14 Symptoms Of Leaky Gut And What You Can Do About Them

Importance of the Digestive System

Your digestive system plays an essential role in your health. Disruptions to how well it functions can cause other serious, and in some cases chronic conditions.

At the most basic level, your digestive system converts the foods you eat into energy your body needs to power other bodily functions, including thinking, walking, and fighting infections. Moreover, your digestive system is what extracts the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you must have to build and maintain the various tissues, structures, and organs that make up your body.

Increased Intestinal Permeability

Sometimes, however, the digestive system suffers failures that can interfere with its ability to provide your body with the energy and building blocks you require to feel good and be healthy. One little known disruption of the digestive system is called leaky gut syndrome, sometimes termed increased intestinal permeability or hyperpermeability.

In this condition, damage to the lining of the intestine reduces its ability to filter essential nutrients and protect the internal environment. This can cause a host of symptoms and may aggravate or be at the root of other conditions. Unfortunately, since it is not covered in medical school, relatively few physicians are aware of leaky gut syndrome or accept that it is a real and serious health condition. The good news is that many other health care providers have recognized the existence and importance of this digestive disorder.

The symptoms of leaky gut syndrome

When you suffer from a leaky gut you may experience any of a variety of symptoms. These include:

• Excess gas and cramping


• Skin rashes


• Acne


• Feeling bloated


• Fatigue


• Brain fog


• Joint pain


• Adrenal fatigue


• Insomnia


• Increased susceptibility to stress


• Indigestion


• Autoimmunity or other compromised immunity


• Secondary infections


• Food sensitivities or allergies

In addition to these symptoms, leaky gut syndrome can exacerbate or even cause certain other health problems, such as celiac's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, crohn's disease, and, according to some, multiple sclerosis.

What to do about leaky gut syndrome

There is no way to definitively determine if you have leaky gut syndrome - no blood test or radiologic scan that can demonstrate for sure that you have it. However, if you have experienced any combination of the symptoms of leaky gut listed above and have not been able to get permanent relief or a satisfactory diagnosis, it is reasonable to surmise that you may be suffering from increased intestinal permeability.

Many health care providers believe that chronic inflammation can both cause and be worsened by leaky gut syndrome, so an excellent place to start is with what's called an elimination diet. With this systematic approach, you will first eliminate an array of foods that are suspected of causing inflammation, sensitivities, or allergies, and instead eat "safe" foods that are not likely to contribute to your symptoms. Then, you will slowly reintroduce foods you have eliminated, one at a time, and take note of how your body responds. Any foods that continue to cause you problems you can re-eliminate, and in this way you can develop a diet that will enable you to feel relief from your symptoms, and more importantly, it will give your body the chance to heal your leaky gut syndrome.

Conclusion: There is hope

The long and short of it is that the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome often are not associated with the condition since not many doctors recognize this little known disorder. This means that sufferers frequently undergo treatment for the symptoms as unrelated health issues and may not enjoy permanent relief. But there is reason for hope in that more and more health care professionals have learned to associate the symptoms of leaky gut syndrome with the condition itself. Moreover, you can take simple steps yourself to identify which foods cause you problems and adopt a diet that enables you to heal, and therefore to experience permanent relief.

Joint Pain - A Natural Approach

Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness can alter your lifestyle dramatically, preventing you from participate in the activities you most enjoy. With the onset of pain in our fingers, wrists, knees, hips or virtually any joint in the body, we tend to jump to the conclusion that arthritis has set in. While joint pain is a natural response to inflammation in the body, it doesn't necessarily mean you have one of the hundred forms of arthritic conditions. Often, pain in your joints simply alerts you to the need for positive changes in your diet, exercise habits, stress level, body weight and even your emotional well being.

Whether your joint pain is caused by hormonal changes, excessive acidity in your diet, cold and damp weather, arthritis or other factors from the list below, rest assured there are natural ways to increase your mobility while reducing and even eliminating your painful symptoms. With inflammation the common denominator of all joint pain, determining its source and implementing positive lifestyle changes is a great place to start.

Joint Pain - Contributing Factors

o Inflammation

o Hormonal changes, especially in women as menopause approaches.

o Severe or recurrent joint injury from heavy physical activity.

o Skeletal postural defects.

o Age-related changes in collagen matrix repair mechanisms.

o Excessive weight.

o Activities such as long-distance running performed over many years.

o Cold climate and atmospheric pressure changes.

o Food allergies such as dairy and wheat.

o Overly acidic diet including nightshade vegetables; potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.

o A diet high in animal products.

o Nutrient deficiency: calcium, magnesium, manganese, protein, essential fatty acids.

o Low-grade infections (dental infections) and autoimmune disease.

o Build up of toxicity in the body.

o Dehydration.

Acidity and Joint Pain

In his best-selling book "The pH Miracle," Dr. Robert Young says: "Pain cannot exist without acidity and acidity cannot be present without pain." The human body requires a balance of acidity and alkalinity to function well. However, Americans have a tendency to become overly acidic due to stress and the consumption of processed foods, carbohydrates, sugars, red meat, and sodas. Very simply, acidity causes inflammation while alkalinity reduces it.

An excess of acid in the body causes increased amounts of calcium, minerals, and acid toxins to deposit in the joints, resulting in inflammation and pain. Over time, this can lead to joint pain and arthritic conditions. Decreasing sources of acid and increasing your intake of alkalizing foods and drinks will help restore healthy pH levels and help relieve the pain and stiffness in your joints. Avoiding acidic foods can be confusing with lemons, which are alkalizing rather than acidic, as a prime example.

The Role of Inflammation

Most of us think of inflammation as a hot, red and swelling reaction to over exertion or an injury, but that's just the beginning. Chronic systemic inflammation is an underlying cause of a long list of seemingly unrelated, age-related diseases including atherosclerosis, cancer, obesity, diabetes, congestive heart failure, digestive system diseases, arthritis, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. With regard to joint health and arthritis, cytokines regulate various inflammatory responses.

Cytokines are a group of small proteins secreted by specific cells of the immune system that are released into the circulation or directly into tissue and act as messengers to the cells of the body. They regulate the body's response to disease and infection and play an important role in maintaining normal cellular processes in the body. Cytokines are pro-inflammatory and tend to trigger the overproduction of free radicals creating a health compromising cause-and-effect loop.

A strong immune system triggers the inflammatory response to deal with injury or infection. But, our stressful lifestyles and poor dietary choices can cause sustained low-grade inflammation that prevents cell regeneration and repair which gradually tears down tissues, including those in your joints. As examples, elevated cortisol, the hormone released in response to stress, works as an inflammatory agent, and a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can create a constant state of inflammation.

Toxicity and Joint Pain

Inflammation is the body's response to toxicity. Poor food choices, smoke, alcohol, sodas, coffee, pesticides, household cleaning products, allergens, herbicides, and chemicals in your personal care products all contribute to toxic overload. Detoxify, purify, and regenerate with a gentle cleanse to reduce the toxic burden on your body and relieve the pain, stiffness and swelling associated with inflammation.

Hormonal Imbalances and Joint Pain

Changing levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone play a role in inflammation so it's no surprise that women often notice the onset of joint pain during perimenopause and menopause.

Because estrogen has an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, fluctuating estrogen levels during this natural life transition can exacerbate the symptoms of chronic inflammation.

Bio-identical Progesterone

Bio-identical progesterone can ease the inflammation burden by helping to balance your hormones, nurture your endocrine system and ease stress. When it comes to degenerative diseases like osteoporosis, progesterone cream has been shown to have remarkable results. Verified by a three year study of 63 postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, those using progesterone cream experienced an average 7-8% bone mineral density increase the first year, 4-5% the second year and 3-4% the third year.

Arthritis

The word arthritis literally means joint inflammation, but it is also refers to a group of more than 100 rheumatic diseases with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis the most common. According to annual estimates, approximately 46 million adults in the United States (about 1 in 5) report doctor-diagnosed arthritis.

The Most Common Forms of Arthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis, refers to the pain and inflammation that can result from the systematic loss of bone tissue in the joints. This wear-and-tear form of arthritis is most commonly associated with the natural aging process.

Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as rheumatism, is most common among people over 40 with women afflicted two to three times more frequently than men. It is characterized by inflammation and pain in the hands, arms, legs and feet. Organs such as the eyes and lungs may become inflamed as well.

Gout usually occurs in men over 40 and is caused by the elevated blood levels of uric acid which forms crystals in the joints causing them to become inflamed and painful. The immune system reacts to these crystals as if they were foreign invaders. Avoid excessive amounts of red meat, alcohol and sugar to keep gout at bay.

Degenerative Bone Disease - Osteoporosis

Degenerative bone disease or degenerative arthritis is caused by inflammation and the breakdown and loss of the cartilage in the joints. It affects the hands, feet, spine, hips and knees or virtually any joint in the body. The cartilage helps the bones glide over one another and acts as a shock absorber. Over the years, the bones begin to rub against each other beneath the cartilage. This leads to pain, swelling and loss of joint movement.

Osteoporosis can be present without any symptoms for decades. Therefore, people may not be aware

of their osteoporosis until they suffer a painful fracture. In America, more than one million fractures occur annually in women 45 years or older, only 70% of whom are diagnosed with osteoporosis. Hip fractures are the second leading cause of death in people 47-74 years of age. Aching in hips, lower back, or wrists often signal worsening osteoporosis, kidney weakness or immune system dysfunction.

Joint Pain Therapy for Symptom Relief

The downfall of conventional joint pain remedies such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which have dangerous side effects, have people turning to natural products to address joint pain and prevent inflammation and degenerative conditions. In fact, The Council for Responsible Nutrition found that bone and joint issues are among the primary conditions for which American health professionals recommend their patients use natural, dietary supplements and initiate healthy lifestyle changes.

