disease, also known as RA, appears to come from the body beginning to attack its own tissues, mainly in the joint regions. Some of the first signs of this disease are swollen joints that become stiff overnight.

This is what marks it is different from other types of joint issues as such as osteoarthritis. Most of the time other joint tissues do not show as much swelling involved. The swelling comes from inflammation of membranes that line the joint and surround the tendons. Over time, this constant inflammation leads to tissue damage and can lead to bone and cartilage loss as well.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic condition that will cause long-term damage, especially if left untreated. Many researchers think that RA is an autoimmune disorder, but they do not know what causes it.

People that have this disease usually have multiple joints all of the body affected with time. Some research indicates there might be genetic links while others are inconclusive. One theory is that certain infections can trigger the body to start attacking healthy tissues.

The problem is that the body continues to see the tissues of the joints as a foreign invader. That leaves the body to continue attacking the tissues surrounding the joints.

How can you deal with rheumatoid arthritis naturally? One of the best ways to alleviate continued degeneration of the joints is to lose any excess weight. Excess weight puts stress and strain on joints in normal individuals.

When you add the inflammation and pain of RA, the stress and strain is even greater. A good way to lose that weight is to exercise. Stretching not only helps the exercise process but also lovers up the stiff joints.

Weight training is a great way to lose pounds but also alleviate some RA symptoms. Moderate aerobic exercise that does not stress the joints is another great way to lose that weight.

In addition to exercise, making changes in your diet can help as well. Eating a balanced diet will give your joints and immune system the boost that they need to fight a good fight.

In addition to making changes to your diet, adding natural supplements to you daily regimen can help combat the symptoms of RA. There are varieties of natural substances that help alleviate the chronic inflammation throughout the body.

They also help alleviate many of the other symptoms such as stiffness and swelling. All of this can help make living with rheumatoid arthritis of little easier.

Arthritis Relief With Tea Tree Oil


The stretch "arthritis" is used to refer to lone or more of a assemble of ended 100 rheumatic diseases. Quite often, arthritis is caused by the wear of cartilage in the joints. Symptoms of all of these diseases include bind, stiffness and swelling of the joints, and can affect other parts of the body such as other bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments.

Tea tree smear with oil is very skilled pro arthritis as it is able to infiltrate and desensitize irritated nerve endings. For relief from bind caused by the various painful afflictions (rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and that.), bring together 18 drops of tea tree smear with oil with 1/8 cup of almond smear with oil. Put in a dark bottle and shake previous to applying it topically two to four era a time as a massage smear with oil.

Putting 2-3 drops of tea tree smear with oil into a lukewarm bath is furthermore a splendid way to alleviate the establishment bind associated with arthritis.

Inside order to energy further than just relieving arthritis symptoms, it is valuable to get on to dietary changes. Changing the type of smear with oil in the diet to lone rich in omega-3 full of fat acids suppresses the stirring with the intention of the body makes. Omega-3 full of fat acids switch rancid the enzymes with the intention of break down establishment cartilage, and are found primarily in greasy fish such as sardines, salmon and cod liver smear with oil. Omega-6 full of fat acids are found mostly in sow seed oils such as sundown primrose and sunflower smear with oil, and can furthermore be inflicted with a clear effect in relieving arthritis symptoms.

Foods with the intention of are rich in omega-3 full of fat acids are:

* canola smear with oil (the smear with oil and margarine)
* salmon smear with oil
* cod liver smear with oil (mmm yum :)
* soybean smear with oil
* soybeans
* walnut smear with oil
* walnuts
* avocado smear with oil
* fresh avocado.

Foods to dodge:

Try replacing much of the red meat you consume with greasy fish. Red meat is furthermore a skilled source of iron, so be guaranteed to munch lots of dark conservational blossoming vegetables and other foods rich in iron so as not to be deficient.

* alcohol
* tea
* coffee
* saturated fats
* processed foods
* fried and grilled foods

You cannot expect to heal arthritis through dietary changes but, in conjunction with using tea tree smear with oil, the aptly foods can alleviate many of the awkward flareups.

To your shape!

Herbal Remedies Used For Treating Rheumatoid Arthritis


Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease, arising from autoimmune reaction against the joints of the body. It is characterized by symmetric inflammation, swelling, severe pain and ultimately deterioration of the joint's interior. It is most commonly observed in women and the elderly.

To date, no remedy has yet been able to cure the condition. All treatments are directed to relieve pain and restlessness, improve joint function, control the inflammatory reaction and retard the ligament, cartilage and joint deformities. Herbal medication has played quite an aggressive role in achieving all these treatment goals.

Natural treatment of rheumatoid arthritis starts with proper diet management. Avoid certain things like red meat, smoking and coffee that increase inflammatory responses. A certain diet plan may be normal for one, but hyper sensitizing for the others. So, it's all matter of awareness of potential effects of diet on your condition.

Certain foods and herbs have the potential to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Fish oils are the most readily available option for arthritis. Cod liver oil is popularly associated with reducing the pain causing inflammation. Alternative eicosanoids produced from omega-fatty acid reduces cytokines, thus inhibiting the activation of autoimmune response shown by T lymphocytes.

Salicylate, found in Birch, White Willow, Balsam Poplar, Meadowsweet and Black Haw, control severe arthritis symptoms like inflammation, pain and fever. They actually retard the prostaglandins associated with these symptoms. Gugguls is a combination of natural gum resins with anti-inflammatory properties. The natural remedial formula includes Francincense and Myrrh.

Ginger is a commonly available rhizome. Its' regular and continuous use reports relief in pain and swelling. It is effective either as a powder, or in form of ginger tea. Turmeric also bears anti-inflammatory potential. Curcumin, the yellow part of turmeric, is highly effective in combination with pineapple plant extract. Both produce their effect and relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

Devils claw root, controls arthritis by means of uric acid expulsion. Dandelion has the same function, with additional feature of strengthening connective tissue. Blueberries and cherries are beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis. These berries are actually rich in flavonoids, with excellent anti oxidizing, anti-inflammatory and collagen stabilizing properties; relieving and strengthening the weakening joint. Other herbs like Bupleuri, Feverfew, and Thunder God Vine and Celery seeds have a positive role in disease control.

The above-mentioned herbs, in a variety of dosages, are used individually as well as in combination with other therapies, for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteo Arthritis - It's Important to Avoid Aggravating Foods


There are many causes of osteo arthritis and climate and diet are among them. We can't all live in a warm, Mediterranean climate, which helps to prevent our joints becoming cold and stiff. But we can all watch what we eat and drink as many of us are aggravating our condition with toxic products.

Three main types of food aggravate arthritis:

Dairy products
Various acidic foods and drinks
Wheat products

Dairy products, like milk, butter and cheese are hard for the human body to digest. Cows have two stomachs and the milk meant for their calves grows big bones and small brains. It's not strictly for humans, especially if your body can't copy with it.

One lecturer who talked about arthritis showed her audience her hands and knuckles, which were completely flexible. She drank a glass of milk and within 20 minutes her knuckles and joints had swollen and she was unable to make a fist. She was allergic to cows milk.

Dairy products leave fat deposits in the body, upset the stomach and clog up circulation. They also encourage the development of catarrh in children, which can lead to sinus and adenoid problems.

As a replacement you might try other milks and cheese, from goat's milk, sheep's milk or soya. They are much better for the arthritic, as well, it might be said, for people with allergy problems, like asthma.

Acid Foods, like rhubarb and citrus, aggravate the joints. Certain sharp fruits, oranges, lemons, grapefruits, are not good for the joints. Also carbonated fizzy drinks, alcohol and spicy foods and flavourings can cause acid to form in the stomach, and this goes into the joints.

Many natural practitioners recommend that the arthritic should have no fruit at all and this is true in many cases. People with extreme arthritis should follow this regime. Many however can do well by eating more gentle non-acid fruit, like grapes, cherries, apples, pears and banana.

You should see how you get on. If your arthritis doesn't improve then cut out fruit altogether.

The third thing, Wheat, has become a staple of Western diet but again it is hard to digest. With many people it causes bloating and indigestion, which again puts acid into the blood and then the joints.

An experiment that gave farm animals a choice of different grains to eat found that they preferred other grains, like oats, rye, barley and corn to wheat, and only ate wheat if there was nothing else.

We can learn a lesson from that and should do the same. It is advisable to cut down on bread altogether, perhaps just having it once a day if necessary. The problems with wheat accumulate, the more you have it.

If you feel you need some bread you should consider switching to having a light rye bread, oat-based cereal for breakfast and cutting down on wheat-based sandwiches and wheat pasta.

Meat products, like beef, pork and lamb, are rather acidic and cause some of the graunching in shoulders and other joints. Ideally cut these out of your diet and just have a little free-range chicken and wild fish. Or alternatively have more vegetarian meals and just have meat once or twice a week.

