You are making life changes.
That is the beginning.
We can all do it- a diet or a surgery is just a tool, but your life changes are yours forever!!
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exercise. Show all posts
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Lupus - misc info and suggestions
Managing Lupus Flares:
For many of us, the thought of an ache or pain flaring up – think of the stiff knee your grandfather gets when there’s a storm approaching – is a small annoyance. For lupuspatients, a flare can be much more serious and is a reminder that the disease is still with them, no matter how long in the past it has remained quiet.
What causes a flare?:
Lupus patients often suffer unpredictable bouts of the disease – a flare – followed by periods of remission. What causes a flare is almost as unpredictable as when the flare will occur, but there are some common catalysts, including sunlight – especially those lupus patients who arephotosensitive – and an illness that does not go away. But stress, certain medications, and even pregnancy can trigger flares in lupus patients.
Those who have not been diagnosed, this continued reoccurrence of symptoms might be the first clue that lupus is the cause. For patients already diagnosed with lupus, flares may occur less.
What are some signs that a flare is imminent?:
Prior to the onset of a flare, lupus patients may notice a number of indicative signs:
- Out of proportion and persistent fatigue
- Persistent weakness
- Aching all over
- Slight to high fever
- Persistent loss of appetite
- Involuntary weight loss
- Increasing hair loss
- Nose bleeds
- Unexplained skin rash
- Painful, stiff or swollen joints
- Chest pain which increases with breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent unusual headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Puffy eyelids
- Blood in the urine
Treatment plans for lupus help quell the onset of symptoms and flares. Those plans may include:
- Physical and emotional rest
- Aggressive treatment of infections
- Exercise
- Good nutrition; and,
- Avoidance of direct sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light
A note about medications:
Often, one of the more unexpected flare triggers is medications. What seems to be of help, could actually be of harm. So it is always recommended to check with your doctor before taking a new medication – and before stopping any medication, both over-the-counter and prescribed. And make sure you tell any nurse or doctor you’re unfamiliar with that you have lupus, so they are aware when prescribing medications.
Also, be wary of skin and scalp preparations. Check that you do not have a sensitivity to the item by first trying it on your forearm or back of your ear. If redness, rash, itching or pain develops, do not use the product.
Check in with your physician prior to receiving any immunization. Routine immunizations, like those for the flu and pneumonia, are an important part of maintaining your health, but you should make sure your doctor approves before getting the shots.
Sources:
“Signs and Symptoms That May Signal if a Lupus Flare is Beginning. Lupus Foundation of America Newsletter. January 1992. 26 June 2007
Lupus: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other Health Professionals May 2001, Revised September 2006. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases/National Institutes of Health. 26 June 2007
Lupus flares are a sign that your disease activity is increasing. Most patients who have dealt with lupus for some time can tell when a flare is coming on. Sometimes, it’s a surprise.
Although regular doctor visits and medication are effective ways to prevent flares, there are some other things you can do that may also help.
And while, unfortunately, there is little evidence indicating behavioral modifications can affect the rate of lupus flares, it always pays to do what you can to stay healthy and hope for the best.
1. Rest, rest, rest!
If you know a flare is coming on take steps to slow down and give your body a chance to fight the flare. Overworking your body might exacerbate the condition.
2. Reduce Stress Levels
Attempt as much as possible to avoid stress and stressful situations (I know, easier said than done, but it does make a difference on your body). Consider techniques like meditation andmassage to help slow things down and ease stress levels. If you cannot avoid stress, try to develop a support system to deal with it.
3. Exercise Regularly
We don’t need to tell you how important exercise is to overall health. But we will tell you to check with your doctor to see what’s most appropriate for your individual situation. Refer to Techniques No. 1 and 2 for reasons why you want to work with your healthcare team on the exercise technique that’s best for you.