Aspirin and ibuprofen might temporarily suppress pain and inflammation, but they do not build tissue or cartilage and carry side-effects. For example, the side-effects associated with ibuprofen include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and occasionally ulcers of the upper intestinal tract. Other possible and less frequent side effects involve the central nervous system, liver and allergic reactions like skin rashes. Heavy use of non-aspirin pain relievers also put you at risk for developing high blood pressure.

Natural approaches to Pain Relief

Balance your hormones: Bio-identical progesterone cream is calming to the nervous system and nurtures the adrenals to lessen the impact of inflammation causing cortisol.

Make wise choices: Substances like alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, and marijuana place a heavy burden on your system, so eliminate them or at least moderate your intake. One of the fastest ways to reduce inflammation is to stop smoking and using stimulants.

Supplements to consider: Use a high quality, absorbable multiple vitamin and mineral complex to fill any nutritional gaps. Pregnenolone improves joint pain and mobility. Get plenty of Omega 3 (fish oil). Hyaluronic Acid is a major component of the synovial fluid and increases the viscosity of the fluid to literally lubricate the joints. Glucosamine sulfate aids in the formation and repair of cartilage. Emu oil is a highly effective pain relieving anti-inflammatory. Shark cartilage, rich in chondroitin sulfate, has been found to reduce pain of joint inflammation. MSM is an organic source of sulfur known to restore connective tissue, ease joint pain and much more. Vitamin D daily often brings noticeable results. Blue Green Algae is very alkalizing and helps reduce inflammation.

Positive dietary changes: Lower your intake of carbohydrates and sugar to reduce the pain caused by inflammation. Avoiding acidic foods and drinks will make a remarkable difference. Drink plenty of pure water every day to avoid dehydration. Reduce your intake of animal protein, especially if it is not organic, processed foods and any additives or preservatives. In the words of Dr. Bernard Jensen, "Every day, eat the colors of the rainbow."

Utilize natural anti-inflammatory herbs and foods: Alfalfa, blackstrap molasses, boswellia, celery, cherries, dandelion, devil's claw, feverfew, fish oils, garlic, ginger, goldenrod, nettle, tumeric and yucca are all helpful in reducing inflammation and easing pain and stiffness in your joints. Use them generously in your foods or supplement with capsules or tinctures.

Exercise: A program of regular physical activity can strengthen the muscles, tendons, and ligaments surrounding the affected joints and preserve mobility in joints that are developing bone spurs. Remaining active, maintaining an ideal body weight, and exercising the muscles and joints regularly nourish the cartilage and promote mobility and flexibility.

Manage stress: Lower stress levels and inflammation causing coritsol with meditation, Tai Chi, yoga, deep breathing exercises, prayer, stretching, gentle exercise, etc.

Get plenty of rest: Sleep restores and heals the body and is a perfect inflammation antidote. Get between 7 - 9 hours of restful sleep daily.

Symptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis - How You Can Recognize This Disease

It is always difficult to decide if some symptoms are worth to be checked out or if you have nothing to worry about. We all have felt some strange pains and weird twinges from time to time and have wondered what it was, Most of the time these symptoms just go away. But sometimes it takes longer or the pain is more severe, when the symptoms last for a significant time you might think about a chronic condition like rheumatoid arthritis and you need to see a doctor and have the symptoms checked.

When it really are rheumatoid arthritis symptoms there are many treatment options but early detection is very important so don't wait to long. It is possible to reduce the effects of this disease but how do you figure out what are harmless aches or pains an what can actually be rheumatoid arthritis symptoms?

Most common symptoms

Some of the most common rheumatoid arthritis symptoms are

- joint swelling
- joint nodules or hard bumps that appear near joints
- pain
- weight loss
- fever
- fatigue
- morning stiffness of the joints

Everybody has more or less stiffness in the joints in the morning but when you also have other symptoms it can also be a effect of rheumatoid arthritis and it might be an indication of something more severe than just the regular stiffness.

Pain and swelling of joints are the two most well known symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The hard bumps or so called nodules are visible when the surrounding muscles are flexed and you when you have them you can best look near the elbows as this is the place where they typically appear. The swellings and the intensity of the joint pain can vary from day to day because of a number of factors.

When you have rheumatoid arthritis you will have good and bad days and you never now in front what day it is going to be. The fevers, weight loss and fatigue effect the whole body and these are the symptoms that make it very difficult to make plans and to carry out your daily activities.

Get The Right Treatment

When the symptoms getting more progressively worse or last longer then a week or two in one joint, you need to consult your doctor to get your symptoms checked out. This disease can move quickly and when you don't get the right treatment it can result in severe joint deformities and even in problems with vital organs. Your doctor needs to stay closely informed so you can get the right treatment.

Anti inflammatory drugs and pain killers are drugs that can control some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and there are some other drugs that can help reduce any long term damage like joint deformities and to the organs but they do not help for pain and swelling.

When you have rheumatoid arthritis you need to know that doctors can only reduce the effects that this illness has on your life and treat some of the symptoms but there is no real cure. There are also alternative treatments that you can consider but these are also not a cure. At our website we also provide information about alternative rheumatoid like foods that help with rheumatoid arthritis.

Doctor, I Have a Lump on a Finger Joint... Could It be Arthritis?

Finger joint lumps and bumps can be disfiguring and a cause of great concern for the patient. Here are some potential causes.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, often affects the hands. When it does, it often causes local inflammation of the distal interphalangeal joints (DIP or last row) and proximal interphalangeal joints (PIP or next to last row). This inflammation causes the joints to swell and hurt. The lumps that form are called Heberden's nodes (DIP) and Bouchard's nodes (PIP). Involvement of the base of the thumb may also cause a lumpiness or squared-off appearance.

Gout also causes lumps in the fingers. Gout may cause inflammation of the interphalangeal joints of the fingers. When this occurs, it may be indistinguishable from a flare of osteoarthritis. Middle-aged (post-menopausal) or elderly women on diuretic therapy are particularly prone to developing this. Gout may also cause soft tissue lumps. The diagnosis is made by aspiration of fluid from the affected joint or soft tissue mass with examination of the aspirated material using polarizing microscopy.

Rheumatoid arthritis causes joint swelling involving the wrists, metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints (knuckles) as well as the PIP joints. Inflammation may lead to lumpiness. Rheumatoid arthritis also causes rheumatoid nodules to develop in the finger joints. These nodules occur in patients with long-standing and severe disease.

Swelling of the tendon sheaths in the palm of the hand may occur with different types of arthritis. This occurs because the tendon sheaths are lined with synovial tissue which may become inflamed. When this happens, the tendon sheath may swell and become lumpy. Sometimes the fingers begin to trigger or catch.

Ganglion cysts can affect the wrist. These are usually painless swellings that have a soft squishy feel to them. The old treatment used to be smashing them with the family Bible. Fortunately, this method of getting religion is rarely used anymore. The ganglion may be aspirated and injected with steroid if painful. Sometimes surgery is required if very symptomatic.

Soft tissue swelling as a result of blisters and calluses are usually not difficult to diagnose.

Plant thorn synovitis is a relatively common problem that may occur in people who grow rose bushes. Here a thorn from a rose bush may break off in the joint and cause a localized inflammation of the finger joint. This condition often requires surgery for both diagnosis as well as treatment.

Infections of the finger joints are a cause of finger lumps and must be treated aggressively. Activities such as fist fights or animal bites may be precipitating factors.

Dupuytren's contracture is a condition presenting as a "lump" or nodule in the palm near the flexion crease, most often at the base of the ring or small finger. This lump or nodule may also occur at the base of the thumb.

A rare disease called histiocytosis may also cause lumps to appear in the distal row of finger joints. Diagnosis is made by biopsy. Treatment is usually symptomatic although in its severe forms histiocytosis may be treated with chemotherapeutic agents.

Painful lumps on the pads of the fingers may develop as a result of bacterial endocarditis. This disease is an infection of the heart valves. The bumps are termed "Osler nodes."

Arthritis: The Cause of Joint Replacement Surgery

When searching for the main causes of joint replacement surgery, different types of arthritis come up time and again. If it's Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid arthritis, these main types of arthritis are the leading causes for joint replacement surgery, mainly hip, knee or wrist.

Joint replacement surgery is performed when all other treatments have failed to help the patient and the pain has become intolerable, or he can no longer function normally on a daily basis. Patients reach this situation when the cartilage, which serves as a protective cushioning between two or more bones, becomes damaged and the tissues around the joint become inflamed. With time, the cartilage wears away, allowing the bones to rub against each other.

As mentioned, surgery is never the first option in case of joint arthritis. The patient will first be treated with pain medication, physiotherapy or special activity exercises. Only when these are no longer efficient, will the orthopedist bring up the surgical options.

The most common type of arthritis that leads to joint replacement surgery is Osteoarthritis. Also known as 'degenerative arthritis', osteoarthritis referrers to the degradation of the joints (mainly hip, knee, wrist and spine) and can cause them to swell up, become red, stiffen or become more tender. These symptoms usually appear gradually. Osteoarthritis is caused mainly by the aging process but can also be triggered by injury or obesity.

Another main cause for joint replacement surgery is Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammation disease. This is an auto-immune disease mainly targeting the lining of the joints. This kind of arthritis usually causes stiffness and swelling while the inflamed lining can invade and damage bone and cartilage.

It is important to know that people live with arthritis and successfully manage the main with combined types of treatments. When it comes to rheumatoid arthritis, there are even encouraging statistics showing that small numbers of patients go into remission in the first stages of the disease. However, when symptoms start affecting the patient's day-to-day life and keep him from functioning normally, it is recommended they undergoes surgery.