You will feel better, will be less bloated and the joints will improve.

How Eating Wheat Can Contribute To Arthritis


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rheumatoid Arthritis - The Role of Nutrition and Vitamin C


Rheumatoid Arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease that affects nearly 1 in 100 people. Joints can become painfully inflamed, swollen, deformed and destroyed by the disease. People diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis will be in lifelong treatment. Certain medications, diet, physical therapy, exercise and sometimes surgery can postpone the damaging effects of rheumatoid arthritis.

Doctors don't know exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis, but they believe that it is the body's immune system attacking healthy tissues instead of damaged ones. This is why it is considered to be an autoimmune disorder. It can strike at any age and is slightly more common in women than in men. There is not a known prevention of RA, but research has shown that people who are active, have a healthy diet high in vitamin C, and who do not smoke are up to three times less likely to develop RA.

Nutrition plays several important roles in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Vitamin C in particular has received a lot of attention in research on treating RA. This disease seems to be triggered by infection. The immune system overreacts to the infection and starts attacking joints. Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that calms and strengthens the immune system at the same time. It is believed that vitamin C, when kept at optimal levels, can control the onset of rheumatoid arthritis attacks.

Vitamin C is also a powerful tool for controlling inflammation. It specifically fights the tenascin-C molecules that get into joints and trigger the immune system to activate. Tenascin-C molecules are also thought to be responsible for sustaining inflammation. People who suffer from RA often have elevated levels of this molecule in their joints. Recent studies are focusing on controlling the molecular switch that activates the immune system and sends it into attack mode. Although there is no cure for RA at this time, researchers are optimistic about vitamin C's role in preventing and treating the disease.

Vitamin C plays a major role in collagen synthesis, which can help keep your joints healthy. Vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium supplements also fight inflammation, increase blood flow to joints, and can even relieve painful symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Keeping your joints as healthy as possible is the first step in preventing and treating RA. One way to tell if your body is not producing enough collagen is to check your gums. This is the easiest place to check your connective tissue health. If they are red, swollen, or bleed when you floss or brush, then you may have low levels of vitamin C, vitamin D, calcium or magnesium. Proper levels of these vitamins and supplements support connective tissues, such as bones, joints and gums, all over your body.

It is important to take care when supplementing with vitamins and supplements. Before you buy vitamins, talk to your doctor about dosages that are right for you and your condition. Higher or lower than normal vitamin C levels can actually worsen symptoms in osteoarthritis patients, so you will need to be monitored by a physician if this is the case for you. When you buy vitamins, choose the best vitamin C that you can find to ensure proper absorption.

Friday, September 13, 2013

Arthritis Leg Pain and Arthritis Finger Symptoms Are Similar


Arthritis leg pain is a result of metabolic or degenerative arthropathy that occurs in or in the vicinity of ankles, knees, feet and hips joints. Those who suffer from degenerative joint pains experience pain in their joints when actively using them. On the other hand those suffering from psoriatic joint pain, gout and rheumatoid joint pain undergo bout of pain even when the joints are at rest.

Arthritis in general affects the body joints and musculoskeletal system. Arthritis leg pain can be because of leg problem arising due to rheumatoid joint pain condition. Another form of joint pain condition that is concentrated in leg to produce same type of joint pain is osteoarthritis. The general symptoms of arthritis leg pain are

Swelling - The possible joints pain condition produce a swelling around the joint. With a simple glance inflammation may either be seen or not seen but can be felt. Anti-inflammatory medications are used to ease the swelling from joint pain conditions.

Pain - Pain is a most common symptom of deteriorated joint condition in leg. The pain may be dull or severe depending on the type of joint pain condition. The pain arises from bone or muscles within the leg. In that case stretching gives relief from pain.

Walking difficulty - With time cartilages and joints in the leg deteriorate that makes walking difficult. Pain in the knee joints is the cause of person not able to walk.

Stiffness - Joint deterioration with swelling and pain add up to cause stiffness in the leg. Stiffness in the leg may be felt in the morning after sleep or when sitting or standing for too long.

When you have painful joint condition two major things happen. First the joint tissue or cartilage is deteriorating that produces change in the complete structure of the joint. This further affects rest of the skeletal system as everything is connected. Second in order to accommodate the pain in the body you may start sleeping or walking in different way.

Another painful joint condition in your body can be arthritis finger. Since each hand has 27 bones, there are number of joints in fingers. Also the normal daily work is dependent on fingers. There are two types of painful joint conditions found in fingers same as found in leg. Also the symptoms of arthritis finger are more or less the same as stated above.

Since cause and the symptoms of the painful joint conditions in leg and arthritis finger are almost the same, their treatment is in general the same. The treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, ice and heat treatment, diet adjustments that are joint supporting foods, supplements, weight control and exercise.

To deal with arthritis leg pain and painful finger joint condition you have to work with combination of therapies and diet with an aim to reduce inflammation. Reduction in inflammation will reduce the pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment - How a Deer Can Help Rebuild Cartilage and Cure Arthritis


Did you know that rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most debilitating forms of arthritis because symptoms make everyday tasks nearly impossible? Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory condition which causes the joints to throb and eventually become disfigured. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include: inflammation; pain; little movement; and joint disfigurement.

Though the cause of RA is unknown, there is an effective arthritis natural treatment which allows arthritis suffers to reduce the pain, reduce the inflammation and rebuild the cartilage between the joints. If you suffer from arthritis, you should immediately begin simple remedies to reduce the symptoms and rebuild the cartilage.

Why You Shouldn't Choose Prescription Medications

It might be important to consider why you want to rebuild the cartilage between the joints. Normally, arthritis sufferers take some form of medication reducing the inflammation and eliminating the pain. However, the problem with this remains that the joint is still aching but the brain is not registering the pain. Therefore, the unaware arthritic patient goes on hurting the joints and cartilage more and more while severely damaging the joints and existing cartilage.

The equivalent of this would be putting a piece of tape over the car's 'check engine oil' light and hoping you can finish the road trip. Though you might make it back to your house, the engine will eventually blow up without oil. You must put oil in your engine and you must rebuild cartilage if you wish to use your joints the rest of your life.

And above all that, you might want to safe your liver from the harsh drugs?

How to Reduce Arthritis Pain and Rebuild Cartilage

If you have ever been around deer you might notice something miraculously astounding about bucks (male deer). The male deer can naturally regenerate its antlers in months! In fact, a deer will grind its antlers on a tree, and completely strip the velvet off. However, months later, the deer antler velvet regenerates itself completely.

This isn't the end of our science lesson though. Russian scientists discovered after isolating compounds in deer antler velvet; they could use the compounds to rebuild cartilage between human joints. In fact, this natural remedy has been used for hundreds of years first starting with Asian countries.

How does this relate to you? This is one simple natural treatment to cure arthritis and not only hide the pain!

Other Simple Cures for Arthritis

Did you know that you can treat and cure arthritis with other simple cures? In fact, by eating a proper diet, drinking the correct fluids (water), doing the correct breathing exercises daily, getting an adequate amount of low-impact exercise, reducing stress and taking the correct vitamins and natural supplements you can actually eliminate almost 100% of arthritis NATURALLY (No Drugs and No Surgery Needed)! To discover what thousands of arthritis sufferers already have, please visit our Natural Cure for Arthritis Website.

Naturally Cure for Arthritis

Back Pain & Rheumatoid Arthritis


This form of arthritis can cause back pain. Your doctor will talk about it, but it may be obvious if you have R.A. This disease is a systemic one which causes joint inflammation. It is linked to autoimmune diseases or genetics. Inflammation of ligaments, bones and cartilage can cause destruction or reduced capability. Calcification occurs. This is abnormal hardening and it can cause swelling and joint stiffness. Your doctor considers symptoms first, then can offer a diagnosis.

If a person has R.A., they may have an eating disorder such as anorexia, experience malaise, fatigue, subcutaneous modules (i.e. under the skin), a limited range of motion, pain and swollen joints, and rises in body temperature. Stiffness may occur while a person is awake. People with R.A. may show signs of crepitus, inflamed lymph nodes, pericarditis, leukopenia and splenomegaly. Pericarditis is the condition that causes swelling. With swelling, your back is usually affected. R.A. in itself causes stiffness of the joints and muscles and this can cause a lot of pain. Other sources can be from injury or infections.

Doctors conduct tests to see if a person has R.A. These may include latex fixation, x-rays, gamma globulin, hematology (blood) and synovial fluid analysis test. If some of these tests show spacing between narrow joints, platelet or WBC or ESR increases, erosion of bones, increases in IgM and IgG and decrease of opaqueness and viscosity, then R.A. may be indicated. Management, interventions, stress reduction and many other treatments may be put into place. Heat and cold together with gold therapy can be used. Gold therapy is used to prevent in infections from reaching the inner central muscle layers and therefore, the walls of the heart.

