Alarming Signs Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease of small joints in the hands and feet. It may also target knees, wrists, neck, shoulders, elbow; even the jaw joints. In this disease, the individual's immune system affects the lining of the joints, causing painful swelling and joint deformities in severe conditions. The immune system makes antibodies against the joint, direct lymphocytes, stimulate cytokine production that cause inflammation of the joint, which is otherwise a normal reaction of the immune system against foreign particles or pathogens. The problem is three times more common in females as compared to men. It generally appears between ages 40 to 60 years, however, exceptions may exist.

People are quite differently affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Some show little or no symptoms, while others experience a hyper reaction from the beginning. It is characterized by several mild and severe symptoms. The symptoms appear in symmetric fashion, affecting the joint on both sides of the body.

Joint inflammation is the defining trait of rheumatoid arthritis. It is defined by stiffness of the joint making it difficult to move. Morning stiffness is the common observation in arthritis patients. The stiffened joint may take an hour to get back to its working state. Stiffness is always accompanied with the swelling of the joint. Swelling occurs when the fluid gets into the joint and makes it puffy. Both, swelling and stiffness make the condition worse.

In rheumatoid arthritis, the affected joint area appears pink and warmer, relative to other body parts. All these symptoms cause severe pain in the joint. Temporary as well as permanent inflammation, both increase the joint sensitivity, making it tender and extremely painful.

In addition to the observable signs, the patient may observe a change in general health. Fatigue and malaise are the most common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. A patient stays in a constant state of being ill and the body feels weak to take any physical stress. The situation usually leads to loss of appetite, which in turn causes things such as weakness of the body and muscles.

Fever is a common symptom in rheumatoid arthritis, and is a part of auto immune response. In case of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, also called Still's disease, the patients experience high fever, with shaking chills followed by pain and swelling in joints. Being related to other diseases, the symptoms may present a great challenge for correct diagnosis of the problem.

Doctor...What Are The Effects Of Alcohol On Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Could a glass of wine at dinner time be the next major arthritis breakthrough?

Possibly... according to a recent Swedish study. A diet of 10% ethanol had a protective effect on mice that would otherwise have developed collagen-induced arthritis (CIA), Swedish researchers report in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. CIA is often used as an animal model of human rheumatoid arthritis (RA.)

Andrej Tarkowski, MD, the senior author and a faculty member in the department of rheumatology and inflammation research, Goteborg University, in Sweden, stated that the primary finding was that, in male mice, long term consumption of 10% ethanol delayed the onset and progression of CIA.

The underlying mechanism appears to be a reduction in inflammation due to decreased NF-kB activation (a primary inflammatory pathway) caused by upregulation- or increased production -of testosterone secretion.

The research team fused a CIA model in mice by immunizing male DBA/1 mice with collagen type II (CII). To determine whether drinking ethanol has any impact on the development of CIA, the mice were provided with either 10% ethanol or water alone to drink. Mice were sacrificed after 5 to 6 weeks. All four paws from DBA/1 mice were sectioned, stained, and examined for inflammation of the joint including damage to the joint lining and erosion of bone and cartilage.

The investigators report that development of arthritis due to inflammation was markedly reduced in the ethanol-drinking mice. Ethanol had no such effect on mice with arthritis induced by injection with a mixture of four monoclonal anti-CII antibodies. "These data suggest that ethanol affects the start or initiation rather than the perpetuation of immune responsiveness during CIA," mentioned the researchers.

Joints from the water-drinking mice developed frequent bone and cartilage erosions. Those from the ethanol-drinking mice were "histologically ...intact," meaning no significant damage occurred. In addition, ethanol prevented the arthritis-induced loss of bone mineral density associated with CIA.
"The major surprise in this study was the outstanding effect of ethanol on saving cartilage and bone, suggesting that apart from regulation of inflammatory mediators, matrix metalloproteinases (i.e., tissue destroying enzymes) might be a direct target for ethanol," commented Dr. Tarkowski.

Dr. Tarkowski cautions, "This dose of ethanol was chosen for mice with an exact knowledge regarding the toxicity. This was further confirmed by intact liver function at the end of experiments. In contrast, exchanging water for 10% ethanol in humans eventually will lead to liver disease (cirrhosis). Thus, the optimal dose of ethanol in the human setting to prevent/delay RA is presently unknown. For practical purposes, one could speculate on the use of doses of ethanol similar to those sometimes suggested for prevention of cardiovascular diseases--i.e., something in the range of 1 to 2 glasses of wine per day," he suggested.

"We are presently analyzing whether female mice with arthritis have the same effect from ethanol.
The investigators also compared castrated to intact male mice and found that mice drinking 10% ethanol had significantly elevated levels of testosterone and decreased levels of IGF1 and cortisol. "These observations, considered together with the cellular anti-inflammatory properties of testosterone that lead to a decrease of NF-kB activation, point to testosterone as a potential link mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol."

So... what are the implications for patients with RA?

The first is that perhaps, a prescription of a glass or two of wine a day is not necessarily bad.

However, there are cautions. The first is that patients who are taking methotrexate need to absolutely limit their consumption of alcoholic beverages because of the danger of developing cirrhosis. Second, patients taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are at increased risk for developing stomach ulcers and alcohol increases that risk.

(Jonsson I-M, Verdrengh M, Brissiert M, et al. Ethanol prevents development of destructive arthritis. PNAS. 2007;104:258-263)

Famous People With Arthritis

What do comedienne Lucille Ball, French painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Hollywood actress Kathleen Turner and heart transplant specialist Dr. Christiaan Barnard have in common? They all suffered from arthritis, a disabling and crippling disease that affects over 40 million people in the United States alone. Experts say another 20 million people live with the symptoms of arthritis but haven't been diagnosed and have no idea they have the disease.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that yearly arthritis is responsible for over 9,000 deaths, 750,000 hospitalizations, and it limits the activities of over eight million people. The disease costs the nation over $80 billion in medical care and lost wages.

One of the most common forms of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder where the body's immune system attacks joint cells, causing chronic inflammation and swelling of the joints. This is the most debilitating form of the disease that can make even the simplest activities - like opening a jar or walking - extremely difficult.

Comedy queen Lucille Ball of "I Love Lucy" fame had rheumatoid arthritis when she was 17 but that didn't stop her from pursuing her dreams. Her first attack came while she was working as a model for Hattie Carnegie's famous dress shop. She felt excruciating pain in her legs and the doctor who saw her said she would probably end up in a wheelchair as a result of the disease. Lucy was later referred to an orthopedic clinic near Columbia University where she was given experimental "horse serum" shots for several weeks that drained her money but didn't stop the pain. Frightened and discouraged, she returned to her parent's home in Jamestown, New York.

"Gradually the pain subsided and finally one day with the support of her father and doctor, Lucy stood up, feeling wobbly and unsteady. Her left leg was now somewhat shorter than her right leg and it pulled sideways. To correct this, she began wearing a 20 - pound weight in one of her black orthopedic shoes. Though Lucy had residual pain she was able to take a part offered her with the Jamestown Players and she later returned to New York City in search of her dreams," said Carol and Richard Eustice - the people behind About.com's Arthritis Guide who both have rheumatoid arthritis as well.

The famous French painter Renoir whose works adorn many museums also battled rheumatoid arthritis that bothered him during the last three decades of his life. He suffered his first attack in 1898 and his joints became severely deformed later.

"In 1904, Renoir weighed only 105 pounds and was barely able to sit. By 1910 he could not even walk using crutches and he became a prisoner in his own wheelchair. His hands were completely deformed, like the claws of a bird. A gauze bandage was used to prevent his fingernails from growing into the flesh. Renoir was unable to pick up a paintbrush at this point and it had to be wedged between his fingers," the Eustices wrote. Still, he continued to paint everyday and produced some of his greatest masterpieces.

Hollywood star Kathleen Turner was so bothered by the pain of rheumatoid arthritis that she had suicidal thoughts and Dr. Christiaan Barnard, who performed the first human heart transplant in 1967, was forced into retirement in 1983 by the disease that had plagued him since youth.

Feline Arthritis - Nothing to Purr About

Cats are usually very stoic creatures but when it comes to feline arthritis, even the toughest tabby of them all will eventually give in and complain. Feline arthritis is a progressive, non-infectious disease characterized by joint swelling and pain. It can appear at any age but it usually affects middle-aged or geriatric cats.

What causes feline arthritis?

Certain factors contribute to the development of feline arthritis. These may include trauma, such as those caused by accidents or injuries to the joints, congenital disorders and developmental disorders. A commonly overlooked factor that usually leads to feline arthritis is obesity, which usually causes excessive weight to bear down on joints and cause too much pressure.

There are several types of cat arthritis - these include:

Progressive polyarthritis. This is characterized by arthritis affecting multiple joints and often worsens with age. Progressive polyarthritis usually affects the hock, wrist and feet. It can be severely painful, especially once the cartilage has eroded and bones are exposed.

