Be Well Buzz » rheumatoid arthritis

Leg swelling

BeWellBuzz — Fri, 06 May 2011 02:57:03 +0000

Leg swelling can occur in any part of the legs, including the feet, ankles, calves or thighs. Leg swelling can result either from fluid buildup (fluid retention) or from inflammation in injured or diseased tissues or joints. Many of the causes of leg swelling, such as prolonged standing or sitting or an injury, are relatively harmless in the long term, and your doctor often can easily identify the reason for the problem. Sometimes, however, leg swelling may be a sign of a more serious disorder, such as heart disease or a blood clot. It's important to seek prompt diagnosis and treatment when leg swelling occurs for no apparent reason or is accompanied by apparently unrelated symptoms, such as breathing difficulties or chest pain. Causes A wide range of factors --- varying greatly in seriousness --- can cause leg swelling. Causes related to trapped fluids Leg swelling caused by the buildup of fluids in leg tissues is known as peripheral edema. Several body systems help maintain the appropriate balance of fluids, including the circulatory system, the lymphatic system and the kidneys. A problem with any one of these systems may contribute to the buildup of fluids. Gravity can also contribute to the accumulation of fluids in your lower limbs, particularly with prolonged standing or sitting. Leg swelling due to trapped fluids can be caused by such factors as:

Acute kidney failure
Cardiomyopathy (disease of heart tissue)
Chronic kidney failure
Chronic venous insufficiency (problem with leg veins returning blood to the heart)
Heart failure
Hormone therapy
Lymphedema (blockage of lymph system)
Nephrotic syndrome (damage to small filtering blood vessels in the kidneys)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others)
Pericarditis (swelling of the membrane surrounding the heart)
Preeclampsia (pregnancy-induced high blood pressure)
Pregnancy
Prescription medications, including some drugs for depression, diabetes and high blood pressure
Prolonged sitting, such as during airline flights
Prolonged standing
Thrombophlebitis (blood clot, usually in the leg)

Causes related to inflammation Leg swelling may also be caused by an immune system response that leads to inflammation in leg tissues. Inflammation may be a normal response to injury or disease, or it may be the result of an inflammatory disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Leg swelling related to inflammation is usually associated with pain. Factors that can contribute to inflammation in the leg include:

Achilles tendon rupture
ACL injury (tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament in your knee)
Baker's cyst
Broken ankle/broken foot
Broken leg
Gout (arthritis related to excess uric acid)
Infection or wound in the leg
Knee bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs in the knee joint)
Osteoarthritis (disease causing the breakdown of joints)
Rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory joint disease)
Sprained ankle

If you have leg swelling, it's important to see a doctor for a thorough exam and accurate diagnosis. Dial 911 or call for emergency medical assistance Go to the emergency room or call 911 or your local emergency number if, in addition to leg swelling, you experience symptoms of a serious heart condition, including:

Chest pain lasting more than a few minutes
Difficulty breathing
Fainting or dizziness
Confusion

Also, seek immediate care if you know or suspect the swelling is related to a physical injury, such as a fall, sport injury or car accident. Schedule a doctor's visit Nonemergency problems related to leg swelling still need prompt care. Leg swelling that is the side effect of a drug can look just like leg swelling caused by a kidney disorder. Make an appointment as soon as possible, so that your doctor can diagnose the underlying problem. Before your appointment, consider the following tips:

Put a pillow under your legs when lying down, which may lessen swelling related to the buildup of fluid.
If you need to stand or sit for long periods, give yourself frequent breaks and move around, unless the movement causes pain.
Don't stop taking a prescription medication without talking to your doctor even if you suspect it may be causing leg swelling.
Over-the-counter pain medication may lessen swelling associated with pain.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

EPA and DHA

BeWellBuzz — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 06:55:49 +0000

If you're health conscious and want to make sure that your health is not sidelined when it comes to food, chances are that you've probably come across EPA and DHA. If you want to know more about EPA and DHA, you've come to the right place, because we're going to give you the lowdown on these two nutrients, why they are so good for you, and just how they can boost your health. EPA/DHA EPA (Eicosapentaenoic Acid) and DHA (Docosahexaenoic Acid) are essential fatty acids THAT are typically Omega 3 fats found in cold water fish. They are polyunsaturated fats and play numerous important roles. Here's a look at how these fatty acids can help us become healthier and sharper and lead a better quality of life:

Building blocks of the brain - Our brain is comprised of fatty tissue, and the building block of this tissue is DHA. DHA helps in the formation of neural transmitters such as phosphatidylserine, which is very important for the brain to function properly.

