Suffering With Arthritis
Over recent years both my parents have suffered (and I mean suffered!) from Arthritis which in both cases led to knee surgery.
My mother was the first to have knee replacement surgery. We knew she needed treatment as she had got so bad that her posture had changed so she hunched over and walked with a pigeon toed manner. The problems she had with her knees led to other problems too –a hunched back and mild depression due to the pain and medication.
I’m glad that she had medical insurance as the surgery was quite expensive and may have been something she could not afford.
I had a phone call to say my father was having problems with his knees,but it did not prepare me for the sight of him on crutches. Due to the severity he did go through the system quite quickly and was operated within months –not years as is so often the case.
No way would they say the surgery was a great success. My father was thought to be fit and healthy –so it was a surprise when things turned sour.
Instead he experienced a mild heart attack in surgery and subsequently he had issues during the recovery phase with infection. Depression was something I never associated with my father and it was not something I had ever expected as a byproduct of this surgery.
He is almost back on deck now but it was these experiences that lead me to research Arthritis and now I want to share this with as many people as I can. I learned more about Arthritis and I have also found how to minimize the risk of getting Arthritis by using a more holistic medical system known as Ayurveda.
Arthritis is simply known as joint inflammation. (arth = joint,ritis = inflammation). Inflammation is the way the body uses to respond to injuries or to the presence of diseases such as viruses or bacteria.
During this reaction,many cells of the body’s defense system (called the immune system) rush to the injured area to wipe out the cause of the problem,clean up damaged cells,and repair tissues that have been hurt. When the inflammation subsides the area is deemed as healthy again.
With arthritis the inflammation does not always go away as it should and instead the inflammation continues to damage otherwise healthy tissue causing a long-term cycle of more inflammation and more damage. The result can leave scars which over time build up to cause problems.
What happens is the damage that occurs can change the bones and other tissues of the joints,sometimes affecting their shape and making movement hard and painful which ultimately can lead to the need for joint replacement such as hip and knee replacements –now a very common form of surgery.
These are only two forms of Arthritis but there are over 100 kinds of arthritis that can affect many different areas of the body. Not only the joints that can be afflicted with Arthritis;it can affect other parts of the body too. It is also quite common for someone to have Arthritis in more than one part of the body. Arthritis does not select it’s victims on an age based selection process and can just as easily affect children and young people.
It is not some uncommon problem. The fact of the matter is that about one in every three of every American suffers some form of joint pain or Arthritis. Currently there are 46 million (over 20%) humans living with arthritis in the United States and it is estimated that over 795 million people suffer from arthritis worldwide.
The two most common types of Arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis –this is the most common type of arthritis. Osteoarthritis results from overuse of the joints. This could be a result of obesity,aging or from sports related stresses and injuries. Eventually the cartilage covering the end of the bones will gradually wear away.
The rubbing of bone on bone occurs when the protection of the cartilage is not there to protect it,and this causes friction which leads to pain and inflammation causing the swelling. Osteoarthritis typically will affect the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee,hip and facet joints (in the spine) but it can occur in any joint in your body. Often it starts with a minor discomfort which is linked to an injury.
Females often get Osteoarthritis in the hands first and this is frequently inherited. Since osteoarthritis often occurs as the cartilage breaks down,or degenerates,with age,it is sometimes called degenerative joint disease.
Rheumatoid Arthritis –often found in the hands,wrists,and knees but can affect any part of the body. With rheumatoid arthritis,some of your body’s cells recognize a protein as a foreign intruder. The exact protein involved in rheumatoid arthritis has not yet been discovered. Experts believe the immune system becomes “confused”after infection with a bacteria or virus and begins attacking the normal joint tissues. Immune cells called lymphocytes are stimulated to react to this protein. The reaction causes the release of cytokines,which are chemical messengers that trigger more inflammation and destruction. This conflict between the body’s chemicals occurs mainly in the joints and causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues,and can eventually damage cartilage and bone. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect other areas of the body,such as the skin,eyes,and nerves.
Having been diagnosed with Arthritis will often mean you will be prescribed a cocktail of drugs and if serious enough then surgery will be recommended. Many of us prefer not to use drugs on a regular basis as they often come with detrimental side effects and are costly. My opinion is that drugs may offer short-term help but I would prefer to deal with the underlying cause of the problem so I can eventually get of any medication.