The term 'Joint Replacement Surgery' incorporates different types of surgery. The main types include knee and hip replacement but the term also referrers to wrist, ankle, foot, shoulder and elbow replacement surgery. The extent of your surgery will depend on the extent of the problem and severity of the arthritis.

In a hip replacement surgery, there is a total hip or partial hip replacement, also known as Hip Resurfacing, in which only part of the joint is replaced. When there is arthritis in the knee, if not severe the orthopedic may suggest a torn meniscus surgery or knee arthroscopy (relatively minor surgeries). If the arthritis is severe, a Partial Knee Replacement operation - also might be the solution. This less invasive knee replacement requires decreased healing time and is considered less painful. The total knee replacement includes the complete removal of the entire cartilage; the partial replacement removes only the damaged area of the cartilage. The rest of the joint replacement surgeries basically have similar options of partial and total joint removal and replacements.

When consulting your orthopedic specialist about surgery, it is important to not rush in to the operation without making sure you have tried all other non-surgical treatments, what type of procedure is recommended and why and how will this specific procedure help the problem.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet - Natural Cures That Treat and Cure RA

If you are depressed and suffer from achy joints and are in constant pain you need help now. The good news is there is an all-natural cure for your arthritis. Listen; there are millions of people just like you who suffer in silence. Arthritis can be a daily nightmare...fingers gnarled, joints sore all the time. You are stressed out and literally in tears from the pain.

Why You Suffer From Arthritis?

Most Americans consume a diet that is acid-forming--too much meat, too many processed foods, not enough raw fruits, vegetables and fresh fish. Here is a list of 12 of the best foods that fight arthritis. If you are looking for an all-natural cure for arthritis start with these. The first 6 foods listed contain high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids which soothe joint pain and inflammation. Tart cherries are a natural anti-pain medicine. The remainder of the foods on this list are good sources of Vitamin C (which is a powerful antioxidant). They also contain calcium and magnesium which are good for bone maintenance.

Wild and fresh salmon
Chia
Flaxseed
Walnuts
Herring
Rainbow trout
Mackerel, except for king mackerel
Tart Cherries
Brussels sprouts
Kale
Spinach
Broccoli

Note that I did not mention milk or dairy products in this list. That's because milk is basically "liquid meat". Dairy products are acid-forming foods. I know the conventional recommendation is to drink more milk, but nothing is further from the truth. Milk and dairy products can exacerbate the problem.

In addition to the foods above you should be drinking powerful herbal teas. Teas like dandelion, green tea, burdock and red clover. These teas are known for their blood cleansing properties. They can destroy the bacteria that is the root cause of rheumatoid arthritis.

What's that? You didn't know that a bacterium has been implicated as the primary culprit for causing rheumatoid arthritis? Well, a doctor over 40 years ago proved this and cured almost all of him patients using this knowledge. Why hasn't the medical establishment made this research public knowledge? Well as Dr. Eli Wallach once said about arthritis, "If the truth were released [to the public], the orthodox doctors would lose an entire specialty [rheumalogy] in short order, so they keep it a secret."

But this is just the tip of the iceberg. If you really want a step-by-step guide to cure rheumatoid arthritis then download a special report that I have written just for you. Learn why I kick milk to the curb and what the medical establishment doesn't want you to know about curing your arthritis with simple ingredients found in your kitchen cupboard. You need to know about a kind of bacteria that is the root cause of almost all cases of rheumatoid arthritis and why most antibiotics usually do not work in eradicating this bacterium.

Does Low Dose Prednisone Work For Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease that affects multiple organ systems, but the joints in particular. Rheumatoid arthritis also damages and erodes away the cartilage and bones in the affected joints. This erosion cannot be seen by physical examination and is measured by x-rays. More erosion on an x-ray usually means that the disease is progressing or worsening.

Glucocorticoids or corticosteroids such as prednisone are used by some arthritis patients to reduce inflammation and suppress immune system activity. Synthetic corticosteroids, like prednisone, are designed to mimic cortisol action in body. Cortisol is a natural corticosteroid produced by the adrenal glands.

Glucocorticoids have been shown to improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. There is some debate as to whether glucocorticoids can slow the progression of the disease.

There is also concern about the long term side effects, such as heart problems, when taking glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoid use in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is common. Two Cochrane Reviews have been published examining the short term clinical benefit of low dose glucocorticoids compared to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. They have demonstrated good short term and medium term clinical benefits. The possibility that glucocorticoids may have a "disease modifying" effect in RA, which would be seen by a reduction in the rate of radiological progression, has been suggested by several investigators.

The objectives of the current review was to evaluate glucocorticoid efficacy in inhibiting the progression of radiological damage in rheumatoid arthritis.

This summary of a Cochrane review presents what we know about the effect of low dose glucocorticoids, such as prednisone, on the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

The studies that were reviewed looked at people who had rheumatoid for up to 2 years. Low doses of glucocorticoid pills were taken and usually with a disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drug (DMARD).
X-rays were periodically used to assess the progression of joint erosion and other signs of joint damage. Of the studies which were reviewed, all but one concluded that glucocorticoids given along with standard arthritis treatments significantly reduced the rate of joint erosion in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It did not necessarily correlate with long-term improvement in function however.

Bottom line: In people with rheumatoid arthritis, low dose glucocorticoids reduce the progression of RA over a 1 one to two year period.

This benefit occurred in people already taking a disease-modifying anti-rheumatoid drug (DMARD) and therefore this benefit is over and above any benefits from the DMARDs.

These results were true in people that had rheumatoid arthritis for less than 2 years. It seems possible that glucocorticoids would have the same effect in people who have had rheumatoid for 3 to 4 years, but it is not known whether this is true in people who have had it for longer.

The evidence that glucocorticoids, given in addition to standard therapy, can substantially reduce the rate of erosion progression in rheumatoid arthritis is convincing. There is concern about potential long-term adverse reactions to glucocorticoid therapy, such as increased cardiovascular risk and osteoporosis.

(Kirwan JR, Bijlsma JWJ, Boers M, Shea BJ. Effects of glucocorticoids on radiological progression in rheumatoid arthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2007, Issue 1. Art. No.: CD006356. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD006356).

What You Should Know About Methotrexate For Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an auto-immune disease in which the immune system attacks the body, causing damage in the joints that results in pain and swelling. Unlike ordinary arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects the other organs. People who have this condition generally get worse as years go on, although it can go into remission for many years. Methotrexate for treating this condition can help those with this disease go into remission for longer periods of time.

Types of Drugs used for this condition

There are two types of drugs that are used to treat this condition. They are considered Type I and Type II drugs. The first type of drugs are those that relieve the swelling and pain that the condition causes. These can be pain medications as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. These simply treat the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and make it easier for a person to live with this condition.

The second type of drug is slower acting and attacks the disease itself, causing it to go into remission. Methotrexate is one of these type of drugs. Methotrexate for Rheumatoid Arthritis has proven to be successful when it comes to putting patients in remission. When the patient with rheumatoid arthritis is in remission, they do not feel the effects of the disease. The type of treatment that you get for your disease depends upon your age and general health.

Diseases that attack the immune system can be particularly troublesome as they can lead to other infections as well as diseases. This is the reason why many doctors want to put the disease into remission so that it cannot continue to do harm. Someone who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis will feel the same type of inflamed joint pain that someone does who has other forms of arthritis. But this disease is worse because as it progresses, it also harms other organs.

As is the case with most arthritis, the disease can end up crippling the person who carries it to the point where they are incapacitated. Most people who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis understand that the disease will continue to progress as time moves forward. This can last for years or even decades, but eventually the person will end up unable to walk.

When they use Methotrexate for this disease, these patients have more hope for a brighter future. With the disease in remission, the person who has this condition does not necessarily have to continue getting worse throughout the years. The disease can lay dormant. While there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, remission is the next best thing. And it can give someone a new lease on life.

Methotrexate for this condition is not without risk. As is the case with many drugs that put a disease into remission, there is a risk for infection as well as contracting other diseases while on this medication. There is an increased risk of high blood pressure and stroke. Persons who are on this medication to treat rheumatoid arthritis need to be monitored by a doctor.

Rheumatoid arthritis may also go into a spontaneous remission. There are natural treatments that people can use to treat this disease, including diet and exercise as well as massage that will reduce inflammation and boost up the immune system.

What Pain Killer is Right For You - A Guide to Leading Over the Counter Pain Relief

You are in pain, you need relief so you nip down to your local pharmacy in search of a pain killer. The trouble is you are met with a bewildering choice of around 20 different types and brands. So which pain killer is the one you need right now. How to find exactly what you need with all this choice can be really frustrating. So here is a basic guide of the leading types of pain relief and what you need to be aware of when choosing one.

Paracetamol also called Pamol, Panadol and Paracare. Good for fever,osteoarthritis,cold symptoms and minor pain. Does not reduce inflammation but it can be used long term and is also of benefit for Asthmatics. With children this painkiller should not be taken for more than 48 hours without a doctors permission. Paracetamol is safe to use with most other medications but always ask your pharmacist first. Avoid if you have liver or kidney disease or if you are a heavy drinker. Overuse can cause liver damage.

Aspirin also called Aspro, Disprin and Solprin. Use for headache,fever,muscle pain,osteoarthritis,rheumatic pain,backache and menstrual cramps. Considered safe for most adults. Avoid if you are allergic to it,suffer from ulcers,heart burn or take blood thinners. Children and teenagers with viral infections should avoid. May cause stomach upset. May cause allergic reactions and bleeding problems.

