Saturday, June 22, 2013

Arthritis Pain Relief - Nurse's Simple Home Remedies To Relieve Arthritis Pain


These are just a few of the arthritis home remedies and treatments that arthritis sufferers have sworn worked for them. Most have an anti-inflammatory effect. There are many ways to achieve arthritis pain relief. Before you take any supplements, you may want to check with your doctor. I found that the best arthritis pain relief is a permanent radical change in the diet to all living foods. Eating a raw food diet will eliminate all osteoarthritis pain. This is the best and fastest short-term and long term approach to get rid of arthritis pain.

Remember that supplements contain isolated chemicals that are not working in conjunction with other chemicals and nutrients as they are in their natural state. So the degree of absorption, if any is questionable and different supplements from different manufacturers may have varying degrees of absorbability.

But here are the tips that others have reported working for them with my comments.

1. MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane), take 1,000 mg. twice a day to reduce the inflammation which causes the pain some report.

2. Fish oil or cod liver oil which contains the omega 3's. Use a good brand that contains no mercury - 1,000 mg. one to three times per day is supposed to help lubricate the joints and thus relieve the pain.

3. Many people report that glucosamine sulfate is good for supporting the joints, 500 mg. twice a day. However there are many different brands with many different absorbability reports. And many people have reported it not working for them. There also may be an elevation of blood pressure some reports say.

4. Drink one quarter cup of black cherry juice a day or take one tablespoon of concentrate in water have had excellent report say many. The best juice would be raw not pasteurized but that is difficult to get. This may take awhile to work but good for the health. Some report that it irritates their stomachs so take with plenty of water and perhaps with food. Make sure the cherry juice is unsweetened. Some people eat dried unsweetened tart Montmorency cherries and achieve the same effect.

5. To reduce arthritis pain, make sure to get plenty of minerals in the diet naturally. Eat plenty of fruits and raw veggies, several servings of day. Make huge green salads, with good greens, not iceberg lettuce.

6. Eat coconut anything. Of course, opening a fresh raw coconut you can get from the Asian groceries is the best. Put the coconut meat in a smoothie and drink the coconut water. Second best is eating coconut anything. Coconut in any form when heated will not destroy the good nutrients. It is from a tropical climate and made to endure hot temperatures.

7. Some say to drink radish juice.

8. Helpful foods that have been reported include avocados, bananas, cherries, greens, and raw nuts soaked overnight to remove the enzyme inhibitors, such as walnuts and pecans, however all living foods, not cooked foods will help. All cooked foods are acidic and inflammatory and can aggravate the joints. Most all, living or raw foods are alkaline and anti-inflammatory.

9. Some swear by apple cider vinegar. The vinegar should only be a RAW apple cider vinegar like Bragg's. And be careful using apple cider vinegar as it is an irritant to some stomachs.

10. A fad arthritis home remedy is the gin-soaked raisins method. Soak the raisins in gin for a week. Eat six raisins at bed time. Maybe the alcohol is absorbed into the air by then. Alcohol is a neurotoxin and is inflammatory and should not be ingested.

11. Some say the old remedy of Edgar Cayce's works for them - rubbing the affected joint with castor oil each morning and at bedtime. Make take a few days to work.

12. Keep moving. Moderate exercise will reduce stiffness.

13. Some report they take burdock and yucca for inflammation and swelling.

14. Some report lobelia extract, halibut oil, or cayenne extract (cayenne cream) can help alleviate pain and speed healing when applied to the affected area. Be careful about any supplement or cream you don't fully understand.

15. For severe pains in joints some have reported they have used garlic externally - warm up the affected area with a hot towel and then rub the juice of the garlic very slowly on the area. The juice of the garlic can be extracted in a clean coffee grinder or other kitchen appliance.

These are just a few of the many osteoarthritis and arthritis home remedies and arthritis treatments and arthritis diet suggestions floating around the Internet. Use your best judgment before trying any, that may be harmful, for arthritis pain relief, and get the advice of your doctor or naturopathic doctor.

Hip Joint Pain Treatment - What Is the Best Method to Get Relief?