Found in the retina - DHA is also found in the retina of the eye and it's important that we consume enough DHA as it helps promote better eye function.

Heart health - For the heart to function properly, there should be good blood flow, and the nutrients that promote healthy cardiovascular function are DHA and EPA because they get converted into prostaglandins, which are hormone like substances that help the heart function better.

Pregnant women - Ideally, pregnant women who consume enough DHA and EPA can be assured that it helps in the development of the fetus' brain. DHA and EPA in a pregnant woman's diet largely boost brain formation in a fetus.

Older people - As we grow older and our bodies age, our mental processes and cognitive abilities also change and are not as sharp as they are supposed to be. DHA and EPA levels begin to fall and it could slowly lead to age related diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia in which a gradual loss of memory becomes most apparent. To counter this, taking DHA and EPA through food or supplements can help older people remain sharp and better focused even in their advanced years.

Source of energy - DHA and EPA also act as sources of energy and can be very useful because of this very reason. They also prevent loss of body heat and ensure that we stay warm.

For infants and small children - For proper development of the brain, DHA and EPA are extremely important, more so DHA. This is the reason why most infant formulas contain added DHA because in their first two years of life, DHA is very crucial for optimum development.

Rheumatoid arthritis - Rheumatoid arthritis causes painful inflammation of the joints, and there are an increasing number of studies that indicate DHA and EPA can significantly reduce the pain, tenderness, and stiffness of joints.

Cancer - There is a lot of evidence to indicate that DHA and EPA can help in reducing the growth of tumors and thereby prevent cancers of the breast, prostate, testicles, and ovaries. Also, patients already suffering from cancer find that their appetite is greatly improved by taking DHA and EPA supplements. Both these also prevent loss of muscle mass.

Healthy skin - DHA and EPA are also excellent elements to keep your skin healthy and supple. They are known to prevent the skin from getting dry and flaky. DHA and EPA also help in mitigating the effects of UV rays or overexposure to the sun.

Sources of DHA/EPA The best known sources of DHA and EPA are cold, deepwater fish that are found in the ocean. These include tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, and anchovies. However, one must not eat too much fish in the hopes of consuming the recommended dose of DHA and EPA. Overeating fish can bring about its own set of handicaps, particularly as the pollution levels today have reached new heights. Fish that live in polluted waters have been found to have harmful traces of mercury, arsenic, and other heavy metals in their bodies. Vegans and vegetarians need not despair about getting enough DHA and EPA, because if they eat enough nuts and seeds and ensure that they consume algae like marine phytoplankton, they can get their required dose of these two essential fatty acids. The other best option is to rely on supplements such as capsules that can offer all the benefits of DHA and EPA. There's also the option of consuming fish oil and its supplements since these also provide DHA and EPA in the right quantities. References http://www.drhoffman.com/page.cfm/84 http://www.buzzle.com/articles/epa-dha-benefits.html http://www.mind1st.co.uk/EPADHA.asp http://ezinearticles.com/?Sources-of-EPA-and-DHA---What-Are-the-Best-EPA-and-DHA-Sources-and-How-Much-Should-You-Take-Daily?&id=2428768 http://www.vegetarian-dha-epa.co.uk/

New Chinese medicine discovery

BeWellBuzz — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 22:30:07 +0000

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine have discovered that a natural product isolated from a traditional Chinese medicinal plant commonly known as thunder god vine, or lei gong teng, and used for hundreds of years to treat many conditions including rheumatoid arthritis works by blocking gene control machinery in the cell. The report, published as a cover story of the March issue of Nature Chemical Biology, suggests that the natural product could be a starting point for developing new anticancer drugs.