Ibuprofen also called Nurofen, Act 3 and Panafen. Used for Menstrual cramps,headache,fever,muscle pain,osteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis,toothache and backache. Safe for adults. For infants and pregnant women ask your doctor. Do not use with aspirin as it may well stop the aspirin working. Avoid this type if you suffer from ulcers,or use other painkillers. Possible side effects include heartburn,stomach upset or pain. May cause allergic reactions, bruising or if too much is taken, stomach bleeding.

Codeine Phosphate also called Mersyndol, Panadeine, Pirophen or Nurofen Plus. This is a weak form of morphine that is used for severe pain such as Tension,Migraine,backache,post operative pain. Codeine has a calming effect and can be used by people who can't take aspirin. This type of painkiller is not for children. It may be addictive if used long term. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not drive or operate machinery. May cause drwsiness, constipation, dizziness, nausea and mood changes. Do not use with alcohol or tranquilizers.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - Signs and Symptoms

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic and systematic disorder that principally affects the joints leading to an inflammatory synovistis. This condition can lead to the destruction of the articular cartilage and ankylosis of the joints. Apart from the joints, this disorder can also affect body tissues and organs.

This condition can also produce diffuse inflammation in the lungs, the pericardium, the pleura and the sclera. Although the exact causes of this disease are yet to be identified, autoimmunity is said to be a major contributor to the progression of the disease. No age is immune to this disease although the onset is often between the ages of 40 and 50.

Signs of rheumatoid arthritis include inflammation and swelling of the affected joints. The joints will also feel warm, painful and stiff especially in the morning or after a prolonged period of inactivity. Increased stiffness particularly early in the morning is a prominent feature of the inflammatory disease and may last for more than an hour. Gentle movements normally help to relieve the symptoms in the early stages of the disease. This disorder normally affects the joints in a fairly symmetrical fashion.

Diagnosis of this condition is chiefly on signs and symptoms but also blood tests and x-rays can be used. Other medical imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound can also be used during diagnosis. Diagnosis and management of this disease is done by a rheumatologist; an expert in the diseases of joints and connective tissues. Rheumatoid arthritis is treated using anti-rheumatic medication. Cortisone therapy can also help to relieve the symptoms but may not effective for long term use.

What Medical Specialist Treats Gout and High Uric Acid?

Gout is a form of arthritis that usually affects the joints and resembles some similar symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis. It is very common for gout patients to go for a rheumatologist when they are searching for a specialist who can help treat their painful gouty inflammation.

If you are suffering from acute gout and decided follow the crowd to go for a rheumatologist too, you will be getting the same treatments and same result that most of the acute gout patients experienced. You pay more for the specialist consultation, but you still suffer from the awful pain for the rest of your life, never mind about the side effects of those gout drugs.

As a specialist, the rheumatologist will use some high-tech equipments to test your joints in order to confirm that you are actually having gout. The common high-tech (high cost and high risk) way the specialists use to diagnose a gouty inflammation is arthroscopy. It is a procedure where a long thick needle is poked into the joint to withdraw some synovial fluid sample for examination under the microscope. If particles of urate crystal are found, then it is confirmed you are having gout.

Well, the risk of this procedure is that it will expose those poked joints to potential infections due to the open holes made by the specialist. And that might further complicate the patient's condition. The question is whether that procedure is really necessary? When someone has been experiencing frequent inflammation near the joints of the feet and the attacks resembles the common properties of a typical gout attack, and the patient is having high level of blood uric acid, then it is very much confirmed to be gout. What is the point of paying premium fee to the specialist to go through the unnecessary pain just to double confirm it?

If you think paying more for a specialist can solve your gout problem? I am sorry to tell you that is not going to work. The specialists have the tendency to go for heavy complicated procedures to treat the patients. They might prescribe some premium priced pain killers for you that give instant pain relief or they will suggest some other funny surgeries to replace your joints, but none of those high tech treatments can remove the root of cause your gouty problem once and for all. You will end up suffering more from the complications of the treatments.

You do not need a specialist to cure your gout. All you need is to spend some time to understand your gout and know the actual root of the problem before wasting your money on those freaky medical treatments. The root of the problem is uric acid overload, and when you understand how your body regulate the uric acid level, all you need is to return your body to the optimum healthy condition it used to be and it will take care of itself. This solution might very simple, but it definitely cost very much lesser than the 'Gout specialist'. It all starts with a shift of paradigm.

Raw Food Health Solutions For Arthritis

The Link Between Raw Foods and Arthritis

Do you suffer from the aches and pains of arthritis? Arthritis is used to refer to numerous rheumatism ailments which symptoms include: pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, although other parts of the body can be affected as well. Internal organs, muscles, ligaments and tendons are other parts of the body within the illnesses reach.

Arthritis is not to be taken lightly. According to some statistics, arthritis is now second only to heart disease as a leading cause of work disability. According to Arthritis.com, the disease affected 46 million Americans in 2006.

There are two forms of arthritis that are dreaded for causing so much pain to their victims. These are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The former is the more common type that is prevalent among older people. It affects the cartilage, that spongy tissue between two bones that is responsible for shock absorption. The bones rub against each other and this is what causes swelling and pain. Some shards of bones may break off in the long run, lodging themselves inside the joint space, and thereby causing more pain. The latter type of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, affects other body parts, but will still cause inflammation in the joints and a general feeling of fatigue. The symptoms appear in a symmetric manner, which means that if one joint is affected, the other corresponding joint will be affected too.

What Causes Arthritis?

There are several factors that may contribute to arthritis development, and these may include:

1. Age - Cartilage wears out with age and it becomes harder for it to be replaced naturally. Thus as people become older they also become more susceptible to arthritis.

2. Weight - The more pressure applied to knee and hip joints by accounts of body mass, the faster the cartilage is likely to wear out.

3. Other ailments or infections - Individuals who have suffered a joint infection like gout may later develop arthritis in that joint.

4. Daily occupation - Some types of occupations seem to carry inherently higher risk of developing arthritis than others. And these are those that typically involve a lot of lifting of heavy materials especially in heavy construction industry.

5. Genetics - It is possible that there can be genetic variations that contribute to higher incidences of arthritis development though the exact contribution of the genes to the disease development is not exactly clear.

How Can I Prevent Arthritis?

Some of the causes outlined above may themselves help in identifying the correct measures that can be taken to prevent arthritis. Some of these measures may apply before as a preventative measure and after as an ameliorating measure. These measures include:

1. Reducing weight

2. Simple exercises regularly

3. Massage

Unleash the Power of Raw Foods to Help with Arthritis

These raw foods have been very powerful at reducing the effects of arthritis on your body:

* Oranges

* Lemons

* Strawberries

* Tomatoes

* Bell peppers

* Kiwifruit

* Sweet red peppers

* Papapaya

* Guava

* Dalanghita

* Anonas

* Kasuy

You also need calcium rich food, but don't reach out for that glass of milk yet. Instead reach out for spinach, collard greens, and broccoli they are great source of calcium. Vitamin B rich food is also recommended, and this would include delicacies such as cauliflower.

Vitamins and any antioxidants can really you with your Arthritis as they decrease the damage to the joints, thus reducing the pain. Organic vegetables grown in your own garden can also inspire you to consume more raw foods. Give it a try!

To your health,

Omid

Arthritis: Knee Pain and Joint Pain Most Common Symptoms

Do you Suffer from Aching Bones and Stiff Joints?

Arthritis is a condition in which the joints of the body become inflamed. Knee pain, joint pain and knotted or inflamed joints are common symptoms of arthritis which range from mild to extreme. People who suffer from arthritis may find their movement becomes limited by aching bones and stiff and sore joints. Arthritis is most commonly found in the hands, mostly affecting the fingers and wrists, but also occurs in the knee joints.

The word itself "arthritis" literally means inflammation of the joints from the Greek word 'arthron' meaning "joint" and the Latin word "itis," meaning "inflammation".

What to expect from Arthritis

While some of the most common complaints from arthritis sufferers are painful knees and joints, other joints to be affected by arthritis, the hips, finger joints, thumb joints and lower spine. Shoulders, elbows, wrists, ankles, and toe joints are less commonly affected.

Arthritis Care UK estimates that there are close to 10 million people in the U.K. alone that suffer from one form or another of arthritis. This makes it one of the most widely spread conditions in the UK. Seeing as arthritis affects so many people, let's take a closer look at what exactly it is.

Symptoms of arthritis vary in strength and severity; they can often start off mild and become stronger as the condition develops. Knee pain and joint pain may start to develop especially before or during weather fluctuations. Pain may develop in the joints of the wrists, knuckles, fingers, ankles and toes. Shoulders may become stiff first thing in the morning and also give rise to pain. Movement may become limited in the hips and other affected areas.

Knee Pain and Joint Pain - Possible Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

In rheumatoid arthritis, knee joints can become inflamed and swollen, resulting in pain, joint stiffness and in extreme cases, reduced movement or even loss of joint function. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the elbows, knees, shoulders and hip joints. All of these joints contain a special lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. The fluid of the joints comes under attack from the body's own immune system. Painful and inflamed joints are often symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis that may lead to discomfort and can often making movement painful.

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms tend to develop gradually, over a period of several weeks and tend to be more common in women than men and usually starts between the ages of 40-60. The word 'rheumatoid' comes from the Gk. rheuma meaning "stream, current, a flowing," as this condition affects the fluid in joints.

Bones become Worn Away in Oseotoarthritis

One of the most common forms of arthritis is osteoarthritis and is caused by a wearing away of the joints, most specifically, the cartilage at the end of the knee and hip joints. Other joints such as the fingers, thumbs and lower spine may also be affected. These are predominantly the weight-bearing joints. The word 'osteon' comes from the Greek language and means 'bone'.

