Ginger - A Miracle Food and Drug, More Than You Think

Ginger has been touted consistently as a miracle food and drug. Are the praises heaped on ginger real and scientific?

Ginger: Topnotch Kitchen Staple
Ginger is native to South Asia, where it has been a part of the diet for over 3,000 years. Ginger was regarded as a rare, valuable treatment in Europe when Marco Polo first brought it back from Asia. Truly, ginger can do a lot more than put a snap in your cooking. It can take the crackle and pop out your joints. A new, rock-solid scientific study has proved the zesty spice is as good as prescription medicine at conquering arthritis pain.

Ginger: Alternative cure for Osteoarthritis
Ginger has played a major role in traditional Chinese medicine and in Indian Ayurvedic pain treatments for more than 2,500 years. Olympic track champion Carl Lewis, at one time the fastest man on Earth, claims ginger supplements are helping him with his battle with osteoarthritis, the most common form of the disease.

Now, researchers have compared the effects of concentrated ginger capsules with that of conventional painkillers in treating the inflammation of osteoarthritis, caused when the cartilage pads between joints gradually wear away.

During a six-week trial, 250 patients suffering moderate to severe osteoarthritis of the knee were given either a specific ginger extract or a placebo, a substance that has no medicinal properties. The ginger extract group took two 225-milligram pills daily. Both groups were allowed to take everyday acetaminophen pills if their pain grew too severe. By the end of the trial, two out of every three patients in the ginger group reported a market decrease in the crippling agony of arthritis. More importantly, the group suffered none of the severe side-effects-gastrointestinal upset, tissue damage and even internal bleeding--known to occur with powerful prescription arthritis remedies.

The ginger extract, according to the result, reduced significant pain. The pain after walking was almost twice as good an improvement as the placebo. The effect is similar to that seen with trials using conventional drugs.

The Many Uses of Ginger
It is used as seasoning to some baked goods like cookies, biscuits, pies, gingerbread, and to ad flavor to vegetable and meat dishes. It is also used as an ingredient of ginger tea, ginger ale, and other beverages. Ginger oil is used in perfume making and as an alternative medicine for certain common ailments like toothache and stomachache.

Weather Related Joint Pain and What to Do About It

Arthritis patients are most likely to experience stiffness and soreness when the seasons change. Barometric pressure has a lot to do with the pain. Many patients that do have a type of arthritis move to places with higher barometric pressure to relieve joint pain! Lower barometric pressure often increases pain and discomfort in the joints.

Most patients start experiencing increased pain or discomfort in certain areas of their body when a storm is near. This interesting phenomenon occurs because the pressure changes and influences the fluid in the joints. A sharp pain the back or ankles or knees can lead someone to predict a big storm.

For individuals that have no existing joint problems, suddenly cold temperatures can spike muscle pain. Many people frequently feel this in the knees or ankles during cold weather. Storms or intense weather changes can also trigger odd and otherwise unexplainable body pains.

Treatment Options for Weather Related Joint Pain

- Choose to avoid areas where weather changes dramatically.
- Take a pain reliever if you experience the above symptoms.
- Wear knee braces if necessary to avoid debilitating knee muscle pain.
- See a doctor if the pains continue and you are not currently diagnosed with arthritis.

What Causes Arthritis Joint Pain?

Arthritis muscle pain can be caused by hundreds of different things. There are even over 100 types of arthritis that millions are diagnosed with each year. While it isn't life threatening it can make living life normally difficult, especially in severe cases of arthritis.

- Genetics
- Age
- Weight
- Lifestyle and diet
- High intensity sports that are done at a young age for many consecutive years
- Illness or infections in the body, including STD's
- Previous injuries
- Working in a hazardous environment or location
- Weather, including extreme weather conditions where you live
- Other medical conditions
- Certain medications seem to trigger arthritis
- Inflammation
- Unknown causes that are a complete mystery to doctors

What to Do If You Experience Joint Pain

If you experience muscle pain when the weather changes, be sure to relax and just take a pain reliever. That is the best way to go about treating something that doesn't occur too often. If you experience joint pain more than a few times a year then you may have a more serious problem. Screening for arthritis is your best bet to ensure that you are healthy. Untreated arthritis can cause severe degeneration of the joints and make doing simple things very difficult. There are a number of medications and treatments designed to help with arthritis symptoms.

Magic Pain Reliever For RA Joint Pain

So that joint pain is back in action again and you have run out of choices on what to do. But fellow rheumatoid arthritis sufferers seem to trust calendula oil to do miracles. So what would you do?

Calendula is an ordinary plant that grows in any soil. However, it is widely found in Europe, USA and in Western parts of Asia. Known from its botanical name Calendula Officinalis, the plant belongs to the same family of daisies and ragweed.

As per its medicinal value, the yellow-gold petals of calendula are known to perform miracles. If you haven't heard about Calendula, you would have probably heard of Garden marigold, pot marigold or poet's marigold. All these names are used to refer to the same plant.

Rheumatoid arthritis and Calendula goes hand in hand because it acts as a perfect companion that relieves joint pain. Known from the early Persian and Greek societies, marigold carries an impeccable reputation for relieving swellings and pains. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory nature and anti septic qualities, it is also used for healing wounds.

Although Calendula does not provide any cure or long term relief for rheumatoid arthritis, many people who use calendula infusions believe that it has magical properties to relieve joint pain. On a scientific level, using marigold as herb activates carotenes, polyphenols and phytosterols together with EFAs that act as a penetration formula that could drastically improve the blood and oxygen flow in the affected areas of your body.

Although there are many novel means and methods of pain relief for rheumatoid arthritis joint pain, natural remedies based on topical ointments are known to be best for they carry little or no side effects. Another plus side of herbal remedies is that they usually provide a galore of healthy remedies as opposed to western medicine which tries to eliminate a single symptom.

Furthermore, marigold can be used if you suffer from other painful conditions such as gastritis, burns or eczema. It is also used as a home remedy in some parts of the world to treat minor issues such as headaches, toothaches, ulcers, varicose veins and colitis.

Marigold may be one in thousand natural products that work well for joint pain relief. So read up on the subject, as much as you can, before making a decision on using it. You should also beware of allergies that can be caused by natural products.

While you search for products that include the essence of Calendula goodness, be cautious about so called herbal remedies that promise you a world full of relief. As you know through experience, joint pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis is not something that will easily go away or ameliorate. Therefore, don't let fake products and false promises put your hopes up only to leave you disappointed at the end. Speak to someone who has already experienced the magic of marigold before opting in for any products that claim to contain its goodness. First hand information always speaks much more genuinely than sales pages you find online.

Arthritis Treatment - How to Get Rid of Arthritis

There are a number of natural supplements and therapy options for arthritis; if you're considering alternative treatments for this condition, it's best to talk with your doctor. Listed below are some options you might have.

1. Acupuncture is a formidable alternative to more traditional osteoarthritis treatment, according to the National Institute of Health. The Institute asserts that acupuncture can reduce the need for pain medication, decrease inflammation, and improve the range of motion in joints already affected by osteoarthritis.

2. Homeopathy may also serve as a viable pain improvement therapy, and helps to soothe tender joints and relieve stiffness. Participating in homeopathy can also enhance hand grip strength, when used with NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, the category most painkillers fall under.

3. Fish oil supplements, according to medical research, can manage inflammation due to arthritis, and reduce painkiller dependency and the stiff feeling in the joints. These supplements contain EPA/DHA; eating salmon or mackerel a few times a week can yield the same effect. Maintaining a diet that is low in animal fat and dairy may have like effects for arthritis patients.

There are about a dozen herbal supplements that are known for their effectiveness when it comes to treating both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Most of these supplements are classified as anti-inflammatory. Consult your physician about using these natural medications, since some of them may adversely interact with each other, or conventional medications that you've been prescribed.

Since there are limited medical studies on these supplements, there isn't an abundance of information about the herbs' side effects. Herbal medicines that have been successfully used for arthritis include borage seed oil, ginger, and devil's claw-all of which treat swelling and pain. Turmeric and stinging nettle can also help with inflammation and joint pain.

A system of alternative medicine that treats the external and internal effects of health conditions, Ayurveda, has also been cited for arthritis relief. Ayurvedic herbs are used to relieve rheumatoid arthritis inflammation - if the herb is taken in capsules, it can reduce morning joint stiffness and increase energy. One study concluded that a mixture of Withania somnifera, Boswellia serrata, and Cucurma longa noticeably reduced discomfort and lack of movement in people with osteoarthritis.

Although there are no preventative measures that can be taken for arthritis, a number of individuals who have the disease can combat the disability associated with arthritis with carefully planned treatment regimen that includes exercise, medications, and periodic physical therapy as needed.

Valgus - What Does This Mean in Osteoarthritis of the Knee?

'Valgus' is a term used by the medical profession to describe joints that form an angle different from the usual. It does not apply only to the knee. Valgus means that the part of the body furthest away from the torso is angled away from the midline position. In simple terms, if the knees are described as valgus, they are 'Knock-kneed.'

Valgus knees indicate that the arthritis is mainly on the outside of the knee. The wearing down of the cartilage lining on the outside of the knee has led to a change in the angle through the joint. The terminology a doctor would use would be to describe being knock-kneed as having a valgus deformity, or the latin phrase 'genu valgum.'

Doctors approximate the angle of deformity to assess the progression of the degenerative joint disease. Please note: there is natural variation between individuals, with some having a larger angle through the knee than others. The change in angle is the important factor.

When a knee becomes so painful that surgery is the only option, the good news is that in most cases the surgeon can correct any angulation. It is not uncommon for patients to have a straighter knee after their operation than they have had for years.

As is common in osteoarthritis, it is important not to focus too much on factors such as joint angle - after all it is just a measurement. Symptoms, particularly pain, generally take priority in the decision making process. It is wise to seek an expert opinion however, as on some occasions, large deformities make surgical intervention more difficult than usual.