4. Follow Doctor’s Orders
Keep lines of communication open with your doctor so that you catch any potential illness or complication in its earliest stages. And other than your lupus meds (over the counter, herbal and prescription), don’t start anything new without talking to your doctor, first. Any new medication can affect your disease’s activity levels. And don’t suddenly stop taking your lupus medication either –- it can trigger a flare. And tell your doctor about any injuries, infections, or sickness you have right away. These can open the door to a flare.
5. Keep Covered!
This one is a sure way to stave off a flare. Avoid sun exposure and ultraviolet light, including fluorescent and halogen bulbs. Nearly half of people with lupus are sensitive to this kind of light and –- you guessed it -– it can trigger a flare.
Source: Lupus: A Patient Care Guide for Nurses and Other Health Professionals Third Edition, Revised. September 2006.
Preventing Flares
No one can say for certain that there’s any way to prevent a lupus flare, but the Lupus Foundation of America does provide a number of “healthy habits” that can help patients reduce the potential for triggering a flare.
We’ve taken those habits and gone one step further, by providing some suggestions on how to get into those habits and stay in those habits – thus possibly increasing your chances of staving off a flare.
Take Your Medication as Prescribed:
How can you remember to follow your prescription? The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute offers these suggestions:
- Take your drugs at the same time every day, linking it with something else you do regularly, like brushing your teeth.
- Write it down – and then use different colors to get your attention.
- Keep a chart or calendar. Use colored pens to track more than one type of medication.
- Use a pillbox.
- Use e-mail reminders to alert you to take your medication.
- Remember to refill your prescription. Make a note on your calendar to order and pick up the next refill one week before your medicine runs out.
There’s a simple reason for doing this, and that is to keep lines of communication open and to catch any potential illness or complication in its earliest stages. That said, if you’re feeling well, what should you communicate to your doctor or healthcare provider? And how?
Here are some to dos that will help you make the most of your time with your doctor:
- Make a list of questions, symptoms and concerns
- Have a friend or family member come with you to help you remember or to act as yourpatient advocate.
- Use the time to find out who in your healthcare provider's office can assist you, and the best times to call.
- Review your treatment plan and ask how the plan will help you improve your health. Find out what might happen if you don't follow the treatment plan.
- Review your progress on your treatment plan.
- If there are aspects of your treatment plan that seem to not work, share your concerns with your doctor.
Sulfonomides are used to treat infections such as bronchitis and urinary tract infections. Some common sulfonomides are Acetazolamide, Celecoxib, and Xipamide.
Limit Your Exposure to Sunlight:
This is called photosensitivity, and About Lupus includes an article on what it is and ways to avoid sunlight. Basically, it is suspected that UV light causes skin cells to express particular proteins on their surface, attracting anitbodies. The antibodies in turn attract white blood cells, which attack skin cells, which leads to inflammation. Apoptosis, or cell death, normally occurs at this point, but it is amplified in lupus patients, which increases inflammation.
Some basic tips:
- Avoid the midday sun
- Wear the correct clothing
- Use sunscreens
- Turn off other sources of UV light
- Take your medicine as directed
- Know what you’re taking
- Watch your make-up (try to buy brands that are also UV protectors, and that are hypoallergenic).
Since lupus is an automimmune disease, the risk of getting infections is greater for lupus patients. Here are some simple tips on how to reduce your risk of getting an infection:
- Take care of yourself. Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly and get plenty of rest.
- Work and play safe. Consider your risk for infection based on where you work (hospital? clinic? daycare? vet?).
- Pets provide many benefits to owners. To avoid infection from your pet, make sure your pet is up to date on all its shots and vaccinations to prevent disease. And always wash your hands after petting your pet, especially before you eat.
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs
- Wash fruits and vegetables carefully before you eat them.
- Wash your hands, cutting boards, counters and knives with soap and water.
This one is self-explanatory. And if you needed any more encouragement, consider that smoking is responsible for 87% of lung cancers in the United States. If you need help quitting, please read Quit Smoking 101 at About Lung Cancer.