What actually happens to the cartilage when someone has osteoarthritis is that it can become rough and brittle, it literally gets worn down. Sometimes the underlying bone tries to compensate for the additional load on the cartilage and bony growths can occur at the outer edges, making the joint appear knotted and thick. Over time, the affected joints can become stiff and inflamed, leading to pain and often immobility.

There are natural health products that may be of benefit in alleviating the suffering and symptoms of arthritis.

Common TMJ Causes

TMJ (Temporomandibular Joint) is a disorder that can affect people of all ages. It is a condition that develops when the Temporomandibular joint (the joint that connects the person's jawbone to their skull) does not function properly. Some people are affected on both sides of their head, while others experience problems only on one side.

People who have TMJ can experience a variety of different symptoms. Some of the most common include having a stiff jaw, constant ear pain, or pain that will not easily go away without some type of treatment. Many have problems when they are eating since the pain is often generated when they are chewing their food. Others may have consistent and nagging headaches and they are usually hard to treat and identify. Although these are some of the more common symptoms, there are other symptoms that have been reported by patients that have this condition.

Unfortunately, there are many identifiable causes of TMJ and they include an improper bite, the clenching or grinding of teeth, various kinds of arthritis, injuries, mistakes made during a dental or medical procedure, the overuse of the jaw, and stress. These TMJ causes can make TMJ disorder much more likely than what would normally be expected.

As stated above, an improper bite is one of the main causes of TMJ, since the improper bite makes the person place excess stress on their chewing muscles. The chewing muscles are adversely affected because the individual's teeth are lined up incorrectly when they are eating. When this condition is not treated, the individual can experience a certain amount of pain along with muscle spasms around their jaw area. These alignment problems can also lead to the person's jaw sliding out of its socket.

The clenching and grinding of teeth can also cause this condition, especially because the clinching and grinding can wear away the individual's cartilage. This means, when the cartilage is worn down, the bone is rubbed on bone and it creates the symptoms of TMJ. Unfortunately, grinding of teeth normally occurs when the individual is asleep and they may not be aware that they are doing it. Some of the symptoms of grinding can be identified, however, by jaw pain and ear pain that cannot be easily explained. Dentists can also identify problems with grinding and clenching by examining the teeth for wear and tear signs.

In addition to clenching and grinding, arthritis is also one of the causes of TMJ. Degenerative arthritis and osteoarthritis in the jaw area are two of the types of arthritis that can lead to TMJ, specifically because they can cause the jawbone to be displaced or dislocated. When the jawbone is dislocated, the individual can begin hearing popping, grating and clicking sounds and they can also experience a lot of pain when they open or close their mouth. Rheumatoid arthritis is also a major issue for many. Some of these individuals have a higher risk of not being able to move their jaw at all.

Some dental and other medical procedures can be responsible for causing TMJ. For instance, if a patient has to have a breathing tube inserted into their mouth, the jaw is often fixed in a certain position for an extended amount of time. When this occurs, the patient can suffer from the overuse of that jawbone and TMJ may be the result.

Stress is also listed as a common cause of TMJ. This is one of the contributing factors because it can make an individual involuntarily tighten their facial muscles and jaw muscles, while they are also clenching their teeth together.

Once the person has identified the cause of TMJ, they can search for a viable solution. This is a very important step because the treatment that the person receives is based on the actual cause of the problem. For example, if the cause of the problem is an improper bite, the dentist can evaluate the problem and they may recommend a mandibular position device. Normally, when the doctor prescribes this type of device, the patient is instructed to wear them for a short timeframe in order to relieve the symptoms and pain that they are experiencing. On the other hand, if TMJ is caused by stress, the physician will usually recommend relaxation as well as other stress relieving techniques.

Rheumatoid Arthriris - Natural Treatment

On looking for a natural cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis, or some form of natural treatment I was quite knocked back. The Medical notes and articles were telling me that that there were no known cures, and how the disease will become steadily worse the longer the patient has it.

Being the determined sort I began to search the Internet to see if I find this elusive natural cure, that's if there ever was one to be found. But as I searched I read horror story after horror story. I read how the joints in the body become inflamed, and how steadily they get more and more painful to the point that sometimes the patient cannot move out of his/her bed.

The list of the joints affected by this inflammatory disease is immense. Toes, ankles, knees, hips, arms, fingers, wrists, shoulders, and everywhere there is a joint in the body.

As the disease takes hold the patient can expect deformities, and to give an example the patient may have grossly deformed fingers or toes, which would give constant pain.

Further reading on the Medical side of things the Doctors and specialists still are not sure what causes it. Some think that it might come from the patient diet, while others will say that it comes from some form of bug that has been present in the patient's food. In one case it was believed to have started from a throat infection but at the end of the day I don't think they know.

I did come up with some facts and figures during my research, which are frightening to say the least. In normal circumstances once the patient has been diagnosed he/she will be in pain, and would likely be taking many painkillers. Between three to five years the patient would not be able to work, and would be to a large degree confined to their homes. After ten years the disease would be in control, and severe deformities, and severe pain would be constantly with them.

But after all this doom and gloom I did find one or two references to natural cures from natural treatments, and that many thousands had been relieved from the pain and suffering. At this point it felt like a breath of fresh air because as I had seen similar things like this before with other complaints and diseases. Things like curing or treatment for Cancer, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, High Blood pressure, Asthma, and many more ailments.

This relief came in the way of Medical Science who realised that our lifestyle has changed dramatically over the last 100 years or so, and that we are eating foods that in a lot of cases the human body can't take. Add pollution into the equation and you have a recipe for disaster, and that is why we are having all these illnesses.

For quite some time now Doctors have known that the body can store all sorts of chemicals, and metals in the fat we have on our body. It was these aspects that were causing all the grief and the pain. Eliminate all those, and the body then can go back to curing it self.

The first thing to do to Cleanse and Detox the body which would allow the bodies good cells to combat the bad ones. Combine this with getting the patient to eat the right type of foods, and then the reversal process of a cure can then be started.

Medical science has proved that some foods can have an acidic affect to the bodies good cells. This in turn then creates bad cells which are the ones that are responsible for the pain and suffering. So if the patient were to have an alkaline diet there would be no bad cells because there would be enough good cells produced to fight and kill the bad ones off. This is very similar to someone who suffers with Gout. If the body produces to much uric acid this then gets into the blood, and crystallises in the joints which gives the patient the symptoms of Gout. For anyone who as ever suffered with Gout they will no just how painful it can be.

Perhaps I should explain at this point what is an alkaline diet? It's a diet of fresh fruit and vegetables with the odd exception. Meat is very acidic, while something like a melon is very alkaline. The only thing that patients must watch is that the level of vitamins is kept at the right level. This is where it is always advisable to talk things through with your Doctor, and make sure that you also have a Nutritionist to advise you what to eat.

Please note that I am not a Doctor, or any way allied to the Medical profession, and I would always advise you to talk things through with your Doctor. I am not qualified to give you medical advice, and the only thing I am doing is passing information on that I have read about. If you type in Rheumatoid Arthritis into a search engine on the Internet you will be able to find the same results that I am telling you about. (Most of these reports are produced by Doctors) If you are suffering badly you might not want to talk things over with your Doctor, but again that would be your choice. Some Doctors might not be very happy about this type of treatment, and quite possibly they will try to talk you out of it.

Holistic Medicine For Treatment of Arthritis

Holistic medicine for treatment of arthritis is becoming more and more popular.

Arthritis is a disease which causes inflammation of the joints. If left untreated joint damage, joint limitations and deformities can occur.

Holistic medicine for treatment of arthritis offers arthritis suffers lasting relief from pain and inflammation. This approach states that arthritis is a disease that results from multiple causes. Contributing to all forms of arthritis is a number of underlying imbalances with physical, mental and environmental factors.

Holistic medicine believes that the cause of arthritis develops from a combination of several causes. It is important to understand the factors that went into creating arthritis in each person to properly treat the disease.

Holistic medicine employs a battery of diagnostic tools such as physical examination, dietary assessment, emotional evaluation, and test for immune/digestive function to help build an individual picture of the patient's condition. Physicians take the time to find the root cause of arthritis and the patient is actively involved with their treatment.

Holistic approaches for the treatment of arthritis draws upon a wide range of therapies to help treat and possibly prevent arthritis.

The primary factors to this treatment is through Chinese herbal medicine, proper diet and nutrition, stress reduction, detoxification and the repair of nerves and muscles with the use of acupuncture, chiropractic care, massage and exercise.

The belief of the Chinese medicine is that disease occurs when obstructions impede the flow of energy to the organs. Chinese herbs are used to restore energy and function to the system so that balance and health can be achieved. With holistic medicine it is also believed that diet and nutrition has a significant impact on pain and inflammation.

A vegetarian diet is believed to greatly reduce arthritis symptoms. Herbs, minerals, vitamins and other natural supplements can provide effective relief without the side effects of conventional drugs. Mind and body techniques such as meditation can also help to reduce stress. The removal of toxins in the body has also shown to be remarkably therapeutic for arthritis patients.

Holistic medicine for treatment of arthritis helps to restore health to the whole patient, rather than simply providing superficial symptom relief. The tests to detect any imbalance will focus on a physical and emotional evaluation, dietary assessment, immune response, and digestive and detoxification function.

What Is Aspirin?

If you have a massive headache, symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, toothaches or muscle aches and colds, chances are you have been prescribed by doctors with medicine to ease the pain and the symptoms these conditions is bringing. And in most cases, people with pains like these would be prescribed with one type of medicine commonly called aspirin.