'Extracts of this medicinal plant have been used to treat a whole host of conditions and have been highly lauded for anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, contraceptive and antitumour activities,' says Jun O. Liu, Ph.D., a professor of pharmacology and molecular sciences at Johns Hopkins. 'We've known about the active compound, triptolide, and that it stops cell growth, since 1972, but only now have we figured out what it does.' Triptolide, the active ingredient purified from the plant Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F, has been shown in animal models to be effective against cancer, arthritis and skin graft rejection. In fact, says Liu, triptolide has been shown to block the growth of all 60 U.S. National Cancer Institute cell lines at very low doses, and even causes some of those cell lines to die. Other experiments have suggested that triptolide interferes with proteins known to activate genes, which gives Liu and colleagues an entry point into their research. The team systematically tested triptolide's effect on different proteins involved with gene control by looking at how much new DNA, RNA and protein is made in cells. They treated HeLa cells with triptolide for one hour, compared treated to untreated cells and found that triptolide took much longer to have an effect on the levels of newly made proteins and DNA, yet almost immediately blocked manufacture of new RNA. The researchers then looked more closely at the three groups of enzymes that make RNA and found that low doses of triptolide blocked only one, RNAPII. But the RNAPII enzyme complex actually requires the assistance of several smaller clusters of proteins, according to Liu, which required more investigative narrowing down. Using a small gene fragment in a test tube, the researchers mixed in RNAPII components and in some tubes included triptolide and some not to see which combinations resulted in manufacture of new RNA. Every combination of proteins that included a cluster called TFIIH stopped working in the presence of triptolide. But again, TFIIH is made of 10 individual proteins, many of which, according to Liu, have distinct and testable activities. Using information already known about these proteins and testing the rest to see if triptolide would alter their behaviours, the research team finally found that triptolide directly binds to and blocks the enzymatic activity of one of the 10, the XPB protein. 'We were fairly certain it was XPB because other researchers had found triptolide to bind to an unknown protein of the same size, but they weren't able to identify it,' says Liu. ' To convince themselves that the interaction between triplotide and XPB is what stops cells from growing, the researchers made 12 chemicals related to triplotide with a wide range of activity and treated HeLa cells with each of the 12 chemicals at several different doses. By both counting cells and testing XPB activity levels, the team found that the two correlate; chemicals that were better at decreasing XPB activity were also better at stopping cell growth and vice versa. 'Triptolide's general ability to stop RNAPII activity explains its anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects,' says Liu. 'And its behaviour has important additional implications for circumventing the resistance that some cancer cells develop to certain anticancer drugs. We're eager to study it further to see what it can do for future cancer therapy.' Source: Johns Hopkins Medicine^[2] References^{^} Health (www.sciencecentric.com)^{^} Johns Hopkins Medicine (www.sciencecentric.com)