Arthritis Symptoms: Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms in Women

The first symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis may be swelling and morning stiffness or just a general aching of the joints. In 90 percent of women, the first areas affected by rheumatoid arthritis are the feet and hands. The disease often affects the wrist and the finger joints closest to the palm, as well as joints in the jaw, neck, shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, ankles and toes. Any joint in the body can be a target.

Inflammation can cause body wide symptoms such as low grade fever, flu like body aches, and a general feeling of not being well. You may also lose your appetite, lose weight, and feel like yo have no energy. Fatigue is a very common symptom of RA and may first overtake you in the afternoon. Fatigue may also be a symptom of anemia, which often accompanies RA. Inflammation can affect the tear producing glands in the eyes and saliva producing glands in the mouth, so you may experience dry eyes and dry mouth. You can have muscle pain and stiffness after sitting or lying in one position for a long time. Depression is also common.

At first, these symptoms may not add up to much. Often a women will complain of joint pain to her doctor, and all that can be seen in a puffiness of the hands, with no obvious redness or warmth. About one-quarter of women with RA develop raised, firm lumps called rheumatoid nodules. Rheumatoid nodules are actually abnormal accumulations of cells, much like the synovial cells that we see accumulating within the joint, but they commonly occur just under the skin. Nodules often appear in an area where there is repeated pressure, such as on the elbows where you lean them on a table, or the finger joints. Because rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease, nodules can show up in other places, such as the eye, the heart, the lungs. They can be very destructive, very damaging, interrupting whatever is in their path of growth. And they can be disfiguring and disconcerting to patients.

Up to half of RA patients can develop inflammation in the linings of the chest and lungs, causing pain on taking a deep breath and breathlessness; rheumatoid nodules can also appear in the lung tissues itself, not just the lining. Inflammation can also affect the sac around the heart, producing fever, chest pain, a dry cough and difficulty breathing. Blood vessels can also be inflamed; a common sign is tiny broken blood vessels in the cuticle area of the nail bed.

You may first notice the symptoms of RA during the winter, and symptoms often feel worse during the cold months and improve in warm weather. While RA develops gradually in about 50 percent of women, with symptoms coming and going for months, a more continuous pattern eventually emerges. This disease needs to be diagnosed very quickly and treatment needs to be started quickly. So that increases the importance of having women recognize the signs and symptoms.

Latest on Osteoarthritis Knee Joint

The technique of "Unmasking and treating the underlying problem":

This technique is being explained for the first time. It is a source of new hope for the patients, and gives promising results. It also gives us the clue and the knowledge of a new etiology for the symptom of Pain Knee Joint. Clinically our work has proved that the pain knee is due to lesions that are outside the joint and the aging process has nothing to do with it. These lesions may appear as early as 35 years of age and are invariably found in all those cases of Osteo-arthritis knee joint that clinically present with Pain Knee. Why these lesions develop is a question yet to be answered, but anyway they are well demarcated, identifiable and severely tender on deep palpation. These lesions when treated give complete relief to the symptom of Pain Knee, thus certain other treatment modalities would be required to be postponed, till the time that the patient escapes any benefit from this new technique.

However a big task is still lying ahead. This new algorithm needs to be authenticated and standardized by designing bigger treatment models. Their results evaluated and follow-ups carried out. Till date this new algorithm only gives us a clue of the etiology of pain knee and a new possible treatment technique.
Trigger spots identified around knee joint are as under:

1. Above the joint on the medial side it is on the Adductor Tubercle, possibly the insertion of Adductor Magnus (Fibro Osseous Junction).

2. Higher up on the tendons and ligaments in the same line on the medial side. May be these are tendonitis or with associated underlying Bursitis.

3. On Lateral side it is on the origin of the Gastronemius lateral head (Fibro Osseous Junction).

4. Higher up on the tendons and ligaments in the same line on the Lateral side. May be these are tendonitis or with associated underlying Bursitis.

5. Underneath the upper border of Patella (this is very rare).

6. On the medial aspect of the joint upon Tibial Collateral Ligament ( Pes anserine bursa).

7. On the Dorsum above the popliteal fossa.
The first and the third points are invariably found in all the cases presenting with Pain Knee joint. Rarely a patient may have only one of them. These points are basically causing the main symptom of pain as we clinically see in our everyday practice. Why these sites are more prone to develop these pathological changes is a very important question that needs to be answered.

However other questions that are looking forward towards us for explaining the etiology and pathogenesis of this disease are:

What in particular is the pathology at these sites?
Why are certain people more prone to develop these changes while others are not?
Can these be prevented?
Are these posture related?
Having identified them what are the most effective options to treat them?

Arthritis Treatment: Who Has Better Diagnostic Criteria for Gout - Yanks or Euros?

Gout is a disease characterized by elevated levels of serum uric acid (SUA). The end result is deposition of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals in joints and eventually internal organs as well. The diagnosis is not always easy. There is a mistaken notion by many, including some physicians, that joint pain plus an elevated SUA= gout. Not true. There are diseases where the SUA can be elevated and the patient doesn't have gout. And by the same token, a patient can have a gout attack with a normal SUA.

The classic attack is a very rapid development of joint inflammation occurring in one joint, usually the mid foot or great toe. If the great toe is affected, it is referred to as "podagra."

There are two sets of diagnostic criteria that have been used as guidelines.

The first set is from the American College of Rheumatology in 1977. These include:

1. Presence of MSU crystals in joint fluid and/or

2. Presence of a tophus (collection of uric acid crystals forming a lump) and/or

3. Presence of 6 of the following 12 criteria:

a. More than one attack of acute arthritis
b. Development of maximum inflammation within a day
c. Attack of arthritis affecting one joint
d. Redness surrounding the joint
e. Pain or swelling in the great toe joint
f. Attack affecting only one great toe joint and not the other at the same time
g. Attack affecting the mid foot on one side
h. Suspected tophus
i. Elevate SUA
j. Non-symmetric joint swelling on x-ray
k. A bony cyst found near a joint on x-ray
l. No bacteria found in the joint fluid during an acute arthritis attack

Nothing wrong with these criteria.

But to try and one up the Americans, the Europeans came out with their own set of guidelines, entitled EULAR (European League Against Rheumatism) recommendations for the diagnosis of gout. What they posited is using these criteria as a diagnostic ladder. Each criterion has a score. What they did was create a "Likelihood Ratio" for making the diagnosis. The more "ladder rungs" a patient has means the greater likelihood of gout. Here are a few of the likelihood guidelines:

MSU crystals in joint fluid. Score >500
Tophus. Score =40
Classic gout attack in great toe. Score= 30.6
Elevated SUA. Score=9.7
Bony cysts near joints seen on x-ray. Score <7

So. Take your pick. Yanks or Euros.

Does Limu Help Arthritis?

Contrary to popular belief, this disease does not apply to just older people, arthritis strikes all ages, affecting millions of people throughout the world. Its not just linked with a condition of getting old, for many of the most serious forms or Arthritis are often found in younger adults.

Some Facts for you:

- It is 3 times more common in women than in men.

- Over 150 million people suffer from Arthritis in the US and Europe.

- 68% of people with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms are younger than 65. 8% are children under the age of 17

- 1 in 3 Adults have arthritis: 65% have it diagnosed, 35% live with it undiagnosed.

Arthritis and the effects of inflammation of joints, is one of the leading chronic health issues and causes increasing disability to people over the age of 16.

So what is Arthritis?

The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation (arth=joint, ritis=inflammation), and refers to more than 100 different diseases.

There are over 100 kinds of arthritis that can affect many different areas of the body. In addition to the joints, some forms of arthritis are associated with diseases of other tissues and organs in the body. People of all ages, including children and young adults, can develop arthritis.

Inflammation is a reaction of the body that causes swelling, redness, pain, and loss of motion in an affected area. It is the major physical problem in the most serious forms of arthritis.

Normally, inflammation is the way the body responds to an injury or to the presence of disease agents, 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. Once the "battle" is won, the inflammation normally goes away and the area becomes healthy again.

In many forms of arthritis, the inflammation does not go away as it should. Instead, it becomes part of the problem, damaging healthy tissues of the body. This may result in more inflammation and more damage - a continuing cycle.

The damage that occurs can change the bones and other tissues of the joints, sometimes affecting their shape and making movement hard and painful. Diseases in which the immune system malfunctions and attacks healthy parts of the body are called autoimmune diseases

How Can Limu help you?

Three are many things you can do to help prevent arthritis.

1) Be Physically Active - Research proves that activity of a physical nature improves function and decreases pain.

2) Manage Stress - Stress aggravates many health conditions including arthritis, so you need to learn to control stress

3) Eat a Nutrient-Rich diet - It is important to keep your weight controlled as well as keeping your systems running smoothly.

Science suggests that Limu can help many problems associated with arthritic conditions. Limu is a seaweed that contains the polysaccharide fucodian, which is proven to be effective against many of the diseases of this day and age. Limu also contains many nutrients that can help boost your bodies immune system and offer an influx of amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Limu should be an important part of your daily diet.

Limu's Super Nutrient - Fucodian

The overall findings of a large body of research, coupled with anecdotal evidence provided by a long history of use of fucoidan-bearing seaweed in areas such as Japan, Hawaii and Tonga, indicate that fucoidan demonstrates great potential as a safe nutritional answer for a wide variety of health complaints. Fucoidan is found in the sea plant called Limu Moui.

This antioxidant rich, complex carbohydrate polysaccharide lowers the risk or arthritis and other inflammatory disorders by acting as and ant-inflammatory agent, bolstering the immune system, and helping to cope with stress.