Aspirin is one of the most used types of medicines because it can cure many types of conditions and symptoms brought about by these conditions. Aspirin is a type of salicylate group of medicines and is primarily used as either an analgesic or antipyretic but it can also be used nowadays as an antiplatelet. This means that aspirin can now be used to reduce the rates of heart attack and stroke.

To date, it is estimated that almost 80 billion aspirins are produced and consumed every year to treat many conditions, particularly all kinds of aches. These conditions listed below can be treated with a great help from aspirin:

Aspirin as Analgesic

Post-operative pains
Acute migraines
Dysmenorrhoea

Aspirin for Cancer

Colorectal adenoma
Oesophageal cancer
Lung cancer
Pancreatic cancer
Colorectal polyps

Aspirin against stroke and heart attack

Ischaemic stroke
Stroke prevention
Heart attack prevention

Aspirin and other conditions

Cataracts
Post-operative bleeding after CABG
Prevention of preeclampsia
Arthritis
Systemic lupus erythematosus

Aspirin, primarily works and helps these conditions by reducing all the natural substances from the body that causes blood clots, swelling, pains, and fever. Aspirin usually comes as an extended-release tablet. This means that this type of medicine can take some time before it actually begins to work, after you swallow it. Other forms of aspirin would be in regular tablets, delayed-release tablets, chewable tablets, powder, gum and suppository.

When taking aspirin, it's advised that you are aware of any possible side effects. These side effects may include nausea; vomiting; black, bloody and tarry tools; upset stomach; and heartburn. These side effects may not be very serious but it would be better to take aspirin only when prescribed by a health care professional. Fortunately asprin is usually a very safe and widely purchased drug.

Aspirin is a type of medicine that is very useful to humans, animals and even plants. There is no wonder why billions of aspirin are produced each year. It is very important to understand that if you notice any problems after taking aspirin, you should consult your general practitioner for further medical advices.

Arthritis - Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms

Arthritis is a term that is used to describe the inflammation of a joint. Some of the characteristics of arthritis are pain, swelling, redness and warmth within the joints. Rheumatic arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that affects both sides of the body such as wrists, hands or knees. It is the second most common form of arthritis and it can affect people at any age. Typically though, it's onset is around the middle years say between 30 and 50 years of age.

CAUSES

The exact cause of this condition is not yet known, but according to research, it is thought to be caused by three factors which are environmental, hormonal, and genetical. Research has shown that certain genes which are connected to the immune system are linked with rheumatoid arthritis. It is believed that something (stress, hormonal changes, or a viral infection) does trigger rheumatoid arthritis in people that has the genetic tendency to develop the condition. There is another school of thought that suggests that smoking may also be a root cause of this condition.

SYMPTOMS

There are a number of symptoms which can sometimes be very unpredictable as can come and go. Some of the most common symptoms include Fatigue, Pain and Swelling of the joints, Stiffness of the joints (which occurs mostly in the mornings and after sitting for long periods of time), and The presence of bumps and nodules under the skin. Rheumatoid arthritis can affect people in different ways. For some, it develops and progresses rapidly. While for others, it develops for a limited period of time and then lapses into a remission stage which can last for months or even years. It can also develop gradually over several years before it becomes really unbearable for the sufferer.

TREATMENT

Managing rheumatoid arthritis can be achieved with a balance of medication, exercises and rest. Although it is easier said than done, especially since the symptoms can sometimes come and go and there can occasionally be severe bouts of Flare-ups (When the inflammation of the joints becomes more painful and active, and the swelling and stiffness gets worse), it is still advised to stick to the treatment routine that was devised by your medical team so as to keep the condition under check. The treatment of this condition depend on several factors including medical history, age, severity, and the overall state of health of the sufferer. The medications used to relieve the symptoms include: Anti-inflammatory painkillers, Nacotic pain relievers, and Topical (creams and lotions) pain relievers. Extreme or severe cases of rheumatoid arthritis are treated with very strong medications called Disease-Modifying Anti-rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs), and or surgery - to correct damage done to the joints.

The Truth About Rheumatoid Arthritis Cures

Has a cure for rheumatoid arthritis finally been found? A quick look around the internet finds scores of over-the-counter medications guaranteed to bring relief! Keep looking and you'll find more prescription medicines, new medical procedures, announcements of new surgical procedures and natural herb supplements than you can imagine.

All claim to effectively treat RA. Some use the term "miraculous." Among them are a $50,000-per-innoculation under development by scientists at England's Newcastle University. A custom vaccine will be individually engineered for each patient.

Such a rheumatoid arthritis cure will have to halt what RA does - turning the sufferer's immune system against his or her own body, attacking the patient's joints. If the vaccine is approved, technicians will harvest white blood cells from each patient. Cells will be "reprogrammed" by therapy that includes a patented cocktail of Vitamin D, steroids and other compounds. The altered cells will be injected into one of the patient's arthritis-inflamed joints - with the expectation that the altered white blood cells will suppress the immune system's attacks on the sufferer's own body.

If it works, a historic rheumatoid arthritis cure will come in a single dose. The target date for use on humans is 2013.

But will such a rheumatoid arthritis treatment work? Or will it destroy patients' immune systems, making them susceptible to infection? If it does work, will its effectiveness wear off, requiring additional $50,000 treatments?

And who will this shot help? Only those who haven't developed full-blown RA yet? Or just those with mild cases? Will the effect only be localized - requiring expensive vaccinations to every affected joint? Will it work for patients with advanced cases? Will there be side effects?

While the prospect is exciting, RA sufferers have heard it all before. There are so many rheumatoid arthritis cures and treatments out there that it's easy to get cynical. Physicians state bluntly that there's no cure. But they may also suggest ideas that have worked for others.

One is to put up a high fence and sunbathe au natural in your own back yard. Preposterous? No, rheumatoid arthritis responds well to sunshine! When sunlight falls on your bare skin, your body creates its own vitamin D, which works far better than any health food supplement or daily multivitamin.

Fifteen minutes in the sun three times weekly gives most patients a potent dose of vitamin D. Will more sunshine help? The best advice is to take it slowly - five minutes at a time for the first week, extending to 20 minutes until you have a nice "base tan." Then you may find yourself sunbathing for an hour or more at a time. Some rheumatoid arthritis patients say the treatment is addictive! Plus, it's free!

Other rheumatoid arthritis treatments include regular doses of omega-3 fatty acid, gamma-linolenic acid and Boswellia. Similar success is reported with glucosamine chondroitin, ginger, magnesium, copper supplements, beta-carotene rich foods, vegetarian diets, curcumin, green tea extract, guggul, lyprinol, folic acid as well as large doses of vitamin B6, C, and E.

Some sufferers say their condition eased when they quit smoking, cut back on coffee... and drank small "doses" of alcohol! The bottom line? Until scientists announce a miracle cure, the rheumatoid arthritis sufferer needs to keep reading, keep experimenting to find what works - and avoid feelings of being overwhelmed. There is hope!

Low Level Laser Therapy For Pain - LLLT

Low Level Laser Therapy or LLLT is a medical treatment commonly used to treat pain, joint disorders and some wound healing. It is most often used over joints and nerves. It uses lighted diodes to change the cellular function. There have been many clinical testings that show that LLLT is effective in providing pain relief for all types of problems.

There are several conditions that can cause pain that Low-Level Laser Therapy can help to relieve or treat. Some of the most common problems it has been used in treating are:

• Tendonitis


• Painful joints


• Neck and back pain


• Carpal tunnel


• Fibromyalgia


• Rheumatoid arthritis


• Osteoarthritis


• Sinusitis


• Tonsillitis


• Vertigo


• TMJ


• Chronic back pain


• Pain and injury from trauma


• Reduces Inflammation


• Migraines and headaches

There are many different things that low-level laser therapy is used for but it is most effective in the treatment of all types of pain. From a slight nagging pain to the more chronic pain that never leaves you. It has also been approved for treatment of helping to heal wounds and ulcers.

LLLT has also been proven to reduce inflammation. It is useful in the treatments of inflammation of skin conditions such as acne and eczema. Low-Level Laser Therapy has also been used in the treatment of migraines, hearing loss and even the treatment of some scars.

This type of therapy is also being used for the treatment of hair loss. While it does seem to help some other types of skin inflammation and wounds it is primarily used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain in the body.

While the theory of exactly how low-level laser therapy works has not been officially stated, the light given off by the lasers during light therapy causes photochemical reactions within the cells that have been targeted. It also has been suggested that it helps to control and reduce pain due to increasing the blood flow to the area and lowering the levels of several types of prostaglandin that cause stress and pain in the cells. It also increases adenosine triphosphate in the mitochondria which produces more oxygen. It also produces ATP which promotes relief of painful sensations in the cells.

The great thing about the use of low-level laser therapy is that it is painless. It can be used at any time. It also provides fast relief for these painful symptoms. It greatly reduces your healing time by providing cell stimulation to increase and promote the healing of cells. It is also 100% safe as the level of the laser is low so that it can not damage any of the cells that are being treated. It is not toxic, non-invasive and has virtually no long-term side effects to the patient. Application is very easy and very quick.

Treatment with these lasers will depend on your condition. Some people have relief in as little as one time, while others have to be treated 8 to 10 times for the pain to go away or decrease.

Why You Need a Blood Test For Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is a wealth of information available out there about rheumatoid arthritis and you can start you search online or go through medical books. You can find all sorts of helpful information about how this ailment is treated and even find alternative treatments. You can even go as far as diagnosing yourself to check if you are showing the symptoms of RA. But it's always safe to check for accuracy and validity which is why getting a blood test for rheumatoid arthritis is necessary.