Traumatic arthritis. This type is caused by injury to the joint from accidents, fights or even a fall. When left unchecked, the trauma can degenerate the joint and cause swelling and bone damage.

Osteoarthritis. Also referred to as degenerative arthritis, this is a chronic disease that often comes with age, characterized by the slow wear and tear of a joint. This usually occurs at the shoulder and elbow.

What are the symptoms?

When your cat shows symptoms of feline arthritis, it's usually when the disease has already progressed. These are some of the most common symptoms associated with feline arthritis:

Difficulty in moving or obvious expression of pain when moving.

Reluctance to engage in the usual physical activities.

Altered gait or limping.

Stiffness, difficulty in rising from a resting position.

Irritability, nervousness, aggression or depression.

Getting your cat diagnosed

Feline arthritis isn't arthritis until it's confirmed. If your cat shows signs of limping or inflammation, don't assume it is arthritis immediately and try to comfort your cat by giving him painkillers. Feline arthritis is best left for a veterinarian to diagnose and whatever medications you might need to administer should have the vet's approval.

During your visit to the vet, your cat will undergo a series of check ups in order to rule out any other diseases that may contribute to similar symptoms. It is also important that the vet examines your cat's medical history to find out if the problem is related to past injuries and diseases.

To check for the progress of the disease, an x-ray may be used which will show any deformed or damaged joints. An x-ray will often tell the veterinarian whether your cat needs to undergo surgery or will perform well with certain medications. Other forms of diagnosis may also be used by your veterinarian, including ultrasound, radiographs and blood tests.

Treatment for feline arthritis

A proper diagnosis from the veterinarian is important in order to determine the type and progress of the disease. This will help the vet prescribe the proper medication and therapies for your cat based on his age, the severity of his condition and medical history. The approach of treatment for feline arthritis is two-fold: one to treat the pain and inflammation and the other is to improve your cat's mobility.

If pain and swelling are present, medications may be prescribed, which can offer temporary relief. Common medications used include painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. These drugs must be prescribed by your veterinarian and should not be administered without the doctor's advice. Some drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen and certain NSAIDs have adverse side effects that may not be well tolerated by cats.

Some supplements, such as chondroitin and glucosamine, are sometimes recommended to help in the healing of damaged joints. Glucosamine is one of the components that make up the cartilage while chondroitin inhibits damaging enzymes as it encourages cartilage formation. If the disease has progressed and joint malformation is already present, corrective and reconstructive surgery may be performed.

Supplementing medication

Your cat may have to deal with feline arthritis for the rest of his life, so it's important that he is provided a comfortable place to rest and sleep. A heating pad will greatly increase your cat's comfort although providing a warm place to sleep will usually suffice. Since it often requires extra effort for your cat to move, make sure he has easy access to his bed, food and water bowls. It may also be necessary to help your cat lose weight, as some forms of arthritis are caused and made worse by excess weight.

Symptoms Checklist for Fibromyalgia Pain Conditions

Although fibromyalgia is considered as a rare condition, the symptoms it manifests are equally common. Due to the commonality of the symptoms, it is often mistaken for another health condition. Aside from that, not all symptoms can be observed on a single individual, since it may vary from one patient to another. Pain is the most prevalent symptom of fibromyalgia. Although the pain is not extreme, the patient may experience dull ache throughout the body or in certain muscle groups, tendons and ligaments.

Researchers believe that fibromyalgia patients have brains that are very sensitive to pain signals. The neurotransmitters in these patients' brains are not functioning normally, thus making it extremely sensitive to pain. Some of the areas of the body that are susceptible to fibromyalgia pain are as follows:

* Upper area of the chest

* Shoulder blades

* Upper hips

* Side of the hips

* Shoulder tops

* Rear side of the head

* Front region of the neck

* Outer elbows

* Inner knees

* Left and right jaws

* Upper back

What are the Symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Aside from pain, the condition manifests other symptoms that are more or less prevalent throughout the body. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia include the following:

* Anxiety and depression

* Fatigue

* Stiffness of the joints

* Lack of sleep or difficulty sleeping

* Short-term loss of memory

* Restless leg syndrome

* Irritable bowel syndrome

* Osteoarthritis

* Slow process of recovery or healing from physical injures

* Systemic lupus erythematosus

* Lack of physical strength

* Post-traumatic stress disorder

* Allergic reactions to foods

* Repulsion on certain scents or odors

* Endometriosis

* Rheumatoid arthritis

* Dryness of the mouth and eyes

* Allergic reactions on certain medications

* Restlessness

* Lack of focus or concentration

* Lack of mental abilities or inability to carry out mental tasks

* Dental problems often associated with extraction, rotting and pain

* Swelling sensation on the hands and feet

* Increased voiding or urination

* Frequent numbness of the hands, face, feet and legs

Experts believe that fibromyalgia is a genetic condition. This is because the condition is often discovered in individuals, particularly in women, who have a family history of the condition. If your fibromyalgia condition is genetic, your kids or siblings may exhibit the same symptoms as well. Aside from that, the condition can also be due to a severe infection or an extreme emotional or physical trauma. These factors can also make an individual susceptible to the condition.

Oftentimes, the symptoms mentioned above are misunderstood or neglected. Afflicted individuals often think that they are just feeling lazy. That is the reason why the condition cannot be detected in its early stage. If you suspect that the feeling of uneasiness that you are experiencing is due to the condition, make sure that you avoid delaying the consultation to a specialist. This is to properly diagnose the condition and get immediate relief and treatment.

Take note that prevention is always better than cure. It would be best to learn the trigger factors of the condition and be very familiar with the symptoms so that you can opt for an early diagnosis. Early detection of the problem calls for immediate treatment as well and this can save you from the excruciating pain that you may experience due to the condition.

Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions - List

Before we delve into arthritis different types, it's important to note that arthritis means joint inflammation. It is actually a name given to problems that cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints. It can affect one or more joints and it could mean anything from slight tightness to severe pain and disability. Put simply, there are more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. In fact, here's the compete list of arthritis different types and related conditions.

A-B Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Achilles tendinitis


• Achondroplasia


• Acromegalic arthropathy


• Adhesive capsulitis


• Adult onset Still's disease


• Ankylosing spondylitis


• Anserine bursitis


• Avascular necrosis


• Behcet's syndrome


• Bicipital tendonitis


• Blount's disease


• Brucellar spondylitis


• Bursitis

C-D Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Calcaneal bursitis


• Calcium pyrophosphate dihydrate (CPPD)


• Crystal deposition disease


• Caplan's syndrome


• Carpal tunnel syndrome


• Chondrocalcinosis


• Chondromalacia patellae


• Chronic synovitis


• Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis


• Churg-Strauss syndrome


• Cogan's syndrome


• Corticosteroid-induced osteoporosis


• Costosternal syndrome


• CREST syndrome


• Cryoglobulinemia


• Degenerative joint disease


• Dermatomyositis


• Diabetic finger sclerosis


• Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH)


• Discitis


• Discoid lupus erythematosus


• Drug-induced lupus


• Duchenne's muscular dystrophy


• Dupuytren's contracture

E-F Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Ehlers-Danlos syndrome


• Enteropathic arthritis


• Epicondylitis


• Erosive inflammatory osteoarthritis


• Exercise-induced compartment syndrome


• Fabry's disease


• Familial Mediterranean fever


• Farber's lipogranulomatosis


• Felty's syndrome


• Fibromyalgia


• Fifth's disease


• Flat feet


• Foreign body synovitis


• Freiberg's disease


• Fungal arthritis

G-H Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Gaucher's disease


• Giant cell arteritis


• Gonococcal arthritis


• Goodpasture's syndrome


• Gout


• Granulomatous arteritis


• Hemarthrosis


• Hemochromatosis


• Henoch-Schonlein purpura


• Hepatitis B surface antigen disease


• Hip dysplasia


• Hurler syndrome


• Hypermobility syndrome


• Hypersensitivity vasculitis


• Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy

I-K Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Immune complex disease


• Impingement syndrome


• Jaccoud's arthropathy


• Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis


• Juvenile dermatomyositis


• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis


• Kawasaki disease


• Kienbock's disease

L-N Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease


• Lesch-Nyhan syndrome


• Linear scleroderma


• Lipoid dermatoarthritis


• Lofgren's syndrome


• Lyme disease


• Malignant synovioma


• Marfan's syndrome


• Medial plica syndrome


• Metastatic carcinomatous arthritis


• Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)