Living With Arthritis

BeWellBuzz — Sun, 27 Feb 2011 21:15:54 +0000

Everyday the lives of millions of people world wide are affected by Arthritis, a condition that damages the bodies' joints and is almost impossible to completely cure. Sufferers will endure pain, especially in their hands or whilst walking, that is caused by inflammation around the joints and joint damage as a result of the condition. In the case of Rheumatoid Arthritis, a type of arthritis in which the bodies' immune system attacks and breaks down its own body tissue, it is difficult to completely prevent the onset of the condition. As with almost all illnesses, the general condition of your body can be an important factor in the fight to prevent arthritis - so healthy eating and regular exercise are vital. You can complement your physical efforts by taking a variety of supplements. A great place to start is topping up your levels of vitamins B, C, D and E - which all have a part to play in easing the effects of arthritis. Vitamin B for example will help top up reserves of a vitamin that is often lacking in Arthritis sufferers and is vital for the manufacture of protein in your body. Vitamin C aids the production of collagen, an essential component of joints. Studies have found that people who have a high vitamin C intake face significantly less risk of their arthritis worsening. Other supplements that can play an important role include calcium, which has long been recognised as a vital player in keeping your joints and bones strong and healthy. Products such as glucosamine tablets^[1] are also useful allies in the battle against arthritis, helping to improve the mobility of joints and relieve pain associated with joint movement. It is also important to ensure your diet includes lots of foods that are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish, nuts, seeds and soy based products. Fatty acids are a type of fat that your body needs but unfortunately does not produce itself, so must be taken from your food. Reliable studies have shown that by insuring your diet contains Omega-3 fatty acids, you can help to reduce symptoms and pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. There are also many simple techniques to making living with the condition more bearable. It is often the most mundane of tasks, that you complete everyday without a second thought, that arthritis sufferers can find almost impossible - removing lids from jars, brushing your teeth and cooking in general can become painful activities. Finding a properly trained physical therapist can be a great help in the treatment of arthritis. They will help you modify the way you complete daily tasks that you would not have thought twice about in the past, to make them more comfortable and pain free. This can cover techniques such as implementing hand exercise plans, installing handles in your home and car to make moving around them easier or cutting out certain movements that place more stress on your joints. References^{^} glucosamine tablets (www.healthspan.co.uk)^{^} Permanent Link: Supplements and Alternatives for Joint Pain and Arthritis (www.altmedicinezone.com)^{^}

Glucosamine and Your Joints

BeWellBuzz — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 03:50:22 +0000

Arthritis is a very common condition that people of all ages can develop. As the human body ages, the bones become less flexible and more prone to injuries.

Some of the joints that suffer from the inflammation of arthritis are the wrists, knees, and the spinal column. The pain can range from slightly disturbing to extreme, and in many cases, people are prevented from participating in their favorite activities.

Besides exercise, glucosamine is a possible treatment for osteoarthritis in complementing other forms of therapy.

Why Glucosamine Works

There are two molecules that exist in joint cartilage: glucosamine and chondroitin. If the cartilage is damaged or worn because of an injury, atrophy, or aging, it needs to be repaired. Ideally both glucosamine and chondroitin would be present for the recovery process to relive pain and restore mobility.

A natural compound found in healthy cartilage, glucosamine specifically contributes to the formation and strengthening of cartilage. It can be a powerful ingredient in the effort to repair joints. Chondroitin assists the rebuilding by providing resilience to the cartilage. Together, these two elements have become a frequent and effective treatment option for arthritis patients.

Allergic Reactions and Side Effects

Generally, glucosamine sulfate has been reported to be tolerated for 30 to 90 days in humans. One concern is that patients with allergies might have a problem with the glucosamine that is made from the shells of shrimp, crab, and other shellfish. Although some studies have shown that there is not a significant amount of shrimp allergen in the glucosamine to upset people with shrimp allergies, it is definitely something to be cautions about. Inform your physician about any seafood or other allergies that you have before you begin glucosamine treatments.

There are a number of side effects associated with glucosamine, including an upset stomach, insomnia, drowsiness, headaches, various skin reactions, nail toughening, and sun sensitivity. Rarely, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, and heartburn have taken place. Glucosamine or chondroitin products have also been known to raise the risk of eye cataract formation in some people.

A few studies link glucosamine supplements with an altering of blood sugar and insulin levels while other studies dispute the claims. Patients can receive glucosamine either orally or by an injection, which appears to cause insulin resistance and endothelial dysfunction. For safety reasons, patients with diabetes or hypoglycemia are advised to use caution when taking glucosamine, especially with other drugs, herbs, or supplements that might also have an effect on blood sugar levels.

Another possible risk of using glucosamine is bleeding. The dosing amounts need to be monitored closely for people with bleeding disorders, and adjusted to lessen the risk. There are differences in the products available that could account for some of the testing results, so be sure to compare the options and select the one that is right for you.

Precautions

Although research is still being conducted, some aspects of glucosamine use have not yet been defined. It is not recommended during pregnancy or breast feeding. Again, it is very important to discuss your individual condition with your physician before taking glucosamine.