Fucodian Benefits Arthritis

- Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent
- Relieves pain better
- Supports and aids the immune system
- Helps the body copes with stress
- Aids in keeping the endocrine system's cortisol levels, which are activated by stress, under control.
- Eliminates food cravings
- Helps you loose weight
- Aids in Tissue repair

Why use Limu?

For over 3000 years the natives of the south pacific island of tonga have known about the astonishing benefits of Limu Moui - a brown seaweed that grows beneath the clear waters surrounding the islands. In these untainted, pristine waters, Limu is able to absorb trace minerals and vital nutrients found ther in a readily-available form.

Researchers wanting to unlock the mysteries of Limu's health benefits have conducted over 700 scientific studies centering on Fucodian, it most important factor. These studies have proven the unequalled nutrient power of Limu.

Live better with Limu Plus Limu Plus is a Limu drink which has helped many people with health conditions and stress related illness. View some testimonials of real people receiving real health benefits.

Limu has helps not just with Arthritis and joint Inflammation its health benefits can also be seen with Cancer, Diabetes, Heart Disease and general wellness.

Its suitable for men, Women, Children and even pets who wish to enjoy a better life.

Overcoming Arthritis Pain In Your Hands

Arthritis in the hands is one of the most crippling forms of arthritis. It can not only slow you down but can often prevent you from doing the things you want to do. Added to this is the fact that it is often the most painful form of this disease. There are many types of this disease that can affect your hands and fingers.

Rheumatoid arthritis is often the cause of this problem. This is one of the most complex types of these ailments. Because it is mainly caused by dysfunction of the immune system it is the most difficult to treat. However there are some natural treatments that can help you get relief from the inflammation and pain of this condition. They can also help you to get more mobility in your hands and fingers.

5 tips to help you overcome arthritis pain in your hands:

1. Caster Oil: this is a common oil that can be purchased in many stores or even online. Be sure to get the pure one with no additional additives. Massaging a little of this oil into your affected joints can help you to get relief from the pain and get better mobility in your fingers and hands. Note that you do not need too much of this oil for it to be effective. It is quite a heavy oil so when you apply it, rub it in well by massaging the hand and allow a few hours to soak in. Applying it at night before sleeping is a good policy. There are two reasons that it works; due to its heavy viscosity it keeps your hand warm and increases blood flow to the hand. You need to massage the hand joints well to work in the oil. Massage is very soothing for the joints.

2. Good diet: diet is very important when you are suffering from any disease including arthritis. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet. This includes whole grain foods and plenty of fruits and vegetables. It is also wise to reduce junk food and maintain your weight. This will help to keep you in good health and enable you to overcome arthritis pain better.

3. Gentle exercise: when you are in pain it is easy to stop moving your joints. This will lead to increased stiffness and pain. It is wise to give your hands and fingers gentle exercise o keep them mobile.

4. Massage: massaging your joints gently will help you to get relief from pain and increase mobility. You can use oil or just plain massage. This will work because it helps to loosen up muscles and calm nerves. It will transfer energy and warmth to the joints.

5. Improving your immune system: It is important to take care of your immune system as this is the system that helps you combat diseases. When it gets out of balance in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis it is necessary to take care of it. You can do this by eating foods that are high in antioxidants and antitoxins. these types of foods are fruits and vegetables, preferably raw. Nuts like peanuts and walnuts are also good for helping the immune system.

5 Powerful Juice Recipes for Arthritis Sufferers

Juicing can be a powerful way to combat the inflammation and pain caused by arthritic conditions. A variety of delicious juice recipes are available to help you manage your arthritis pain.

Arthritis is a painful, inflammatory condition of the joints that afflicts men and women of all ages. It involves the breakdown of cartilage, which normally acts as a cushion for your joints. In the absence of cushioning cartilage, bones rub together in a way they were not intended to, which can cause pain.

There are as many as one hundred types of arthritis, ranging from autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis to the more common osteoarthritis which affects most people as they age. Some forms of arthritis can even affect children. Most arthritis is associated with stiff joints that may also be swollen, creaky, and painful.

Joints affected by arthritis may have limited movement and in severe cases may become deformed in appearance. In rheumatoid arthritis joints may be red and warm to the touch and are typically equally affected on both sides of the body. All forms of arthritis can range from very mild to quite debilitating.

Many plants contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds that can help dramatically reduce symptoms. The standard "Western" diet, which includes a lot of pro-inflammatory foods such as red meat, dairy, refined and processed grains, and refined sugar, is believed to promote conditions such as arthritis. A diet built around fruits and vegetables helps to prevent chronic disease, including certain arthritic conditions.

Fruits and vegetables believed to be effective for those with arthritis pain include:

• ginger


• pineapple


• papaya


• blueberries


• grapefruit


• spinach


• grapes


• plums


• collard greens


• kale


• pears


• bok choy


• sour cherries


• pomegranate


• cauliflower


• raspberries


• strawberries


• onions


• apples


• carrots


• beets


• garlic


• lettuce

Juicing concentrates the healthful compounds in these plants, allowing you to benefit from them more effectively than by eating small amounts of the whole fruit or vegetable. By harnessing the powerful antioxidants and enzymes of raw fruits and vegetables, using these juice recipes for arthritis may increase your joint mobility and comfort and reduce swelling.

You can also increase the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of your juice recipe by mixing it with green tea, raw cold-pressed flax seed oil or liquid fish oil. These all have additional properties that make them healthful elements in an anti-inflammatory diet.

Green tea contains epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) which has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Flax and fish oils contain omega 3 fatty acids which are useful for a variety of conditions including various forms of arthritis. These can also be mixed with fresh juices.

The following juice recipes for arthritis can all be easily made using most electric juicers.

Pineapple, Carrot & Celery Juice

5 carrots

2 stalks of celery

4 oz pineapple

1 tsp lemon juice

Papaya Orange Juice

翹 papaya, peeled

1 large orange, peeled

Papaya Blueberry Juice

2 cups blueberries

翹 papaya, peeled

Broccoli Carrot Juice

1/2 cup fresh broccoli, cut in pieces

3 medium carrots, roots only

1 apple, core removed

1/2 lemon, peeled

Sour Cherry-Pomegranate Juice

2 cups sour cherries

1 pomegranate, skin removed

1 apples, core removed

For each recipe, simply juice the listed ingredients in an electric juicer.

You can find other juicing remedies for arthritis on the internet or in books about juicing. However, many of the most successful recipes come from experimentation, so don't be afraid to use the list of fruits and vegetables above to come up with ideas for new juice combinations. You just might invent a juice that tastes fantastic while providing great relief for your achy, stiff joints!

What Are Surgery Options For Osteoarthritis Of The Knee

Conservative approaches to osteoarthritis of the knee include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, good quality forms of glucosamine and chondroitin, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, viscosupplementation (injections of lubricant into the knee), and bracing.

For people who do not respond to these measures, there are more aggressive approaches available. The first is arthroscopy. This is a procedure where small telescope is inserted into the knee. Using specialized cutting instruments, damaged and diseased tissue is removed and flushed out of the knee. For many patients this affords relief.

If the arthritis damage is limited to one side of the knee, an osteotomy (removal of a wedge of bone to help the bones of the knee line up better) can be a very good option. This procedure is best done in patients under the age of 60 who are active and who do not have severe inflammatory changes. The only disadvantage is that because bone is removed, it may make subsequent knee replacement surgery more difficult because there is less bone to anchor the replacement in.

Resurfacing is a procedure where a thin layer of the femur (upper leg bone) and a thin layer of the tibia (lower leg bone) are removed. A layer of metal is applied to the femur and a layer of plastic is applied to the tibia. Sometimes the back of the patella (kneecap) is also resurfaced. This type of procedure is good for people who only have a moderate amount of damage and who have relatively good bone stock.

A relatively new procedure is paste grafting. Here, a hole is drilled in an area of arthritis to expose bleeding tissue. A paste consisting of crushed up bone and cartilage cells is then placed in the hole and the patient is not allowed to bear any weight on the repaired knee for several months. The paste is supposed to promote regeneration of cartilage. Preliminary data is encouraging.

Cartilage plug grafting is a procedure used when there is a single localized defect in the cartilage of the femur. A plug of cartilage is removed from the intercondylar notch of the knee (a non weight-bearing area). The plug is then placed into the cartilage defect in the femur. While this is good for localized defects, it is not useful for large defects due to osteoarthritis.

Autologous cartilage implantation is a procedure where a plug of cartilage is removed from the intercondylar notch of the knee (a non weight-bearing area). The plug is then used to provide cartilage cells which are grown in a laboratory. The patient then undergoes a second surgery where the cartilage defect in the weight-bearing part of the knee is carefully debrided (cleaned), then a patch is placed over this defect and cartilage cells grown from the first harvesting procedure are injected underneath the patch. Cartilage cells then grow over a period of several months. This procedure is good only for isolated cartilage defects and not for generalized osteoarthritis of the knee. Patients must not bear any weight on the leg for at least six months.

Synthetic cartilage plugs can also be inserted. The plug is made of synthetic biodegradable material that permits the patient's own cartilage cells to grow within the defect. This procedure is best used for younger patients (50 or younger) who have a localized defect. It takes several months for the plug to take hold.

Patients who have a damaged meniscus (cartilage cushion) due to arthritis can have a replacement meniscus donated from a cadaver source. These grafts can last about 4-5 years. The one danger is that the body may reject them.

Total knee replacement is a procedure where the end of the femur and the end of the tibia are removed and replaced with appliances consisting of metal capped with ceramic or plastic. Knee replacements last 12-15 years. A revision of this replacement may be required if the knee replacement is older than 15 years. Recent data indicates that a an exercise program instituted before surgery greatly enhances the chance of success.

