Tag: Health Benefits

Arthritis Pain: Can Supplements Help?

Do you suffer from arthritis? Are you tired of suffering? Do you want it to end and now? Immediate pain relief is possible with over-the-counter pain medications. Unfortunately, the pain returns as soon as the medication wears off. What can you do? You can try herbal and dietary supplements. Many have little to no risks. In fact, most have additional health benefits.

So, what dietary supplements can help you treat, manage, or relieve the pain of arthritis?

Note: the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) did not approve most of these supplements. We all know that this approval is important, but lack of approval does not mean a thing. Perform a standard internet search with the supplements highlighted below and you will hear first-hand that they do work.

Ginger. This supplement comes from the root of a ginger plant. Depending on the form, it comes from either fresh or dried root. What is ideal about this supplement is your options. You can choose from capsules, powder, extract, and oils. Up to two grams a day are recommended. The extract can be added to tea for taste.

According the popular Arthritis Today magazine, ginger extract helps with inflammation. It has the ability to slow down the chemicals that cause inflammation, including COX-2. In addition to aiding in arthritis pain, this supplement is an ideal cure for motion sickness, as it not only subsides pain, but nausea and vomiting too.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables, otherwise known as ASU. Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU) not only provides pain relief, but it lessens joint swelling and inflammation too. Various studies, since 2002, have shown that ASU did stop inflammation. Not only that, it slows the break down of cartilage and in some instances worked to repair prior damage.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables is available in capsule format. It can be found for sale at most health and nutrition stores. Read all labels before taking, but most call for two capsules a day.

Fish Oil. Fish oil has long been known for its health benefits. Fish oil comes from cold-water fish. The Arthritis Today magazine recommends up to two three-ounce servings of fish a week. For those unable to stomach the taste and smell, capsules and tablets are available. This supplement is affordable and available for sale at most retail locations, including department stores, nutrition stores, drug stores, and grocery stores.

As previously state, it has long been known that fish oil is a healthy supplement. It helps to promote healthy blood circulation. Due to its ability to protect against high blood pressure and heart disease, you cannot go wrong with this supplement. The reduction of inflammation in your joints and decreased pain are only the beginning.

Devils claw. Although the name sounds frightening, this supplement is an herbal remedy that was and is widely used in South Africa. It is available in powder, liquid, and capsule formats. According to the Arthritis Today magazine, the active ingredient in devils claw is Harpagoside. Many claim it reduces both joint pain and inflammation.

Devils claw is shown to reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain associated with arthritis. Unfortunately, there are known risks involved with this supplement. Those who are pregnant, taking blood thinners, antacids, or diabetes medication should not take the devils claw supplement, regardless of the form.

Ginkgo, also known as ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo has long been touted as a memory-enhancing supplement. Although medical professionals have yet to agree on this benefit, there is more. For many, it improves blood flow and circulation. This improves the overall health and wellbeing of the body. Some studies have shown that it reduces disease flair ups, including arthritis.

Ginkgo is available for sale in most retail stores. It is available in liquid, extract, or capsules format. The Arthritis Today magazine recommends choosing supplements with 24% flavonol glycosides and up to 7% terpene lactones.

As you can see, many herbal and dietary supplements can reduce the pain associated with arthritis. The good news? These are just a sample of the supplements available for sale. Before trying any supplement, including the ones highlighted above, research or speak to your primary care physician. Some can counteract with common over-the-counter or prescribed medications.

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Osteoarthritis in the Knees: 10 Pain Relief Options

Do you suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees? If so, you know pain and you know it well. Luckily, your suffering does not have to be constant or last for long. There are many ways to seek relief. In fact, just ten of your options are outlined below. These particular options were selected due to ease and practicality; just about anyone can seek relief with these methods.

1 Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

For osteoarthritis, most professionals recommend Tylenol or acetaminophen. With that said, there are many over-the-counter pain relievers available. Choose a brand that you can afford and one that provides you with relief. For example, if Aleve has worked to stop headache pain, try it for arthritis relief. You already know the formula works.

2 Topical Arthritis Creams

For instant arthritis pain relief, it is best to go directly to the source. Topical arthritis creams enable you to do so. You apply the cream directly to the hurtful joints. At first, you may notice a slight tingle or sting, but then comes the relief. This relief usually lasts as long as over-the-counter pain relief pills.

When examining the active ingredients in over-the-counter arthritis creams, you are likely to find capsaicin. This ingredient is also found in cayenne pepper. Many not only recommend a capsaicin cream, but adding the pepper spice to foods for flavor and the health benefits.