(borrowed from "lupus and Me")
Coconut Oil
Whether you want to ease your muscle aches, loosen up stiff joints or relieve the pain of arthritis, coconut oil can bring you the relief you seek.
Coconut oil is not like other fats. It offers relief to your muscles and joints because it contains a special group of fats known as medium-chain fatty acids. By nature, these fatty acids possess important healing properties.
Internally and externally coconut oil acts as:
- An anti-inflammatory
- A pain reliever
- Muscle & joint lubricant and relaxant
Anti-InflammatoryCoconut oil for arthritis is considered one of the best natural remedies for inflamed muscles and joints. Arthritis can be very painful and debilitating. Even doing simple tasks or getting around normally can be a challenge.
This is why we recommend coconut oil. It effectively reduces inflammation and is very soothing to inflamed tissues and joints. It also strengthens bones.
Pain Reliever
Years ago, I suffered greatly from the pain and fatigue of fibromyalgia. Back then, I wish I had known more about fibromyalgia and coconut oil.Although my pain was not centered in the joints, the pain was constant and incapacitating.I am here to tell you that no matter where your pain is located, coconut oil for arthritis or fibromyalgia can lessen your discomfort. The oil works best when you warm it first and then apply it directly to the painful muscle(s) or joint(s).
Doing this:
- Increases blood supply to the area.
- Reduces pain and swelling.
- Is very soothing and healing.
Gentle Lubricant
Using coconut oil for arthritis to lubricate muscles and joints works extremely well. This is especially true after a bath or shower.As a gentle lubricant coconut oil benefits you because:
- It promotes circulation in joints.
- It reduces stiffness and increases joint flexibility.
Over time, they find it can even disappear!
Some people find that applying a heating pad to the area after massaging the oil on the muscle or joint helps even more. This is because the oil becomes more viscous and the heat accelerates and deepens penetration.
Try to combine coconut oil with one or more of the following ingredients:
- Unsulphured Blackstrap Molasses
- Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar
- Turmeric
Dosage-
Coconut Oil Alone:
Coconut oil for arthritis as a natural remedy requires different dosages depending on whether you want to prevent or treat the condition.
Naturally, the dosage will be higher if you want to treat as opposed to prevent.
So, when you begin treatment for arthritis pain, a common guideline is:
“for every 50 pounds of body weight, take 1 teaspoon of oil.”We advise staying at this daily amount until your body gets used to the oil. Then, you can increase your daily intake by another teaspoon.
Eventually, you want to work up to 1 tablespoon per day. (Maybe more depending on severity of symptoms).
For prevention, a good place to begin is 1 teaspoon per day.
Externally, we have seen good results if you massage the oil onto the affected joint(s) 2-3 times per day.
Coconut Oil With Molasses, Apple Cider Vinegar or Turmeric:
The ratio is 1:1 coconut oil to molasses or apple cider vinegar.
For example, if you take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, then take 1 tablespoon of molasses or apple cider vinegar at the same time.
If you take turmeric with coconut oil it depends on whether you take capsules or powder.
Capsules= 8 per day, 2x/day (that is 4 capsules @ 400mg, 2x/day).
Powder= 1 teaspoon per day.
*Both are taken right along with coconut oil.
*Keep in mind that if you choose to take turmeric capsules, you will go thru many more per day than if you purchase turmeric powder.
Coconut oil for arthritis as a natural remedy requires different dosages depending on whether you want to prevent or treat the condition.
Naturally, the dosage will be higher if you want to treat as opposed to prevent.
So, when you begin treatment for arthritis pain, a common guideline is:
“for every 50 pounds of body weight, take 1 teaspoon of oil.”We advise staying at this daily amount until your body gets used to the oil. Then, you can increase your daily intake by another teaspoon.
Eventually, you want to work up to 1 tablespoon per day. (Maybe more depending on severity of symptoms).
For prevention, a good place to begin is 1 teaspoon per day.