Hip joint pain is not at all a rare condition. It affects a lot of people and it can be the result of a lot of medical conditions. It is highly important to determine the exact cause of the pain in order to act accordingly and to put an end to it. Otherwise, the pain will keep on bothering you and, even worse, will aggravate. Arthritis, a disease that usually affects older people, is one of the most common causes of hip joint pain. It is a degenerative condition, so, under no circumstances it should be left untreated. The worst case scenario includes surgery for replacing the affected hip.

There are, however, other medical causes that result in hip pain. Tendonitis and bursitis are just two of them. The first one refers to the inflammation of the tendons surrounding the hip and the other one to the inflammation of the bursa on the exterior of the hip joint. Previous hip fractures or injuries can cause pain even after many years have passed. There are also childhood affections that cause hip joint pain in adulthood. Developmental dysplasia and perthes are example of such diseases that cause hip joint damage starting from early years of life.

Before starting any kind of treatment for hip pain, you should definitely ask for a doctor's opinion in order to identify the root causes of your pain. Only after having this information you, together with your physician, will be able to figure out what is best to be done. Sometimes gentle exercises and physical therapy is recommended. Anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common treatment method. Nevertheless, many people turn to herbal supplements that have about the same effect.

Boswelia and rosemary, for instances, are herbs with a high content of anti-inflammatory substances. Angelica is also very effective in case of hip joint pain because it contains, besides anti-inflammatory substances, analgesic compounds and muscle relaxant compounds. 250 mg of feverfew extract, taken daily, has a better action than some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Pineapple is a good choice for relieving hip pan because it contains a chemical known as bromelain, with a high capacity of diminishing inflammation. Stinging nettle, turmeric and wild yam are other examples of herbs that can be sued in treating hip joint pain.

Other sufferers choose to obtain relief by massaging the affected hip with analgesic essential oils. Lavender oil, rosemary oil and chamomile oil are relieving pain fast, while juniper and cypress oil are reducing the inflammation of the joint. Rumatone Gold oil is also recommended for patients with hip pain.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Arthritis - Can it Be Prevented?


Overview of Arthritis

Effective help is currently available for people to pro-actively manage arthritis and enjoy life to the fullest. But the actual prevention of arthritis itself is yet another story.

With rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the membranes or tissues lining the joints become inflamed. There is no known way to prevent any form of this disease, including osteoarthritis, adult-onset arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The exact causes of all these conditions are unknown.

It's very important for people who fear they are at risk of rheumatoid arthritis to realize that at this time there are no medications to take or lifestyle modifications to make that can completely prevent this crippling disease. However, by making changes to your weight and diet and engaging in moderate exercise, you may be able to slow or even halt the disease's onset and progress.

But you can only really take the measures needed to control arthritis after it is diagnosed. Until it is known for sure if certain bacteria or viruses trigger the disease, contact with people suffering from it will not change your risk of developing it.

Traditionally, medications and physical therapy have been used to manage the disease. A massive amount of nutrient research has also shown the effect diet and supplements have on the body's healing processes. Lifestyle changes can also make a big difference.

Causes of the Disease

Joint injuries caused by accidents or overuse increase the occurrence of some types of arthritis. You can also inherit certain genes that may increase your risk. More research is needed to find out how to reduce the disease's onset from these factors.

Some individuals have an inborn tendency to degenerative joint disease because they have changes in the structure of the important protein-building blocks of the articular cartilage which covers the surface of their joints. These seemingly small but significant abnormalities predispose their joints to wear and degeneration. In other cases, joint injuries may contribute to the development of DJD.

No foods have been definitively shown to cause or exacerbate arthritis in most individuals. A variety of diets and "hand-me-down" information exists about certain foods and arthritis, in particular the night shade plants, but none of it has been proven.

There is a rare form of arthritis called Spure which is caused by allergies to wheat products. Avoiding those will eliminate this disease. Associated features include weight loss, diarrhea and osteoporosis. Consult your health care provider if this is a concern.

There are things you can do to reduce your risk for getting certain types of arthritis or to reduce disability if you already have arthritis.

Overweight and obese people have a higher frequency of arthritis. Excess weight increases risk for developing osteoarthritis in the knees, and possibly in the hips and hands. Women are at special risk. In men, excess weight increases the risk for developing gout. It's important to maintain your recommended weight, especially as you get older.

