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Entries tagged as ‘Arthritis’

The sunshine vitamin

29 July, 2009 · Leave a Comment

“Be kind to your knees. You’ll miss them when they’re gone!”

No. No horrid threat about kneecapping here but advice from the Baz Luhrmann song, “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen)“. (You might know Luhrmann as the Australian film director of Strictly Ballroom, Romeo and Juliet, Moulin Rouge and most recently Australia.)

Get out in the sun for vitamin DBut now more Australians are coming out with the same advice. A university in Melbourne reports that if you’re not getting much vitamin D you’re more likely to lose your knee cartilage and, in doing so, will develop arthritis twice as fast as people with normal levels of the vitamin.

But how do you get vitamin D? From the sun (which makes a song about sunscreen a little ironic).

In the UK most people get all the vitamin D they need from spending a few minutes in the sunshine each week. But if you don’t eat meat or oily fish, if you have a dark skin complexion, you don’t get outside much or always cover up when you do, you may be getting less of the sunshine vitamin than you need. And the suggested benefits of vitamin D include reduced heart disease and cancer risk, less depression, diabetes and obesity and an improving the immune system.

Experts reckon you should have about 5 micrograms a day if you’re going to take the vitamin as a supplement (especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or elderly), but you can also find vitamin D in fortified cereals and drink. Other sources include oily fish (like salmon, sardines, herring or tuna), liver, milk and dairy products and egg yolks, but these will never give you as much as you get from the sun.

So, basically, spend lots of time outdoors (and wear sunscreen if you’re going to be out too long). Which leaves us to ponder further advice from Luhrmann’s song:

“Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don’t be afraid of it or of what other people think of it. It’s the greatest instrument you’ll ever own.”

Categories: Bones · Lifestyle
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Fish Oils

11 March, 2009 · 1 Comment

Cod Liver Oil has been used as a medicine for centuries although its clinical use did not begin until the mid 17th century when it was given to people suffering with bone disease and rheumatism. At that time no-one knew why it worked.

A Time-Honoured Remedy

Research continued and cod liver oil was found to contain many nutrients that were not easily obtained from non-marine sources. Cod liver oil is a rich source of fat-soluble vitamins, A, D and E and also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids (EPA and DHA) which have essential roles in the body’s metabolism.

In 1970, two Danish doctors discovered that Eskimos in Grenland had a low incidence of coronary heart disease, associated with eating large amounts of fatty fish and seafoods. Further tests showed that EPA (eicosapentanoic acid) is contained in far greater quantities in the blood lipids of Eskimos, as is DHA (docohexaenoic acid). This is needed in high proportions in the grey matter of the brain, the nerve tissue and the retina of the eye to ensure healthy functioning of these organs.

So perhaps the “old wive’s tale” of fish being good for the brain is not so far fetched!

Researchers at the University of London have shown that fish oils can lower the risk of heart disease and reduce cholesterol levels and it has also been indicated that EPA can help with arthritis and rheumatism.

A Dutch researcher carried out surveys in more than 16 different countries to measure fish intake relative to heart disease frequency. His results showed that the groups eating no fish have a 10 times greater risk of heart disease than groups like the Japanese or the Eskimos who eat a great deal of fish.

More importantly, it is also shown that eating a limited amount of fish reduces the risk significantly so that changing the diet from eating no fish to eating 50g a day will reduce the risk by half. (One tsp of cod liver oil is equivalent to 50g fish.)

There is also good news for those who have had heart trouble. A study carried out by the Medical Research Council gives direct evidence that increasing the fish oil intake can reduce the risk of death from heart disease where one heart attack has already been suffered. One group advised to take 6 cod liver oil capsules a day (or eat fatty fish at least twice a week) had a 35% better survival rate.

Could fish oils calm us all down?

The intriguing possibility that eating more fish or supplementing the diet with fish oil capsules could calm us down has been raised by research published in the Lancet.

The idea comes as a result of a study suggesting that people with a high level of a certain type of fat in their blood tend to be more aggressive. Researchers in Edinburgh took samples from 1,500 randomly selected middle aged men and women. These were then measured for the different types of fat and the subjects’ personality profiles examined, assessing them for factors such as hostility and the extent to which they looked down on, or tended to dominate, other people.

After taking into account factors such as smoking and drinking habits, it was found that those with the most aggressive attitudes had higher levels of the triglyceride type of fat in their blood. The connection with fish lies in the well-established fact that eating more of the oil found in fish lowers the level of triglyceride due to its Omega-3 polyunsaturates content.