With my families experience with surgery it is something that I can say I would only have as a last resort and that is assuming I can afford it or that my health insurance would cover the cost. And surgery is not cheap.
Here is a list of some commonly prescribed medications;Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs –Ridaura,Imuran,Sandimmune,Neoral,Myochrysine,Plaquenil,Arava,Rheumatrex,Trexall),Biologic Response Modifiers (Orencia,Humira,Kineret,Enbrel,Remicade,Rituxan,Simponi),Glucocorticoids (Celestone,Deltasone,Meticorten,Orasone),Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs –Celebrex,Voltaren,Ecotrin,Relafen,Naprosyn,Colchicine,Motrin,Advil),Analgesics (Tylenol,Faverall,Tempra,Ultram,OxyContin,Roxicodone) and Corticosteriod / Steroid Injections.
The combined COMMON side effects of these drugs can include abdominal pain,absence of menstrual periods,acne,agitation,anxiety,back pain,bronchitis,burning sensation,clumsiness,confusion,constipation,cough,diarrhea,dizziness,drowsiness,dry skin,gas,general unwell feeling,hair loss,headache,heartburn,increased hair growth,indigestion,inflammation of the eye,mouth or skin,joint disorder,loose stools,mild nausea or vomiting,mild stomach pain,mild tiredness or weakness,nausea,ringing in the ears,runny nose,sinus infection,sleeplessness,stomach upset,stuffy nose,texture change in nails,tremor,twitching,upper respiratory tract infection,urinary tract infection,vomiting,weakness,and weight loss.
The combined SEVERE side effects of these medications may include bleeding disorder,blisters on the inside of eyes,nose or mouth,blood in the urine,bloody or black,bluish discoloration of the skin or nails,change in the amount of urine produced,chest pain,clayed-coloured stools,confusion,congestion,dark urine,decreased urination,depression,excessive tiredness,fainting,fast or irregular heartbeat,fever,chills or persistent sore throat,hallucinations,hearing loss,Hives,increased blood pressure (severe headache,blurred vision,trouble concentrating,chest pain,numbness and seizure,increased sensitivity to light,infertility,Itching,jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes),lightheadedness,loss of appetite,low fever,metallic taste,mental and mood changes,muscle cramps,including leg cramps,night sweats,numbness of an arm or leg,numbness or tingling in the fingers or toes,one-side weakness,pale skin,pinpoint bruises,pneumonia,purple blotches or unusual skin spots,purple spot on the skin,and/ or seizure (convulsions),Rash,red,swollen,or blistered,or peeling skin,seizures,severe headache or dizziness,severe or persistent stomach pain or nausea,severe vomiting,shortness of breath,slurred speech,sudden or unexplained weight gain,swelling of hands,legs or feet,swelling of the mouth,face and lips or tongue,swollen glands,symptoms of liver problems,tarry tools,thickening of the tongue,tightness in the chest,trouble breathing,trouble sleeping,trouble walking,unusual bruising or bleeding,unusual joint or muscle pain,unusual lumps or masses,unusual skin lumps or growths,unusual tiredness or weakness,vision or speech changes,vomit that looks like coffee grounds,wheezing,white patches in mouth or throat,and yellowing of the skin or eyes.
The goal of Osteoarthritis treatment is to provide pain relief plus increase joint mobility and strength. Treatment options may include medication,exercise,heat/cold compresses,use of joint protection and surgery. Types of surgery include Arthrodesis (fusion of joints),Arthroscopy (replacement with artificial joints),a Total Knee Replacement,and Total Hip Replacement. Treatment plans often involve more than one of these options.
Does this all sound a bit too scary –it really should!
But you are able to act now to manage the onset of Arthritis or to manage your existing Arthritis so that you minimise the chances of needing drugs or surgery by using a combination of health supplements,changes to your diet and a bit of exercise too.
You should now be concerned. Here are a few tips on how you can make some changes –and they are not too hard…Any one of these changes will help,but the more you can do the better off you will be.
Arthmender is a supplement which releases hundreds of phytonutrients that act at the molecular level to restore joint suppleness and flexibility by reducing inflammation and pain,eliminating toxins,curtailing free radical activity,counteracting autoimmunity,improving circulation,supporting cell production and repair,shrinking inflamed tissues,preventing excessive blood clotting,lubricating and smoothing joint structures,improving calcium absorption,plus relaxing and toning muscles.