3 – Prescribed Medication

Many times, physicians only write prescriptions for severe pain. This is pain that cannot be treated with over-the-counter products. Opioids are prescription pain relievers, but there is a risk of addiction or problems from improper use. If your doctor deems you a responsible and low-risk taker, codeine, hydrocodone, or oxycodone may be prescribed.

4 Heat

For most, heat provides pain relief. So, give it a try. Draw a warm bath, use a warm washcloth, or purchase a heating pad. As always, caution is advised to prevent burns. Although most individuals benefit from heat, some do better with cold. Some medical professionals, according to Arthritis Today, recommended alternating between the two.

5 Exercise

To reduce joint pain, strong muscle strength is needed. With strong muscles, you are able to rely on them and use them more. This puts less pressure on achy knees. In fact, strong muscles give the joints extra protection and cushion. Therefore, exercise is advised. If it is painful to exercise, start out slow with low-impact exercises. For some, stretching and light walking is enough. If still too painful, consider low-impact water exercises.

6 Physical Therapy

As previously stated, some osteoarthritis patients may find it too painful to exercise. Your goal is to avoid and prevent pain, so why do something that causes it? Exercise has long-term health benefits. Not only does it promote an overall healthy body, but it does provide the joints protection through increased muscle strength. You can exercise at home, but physical therapy is good. In some cases, this gives you easy access to water exercises. You can also learn safe low-impact exercises to do at home.

7 Weight Loss

Not all patients suffering from osteoarthritis are overweight, but those who are increase the risk of pain. The more weight one carries around, the more pressure there is applied to the knees. If you can lose weight without compromising your health, do so. The best way to lose weight is to combine exercise with healthy eating.

8 Knee Braces

Those who suffer from osteoarthritis in the knees are more likely to experience walking troubles. It can be painful to walk from one room to another, let alone leave the house. A knee brace can provide support and stability. A proper fitting knee brace not only makes it easier to walk, but less painful too! Knee braces are available for sale at most health and drugstores, but talk to your physician first.

9 Walking Aids

Those with mild osteoarthritis in the knees can benefit from a cane. Those with severe osteoarthritis in the knees may need crutches. As previously stated, walking is difficult with arthritis in the knees. It is painful and there is an increased risk of falls, due to instability. Cane or crutches can provide support.

10 A Strong Support System

Many arthritis patients believe they reach the point of no return. This is when the pain is so unbearable it seem as if nothing will work. Those individuals are more likely to suffer in silence than seek treatment. If you are one of those individuals or if you just need a push to lose weight or exercise, a strong support system is vital. For many, talking about their pain helps to ease it. Ensure you have someone at home to discuss your arthritis with or find local support groups.

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Natural Remedies for Arthritis Relief

Do you suffer from arthritis? Is the pain and discomfort so debilitating that you want it to stop and now? If so, you may automatically head to your medicine cabinet. Before doing so, think it through. As soon as the medication wears off, the pain will return. Instead, think long-term. Many natural remedies will provide you with long-term relief, especially with continued use.

Eat fresh cherries. Various studies have shown that fresh cherries fight and reduce inflammation. Joint swelling and inflammation are the most common causes of arthritis related pain. So, if you are looking for a natural way to treat arthritis, look no farther than your local grocery store or farmers market. There is no specific recommended consumption advised, but since cherries are a healthy food, you can and should eat as many as you like.

Eat celery. Celery is rich in potassium, as well as other minerals. There are varying causes for arthritis, but many claim potassium has an impact. Those with potassium deficiencies are at an increased risk for arthritis. Due the high presence of potassium, celery may assist with arthritis caused symptoms, such as pain, discomfort, inflammation, and joint stiffness. It is best to mix one teaspoon of celery seeds with warm water, let cool and drink.

Drink a mixture of apple cider vinegar. Apple cider vinegar is known for its many health benefits. Although this success is mostly based on opinion, it has been known to reduce the pain associated with arthritis. Apple cider is safe for most to consume, but there are risk with drinking the cider straight. For that reasons, a mixture of 2 tablespoons in at least an 8-ounce glass of water is advised. This mixture can be taken up to 3 times daily.

Soak the painful joints in apple cider. Most prefer this approach as it targets the painful joints. Most recommend using cup of apple cider vinegar and one liter of water. Place is a bowl and warm. For areas too difficult to soak, such as the hips, soak a cloth in the mixture and apply to the area.

Rub wild oregano oil in the skin. Those who have tried this natural remedy typically report immediate pain relief, in as little as five minutes! Most recommend mixing the oregano oil with olive oil. An ideal mixture is six drops of oil for one tablespoon of olive oil. Some also report success rubbing coconut oil on the affected area, followed by a few drops of oregano oil.

