Archive for September, 2008

Some Alternative Remedies For Gout

Gout is one of the most dreaded types of arthritis, known to be something that just strikes out of the blue, causing simply intense degrees of pain, which often hits at night time. Basically, it is a type of arthritis associated with the build up of uric acid crystals in the joint areas, which basically is the cause for the pain. Some of these crystals are known to grow to large sizes, with some cases actually erupting from the skin, excreting a white chalk-like substance.

Joints are left swollen and tender, pain is experienced all in all, and to make things worse, some gout attacks are known to last for days. Imagine a day of excruciating pain in your joints. Now imagine that happening straight for two days. In extreme cases of gout conditions, some last for a week. Gout, as a condition, is a no nonsense condition at all, as it is quite painful.

As gout is a condition, there are actually a number of alternative remedies for gout, alternative from the regular medical variety of treatments for the condition. These alternative remedies for gout aren’t exactly FDA Approved, but are known to actually stand as good options, even tough they are termed as alternative remedies for gout. Here are two of the more popular of alternative remedies for gout.

Charcoal Poultice

Charcoal Poultice stands to be one of the more popular alternative remedies for gout. Basically, charcoal has the ability to draw toxins from the body. By applying a charcoal concoction onto the skin where the gout condition is known to be, one has basically applied the underlying principle behind this alternative remedy for gout.

Typical ingredients and mixing instructions would include: warm water, a few tablespoons of grounded flaxseed and half a cup of powdered activated charcoal. Mix these ingredients to form a paste, which is then what one would apply onto the affected area.

Cherries

As one of the more popular alternative remedies for gout, one thing worth knowing about cherries as a gout remedy is that there is no scientific proof which indicates that cherries do help gout, but is quite hailed by many to be very beneficial. From eating cherries, to drinking cherry concentrate juice mixes, taking in cherries is noted to be one of the most popular alternative remedies for gout.

So there you have it. Two of the more popular varieties of alternative remedies for gout, which has aided those with the condition in dealing with their illnesses.

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Where Can You Obtain Decent Info About Disease Symptoms?

Learn the Symptoms of Disease Today.

How do you know that you need to do a colon cleanse now? Sure, you probably know in some recess of your mind that a colon cleanse is a good idea and that your body will thank you for doing it, but did you know that there are a number of symptoms that should compel you to do a colon cleanse today? The list is short and sweet:
<li>Do you look and feel tired, depressed, worn out, and just do not seem to be able to get it together to live energetically each day?
<li>Do you feel depressed or anxious for no apparent reasons?
<li>Are your legs or ankles swollen and does your lower back hurt?<li>Is your skin dull, flaky, oily, and given to outbreaks of acne?
<li>Are you unable to concentrate and instead seem to be on autopilot for various periods of time throughout the day?
<li>Has your sex drive lessened or deserted you altogether?

If you answered in the affirmative to any of these questions, then your body is fighting dangerously high levels of toxins and pollutant buildups and you must start a colon cleanse regimen today! You will most likely not notice that fecal matter is not completely being evacuated from your colon and that some stays behind – sometimes for years or even decades! You may not feel cramping, bloating, or any other kinds of symptoms until the waste products have been in your body for a while, and usually once you do become aware of discomfort, the onset is so gradual that you will not pay much attention until the levels of bodily toxicity is so great that the symptoms are obvious and can no longer be ignored. Even then, many will seek over the counter remedies to clear up the skin, increase the sex drive, and jar them awake with massive doses of caffeine or various other drugs and supplements. Sadly, the most obvious solution – taking care of the body’s health from the inside out – is most commonly overlooked.