“A reduction in aggressiveness may be one more of the factors contributing to the explanation of how eating more oil-rich fish reduces heart disease risk” comments Fish Foundation chief executive, Dr Ray Rice.

Daily Dose

During the period from 1930 to 1950, the Government provided cod liver oil through the NHS as a vitamin A and D supplement to ensure healthy growth and bone formation in children and it was not until 1971 that the free distribution of cod liver oil was dropped at health clinics because of decreased demand.

For many of us, the daily dose of cod liver oil is a never to be forgotten experience as it tastes so unpleasant. Cod liver oil remains the subject of very extensive research and the good news is that much as been done to make it far more palatable.

Who Should Take Fish Oil as a Supplement?

  • Those with arthritis or rheumatism
  • Those concerned with heart health
  • Those with dry skin and hair

Categories: Bones · Health
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Flaxseed – the benefits

5 November, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Flaxseed has hit the newspapers, TV and Hollywood. It is credited with improving hair, skin and nail quality, aiding weight loss and preventing conditions such as arthritis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. With such claims as these in the media one might expect to pay exorbitant prices, but that’s not the case!!

Other items of interest

The Healing Power of Flax

Dr Herb Joiner is a Naturopath and the world’s leading expert on Flaxseed. The fifty year-old from Seattle has been studying the seed for the past thirty-three years and has recently written a book on the subject called “The Healing Power of Flax.” Dr Herb teaches at the University of Boston where his specialist areas are nutrition and Western herbal medicine. He has lectured here in the UK on the benefits of Omega 3s.

Omega 3

Omega 3s are the essential fatty acids found in fish oils. However, the richest source of Omega 3s is the flax plant, and in particular flaxseed oil. We are told to eat oily fish three times a week, but most people don’t meet this quota and therefore need to get Omega 3 from other sources.

What is Flaxseed?

Flaxseed is claimed to benefit every molecule in the body! It improves the quality of hair, nails, and skin, as well as helping to regulate bodyweight, lower cholesterol and blood pressure and prevent arthritis and cancers.

The flax plant, an ancient crop, yields the fibre from which linen is woven, as well as seeds (linseed or flaxseed) and oil. The oil, also called linseed oil, has many industrial uses – it is an important ingredient in paints, varnishes and linoleum for example.

Like olive, canola, and most other plant oils, flax seed oil is highly unsaturated and heart-healthy. Lignans and other flax seed components may also have antioxidant properties, which means they may reduce the activity of cell-damaging free radicals.

How can I take Flaxseed?

Flaxseed or Linseed has a pleasant, nutty flavour and can be sprinkled on cereals, yoghurts and smoothies. Alternatively, it can be taken as a supplement in capsule or as flaxseed oil. It can be used in cooking and has a much richer flavour than other cooking oils.

Flax tips

  • Grind the seeds or else chew them very well to get the most benefit – whole seeds simply pass through the body. Grinding the seeds just before using them best preserves flavour and nutrition, but pre-ground seeds are more convenient.
  • Keep them refrigerated
  • There are no nutritional differences between brown and yellow seeds
  • Combine flaxseed flour with wheat flour for breads and pancakes
  • The oil can degenerate quickly; keep refrigerated or in a dark place. It usually comes in dark bottles to extend its shelf life
  • Flaxseed oil cannot be used for frying or sauteing.
  • Pregnant or lactating women should not eat lots of flax

Categories: General
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Drug free relief for arthritis

5 November, 2008 · 1 Comment

Green Lipped Mussels. The original discovery that Green Lipped Mussel may help arthritis was made by American researchers looking for treatments for cancer from the sea – back in the ’60s. The New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel was one of a number of shellfish being screened. During this research, it was coincidentally discovered that Green Lipped Mussel has anti-inflammatory properties which are unique to this particular mussel. Hence the connection with arthritis.

Arthritis is essentially inflammation in a joint. There are over 200 types of arthritis but there are 2 types which are most common: inflammation of a joint for an unknown cause (as in rheumatoid arthritis) and wear and tear arthritis where the joint wears out and rough, thickened areas develop in place of smooth cartilages which enable easy, smooth movement of the joint (as in osteo-arthritis).

Clinical trials on Green Lipped Mussel extract have shown beneficial results for patients suffering from both rheumatoid arthritis and osteo-arthritis.

The pain and stiffness associated with arthritis is commonly treated with anti-inflammatory drugs, one of the most common side-effects of which are gastric disorders ie the irritation of the stomach and upsetting of the digestive system.