Skin and emotional care are also often prescribed. An arthritis foundation will provide a lot more information to help you to cope. Stress-reduction therapy may be prescribed by your doctor. Patients will also be taught to try and avoid infections, colds and fake remedies for R.A. The environment also plays a big part in R.A. You can reduce swelling, redness and pain by performing motion exercises and trying warm compresses or heat therapy. Start stretching exercises and avoid people who get your emotions up too far. Seek emotional and mental support if you have R.A. Try not to suppress your emotions too much as this leads to chemical imbalance and stress.

Perhaps the practice of yoga will lead to a calmer environment. A few basic moves are easy to learn. Take care of your feet and skin. If you can control your R.A. then surgery may not be needed. R.A. can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome and we all need to use our hands so controlling that is critical. Pain may spread out from the carpal tunnel syndrome affected area to other parts of your body. Besides R.A., gouty arthritis can also cause back pain. Any form of arthritis limits movement, and this leads to damage in joints, cartilage, connective tissue, bones, muscles, etc. Back pain can soon follow.

Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Begin in the Intestine?


It's not widely known, but the results of numerous clinical trials over the last 30 years have pointed to an intriguing connection between rheumatoid arthritis and the intestines. As long ago as the 1940s, Charles de Coti-Marsh in his pioneering research into the causes and treatment of arthritis declared 'the disease begins in the bowel.' Nowadays there is increasing evidence that he was right.

Unfortunately, the connection between arthritis and diet has historically been downplayed, with nutrition never quite making the grade as an object of scientific study. More recently, however, the development of nutritional biochemistry. immunology and pharmacology, as well as ever increasing scientific data on free-radical disease, antioxidants, prostaglandins, and flavonoids have lifted the subject of nutrition out of the realm of anecdotal uncertainty into the province of credible science.

In Joints and Arthritic Disease (2002), Dr Gail Darlington references a number of research projects, for example a study by O'Farrelly which took small intestinal biopsies from 93 patients with rheumatic arthritis (RA) and compared them to those of a control group. The conclusion was that the gut may play a part in the immunopathogenesis of certain cases of RA.

The combination of the development of certain types of gut flora and an increased permeability of the intestine (allowing potentially harmful bacterial antigens into the blood stream) seems to be the key issue. Darlington notes that 'RA patients untreated by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have normal gastrointestinal permeability, but patients on NSAIDs and perhaps also on disease modifying antirheumatic drugs show increased permeability. Such increased permeability may allow food or bacterial antigens to be absorbed in greater quantities than usual, overwhelming normal gut defences and, possibly producing symptoms of RA.'

What that means is that dietary manipulation could, in theory, reduce gastrointestinal permeability, with reduced absorption bacterial antigens - and perhaps treat one of the causes of rheumatoid arthritis. Despite these findings, and others like them, making dietary changes in order to treat arthritis is considered to be 'alternative', in other words unacceptable to the majority of the orthodox medical community.

Does rheumatoid arthritis begin in the intestine? Quite possibly - there is some evidence to support the theory. However, 'alternative' theories rarely attract commercial interests, which is of course the prime source of research funding. It therefore remains to be seen whether complementary and alternative therapies will ever achieve the status of 'proven' as required by Western science.

Elizabeth Hartland,
Nutritional Therapist,
The Arthritic Association

Arthritis - Treating Mild Osteoarthritis Pain


Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthrosis, is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when cartilage in your joints wears down over time. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in your body, although it is most commonly affects the hands, hips, knees and spine. It typically affects just one joint, though in some cases several joints can be affected, such as with finger arthritis.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis and it gradually worsens with time, but treatments can relieve pain and help you remain active. Actively managing your osteoarthritis may help you gain control over your osteoarthritis pain.

For mild osteoarthritis pain that is bothersome, but not enough to have a great impact on your daily activities, your doctor may recommend the following:



  • Rest. If you are experiencing pain or inflammation in your joint, rest it for 12 to 24 hours. Find activities that don't require you to use your joint repetitively. Take a 10-minute break every hour.



  • Exercise. With your doctor's approval, exercise regularly when you feel up to it. Stick to gentle exercises, such as walking, biking or swimming. Exercise can increase your endurance and strengthen the muscles around your joint, making your joint more stable. Avoid exercising tender, injured or swollen joints. Stop if you feel new joint pain. New pain that lasts more than two hours after you exercise probably means you have overdone it.



  • Weight loss. Being overweight or obese increases the stress on your weight-bearing joints, such as on your knees and your hips. Even a small amount of weight loss can relieve some pressure and reduce your pain. Talk to your doctor about healthy ways to lose weight. Most people combine changes in their diet with increased exercise.



  • Heat and cold. Both heat and cold can relieve pain in your joint. Heat relieves stiffness and cold relieves muscle spasms. Use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a warm bath. Heat should be warm, not hot. Apply heat for 20 minutes several times a day. Cool the pain in your joint with cold treatments, such as with ice packs. You can use cold treatments several times a day, but don't use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness.



  • Physical therapy. Ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist. A physical therapist can work with you to create an individualized exercise plan that will strengthen the muscles around your joint, increase your range of motion in your joint and reduce your pain.



  • Occupational therapy. Find ways to manage daily tasks without stressing your joints. Speak with an occupational therapist for help managing tasks or work without putting extra stress on your already painful joint.



  • Pain creams. Over-the-counter pain creams and gels available at the drugstore may provide temporary relief from osteoarthritis pain. Some creams numb the pain by creating a hot or cool sensation. Other creams contain medications, such as aspirin-like compounds, that are absorbed into your skin. Read the label so you know what you are using. Pain creams work best on joints that are close the surface of your skin, such as your knees and fingers.



  • Braces or shoe inserts. Consider trying special splints, braces, shoe inserts or other medical devices that can help reduce your pain and immobilize or support your joint to help you keep pressure off it.



  • Chronic pain class. Ask your doctor about classes in your area, or check with the Arthritis Foundation, to find classes that help people with osteoarthritis or chronic pain. These classes teach skills to help manage your osteoarthritis pain. You'll meet other people with osteoarthritis and learn their tips for reducing joint pain or coping with your pain.

Nopal Cactus Juice And Rheumatoid Arthritis - Can This Really Help Relieve Pain For You?


Something that many people need to know about is nopal cactus juice and Rheumatoid. If you suffer from arthritis pain, then you have to be aware of the ways that this juice really will be able to help relieve your pain.

The cactus juice comes from the nopal cactus, which is also referred to as Opuntia ficus-indica and is also known as the prickly pear. This cactus is located in the Sonoran Desert of Mexico and in the southwestern US.

It has been proven to provide many health benefits for anyone that drinks the juice made from it.

It is made with magnesium, vitamin C and calcium. Plus, it also has the amino acid that is known as taurine, it is has antioxidant proteins referred to as betalains and is also rich in flavonoids.

These are all good things to put into your body that will help provide you with many health benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that it will help to reduce inflammation that is being caused by your arthritis.

You will notice a reduction of inflammation in many different areas. Some of those areas include:

- Muscles
- Arterial
- Gastrointestinal
- Bone inflammation
- Cardiovascular

So, if you suffer from inflammation in any of these areas of the body, you can use this juice to help you reduce the pain and the swelling.

There have been a number of ethanol extract studies done on the fruit that this juice is made from that show that ingestion of this fruit can help to inhibit white blood cell migration. This is the key to the development of disease involving inflammation.

If you are suffering from arthritis, then the above information is definitely important to know, but it is also a good idea to try this juice for yourself. Many people have found pain relief from it because of the benefits it provides to your body and because it helps them relieve the pain.

You want to be smart and do your own research about it, so you can be as informed as you possibly can before making the final decision to give it a try. This way you feel comfortable using the juice and understand exactly how it is going to benefit you and relieve your pain.

Now that you are more aware of nopal cactus juice and Rheumatoid arthritis, you just need to decide for yourself if this is something worth trying. Just remember that other people have found relief from their pain using it and this means that if you give it a chance, you can also.

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Natural Remedies For Wrist Arthritis Inflammation and What Research is Telling Us


There are many natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation. This article looks at the ones that have proven to be beneficial in scientific studies.

Before the advent of modern pharmaceuticals, people had treatments for diseases. They were mostly herbs and other plants. But, people made use of what they had in large quantities. Modern research has shown that many of these ancient remedies have anti-inflammatory activity.

The active component of aspirin was originally derived from the bark of the willow tree. It is now synthesized and the synthetic version may have a negative effect on the liver; however, willow bark tea is still available.