Sources:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/glucosamine/NS_patient-glucosamine ^[5]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/arthritis/DS01122 ^[6]

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/glucosamine/NS_patient-glucosamine/DSECTION=safety ^[7]

Raw Food Diet: The Good and The Bad (Part 1)

BeWellBuzz — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 19:11:33 +0000

Raw foodism, also known as rawism, is a lifestyle that promotes consumption of unprocessed, uncooked, and organic foods as part of your diet. The advocates of raw foodism for a long time have presented it as an alternative and a superior dietary approach, relative to other diets.

Obviously, the supporters of raw foodism claim that this approach brings about multiple benefits that cooked or processed foods can’t. Raw foods are said to support our natural physiological processes without modifying them or intervening into their working style. In other words, raw foods are totally compatible with our body requirements.

Raw foods have been found to improve immunity to sickness and prevent many diseases. These foods contain essential nutrients which can be lost if they are cooked.

Raw food advantages

Since raw food is primarily sourced from nature, your body is strengthened naturally and can stave off diseases for a longer duration.

Raw foods are believed to contain enzymes, such asamylases, lipases and proteases that aid digestion. These enzymes are lost if food is cooked over 104 to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

Raw foods contain micro-organisms and bacteria that perform many useful functions, such as fermenting energy substrates that are unused, preventing harmful and pathogenic bacteria growth, and bolstering the immune system for your body.

These foods are believed to have higher nutrient values than those of cooked foods.

Raw foods do not contain excitotoxins, such as for example, flavor enhancers and do not cause excitotoxicity.

They are high on antioxidants and help fight aging.

They contain fewer trans fats and saturated fats than a typical Western diet. A typical raw food diet is also low on sodium and high on potassium, fiber, magnesium, and folate. Obviously, raw food is considered an excellent way to prevent heart disease and cancer.

Raw foods, as its proponents claim, can increase the immunity levels in human beings. As such, you have increased protection from flu, cold, and measles. You can also prevent problems such as gas, indigestion, heartburn, and constipation.

Studies over the years have shown that a raw diet has helped reduce and ward off obesity, hypertension, and rheumatoid arthritis.

According to a study by German researchers in 2003, women can significantly lower the risks of breast cancer by including a large amount of raw vegetables in their diet.

According to another research carried out in Germany, raw foods consumed on a long term basis has been found to cause favorable plasma beta-carotene and low plasma lycopene concentrations.

A research found that the consumption of unpasteurized milk can significantly reduce allergies.

Raw foods naturally have more flavors than cooked foods and therefore, don’t have to add salt, spices or any kind of condiments that can cause irritation to your organs and digestive system.

However, if you are thinking of becoming a raw foodie, step back and think a while. You need to exercise some care before you embrace raw foods and see how far your body is going to accept them. Fred Bisci, a renowned nutritionist and food scientist has been a raw foodie for the last 40 years and believes that a raw vegan diet can be the healthiest diet one can ever follow. However, Fred Bisci adds that one needs to follow a vegan diet correctly and monitor their nutrient levels regularly.

Indeed, the emphasis must be correctness and more importantly, on customization. No two human bodies are same and their requirements will vary widely too. Therefore, you should not be swayed by what the confirmed raw foodies say about raw foodism and must stick to what is beneficial for you. Consulting your doctor and taking a few medical tests to ascertain the suitability might be a good idea.

You need to watch out for certain deficiencies that may occur if you have been on a prolonged raw vegan diet. Vitamin B12 deficiency may eventually set in and those living in a cold climate may suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Taking a blood test and nutrient profile will be really helpful in determining the extent and nature of deficiencies. According to Fred Bisci, a raw vegan diet works wonders when one complements the diet with vitamin B12, vitamin D and other mineral supplements. In a nutshell, balance is the key to staying healthy and energetic with a raw food diet.

References

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/popularhealthdiets/a/Raw_Food.htm

http://www.rawfoodhowto.com/ten-advantages-to-eating-raw.cfm

http://fresh-network.typepad.com/fresh_network_blog/2010/01/the-rise-of-raw-but-not-vegan.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gut_flora

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raw_foodism