However, side effects of Green Lipped Mussel are very uncommon and are mainly confined to mild gastro-intestinal distress. This can be particularly important for elderly patients who may develop a gastric or duodenal ulcer during treatment with conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. However, allergic reactions are not unknown and people who suffer from an allergy to shellfish or gelatin would not be recommended to use the product.

Anti-inflammatory properties of Green Lipped Mussel

As a result of the discovery in the ’60s, research on the anti-inflammatory properties of Green lipped Mussel began in 1973 and still continues.

Other items of interest

Studies so far indicate that this property is associated with a glycoprotein consisting of glycogen; a complex form of sugar tied up with one of the proteins. Glycogen is a sugar store in the muscle (of the mussel) which is in fact found in all animals and is utilised in energy production.

Suppression of swelling has been demonstrated to a degree with the glycogen complex.

An anti-histamine substance has also been isolated from the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel extract and studies have shown it to have a preventative action against arthritis.

Conclusion

Green Lipped Mussel is taken as a food supplement in over 20 countries, mainly to help maintain mobility of the joints. The potential benefits may take effect gradually and a regular course over several months is recommended. One of the major benefits demonstrated by scientific studies is that the extract is gentle on the stomach and can be safely taken at the same time as most prescribed medication or medicines.

Seatone Green Lipped Mussel Extract

NB Seatone contains natural sea salts and should therefore not be taken by those suffering from, or taking medication for, high blood pressure.

Categories: Arthritis
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Chlorella

5 November, 2008 · 4 Comments

Chlorella pyrenoidosa is a single celled fresh-water, microscopic algae, measuring between 2 and 8 micons in diameter. It is one of the oldest forms of plant life on the planet.

Fossils of chlorella have been found that are over 3 billions years old. It has the highest chlorophyll content of any known plant and this gives it its characteristic emerald green colour. The name chlorella is derived from the Latin for leaf (green) and small. Discovered in 1890 by Beyerinck, chlorella was not studied closely until the 1940s.

Nowadays, chlorella is cultivated in man-made filtered fresh water ponds. With the favourable conditions of strong sunlight, pure water, clean air, the remarkable algae multiplies at an incredible rate, reproducing four times in twenty-four hours.

Chlorella is one of the most scientifically researched foods and has many clinically attested health benefits. Although it has yet to gain popularity in the UK, it is claimed that in Japan chlorella is taken regularly by 30% of the population. There it is regarded as a functional whole food, rather than a dietary supplement.

Nutritional profile

Chlorella consists of approximately 60% protein in the form of amino acids. It is superior to animal proteins such as meat and eggs, because the body has to break these down into their component amino acids before it can utilise them for its own particular types of protein. Chlorella is considered a complete protein because it contains all 8 essential amino acids

Chlorella is a perfect food that provides nearly all of the body’s nutritional needs. A single gram typically contains the following nutrients:

Beta Carotene 1.8mg Calcium 9.76mg
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) 15µg Copper 0.8µg
Riboflavin Vitamin B2) 0.048mg Iron 1.08mg
Niacin (Vitamin B3) 0.26mg Magnesium 3.99mg
Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) 17µg Manganese 19.4µg
Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) 17µg Phosphorus 0.22mg
Vitamin B12 1.26µg Potassium 9.27mg
Vitamin C 0.15mg Selenium 7µg
Vitamin E 0.09mg Sodium 0.3mg
Biotin 1.91µg Zinc 11.2µg

Health Benefits

Cancer – Chlorella contains beta-carotene, which has been shown to destroy cancer cells. It also provides antioxidant vitamins C and E and selenium. Chlorella increases levels of inteferon, one of the body’s greatest natural cancer defences, which in turn stimulates the activity of T-cells and macrophages, thus enhancing the immune system’s ability to combat bacteria, viruses, chemicals and foreign proteins.

Cardiovascular health – Chlorella is the richest natural source of chlorophyll, which has a structure almost identical to that of haemoglobin. Chlorophyll cells have a magnesium molecule at the centre and this mineral is essential for the heart to function properly. Chlorella is also a good source of Omega-3 oils, which are known to protect against heart disease. Research programs have indicated that regular use of chlorella helps guard against heart disease, reduce high blood pressure and lower blood cholesterol levels.

Anaemia – Chlorophyll stimulates the production of red blood cells and is effective against anaemia.