In Ayurvedic medicine, popular in India for thousands of years, the spices turmeric and ginger were often used to reduce aches and pains. Researchers have found that turmeric contains a compound called curcumin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Ginger contains gingerol, which has similar benefits. It's also good for upset stomach, morning sickness and motion sickness. Other spices contain compounds with proven anti-inflammatory activity. For example, black pepper contains piperine. So, adding more spices to the foods that you eat could help with the pain and swelling. You might also try an anti-inflammatory diet.

An anti-inflammatory diet is one of the natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation that could also reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer and other age-related health problems. The diets consist of lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and good fats like olive oil and fatty fish. It's very similar to the traditional Mediterranean diet.

Olive oil contains oleocanthal, which has anti-inflammatory activity similar to that of ibuprofen. Fatty fish and fish oils contain omega-3 fatty acids, which help to balance the inflammatory response throughout the body.

Fish oil was one of the natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation, and achy joints in general, among the Vikings and cold-water fishermen. Research has shown that the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil have anti-inflammatory activity and stimulate the production of molecules that tell the immune system that inflammation is no longer necessary.

In studies concerning rheumatoid arthritis, volunteers that took a fish oil supplement on a daily basis were able to reduce the amount of pain killers they had to take. They had less morning stiffness and felt better overall.

It is important to note that fish oil supplements vary greatly in terms of potency and purity. But, if you choose a good brand, fish oil is one of the best natural remedies for wrist arthritis inflammation according to the scientists.

Human Growth Hormone - For Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)


Rheumatoid arthritis, or RA, is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack the soft bone cartilages surrounding the joints. It is a disabling and very painful condition that often times lead to immobility caused by severe pain, or at the very worst, destruction of the joint itself. Furthermore, RA is a systematic disease. This means that from one afflicted joint, the disease tends to attack surrounding tissues and even far-off situated organs like blood vessels, heart, lungs, muscles tissues and skin. That is also the reason why RA is considered as a multi-system autoimmune disorder.

RA causes painful discomfort and soft tissue swelling which can inflame nearby or surrounding tissues as the disease progresses. Pain generally improves or lessens when the person starts using the affected joints, but there is usually stiffness in the joints especially in the morning. RA is therefore at its worst in the early hours of the morning, or at least, when the person wakes up. Incredibly, after a while, RA patients also tend to suffer from other medical conditions like anemia, cystic fibrosis of the lungs, gastrointestinal bleeding, hepatosplenomegaly (enlargement of the liver and spleen,) leukopenia (steady decrease of white blood cells in the system) and lymphocytic infiltration that may affect salivary glands and lacrimal glands or the tear ducts.

Unless detected and treated early in its development, RA is not only crippling, but can cause deformity as well. In the US, it is estimated that one in three Americans are now afflicted with RA. It is even predicted that this number will grow in an alarming rate as time goes by. Although this medical condition is usually associated with the onset of old age, these days children less than 18 years of age are also suffering from the ravaging effects of the disease. As of yet, there are no treatments available to cure or eradicate the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, but there are ways to alleviate the pain, and maybe help stop the disease from making satellite "infection" to other organs of the body.

Some of the more "historic," if not, controversial forms of treatment include acupuncture, being stung by bees or nettles, going on an apple diet (taken literally from the adage, "an apple a day..."), going on a rhubarb diet, fasting, ingestion of gold salts or honey or insulin or nutmeg or vitamins, wearing copper bracelets, undergoing magnet treatment, and even the extraction of teeth (possibly on the thought that one pain can overcome the other, but just how many teeth can be exchanged in favor of relief?) The very controversial mode of treatment before was called ECT or electric convulsion therapy or electric shock therapy; it has long since phased out for its obvious lack of success versus the battle with RA.

Usually, doctors prescribe nothing more than pharmacological treatment for RA like anti-inflammatory agents and analgesics. These days, however, scientists are turning to more unconventional route - especially in the form of human growth hormone treatment. You see, human growth hormones contain the substance IGF-1 which in healthy dosages is responsible for healing damaged cells and helps in developing new ones. IGF-1 is also responsible for strengthening and promoting bones, including the soft connective tissues in the human joints called ligaments. There are recent studies that show that re-introduction of prescribed dosages of IGF-1 actually lessens the symptoms of arthritis and helps reinforcing the joints, making mobility easier and achievable with less pain.

Benefits of Having a Gluten Free Diet


A gluten free diet is definitely a must for those people who are suffering from Celiac disease. Celiac disease is a chronic digestive disease in which the lining of the small interesting leads to the malabsorption of vital nutrients and minerals. If they don't remove gluten from their diet, their intestine will destroy itself and can even lead to premature death. A gluten free diet has to be free of wheat, barley, rye and any derivatives of such grains. Maintaining a gluten free diet can actually provide many health benefits, even for those of us without celiac disease or wheat allergies. Let me share to you the benefits of having a gluten free diet.

1. You get to reduce your intake of overly processed foods. Gluten is found in almost all processed foods. It's often masked by names such as shortening, stabilizer agent or thickener. So by reducing your intake of these foods, you may find yourself consuming more fresh and organic foods which are more beneficial to your overall health.

2. It helps eliminate digestive conditions such as diarrhea, cramping and constipation.

3. It helps eliminate bloating and excessive gas. Carbohydrates have the reputation of being the meanest gas producing food group. Cutting it down from your daily diet can significantly reduce digestive conditions associated with increased amounts of gas such as heartburn, hyperacidity, GERD and ulcer.

4. It helps you lose weight. A gluten free diet is low in carbohydrates which makes it very effective for those people who want to lose unwanted pounds.

5. It helps you cut down your sugar intake. This is very beneficial especially to those people who have diabetes.

6. It may help alleviate the symptoms of autism. Recent studies have shown that children with autism have difficulty digesting gluten. When they eat gluten rich foods, their gluteomorphine level, a protein byproduct in their blood, gets abnormally high causing the symptoms associated with autism to worsen.

7. Doctors believe that cutting off gluten in the diet can be beneficial in many medical conditions. People suffering from multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, Down's syndrome and Neuromyelitis can alleviate symptoms associated with their disease.

One of the best ways to maintain a no gluten diet is to prepare your own meals from scratch. Most organic stores offer various gluten free products such as gluten free flour and other non gluten baking products so you can still enjoy the desserts that you've been used to. If you're not a kitchen person, there are also ready made gluten free products sold in such stores.

Natural Pain Relief Tips for Arthritis


I got rid of my arthritis and arthritis pain naturally by drastically changing my diet. I stopped eating the standard American diet (SAD.)

Arthritis sufferers today are continually seeking relief from their arthritis pain.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the joint cartilage and bone, often thought to result from "wear and tear" on a joint, although there are other causes of arthritis such as congenital defects, trauma and metabolic disorders. Unlike some other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is not systemic - it does not spread through the entire body. The pain in arthritis can be moderate to severe.

Damaged joints cause pain and sufferers are constantly looking for ways to relieve the pain. Cartilage contains chondrocytes, water, proteoglycans and collagen; chondrocytes are the basic cartilage cells and are necessary for balance and function. The ability to make repairs to cartilage becomes limited as cartilage cells age.

One possible cause of arthritis is the inflammatory response due to the over-reaction of the immune system to an injury or other assault in the body, like an infection. Although osteoarthritis generally accompanies aging, osteoarthritic cartilage is chemically different from normal aged cartilage. 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.

Nutrition experts say it takes a combination of supplements, that no one supplement can relieve arthritis pain, build cartilage, etc. One natural approach is to consume foods that are known to help relieve arthritis pain or prevent arthritis. One natural treatment method involves avoiding all inflammatory foods.

If you're not already doing so, make a big effort to watch your diet. Try avoiding the eight most allergic foods, wheat being the most allergenic; they are wheat, corn, eggs, milk, peanuts, fish, shellfish and some nuts, not all. Natural treatment for arthritis is usually a better choice because it's non-invasive to the body.

Some foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives, soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, refined, packaged and processed food. Gluten may be a culprit in arthritic diseases including fibromyalgia; avoid wheat, barley, rye, spelt, triticale, kamut and oats (although not a gluten grain it gets contaminated at the wheat mills).

The first step in managing your arthritis is to change your diet; I think all experts would agree on this. With natural treatments there will be fewer, if any, side effects or adverse reactions.

Whatever you do, keep moving; don't sit when you can stand, don't stand when you can walk. Exercise is good for joints affected by osteoarthritis. Keep a bedside basket of arthritic aids for arthritic hands (Thera-putty, hand grips, Taiji chime balls, etc.) to be used at bedtime or while watching television. A good exercise routine is the key to beating arthritis and arthritis pain.

Use Taiji health balls, with the chimes, to strengthen the finger joints: hold two balls, move in a clockwise circle with your fingers to rotate them, then try counterclockwise and do throughout the day. To be on the safe side always seek your doctor's advice before starting or changing your exercise program. Fight arthritis through proper exercise!

