RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own tissue, according to Dr. Tesfu. This causes painful joints and should be treated by a rheumatologist. Symptoms include joints that are swollen, warm and tender. Also, morning stiffness that does not go away after being up for 30 minutes, Fatigue is also a symptom, not the usual tiredness but a deep fatigue.

It is said by the medical community that around 12% to 15% of postmenopausal women with painful joints have rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Nora Singer, a rheumatologist, said, "Smoking and periodontal disease both predispose women to RA. Stopping smoking and visiting the dentist regularly are both important."

What to do if you think you have RA? There is some evidence that the Mediterranean diet may be helpful. Beyond your diet, you need the help of a good rheumatologist. Dr. Singer stated, "The earlier we treat RA, the more effective the treatment appears to be." See your doctor at the first sign of RA. You will probably need to see your primary doctor who will then refer you to a good rheumatologist. Getting appointments with doctors often takes a while, especially when being referred to a specialist.

There are many famous people who have rheumatoid arthritis including Terry Bradshaw. If you suspect you have RA, go to the doctor for a diagnosis. If it is RA, get started on treatment right away and remember lots of people who have RA live normal lives.

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OSTEOARTHRITIS

Have you ever heard someone say that they have arthritis? There are several types of arthritis, but most people who say they have arthritis have osteoarthritis. It is the most common type of arthritis, per Blen Teshu, M.D. "Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in joints wears away from years of wear and tear," said Dr. Teshu. Symptoms include joint pain with activity, morning stiffness that improves within. 30 minutes, and a grinding or clicking sensation in affected joints.

What can you do to help with those symptoms mentioned above? First of all, stay active. Movement and activity are helpful. Don't stay in bed or in your favorite chair. Another simple thing you can do is avoid untraprocessed foods. Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables as you can, always good for health.

What about medications? Try nonsteroidal over the counter meds. These medications known as NSAIDs include products such as Advil, Aleve, or their generic counterparts. You can also try creams or gels that can give joint relief. If you have to eventually go to prescription meds, follow your doctor's advice. 

Unfortunately, osteoarthritis can have a stronger inflammatory component that may require stronger medications. This will be determined by your doctor, and he/she will provide the prescription that is right for you. 

MACA POWDER FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS RELIEF

According to a study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, persons with osteoarthritis who consumed maca daily for eight weeks reduced overall pain by 62% and stiffness by 51%. The reason? Maca powder helps tame inflammation and trigger cartilage repair which in turn relieves joint aches and improves mobility. If you are interested, I posted a smoothie recipe today on my grandmaskitchenmedicine blog.

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#9 HEALTHIEST FRUITS - CHERRIES

Continuing with the fifteen healthiest fruits, we have reached number 9, cherries. I have never thought I was big on fruits until I started these posts. As I write about each of these fruits, I find myself thinking, "That's one of my favorites" As I add cherries to my list of favorites, I am coming to realize I enjoy fruits much more than I realized. Having said that, I will quote the health journal on cherries, another one of my favorites.

"Cherries come in a wide variety of sweet and tart versions, and all of them are packed with health-protective substances. This stone fruit contains powerful polyphenols such as anthocyanins, catechin, and epicatechin, and it's known for its antioxidant properties, too. Because cherries are high in anti-inflammatory compounds, research suggests that consuming them may reduce your risk for several inflammatory diseases, including arthritis, heart disease, and certain cancers. Cherries are also a solid source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium."

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OLIVE OIL FOR RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Studies have shown that the high concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids in olive oil seem to protect against joint inflammation.  The participants in one study who consumed approximately 3 tablespoons of olive oil a day lessened their chance of developing rheumatoid arthritis by 60%.  If you suffer from RA, it might be worth it for you to add more olive oil to your diet.  Beware though that olive oil can be high in calories so use as a replacement for butter, etc. Don't be afraid of olive oil because of the fat content. Olive oil contains healthy fats your body needs.

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EATING TO STRENGTHEN YOUR JOINTS

Yes, what you eat can strengthen your joints and lower your risk of developing arthritis. A study at the University of North Carolina found that people who eat lots of selenium were 38% less likely than others to ever develop arthritis. Both fish and whole grains are top sources of selenium so double your intake with a tuna sandwich on whole-wheat bread.

Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., reminds us that fish is also an excellent source of the powerful natural anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that can help slow down joint damage in those already diagnosed with arthritis.

Recommendation: Two servings of whole-grain bread daily and 12-oz of fish weekly.

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CUT YOUR ARTHRITIS RISK WITH VITAMIN C

Some studies have shown that taking 500 mg of vitamin C daily could cut your risk of developing arthritis by 25%. Dr. Theodosakis, a preventive medicine expert at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, explained that vitamin C mops up free radicals before they can damage joint tissue. He stated, "Plus, it activates the enzymes that build healthy new joint cartilage." If you want to improve your chances of avoiding arthritis, talk to your doctor about taking vitamin C. I said to talk to your doctor because you should never start taking supplements without consulting your doctor first.

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OMEGA-3S AND ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is a painful disease and what you eat certainly cannot cure arthritis but it can make you feel better or worse! Leslie Bonci, R.D., the director of Sports Nutrition in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburg stated, "Food isn't a panacia, but some can make your joints healthier." She gives the following as her #1 food suggestion to arthritis sufferers to make their lives easier:

• Fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, herring and/or other foods high in omega-3 fatty acids. Other high omega-3 foods include walnuts, soybeans, flaxseed, canola oil, and pumpkin seeds. Why these foods? Omega-3s decrease the production of chemicals that spread inflammation. They also inhibit enzymes that trigger inflammation." Another benefit of the fatty fish is that they help prevent swelling and soreness, according to Ms. Bonci.

If you have arthritis and you aren't currently including some of these food in your diet on a regular basis, you should start to do so. After all, what arthritis sufferer wouldn't love to feel better and perhaps be able to cut back on meds.

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DIET AND WEIGHT AFFECT RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Most who suffer with rheumatoid arthritis will do almost anything to reduce their pain and discomfort. One important thing to remember is that excess weight puts more stress on already painful joints. Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy can improve overall health and help one to lose weight. Losing weight can reduce the stress on those sore, swollen joints.

 

DID YOU KNOW THIS ABOUT SWEET POTATOES?

 

INFLAMMATION - SYSTEMIC (CHRONIC)

Systemic inflammation can wreak havoc in any part of your body.  Dr. Floyd Chilton of Wake Forest Baptist Health School of Medicine in North Carolina says, and I quote here, "If the haywire inflammatory process happens in the heart, you wind up with heart disease; if it happens in the joints, it's arthritis; in the brain, it might be dementia."  Widespread inflammation can be a symptom of lupus, an autoimmune, chronic inflammatory condition.  It is also widely believed by the medical community that chronic inflammation plays a significant role (either as a cause or effect) in many diseases such as type 2 diabetes, arthritis, Chron's disease, heart disease, cancer, and stroke.  The last three are America's top 3 killers.

It is recommended that we drink green tea daily.  Green tea is full of potent antioxidants that help stop inflammation.  If you suffer from arthritis, as an example, would you believe something as simple as a few cups of green tea daily could help you battle the disease?  That is a fairly inexpensive and simple medicine!

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