• Mixed cryoglobulinemia


• Mucopolysaccharidosis


• Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis


• Multiple epiphyseal dysplasia


• Mycoplasmal arthritis


• Myofascial pain syndrome


• Neonatal lupus


• Neuropathic arthropathy


• Nodular panniculitis

O-P Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Ochronosis


• Olecranon bursitis


• Osgood-Schlatter's disease


• Osteoarthritis


• Osteochondromatosis


• Osteogenesis imperfecta


• Osteomalacia


• Osteomyelitis


• Osteonecrosis


• Osteoporosis


• Overlap syndrome


• Pachydermoperiostosis Paget's disease of bone


• Palindromic rheumatism


• Patellofemoral pain syndrome


• Pellegrini-Stieda syndrome


• Pigmented villonodular synovitis


• Piriformis syndrome


• Plantar fasciitis


• Polyarteritis nodosa


• Polymyalgia rheumatica


• Polymyositis


• Popliteal cysts


• Posterior tibial tendonitis


• Pott's disease


• Prepatellar bursitis


• Prosthetic joint infection


• Pseudoxanthoma elasticum


• Psoriatic arthritis

R-S Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Raynaud's phenomenon


• Reactive arthritis/Reiter's syndrome


• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome


• Relapsing polychondritis


• Retrocalcaneal bursitis


• Rheumatic fever


• Rheumatoid arthritis


• Rheumatoid vasculitis


• Rotator cuff tendonitis


• Sacroiliitis


• Salmonella osteomyelitis


• Sarcoidosis


• Saturnine gout


• Scheuermann's osteochondritis


• Scleroderma


• Septic arthritis


• Seronegative arthritis


• Shigella arthritis


• Shoulder-hand syndrome


• Sickle cell arthropathy


• Sjogren's syndrome


• Slipped capital femoral epiphysis


• Spinal stenosis


• Spondylolysis


• Staphylococcus arthritis


• Stickler syndrome


• Subacute cutaneous lupus


• Sweet's syndrome


• Sydenham's chorea


• Syphilitic arthritis


• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

T-Z Arthritis Different Types and Related Conditions

• Takayasu's arteritis


• Tarsal tunnel syndrome


• Tennis elbow


• Tietse's syndrome


• Transient osteoporosis


• Traumatic arthritis


• Trochanteric bursitis


• Tuberculosis arthritis


• Arthritis of Ulcerative colitis


• Undifferentiated connective tissue syndrome (UCTS)


• Urticarial vasculitis


• Viral arthritis


• Wegener's granulomatosis


• Whipple's disease


• Wilson's disease


• Yersinial arthritis

Arthritis Different Types-- Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. As such, we will discuss these two types in more detail.

Osteoarthritis, also called degenerative joint disease involves the breakdown and eventual loss of the cartilage of one or more joints.

Symptoms of osteoarthritis include:

• Mild aching to severe pain and loss of mobility, especially in the evening, due to joint stiffness.


• Usually affects the weight-bearing joints - the knees, hips, and facet joints (in the spine), as well as the finger joints.

Osteoarthritis is primarily associated with aging and injury. In fact, it was once called "wear-and-tear" arthritis and it affects nearly everyone past age sixty. Although it can develop before age forty, it is said to be rare. In truth, the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. However, about 20 million Americans are affected by osteoarthritis.

Supplements that may be helpful for Osteoarthritis

For supplements that may be helpful for Osteoarthritis, please click on the link below.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a type of inflammatory arthritis, is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system improperly identifies the synovial membrane as foreign and, as such, inflammation results, damaging cartilage and tissue around the joints. Often, the bone surfaces are destroyed as well. Joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis include the hands, knees, wrists, and feet.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include:

• Swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness, and pain in the affected joint. Usually more severe in the morning.


• Fatigue.


• Fever.


• Chills.


• Body aches.


• Joint deformity.


• Weight loss.

It affects about 2.1 million Americans and roughly 75% of them are females. In addition, it frequently occurs in people under forty five and when the disorder occurs in children under sixteen years old, it is known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown or should we say it is still not well understood.

Supplements that may be helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis

For supplements that may be helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis, please click on the link below.

Natural Remedies For Psoriatic Arthritis

Around 2% of Caucasians in the United States fall victim to this skin disease. Psoriasis causes skin to become red and scaly and although it can affect any part of the body, it usually seeks out the elbows, knees and scalp. In Europe, some people go to the famous Dead Sea in Israel to find relief. Psoriatic arthritis develops in people that have psoriasis and the ratio is about 2%. The symptoms of this particular form of arthritis are similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis. Most people come down with this disease between the ages of 35 to 45, but of course, there are exceptions.

This form of arthritis is usually caused by psoriatic lesions, which are typical of psoriasis sufferers. These lesions keep re-surfacing once the arthritis has started. For more clarity, think about certain body parts: if you have psoriasis in your nails, for example, you could develop the arthritis in your hand. So basically, this form of arthritis is usually found near a body part affected near where the skin has broken out. On the good side, the flare-ups are usually mild and are not regular.

Although, this is certainly a serious condition, treatments are many and varied. Often doctors recommend certain medications with success. On the other hand, others turn to natural therapies to get pain relief.

If you want to look at natural therapies, then a trip to your local health store might be a good idea. Usually they are very helpful and can give good advice. Another idea would be to visit a naturopath who specializes in arthritis. You can also do research yourself - on the problem to understand it further and also to seek out information about natural remedies.

One of the main remedies you can take is Omega 3 fatty acids as they can really help calm down your symptoms and relieve pain as well as slow down damage to the joints.

Other possibilities include borage, evening primrose, tumeric curcumin and bromelain.

All these can be obtained in supplement form so they are easy to ingest. As with any form of the disease, diet is important as certain foods can trigger outbreaks.

Also, it is important to talk to your doctor to obtain his views. Psoriatic arthritis sufferers do have a lot of options to help alleviate their pain.

Benefits of Green and Matcha Tea Against Arthritis - This Tea May Prevent and Cure Your Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis takes place when the immune system attacks itself, affecting the joints (and other body areas) and creating inflammation, pain, swelling and bone/joint degeneration.

The 'miracle' drink benefits. Besides great anti-oxidant effects, matcha - which can be dissolved in warm or cold milk/soy/almond milk with honey (or your choice of natural sweetener) after being whisked to a perfect blend - may be able to help you prevent arthritis or minimize its symptoms. If this is true, this may explain why my constant intake of matcha powder may have, despite being diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis very young, played a part in the fact that I don't suffer from any symptoms.

Summary of the Results. Recent studies revealed that the mice who were given matcha over a period of time were showing only minor symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis and they all surfaced with significant delays compared to the mice who were given plain water. Further examination of the animals' joint tissue revealed that those who took matcha showed a much lower disease penetration than those who had been given plain water, who showed massive 'penetration' of the disease.

Geographical Occurrence to confirm the positive impact of matcha on Arthritis. Countries such as Japan, China and India seem to have a much lower incidence of Rheumatoid Arthritis; basically, it is not as widespread as in other areas (such as North America, Canada or even Europe). Since these 'healthier' regions (and their inhabitants) regard matcha as therapeutic and consume it regularly, it could safely be assumed that matcha's benefits against Rheumatoid Arthritis are real and larger than we thought. At the same time, those 'healthier' regions consume much less red meat and follow a more 'naturopathic' approach to health, which could also be significant in the prevention and treatment of chronic degenerative diseases such as Arthritis.

On a footnote, I now buy all my green tea and matcha tea OUTSIDE of Japan, since European controls (which are stricter than in other continents) have recently found 'excessive radioactive materials' in green tea ingredients coming from Japan. You can read about this on Japan Times online.

6 Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis - Could I Really Have RA?

The signs of rheumatoid arthritis are not as hidden and unnoticeable as some people seem to believe. Although there are indeed rheumatoid arthritis signs that some people might not be able to pick up on, there are still PLENTY of other symptoms that you'll be able to notice and clearly identify. What are those signs & symptoms? Take a look below to find out.

6 Typical Signs of Rheumatoid Arthritis...

1. Joint Pain: The most obvious of all arthritis signs. If you have sudden, lingering joint pain which can not be contributed to an injury of some kind, it could very well be the onset of RA. Most be a constant, unwavering pain that doesn't fade over time.

2. Joint Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue that is not your typical level of "tired". Your joints ache and it would just be better for them if you were to lay down and not do anything at all.

3. Low Energy: A drastic decrease in energy level. This is a bit like joint fatigue, except that it is an "all over body" feeling which effects more than just joints.

4. Swollen Joints: This isn't a little redness, this is SWOLLEN to the extreme. Your joints will be enlarged, red, tender, and of course painful. This "flare up" won't be just a freak occurrence, but more than likely a DAILY thing. This is one of the signs of rheumatoid arthritis that will NOT be able to go unnoticed, period.

5. Low Grade Fever: One of those signs of rheumatoid arthritis that may be hard to pick up on -- as this may be something that you just pass off as being the usual "flu". Be sure to take notice of the length of the flu and/or other possible flu-like symptoms. If it is in fact just a flu, then it should pass in time and not return too frequently. On the other hand, if it IS a fever brought on by RA and it is ALSO accompanied by other signs of rheumatoid arthritis, well, you can put the pieces together, can't you?