Generally speaking, a colon cleanse is little more than a procedure that permits the gastrointestinal tract to sweep out any fecal matter that has stayed behind. Depending on your lifestyle, eating habits, and voluntary as well as involuntary ingestion of toxins, the odds are good that some waste products remained in your body and attaches themselves to the interior lining of the intestines. Instead of being forced out, they remain and solidify and in so doing present an attractive substance for other fecal matter to attach itself to. Before long, several pounds of unshed sewage are found inside your colon, and some go so far as to say that it is not uncommon for a person to have at lest five pounds, but in some cases even 10 to 20 pounds of such fecal matter buildup! Colon cleansers seek to liquefy the waste, get it moving out of the body, and then gently scrape the insides of the colon to ensure that nothing continues to adhere to the lining of the colon. As the fecal matter is evacuated from the body, the symptoms that indicate your need for this procedure will diminish as well, and you will be surprised how much better you feel!

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Arthritis Types And Features

There are over hundred different classifications of arthritis and the symptoms vary from type to type. The most prevalent symptoms arthritis of different types would have are listed below.

Osteoarthritis starts with pain in the joints and stiffness which is progressive with almost no evidence of swelling, fever or chills whilst the patient conducts normal day to day activities. This condition is also referred to as arthrosis, degenerative joint disease or degenerative arthritis. It starts with a low grade inflammation resulting in joint pain that is caused due to the cartilage (covers the bone and functions like a cushion in between joints) being worn out. As the protection offered by the cartilage decreases, pain is felt by the patient when weight is to be born by the bones, and this would include activities as simple as standing and walking. With a decrease in movement caused by the pain, ligaments tend to become slack and muscles around the affected area can start to deteriorate.

Rheumatoid arthritis is conventionally looked upon as a disorder which has the body’s immune system attacking the body. The symptoms arthritis of this kind has starts off with inflammation, pain and the fingers, wrists, arms or knees becoming stiff on both the sides, especially upon waking up. This condition involves lot of inflammation and pain being caused to the patient. This can result in the patient’s mobility being restricted considerably. It is a systematic condition that can affect different tissues of the body like the muscles, skin, lungs, heart, etc. After ten years into the condition, approximately 60% of the patients’ ability to work is lost.

Infectious arthritis is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. Symptoms arthritis of these types carry will vary depending on what is the cause of the inflammation. If the inflammation is caused by bacteria, the patient can experience chills and/or fever and the swelling and pain is generally limited to one place, appearing quite suddenly. If the cause is a virus, fever is normally absent, but the pain could be experienced throughout the body. Symptoms arthritis caused by fungi would appear in the form of a very slow progression of the swelling and pain, which could extend to months in some cases. The swelling and pain could be limited to one area or not, and mild fever can also be a possibility.

Juvenile arthritis is the most prevalent form of arthritis. The symptoms arthritis of this variety displays include appetite loss, sporadic fever, loss of weight, blotchy patches on the legs and arms or anemia. An arthritis remedy and diagnosis in this case would depend upon whether the patient is a child or an adult. While recovery in some cases is complete, in others it remains a life long condition.

Gout arthritis is a condition where there is a build up of uric acid within the blood which results in the formation of crystals in joints as well as other parts of the body. Symptoms arthritis of this category carries are unexpected severe attacks that generally occur in the patient’s big toe; however, any of the patient’s joint could be involved.

The most common type of arthritis is Knee Arthritis, since knee joint is the major weight bearing joint and most commonly used joint, because of which complications arise most commonly.

An Arthritis Remedy can be found for almost all forms of arthritis if medical attention is sought at the preliminary stage. For the best Arthritis Cures visit the links in this article.

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Natural Tendonitis Treatment

The human body is made of natural organic matter and even with science coming up with many ways to improve our lifestyles it cannot remove the fact of what we are made of. It is obvious that for many, when they suffer the effects and pain of tendonitis they immediately try to get fatest form of treatment, and in most cases this is recommended.

The key in finding natural tendonitis treatment is to have an open mind that some things that are non conventional are not always bad. Tendonitis natural treatment is there to improve your condition as the ointments are made of natural ingredients, which are often praised for their healing power.