Getting Tested

There are different kinds of blood tests for RA and the results can give you information that can be very useful for diagnostic evaluation and especially recommendations on how it can be treated. What the blood test does is that it finds the disease in your system and affirms if you do in fact have rheumatoid arthritis. Through these blood tests you can get an accurate diagnosis because having these tests are crucial indicators to find out about a patient's condition.

Blood Test Types

The are four different types of blood tests performed for those who want to know the source of their symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Here are some helpful descriptions of each of them.

The first type of blood test is called Erythrocite Sedimentation Rate or ESR which determines how much inflammation you have in your body. This test is performed by letting the blood flow downwards and the rate at which it falls determines the inflammation. The faster blood flows down, the higher the inflammation. The healthier you are the slower your blood falls. Using this type of test pinpoints where in your body is the inflammation. This test is not only limited to determine rheumatoid arthritis but it helps in all types of diagnosis.

C-Reactive Protein is the second type of blood test to check for rheumatoid arthritis. This test is almost similar to ESR in that it can be a helpful diagnostic tool and detects irritation in your body.

The next test is called Rheumatoid Factor test which is effective 70%- 90% of the time for rheumatoid arthritis patients. The only big issue about this test is that it only detects rheumatoid arthritis on the severe level.

The last test is Plasma Velocity which is fast replacing the ESR method. The best feature of this test is that it uses fewer variables that can affect the result. This means it is more accurate because it gives a closer look on the blood plasma protein content.

The Importance of Blood Testing

A physician will perform more than one type of blood test to their patient in order to get a clearer diagnosis. These tests have been proven effective and necessary for rheumatoid arthritis patients. It has been a standard procedure being done in most hospitals and laboratories as a helpful aid for doctors to determine the source of a patient's symptoms.

Before going through a blood test or any kind of procedure is to get some information on how to prepare for it. It is the duty of every medical technician to give you specific instructions on preparing yourself for a blood test for rheumatoid arthritis and it is your job to follow them precisely for your own benefit.

Water - The Elixir of Life

Water has always been regarded as the source of life for human beings. The reason why the Earth is populated is because of the water that exists on this planet. But does the water have any power when it comes to curing or diminishing the effects of diseases?

Many naturalists view water as the spring of life and health. There are major diseases that affect millions of people and have no certain cause. In this cases where the modern medicine is useless, people go back to the alternative treatments or the natural treatments that are known since the very beginning of the human beings' life.

While the natural treatments based on food diets do not work in the same way on people: for a person might be a treatment beneficial, for another it might cause an allergy, water cures have always the same beneficial effects.

The basic way water is known for being used in treatments is for drinking. Heart burn, back pain, migraines and even rheumatoid arthritis can be cured or have diminished symptoms by drinking water.

While the heartburn is the major thirst signal of the human being, back pain and rheumatoid arthritis are also signals of water shortage. Drinking the daily quantity of six glasses of water will always make a person feel better, no matter if she/he is suffering of any kind of disease or not.

While the miracles of this drink can not be neglected, the healing power water has when used for aerobic exercises can not be denied. When recovering, people suffering from arthritis joint pain, osteoporosis or post traumas can experience a pleasant physical exercise that will help them use their physical strength again and diminish their pains.

Recommended by doctors, the water aerobic treatment has always guaranteed effect: even if a patient does only 4-6 hours water aerobic exercises, there still can be seen an advance in the recovering process of the patients. For rheumatoid diseases like arthritis, warmer water than for other patients is commonly used in the therapeutic process. Hydrotherapy is also a commonly used treatment that includes massage that helps to the stress relief and a high relaxing capacity.

Water is considered in many cultures the elixir of life and even the modern medicine doesn't deny the benefits the regularly use of water as drink and therapy mode. This natural cure will remain for a long time an important part of rheumatoid arthritis treatment, rheumatoid arthritis diet and many other common severe illnesses like blood cholesterol, diabetes, and high blood pressure.

Water is also a known factor that helps balance the weight and reduce the stress. Because of the fact that our body is made up between 55 and 75 percent water, it is crucial that its importance and power is not ignored even when dealing with chronic or autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Pain Management - Dealing With Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

As if growing pains were not enough, there is such a thing known as systemic-onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis which afflicts both girls and boys as they progress from childhood to preadolescence. As a juvenile disorder, it affects children younger than 16 years of age, although there are cases wherein it persists beyond the teens.

What is Systemic JRA?

Think of it as an autoimmune disorder wherein the immune system which normally responds beneficially to fight any infection automatically reacts to combat its own defenses. Even a minor infection which raises the white blood cell count could trigger the autoimmune system of to attack its own body tissues.
Poorly understood, systemic JRA is difficult to diagnose and treat without a series of tests to rule out all other diseases. It can be worrisome because some of its symptoms closely resemble those of leukemia, bone cancer, and other nervous syndromes.

How does it show?

Depending on its severity, the disease is characterized by multiple signs and symptoms such as joint pain, swelling, and stiffness for more than six weeks straight. The child experiences prolonged bouts of high fever and chills which peaks with unexplained measles-like rashes. The experience can be very disheartening and debilitating, which is why pain management should be given importance in systemic JRA.

It is not contagious, because it is neither bacterial nor viral but rather a disease of the immune system. It can be inherited as a third-generation disease, meaning it skips one generation and manifests itself in the next. There is no clear explanation why some children outgrow it completely while others have long symptom-free periods followed by a sudden show of flare-ups.

How do you manage it?

During JRA flare-ups, a child is prone to lose weight and muscle mass which results from lost appetite and limited body movement. On the other hand, prolonged medication and lack of activity would lead to excessive weight gain. Rather than leading a sedentary lifestyle, you could encourage your child to engage in non-strenuous play and sports activities which exercise the joints, bones, and muscles.

As part of pain management care, a child with systemic JRA is attended to by a pediatric rheumatologist. Aside from pain relievers, the usual medications would include NSAIDs and low-dose steroid treatment. The patient may also need specifically-prescribed exercise programs and rehab sessions under the supervision of a physical therapist to completely recover.

How do you deal with it?

When chronic joint pain is recurrent, it goes far beyond what we know of as musculoskeletal pain. The pain is simply indescribable. It could affect the entire body starting from the ankles to the knees, higher to the hips and the shoulders, and even up to the neck and jaws.

As parents of a child with systemic JRA, we only have to deal with it. However, it is our children afflicted with the disease who have to live with it. They will have to cope with its long-term side-effects such as growth delays, accelerated tooth decays and inner eye inflammations which lead to premature scarring and vision problems. With prolonged medication, complications of the heart and liver as well as stomach ulcers are bound to happen.

Aside from our love and patience, we can only lend our children additional support through pain management medications, clinics, and therapies. Keeping informed and updated on current developments in patient care for systemic JRA would help families deal and live with a disease which goes beyond the pains of growing up. Turn to our Fitness Books for more information on pain management and other health matters.

Your Rheumatoid Arthritis Diet - Balance, Moderation And Variety

A lot of people believe that rheumatoid arthritis only affects older people, but it is in fact also prevalent among people aged twenty to fifty. It can, however, affect people younger or older than the given age range; is more common with women than men. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the worst types of arthritis - it doesn't stop with joint pain but gradually progresses to joint deformity.

There is no known cure for this disease, but the right rheumatoid arthritis diet and lifestyle, coupled with regular medication and other treatments, could allow people to continue leading normal lifestyles.

What Research Says About Rheumatoid Arthritis and Diet

Research is needed to accurately gauge the effects of diet on rheumatoid arthritis. As symptoms of this disease change in frequency and intensity from one day to another, it is virtually impossible to determine which foods caused which episode. Expert studies, however, have been able to determine that healthy food choices will always benefit individuals of any age afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis.

Today, researchers acknowledge the link between diet and rheumatoid arthritis. Nutritional supplements have been proven to be helpful as well not only for rheumatoid arthritis but other musculoskeletal problems like reactive arthritis, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis.

Researchers however emphatically warn individuals from believing all the diet claims they hear. The US Department of Food and Drug Administration always request food and drug manufacturers to state if their claims are not sufficiently proven with research - if you see a disclaimer of this type then know that the claims provided are unsubstantiated.

Worse, there are even food products and supplements that are completely fraudulent and only out to con consumers. Such products may also contain harmful ingredients like zinc or alfalfa, both of which have been suspected to have unwanted side effects.

The Makings of the Right Diet for Rheumatoid Arthritis

There is no official recipe for the right diet. You can create your own menu plans just as long as your diet is based on three essential principles: balance, moderation and variety.

A balanced diet contains all the necessary components to ensure that you receive complete nourishment. Intake must always be moderate - eating too much of anything is not good. Lastly, what you eat must vary from time to time because it's easy to lose interest in eating and sticking with your diet if you force yourself to eat the same thing day after day.

Preparing this type of diet isn't easy and especially if you suffer from daily arthritic pain. Consider asking one of your family members or hiring an individual to ensure that your meals are carefully laid out everyday.

Caution In Preparing Your Diet

Special concerns may also dictate necessary changes for your diet. Arthritis can sometimes make you sensitive to certain food groups. Obviously, your meals will therefore avoid including any of those food groups. Depression and other emotional problems caused by arthritis may make you lose your appetite - your meals must therefore be more visually appealing and delicious than usual.

Also, rheumatoid arthritis can make a person suffer from potassium deficiency and sodium retention problems. As such, your meals will have to be particularly rich in potassium to make up for these losses.

Do your best to keep your weight ideal. Obesity has long been discovered to be disadvantageous to people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Besides the right diet, regular exercise can prevent you from gaining weight. Exercises may be done at home or through sports - what's important is to get yourself moving!