If you're going to go the conventional treatment route and take medications, ask your pharmacist for drug inserts so you can read up on the drugs and understand any side effects or adverse reactions, before taking them. At the very least, understand what the side effects and adverse reactions are for any drug you take. If you're planning to take any of the non-prescription NSAIDS for arthritis, make sure you understand what bad effects they can have on the stomach, liver and/or kidneys and discuss this with your doctor.

Changing your diet to predominately fruits, raw veggies, nuts, and seeds like I did, can turn your arthritis pain around almost overnight. More and more doctors are investigating the benefits of alternative therapies and most don't object to patients trying them. One should not only search for relief of arthritis pain but work on preventing it.

Naturally Treat Arthritis - The Link between Nutrition and Arthritis


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

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

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

Arthritis-Free Nutrition: A New Way to Eat

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

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

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

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

Alkaline and Acid Foods

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

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

Cure Your Arthritis Today!

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

Homeopathy and Rheumatoid Arthritis


Homeopathic Help for People Experiencing Rheumatoid Arthritis

Homeopathy has a great capacity to impact people in profound ways who experience rheumatoid arthritis. This is the first article in a series that will address disorders of musculoskeletal system. In future articles, I will publish information related to tendinitis and bursitis, degenerative arthritis, back pain/sciatica, and fibromyalgia; as they all have unique symptoms and require their own treatment plans.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory disorder primarily of the synovial joints, but can also affect other systemic organs. RA affects over 2 million Americans, with women being 3 times more susceptible than men.

The Arthritis Foundation states this disease progresses through three stages:

1) First is swelling of the synovial lining, causing pain, warmth, stiffness, redness and swelling around the joint.
2) Second is the rapid division and growth of cells, which causes the synovium to thicken.
3) In the third stage, the inflamed cells release enzymes that may digest bone and cartilage, often causing the involved joint to lose its shape and alignment, more pain, and loss of movement.

Eventually, if left untreated, RA has the capacity to destroy cartilage, deform joints, and destroy adjacent bones. And because it is a systemic disease it can affect the entire body. RA can cause generalized inflammation in the cardiac muscle, in blood vessels, and within layers of the skin. The exact cause of RA is unknown, but it is considered an autoimmune disorder (the body attacks itself). Genetic predispositions, or viral infections are thought to increase risks of RA.

People experiencing rheumatoid arthritis can be best helped the earlier it is caught, especially before excessive suppression has taken place from conventional methods of treatment. In homeopathy, health is viewed as a condition of the entire individual, rather than in terms of isolated symptoms from specific locations of the body. In this way, a homeopath will consider not only a detailed description of the physical RA symptoms, but the overall mental and emotional disposition and character, as well.

The following homeopathic remedies, and their specific indicators, can be considered for people experiencing RA:

Causticum: Stiffness of the joint that is so severe, it feels as if the joint is paralyzed. Generally worse from cold, dry weather. Better in rainy weather. Affects the fingers predominantly.

Rhus Toxicodendron: The main homeopathic remedy considered from rheumatism with pain and stiffness. The pain and stiffness causes the person to shift and stretch. Worse in the morning upon rising; in the cold, damp, rainy weather; storms; and sitting for long periods of time (such as in a movie or a car ride). They feel better from heat, hot bathing, or showers; and continued, gentle motion.

Arnica: Great soreness all over. Even the bed feels too hard. They feel bruised or beaten. Worse from being jarred or touched; they fear being touched. Pains are usually symmetrical.

Aurum Metallicum: Rheumatism with stiffness or spasms of the chest wall. This is an important remedy to consider for people who also have ankylosing spondylitis. Generally worse at night.

Ledum: Swelling, coldness and pallor (sometimes blueness) in the affected joint. Worse from heat. In general, the pains ascend during the course of the illness to more proximal joints.

Pulsatilla: Wandering arthritis; changeable symptoms and pains. Worse in the evening and with heat. Better from the cold; uncovering the joint; cold applications; and in the open air.

Homeopathic treatment will best assist people experiencing RA from constitutional, long-term care and, as mentioned, in the earlier stages of the illness. Even if medications have already begun, homeopathic treatment can help boost vitality and strengthen the healing intelligence of the body enough where the allopathic medications can eventually be discontinued altogether.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Top Gout Remedies


Gout is a painful and debilitating condition, and if you suffer from it you are sure to be on the lookout for any new and effective remedies surfacing today. If you or someone you know suffers from gout this article is intended to review the current gout remedies, and to see if research is providing us with any new information to help with gout.

When you look at current gout remedies, they really fall under one main remedy, that is to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, as gout is an inflammatory condition just as arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are.

1. Include these anti-inflammatory foods in your diet plan:



  • Water - This one is free! It's extremely important to drink 8 cups of water a day. This will help your body flush out excess uric acid and will reduce swelling and pain.


  • Black Cherry Juice - One of the most effective home gout remedies. Look for concentrated and unsweetened black cherry juice. This can usually be found in a health food store or online. It's recommended that gout sufferers drink several tablespoons of the concentrate juice daily during flare-ups.


  • Blueberries - Blueberries are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds.


  • Strawberries - A handful of strawberries every day will quickly reduce swelling and pain as strawberries neutralize uric acid.


  • Fresh Cherries - These can usually only be found seasonally, but a handful of fresh cherries every day between meals can relieve the symptoms of gout quickly.


  • Baking Soda - Take half a teaspoon of baking soda daily with meals. This can raise blood pH levels over time.


  • Apple Cider Vinegar - Even though vinegar is acidic, apple cider vinegar has an alkaline effect on the body.


  • Celery Seeds - Celery seeds help your body eliminate uric acid from the blood. They also contain anti-inflammatory compounds. Celery seeds have a diuretic effect, so it's important to drink lots of water. Also they should not be used by pregnant women or those with kidney disease.


  • Potassium - Eat foods high in potassium such as baked potato with the skin, cooked spinach, avocados, bananas, skim milk, or dried prunes. You can also take a potassium supplement, however food-based potassium seems to work faster. Potassium helps your body eliminate uric acid crystals so it is very important that you get enough potassium.


2. Reduce inflammatory foods in your diet:



  • Reduce or eliminate meats and dairy, substituting legumes, nuts and whole grain proteins for meat


  • Reduce or eliminate dairy products, substituting almond or rice milk, nut cheese and soy or coconut milk based products


  • Reduce or eliminate sugars. It is best to stay away from chemical substitutes as much as possible, optiing for the herb Stevia, or a touch of maple syrup or agave instead. Staying away from soda and beer is also highly recommended.

New medical research continues to support the traditional anti-inflammatory diet, noted here, which is gaining ground in the scientific community since it benefits many medical conditions outside of gout, as well. Dr. Andrew Weil, a renowned holistic medical doctor is a major advocate, and recently came up with the Anti-Inflammatory Food Pyramid and diet.

If you feel that the anti-inflammatory diet is too restricting, it is highly recommended that you at least follow it during a flare-up, being careful to stay away from all animal proteins, soft drinks, beer, oily fish like herring, sardines, and salmon, and all fried foods as well as aspirin, as they deplete vitamin E, which in turn causes a rise in uric acid. While adhering to these gout remedies will help you manage your gout symptoms, it's also important that you reduce your risk of gout attacks in the future.

The best way to limit or eliminate the painful gout condition is still to follow the anti-inflammatory diet as much as possible, reducing the uric acid in your body, creating a healthier weight level, and preventing future gout attacks. You don't have to follow it perfectly to realize excellent results, just taking it day by day and doing your best will give you great health benefits.

Prevent Arthritis - Steps to Follow to Stay Away From Arthritis


Arthritis is an affliction that makes many people face terrible situations. A proper and early diagnosis can cure arthritis. Disabilities and joint deformation can be prevented if you detect it at an early stage. Problems related to arthritis like inflammation of joints and muscles will limit your daily activities like cooking, cleaning and washing. Even detecting the type of this disease is complicated, as there are more than hundred symptoms that confirm arthritis. Few things can help you fight issues related to the disease and even avoid it completely.

Losing weight and maintaining a healthy life style will definitely make an impact. Smokers should give up smoking, shunning stress is also very important. You should also consult rheumatologist or an orthopedic, if you detect any arthritis symptoms. There are common myths and misconceptions related to arthritis, try refraining from these misconceptions. Some people believe that it is caused due to old age, inadequate diet and climatic conditions and stay away from cure. There are easy steps to ensure proper cure and evading the disease. Saunas work very well in reliving the stress on joints. The second step is moderate exercising to give strength to the joints, but ensure that you do these exercises under the guidance of an expert. Water or aquatic exercises also help in reliving pain and strengthening muscles and joints, as water offers more resistance than air. The next step is to maintain a healthy diet by eating fresh and raw vegetables and whole grains. Coffee, sugar, tea and alcohol should be avoided and must be replaced by healthy drinks like juices or herbal tea.