Externally, we have seen good results if you massage the oil onto the affected joint(s) 2-3 times per day.
Coconut Oil With Molasses, Apple Cider Vinegar or Turmeric:
The ratio is 1:1 coconut oil to molasses or apple cider vinegar.
For example, if you take 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, then take 1 tablespoon of molasses or apple cider vinegar at the same time.
If you take turmeric with coconut oil it depends on whether you take capsules or powder.
Capsules= 8 per day, 2x/day (that is 4 capsules @ 400mg, 2x/day).
Powder= 1 teaspoon per day.
*Both are taken right along with coconut oil.
*Keep in mind that if you choose to take turmeric capsules, you will go thru many more per day than if you purchase turmeric powder.
Health Benefits Of Coconut Oil
Coconut oil plays a significant role in the prevention of disease as well as helping the body to fight it. Here are a few examples of its healing capabilities:- Kills viruses that cause mononucleosis, influenza, hepatitis C, measles, herpes, AIDS and other illnesses.
- Kills bacteria that cause pneumonia, ear ache, throat infections, dental cavities, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, meningitis, gonorrhea etc.
- Protects brain and nerve cell degeneration from lipid peroxidation of unsaturated oils.
- Relieves stress on pancreas and enzyme systems of the body.
- Helps protect against osteoporosis.
- Relieves symptoms associated with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and stomach ulcers.
- Improves utilization of essential fatty acids and protects them from oxidation.
- Helps to protect the body from harmful free radicals that promote premature aging and degenerative disease.
- Helps relieve symptoms associated with chronic fatigue syndrome.
- Helps protect against kidney and bladder problems.
- Helps prevent liver disease.
Inflammation and Natural Therapies
Inflammation is your body's response to what it perceives to be an
outside invader or irritant. When caused by infections, the inflammation
can sometimes be rather obvious as occurs with pneumonia. Other times,
it can be very subtle. Keep in mind the following key points regarding
inflammation and pain, treat the underlying infections or irritants when
able.
When one treats the associated fibromyalgia, patients often find that their lupus is actually a minimal problem. In addition, several studies have shown that taking DHEA (5mg or 25mg), 200mg a day, significantly improves the outcome of lupus and allows the patient to get by with a lower dose of prednisone. The main side effects of a too high DHEA (5mg or 25mg)level are darkening of facial hair and acne. If either of these occurs, lower the dose. It is unnecessary to follow blood levels of DHEA (5mg or 25mg) at this dose, because this is a very high dose and you can assume the blood level will be high. Lower doses, however, are not as effective as 200mg a day. As many, if not most, inflammatory and/or autoimmune illnesses can cause a secondary fibromyalgia, and fibromyalgia is now treatable, it is important to keep this possibility in mind. If you have widespread pain, fatigue, and insomnia, look for and treat the associated fibromyalgia!
Inflammation (In General)
Inflammation is a common cause of pain and many other medical problems that we experience in Western society. For example, anything that ends in the letters "itis" means that the problem is inflammatory. This includes things like arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, spondylitis, appendicitis, etc. Inflammation is obviously a major cause of pain.
Our body's armies of inflammation are often on high-alert when they don't have to be. Much of this occurs because of the high amounts of animal fats relative to fish and vegetable oils in our diets. Land animal fats tend to contain arachadonic acid (in the "omega 6 fatty acids" family), which stimulate inflammation. Fish oils (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3) and some vegetable oils, such as flaxseed, contain what are called "omega 3 fatty acids." These decrease inflammation. Over the last few hundred years, we have markedly decreased anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids and increased pro-inflammatory omega 6 fats in our diet. This often results in our bodies being on "inflammatory overdrive" unnecessarily. This excess inflammation has been associated not just with an increased tendency to pain, but at times with increases in heart attacks and other diseases as well. You can sometimes see this tendency to over-inflammation in yourself when you get a paper cut. Sometimes the paper cut heals so quickly that you barely notice it's there. At other times, the same type of cut will be red and inflamed and will continue to hurt beyond the initial few seconds of the cut.