Health Articles - Alternative Arthritis Treatment Options

Think you're too young to get arthritis? Age doesn't matter; one of the most popular misconceptions about arthritis is that it's an old person's disease. Think it only affects the opposite sex? Arthritis is not gender-specific. In fact, arthritis -- a disease characterized by pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in or around joints -- can affect people of any gender and any age, from young children to the elderly.

Although there are over 100 types of arthritis (such as gout, fibromyalgia and lupus), osteoarthritis is the most common. It's a condition in which there is a breakdown of the plastic-like cartilage on the end of bone joints in the hands, hips, knees and back. Without that protective cushion, bones rub against bones, which ultimately results in pain, swelling and even deformity. The pain and disability caused by arthritis can prevent you from performing everyday activities, and the accompanying fatigue and stress make you vulnerable to other illness.

Unfortunately, no treatment has yet been found that will successfully cure arthritis. Instead, treatment is aimed at reducing pain and discomfort and preventing further disability. Many people turn to alternative remedies to provide relief of symptoms. Here are several of them:

Traditional Chinese medicine Acupuncture has practiced for more than 2500 years, and has been scientifically proven to alleviate pain. According to practitioners, pain and illness result when the energy flow in your body is disrupted. Insertion of acupuncture needles is intended to stimulate points along the energy channels, which balances the flow and restores health.

Acupressure is a technique that is similar to acupuncture but it involves the use of fingertip pressure rather than needles. The practitioner presses on the tender areas to disperse the build-up of lactic acid, which then helps relieve pain.

Flotation therapy Flotation tanks are sometimes used to treat the pain of arthritis. Patients float in a pool filled with Epsom salts. Epsom salts have been documented to relieve pain, in part, by stimulating production of endorphins (the "feel good" substances produced in the brain).

Heat treatment/cold treatment Heat treatment -- in the form of a hot bath, hot pack, or a heating pad -- is one of the oldest known treatments for arthritis. This therapy sends soothing heat to the small joints in the hands or feet. Cold, wet compresses or ice packs applied to the painful area are often more effective than heat for soothing sharp, intense pain. Just remember not to use cold treatment for more than 20 minutes at a time -- excessive cold can damage the skin.

There also are many other alternative arthritis treatments that have been proven to give people relief. As with any health treatment, though, be critical when trying an alternative therapy. Arthritis is characterized by periods of flare-ups and remissions, and particular therapies may be more or less effective on any given day -- just remember not to expect a "cure." Arthritis is a lifelong process, but alternative therapies can help you regain control of your life.

Duration of Stiffness After Total Knee Replacement

Getting a knee arthroplasty or joint replacement is expected by a lot of people to be a solution to their mobility problems. However, it seems that there is a certain group of people that have not regained the full range of motion that they had expected after surgery. This condition is generally termed as stiffness of the replacement joints. The duration of stiffness after total knee replacement has not been extensively written about, though there are available solutions to correct the condition.

Osteoarthritis and Knee Replacement

An indication that a patient needs knee surgery is when he or she has a developing osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a combination of various conditions that result in the continuous degradation of the joints. The joints are protected by a material called the cartilage, the same material the visible part of the ear is made of. A series of forces contribute to its thinning out, causing the joints to become closer and will eventually cause pain whenever in contact.

This is especially true to the knees, since they have to stand the weight of the entire upper body and the legs. Running, walking, or even standing becomes very difficult to a person with osteoarthritis. If therapy and medication cannot help anymore, the joints are replaced by artificial mechanisms that mimic the function of the knee.

Why Does the Stiffness Happen?

There are several factors that could lead to the stiffness. One is the actual built quality of the artificial replacements. Though the replacements have been rigorously tested prior to shipping in various medical facilities, there is still a big chance that a small portion may not have passed quality control measures.

Another culprit may be the lack of rehabilitation after the surgery. Usually, patients are asked to complete a series of physical exercises to retrain simple tasks such as standing up or bending the knees. At first, they are simply asked to do these exercises while in bed or sitting. Next, a physical therapist and railings or crutches provide assistance until complete motion is revived. If there is serious negligence on the side of a therapist or the lack of cooperation from the patient, stiffness of the knee will eventually occur.

How Long Does the Stiffness Last?

According to a recent study, it was found out that among people who have experienced knee surgery, only 1 percent have felt stiffness in their replacements. Most of them have also reported the issue earlier to their surgeons and they have performed certain corrections. Duration of stiffness after total knee replacement can last as long as the rehabilitation process of the patients. This can mean as long as three months or more, but most patients get full function of the knees by then.

Corrective Procedures

One way to shorten the duration of stiffness after total knee replacement is to massage the knees or have them moved by an expert while the patient is under anesthesia to remove the pain. This is usually part of the rehabilitation process already and ensures that the replacement is working perfectly.

If the stiffness can be discovered early on, surgery can be performed again to adjust the calibration of the joints or have them replaced altogether. According to the same study above, corrective surgery resulted to around 90 percent of patients getting back full motion of the knees.

A strict doctor ordered rehabilitation always follows knee replacement surgery. Unfortunately, this rehab is only enough to give you some mobility and get back part of your life. They don't expect people with knee replacements to have the full abilities like they once did, so they don't even try. With the right exercise and routines, though, you can have that life back, despite what the doctors tell you. Take the time to learn about rehabilitation from knee replacement surgery, and how you can ease your fear of living a sedentary life by taking action.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - What Is It?

What is rheumatoid arthritis? Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammation of multiple joints in the body with predilection for smaller joints in the hands. Rheumatoid arthritis causes signs and symptoms of inflammation in joints that include pain, swelling, redness, warmth and loss of function i.e. stiffness and limitation in the motion and function of multiple joints. Although joints are the main structure affected by this condition, it can cause inflammation in other body parts too for example, the eyes, lungs, heart, blood vessels and kidneys.

Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are typically worst in the morning with gradual easing of symptoms throughout the day. This chronic worsening of symptoms in the morning, especially of stiffness in the joints, are important diagnostic clues in differentiating other forms of arthritis for example osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis.

Other symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis are non-specific, which may include loss of appetite, chronic fatigue, weight loss, hair loss, low grade fevers and so on.

What are the causes of rheumatoid arthritis and who is at risk? Rheumatoid arthritis is categorized as autoimmune disease, in which the body produces an immunogenic response to some constituent of its own tissue, in this case, the joints. In other words the immune system loses its ability to recognize some tissue or system within the body as "self" and targets and attacks it as if it were foreign.

People who are at risks of having the disease include:

1. Those who have a family history of rheumatoid arthritis

2. Those who have other forms autoimmune disease i.e. autoimmune thyroiditis, vitiligo, type 1 diabetes, etc

3. Sex: typically affects women more than men in the ratio of 3:1

4. Age: the age of onset is usually between third and fourth decades of life

How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed? Clinical suspicion is the first step towards confirmation of the diagnosis. Once rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, a series of laboratory and radiological tests are performed and these include full blood examination, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factors, autoimmune markers and x-rays. If these tests turn out positive, rheumatoid arthritis is very likely.

How is rheumatoid arthritis treated? Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis can be categorized as non-medical and medical treatments.

1. Non-medical treatments: these include physiotherapy with hot wax, joint exercises and assistive devices. More often than not, conservative treatment alone is inadequate, therefore, addition of chemotherapeutic agents is warranted.

2. Medical treatment: since rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that mounts an inflammatory response towards self, the use of chemotherapeutic agents, which alter and dampen the immune response, is nonetheless, effective. These chemotherapeutic agents include steroids, methotrexate, sulfasalazine and plaquenil. Pain, that often is the dominant symptom in rheumatoid arthritis, can be managed by taking anti-inflammatory medications such as non-steroidals.

Does rheumatoid arthritis only affect joints? No. As a matter of fact, rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic autoimmune, inflammatory disease that has a predilection for joints. It can affect skin, brain, heart, lungs and other bodily systems.

What is your advice for people who suffer rheumatoid arthritis? It is paramount that people who suffer rheumatoid arthritis should remain active. Seeking advice with a physical and occupational therapist may help to decide what level and types of activities are appropriate. It is important to discuss your progress with your physician and health care providers, who can provide you with appropriate information and resources you need during your treatment.

How to Get Arthritis Pain Relief!

Arthritis Pain?

Arthritis Pain? - are your joints red, burning, swollen and so stiff you don't want to move... that's what those who suffer from arthritis experience on a daily basis. If you know what this feels like, you are probably one of the 46 million Americans (that's 1 out of every 5 people) that are living with arthritis every day. To better understand how to get relief from this debilitating disease we need to dive deeper into its root cause.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis actually means joint (arthr) inflammation (itis). Arthritis can be used to define a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases and other conditions that can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints or any part of your body.

Additionally, it can damage the joint cartilage which can lead to joint weakness, instability and visible deformities that can interfere and, in severe cases, limit a person's ability to perform most basic daily tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, washing dishes or brushing your teeth.

Arthritis can affect anyone regardless of age and most commonly affects joints in the knees, hips, hands and spine. If left undiagnosed and not treated properly, arthritis can cause irreversible damage to the joints, bones, organs, and skin. Not to mention dramatically impair your quality of life.

Arthritis-related conditions primarily affect the muscles and the bones but it is also considered to be systemic, affecting the whole body. Arthritis can cause damage to any bodily organ or system, including the lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, skin and even the heart.

The Arthritis Foundation sites two independent studies (Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota) both of which prove that the inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis is linked to heart disease and an increased risk of early death.

Types of arthritis which are associated with inflammation include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis


• Gout


• Tendinitis


• Bursitis


• Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Recent medical studies have found that inflammation is always present before the various diseases manifest, and is in fact the root cause of almost every disease suffered by human beings! Inflammation has become the new "The New Medical Bad Guy".

It then follows that if all the disorders have inflammation as their root cause, shouldn't you begin by reducing the inflammation?