6. Swollen Glands: Glands may start to swell for no apparent reason. If there is no other cause (that you know of), then it is indeed possible you could be suffering from RA. As usual, take into account if you are experiencing other signs of rheumatoid arthritis so you don't make a false diagnosis; thereby scaring yourself into unnecessary treatments.

Remember, these 6 signs of rheumatoid arthritis won't be experienced every "now & again" -- but SEVERAL times a week, if not on a daily basis. This, without a doubt, is the most important aspect in determining if you have RA. If it's just a temporary thing that passes and doesn't return, well, then you're probably in the clear.

Knuckle Cracking, Damp Weather, Nightshade Foods and More Arthritis Myths Dispelled

As arthritis is such a common medical problem affecting millions of people all around the world it isn't surprising that a series of myths have emerged which many of us have come to regard as real facts.

It's quite understandable how many people have come to regard arthritis as an "old persons" condition, something that might affect your elderly relatives. Whilst this may well be true, it isn't quite so widely appreciated that some forms of arthritis can affect younger people. And it's possible to sustain joint injuries at any age which can lead to osteoarthritis, which is one of the most common forms of arthritis.

It is estimated that more than half of arthritis sufferers are under the age of 65, but juvenile arthritis can begin in children as young as infants and toddlers. Arthritis affects many people as they age it is certainly not an inevitable part of aging. In fact, according to the American College of Rheumatology, one third of people older than age 70 show no x-ray evidence of osteoarthritis. And out of the 70 percent of people who do show signs of joint deterioration associated with osteoarthritis in x-rays, only half of them actually develop symptoms.

Does damp weather lead to arthritis?

It's a very common assumption that that the aches and pains of arthritis are brought on by cold and damp weather, and according to the Arthritis Foundation, nearly half of arthritis patients think they can predict the weather. But the medical studies to confirm this have been inconclusive. Having said that it is recognised that warmer milder weather may make arthritis sufferers feel better, but it might well be because they are more active in milder weather than they are during the bleaker winter months.

Arthritis and exercise: good or bad?

There is a school of thought that exercise aggravates the symptoms of arthritis. But the Fitness Arthritis and Seniors Trial which was the largest clinical trial to evaluate the effect of exercise on arthritis sufferers, found that those in the study that exercised regularly had significant improvements in symptoms of physical disability, as well as increased physical performance and reduced pain.

It is recognized that exercise promotes function and mobility, controls weight and strengthens the muscles that support the joints but keep in mind that this relates to moderate exercise like walking, Aquafit or perhaps Tai Chi, and that high-impact exercises like running, especially if your knees bother you, should probably be avoided.
Arthritis and diet

Research shows that a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains, complemented by a diet that includes the "good" fats found in fish and olive oil and nuts may be particularly effective at protecting joints and helping to relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

But not all foods are equal when it comes to relieving arthritis symptoms and there is a question mark over whether vegetables in the "nightshade" family including potatoes, tomatoes, aubergine and peppers, can worsen symptoms. And whilst the medical jury is still out on this one and the longer term studies are completed it does seems that certain foods may worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, at least in some people.

Knuckle-cracking: more than just annoying?

I remember my relatives warning me not to crack my knuckles as a child because it would cause arthritis later in life, so you may have heard this story too. And although it may seem a plausible conclusion, so far the medical studies have found no association between knuckle-cracking and arthritis.

Knuckle cracking may remain an annoying habit, which might eventually affect your grip or your strength, it doesn't actually mean that the knuckle cracker will develop arthritis later in life. But on reflection you might prefer to keep this secret fact to yourself in the company of your children or grandchildren.

When Treating Arthritis, There are Definite Foods to Avoid, and Specific Arthritis Foods to Eat

Foods to Avoid

You need to make sure that the calcium to phosphorus ratio in any of the foods you eat is as low as possible - this is because excess phosphorus will increase the loss of calcium from the body and worsen the condition. The more phosphorous-containing foods you eat, the more you need to supplement with a good source of calcium.

Reduce your intake of:

o red meat, red-fleshed fish

o most grains, especially wheat.

Eliminate:

o soft drinks - high in phosphoric acid

o organ meat (liver, kidney), processed meat - especially high in phosphorus

o caffeine - increases the rate of loss of minerals and nutrients

o fried foods and vegetable oil - a high intake of fried foods and omega 6 from vegetable oil can make the inflammation worse

o sugar - results in poor absorption of nutrients

o antacids - neutralize stomach acid and result in poor absorption of calcium (heartburn and indigestion are caused by poor eating habits and NOT ENOUGH stomach acid!)

Important Note: Eliminate the bad fats such as margarine, cooking with too much vegetable oil and fried foods from your diet. A high intake of vegetable oil (a source of Omega 6) needs to be avoided as this will aggravate any inflammation.

Arthritis Foods

The best arthritis foods are diets high in calcium and magnesium and other trace minerals - this will ensure healthy bone and bone matrix structure. Specific nutrients are also required to build bone and bone structure.
Calcium: Non fat milk, yoghurt, cottage cheese, snow peas, soybeans, tofu, sardines, salmon, walnuts and almonds, sunflower seeds, kale and other green leafy vegetables, broccoli, alfalfa seeds - to name a few. Milk isn't a great source of calcium because it has a low magnesium content and you need magnesium to get the calcium into your bones.

Magnesium: Many fruits and vegetables, whole grains, leafy vegetables, nuts, beans, bananas and apricots - all these make great arthritis foods.
Vitamin D: is required to get the calcium into the bones. The best source is the sun - about 10 minutes per day is fine. Other sources include dairy products and fatty fish.

Trace minerals: Boron and Manganese are important to help the body absorb Calcium; the best sources of Boron are green leafy vegetables, apples, almonds pears and legumes. For Manganese, look for ginger and oats as your arthritis foods.

Collagen & Support Tissues: Collagen is part of our bone matrix, the cartilage in our joints and in the fluid that protects and lubricates our joints. It's also part of our skin, hair and the connective tissues of the body.

Arthritis foods containing the following nutrients will provide nutrition for bone support: zinc, copper, selenium and beta-carotene (Vitamin A). Green leafy vegetables and pumpkin seeds are good sources of zinc; selenium may be found in brazil nuts from Brazil (because of the high selenium content in the soil); while Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, berries, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli and spinach. Eggs and meat are good sources of amino acids which form part of the collagen structure.
Essential Fatty Acids - are excellent arthritis foods and are required for the body's natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory responses. They are also part of the protective joint fluid. Best sources are from fish (particularly oily fish such as salmon and mackerel), animal fat and some oils such as flaxseed (for omega 3)and borage oil (for omega 6).

Regarding essential fatty acids, ideally you should consume Omega 6 EFA & Omega 3 EFA at a ratio of 2:1. Most people find it very difficult to get this right (the average ratio in the U.S. and UK is around 10:1) so we suggest you use an EFA Supplement from a quality source.

Final Note on Arthritis Foods

While it is possible to meet some of your dietary requirements from the food you eat, if you are serious about preventing or reversing arthritis, you need to consume these arthritis foods in combination with nutrient supplements.

Also consider that the majority of the food we eat is grown in minerally-depleted soils - so an almond may not contain all the calcium and magnesium it's supposed to have, sad but true!

If you have a busy lifestyle, eat junk food and/or can't get enough fresh food in your daily life, then you should consider supplementing with all 90 essential nutrients including plant derived colloidal minerals and supplements containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids.

Calcium and magnesium are normally very difficult to absorb from our arthritis foods diet and from supplements, however, calcium liquid supplements containing Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, Vitamin D and Glucosamine are a good way to supplement your diet.

Supplements that specifically assist with maintenance and repair of the joint such as Glucosamine, are also beneficial. If you suffer pain and inflammation, then CM Cream has been scientifically and medically proven to relieve pain and improve mobility.

The use of a digestive enzyme supplement - will improve the absorption of the good arthritis foods you eat and will maximize the benefit you receive from taking supplements. As we all reach the age of 40, our stomach acid concentration begins to fall and this can lead to complications of existing chronic disease conditions, such arthritis.

Summary

1. Avoid foods high in phosphorus - particularly SOFT DRINKS, processed foods, processed meat and organ meat. No fried foods, cooking oil or margarine - use butter small amounts of extra virgin olive oil.

2. Eliminate caffeine and sugar from your diet and stop taking antacids.

3. Consume food with a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables and eggs. Reduce your intake of red meat and fish.

4. Consider the use of supplements to support and reverse your arthritis, and digestive enzymes to maximise the absorption of the food and of the supplements.

Arthritis - Common Arthritis Symptoms and Diagnosis

Arthritis is an ailment which involves a number of painful conditions of the joints and the bones. There are a number of different types of this disease. Most types are inflammatory while others are degenerative in nature.

The disease may be preceded or coupled by an episode of fatigue and feeling of weakness. The pains in the joints most of the time starts in the hands, particularly in the knuckles. Most of the time, the pain are felt in both hands simultaneously, as in the case of one of the most typical form called rheumatoid arthritis.