How Do I Decrease My Tendency to Excess Inflammation?
Medically, we do this by using steroids such as prednisone or the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs-e.g. medications in the Motrin® family). Unfortunately, both of these can be fairly toxic. In the long run, using diet and nutrition is a much safer and more effective way to get your inflammatory system into balance.
A recent study, for example, showed that taking a multivitamin can reduce inflammation with vitamin C and B6 seeming to play the largest role. The Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder (Berry or Citrus) by Enzymatic Therapy replaces 35 tablets of supplements with one good tasting drink, and makes nutritional support easy. Many other natural therapies (see below) are also helpful in decreasing inflammation.
For acute injury, remember the old standbys. These have the initials R.I.C.E., which stand for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. These are the standard treatments recommended by coaches, trainers, and other professionals to treat muscle or joint injuries such as sprains or strains. When combined with Traumeel (one of several wonderful products for traumatic injuries that contains arnica), acute injuries heal much more quickly. Adding another supplement called MSM can help when tissue healing is necessary (e.g. sprains or broken bones). The The Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder (Berry or Citrus) can also give overall support for healing as well.
Inflammation is part of our natural healing process. Whenever there is injury, our body puts out "cytokines" in those areas to bring in white blood cells to knock out any infections and bring in other cells to begin the healing process. Because of this, healthy inflammation is a very beneficial tool that our body uses to heal. The cells come in, eliminate any infections, fix the problem, and then dissipate. When healthy, it is almost always localized and short-term.
Inflammation can become unhealthy, however. In these situations it is often generalized throughout the body. In addition to causing pain and disability, it can also cause premature aging. As noted above, anytime you see the letters "-itis" at the end of the word, it tells you that unhealthy inflammation is present. Excess inflammation is very common. For example, over 40 million Americans have arthritis. The inflammation can then damage the joints, causing deformity. Allergic rhinitis, which causes swelling of the nasal passages, is also common, affecting approximately 40 million Americans. Gastritis and colitis, which cause abdominal pain, are two other examples. Dermatitis, including psoriasis and eczema, are inflammatory illnesses of the skin. Even Alzheimer's disease and heart disease have been associated with increased inflammation. Asthma, with its associated bronchitis, is also an inflammatory condition -- and one that has doubled in frequency during our lifetime. In treating these allergies and asthma, we sometimes mistakenly focus on the trigger. But the trigger is not the main problem because most people don't have problems when they come in contact with that trigger. It is more important to look at the cause of the overall reactivity in each individual.
We are now beginning to understand why we are so much more prone to inflammation these days than we were in the past. As noted above, clues for understanding this can be found by looking at how the modern diet has changed over the last several thousand years.
Research shows that prehistoric hunter gatherers were much less likely to have degenerative diseases; their main problems were infection and trauma. They had a high-protein, high complex carbohydrate, and high-fiber diet. Most importantly, their diet was high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in inflammation stimulating omega 6 fatty acids (e.g. fats from meat, saturated and trans fats, shortening, margarines, and grains). Their diet was also high in antioxidants, nutrients that put out the "inflammatory fires." Foods were also unprocessed and low in refined sugar.
As society became more farming-based, our diet included more grains, and cattle were more likely to be grain fed. All this resulted in higher levels of the omega 6 pro-inflammatory fats. These omega 6 fats stimulated cytokines and inflammation. At this time, inflammation began to increase. This problem had been seen once before in recorded history in ancient Egypt. This civilization also had the osteoporosis and inflammatory diseases seen today.
Our current diet has continued to degenerate to where we are getting as much as 12 to 20 times as many inflammatory fats in the diet as we used to! In addition, we have a massive amount of sugar, potatoes, and white flour in our diet. This stimulates insulin resistance and release, further increasing the production of pro-inflammatory hormones (arachadonic acid) from these omega 6 fats. At the same time, our intake of antioxidants to put out these fires has markedly decreased.