No one knows the exact cause of arthritis but there are certain risk factors to keep in mind:

• Genetics - likely to contribute to risk but no one knows how much.


• Age - the older you are the more at risk you become


• Weight - maintaining a healthy weight will ease the load on the joints.


• Previous Injury - major injuries are likely to contribute to risk.


• Occupational Hazards - repetitive, high demand jobs increase risk.


• Illness or infection - an infection in the joint or gout can lead to arthritis.


• Certain Sports - high level, high demand sports can contribute to arthritis (however, general exercise is good).

What we do know is that when you have arthritis, your immune system goes into over-drive and causes the joints to swell and become inflamed. Therefore, treating the inflammation becomes the key in managing the pain and discomfort associated with this condition. Sadly enough, the Arthritis Foundation reports that half of all Americans with arthritis don't believe anything can be done to help them get arthritis pain relief.

You may be in that situation yourself, having thrown your hands up in frustration and simply decided to live with your pain. The good news is that by reducing the inflammation you can significantly ease the painful symptoms associated with arthritis.

A few ways to reduce your inflammation and get arthritis pain relief:

• Exercise/Weightloss - Exercise is essential, but less weight equals less stress on joints.


• Diet - Eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole foods; limit sugars, gluten and all processed foods.


• Rest - a good balance between rest and activity is the key to joint health.


• Over-the-counter and prescription medications - while these may provide temporary relief by masking the pain they do not always get to the root of the problem - inflammation. They can also have serious side effects, especially with long-term use.


• Natural anti-inflammatory supplements - probably the most promising natural approach to reducing inflammation in a long while. We recommend looking for supplements containing systemic enzymes and all-natural herbal ingredients.

By taking these simple steps to reduce inflammation you will be well on your way to healing your arthritic condition and it's devastating effects on your mind and body.

Everyone should strive to achieve a healthy and active lifestyle for optimal well-being.

Common Medicines And Medical Procedures For Rhumatoid Arthritis

There are various types of medicines can help control the pain and swelling of joints in Rhumatoid arthritis (Rheumatoid). Doctors recommend medications depending on type of arthritis, the degree to which the joints have been affected and how much pain is experienced as well as other factors. There are various classes of medicines, most of them falling under one of the following

o Analgesics: They are drugs to relieve pain but not inflammation. They are generally used if there is allergy to aspirin. Acetaminophen is one example of an analgesic. It is available without a prescription.

o Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) : are used to combat joint pain, stiffness and swelling. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins in the body , which are substances that send pain messages to the brain. Examples of NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen sodium. Other NSAIDs are available by prescription only. NSAIDs should be used under doctor supervision only and can cause the side effect of stomach upset.

o Glucocorticoids: are drugs that relieve pain by reducing swelling and inflammation in the affected joint. These drugs are related to a hormone found in the body à cortisol. Glucocorticoid injections must be monitored carefully; side effects can occur if you receive injections too frequently.

o Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) : The main function of DMARD's is to reduce inflammation, slow down and suppress the immune system, but these drugs also help relieve pain. The effects of these drugs may take several weeks or months to become tangible in nature. Examples of DMARDs include methotrexate, hydroxycholorquine, azulfdine and lefunomide.

o Biologic response modifiers (BRMs): These are also known as biologic agents and are used to suppress arthritis inflammation. Food and Drug Administration has approved two BRM's for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis: etanercept (Enbrel) and infliximib (Remicade).

o Antidepressants are typically prescribed for the chronic pain of fibromyalgia rather than for arthritis. They work by blocking pain hormones in the brain. They are sometimes used with patients to break out of depression cycle. Antidepressants also can help improve sleep quality, which in turn may help reduce pain. The doses used to treat pain and sleep problems are usually lower than those used for depression.

o Topical pain relievers include creams, rubs and sprays that are applied to the skin over a painful muscle or joint. Some topical pain relievers contain combinations of salicylates , skin irritants and local anesthetics that relieve pain . Salicylates work by making nerve endings in the skin unresponsive to pain.

o Narcotics and other strong painkillers are sometimes prescribed for short-term and intense pain. Morphine and codeine reduce pain by blocking pain signals that are traveling to the brain.

o Tranquilizers can be helpful in reducing painful muscle tension and spasms in some types of arthritis or its related conditions. However, these drugs have to be used very carefully as they can be addictive if they are used for a long period of time.

o Nerve blocks are anesthetic drugs injections, administered directly into the nerves of the painful area. They can help relieve nerve, tendon, and ligament and muscle pain. Yet nerve blocks are not as effective for long-lasting pain because they work only for a limited period of time. They may also cause temporary muscle weakness and numbness near the painful area.

After reviewing many of these options, you may find it beneficial to also examine some natural options for dealing with your arthritis and a sufferer myself, I have found these to be a useful complement. With some trial and error they can begin to replace many of the more conventional approaches to your Rhumatoid arthritis pain relief.

Hand Surgery - A Useful Solution to Get Rid of Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis can be extremely painful and make every day activities become increasingly difficult and frustrating to deal with. It can strike at any age, but most commonly begins near the age of 40. There still is not a single cause that can be pinpointed, nor any guaranteed prevention methods. In fact, it usually isn't even detected until symptoms are already visible.

There are medications available that can help relieve the pain and there are some that can help stop the rapid progression of this disease; however, rheumatoid often causes major deformities of the hand, making mobility severely restricted. In these cases, sometimes the best answer is hand surgery.

Signs of rheumatoid arthritis, which most commonly occurs in the hands but can also affect the feet and other joints, usually begin with noticeable inflammation of the area. Most people find themselves waking up feeling stiffness or pain that lasts for up to an hour.

As arthritis progresses, the joints continue to deteriorate, making movement increasingly difficult and eventually causing deformation. The fingers often become twisted at odd angles although there is no one single pattern that may occur.

For some patients, if caught early on medication may be enough to treat symptoms; however, very severe and late stage rheumatoid arthritis can often benefit from surgery. Many people are able to return back to their former jobs or continue to do hobbies they enjoyed in the past that have become too painful or difficult to continue due to complications, such as art and exercise.

If you find that arthritis is adversely affecting your life and causing great physical pain as well as emotional distress, you may want to seek a consultation about possibly undergoing operation.

Hand surgery will vary depending on your specific problems or deformity, but commonly the tendons will be repaired, reconnected back properly so the fingers and hand can regain normal functioning and movement once again. If the joints have been significantly damaged, these may be replaced with prosthetics to improve aesthetic appearance as well as functionality.

Many patients find that their pain has been greatly reduced following procedure, the appearance of the hand is much more natural, and its functions are restored to a much better condition.

There are risks and complications involved with surgery, including infection, bleeding, blood clots, loss of sensation, and no improvement in the condition. Since this procedure has the potential to decrease mobility further, you should carefully consider all options. Most patients will find operation provides some degree of relief, much of the results depend on the preexisting state of the tendons and joints.

Surgeons differ on when during the progression of surgery is best performed, so you may want to consult with one as soon as you are diagnosed and research a few different views before making your own, well-informed decision.

Your general practitioner may be able to offer you referrals to specialists, and you will most likely want to visit with several before choosing which you feel most comfortable with.

Arthritis Treatment - What Works?

For most people, arthritis treatment using the state of the art methods as offered by the top medical doctors in the country will only get you so far.

Arthritis drugs can suppress your symptoms, but they will not heal your arthritis. At best, they will slow down or temporarily stop the damage being done to your joints, giving you time to seek out alternative treatments that heal the underlying condition. At worst, they will produce side effects that can sometimes be as bad as the arthritis itself.

Joint replacement surgery is a godsend to many, but again, that isn't really treating the arthritis, it is recreating a functional joint after arthritis has already destroyed one you were born with.

What type of arthritis treatment actually treats the underlying causes of the disease?

Diet is one of the most popular and successful types.

One of the underlying causes of arthritis for many people is food sensitivities. If you are one of these people, you must first first proceeds by finding out your exact food sensitivities. Then you need to eliminate these problem foods from your diet. This type of strategy can often work miracles.

The ALCAT blood test is one way to discover if you have any food sensitivities and if so, exactly what they are. Selectively eliminating any suspected problem foods from your diet for a week and then systematically reintroducing them, with at least 24 hours between each reintroduction, is another.

This type of treatment is two fold. First you most know exactly what your problem foods are. Second, you must know all the hidden sources of these foods, so you don't unknowingly eat them.

For instance, table salt is half dextrose, half salt. The dextrose in the United States is made from corn. Individuals with corn sensitivities will sometimes have their arthritis activated whenever they eat food that contains table salt.

Besides foods to avoid, there are also healthy foods to seek out. Assuming you don't have a food sensitivity to them, you will want to eat foods that have anti-inflammatory properties. Including the spices tumeric, ginger, and cumin in your diet, for instance, can calm inflammation without the negative side effects of many prescription arthritis drugs.

A New Breed of Psoriasis Treatments

With the massive amounts of information about psoriasis today, it can be intimidating to try and keep abreast of not only new treatments, but their pros and cons.

Without this information, you cannot really make an informed decision about what to discuss with your doctor and what direction you might want to explore in your attempt to control your psoriasis symptoms. One of the newest groups of medicines are biologics, systemic medications (taken orally or injected).

The Latest and Greatest:

Patients with moderate to sever plaque psoriasis have new treatment options, recently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: alefacept, efalizumab, and etanercept. One of these, etanercept has also received approval for treatment of psoriatic arthritis, giving new hope to these sufferers as well. The new biologics have been projected to be safer than other, older systemic medications, mainly the kidney or liver failure that long-term use of the older medications can cause.