Other usual forms of arthritis include osteoarthritis, gout arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis arthritis, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and septic arthritis.

Other forms of arthritis can emerge as a result of an infection. For instance, bacteria causing gonorrhea or Lyme disease can also lead to arthritis. Arthritis that are caused by infection can cause serious injuries, but generally clears up completely with the use of antibiotics.

Scleroderma, a systemic ailment which involves the skin, may incorporate harms with the blood vessels, internal organs as well as the joints. Another disease called fibromyalgia syndrome is soft-tissue rheumatism that does not usually result to the deformation of the joints but affects an estimated number of 5 million Americans which are mostly women. Over 100 various types of arthritis and arthritis related conditions have been reported.

In making a diagnosis, there are a number of common symptoms of arthritis that have to be considered. These common symptoms of arthritis can be found in tandem with different forms of arthritis. A person may likely to have arthritis if they have been experiencing any of these common symptoms of arthritis such as persistent joint pains, unexplainable weight loss or non-specific fever.

Joint deformities, inflammation as indicated by joint swelling, redness, stiffness and/or warmth, loss of range of movement or flexibility in a joint, extreme fatigue and lack of energy are also some of the common symptoms of arthritis.

Due to the fact that there are a lot of existing types of arthritis, there are many tests that are being performed for arthritis and its related diseases. Your medical doctor will be in charge of ordering tests basing on your comprehensive listing of symptoms. Some of the tests and procedures that may help diagnose arthritis include online self-assessments, such as self-assessment for candidiasis and the magnesium deficiency assessment. This self-testing procedure can aid you in determining the root causes of your persistent conditions.

There are also certain saliva tests which can make you check if you have an acid alkaline imbalance. According to recent studies, the reduction on the levels of acidity in the body can have a good effect on improving the common symptoms of arthritis.

Blood tests can also be done. Patients who suffer with arthritis have inflammatory markers found in their blood. These tests may include checking for the presence of positive rheumatoid factor, presence of citrullinated peptide or CCP antibody, checking the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and checking for the levels of C-reactive protein or CRP.

Arthritis and the Lower Back Pain Relation

Arthritis is one of the most pervasive diseases in the United States and is the leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention one out of every three Americans is affected by one of the more than 100 types of arthritis. Arthritis simply means a painful condition of the joints. There are different types of the disease - many inflammatory and others more degenerative in nature. Across the world there are 350 million people suffer from the chronic joint inflammation of Arthritis. In US the number reaches to the 37 to 40 million. All of us know that there should the joint pain that is accompanied by the arthritis. The joint pain referred as the arthralgia. To suppress the join pain all of the people search for the natural arthritis treatment.

There are many forms of arthritis (over one hundred and growing). The forms range from those related to wear and tear of cartilage (such as osteoarthritis) to those associated with inflammation resulting from an over-active immune system (like rheumatoid arthritis).Together, the many forms of arthritis make up the most common chronic illness in the United States. People are spontaneous to react in way of finding the treatment of arthritis symptoms and anxiety of its various forms.

In the world there are two types of arthritis- 1) Osteoarthritis and 2) Rheumatoid arthritis. The Osteoarthritis mainly affects the cartilages of or around the bones. The cartilages provide the bone with the cushion and thus to protect it from the rubbing friction. On the other hand the Rheumatoid arthritis is the joint chronic inflammation that also the affect the body autoimmune system. Rheumatoid arthritis is also the main disease that causes the pain in or around the joints. Only the arthritis low back pain relief is the main pain suppression methodology for both of the arthritis. Here Autoimmune disease must be explained. The autoimmune disease is that illness by the blood antibody or the cells whose main job is to seeking and destroying body invaders preferably the infections mistakenly attack the body tissues.

For most people arthritis pain and inflammation cannot be avoided as the body ages. In fact, most people over the age of 50 show some signs of arthritis. Joints naturally degenerate over time. Fortunately, arthritis can be managed through a combination of medication, exercise, rest, weight-management, nutrition, and, in some cases, surgery. Your doctor can tell if you have arthritis through blood tests and x-rays. He or she will then be able to help you decide on the best treatment for arthritis for your case.

Arthritis In Fingers - Diagnosis and Treatment

Find easy to understand information about arthritis in fingers here in order to manage the problem effectively. Arthritis is a painful condition when the cartilages between joints in our body become worn out. The cartilage serves as a lubricant and cushion for the joints. Without the cushioning effect, the joints will rub against each other and cause inflammation and joint pain. Various forms of arthritis will develop in different way which will disable us to perform simple action such as gripping, grasping things and even the strength to move the hands.

A few common forms of arthritis in fingers are psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis pain and rheumatoid arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is related to the skin condition psoriasis which causes pain in the distal joints near the fingernails. Osteoarthritis is the infamous type of arthritis as a result of having worn out cartilage between the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is cause by deficiency in the bones. The patients will feel stiffness in fingers particularly in the morning. It may lead to more deformities of the hands such as the fingers may gradually shift away from the thumb.

The symptoms of the abovementioned arthritis in fingers are listed below.

- Pain in the joints. The joints become swollen, red and warm.

- Numbness and stiffness in fingers

- Lumps, nodules and bone spurs will develop around the knuckles.

- The hands will appear deformed.

- Difficult to execute motion like opening jars, gripping and twisting object.

Arthritis in Fingers - Early Treatment to Prevent Surgery

The patients with arthritis in fingers may escape surgery if early treatment is effective in managing the symptoms. Change of diet is necessary to avoid food which can cause inflammation. Intake of joint supplement with chondroitin and glucosamine may be helpful to slowdown wearing out of cartilage between the joints. Heat and ice treatment, anti-inflammatory medications, and cortisone injections are ways to reduce stiffness and pain to facilitate movement of the hand. Seek consultation and treatment from a doctor in order to receive the appropriate treatment. The doctor may work with a physical therapist to assist you to find a splint to help to support and control movement of the hand with arthritis.

Exercises intended to build strength helps to keep the hands healthy. Regular simple exercises like shoulder shrugs, stretching and shaking of fingers, wrist and arms also improve blood flows and reduce your risk of getting arthritis. Although the pain and stiffness may discourage you to carry out physically demanding activities, it is important to keep your body and hands active. Swimming, tai chi and other low impact exercises are highly recommended for patients to manage the symptoms of arthritis in fingers.

The Lupus Diet - What You Eat Can Effect Your Symptoms

If you suffer from lupus, you might be interested in creating your own "lupus diet." Why? Because there's no denying that the foods we eat can affect our bodies in different ways. And the foods you eat can also have an effect on your lupus symptoms. Some foods can relieve your symptoms, while others will make them worse. And creating a "lupus diet" comes down to eating more of the former, and avoiding the latter.

Avoid Saturated Fats

Lupus can increase your chances of developing heart disease. And eating saturated fats makes you even more susceptible. Saturated fats can also cause inflammation, which is a major contributor to lupus pain. So those who are suffering from lupus should stick to foods that are low in fat.

Eat More Fish

Fish can be beneficial to people suffering from many different autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's disease, and lupus. The fish oil found in really fatty fish can help alleviate symptoms like pain and swelling of the joints, and inflammation around the heart and lungs. So try to work more mackerel, albacore tuna, anchovies, herring, and Pacific salmon into your diet.

Other Foods to Avoid

There are many other foods that can worsen lupus symptoms and cause lupus flares. Alfalfa can stimulate the immune system. While this is usually a good thing, it isn't in those whose immune systems are attacking their own bodies. Eating eggs can cause your body to produce biochemicals that can potentially cause or worsen inflammation. And eating hot dogs, cured meats, beans and mushrooms can also aggravate lupus symptoms.

Keep a Food Diary

But not everyone with lupus is affected in the same ways by the same foods. So consider keeping a food diary. Write down any foods you eat, and also make a note any time your symptoms seem worse than usual. If you symptoms get worse every time you eat a certain food, this is probably a food you should avoid.

By learning how different foods can affect lupus, you can create a "lupus diet" that will help keep your symptoms under control.

Reasons for a Yeast Free Diet

Considering a candida diet? It might be the solution if you are having recurrent yeast problems. Candida albican bacteria are a type of yeast and recurring infections happen when these yeast overtake your body. While everyone has a certain amount of bacteria in their system, excessive yeast can create problems. Following a yeast free diet is one way of starving those little critters out of your body; alleviating the symptoms of yeast infections.

Many people with problems such as oral yeast infections, vaginal yeast infections and other symptoms of yeast overgrowth receive medical treatment in the form of products like Difflucan, Fluconazole or over the counter medications.

When these infections come back repeatedly many look to other yeast infection cures such as candida cleanses and a candida diet. If you are prone to excess bacterium in your body, changing your eating habits can help. Because medication can take away these problems doesn't mean they won't grow back. Many women and men find that they get these symptoms several times a year and many are tired of medicating so look to more natural remedies.