What's In, What's Out

Reduce intake of foods rich in cholesterol and fat. You don't have to avoid them completely, but you do need to eat less of them. The same goes for foods that are particularly sweet or salty.

On the other hand, increase intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain products. They reduce the inflammatory response of your joints.

Lessen consumption of alcohol - drinking too much will only make your joint pains worse.

If your diet is deficient in any vitamin or mineral, consider taking supplements to make up for the loss.

Lastly, consider consulting your doctor or nutritionist to determine other special conditions you may have to adhere to for your rheumatoid arthritis diet. Ask, for instance, if there are certain foods that could interact with the medications you're presently taking for your condition.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Herbal Medicine Treatment

Juniper

Juniper was a popular diuretic in the 17th century. At the time a Dutch physician created a medicinal alcoholic extract of the berry, which eventually became the basis for gin. It has been suggested that some of the benefit attributed to the gin and raisins remedy comes from the residue of juniper.

American Indians used juniper for arthritic conditions, and German physicians continue to prescribe it for this purpose as well as for indigestion. The German Commission E, the federal authority that regulates herbal medicines in Germany, suggests a dose of 2 to 10 grams of the dried fruit per day.

An alternative is to bruise a teaspoon of juniper berries, place them in a cup of boiling water for fifteen minutes, and drink this infusion. One to two cups of teas a day are recommended, but you shouldn't take it for longer than 6 weeks.

Turmeric and Frankincense

These 2 are ayurvedic herbs. Ayurvedic herbs have a reputation for successful treatment of arthritic conditions that stretches back centuries. Two of the most respected are turmeric (curcumin) and frankincense (boswellin). They have been used individually and together for both esteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

Turmeric has demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity and therefore would be expected to provide relief from a variety of arthritic conditions.

Turmeric appears quite safe since it is a principal ingredient in curries and has been used by Indian cooks for thousands of years. People taking anticoagulants like Coumadin (warfarin) should probably avoid this remedy, however, as turmeric may add to the anticlotting effect.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Smoking - Evidence That Smoking Increases Your Risk

Smoking or nonsmoking?

How many times have you been asked that question when you entered your favorite restaurant?
If you answered nonsmoking, you are directed to a smoke-free area where you can eat your food without the rancid smell of smoke to truly enjoy the flavor of your food. After all, you pay hard-earned money to go and enjoy a meal. You don't want someone else's smoking to interfere with your evening. Hopefully you will continue to choose the nonsmoking section because studies show that smoking increases your risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, as well as many other different medical difficulties.

It used to be smoking was allowed in every public place, but that's simply not the case anymore. There are some states that ban smoking in public gathering places. Despite the money that is made from smoking, cities and states are banning together to read the facts about smoking and don't wish to remain vulnerable for potential lawsuits. The health industry is becoming quite successful at relaying the health hazards associated with smoking. You want the facts, right? Well, let's discover what smoking does to your body.

Smoking gives you...

- An empty wallet

- Bad breath

- Breathing difficulties

- Frequent colds and coughs

- Lung cancer

- Medical difficulties

- Prison-like addictions

- Risk of infections

- Smelly clothes

- Yellow fingertips and teeth

How can smoking make my rheumatoid arthritis worse?

Statistics show that cigarette smoking causes 87% of lung cancer deaths. Smokers are about twice as likely as a nonsmoker to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. If you already have rheumatoid arthritis, smoking can make the disease and pain worse. Smokers with rheumatoid arthritis are more likely to develop complications of rheumatoid arthritis that affect parts of the body other than joints than nonsmokers.

What is rheumatoid arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis causes chronic inflammation and degeneration of the joints, especially the fingers, hands, shoulders, knees, feet, and ankles. It is easily recognizable by swollen joints, by x-rays revealing erosion around the affected joints, and by the presence of antibodies in the blood known as the rheumatoid factor.

What does rheumatoid arthritis cause?

Rheumatoid arthritis causes many medical deficiencies such as:

- Anemia

- Crippling pain

- Fatigue

- Fever

- Stiffness

- Swelling

- Uncontrollable weight loss

How can smoking cause rheumatoid arthritis?

Researchers aren't positive of the reason why smoking increases rheumatoid arthritis, but they are sure that smokers have worse rheumatoid arthritis than nonsmokers. The more years and more frequently you've smoked can dramatically increase your chance of worsening the symptoms of your rheumatoid arthritis.

How many people are afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis?

About 2.9 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis.

Which gender is more susceptible to suffer from rheumatoid arthritis?

Women are two to three times more susceptible than men to be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

At what age do people acquire rheumatoid arthritis?

The typical age that people get rheumatoid arthritis is between the ages of 25-50.

How Do I Know I Have Arthritis?

There are pain syndromes like fibromyalgia and arthritis-related disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, that involve every part of the body. There are relatively mild forms of tendinitis (as in 'tennis elbow') and bursitis to crippling systemic forms, such as rheumatoid arthritis. There are forms of the disease, such as gout, which almost nobody connects with this condition, and there are other conditions - like osteoarthritis, the misnamed 'wear and tear' arthritis - that a good many people think is the only form of the disease.

How do you know if you have arthritis? While symptoms and severity vary from person to person, the most common symptoms are: pain, swelling, stiffness, tenderness, redness and warmth. Osteoarthritis is characterized by progressive stiffness without swelling, chills or fever.

Rheumatoid arthritis is the painful swelling, inflammation and stiffness in the fingers, arms, legs and wrists, which are prevalent on both sides of the body and are usually worse in the morning. Children with on-off fever, loss of appetite, weight loss and a blotchy rash on the arms and legs might have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. You should call the doctor if symptoms appear suddenly, or if they are accompanied by a fever or rash.

There are several common misconceptions about arthritis. Myth # 1 is that every day is the same for patients. In reality, this form of chronic pain comes and goes, which makes it difficult for diagnosis. Myth # 2 is that only older people have arthritis. However, in some cases, even children have this type of pain. Myth # 3 is that arthritis is caused by cold, wet weather or a poor diet.

In reality, there are no easy cause-and-effect connections, but contributing factors include: age, weight, anatomy, infection of the joint and trauma. Lastly, some believe that joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) should be avoided for as long as possible. Yet the surgery has helped millions of Americans and is seen as a viable option when exercise, physical therapy and medication fail.

For treatment, Methotrexate slows the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and restores some function. For osteoarthritis sufferers, NSAIDs like ibuprofen are good at relieving short term pain and stiffness. Disease modifiers like Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Adalimumab, Etanercept or Infliximab can help long term effects and reduce joint damage.

For people with gout, NSAIDs, Corticosteroids, Allopurinol and Probenecid are effective drugs. Be sure to see your doctor if you have been suffering with any symptom of chronic pain.

Symptoms of Candida - Find Out If You Need a Yeast Infection Remedy

Before discussing the symptoms of candida, it is important to learn what candida is. Candida is yeast that lives in all of us. For the most part it stays in rhythm with the body. There are times when it grows significantly and becomes a problem. Candida or yeast infections occur when your immune system becomes compromised. It can also get bad when you take antibiotics or steroids. Another thing that can cause yeast infections is eating too much sugars and carbohydrates. Diabetes can cause candida to grow out of hand. You can also get this if you are experiencing too much stress. Changes in your hormones that are caused by pregnancy, puberty, or menopause may also cause yeast infections.

Candida Symptoms

Candida lives in the genital regions, mouth, intestinal tract and throat. It can manifest itself as thrush in the mouth. They symptoms of thrush are sores and a white coating in the mouth. It will be difficult to eat since it is painful.

Other symptoms of candida include:

繚 Migraines

繚 Anxiety

繚 Vaginitis

繚 Diarrhea

繚 Constipation

繚 Itching

繚 Abdominal gas

繚 Bloating of the abdomen

繚 Rectal itching

繚 Acne

繚 Headaches

繚 Sore throat

繚 Chronic pain

繚 Irritability

繚 Learning difficulties

繚 Muscle weakness,

繚 Earaches

繚 Poor memory

Thrush and athlete's foot can also be a sign of candida.

Overgrowth of Yeast Leads to Illnesses

Too much yeast in your system can be a factor in different diseases and illness that you may suffer from. It is believed that too much yeast can cause asthma, irritable bowel syndrome, crohns, muscle and joint pain, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, pms, chronic fatigue syndrome, alcoholism, anxiety disorders, and many more. You may control how bad these illnesses are by controlling the amount of yeast in your body.

Controlling Symptoms of Candida

Taking antibiotics can lead to yeast infections. This is especially true of vaginal yeast infections. By controlling how much antibiotics you take, you can control candida. You also need to eat a healthy diet. Stay away from sugary foods and carbohydrates. Too much of these foods will cause symptoms of candida. Eating eggs, meat and most vegetables will keep the symptoms of candida away. Watch the type of clothes you wear. Tight jeans that are worn all the time can lead to candida. Make sure you change out of wet clothes immediately. Candida likes to grow in wet areas. Try to wear cotton panties and be careful how often you wear pantyhose and tights.

Remedies for Candida

There are many home remedies that you can use to treat yeast infections. One of the best is bathing in vinegar water. If you have a vaginal yeast infection you may want to try filling the tub with water and adding a cup of vinegar to it. Soak in the tub for twenty minutes.

Yogurt is another way to treat candida. If you eat plenty of yogurt you may be able to stop candida from starting. If you do get symptoms of candida you can try dipping a tampon in yogurt and inserting it into your vagina. Do this twice a day. Once in the morning and once at night is sufficient.

Garlic, honey and tea tree oil will also help you with the symptoms of candida.