New injected psoriasis treatments include:

1. Alefacept. The original standard treatment of 12 weeks seems to be more effective with longer remission periods when treatment is administered for a longer period of 16 weeks. Side effects (mild and include infections, injection site reactions, itching, and flu like symptoms) show no significant increase with the longer period versus the standard time table. Repeated courses of alefacept seem to be proving safe and effective as well. Aside from the treatment of plaque psoriasis, this medication seems to be effective on palmoplantar psoriasis after 12 weeks of treatment, allowing the patients to walk without pain and use their hands again. It is also safe to begin alefacept treatment while weaning other therapies.

2. Efalizumab. In studies, this psoriasis treatment has shown to be safe and effective for continuous treatment for up to 60 weeks without fear of toxicity. No new side effects were manifested, while the side effects reported in shorter treatment periods did not worsen. These side effects include: headache, chills, fever, and nausea.

3. Etanercept. This biologic treatment for both plaque psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has been used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and has shown to be safe on long term treatment of these patients. An important factor to note is that there seems to be relapse within three months after discontinuing use in psoriasis treatment although withdrawal does not cause a severe flare of symptoms. Reinstatement of treatment is still as effective without increase in side effects. Unlike treatment methods with Etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis treatment is suggested to be intermittent or rotated with other treatments.

New oral psoriasis treatments include:

1. Fumaric Acid Ester Therapy. Introduced almost 30 years ago, this is one of Germanys most commonly prescribed oral treatments for sever plaque psoriasis. Common side effects include: flushing, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Kidney disorders, decreased white blood cell count, and osteoporosis are more serious side effects of this psoriatic treatment. The gastrointestinal side effects have caused 37% of people taking the original medication to discontinue use; however, recent reformulation offers only rare reports of the gastrointestinal side effects.

2. Oral Pimecrolimus. This psoriasis treatment is two pronged, with both incredible results and a terrifying possible side effect. 2003 studies of the drug treatment showed repeated results in completely clearing symptoms of psoriasis within 28 days, fabulous news for psoriasis sufferers. In June 2006, the FDA released a statement relaying the possibility of a dose dependent connection between oral pimecrolimus and lymphoma. This is based on animal studies which were begun as a result of 10 human cases of patients after beginning this treatment. It has yet to be determined whether this is a direct correlation or not and it may take 10 or more years of human studies to determine whether there is a link between this psoriatic treatment and carcinoma. Due to these findings, the FDA has issued these guidelines concerning the use of this treatment:

A. Use only as second line agent for short term and intermittent treatment in patients unresponsive to, or intolerant of other treatments.

B. Avoid use in children younger than 2 years of age. The effect on the developing immune system in infants and children is not known. In clinical studies, infants and children younger than 2 years old treated had a higher rate of upper respiratory infections than those treated with placebo cream.

C. Use only for short periods of time, not continuously.

D. Do not use in patients with a weakened or compromised immune system.

E. Use the minimum amount needed to control the patients symptoms.

Osteoarthritis-Management With Yoga

According to Ayurveda, an integrated system of living, the imbalance of Vata dosha is the chief cause of Osteoarthritis (Sandhigata) which gives raise to inflammation and pain in the joints.

Accumulated negative toxins called ama (undigested waste) in the colon which occurs due to the emotional and physical disturbances when settled in the joints give rise to OA.

Yoga tries to the manage this degenerative disease by including all spheres viz., physical-mental-moral-spiritual in the following manner.

** Stressed life, worries, tiredness, disturbed sleep leads to a state of improper digestion and yoga helps one to overcome all these.

** The mild body movements and gentle pressures of the yogic postures keeps the affected joints mobile and prevents further damage and reduces pain. Stretching postures done with rhythming breathing techniques helps one to relax and release the muscles that are crumpled around the joints.

** When the patient experience pain due to inflammation in the joints, pranayama (breathing technique) is to be practiced as it removes the accumulated toxins leading to reduction in pain, after which one can do sun salutation. First do the warm up exercises then hold a posture that helps in building strength and flexibility of the body and finally do the Shavasana (relaxation pose).

** Strength building asanas build muscles around the joints and helps in nourishing it. Flexibility yielding asanas open up the joints and increase the blood, oxygen and energy circulation. Shavasana done after the above two asanas is used to rejunevate to heal the body based on the energy one has acquired from above postures.

** Energizing and warming pranayama like Kapalabhati pranayama and Ujjayi Pranayam are highly recommended. Asanas for hip OA are Virabhadrasana, Parsvottanasana, Vrkasana Utthita Trikonasana etc.,

** Cyclic yoga exercises based on Suryanamaskara, burn extra calories. Abdominal exercises improves digestion. Yogic postures along with breathing exercises makes an physiological and psychological impact. Then do Shavasana which helps in regulating the mind. This sequence in doing asanas helps one to restore the balance of vata dosha thereby treating OA at its origin.

Arthritis and Joint Pain Relief Herbal Remedies That You Should Know

Many people have twisted to more normal methods of healing and pain relief in current years, particularly those who are dissatisfied with the conventional Western medicines for various reasons. Although pharmaceutical companies are churning out more complicated drugs every year, there is always the danger of unpleasant reactions to man-made chemicals, or pessimistic reactions with accessible medicines a patient may need to take.

Joint pain is one of the most common arthritis symptoms. It affects one or supplementary joints. It is caused by a variety of injuries or situations. It may be caused by the swelling of the bursae called bursitis. These bursae are fluid-filled sacs that mitigate and pad, bony parts, permitting free movement of muscles and tendons over the bone.

The Main Causes are given below-

1. Joint hurt
2. Joint wound
3. Bursitis
4. Arthritis
5. Tendonitis

Home Remedies

1. Massaging the pretentious area with any oil would give relief from pain.
2. Warm bath is the highly helpful for joint pains.
3. Mix two to three teaspoonful of winter cherry with ghee and molasses to make porridge. Eat the porridge on an empty stomach for 15-20 days. It's a good Herbal Remedy for Joint Pain.
4. Eating chapatti equipped from roasted grams flour with clarified butter provides good relief.
5. Drink a cup of papaya seed tea at least six or seven times a day for two to three weeks to get relief from arthritis and joint pain.
6. Carrot juice is also highly beneficial as it makes ligaments stronger and is a good Herbal Remedy for Joint Pain.
7. In take of 1-2 teaspoonful of turmeric in hot milk also treats all kinds of body pains.
8. One can chomp through garlic cloves fried in butter for treatment of this problem and they are good Herbal Remedies.
9. Among fruits bananas are considered as the best for the joints as they give strength and grease the joints.
10. Mix methyl salicylate, camphor, menthol and eucalyptus oil to make a rubbing mixture for aches and joint pains.
11. Alternating hot and cold compressions on the painful region gives relief from this problem.
12. Two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar and 2-3 teaspoons of honey dissolved in a small glass of warm water gives relief from arthritis.
13. Exercise amplifies your joint elasticity and also strengthens your bones. Exercise in water can diminish pain and improve flexibility
14. Gomukhasana is helpful yoga asana for the cure of this problem.
15. Mixing of fresh carrot juice with equal parts of lemon juice and taking one large teaspoonful daily for the treatment helps in reducing joint pains. One of the best Herbal remedies for joint pain.
16. Rub the joints with hot vinegar before going to bed at night.

Oils and Rubs for the treatment of Arthritis

Olive Oil - A gentle rub with warm olive oil is cheap and also useful.

Rumatone Gold Massage Oil along with Rumatone Gold capsules is very effective in arthritis joint pain.

Camphor Rub - Mix equal proportion of 1 teaspoon of camphor oil to 1 teaspoonful of sunflower oil and massage the effected area with this rub to get relief from joint pains.

How to Cope With Arthritis of the Knees

The most common diseases among the hundred types of Arthritis are: Osteoarthritis, Rhumatoid Arthritis, Gout, Lupus and Scleroderma. There are no known causes identified, except that some are genetic, some due to Auto-immunity and others - injuries to the joints. Symptoms:- Usually accompanied by stiffness, pain, swelling and tenderness of joints, inflammation and eventually deformities.

Causes of Osteoarthritis:-

1. Degeneration of the joints often due to aging


2. Trauma resulting from falls, accidents, physical activities like sports or protein defect which the cartilage is comprised of.


3. Genetic link. If both parents have Arthritis, then you are more prone to inherit it.

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis:-

1. Autoimmune disorder.


2. Viral infection that triggers off an immune response in which the Synovial membrane of the joint is under attack.


3. Emotional stress


4. Poor nutrition may contribute to the onset of the disease.

Infectious Arthritis: This is either caused by a virus or bacteria attacking the joint. If left untreated, Infectious Arthritis can cause permanent damage in the joint. Any idea what the two main muscles are, that control your knee movements and its stability. Ever heard of the quadriceps and hamstrings? Well, the quadriceps is a four-part powerful muscles situated from the thigh front, to just below the knee. It controls knee straightening and movement of the patella (knee cap). It is vital for standing, walking and running too. The hamstrings are the muscles comprising of the posterior or back of the thigh, to just below the back of the knee. Their function is for bending.

Recommended diet:-

• Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis is known to respond to an increased dietary consumption of fish oils. Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements do help to relieve painful symptoms, I know, as I am taking it too. They must be combined as one to be effective.


• Increase intake of calcium to reduce the risk of osteoporosis and consume plenty of non-alcoholic drinks


• Limit the amount of dietary fats and sustain your weight within a normal range. Know that obesity worsens knee arthritis, as the added weight can put a stress on the affected knee joint, hips or spine.


• Ginger is good for anti-flatulence. Its anti-oxidant compound helps to ward off inflammation and Arthritis.


• Capsicum's hot capsaicin triggers endorphins release, which is nature's natural narcotic, to relieve pain. You can apply capsicum cream or nutmeg ointment directly on the painful joints three times daily. Avoid direct contact with the eyes.