The act of changing the foods you eat to starve candida and eradicate them from your body can be very effective. Many healthy foods contain yeast so it's not just that you're eating poorly when you have a yeast problem, it can be because your body is consuming foods that create a thriving environment in which yeast grows. Making changes and removing the yeast in your diet can result in a more harmonious environment for positive flora or bacterium to grow and overtake the bad bacteria that causes the unpleasant symptoms and discomfort.

What can trigger yeast infections?

You can be extremely prone to them as well as experience them due to: birth control pills, extremely high sugar content in your diet, taking antibiotics or other medications as well.

Yeast fee diets are common and can mean that you do not eat breads, you stop drinking alcoholic beverages, you reduce your sugar intake and avoid fungi such as mushrooms. You might want to take a supplement with probiotics to work to create a better balance in your body as well as eat probiotic yogurt and prebiotic cheeses.

While many people find it difficult to give up some of the foods that they love, they do find that drastically reducing the yeast intake in their diet can make a big difference. There are many short term candida cleanses as well as changes to the diet that can help. While dietary changes might not have to be permanent, you might find that drastically reducing your yeast intake can inhibit yeast growth to where you rarely (if ever) have a problem with yeast infections.

Many people find that following a yeast free diet for a minimum of a month is necessary to ensure they've created a more harmonious environment in their body. Not only can a yeast free diet help you with candida problems but you can also find benefits that include loss of excess body weight, improved memory and concentration functions, fewer headaches, experience relief from irritable bowel syndrome, feeling of increased energy and more vibrancy, improved sleeping habits, improved rheumatoid arthritis symptoms, other health benefits as well.

Severe Yeast Infection in the Gut

If the medical condition known as a severe yeast infection is not treated then it becomes even worse, creating a more serious, harmful condition than the yeast infection started out as being. Yeast infection occur because of the fungus known as monilia or candida albicans.

An infection can affect the mouth, the ears, the skin, the gut, and the vagina. Because of its many complications, a yeast infection in the gut is considered to be the most sever infection out of all of them. This is also known as intestinal permeability.

When the candida fungus enter its second stage and begins to develop hypha or roots, openings occur in the gut wall and this is called leaky gut. The hyphae will then grow and spread through the walls of the bowel, allowing the dangerous microorganisms to get through.

This syndrome of having a leaky gut can cause many immune and inflammatory symptoms such as multiple sclerosis, food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, Chron's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and eczema.

The following are symptoms that occur when you have a leaky gut.

You can have allergies to food.

You can feel bloated, or experience cramps or gas after you consume food.

You may have diarrhea or constipation.

You might experience headaches, be very irritable, or not be able to concentrate.

Your face may swell when you smell something that is strong.

A lot of times, an infection in the gut occurs because of medicines or antibiotics that kill off probiotic flora that is good for you. An infection in the gut is a very severe infection and may be caused by one of these things:

Drinking more alcohol or taking in more caffeine than usual.

Consuming more carbohydrates that are refined than usual such as soft drinks, cake, candy bars, white bread, and many other things.

If you have been taking too many antibiotics which will destroy all the good bacteria in your body, allowing candida to grow and create an infection.

Many people who have too much candida in their body will be given some antacids and instructed to use treatments that work on other yeast infections, but this will not work for someone that has a candida yeast infection in their gut.

There is not a quick and simple way to cure a leaky gut. It will take years to get rid of the infection and the symptoms of it. The best way to treat a yeast infection as severe as a leaky gut is to change your life completely and your diet while under the supervision and care of a medical doctor.

The Problem With Glutathione As An Anti-Aging Supplement

In simple terms what is Glutathione?

Glutathione is a naturally occurring antioxidant that exists in every cell in the human body including the skin. It is said to be the world's most powerful antioxidant. While it does occur naturally, over time the natural production of glutathione declines with age and that deficiency causes age-related diseases.

How does Glutathione benefit me?

Glutathione is the human body's most abundant, natural antioxidant. Glutathione protects your vision, strengthens the immune system, aids in turning carbohydrates into energy, and prevents the accumulation of oxidized fats that may contribute to atherosclerosis.

The Glutathione in your skin helps protect your skin from sunburn and wrinkling. There is an old saying that goes like this: "As your skin goes, so goes the rest of your body".

Glutathione may help offset the physical effects and problems of aging. Adequate levels of glutathione are needed to help the immune system fight off free-radical damage, infection, and illness. Glutathione can prevent or diminish symptoms of conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the results of Glutatione deficiency?

Glutathione deficiency is a leading cause of oxidative damage in the human body, which plays an important role in aging and the devastating effects of many diseases including Alzheimers, Parkinsons, liver disease, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, HIV, AIDS, cancer, heart attack, and diabetes.

A Glutathione deficiency can have a debilitating effect on the nervous system, causing problems such as lack of balance and coordination, mental disorders, and tremors. Any illness such as the flu or even a bad cold, chronic conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, simple injuries, or heavy exposure to pollutants can cause a Glutathione deficiency. This is because your body uses more Glutathione when it is producing white blood cells and attempting to rid the body of toxins.

Can I get enough Glutathione in my diet?

Glutathione is found in almost all fruits and vegetables. Winter (yellow) squash, asparagus, avocados, cantaloupes, grapefruits, okra, oranges, peaches, potatoes, spinach, strawberries, tomatoes, and zucchini are all good sources of GSH. Some vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and kale, not only provide the body with Glutatione, but also actually stimulate the body's production of more of this amazing antioxidant. Cooking destroys a lot of the glutathione in fresh fruits and vegetables. In order to get the most Glutatione from these foods is by eating them raw or steamed. Foods high in glutamine, such as lean meats, eggs, wheat germ, whey protein and whole grains, can also stimulate the liver to produce more Glutathione naturally.

How effective are naturally occurring forms of Glutathione?

Although Glutathione is found naturally in many fruits, vegetables, and meats, absorption rates of glutathione from food sources in the human gastrointestinal tract are low.

Can I take a Glutathione supplement?

Although glutathione is marketed as a nutritional supplement, there is no evidence that most Glutathione supplements actually increase the levels of Glutathione in the cells. However oral supplements of whey protein do appear to aid in the restoration of cellular levels of Glutathione.

Glutathione is also included in many multivitamin and multi-nutrient formulations, however their effectiveness come into question.

Are there any side effects of supplementing with Glutathione?

There is no Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Glutathione, but supplements have no known harmful side effects. Glutathione supplements can be expensive, but there is some question about the body's ability to absorb most supplements efficiently.

There appear to be no risks associated with Glutathione supplementation, even using up to several grams a day.

What are the precautions?

At this time, the only established precautions are sensitivity to any of the inactive ingredients in the various preparations of Glutathione or the products used to stimulate Glutathione levels. There are some studies that suggests supplementing it may be helpful to some cancer patients.

Conclusion

Increased levels of Glutathione (GSH) strengthen your immune system, increase your energy level, and enhance the body's fight against aging and the ailments of aging. Increased levels of GSH also result in a faster recovery from strenuous exercise regimens.

Your enhanced immune system will make you less susceptible to illness and the effects and multiple ailments of aging. You will also experience a higher level of alertness and experience a more rapid recovery from strenuous exercise with shorter periods of soreness.

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.

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.

The Terrifying Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis!

What are the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? Each person seems to experience RA differently. Sometimes the onset is sudden, other times it can be very gradual. Almost all RA cases involve flare-ups and remissions - alternating stages of chronic pain followed by no symptoms at all. Over time, however, flare-ups become more severe and remissions become few and far between.

One of the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is joint pain, particularly in the smaller joints of the hands, wrists, and feet. This joint pain is usually symmetrical, meaning it affects both sides of the body (both hands instead of just one, for instance). The painful areas are often red, swollen, and tender to the touch. One of the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis is fever, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms accompanied by aches and pains all over.

Additionally, almost all RA sufferers will experience morning stiffness that lasts an hour or more each day. Over time, even resting and remaining motionless for just a few minutes will cause stiffness. Range of motion of the affected joints will also be reduced. Tiny bumps called nodules may also occur around the joints - these are caused by swollen blood vessels.

Over time, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis become increasingly debilitating. Hand and foot deformities are common, as well as eye problems such as itching and burning. Numbness of the skin, chronic fever, swollen glands, and paleness frequently occur. Anemia is another common symptom, caused by the failure of bone marrow to produce enough red blood cells.

Occasionally, damage to the lungs and spinal chord may occur, as well as rheumatoid vasculitis, which is inflammation of the blood vessels. Rheumatoid vasculitis can lead to skin ulcers, infections, and tingling/numbness. In rare cases, the brain and heart can be affected, leading to stroke or heart attack.

Sufferers of Rheumatoid Arthritis Need to Know About the Benefits of Fish Oil

Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful disorder that primarily affects the small joints of the body. (RA) afflicts close to one percent of the world's population. The term rheumatoid arthritis, comes from the term rheumatic fever, and is an illness associated with inflammation of joints which causes pain for those afflicted.

