Rheumatoid Arthritis and Alternative Medicine
15/03/11 10:39
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that most typically affects the small joints in your hands and feet. Unlike the wear-and-tear damage of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of your joints, causing a painful swelling that can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity.
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options have expanded greatly in the past few decades.
Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staff
Some common complementary and alternative treatments that have shown promise for rheumatoid arthritis include:
• Thunder god vine. Preparations made from the peeled root of this plant are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Studies indicate that it may be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects
include diarrhea, menstrual changes and hair loss.
• Plant oils. The seeds of evening primrose, borage and black currant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid
arthritis pain and morning stiffness. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea and gas. Some plant oils can cause liver damage
or interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first.
• Fish oil. Some preliminary studies have found that fish oil supplements may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Side
effects can include nausea, belching and a fishy taste in the mouth. Fish oil can interfere with medications, so check with your
doctor first.
• Tai chi. This movement therapy involves gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use tai chi
to relieve stress in their lives. Small studies have found that tai chi may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain. When led by a
knowledgeable instructor, tai chi is safe. But don't do any moves that cause pain.
Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020/DSECTION=alternative%2Dmedicine
An autoimmune disorder, rheumatoid arthritis occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks your own body's tissues. In addition to causing joint problems, rheumatoid arthritis can also affect your whole body with fevers and fatigue.
Rheumatoid arthritis is two to three times more common in women than in men and generally occurs between the ages of 40 and 60. While there's no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, treatment options have expanded greatly in the past few decades.
Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staff
Some common complementary and alternative treatments that have shown promise for rheumatoid arthritis include:
• Thunder god vine. Preparations made from the peeled root of this plant are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat
inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Studies indicate that it may be helpful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. Side effects
include diarrhea, menstrual changes and hair loss.
• Plant oils. The seeds of evening primrose, borage and black currant contain a type of fatty acid that may help with rheumatoid
arthritis pain and morning stiffness. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea and gas. Some plant oils can cause liver damage
or interfere with medications, so check with your doctor first.
• Fish oil. Some preliminary studies have found that fish oil supplements may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain and stiffness. Side
effects can include nausea, belching and a fishy taste in the mouth. Fish oil can interfere with medications, so check with your
doctor first.
• Tai chi. This movement therapy involves gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use tai chi
to relieve stress in their lives. Small studies have found that tai chi may reduce rheumatoid arthritis pain. When led by a
knowledgeable instructor, tai chi is safe. But don't do any moves that cause pain.
Original Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/rheumatoid-arthritis/DS00020/DSECTION=alternative%2Dmedicine
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Fish Oil's Health Benefits
22/11/10 08:49
When many people think of fish oil, their reaction is usually along the lines of pure disgust. Fish oil comes in two forms; a liquid and a capsule. A lot of people prefer capsules because it is odorless and tasteless.
Here are some of the major health benefits fish oil has to offer:
Heart Disease
Weight Loss
Blood Circulation
Immunity
Inflammation
Depression and Anxiety
Arthritis
Alzheimer’s
Cancer
Diabetes
Here are some of the major health benefits fish oil has to offer:
Heart Disease
Weight Loss
Blood Circulation
Immunity
Inflammation
Depression and Anxiety
Arthritis
Alzheimer’s
Cancer
Diabetes
Foods to Eat and Foods to Avoid to Help Inflammation
30/10/10 10:40
Our immune systems respond to infection, irritation, and illness by becoming inflamed. Obesity, gum disease, infection, autoimmune disorders, and other toxins in the body are some of the causes of chronic inflammation. Diets high in fat and processed foods cause the body to be constantly inflamed. A healthy diet full of lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains can help your body get back to its old self.
Here are a few foods to add to your diet:
1.) Omega 3 fatty acids: salmon, tuna, and olive oil
2.) Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, and onions
3.) Citrus Fruits: oranges, papaya, and strawberries
Foods to avoid:
1.) White potatoes and starchy vegetables
2.) White bread and other refined sugars
3.) Milk and other dairy products
* For full article, go to http://www.brighthub.com/health/diet-nutrition/articles/39873.aspx
Here are a few foods to add to your diet:
1.) Omega 3 fatty acids: salmon, tuna, and olive oil
2.) Vegetables: broccoli, cauliflower, garlic, and onions
3.) Citrus Fruits: oranges, papaya, and strawberries
Foods to avoid:
1.) White potatoes and starchy vegetables
2.) White bread and other refined sugars
3.) Milk and other dairy products
* For full article, go to http://www.brighthub.com/health/diet-nutrition/articles/39873.aspx