It is critically important to have in mind that having tendonitis shouldn’t prevent you from doing your daily routines such as workouts. Having a tendonitis foot treatment will allow you to have a normal life provided this is done as soon as possible.

One of the most ideal ways that a natural tendonitis treatment works is that it gives you the chance to use natural remedies. A way to is use an oral method of taking a natural remedy capsule that would allow you to be treated from the inside out naturally.

When you have tendonitis, one of the very first things you will need to take care of immediately is the pain that comes with the confition. The pains is really the issue that many really have a big problem with. Allowing your tissues to heal using a natural tendonitis treatment is an appropriate methods, however this will mean reduction in the amount of exercise you put in.

In many cases tendonitis and the damages done because of it can be reversed provided that you do not continue to aggravate the effected tendons by strenuously exercising to much. You should not try to push your body to its limit but instead reduce the amount of physical stress to a minimum level.

Is Modern Medicine a Better Choice Than a Natural Tendonitis Treatment?

Sometimes you will need something stronger than the tendonitis treatment and that could mean taking a trip to your doctors for an injection. This is perfectly normal as we all have different pain tolerance and that means some of the natural tendonitis treatment might not work all that fast especially if you have a very low pain threshold. This does not mean you are weak only that you are human.

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Pain Relief For Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic disease that affects the musculoskeletal system. Symptoms vary widely among sufferers, but generally include muscle and joint aches, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, headaches and tenderness in several of eighteen specific areas, or “trigger points” on the body. Fibromyalgia is often overlooked by sufferers as the inevitable result of a busy schedule and everyday stress. When patients do seek treatment, doctors often misdiagnose fibromyalgia as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or another musculoskeletal condition. It affects women far more often than men, at a ratio of about ten to one. While some cases result from a specific trauma, more often the exact cause is unknown.

The first step to fibromyalgia pain relief is being properly diagnosed. The condition is not completely understood by the medical community, and there is no specific course of treatment. Most advice given to patients reads like a weight-loss program, recommending low-intensity exercise, drinking lots of water, and reducing mental and physical stresses such as those caused by saturated fats, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, meat and sugar.

Anti-depressants are often prescribed as part of the treatment, which elevate the mood of the patient. Muscle relaxants and sleep aids may also be recommended. Since fibromyalgia sufferers are often found to be low in manganese and magnesium, both of which help balance thyroid function, nutritional supplements may prove beneficial as well.

Physical therapy is another essential component for fibromyalgia pain relief, as it teaches patients methods of walking, stretching, and exercise that reduce muscle tension and fatigue. A physical therapist will also teach patients how to make use of ergonomic tools in their daily life, like padded chairs and special keyboards designed to minimize muscle strain.

Some patients choose to incorporate alternative treatments such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage therapy into their treatment. While the efficacy of these natural treatments has not been carefully studied and quantified, testimonials of fibromyalgia sufferers indicate that all of these alternative treatments may help alleviate symptoms of the disease. Whatever patients decide upon, it must be remembered that there is no simple cure for fibromyalgia, and a comprehensive plan that address mental and psychological symptoms and promotes healthy lifestyle habits is the most direct method of obtaining fibromyalgia pain relief.

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Identify And Recognize The Symptoms Of Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis, an auto immune disease that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own connective tissue is a chronic condition with no known cure. The protective cartilage that acts like a cushion between the joints is affected, causing pain, inflammation, and damage; injury to other organs such as lungs, heart and eyes may occur as well. Recognizing and identifying the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis is extremely important in order to provide proper diagnosis and treatment before this disease causes irreparable damage.