Who is affected by this disorder?

Studies show that (RA) can strike at any age, with the greatest occurrence manifesting itself in persons between forty and fifty years of age. Women are three times as likely to contract (RA) as men. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an auto-immune disease, and would require that patients see a specialist in these types of diseases known as a rheumatologist. (RA) occurs when there is inflammation in the synovial joint. These joints are the most common type of joints found in human beings. Inflammation takes place when excess synovial fluids build up in a joint, which causes pain and loss of mobility. When rheumatoid arthritis develops, particularly in the areas of the hands and feet, deformities, appearing as lumps below the skin, cause joints to appear misshapen. These boil like bulges also often appear on the elbows of those suffering from (RA).

How do I know if I am developing rheumatoid arthritis?

Symptoms that may indicate the development of (RA) can include fatigue or running of a fever. This is where the term rheumatic fever was coined. Other common and more obvious symptoms would be joint tenderness and swelling. Another common symptom can we stiffness in the joint area of the hands or feet that lasts for several hours. If one finds puffy or inflamed joint areas that continue to increase in severity over time, your doctor should be notified. Many people mistake several of the common symptoms as flu or the onset of a cold. Since it is common for symptoms to appear, and then recede, it's advisable that you consult your family doctor if you experience these changes to your system. Additionally, people who work with computer key boards and spend much of the day typing, often mistake symptoms of (RA) with carpel tunnel syndrome.

How does fish oil play a role in treatment?

Many clinical studies over the years have shown the efficacy of Omega 3 fish oil in fighting inflammation. The medical community has deduced that inflammation is a major cause of serious complications when fighting several kinds of medical problems from diabetes to chronic kidney disease. Inflamed organs such as the kidneys, and especially the heart, lose functionality as the inflammation gets worse. The same basic issue is present with rheumatoid arthritis. The inflammation caused from the buildup of fluid on the joints causes pain and joint disfigurement for the patient.

Studies linking (RH) and fish oil

The benefits of taking Omega 3 fish oil have been shown to inhibit the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis according to studies conducted at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The benefits of fish oil as a supplement appear to be two-fold. In addition to the anti-inflammatory properties found in fatty acids like EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid, and DHA, docosahexaenoic acid, studies indicate that a regimen of fish oil can lessen the total dependence on (NSAIDs) or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Different people respond in various ways to (NSAIDs), and side effects include, upset stomach, blood clots and possible heart attack. The Center for Genetics, Nutrition and Health found that while Omega 6 fatty acids contributed to inflammation, Omega 3 fish oil and the fatty acids contained within, showed great anti-inflammatory characteristics and were helpful in managing inflammation and autoimmune diseases.

Conclusion

Now that we know the benefits of Omega 3 fish oil in fighting symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, sufferers of this disease can feel assured by the fact that fish oil offers an all natural way to augment other drug therapies, thus, providing for a better quality of life.

Can Omega-3 Supplements Help Reduce Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms?

Omega-3 supplementation has gained most of its attention secondary to its affect on the cardiovascular system. Research supports the use of these n-3 fatty acids for people with cardiovascular issues secondary to their ability to stimulate blood circulation and reduce clot and scar formation. Most notably there is strong evidence that Omega-3 helps to reduce blood triglyceride levels and reduces the risk of a heart attack. People with other circulatory issues including high blood pressure and varicose veins can also benefit from supplementation.

But what does this have to do with arthritis?

Of all the supplements that have been evaluated by research, Omega-3 (specifically fish oil) demonstrate the greatest effectiveness in reducing symptoms associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Omega-3 fatty acids work to help minimize the effect of Omega-6 fatty acids in the body. The Omega-6 fatty acids are considered 'proinflammatory' compounds. These compounds not only have an effect on the cardiovascular system but the immune system as well. As rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, supplementing with Omega-3 fatty acids help to reduce inflammation and support the immune system.

It is important to note that most benefits associated with taking Omega-3 supplements are not realized until after a minimum of 12 weeks of taking 3g (3000 mg) of fish oil (DHA/EPA). Supplementing with Omega-3/fish oil can also be enhanced by increasing the consumption of Omega-3 rich foods such as salmon, tuna, trout, walnuts, flaxseed oil, and tofu is also suggested. In addition, because Omega-3 works to offset the inflammatory effects of Omega-6 compounds, reducing the intake of these Omega-6 'proinflammatory' fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation. Four major food oils including palm, soybean, rapeseed, and sunflower all contain high levels of Omega-6 and should be used sparingly.

Based on the research, Omega-3 supplementation not only demonstrates cardiovascular benefits but additional benefits in reducing inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief - Detoxify With Alkaline Water and Beat Arthritis Naturally

Disease is just nature's way of telling you your body is too acidic. Return it to a more alkaline state and nature will reward you with the healing you deserve. However, you must detoxify yourself to begin this journey. Alkaline water helps to cleanse you naturally, easily and continuously by neutralizing the excess acids in your body. Rheumatoid arthritis, though it is a disease, it is only a symptom that tells you your body is out of balance.

Think of your body as a fish tank and your cells and organs as the fish. When you feed the fish, the food is carried to them through the water. They eat the food, use it for energy and eliminate the waste back out. Over time, if you don't change the water in the fish tank the fish get sick and die.

Your body is similar to a fish tank. You are made up of 70% water, much of which is called interstitial fluid that carries nutrients to your cells. Your cells use those nutrients for food and then eliminate the waste back out into your fluid. Over time, your interstitial fluid becomes dirty, acidic and toxic. It's like needing to change the water in the fish tank. You have to clean up, detoxify the fluid in your body and maintain that detoxified state in order for your body to run efficiently. The fact that you have rheumatoid arthritis is a clear sign that your body is too acidic and too toxic. It is more acid than alkaline-it is out of balance.

HOW ALKALINE ANTIOXIDANT WATER WORKS TO DETOXIFY YOU NATURALLY

• Drinking alkaline water helps to neutralize the acids that your body creates when it metabolizes food (especially acidic food), pollution and other contaminants. Rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases love an acidic toxic environment. Clean up the environment and arthritis won't want to stay.


• What goes in must come out. Alkaline water bathes your cells allowing them to absorb nutrients and flush the metabolic waste back out more efficiently. This allows you to detoxify resulting in a body that functions properly, a body that is not tired or crippled with arthritis pain.


• Drinking Alkaline water helps you maintain a slightly alkaline state the way nature intended. Your cells and organs function at their optimum level in a slightly alkaline body. Rheumatoid arthritis feeds on acid. Starve your disease and you will be amazed at the positive outcome!

Water is our most basic substance, is a natural purifier and it is more important than food or any supplement that you could consume. Consume the right kind and it can help your body heal from just about any disease, chronic illness, infection or ailment. Alkaline antioxidant water is "living water." It has the properties of the purest health-giving water found in nature before the earth was polluted.

Proven Arthritis Remedies

Arthritis is a serious and painful disease but rarely fatal. Arthritis attacks the joints and the surrounding muscle and connective tissue causing swelling, inflammation and pain. Arthritis forms as a result of a broken bone that may have knitted itself back together but never fully healed, general wear and tear on the body or an autoimmune disease. While arthritis cannot be cured except through surgery, the pain and discomfort can be managed. Not all treatments work for all arthritis sufferers and some find a combination of treatments work effectively. Here are a few arthritis remedies you can try at home to help manage the pain and discomfort of arthritis.

Weight on the knee joints causes swelling and pain. An overweight person should consider weight loss. The extra pounds will put as much as 4 times the stress on your knee joints. Even a small amount of weight loss will give your knees relief. Losing as little as 11 pounds can improve joint health and lessen the risk of developing osteoarthritis by as much as 50 percent. You will also feel better too.

A change in diet can help reduce arthritis pain. Certain foods are linked to rheumatoid arthritis, especially those in the nightshade family of plants. Tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes and peppers may cause allergic reactions and increase the discomfort of arthritis for some people. Experiment by removing these foods one at a time to see what makes your arthritis improve or worsen and then adjust your diet accordingly.

Studies show that vegetable oils, which contain omega-6 fatty acids, can aggravate arthritis symptoms. Experiment by eliminating or cutting back on your salad dressing, margarine, fried foods, olives, corn and canola oil. If any of those foods adversely affects your arthritis, remove them from your diet or consume them sparingly.

Research shows that rheumatoid arthritis is linked to a vitamin C deficiency. Taking a total dose of 500mg of vitamin C in small doses throughout the day will provide the vitamin necessary to minimize the effects of arthritis.

Juices high in inflammatory nutrients such as beta-carotene and copper should be included in diets of those with rheumatoid arthritis. Beta-carotene is found in parsley, broccoli and spinach and copper is found in carrots, apples and ginger. Pineapple juice is rich in the enzyme bromelain which has strong inflammatory properties.