• Tumeric is a kind of spice ground into powder, and a common ingredient found in curry. The yellow colouring of Tumeric called curcumin, when taken daily is effective in relieving aches and pains and possibly prevent Colon cancer. If you have a Gall-Bladder related problem, better to omit this spice.


• Celery is anti-inflammatory, as well as slowing down ageing and lowering blood pressure and cholesterol.

Rest and massage are sound advice for all Arthritis. Rest in particular, is essential for inflamed muscles or tendons. Cold compress with ice actually reduces pain and swelling, thus promoting healing. Additionally, vinegar can be used to alleviate painful and swelling joints by applying a face towel soaked in vinegar on to it. Use one part of the vinegar in proportion to one part of warm water. Example - 250ml of vinegar to 250ml of water. The key to finding relief for knee arthritis is gentle, slow stretching and strengthening exercise, besides building up of supportive muscles.

Hydrotherapy or water exercise is one of the most effective and comfortable therapy for Arthritis, because it is made easy for the joints and muscles while being supported by water. Why not exercise the joints, muscles and ligaments of your knees without strain or sprain...by stretching or walking through water in a four feet deep swimming pool?

Are you familiar with Hydrotherapy? Ever heard of it? I am sure you do! It is a water exercise in a heated pool, reminds you of Jacuzzi, right? Certainly, there are many various ways to exercise in water:

• Warm water exercise designed in mind for people with Arthritis.


• Hydrotherapy which is instructed by physiotherapists.


• Gentle water exercise which caters for older people, or people with health conditions.


• Water aerobics for fitness in general.

What are the health benefits of Hydrotherapy?

1. It increases muscles strength, promotes posture and balance.


2. Contributes a sense of well-being.


3. Affords better mobility and flexibility of joints.


4. Reduces pain.


5. Helps to relax sore muscles and ease stiffness of joints.

Always remember safety measures and take precautions at the pool. Slow down if you are out of breath. Stop immediately if the therapy causes you more pain. Get out of the water if you feel giddy or sick. Alternatively, riding on a stationary bicycle is a good way to exercise your knees. Here are some water exercises if you are capable of doing. First, you sure need a flotation belt to keep you upright and floating at shoulder height.

• Stand in a swimming pool waist to chest deep in water. Now walk through the water, the same way as how you walk on the ground. If you are not able to swim, like yours truly here, I know that you will feel more comfortable and confidant if you are standing near the edge of the pool, so you can hold on to the edge for support as you walk through the water, from the short end of the pool to the other end. Try walking sideways to tone up other muscles.


• Next, stand upright with your chest lifted and arms slightly bent at your sides. Stride forward slowly, placing your foot on the base of the pool (not tip-toe), with your heel going down first, followed by the ball of your foot. Avoid straining your back as you stride across and back.


• Pump your arms and legs faster for a short moment, then return to your own normal pace.

Are you ready for a few quadriceps strengthening exercises? Here you go:-

1. Always warm up first with walking or riding a stationary bike before performing the Quadriceps exercises. Only do one exercise per session.Now sit in a chair, then move a little forward to sit at the edge. Extend both legs forward, but your heels on the floor.Keeping your knees straight, tighten your thigh muscles and hold for a count of ten. Then relax for a count of three, breathe in and out. Do ten repetitions of this.


2. Leg lifts - just lie flat on your back, then bend your left knee at 90 degrees angle, while keeping your left foot flat on the floor. Keep your right leg straight as you slowly lift it up, until your right foot is at the same height as your left knee. Hold this position for a count of three, inhaling and exhaling Switch legs over and repeat 10 times over several weeks. Remember to lift one leg at a time, as lifting both legs can cause excessive strain on your back.


3. Next, sit or lie on the floor, you may place a rolled up towel beneath your thigh for support. Straighten your left leg, raise your left foot about six inches off the floor. Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly lower your left foot bending your knee. Alternate with your right leg and do it for 10 times.


4. Stand with your back straighten up, knees apart and your feet pointing straight ahead. Slowly lower and move your buttocks backward, as though you were sitting on a chair. Do Not bend your knees beyond 90 degrees angle. Hold it for a count of 5 seconds. Do 10 squats, but stop if you are having pain on your knees.


5. Sit on a chair with knees bent to 45 degrees and heels on the floor, but your toes lifted up Do not move your heels, dig them into the floor instead. Can you feel the tension in your hamstrings? Hold for a count of 5 seconds, then relax for a count of 3 seconds. Do 10 repetitions.


6. Walk backwards to develop your hamstrings. When you walk backwards, your weight is more evenly distributed--thus lessening the strain on your knees.


7. Get yourself seated on a chair, then place a fist in between your knees. Squeeze your knees together and hold for a count of 10. Relax for a count of 3 seconds and do it 10 times.

Cold Laser Therapy: Treatment for Osteoarthritis Knee Pain

Cold laser therapy may seem like a treatment that one would read about in a science fiction novel. Just in the past decade, however, it has become a recognized and often times preferred treatment for osteoarthritis knee pain sufferers who want to avoid invasive procedures.

Cold lasers are handheld, non-surgical devices that are used in a clinical setting. They work by emitting specific wavelengths of light thereby stimulating activity in the tissue on a cellular level. Once the metabolic rate of the cell is increased it initiates a number of beneficial biochemical events. The most obvious benefit is a reduction in both pain and inflammation. For example, a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study reported in Photomedicine and Laser Surgery found that laser therapy significantly relieved osteoarthritis knee pain and swelling in patients. The study also found that range of motion increased in the knee joint, and there was less sensitivity and tenderness around the knee joint.

Recently, an abstract entitled Low-Level Laser Therapy and Its Effects On The Quality of Life for Patients Suffering From Osteoarthritis Knee Pain in the Medial Compartment: A Detailed Analysis By Questionnaire found that 79.8% of patients diagnosed with moderate to severe arthritis in the medial aspect of the knee joint (inside part- where the knees touch) who were treated with cold laser therapy reported feeling moderately to a great deal better and their quality of life improved after completing just five weeks of care.

Besides helping reduce pain and inflammation in and around the knee joint, research indicates that cold laser therapy may help an arthritic knee by doing the following:

Fibroblasts production increases: Fibroblasts are needed to make cartilage.

Interleukin-1 is suppressed: Interleukin-1 is a protein that when released plays a direct role in destroying cartilage, it promotes the release of more enzymes that cause cartilage destruction, and it inhibits type II collagen from being produced (so that cartilage cannot be rebuilt or replaced). There are high levels of this protein in an osteoarthritic knee so cold laser therapy inhibits the release of this protein allowing cartilage to be maintained.

Growth factors are released: Treatments release growth factors which play a vital role in healthy knees because they stimulate cartilage cell production or chondrocytes. Moreover, the release of growth factors inhibits the release of interleukin-1.

Tensile strength of the tissue improves: Cold laser treatment is believed to improve the inter and intra molecular hydrogen bonding of the tissue thereby improving the strength of the cartilage so that it doesn't wear down or get injured as easily.

In conclusion, for individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis knee pain, and need relief from their knee pain, but would prefer a non-invasive procedure should consider finding a doctor who specializes in cold laser therapy for knee pain.

穢AKS 2011 All rights reserved

Treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis: Differences of Opinion?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory form of arthritis and affects approximately 2 million Americans. It is a chronic, autoimmune, systemic disease for which there is no known cure; however, it is capable of being put into remission.

RA develops as a result of chronic inflammation involving the synovium- the lining of the joint- which results in damage to the joint. Damage can occur early in the disease and is irreversible.

New diagnostic criteria formulated in 2010 by a combined effort of the American College of Rheumatology as well as the European League Against Rheumatism have helped establish parameters that allow for the detection of early disease.

It is quite clear that early diagnosis and aggressive treatment results in improved functional outcome for patients with RA. Currently, the target or goal is remission. In fact, the "treat to target" approach is the new buzz word in rheumatology.

Treatment approaches designed to effect remission vary depending upon the treating rheumatologist.

Some arthritis specialists feel that a combination of disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) including drugs such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), and leflunomide (Arava) should be employed for at least six months before switching to biologic therapies.

In most instances, methotrexate is the DMARD of choice and is started at a dose of 10-15 mgs per week and increased to about 20 mgs over an 8 week period. Folic acid is given in a dose of 1 mg per day to help counteract some of the untoward effects of methotrexate.

While there is some data to support this approach, many other rheumatologists feel that six months is far too long to wait before initiation of biologic therapy.

Most rheumatologists do agree that for patients with active disease, low doses of corticosteroids can act as a "bridge" until the disease is controlled.

Biologic therapies are much more selective in their effects on RA. They are specifically designed to hit certain inflammatory proteins or cells that produce these inflammatory proteins.

The difference between DMARDS and biologic therapies can be likened to the difference between a shotgun versus a rifle.

As can be surmised, there is potential for side effects from both DMARDS as well as biologics. The use of either category of drug needs to be instituted and followed by a physician with much experience in their use.

While much has been written about the potential hazards of biologic therapy, there has been relatively little attention paid to the potential hazards of combination DMARD therapy.

It can be emphatically said that neither approach is side-effect free.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Linked to Food Allergy & Intolerances

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory joint disease (Autoimmune disease) that is characterised by daily pain, stiffness and fatigue which, in turn, limits activities of daily living. Rheumatoid arthritis, a crippling disease that affects approximately 2-3% of the world's population, and usually starts between the ages of 20-40 years and is more common in women, affecting them 3 times more often than men. Some forms of the disease can occur in children. Rheumatoid arthritis affects about 1 percent of our population and at least two million Americans have definite or classical rheumatoid arthritis. It is a much more devastating illness than previously appreciated.

Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in all races and ethnic groups. Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory illness that affects the joints and because it is "systemic" (affecting the entire body), it can affect other parts of the body as well. Rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes painkillers and medicines to reduce inflammation and prevent the disease's progression.

Medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biological response modifiers, and corticosteroids. Non-drug treatments include physical therapy; modified exercise programs; devices such as canes, special shoes, and splints (rigid supports that keep a part of the body from moving while it heals); and lifestyle changes--such as balancing activity with rest, eating a healthy diet, and reducing stress.

Medicines that manage your immune system (called Immuno-suppressants) can also be used to fight RA. When you have RA, your immune system is out of control.

Patients with these diseases have antibodies in their blood which target their own body tissues, where they can be associated with inflammation.

Commonly affected joints include those in the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and neck. Rheumatoid arthritis varies from person to person, but most cases are chronic, meaning they never go away. Some people have mild or moderate disease, with flares (periods of worsening symptoms) and remissions.

Rheumatoid arthritis is also considered a risk factor for a condition called osteoporosis in which a portion of bone loses its blood supply and begins to die. In RA, multiple joints are usually, but not always, affected in a symmetrical pattern (affecting both sides of the body at the same time, for example both hands might be affected).

Patients should always consult with their doctor about the choice of medication. Medicines must be used carefully and patients should tell their doctors about any changes that occur. Patients may not notice that their rheumatoid arthritis is affecting their spinal cord because this disease also causes arthritis in the fingers, hands, and hips at the same time.

Painful arthritis in some joints can in some cases mask the symptoms of further damage, such as spinal cord compression.

Many foods are known to help one's RA, while many others will actually contribute to the disease or trigger the symptoms, there are far to many to list here, however one of the most important foods to cut out of your diet, would be white flower, and anything made with white flour.

Rheumatoid Arthritis linked to food allergy & intolerance's

Bad foods for arthritis tend to contain chemicals called inflammatory prostaglandins, which can be directly responsible for triggering some arthritis conditions. Rheumatoid arthritis in particular is closely linked to food allergy & intolerance's. Most sufferers have been shown to greatly improve when they cut out certain foods or restrict their diet, which eliminates the foods to which they are allergic.

Foods all Arthritics should avoid;

1.Shellfish
2.Fat & all fatty foods
3.Fried food
4.Additives and preservatives
5.Mayonnaise

Foods which should be treated with caution;

The foods which cause the most confusion amongst nutritionists and arthritis professionals are those referred to as from the 'nightshade family'

1.Potatoes (especially when green and sprouting)
2.Tomatoes (especially when green)
3.Hot peppers
4.Sweet peppers
5.Paprika

Good and beneficial foods;

1.Brown rice
2.Sweet potatoes
3.Onions
4.Garlic
5.Celery
6.Oily fish

This is just a small list of good and bad foods, which are known to influence arthritis. Diet and natural treatments for arthritis are not necessarily the fastest remedies. This is because they sometimes have to cure a basic imbalance in the body which may take up to a few weeks, however natural practices do actually tackle the underlying contributing factor of one's RA and not just the symptoms.

Some natural arthritis treatment recommend a short period of fasting for a day or two, even for healthy people. There have been claims that fasting is effective to treat many conditions, arthritis being one of them.

Natural practices could be the answer to one's RA,and shouldn't be discounted.

A Safe and Natural Way to Cure Arthritis

The Pain of Arthritis

You know what arthritis is and what it feels like whether it's rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, etc. The unbearable pain you feel especially in the morning when first waking up and having to run your hands under hot water to help alleviate the pain. I know exactly what it's like. I had arthritis. But after much searching and persistence I found a way to beat arthritis once and for all. I will be laying out steps you can start taking today, to start on the path to eliminating the pain of arthritis once and for all. All it takes is 4 different "phases" as I like to call it, and a strong commitment with a strong desire to become pain-free.

Why Drugs Will NOT Work

First off, let me tell you why any type of so called arthritis drug will not help you but in fact harm you even more. You've seen the television commercials advertising over-the-counter drugs and prescription drugs offering relief from arthritis but let me tell you now, no over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs sold by the big drug companies is ever going to help you. That's just a fact. Why? Because these drugs do not address the underlying problem associated with arthritis. They may relieve the pain to a certain extent but the cartilage in your joints is damaged and your joints are still rubbing against each other. Once the drugs wear off, the pain comes back. Masking the pain is only going to lead to further joint degeneration and destruction. What you need to do is get to the root of the problem which is what I will show you.

Doctors give drugs of which they know little,
into bodies, of which they know less,
for diseases of which they know nothing at all.
-Voltaire

Phase One - Nutrition

Your diet is the foundation for the elimination of arthritis. Take a moment and examine what kind of foods you are eating on a daily basis. Are they healthy foods? Fast food? Junk food? This may not be what some of you want to hear but the first step towards becoming pain-free is to eliminate all junk food from your diet. If you are sick and tired of being in pain then the choice is easy but it's up to you. So to start off, you need to eliminate all fast foods, junk foods, sweets, carbonated drinks and flour. Flour has been proven to inflame arthritic conditions. Eat "clean" foods (unprocessed), fruits, vegetables, lean chicken breasts, fish, nuts and whole grains. Water. You need to drink LOTS of water. Water helps flush out toxins from the body and is a very important component in the elimination of the pain of arthritis. Continue this diet for about 2-4 weeks.

When diet is wrong medicine is of no use.
When diet is correct medicine is of no need.
- Ancient Ayurvedic Proverb

Phase Two - Detoxification

After a few weeks of "clean eating" you will start to feel better but be warned, because you are now eating healthy, your body will start to eliminate toxins from your body and there may be certain times where you feel an unusually higher amount of pain. This is actually good, it's called a "healing crisis". All this means is that your body is eliminating the toxins that have been stored in your body for years and have contributed to your arthritic condition. The next phase after you have been on a clean diet for a few weeks is probably the hardest but it is also the most effective: fasting. Fasting has tremendous healing effects especially on arthritic conditions. Start off by fasting just one day out of each week and eventually work up to a straight 3-5 days eating no food and just drinking water. This will further detoxify your body. On the third day of a fast you may experience a painful healing crisis, but do not be alarmed, it will pass and after this point, you may experience complete and total relief from all arthritic pain. This is what happened to me on the third night of my fast. I woke up in the middle of the night with a terrible pain throughout my entire body that lasted maybe about an hour or so and then passed. Then in the morning when I awoke, it was like a miracle, I had NO pain at all. I simply woke up and got out of bed as if I never had pain in my life. I had previously suffered for six years. I wasn't hunched over in pain and I didn't have to run my fingers through hot water. The joints in my fingers at this point had also become less swollen.

Phase Three - Supplementation

The next phase involves continuing to get to the root of the problem by taking all natural supplements. These supplements are MSM, glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate. These three supplements combined will help further detoxify the body plus they will also help rebuild damaged cartilage which is one of the main reasons arthritis causes so much pain. You can find these supplements at your local health store or supermarket. Incorporate these supplements in you daily diet each day to keep on eliminating the pain and flushing out toxins and rebuilding the cartilage tissue surrounding your joints.

Phase Four - Exercise

When you stop moving, you start dying. What happens to a corpse after someone dies? It starts to stiffen. That's what happens to us especially if you have an arthritic condition. You need to keep those joints loose and warm and the best way to do that is start moving. Exercise doesn't have to be a chore. All it takes is 15-20 minutes a day. Take a walk around the park, park your car a little further when you go to the supermarket. You can easily incorporate some type of exercise into your daily routine. The key is to keep moving, don't become sedentary.

Conclusion

Eliminating the pain of arthritis doesn't take a miracle, just some practical guidelines that anyone can follow and a willingness to follow through with the outlined steps above and wanting to enjoy a pain-free life. If you follow the steps above, you will become pain-free. As always, before beginning any type of diet or training regiment, always be sure to consult your doctor. Here's to a pain-free life.

Purine Rich Foods That A Person With Gouty Arthritis Should Avoid

People that suffer from gouty arthritis could testify to others on how painful experience they have with the disease. Gouty arthritis is a condition that most people should never take for granted. Most people have a difficult time handling the disease. They could turn the once pleasant person into a fierce ogre. Severe case of gouty arthritis is very painful. It hinders so many people from doing their jobs as well.

Gouty arthritis is triggered by low Purine metabolism. Uric acid the end product of purine settles in the joints causing the gout to trigger, though this type of condition has long been existing many people are still unaware of the foods that cause the disease. There are several foods out there that are rich in purine which we forget to eliminate in our diets. Here are several foods that a person with gouty arthritis should avoid.

Meat and Poultry culprits

Unless an individual is a vegetarian, meat would always be included in his or her diet. Poultry products like chicken, duck, and turkeys are foods that are high on purine. Meats products like beef, pork, mutton, veal and venison are also foods that contain high purine. Animal organs are included by medical experts in the list of high purine foods.

Marked Sea foods

We all generally think that sea foods are the safest and most nutritious, however, there are types of sea foods that could ruin a person health. Some types of sea foods are also rich in purine content. Medical experts prohibit sea foods such as cod, crab, lobster, snapper, salmon, tuna and trout to individuals that suffers from gouty arthritis. Sardines and anchovies are among the highest source of purine in sea foods. Certain shell fish are considered high in purine content.

Purine Vegetables

No one could have thought that certain vegetables are responsible for gouty arthritis attacks. Vegetables like asparagus, cauliflower, peas, and spinach are few that are listed to be high in purine. Frequent consumption of these vegetables could surely trigger gout attacks. Legumes like lentil, mongo, lima beans, and navy beans should be avoided by individuals that suffer from gouty arthritis.

Alcoholic beverages

For those people with gouty arthritis who loves to drink better watch out, wines and beers has high purine content. Better limit the consumption of these alcoholic beverages to avoid recurrent gout attacks.

Generally doesn't mean that they should omit from eating these types of food. Doctors and medical experts just people to limit the consumption of these types of food, and lessen future gout attacks.