Digestion – Chlorella contains digestive enzymes. It also causes the friendly lactic bacteria in the gut to multiply at four times the usual rate, improving digestion and the absorption of nutrients into the bloodstream. The indigestible shell acts as a bowel fibre, stimulating peristalsis. Chlorella also strengthens the intestine and relieves chronic constipation.

Detoxification – The indigestible outer shell of chlorella binds with heavy metals and other toxins in the body and removes them. This cleansing of the blood, bowel and liver begins after chlorella has been taken regularly for 3 months or more depending on the amount taken.

Alzheimers – The use of aluminium in deodorants and cooking utensils has been incriminated in Alzheimers disease. Regular long term use of chlorella cleanses the system from such heavy metals. A greater supply of oxygen to the brain aids alertness and mental focus in Alzheimers’ patients and those suffering from dementia and Attention Deficit Disorder.

Immunity – Chlorella induces higher levels of interferon and stimulates macrophages, cells that actively protect against disease by digesting foreign substances in the body. Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF) unique to chlorella stimulates healing and replacement of cell tissue.

Wound healing – The high amount of chlorophyll accelerates wound and burn healing when applied topically. Chlorella also promotes the healing of diabetic skin ulcers, which can lead to amputation if they become infected. This is thought to be due to an increased production of TNF which promotes fibroblasts, the cells the body uses to repair wounds. Taking chlorella on a regular basis over a long period of time will increase the body’s ability to heal itself of cuts, scrapes, rashes and more serious wounds without the need to apply it externally.

Arthritis – Because chlorella is very alkaline, it helps to neutralise the body’s pH, which is frequently too acidic as a result of consuming too many processed foods and fizzy soft drinks. Arthritis is one condition associated with an acidic constitution. Chlorella also contains vitamins A C and E and Selenium, which together combat arthritis. Chlorella’s outer wall contains glucosamine, which cartilage, tendons and ligaments rely on for constant renewal.

Promotes growth in children – CGF stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete hormones for growth.

Anti-ageing – Not only does it contain powerful antioxidants, chlorella has an abundance of RNA (ribonucleic acid) and DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which are associated with anti-aging.

Culinary Use – Chlorella extract can be added to dough to improve the appearance and flavour of bread and to keep it fresher for longer. It can also improve the flavour of other foods, such as wine, cakes, biscuits, pasta, rice.

Dosage

For general maintenance, a daily dose of 3-4 grams is recommended. If it is being taken to relieve actual symptoms, the dosage should be increased to 5-6 grams. It is best taken about half an hour before meals for the optimum digestive benefits.

Conclusion

Chlorella can safely be taken by adults, the elderly and children aged over two years. It contains all the components essential to life, making it the most nutritionally potent wholefood available. Because it is a whole food, rather than a concentrated extract it can be taken in large amounts with no unpleasant side effects. In fact, chlorella has not been found to have a single detrimental affect on human health.

Jemma Morriss

Categories: General
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Homeopathic remedies that work for 70% of patients

28 October, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Daily Mail 22.11.05: Researchers claim homeopathic remedies do improve patients’ health.

They found 70% of those given the medications to treat symptoms for conditions, such as asthma & eczema, felt better.

The reseachers said it demonstrates their value & that homeopathy should be more widely available on the NHS.

The research is published in “Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine” & looked at over 6,500 people treated at Bristol Homeopathic Hospital, who had a range of conditions including arthritis. The study author was Dr. David Spence of this hospital.

Categories: Complementary Health
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Arthritis: The Best Natural Remedies

21 October, 2008 · 1 Comment

Arthritis can be hell to live with, but you don’t have to put up with it.  There is a range of natural approaches that can help ease the pain.

Anyone who has arthritis knows it can be a nightmare.  It causes inflamed, stiff and swollen joints, leading to chronic pain.  And, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be over a certain age to get it.  Of the eight million people in the UK with arthritis, a million are under 50, with 27,000 aged 25 or younger.

What is arthritis?

The word arthritis literally means inflammation of the joint.  The most common forms are rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammation of the tissue surrounding a joint, and osteoarthritis, where the cartilage in the joints become damaged.  Conventional treatment is with steroids and painkillers, the most common being non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).  There are more than 24 million prescriptions written for NSAIDs in the UK each year.  They help reduce inflammation and pain, but can have a number of side effects such as stomach problems, heartburn, indigestion, rashes, kidney problems and wheeziness.

There are ways you can help treat the condition naturally, but don’t stop taking your medication without seeking advice from your doctor first.