Bathing in Epsom Salt, which contains magnesium sulfate, is very relaxing. The magnesium has both anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties and is absorbed through the skin. Magnesium is one of the most important and essential minerals in the human body and most commonly deficient in the American diet. A New England remedy for arthritis is a hot bath in Epsom Salt. The heat of the bath increases blood circulation and reduces swelling as well as relaxes muscles.

Strength training will boost your metabolism and do wonders for your body as well. Lifting weights creates denser bones and builds stronger muscles which in turn helps protect your joints.

Consider adding a supplement to your health routine such as Glucosamine. It is made from the shells of crab, lobster and shrimp and has been shown to ease joint pain and stiffness. Some studies suggest it may contribute to cartilage repair.

There you have it. A few arthritis remedies proven to help arthritis sufferers. With some trial and error you will find the most beneficial and helpful to you.

Can Oil Of Oregano Help With Arthritis?

Arthritis is a medical condition that affects the musculoskeletal system, specifically the joints. It is the major cause of disability of people who are over 55 years old. There are many types of arthritis but the most common are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gouty arthritis. Each of them has different symptoms but all of them are characterized by pain, inflammation and stiffness of joints. It is not uncommon for those who are suffering from severe cases of arthritis to experience disability and loss of function.

An important factor in the maintenance of your health is the ability of your body to tolerate wear and tear before its inflammatory auto-immune ability begins to function. This is vital especially when you are under stressful situations. Modern research has shown that there are certain T cells that act to regulate your tolerance to stress by activating a natural anti-inflammatory defence system known as heat shock proteins or HSP. Your longevity is directly related to your ability to activate these HSPs.

Researches have conducted animal laboratory studies which showed that carvacrol, a main component of oil of oregano can activate HSP through the regulatory T cells and stop experimentally produced arthritis. The researchers concluded that oregano oil had an "unprecedented capacity" to activate HSP through the T cells. The experimentally induced arthritis was completely suppressed. That meant carvacrol can indeed increase the responses of the protective T cells against self-stress protein and reduce the inflammation.

In addition, an earlier animal experiment showed the ability of carvacrol as a potent painkiller. This correlates beautifully with the fact that oil of oregano can be of benefit to those who are suffering from arthritis.

Oil of oregano is a natural product derived from the wild oregano plant Origanum vulgare. This plant is found originally in the mountain tops of Greece, Turkey and Portugal. The special combination of the soil minerals and the climate in this region are believed to be the reasons why oregano oil contains very powerful substances. The early Greeks have used this plant for the treatment of their common ailments.

With the help of our modern scientists, it is now confirmed that this essential oil can really be effective as a mode of treatment for many diseases. The reason is that oil of oregano contains many phenols that can be used for antimicrobial purposes. One of its active components is carvacrol, which (as have been previously mentioned) can be very effective in treating arthritis.

If you are suffering from arthritis, you can use oil of oregano to alleviate your pain and the inflammation of your joints. Here are some ways you can use this essential oil for this purpose.

Mix 1 drop of oregano oil with 5 drops of virgin olive oil or coconut oil. Apply this mixture to your affected joints generously.

Use this same mixture to relieve yourself from sprains, cramps, bursitis, sore muscles and different inflammatory problems.

To facilitate the treatment, you can also take oil of oregano internally by adding two drops of the oil to a glass of water or juice drink. There are also oregano capsules that you can take if you can't tolerate its taste. It is advised that you drink more water to enhance the curative effect of the oil.

It is always a good practice to do a patch test before applying oregano oil in large areas of your skin. This will tell you if you have allergic reactions to this substance. If that's the case, you need to dilute the oil with virgin olive oil or coconut oil to soften its effects.

Oil of oregano for arthritis is really worth a try.

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.

Natural Cures For Rheumatoid Arthritis, Causes, Symptoms and Remedies

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease that occurs with the inflammation of the joints of the different parts of the body along with severe pain as one advance towards aging. Prolonged suffering leads to permanent damage to the joints leading to crippling and disability of the body. Other symptoms include mild fever, weakness, fatigue and small nodule like lumps are formed under the skin. About 1.5 millions of people in US are affected by this disease, women being more prone to RA. This disease not only affects the joints but also different organs of the body.

Causes

The genetic factor plays an important role in this Rheumatoid Arthritis. The exact cause of this disease is unknown, but the immune system of the body is held responsible for this. Antibodies present in the blood fight against the foreign bodies attacking the immunity of the body, but the patients with auto immune diseases have high level of special antibodies (Rheumatoid Factor) in their blood attacking the tissue and organs leading to the inflammation. With aging production of estrogen is retarded in women making the bones weak, fragile and more prone to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).

Natural Cures

Although no exact cure can be devised for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but some natural cures or alternative medicines has been able to provide relief to the patients.

1. Fish are the source of omega-3-fatty acids which produce good results when taken. But fish oil capsules are better options if taken in controlled doses.

2. Gamma linolenic acid present in borage oil, black currant seed oil and evening primrose oils have proven results in improving the painful symptoms.

3. Boswellic acid available from Boswellia herb blocks chemical reactions leading to inflammation. It is also effective in reducing other types of inflammation.

4. Devil's Claw, a native herb from South Africa contains iridoid glycosides and helps in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

5. Deep breathing exercises, meditation, Tai chi are the various natural methods to reduce stress helping in the cure of rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Age old Chinese treatment acupuncture is also found to be very effective in its treatment.

7. Hot and cold water treatment provides temporary relief to the rheumatoid joint aches.

8. Taking tomatoes in raw form or as juice is a good treatment for RA.

9. A mixture of dry ginger, black pepper a rock salt about 3 grams if taken with honey provides relief from pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is very painful and distressing, still by eating healthy and balanced diet and cutting down intake of tea, coffee, liquors, white sugar, the severity can be reduced to a great extent enabling the patient to carry out normal activities of life.

Coming to Terms With Crippling Arthritis

The first hurdle is getting past the shock of hearing that diagnosis. Still today, when medical science has wrought huge improvements in the treatment and management of RA, the news comes as a shock. Even the doctors who must deliver that news are burdened by the knowledge of what lies ahead for their patients.

I will never forget seeing the expression on my rheumatologist's face one day when I asked what was troubling him and got this reply: 'The young man who left before you - I've just had to diagnose him.' Another day, I asked how he felt about a little boy out in the waiting room, and the experienced specialist told me: 'It's better with children, in a way. They've never known what it's like without RA. They accept it more easily than adults.'

• Let me repeat here the Good News: the new medications, used early and in the correct dosage, have been proved to 'stop RA in its tracks.' That is to say, the destructive progression of the disease is slowed, although nobody in Medicine talks of a 'cure.' At least, not yet.


• Research goes on, but funding is not so easily raised for:


• a disease that is still seen as 'only affecting old people'


• one which can't help but trigger the public's 'Compassion Fatigue' because of


• its stop-and-start cycle of remission and relapse,combined with


• its confusing jumble of symptoms, and


• its lack of any clear prediction of a limit - the 'sentence length' a judge would hand out to the condemned in a court of law.

We, who know this condition at first hand, or through caring for someone we love who is afflicted, can tell our own stories of coping with it, and help others to understand it more. I've been persuaded to 'come out' for that reason so here's my personal recollection:

Like anyone who has been there, I vividly remember the day I first heard that news. As an energetic 25-year-old mother, actively involved with the community affairs of our small country town, the diagnosis shocked me. My invariable reaction to a crisis situation set in. Under cover of an icy-cool, businesslike manner, I held down the dread that I feared would overwhelm me if I let it show. In a brisk way, I asked: 'Well, how do we fix it?'

The doctor was very young, a new graduate, acting as locum for the regular GP, but he wasn't fooled. Rising from his chair, he walked around his desk to perch on the edge of it as he stared gravely at me. In all the years that followed, I came to know he was the only doctor who told me the unvarnished truth. What he said that day was: 'We can give you medications to deal with inflammation and help with the pain. But in reality, there's not much we can do until you are crippled. Then, surgery comes into it.'

My only clear memory, after leaving that office, was of sitting on the kitchen stool back home, wondering how I could break the news to my husband. He knew about the beloved grandmother I used to visit after she became confined to bed with this thing the doctors called RA. Through the devoted care of her younger daughter, my aunty Dorothy and her husband, my uncle Ranald, my grandmother survived for eight years. All of them lived from that bed.

• For anyone newly diagnosed, there are a number of issues: shock, fear, dread of future disablity and incapacitation.

Everyone will deal with this first stage according to their innate character, and each of us will do it differently. If we're lucky enough, we may have good friends and family standing by as we come to terms with what's happened. Our expectations of life, any plans we had made, are now changed, forever. But we have to do that part of it - the coming to terms - on our own.

Once again, my hands have reached their limit of endurance at the keyboard, so I ask for you to excuse me until next time, when I will pass along some of the strategies that have worked best for me - and I'm sure will help you, too - in dealing with Rheumatoid Arthritis.