What Does Modern Medicine Do About This?
Doctors give anti-inflammatories like Motrin® and Celebrex®, which block conversion of the omega 6 fats to the pro-inflammatory cytokines by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase. Unfortunately, these also block your body's ability to make anti-inflammatory messengers. This is one reason why over 16,000 Americans a year die from NSAIDs and ~ 139,000 have had heart attacks or strokes from Vioxx. We also use high dose steroids as anti-inflammatories, which used long-term, can be highly toxic. Other treatments include new tumor necrosis factor blocking medicines for rheumatoid arthritis that cost $10,000 a year. We focus on prescription medications because that's where the money is -- so the pharmaceutical industry makes sure that we learn about them!
What Natural Alternatives Do We Have That Are Safer and Effective?
Substituting olive oil for other oils can be very helpful. In addition, increasing fish, nuts and seeds, berries, free range chicken and grass fed meats, spices and herbs, and green leafy vegetables (not potatoes and grains) can be a very helpful start. For more information on this, there is an excellent book you can read, The Inflammation Syndrome: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Allergies, and Asthma by Jack Challem. In addition to this book, an excellent set of two cassette tapes will help you understand excess inflammation in more detail. Inflammation and Aging by Ronald E. Hunninghake M.D. (Tapes 1 and 2) are available by calling 1-800-447-7276. You can either pay $10,000 a year to use the new tumor necrosis factor blocking medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, or you can take fish oil (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3) and other nutrients and clean up your diet (do it in ways that taste good)! Which one do you think the drug companies will be encouraging your doctor to recommend?
Does that mean you should only eat things that you hate? Of course not. You may find that substituting a wide variety of nuts such as peanuts, cashews, walnuts, etc. for chips and sugary snacks actually tastes better. Eating more salmon and tuna is not a big deal if you like these. If you don't like them, don't eat them. You can always add fish oil (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3) (using one, of course, that is mercury free) instead. Take 1/2 to 2 Tbsp daily or 1 softgel 3 times a day. When you feel better you may be able to lower the dose.
When you're shopping for meat, go to Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats, Sprouts, or a similar store where you can get free range chicken and grass fed beef. Although it is a bit more expensive, it tastes much better, may not make you put on as much weight, and will save you a fortune on doctor bills. Olive oil is also tasty and can be used for frying, cooking, and instead of butter on your bread. Substitute stevia or saccharin for sugar. Use sugar-free chocolates (Russell Stover® makes a delicious line and there are now an enormous amount of yummy sugar-free options for those on the Atkins' diet). T hey taste just as good as foods with sugar but will not make you sick. In addition, as a general rule of thumb, the more colorful a vegetable the healthier it is. or example, sweet potatoes or carrots are a lot healthier than white potatoes. The The Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder (Berry or Citrus) will also supply extensive antioxidant support, simplifying the process dramatically.
The effects of treatment with diet are not subtle. In a study done at the University of Washington, it was found that women who ate 1 or 2 servings of fish a week were 22 percent less likely to have rheumatoid arthritis. Those who had more than 2 servings a week were 43 percent less likely. Those who had deep fried fish (usually fried in omega 6 fats), however, were more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis. In another study done in Scotland, 64 men and women with rheumatoid arthritis were given fish oil. They began to feel better in three months. By one year, they had decreased NSAID medicine use by 40 percent. There is also evidence suggesting that fish oil (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3) helps heal the joints and may decrease osteoporosis as well.
Unlike prescription medications, which can result in quick results (but some such as like steroids and NSAIDs cause long-term toxicity), natural and dietary therapies take longer to see the full effect. They are more likely, however, to build up and heal your system. I find that benefits usually start to be seen by 6 to 12 weeks and continue to build over years as the person gets healthier and healthier. Because of this, I tend to use medications as an initial "band-aid," while the natural therapies heal the underlying problem over time.
What Natural Anti-inflammatories Can I Use?