Depending upon the activity of the disease, or the individual patient, the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be mild or severe. Common symptoms may include:

- Joint pain and stiffness in joints usually on both sides of the body (symmetrical)
- Fatigue
- Fever or flu like symptoms
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 20 minutes
- Muscle aches
- Swelling, redness of joints
- Chest pain that comes with coughing or deep breathing
- Chest pain when laying down or bending forward
- Nodules under the skin around the joints where there is frequent pressure

Diagnosis should be done as quickly as possible by a specialist called a Rheumatologist. The doctor will review symptoms and medical history with the patient. A physical and x-rays will possible be performed in order to determine possible joint damage and severity of joint damage. Blood work is ordered to detect the abnormal antibodies called Rheumatoid factor (Rhf), which is commonly found in over 80% of rheumatoid patients. Arthrocentesis is a procedure which may be done in the doctor’s office. Fluid is extracted from the affected joint by a needle and syringe. It relieves pressure and provides a sample of joint fluid to determine whether another cause of arthritis is creating the problem such as gout or infection.

Treatment for Rheumatoid arthritis is commonly done in two ways, “first line” medication and “second line” medication. “First line” or fast-acting drugs, such as ibuprofen, aspirin or cortisone, are used to reduce pain and inflammation. Slow acting class or “second line’ drugs are used to bring the disease into remission and prevent joint damage. “Second line” medications such as methotrexate, gold shots and plaquenil are known to be effective treatments. Surgery may be required to repair joints in some patients with severe joint deformity.

There are several other options a sufferer has to keep discomfort at a minimum. Regular physical activity aides in maintaining a healthy weight which relieves joints from unneeded pressure, it also prevents muscles from atrophying and becoming lax. Many foods such as night shade may cause painful flare ups, keeping watch on what is being consumed may aide in preventing pain as well. Topical rubs and heating pads are known to provide comfort and soothe painful joints and muscles. Glucosamine, Vitamin D and calcium are just some of the dietary supplements that can be taken to promote healthy joints and energy.

Consulting with a health professional is very important before beginning any new exercise or treatment. Early diagnosis and treatment can provide a happy, healthy and active life can be had despite Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Learn more about dealing with the painful Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms at http://www.anaudlife.com where I share my thoughts, experiences and insights of living with this often crippling condition such as how to recognize Arthritis Food Triggers

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Psoriatic Arthritis: A Lesser Discussed Arthritic Condition

Psoriatic Arthritis is one of the lesser known arthritic ailments.  It is not sure exactly what causues it, but it is thought that a combination of immune, genetic and environmental factors are to blame. For those patients who have psoriatic arthritis in the spine (called spondylitis), there is a gene marker named HLA-B27 which is often found.  Fortunately, blood testing is now available to see if you are a gene carrier.  Something else that is under investigation by researchers is the relationship between infectious agents and other environmental factors as psoriatic arthritis progresses.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

In many patients, psoriasis comes initially but psoriatic arthritis may not present for months or years later.  Psoriatic arthritis symptoms frequently present around the ankles, knees and joints in the feet. If inflicted, these joints become painful, hot, swollen and red. If a patient happens to have symptoms in the fingers or toes, this can cause the entire digit to swell up, giving it the appearance of a “sausage”, a symptom sometime referred to as “clubbing”.

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms usually involve joint stiffness which is at its worst early in the morning. Other psoriatic arthritis symptoms include inflammation of the spine as well as the sacrum, stiffness in the buttocks, lower back, neck and upper back.

Patients with psoriatic arthritis symptoms may also develop tendonitis or inflammation of the tendons particularly the tendon that lies behind the heel which can lead to Achilles tendonitis. Chest pain is another symptom of this disease.

Aside from spondylitis and arthritis, psoriatic arthritis symptoms can even cause internal inflammation in the lungs, eyes and aorta. When the iris of the eye becomes inflamed, it can be aggravated by bright light.  To decrease the inflammation, it may be necessary to inject corticosteroids right into the eyes before blindness occurs. When the area in and around the lungs become inflamed, this can cause chest pain or shortness of breath.  When the aorta becomes inflamed, this can cause leakage around the aortic valves which, in some cases, can lead to heart failure.