Black cohosh. This American Indian treatment has sustained its popularity throughout the years. Black cohosh not only contains anti-inflammatory agents, but it has aspirin like qualities. Most recommend simmering around 1 teaspoon of black cohosh in a cup of boiling water. Do so for around twenty minutes, let cool and drink. The mixture can be divided into two daily doses.

Hop tea. It has been said that the hop plant has many ingredients that act as an anti-inflammatory agent. In fact, some are very similar to steroid drugs. These have long best used to reduce the inflammation, pain, and discomfort of arthritis. To make your own tea at home, combine three teaspoons of hop leaves into a cup with boiling water. Let sit until slightly cooled. Drink before bed.

As with other home remedies, herbal supplements, and over-the-counter pain medications, the relief felt will be short lived. That is why many opt for continued use. Luckily, you are safe with most natural remedies. Due to natural ingredients, prolonged use rarely causes any complications. However, patients should still speak with a medical professional first. In fact, you can development a natural treatment plan together.

As you can see, there are many natural ways to seek relief from the joint pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. Natural remedies are not guaranteed. In many cases, there is no scientific proof they work. With that said, the above mentioned natural remedies come highly rated and recommend by those, like you, who have suffered first-hand with arthritis.

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THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF MASSAGE THERAPY

In an attempt to understand how and why massage therapy is as effective as it seems to be, scientists and medical researchers from around the world have been studying it for decades. Some characteristics of massage therapy have been conclusively resolved with apparent consensus among the learned scholars, while other characteristics remain as inexplicably mysterious as ever. For instance, they all agree that when a certain amount of pressure is applied to a soft tissue such as a muscle, some changes occur within the affected muscles. They also all tend to agree that massage therapy promotes relaxation and reduces the stress which often leads to deterioration or worsening of certain physiological conditions.

Those characteristics of massage therapy which have not yet been explained by conventional science, gave rise to a number of theories and postulates. You will note that they are all prefaced with the word might to indicate uncertainty as they described possible health benefits of massage therapy:

* Might provide stimulation that may help block pain signals transmitted to the brain and this is called the gate control theory of decreasing or alleviating pain.

* Might promote better health by stimulating the lymphatic system to increase the flow of lymph, which is the secretion that carries disease fighting cells through the body.

* Might re-route the clients nervous system away from the sympathetic to the parasympathetic. In doing so, the fight-or-flight reaction of the sympathetic nervous system with its increased heart and breathing rates along with tightened muscles of distress are shunned in favor of the rest-and-digest reaction of the parasympathetic nervous system with its lowered heart rate, slowed breathing and relaxed muscles.

* Might be instrumental in effecting beneficial changes in the body by preventing fibrosis through the process of breaking up scar-like tissue

* Might arouse the body to discharge chemicals such as serotonin or endorphins which area known to give people the feelings of wellbeing.

* Might improve sleep patterns which is essential to pain control and healing processes.

* Might contribute to the overall mental and physiological health by the intimate interaction between the client and the therapist.

The following are specific cases and their reported benefits whether they are understood or merely observed with bewilderment:

* Students at a New Jersey Medical School who were given massage therapy before an exam displayed less anxiety, lower respiratory rates, a substantial increase in white blood cells and an enhanced immune system.

* Cancer patients at the James Cancer Hospital and Research Institute in Columbus, Ohio experienced less pain and decreased anxiety after receiving massage therapies than those who did not get such treatments.

* Studies at the University of South Carolina show that women who recently lost a child were less depressed after massage therapy.

* The National Institutes of Health (NIH) found that massage therapy improved weight gain in infants who were premature or those who were exposed to HIV. They also determined that massage therapy expedites recovery in patients who had abdominal surgery.

* Researchers at the University of the Miami School of Medicines Touch Research Institute discovered that massage therapy decreases high blood pressure, relieves migraine headaches, and generally increases alertness and performance in the workforce.

* Many additional studies confirm that massage therapy reduces heart rates, lowers blood pressure; increases blood circulation and lymph flow; relaxes stiffened and tense muscles while stimulating weak and inactive muscles to compensate for lack of movement due to an illness or an injury; speeds up the healing process after surgeries, disease and injuries; improves the range of vision; increases endorphins; reduces anxiety, tension, depression, pain and itching in burn patients; and Autistic children exhibit calmer and more predictable behavior.

So, is massage therapy beneficial? Yes! Massage therapy is beneficial on, oh, so many levels. The mechanics of the process may not be clear just yet, but the outcomes are undeniable by anyones standards.

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