Arthritis Prevention Programs

The Center for Disease Control has implemented programs in several states to reduce the onset and consequences of arthritis. The National Arthritis Action Plan: A Public Health Strategy delineates the actions necessary to better understand the arthritis burden in the USA and helps to fully apply known and effective interventions.

This document represents the combined efforts of nearly 90 organizations, such as the Arthritis Foundation, government agencies and many other groups and individuals with an interest in arthritis prevention and control.

The NAAP proposes a nationally coordinated effort for reducing the occurrence of arthritis and its accompanying disability by focusing on these three areas:

1. Surveillance, epidemiology and prevention research to strengthen the science base.

2. Communications and education to increase awareness and provide accurate information about arthritis.

3. Programs, policies, and systems promoting increased quality of life for people with arthritis and facilitating arthritis prevention measures.

The CDC continues to accumulate scientific knowledge on the benefits of physical activity. Because healthy eating reduces a person's risk of becoming overweight, good nutrition plays an important role in preventing knee osteoarthritis. In addition, moderate physical activity is essential for maintaining the health of joints.

Resources/The information outlined in this article is originally from:

HealingWithNutrition, Arthritis Facts, Disease Prevention and Treatment Strategies http://www.healingwithnutrition.com

Center for Disease Control, Framework for Arthritis Prevention and Control http://www.cdc.gov

The University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine Frequently Asked Questions About arthritis.

TMD and Posture - The Jawbone is Connected to the Neckbone


It's no fun and can ruin your day! Every time you open your mouth, your jaw clicks and occasionally it may lock. Often there is a sharp pain. Eventually it results in constant pain that leads to an avoidance of doing anything that will aggravate the pain, but it is pretty hard to stop eating, or talking. It is commonly known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD). Who wants to restrict the movement of the jaw? Not me! I want to minimize any restrictions on movement in any joint - particularly my mouth.

Abundant information is available on jaw pain. This is an article about eliminating a big factor; forward head posture. The body is a unit. Bone structures are bound together though muscle and connective tissues. The connecting and binding tissues work best when they work at the length they are designed to. When the tissues are not stretched enough, they tighten and restrict mobility.

All joints are surrounded by muscles that work against each other - to pull them in different directions. We define a beginning point (the more stable base point called the origin), and end point where it moves something (called the insertion) If one group is stretched and the other is tight, unhealthy pressures are put on the joints and over time there is uneven wear and then - pain.

The jaw is no different. A common position in adults today is some degree of forward head posture. It means that the head is not ideally aligned through the neck to the body. There are many reasons for this today. People have stresses because of their occupation. They sit at a work station, they bend over their garden, their patients, they carry backpacks ...etc. Forward head is usually linked with rounded shoulders posture.

The end result is that we have to extend our head back if we want to see ahead and not be looking toward our feet. The jaw is pulled up and back causing painful compression of the temporomandibular joints (TMJ's).

The answer is to correct the position in order to allow the TMJ's to rest and heal. That requires a change of posture. Not only will it help the chronic pain in the jaw, but the rest of your body will thank you as well.

Am I making this up? Not at all. There are several studies published showing this relationship and it is well known in dental circles and to spine care professionals. One article I would call your attention to is entitled TMD/Facial Pain and Forward Head Posture. It is co-authored by Leonard B. Goldstein, DDS, PhD and Howard W. Makofsky, PT, DHSc, OCS . They co-directed the TMJ Center at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore, New York in the 1990's. Dr. Makofsky, a physical therapist, is the inventor of the PostureJac. A link is provided by clicking the article title above. Treatment of TMD requires a recognition of contributing factors. Treatment of the cause may require the services of more than a dentist. Imagine seeing a Physical Therapist or Chiropractor for jaw pain!

The article refers to a variety of strategies therapists use to change structures and habits related to forward head posture. We suggest that you consider the PostureJac as a viable tool to change your postural habits. Ideally it helps you to adopt a more healthy alignment as your normal position. No one wants to be strapped up or held in place artificially. It doesn't work that way. It integrates into your life as an easy access trainer as a reminder of optimal posture. Ultimately it is to internalize a healthy alignment as the preferred position.

In order to do that, some things have to be stretched, some things have to be strengthened, and some things have to be mobilized. The therapeutic community actively treats people for these conditions. However our natural tendency is to return to old habits in familiar surroundings. Returning home after treatment, we surrender to our habits in our familiar environment and resist change.