Enhance the consumption of omega 3 fatty acids, whereas, 6 fatty acid consumption should be lowered. Consume 5 grams of fish oil daily, and stay away from red meat. Eating fresh sea food can assist considerably in skirting the disease. The fourth important aspect is to take correct medication. Ask your doctor to prescribe the best one which fits in your case, as it is very important to stay away from unnecessary drugs and medicines. Avoid food that triggers arthritis like eggs, milk and excess sugar. Resisting temptations and eating food which helps in recovering the situation will definitely show positive results. Resorting to natural and herbal medication will be a sensible decision. These cures are not only effective, but are also devoid of side effects.

The most important thing that you should understand is that arthritis is a common disease and there is no need to panic. Stressing and putting yourself in a miserable situation will only trigger this disease and will cause complications. Enjoy exercising and concentrate more on cure, rather than inviting trouble by thinking about the disease. Any temporary solution to arthritis should be avoided as it hampers the process of gradual cure. Pain killers will only give you temporary relief and will cause complications further. Doing a good research on arthritis will make you aware of different types of arthritis. Once you know the type of arthritis you have, it will benefit you to take steps related to cure and will avoid confusion to a great extent.

How Omega 3 Fish Oil Can Improve Joint Health And Reduce Arthritis Pain


What are you currently doing to aid your rheumatoid arthritis pain? If you are like most people with the condition, you take one or more prescription medications designed to keep the pain and swelling to a minimum. The most commonly prescribed medications are called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Brands include Advil, Aleve, Clinoril, Lodine, and Motrin. Like all drugs, side effects are prevalent with these kinds of medications. The most common of these include upset stomach, dizziness, blurred vision, and heartburn.

What if you could skip the side effects and simply experience relief from arthritis pain? With omega 3 fish oil, your wish can become reality.

Not only does this supplement provide essential fatty acids to reduce pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, it can also offer protection from heart disease. You may be surprised and excited to learn that omega 3 has proven so successful in various studies that all subjects of the trials were able to reduce their drug intake and 75% were able to completely eliminate their need to take NSAIDs.

Conditions of painful joints and severe morning stiffness normally experienced by rheumatoid arthritis sufferers were lessened to a degree of manageability without the need for drugs.

In the study published in the October 2006 edition of the Journal of Rheumatology, other aspects of the patients' health were measured as well. Get this: instead of unpleasant side effects and an increased risk for heart attack, omega 3 fish oil actually raised the participants' HDL cholesterol levels.

By increasing this good cholesterol, the balance between LDL and HDL is improved. Also triglyceride levels were decreased in the patients of the experiment as well. The conclusion of this specific study, as with many other rheumatoid arthritis studies, is that fish oil should be considered an effective means of reducing rheumatoid arthritis symptoms while simultaneously providing a number of other health benefits.

According to the American Heart Association, you should each two fatty fish meals per week to get between 650mg to 1,000mg of omega 3 fish oil. This can also be accomplished by supplementing your diet with fish oil supplements.

If you are ready to reduce your rheumatoid arthritis pain and improve your heart health at the same time, you should obtain a trustworthy source of omega 3 fish oil supplements. It is truly the best thing you can do for your joints as well as your heart.

Arthritis And Pain Relief - Preparing For Ski Season


You can ski with arthritis, and many people do. If you have rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other autoimmune disorders, getting ready for ski season requires more than your typical fitness conditioning.

Focus first on overall fitness. Condition yourself for the sport of skiing with a variety of leg exercises and upper-body toning. As you train, remember to progress slowly through a program. You might need more than the usual 6-8 weeks of physical preparation time.

Consider the weather elements and ski slope conditions. Your environment will affect *how you ski,* how your body feels about its new challenges, and* how quickly you will recover from your skiing activities. Do you have enough clothing that you can layer for cold, windy conditions or for bouts of sweat as your muscles warm up?

There are many types of arthritis and chronic conditions that zap your energy and make your muscles ache. Two important characteristics of these disorders will influence your skiing experience. For better skiing adventures, align your fitness conditioning with these in mind.

Your immune system activity is one of these influences that can adversely affect your skiing. Autoimmune responses are a factor in these types of conditions. Your immune system may be working overtime, inadvertently attacking healthy tissue. When you focus on the immune system in your preparation, you want to avoid taxing the immune system or increasing its stimulation.

If you get sick, like with a cold or flu, recover completely before skiing. If you get sick while participating in a ski conditioning fitness program, discontinue the program and allow your body to rest and heal. As you recover from illness and resume your program, avoid jumping back into it with the same intensity as before you got sick. Progress cautiously.

Avoid toxins and chemicals as you prepare to ski. Surround yourself with natural products in your house and work.

Eat natural foods that are free from chemicals like artificial sweeteners, preservatives, and hormones. Minimize your dairy and meat intake in your diet and increase your consumption of organic vegetables. As tempting as those ski resorts and towns can be, avoid heavy alcohol or super-rich decadent foods and opt for fresh salads and seafood. Stay hydrated!

The other factor that will influence your body's reaction to skiing is inflammation. Arthritis represents an inflamed physical state (hence the suffix, -it is). In healthy individuals, some inflammatory response to muscle conditioning is good for you. Your muscles will grow and get stronger with new physical challenges.

However, if your body is already in a chronic state of inflammation, your muscles recover differently. Throughout your ski conditioning, and then as you begin to ski, practice active rest to reduce inflammation and speed recovery. Active rest enables your body to recover faster than sleep or inactivity without exerting effort. Types of active rest include sports massage therapy, mild body treatments like salt scrubs and seaweed wraps, meditation, sauna, and ice applications.

In conclusion, if your body feels challenged to ski with arthritis, use extra time and focus in your skiing preparations. Your body will enjoy skiing more than most winters. Your stamina and recovery will improve. And you will want to return to the ski slopes sooner than ever before!

Diet For Rheumatoid Arthritis - What Foods Help to Relieve Joint Pain?


Researchers have determined that your diet for rheumatoid arthritis is directly linked to the severity of the disease. A poor diet can greatly aggravate pain and other symptoms, so it is important to have a clear understanding of proper nutrition, especially as it relates to RA.

First of all, it is incredibly important that you integrate plenty of fruits and vegetables into your diet, while greatly reducing or eliminating red meat and dairy. Dark green leafy vegetables are always the best, and you can gain lots of antioxidants from eating fruit. However, your diet for rheumatoid arthritis should avoid overly acidic fruit like oranges and lemons.

Many people have greatly benefited from becoming vegetarian or vegan. You may or may not want to go down this route, but if you're desperate, there's no harm in trying for a while to see if your symptoms alleviate.

Eat plenty of cold water fish like salmon and cod, as these contain high amounts of Omega-3 fatty acids, which act as anti-inflammatory agents in the body. If fish isn't your thing or you're worried about mercury, you can also get Omega-3 fatty acids from almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, soybeans, and avocados.

Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. You should be drinking at least 8 cups of water per day. In addition, soups, broth, herbal teas, and unsweetened fruit juices are also fantastic. Just make sure that the tea is decaf and there isn't much salt in the soups and broth.

A diet for rheumatoid arthritis should be rich in vitamins and minerals, and while taking supplements will definitely help, it simply doesn't compare to getting the nutrients straight from the source. So don't think that you can counter your bad eating habits by taking supplements, because it simply doesn't work that way.

How to Avoid Arthritis Knee Surgery (Knee Replacement Surgery) And Relieve Pain - Nurse's Guide


If your knees are aching and it hurts to climb the stairs, kneel over to pick anything up or work in your garden you likely have or have already been diagnosed with arthritis - osteoarthritis. Maybe you've already had a series of knee injections and take a lot of anti-inflammatory medications but you still are feeling the knee pain. And now you're thinking about arthritis knee surgery - knee replacement surgery.

Many doctors give you something to take away or relieve the pain but there are many others who try to approach the pain in a different way. If osteoarthritis is the only diagnosis you have that affects your knees then there are some things you can do or try. Assuming you have been cleared by your doctors to exercise your knees that is. When you look at x-rays of the knees you can see that there isn't much support anymore for the knees and many think their only option is knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement surgery is expensive and only lasts for between 10 and 15 years or so. Plus you'll have plenty of exercises you'll need to do after the surgery and physical therapy.

The doctors who are not in favor of exercise for the knees are in a way contributing to more health problems such as obesity and diabetes from inactivity and lack of exercise and the accompanying depression from loss of mobility etc.

You probably know right now whether you'll be capable of doing some exercises or if your physician insists that you not do them and you disagree, seek out a second opinion.

The areas of exercise you might consider once you've been cleared by your doctor are resistance training, stretching and endurance exercise.