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Foods to Avoid if You have Arthritis

There aren’t any foods that CAUSE arthritis, but there are certainly foods that cause your immune system to react (aggravating your arthritis) or that have properties that cause your body’s inflammation response to be triggered or intensified.  To prevent the ever painful onset of arthritis symptoms, here are a few types of foods that you may want to limit or avoid:

- red meats
- foods in the “nightshade” family (white potatoes, peppers, tobacco, eggplant and tomatoes… reaction may come as long as 48 hours after eating these foods)
- gluten (a protein composite in wheat, barley and oats that commonly triggers an inappropriate immune system response)
- dairy products
- sugar
- caffeine
- citrus
- salt
- food additives (this includes a wider variety of foods than you may expect. Especially avoid processed meats like those served behind a deli counter)
- foods which get moldy easily can cause your immune system to react to the mold

For the most part, every arthritis sufferer is different, so it may take a bit of trial and error to figure out which of the above foods effect you.

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How You Can Guard Against Arthritis

The most common diagnosis in North America – more common than the common cold – is arthritis. This condition begins when old cartilage cells are cleared away faster than they are replaced with new ones. This deficit of new cells causes the joints to become dry and that’s where the problems start.
How Healthy Joints Work
Joint spaces are filled mostly with water. There are small, magnetic proteins embedded in collagen that constantly push each other apart. This suction creates a vacuum that is soon filled with water and nutrients. Every time you move the joint, some of this water is squeezed out along with waste from the joint cells. Between movements – when the joint is at rest – it once again draws in water and nutrients.
How Joints Get Sick
Many different things can interfere with the balance of cell life and death: trauma to the joints, toxins from infections and our environment, nutrient imbalances that create a deficit in the structure of joint cells, and stress that suppresses new joint cell formation. All of these influences can slow the production of new cartilage cells and hasten the death of existing cells.
When a person lacks sufficient nutrients to make complete, healthy cells, immature and imbalanced cells will be produced instead. These may function for a short time; however, sooner or later they will shatter and splinter into fractions of protein in the joint capsule. These then act like slivers of broken glass.  As they slice through certain “guardian” cells (called mast cells) large amounts of histamine are released which results in inflammation.

What We Can Do to Guard Against Arthritis
To make sure our joints remain healthy we all need the right nutrients in the right amounts and at the right times. These nutrients include joint-specific proteins such as glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid, minerals including magnesium and potassium, and special fats that reside specifically in your joints.  But there is another essential element to joint health: movement.

Joints are made of living cells. Each cell must get nutrients in and waste out. But the cells have no blood supply. They have to get their nutrients by the gentle action of movement. Joints are sort of like sponges: If you want circulation in the sponge, you must squeeze and release it. If you want healthy joints you must move them to squeeze out the waste and draw in the nutrients.

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Gout: Yes, It is a Form of Arthritis

Gout is an uncomfortable and painful condition of the joints. Symptoms usually have a quick onset and get worse as time progresses.

Gout occurs when uric acid crystals collect and form in the tissues and joints throughout the body. These crystals are the result of high levels of uric acid collected in the body, which seems to be drawn to a resting place in the joints.

Typically, the normal functions of the body has no problem keeping the uric acid levels in check by excreting the uric acid through the kidneys. A person experiencing gout symptoms may have higher levels of uric acid for one or two reasons:

  • The body is producing too much uric acid
  • The body is not excreting enough uric acid to keep the levels in order

The most common location on the body for gouty arthritis to occur is on the joint of the big toe, right where the toe is connected to the foot.  Although gout usually occurs in this joint first, it can also occur in other joints throughout the body if they condition is not treated.

The main symptoms of gout include: localized pain, swelling in the affected joint, redness of the skin in the affected area, and/or the skin may be warm to the touch. These symptoms usually come on very quickly, it is uncommon for warning signs to occur before the onset of the gout attack.

A person experiencing gout symptoms should watch their diet to avoid increasing the levels of uric acid in the body.  Some of the foods that should be avoided include: alcohol, shellfish, and excessive consumption of other types of animal proteins– specifically red meat.

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