Changing your diet

Making simple changes to your diet can be effective in controlling arthritis.  Dr John McDougall, of the McDougall Wellness Clinic in California, points out that, while arthritis affects around 70 per cent of people over 65 in the West, it is very rare in African and Asian countries.

‘As recently as 1957, no case of rheumatoid arthritis could be found in Africa, and up until then people in Africa had diets based on grains and vegetables,’ he says.  He prescribes a low-fat vegan diet based on starches, fruit and vegetables and if improvements aren’t seen in two weeks, he advises the elimination of wheat and corn, then other foods, until the culprit is identified.  His approach is backed up by studies; one, published in The Lancet, looked at 46 adults with rheumatoid arthritis who eliminated dairy products and cereals from their diets.  Of these, 19 went into complete remission for between one and five years and a further 17 showed improvements.

It is important, though, that you visit a nutritionist before you exclude any foods from your diet.

Do supplements help?

The most popular supplements for arthritis are glucosamine and chondroitin.  These help to hold water in the cartilage, giving strength to the joint surface.  Last year, researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine found that both glucosamine and chondroitin may help in the repair and maintenance of cartilage.  There’s currently no recommended daily allowance (RDA) for glucosamine or chondroitin, but McDougall says an effective dose is 1,500mg and 800mg respectively. They aren’t suitable for vegetarians as they’re made from animal ingredients, but research into supplements containing gamma linolenic acid (GLA), such as evening primrose oil and starflower oil have shown encouraging results.

How herbs can help

‘Problems affecting the joints make up an extremely large proportion of the average herbalist’s case load, but they can often be treated with good results’, says medical herbalist Kate Butler.  ‘Many people find that they can reduce the amount of painkillers they are taking, have more pain-free days, reduced levels of stiffness and increased mobility.’

For best results, you should always consult a registered herbalist before taking herbs (and tell your GP what herbs you are taking) but the following remedies can help.  ‘The daily dosages should be split into three and taken throughout the day’ says HH medical herbalism adviser Andrew Chevallier.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, is a mild painkiller and strengthens connective tissue between joints.

Contraindications: Avoid if you have gallbladder problems or are taking anticoagulants; it can also increase sensitivity to sunlight.

Dosage: 2-4g of dried herb or equivalent in tablets (take as directed); 14ml (1ml is about 15 drops) of tincture.

White willow bark has similar anti-inflammatory and pain relieving actions to aspirin, without the side effects on the stomach and digestive system.

Contraindications: Avoid if you’re allergic to aspirin or taking anticoagulants.

Dosage: 2-4g of the dried herb or equivalent in tablets or capsules (take as directed); 14ml of tincture.

Devil’s claw is useful for a wide range of joint and muscular problems as it’s an anti-inflammatory herb.

Contraindications: Do not take if you have a stomach or duodenal ulcer, are taking anticoagulants, or are pregnant.

Dosage: 2-5g of the dried herb or equivalent in tablets or capsules (take as directed); 14ml of tincture.

Ginger is anti-inflammatory and can be used internally and externally.

Contraindications: As with devil’s claw.

Dosage: 0.5-3g of dried herb or equivalent in tablets (take as directed; 3g per day will make you feel hot); 1.4ml of tincture.

Nettle strengthens and supports the whole body and improves elimination of waste via the kidneys, in particular uric acid, making it a useful cleansing remedy.

Contraindications: None.

Dosage: 2-10g of dried herb or equivalent in tablets or capsules (take as directed); 14ml of tincture.

Christine Morgan
© Here’s Health

Categories: Arthritis
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What is MSM?

12 May, 2006 · Leave a Comment

What have hayfever and arthritis got in common?

Hayfever

Reading up on hayfever I have come across recommendations for taking MSM. Methylsulfonylmethane, a white crystalline powder that dissolves easily in water. Apparently it is very effective as an antihistamine and an antioxidant. In combination with Vitamin C, it can benefit most hayfever sufferers, but that’s not all, it is also has anti-parasitic properties.

Arthritis

So what has this got to do with arthritis? The list of beneficial properties of MSM continue to include therapeutic uses as a painkiller, an anti-inflammatory and as a treatment for scars and burns!

Arthritis in pets

I’ve even heard of this winning combination of Vitamin C with MSM being effective for pets with arthritis as an effective pain relief, without the side effects of the corticosteriods or over-the-counter non-steriodal anti-inflammatory medications which can affect stomach and liver tissue.

Definitely worth a try – take a look

Categories: Arthritis · Hayfever
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