Resistance training strengthens the muscles surrounding the knees in a safe range of motion which restores the ability to absorb shock. This will help the stress put on the knee joints and reduce or relieve the pain or some of it. Start slowly and when you are warmed up.

You want to stretch your thigh and hamstring muscles about 15 minutes a day or so. This will help your knees become more flexible and also reduce the stress on your joints and relieve pain. Be careful when stretching that you don't overdo it and make sure your body is warmed up first.

Endurance exercise - this may be the hardest or easiest to do of the three. This would include low impact activities like cycling, walking, and the elliptical machine at your local health club or gym unless you have one at home. Do these for about 15 to 30 minutes continuously. This will also help to relive stress on your arthritic knees and give you some arthritis pain relief.

Make sure you do the exercises carefully because you don't want to make the pain in your knees worse. If done properly many have avoided getting arthritis knee surgery (knee replacement surgery.) Consider changing to eating a lot more fruits and veggies in your diet. I cured myself of arthritis and breast cancer) several years ago with a raw foods diet (living foods.) This may prevent future damage to your arthritis knee joints and other joints in your body like it did for me.

5 Tips for Dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain


Do you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and have had to quit taking your prescription pain medication because of harmful side effects? Are you looking for natural alternatives to help you deal with the pain that you face doing everyday tasks? If the answers to these questions are yes, then the following tips for relieving rheumatoid arthritis are just what you have been waiting for.

1- The most important thing that anyone can do for their bodies is to exercise. This includes those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis as well. However, not every exercise is suitable for sufferers of arthritis pain. The exercises that are done need to be good for the muscle, while not being damaging for the joints. A great exercise for those who are living with rheumatoid arthritis, in fact for everyone, is walking. Walking is a good low impact activity that does not put unneeded pressure on the joints. Other alternatives to walking are biking or walking in a pool.

2- The topic of exercising as a way to relieve the pain of arthritis leads into another tip. It is very important to incorporate balancing exercises into your daily routine. For example, water aerobics and Tai Chi are two types of balancing exercises. The reason for these types of activities is that balancing is a very effective way of strengthening without undue pressure on the joints. However, if the joints do begin to hurt, the activity should be stopped. If the pain continues more than a couple of days, it would be wise to consult your physician.

3- If you are suffering from the pain of rheumatoid arthritis, it is a good idea to concentrate on your overall body weight. If this is an issue for you, speak with your doctor about ways that are suitable for you to take it off. When you are dealing with any type of arthritis pain, the extra weight makes it worse. Consider this; there is about 30 pound of force placed on the knees for each ten pounds of weight that is being carried. Therefore, the ability to lose ten pounds will effectively result in 30 pounds of force being lifted from the knee.

4- Some rheumatoid arthritis sufferers find that applying hot or cold compresses can help to alleviate some of the pain that is associated with their condition. When using this method of pain relief, there is a simple rule to remember, ice reduces pain while the heat will loosen the joints and boost blood flow.

5- This next tip, while not an actual treatment option, is very important to your emotional well-being. Educate yourself regarding your condition, this will improve your attitude as well as eliminate the element of surprise. Many people are afraid to ask questions when they are faced with a debilitating illness, they just wait for the bad stuff to start happening and many end up depressed. Don't be one of those people, ask your doctor, ask friends, do research, learn as much as you can about rheumatoid arthritis so that you can better deal with it.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Use Omega 3 From Marine Phytoplankton for Health Benefits


Everyone knows that it is important to lead a healthy lifestyle, but very few are aware of the essential vitamins and nutrients to be included in the daily diet. Among the available nutrients, Omega 3 is an essential one and many people do not understand the benefit of having this nutrient. There are supplements being sold in the market which are doing well as the people knowing its importance are purchasing them. You can be assured that by using Omega 3 from Marine Phytoplankton you will get all the essential nutrients in order to stay fit.

There have been several researches conducted by the scientists which have proven that Omega 3 can help reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces the risk of several harmful diseases. Heart disease, arthritis and cancer are some of the diseases that can be prevented with the use of Omega 3 from Marine Phytoplankton. It plays a key role when it comes to maintaining behavioral as well as intellectual functions. They can sharpen the functioning of your brain. It is essential for infants for a lack of Omega 3 can lead to the risk of developing nerve problems as well as for their vision.

When a person suffers from lack of Omega 3, he is likely to experience poor memory, depression, dry skin, fatigue, poor circulation of blood, heart issues and many more. It is also advised that women increase the intake of Omega 3 fatty acids in order to balance their hormones. As a result of the benefits of Omega 3 from Marine Phytoplankton, you can get rid of diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, etc. Omega 3 from Marine Phytoplankton provides a complete food that gives your body virtually all the nutrients required to produce healthy new cells and Nero-chemicals for the brain.

Marine Phytoplankton is ideal for your diet. With its intake, you will not be required to maintain a stringent diet to balance your eating habits. Because of lack of proper fats, you may suffer problems with sleeping; have muscle aches and pains or drying of skin and hair. These concerns can put you in a spot wherein you might realize that you do not eat a healthy diet. It is important that you do not panic under such situations as there are solutions available and you will reap the benefits of Omega 3 from Marine Phytoplankton.

You can browse the internet to find many websites that offer Omega 3 nutrients in the form of supplements. They are sold at reasonable prices and will only have a positive impact on your body. You can read the reviews of Omega 3 from Marine Phytoplankton supplements over the internet which is written by its users. You will find truthful reviews about Omega 3 and how it can help you to bring your body back to shape. In case you are not interested in supplements, make sure to eat food items that include Omega 3 in good quantity so as to ensure a healthy body.

Arthritis and Pro-Inflammatory Foods - Is Your Diet Causing You Pain?


Several of us are aware of anti-inflammatory medications, but have you heard of pro-inflammatory foods? The foods you consume actually do have an impact on how you feel and will affect your health and body's capability to heal. Pro-inflammatory foods increase inflammation, increase your pain from the inflammation and may even raise your chance for long-term disease.

Loading up on junk foods, high-fat meats, sugar, fast foods and fried foods will increase inflammation in your body. This is partially due to the unhealthy fats used in preparing and processing these foods, particularly trans fats and saturated fats. Processed meats such as lunch meats, hot dogs and sausages contain chemicals such as nitrites, which are linked to increased inflammation and chronic disease.

Saturated fats are found in meats, dairy products and eggs. Although these foods are an important source of minerals and vitamins, they contribute to inflammation when eaten in excess. These foods also contain fatty acids called arachidonic acid. Even though some arachidonic acid is important for your health, too much may make your inflammation worse. Opting for low fat milk and cheese and lean cuts of meat is very important, as they will not increase inflammation.

Vegetable oils that are high in Omega-6 fatty acid, such as safflower, corn and sunflower oils, margarine and many additional types of plant oils, will increase inflammation in your body.

When suffering from arthritis it is important that you maintain a low calcium to phosphorous ratio; if phosphorous content is high then additional calcium will be lost from your body, thereby aggravating your arthritis problems. Foods that are rich in phosphorous are red meat, red flesh fish, organ meat like kidney, liver, processed meat, and soft drinks. Red meat also contains high levels of uric acid, which worsens the condition.

Whole fruits and vegetables are important for their vitamins, minerals, and natural antioxidants. Yet some vegetables like potatoes, tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, eggplant, pimentos, paprika, and cayenne, could actually increase your pain from inflammation. These vegetables are part of the nightshade family of plants and contain a chemical alkaloid called solanine, which commonly triggers pain in some people. Although there aren't any formal research findings that back the claim about nightshade plants, many people report great relief from the symptoms of pain and inflammation when eliminating them from the diet. Green and sprouted spots on potatoes usually reflect high alkaloid content, and due to this should always be carefully removed.

Gluten found in wheat, barley, and oats aggravates arthritis for many people and it is therefore recommended to reduce their consumption. Researchers discovered that participants who ate a well-balanced diet, free of animal products and foods containing gluten, increased their levels of antibodies, which could protect against inflammation.

4 Types of Food to Avoid If You Have Rheumatoid Arthritis


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is There a Rheumatoid Arthritis Natural Treatment


Is there a rheumatoid arthritis natural treatment? Is there just one or are there many rheumatoid arthritis natural treatments? What are they? How effective are they? Are these complete cures or do they put arthritis into remission?

The protocol listed below is a summary of months of research, the summary of many experiments and clinical studies.

Gelatin
Gelatin is made of collagen, the raw material in joints and connective tissue. A restaurant food supplier selling unsweetened gelatin in pound or kilogram (2.2 pounds) quantities is the cheapest source.

Gelatin is very similar in structure to the collagen type 2 that composes connective tissues including cartilage. The theory with using gelatin as a remedy for arthritis is that as a precursor to cartilage the gelatin prevents arthritic damage from occurring and supports the body to repair existing damage.