If we have a change agent integrated into our daily activities, the chance of change increases. We are not suggesting that it substitutes for regular therapy but it may break the cycle of endless dependence. One person testified that shortly after he began using it, he had his regular chiropractic treatment. The chiropractor remarked how easily he was adjusted. The next week, even better!

Osteopathic physicians talk about the "unity of the body". When body posture deviates from normal in one region, related areas are also affected. And so it is with posturally-related TMD. If you can relieve temporomandibular joint pain by correcting your posture would it be worth it to you?

More information is available at http://www.posturejac.com.

Supplements of Green Lipped Mussel for Pets May Reverse Your Pet's Age-Related Joint Pain


Did you know that you can buy green lipped mussel for pets? Yes, this type of supplements can work health wonders for pets just as they have long been known to do for humans. It only makes sense, after all. "People food" such as red meat and eggs help with pets' health. Why wouldn't the fantastic "super food" of green lipped mussels do the same?

You see, our pets such as our dogs and cats have similar health problems to humans in many ways.

One of those health problems has to do with the deterioration of the joints that comes with aging. The wear and tear of life gets the best of our joints after enough time. Human joints become more easily inflamed and the cartilage around the joints wears thinner and weaker with the passage of the years. And, the same is true for our beloved pets.

But with the supplementation of green lipped mussel for pets, this process can be slowed, or even halted and reversed. This type of mussels can work this anti-aging magic in humans, and they do the same for our pets.

The secret is Glycosaminoglycans

Glycosaminoglycans are abundant in greenshell mussels. These are bio-chemicals that have been called "the glue of life". They prevent the aging and deterioration of the body's cells. If the cells of the body aren't deteriorating, then the body's joints can keep on doing what they always did in youth: quickly recover from and repair injury or inflammation. These amazing shellfish also contain other important minerals and healthy fatty acids that keep joints supple.

Processing technology

The process of extracting the glycosaminoglycans from green lipped mussels in the form of powder transforms those compounds into glucosamine and chondroitin. These are quite well-known as compounds that can reverse joint damage and cure and prevent joint inflammation in humans who are over the age of 40. A powder-supplement of green lipped mussel for pets has the same healing powers in pets.

Backed by research

In a research paper titled "Influence of Green Lipped Mussels in Alleviating Signs of Arthritis in Dogs", we find this quote:

"Results of this study provide strong evidence that [green lipped mussels], incorporated into a complete dry diet, can help alleviate arthritic symptoms in dogs. Further studies will help determine whether dietary supplementation with GLM can reduce or eliminate the need for conventional medical therapy in arthritic dogs".

This research complements other research on the efficacy of feeding green lipped mussels supplements to pets in order to alleviate their joint and tendon problems that come with aging.

What I recommend

Probably the best brand of mussel powder supplement is Xtend Life. This company, which is in New Zealand, selects only the very "most pure" green lipped mussels (just 0.1% of all available green lipped mussels), and then uses a proprietary process to extract the powder from a mussel and contain it within only 30 minutes. This selective process and processing speed are vitally important to preserving the nutrients contained in the mussels. No other maker of these supplements follows this process. Thus, the Xtend Life powder can be assumed to be the most potent of all brands'.

If you have an aging beloved pet with noticeable joint problems, try out a supplemental powder of green lipped mussel for pets. It may be the cure that your companion longs for.

What Is TMJ Disorder?


Have you ever asked yourself, "What is TMJ disorder?" If you've ever searched for the answer to this question you probably are familiar with the intense pain that TMJ disorder causes. Let's examine what makes up TMJ disorder and how you can finally receive relief from this awful pain - all from home - without costly visits to the doctors or medications laden with side-effects.

What is TMJ disorder exactly then? Well, on each side of the jaw is the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Each joints works in unison to enable you to talk, eat, and partake in a cold glass of water on a hot summer's day. When this joint becomes irritated in some manner, however, you run the risk of trying to coping with horrible pain.

Let's answer your question of "What is TMJ disorder" then. TMJ disorder is the constant inflammation of the temporomandibular joint. This is the connecting joint of the skull and jawbone that helps them work together in unison. Between the skull and jawbone is connective tissue similar to the material in your ear. If this connecting tissue becomes chronically damaged in some way - arthritis, partial dislocation, and additional ailments - you can potentially experience agonizing pain. Research has show that only toothaches rank higher for facial pain ailments.