Omega-3 assists to reduce inflammation. Increase your intake of Omega-3 with fish oil,ground flax seed,minimal-mercury tuna,wild-caught salmon,and sprouted walnuts. You should also look at decreasing your intake of polyunsaturated oils in your diet that contain Omega-6 such as sunflower,safflower,soybean,and corn oils.
Olive oil in moderation is healthy monounsaturated oil that is used in the Mediterranean diet (a diet praised for its anti-inflammatory effects on the body). These monounsaturated fats also can be found in raw almonds,cashews and avocados.
A low-fiber diet will contribute to systemic inflammation. Liberally add ground flax seed (also high in omega-3 fatty acids) to many of your favorite recipes,smoothies,shakes,and salads. And buy some coconut flour which is 58% fiber!
Try eating fruits rich in Vitamin C when fresh and available. These fruits help reduce inflammation. Any of the following fruits are good;blueberries,blackberries,strawberries,raspberries,kiwi fruit,peaches,mango,cantaloupe melon,and anti-inflammatory fruits like apples. Citrus fruits can be too acidic and irritating,such as oranges,lemons,and grapefruit.
When you’re at the supermarket,just remember this rule of thumb:the deeper and richer the color of the fruit or vegetable,the more antioxidant power it has. Colorful fruits and vegetables in the produce aisle to benefit from powerful antioxidants. Vibrant choices include blueberries,red grapes,mangos,pomegranate,dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach),brusell sprouts,red cabbage,broccoli,sweet potatoes,carrots,and pumpkin.
If you suffer from arthritis,you may also suffer from other bone conditions as well. Some foods are naturally high in calcium like broccoli,spinach,collard greens,and turnip greens and these assit with bone health. Look for foods which are rich in vitamin D such as tuna,sunflower seeds and wild-caught salmon –yummy too. Also,a moderate amount of exposure to sunlight increases vitamin D production,which helps the body absorb calcium.
Adding anti-inflammatory style spices and herbs like turmeric,ginger,and garlic have powerful anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that naturally help boost the immune system.
And exercise will help too. It may sound quite painful to exercise with arthritis but there are techniques that you can use to keep yourself flexible. According to the National Institutes of Health,there are three types of exercise that are best suited for people with arthritis:range-of-motion exercises help maintain normal joint movement plus relieve stiffness. Strengthening exercises (weight training) help keep or increase muscle strength. Stronger muscles helps support and protect joints affected by arthritis. Aerobic or endurance exercises (bicycle riding,swimming) improves cardiovascular fitness,helps control weight,and improve overall body functions. Weight control can be important to people who have arthritis because extra weight puts extra pressure on many joints –plus exercise is often reduced. There are studies which show that aerobic exercise can reduce inflammation in some joints. Talk to your healthcare professional who may recommend physical therapy to help create a low-impact exercise plan that is tailored for your level of physical ability. The focus of physical therapy should be to protect the joints,while increasing strength,flexibility,and range of motion.
And you probably should leard more about Ayurveda;(the science of life,prevention,and longevity) This is the basis of the lifestyle changes which is the oldest,the most holistic and comprehensive medical system available. Ayurveda’s fundamentals can be located in Hindu scriptures called the Vedas –the ancient Indian books of wisdom written over 5,000 years ago. Ayurveda uses the inherent principles of nature to help maintain health in a person by keeping the individual’s body,mind,and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature. This is not something new;it is not an unknown and untested concept;Ayurveda is a comprehensive system that has been developed to treat the underlying causes of health problems rather than waiting for the symptoms to develop.
You owe it to yourself,your body and to your family to make some improvements and I suggest you can start by getting some Arthmender today and then next time you are buying food,take an extra look at what you are buying.
Arthmender is one herbal product that is available and I’m sure there are others too;however this is one that I know works really well. And it is not an expensive drug,instead it can be purchased online and is quite cheap.
This took me quite a long time to put together so I hope this has been helpful and maybe it will give you the motivation to change your life –to strive for Good Health &Wellbeing.
re
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7 Tips on Natural Hair Loss Treatment
A natural hair loss treatment can be home-made or bought over the counter. Here are some home-made remedies for thinning hair you can try:
Massage your scalp with almond oil,snake oil or warm coconut oil at least once a week. Also make sure that you let that oil stay for at least 4 to 5 hours.