In a Harvard study a heaping tablespoon of gelatin daily put arthritis into remission for 28 out of 29 patients. Remission occurred within 90 days.

Gelatin is usually a very safe product with a few people reporting stomach upset very rarely.

The daily dosage is a heaping tablespoon of gelatin in water or juice. Vitamin C may be mixed into the gelatin.

Preparation of the gelatin:
Fill a glass one quarter full with cold water; tap water temperature is fine.
Sprinkle the heaping tablespoon of gelatin on the water and let it sit for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add about a quarter of a glass of hot tap water, not boiling water. Stir well.
Add a quarter of a glass of cold water and stir again.
Drink.

This portion of the rheumatoid arthritis remedy protocol is particularly important for people who drastically limit their red meat intake.

Pharmaceutical grade vs. food-grade fish oil
Fish oil should reduce the inflammation of arthritis. Clinical studies and academic experiments over the last 200 years have consistently indicated rheumatoid arthritic relief is one of many benefits from fish oil.

At this time there is no standardized definition in the USA to differentiate between pharmaceutical grade and food grade fish oil.

An analysis of nine studies of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers taking omega-3s showed no reduction in joint damage but the number of tender joints decreased. In six of the studies, people with rheumatoid arthritis were able to reduce their use of NSAIDs or corticosteroids. Additionally, a 2005 study of people with rheumatoid arthritis indicated increased positive benefits when fish oil supplements were used in combination with olive oil used in everyday cooking.

Symptoms are dose dependent in that most people that "try" fish oil for rheumatoid arthritic relief only take 1 or 2 capsules daily. A typical high-grade fish oil capsule at 30% polyunsaturated fatty acid would require 9 - 10 capsules a day to achieve the basal minimum dosage.

A small number of people report abdominal cramps and diarrhea when taking this amount, 9 - 10 capsules daily, of fish oil. Fish oil products that contain high quantities of vitamin A and D, which could be toxic in high quantities, should not be used.

Since there are some pharmaceutical grade and food grade fish oil formulations that contain as much as 50% polyunsaturated fatty acids, be sure to verify the amount on the label. Adjust the number of capsules accordingly.

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids inhibit blood clotting; avoid taking fish oil supplements before and after surgery. Fish oil may have a "laxative effect" at different dosages on some people. Consult your health care professional before beginning any supplements.

Green Tea
China, Japan and India are countries where green tea is regarded as a healthy beverage with the potential to prevent certain diseases. These countries have a much lower rate of rheumatoid arthritis than elsewhere around the world.

A study at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio, USA discovered that mice which were fed green tea were significantly less susceptible to developing arthritis than the mice fed plain water. The test group of mice fed green tea did develop arthritis; however it occurred as late onset and mild. Eight of 18, or 44%, of the mice receiving green tea developed arthritis while 17 out of 18, or 94%, of the control group mice fed water developed arthritis.

The study concluded that the green tea effect was dramatic.

The green tea used for the polyphenols was regular, not decaffeinated. This part of the procedure may not be advisable for people that have to restrict their intake of caffeine.

Diet
Many people feel that diet is the foundation upon which a person suffering from rheumatoid arthritis builds.

In other words, start with your every day diet; modify it as much as possible to be supportive and preventive. Particularly your every day diet must not lead to being overweight! (Why add more pounds to those poor stressed out bones and joints.)

Then, add the glycerin. After 10 to 14 days add the fish oil remedy in addition to the glycerin, after another 2 weeks add green tea to the glycerin and fish oil, etc.

Most of these simple, safe and relatively inexpensive rheumatoid arthritis remedies shown in this remedy protocol are effective to some degree for some people, perhaps a majority of people. They certainly will not be effective for everyone all the time. Consequently testimonials are of limited use. This rheumatoid arthritis remedy protocol is designed specifically as an incremental protocol where the sufferer modifies their everyday diet and then adds one remedy, then another, then another, etc.

Managing Painful Arthritis - Uncover Arthritis Friendly Foods


Do you know that the most delicious part of any anti-inflammatory, arthritis-friendly diet is also the easiest to consume? You guessed right, I'm referring to fruits and other whole foods. You can eat fruit at any time of the day, as part of a meal, as dessert, and alone as a healthful snack. This practice is highly encouraged by Ayurveda, the world's first holistic system worldwide which literally means the science of life and longevity. It has been practiced for centuries and largely focuses on herbs, lifestyle and diet.

Now you can successfully combat painful arthritis with these anti-inflammatory foods:

1. Olive oil - should be high on your list of arthritis-friendly foods. The beneficial oil is high in monoun-saturated omega-9 fatty acids (mainly oleic acid) and antioxidants. Studies have shown that olive oil offers protection against heart disease. It appears to decrease inflammation, and it is believed to have a beneficial effect on ulcers and gastritis.

The Arthritis Foundation reports that people who consumed the most olive oil - about 3 tablespoons a day - were less likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis. Be sure to buy extra virgin olive oil as this is the closest to natural olive oil because it is not heated in processing. As a result, it contains higher levels of antioxidants, particularly phenols and vitamin E, which protect our DNA and genes from free-radical damage.

2. Oranges - are not only ripe with vitamin C but also contain the falvanone herperidin, which has lowered cholesterol and has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Most of this phytonutrient is in the peel and inner white pith, so when you peel the orange, leave plenty of its soft white skin on.

3. Pineapple - is rich in bromelain, a group of sulfur-containing, protein-digesting enzymes that reduces inflammation. In clinical trials, bromelain has reduced swelling in people suffering from acute arthritis, sore throat, painful arthritis and gout. To maximize bromelain's anti-inflammatory effects, eat pineapple by itself between meals so that its enzymes are not diverted to digesting food.

4. Whole grain - is the only form in which you should consume wheat, rice, barley, millet and other grains. Most commercially produced breads, pastas, noodles and baked goods in the United States are made with bleached white flour that has been processed to what is called "60 percent extraction."

5. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil - are rich in alpha-linolenic acid, a precursor to the form of omega-3 called EPA, which is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory substances available. This substance is also found in fatty cold-water fish.

Pain Relief For Rheumatoid Arthritis - Discover Secrets For Pain Free Joints in the Next 10 Minutes!


Pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis is a matter of serious concern. So, what are the effective forms of rheumatoid arthritis drug therapy? What are their side effects and special precautions? Find out the expert answers to these important questions in this article.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes a lot of pain and discomfort in the life of the person who is suffering from it. Pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis is really a serious issue as more than 2.5 million people suffer from this dreaded disease in the United States alone.

Although prescription based rheumatoid arthritis drug therapy is effective for pain relief in the short term, it also suffers from the risk of various side effects -- which can be fatal at times.

As more and more research is being undertaken and the side effects of prescription based drug therapy are coming into light, people are now looking for safer, healthier and natural remedies to control inflammation and to achieve pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis.

These are some of the common treatments used --

1) Cox-2 inhibitors -- they are a popular form of drug therapy that work by blocking an enzyme called Cox-2 in our body, which is responsible for inflammation. They are approved by the FDA, but have received a lot of bad press and media attention due to their adverse side effects.

For example, Vioxx is a brand of Cox-2 inhibitor manufactured by Merck. It was removed from the market due to many reported cases of stroke and heart attack in patients. In fact, thousands of lawsuits are still pending against it.

So, although they are effective in pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis, they also carry the risk of serious side effects on health.

2) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) -- they are quite popular among people as short-term treatment in pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis. Aspirin and ibuprofen come in this category. They reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. But, they can cause serious side effects such as stomach problems, gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers and heart problems, if they are taken for long periods of time in high doses.

3) Corticosteroids -- it is a form of drug therapy which helps to reduce inflammation. They suffer from side effects such as high blood pressure, diabetes, weight gain, thinning of the bones which leads to osteoporosis and much more. This is the reason why health experts recommend using them for short periods only.

4) Natural remedies -- the use of omega-3 fatty acids is one of the most effective means of pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis. They have excellent anti-inflammatory properties and are also very beneficial for a good health including the health of heart, brain, digestive system, skin, joints and hair.

Research has shown that the use of omega-3 supplements helps to reduce tenderness in joints, reduce inflammation, decrease morning stiffness and reduces the need of using other drug therapy for pain relief.

Purified Fish oil supplements are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, DHA and EPA. They can provide an effective and long term pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis naturally. Omega-3 supplementation becomes increasingly important in the Western world, as their diet is highly deficient in the essential Omega 3s.

However, in case you are using prescription based blood thinner medicines like aspirin, you should consult your doctor before you use omega-3 fish oil supplements in pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis. This is because Omega 3 fatty acids and fish oil are natural blood thinners and have anti-coagulant properties. So, you should avoid the intake of too many types of blood thinners as it could lead to serious side effects.