If you think you're the only one suffering from this debilitating ailment, you aren't alone. Here are some startling stats:

  • Over 10% of Americans suffer from TMJ disorder

  • Caucasians typically cope with the ailment more than other ethnicities

  • Women suffer more so than men at a ratio of 4:1

  • Typically strikes adults ranging from 20-40 years old

You probably already know about the negative impacts TMJ discomfort presents. These frustrations include loss of sleep, lack of productivity, extreme headaches, loss of hearing, irritability, and much more. Thankfully there are multiple home remedies that you can take advantage of. By doing so today, you can start down the path of recovery. Additionally, relief doesn't have to come at the hands of expensive surgery or sketchy over-the-counter medications. With simple alterations to your diet, daily exercises, and more you can finally attain relief from this stressful disorder.

Fibromyalgia Symptoms & Associated Conditions


Fibromyalgia (FM) has a wide range of symptoms and overlapping conditions! It is easy to mistake one condition or symptom for another. FM, along with these other relating factors, is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood.

FM is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and weakness. The American College of Rheumatology established a guideline for diagnosis in 1990. It is defined by 11 to 18 tender points located throughout the body. When your doctor examines you for FM, he/she will locate these painful little points by touch and reaction to pain. These tender points are mainly found in the muscles around the neck, shoulders, chest, knees, the region around the elbow, and hips.

I was diagnosed in 1995, but lived with FM for many years before I could finally put a name on it. It was a relief, in a way, because my pain and fatigue was finally validated, but I didn't know what I was in for. Later on, I realized many other conditions I had were related to FM. The list just kept growing!

FM patients' symptoms can vary in quantity and degree. It is never exactly the same as the next person. You may have one or you may have all (I hope it's the former), but all of the information below pertains to Fibromyalgia.

Aside from the obvious muscle pain and weakness, symptoms of Fibromyalgia include: allergies, disequilibrium (trouble with balance), dizziness, clumsiness, extreme fatigue, sleep starts (falling sensation), insomnia, sleep disturbances like apnea, headaches, increased menstrual pain, sensory sensitivity, sensitive skin, itching, histamine reactions like dermographia, morning stiffness, stiffness when walking, mottled skin, carbohydrate cravings (sweets, too), yeast infections (Candida), tissue overgrowth, nail ridges, curved nails, ingrown hairs, easy scarring, anxiety, stress, cry easily, panic attacks, mood swings, sudden irritability, extreme sweating, more than average infections, shakes or tremors, bruising (more than the average person), weight gain or loss, bruxism (nighttime teeth grinding), numbness & tingling (Parasthesia), sinusitis, runny nose (frequent), ear pain, trouble swallowing, eye pain, sensitivity to certain materials (clothing, bed linens), heartburn, indigestion, weak grasp, shortness of breath, chest tightness, rapid heartbeat, painful intercourse, impotence, low-back pain, burning feet, dry eyes & mouth, hormonal fluctuations, delayed reactions to over exertion or stress, muscle twitches, swelling, mold & yeast sensitivity, pelvic pain, urinary frequency, abdominal cramps, bloating and nausea.

FM patients are probably familiar with the phrase "fibro fog". It refers to symptoms of FM that relate to cognitive dysfunction: memory problems, difficulty concentrating, words that come out jumbled, trouble making decisions, trouble spelling words you know, scattered thoughts.

If that's not enough, we can add other debilitating disorders, syndromes or illnesses: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS), Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) (formally known as Myofascial Pain Syndrome), Migraines (in all forms), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS), Interstitial Cystitis (IC) or painful bladder, Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (TMJ), Insulin Resistance (IR), Acid Reflux - GERD, Reactive Hypoglycemia (RHG), Depression and Anxiety.

That's enough to make anyone want to go to bed and stay there! I have had my moments - believe me! Sometimes, it seems unbearable and that I can't take one more second, but I HAVE TO and so do you! Take it day-by-day and make the most of your good days. At the end of a bad one - you can say you made it through another day and tomorrow might be better!

I will continue this article series and will explore all the aspects of Fibromyalgia and all the issues, etc. that come with it.