One of the best natural hair loss treatments is the use of almond oil. Massaged onto the scalp two to three times a day,this oil is effective in preventing hair loss.
Utilizing an all-natural shampoo and conditioner will nourishes your hair effectively without you having to be anxious about its negative effects on your scalp.
Yoga and meditation relieve anxiety. In case you are too depressed and stressed,then is probably the best cure to your stress as well as the hair issue.
Homemade treatments can also be used to help reverse women’s hair loss. One such treatment involves mixing henna and mustard oil. Pour 250 grams of mustard oil into a pot. Gradually add 60 grams of henna leaves. Then use a piece of cloth to strain the oil. Pour the oil into a bottle. Rub this oil on the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
Regular hair massages with olive oil or castor oil is a great way of beating dry hair and stopping the constant hair loss. You can utilize coconut oil,mustard oil,castor oil,and almond oil when massaging your scalp since they are also effective hair growth stimulants. You may also rub your scalp after you have taken a bath or washing your hair. These procedures increase the blood flow to the scalp and activate the sebaceous glands,which in turn rejuvenates the hair.
natural hair loss treatment that you can do is making paste made out of natural materials which is then applied on the scalp and balding areas to promote hair growth. You can try out different variations of this paste. You can use licorice,black beans combined with fenugreek,coconut oil mixed with lime juice,pigeon pea,ground lime seeds with black pepper,and hot olive oil combined with honey and cinnamon.
Another homemade treatment which can help thicken hair is made from black pepper seeds and lime seeds. Make a paste from the seeds by smashing and grinding them together. Apply the paste to areas on the scalp where the hair is thinning. This will increase blood flow to those areas and stimulate growth.
About the Author
Author is an online medical researcher on hair loss treatment and yeast infections treatment. Click read more on hair loss treatment,yeast infection treatment.
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American Crew Fiber gives men thicker,fuller hair!
Are you sick of using wax or gel? Perhaps you’re looking to impress a certain someone and the hair product you’re using at the moment is not doing the trick? Or maybe you’re hair is going a little thin and you want a product to help thicken,texturise and increase fullness? American Crew Fiber could be the answer you’ve been searching for!
What Hair Product?
Often men waste hundreds of pounds on hair products that they don’t like,simply purchasing them out of convenience or as an experiment only to find out the quality is poor. A man’s hair style is one of the first things a woman sees when she walks into the room,so getting this right is a must for those men who want to do well with the ladies.
Over the years the number of different male hair products have almost caught up to women’s! Gel,wax,putty,paste and clay are just some of the products that you may have seen or purchased in the past;but have you ever bought or used fiber? American Crew Fiber is a product that has not only won the Men’s Health Grooming Awards 2009,but continues to receive rave reviews for being such an easy product to use!
Sculpt your hair into any style
The great thing about fiber is that it really does let you sculpt your hair into any style you want (within reason!). Benefits include:
* A very strong hold
* Low shine –shiny hair is a big turn-off for girls,and also makes it look like you’ve tried too hard!
* Thickens your hair –a great way to make it appear like you’ve got more hair than you have,or if you’ve naturally got thin hair it’s ideal to create new styles with.
Whist it’s true the American Crew Fiber is a premium product,it doesn’t come with a premium price tag if you know where to look. Search online and a select few stores should have it in stock for less than £10,a bargain for such a quality,award-winning product.
The great thing about fiber is that it really does let you sculpt your hair into any style you want (within reason!). Benefits include:
* A very strong hold
* Low shine –shiny hair is a big turn-off for girls,and also makes it look like you’ve tried too hard!
* Thickens your hair –a great way to make it appear like you’ve got more hair than you have,or if you’ve naturally got thin hair it’s ideal to create new styles with.
Whist it’s true the American Crew Fiber is a premium product,it doesn’t come with a premium price tag if you know where to look. Search online and a select few stores should have it in stock for less than £10,a bargain for such a quality,award-winning product.
About the Author
American Crew Fiber is one of the leading hair products for men,and is a superb alternative to wax or gel. For more information on American Crew and their products visit The Modern Man’s website today.
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