In addition to using fish oil (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3), it can be very helpful to use the End Fatigue Pain Formula (by Enzymatic Therapy), which contains willow bark, Boswellia (also known as Frankincense), and cherry. These natural elements can wonderfully decrease both pain and inflammation.
Can You Summarize What I Need to Do?
If you have excess inflammation, your body can often repair the damage over time. This means decreasing sugar and simple carbohydrates (keep chocolate but make it sugar free), increasing protein and healthy oils (e.g. fish, olive, nuts), and getting optimal nutritional support (e.g. the Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder - Berry or Citrus). Use the End Fatigue Pain Formula to decrease inflammation. Your dietary changes can actually be simple (similar to the Atkins' diet but using healthy fats), and will leave you younger-looking, thinner, healthier, and feeling great!
credit/reff: http://www.jacobteitelbaum.com/tools-support/101_inflammation_natural_therapies.html
- Often the inflammation causes more harm than good. It is often worthwhile to simply decrease the inflammation using natural remedies, diet and nutrients.
- Sometimes the inflammation is obvious because it causes redness, heat, and swelling. At other times, it can be quite subtle and needs to be looked for.
When one treats the associated fibromyalgia, patients often find that their lupus is actually a minimal problem. In addition, several studies have shown that taking DHEA (5mg or 25mg), 200mg a day, significantly improves the outcome of lupus and allows the patient to get by with a lower dose of prednisone. The main side effects of a too high DHEA (5mg or 25mg)level are darkening of facial hair and acne. If either of these occurs, lower the dose. It is unnecessary to follow blood levels of DHEA (5mg or 25mg) at this dose, because this is a very high dose and you can assume the blood level will be high. Lower doses, however, are not as effective as 200mg a day. As many, if not most, inflammatory and/or autoimmune illnesses can cause a secondary fibromyalgia, and fibromyalgia is now treatable, it is important to keep this possibility in mind. If you have widespread pain, fatigue, and insomnia, look for and treat the associated fibromyalgia!
Inflammation (In General)
Inflammation is a common cause of pain and many other medical problems that we experience in Western society. For example, anything that ends in the letters "itis" means that the problem is inflammatory. This includes things like arthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, spondylitis, appendicitis, etc. Inflammation is obviously a major cause of pain.
Our body's armies of inflammation are often on high-alert when they don't have to be. Much of this occurs because of the high amounts of animal fats relative to fish and vegetable oils in our diets. Land animal fats tend to contain arachadonic acid (in the "omega 6 fatty acids" family), which stimulate inflammation. Fish oils (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3) and some vegetable oils, such as flaxseed, contain what are called "omega 3 fatty acids." These decrease inflammation. Over the last few hundred years, we have markedly decreased anti-inflammatory omega 3 fatty acids and increased pro-inflammatory omega 6 fats in our diet. This often results in our bodies being on "inflammatory overdrive" unnecessarily. This excess inflammation has been associated not just with an increased tendency to pain, but at times with increases in heart attacks and other diseases as well. You can sometimes see this tendency to over-inflammation in yourself when you get a paper cut. Sometimes the paper cut heals so quickly that you barely notice it's there. At other times, the same type of cut will be red and inflamed and will continue to hurt beyond the initial few seconds of the cut.
How Do I Decrease My Tendency to Excess Inflammation?
Medically, we do this by using steroids such as prednisone or the Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs-e.g. medications in the Motrin® family). Unfortunately, both of these can be fairly toxic. In the long run, using diet and nutrition is a much safer and more effective way to get your inflammatory system into balance.
A recent study, for example, showed that taking a multivitamin can reduce inflammation with vitamin C and B6 seeming to play the largest role. The Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder (Berry or Citrus) by Enzymatic Therapy replaces 35 tablets of supplements with one good tasting drink, and makes nutritional support easy. Many other natural therapies (see below) are also helpful in decreasing inflammation.
For acute injury, remember the old standbys. These have the initials R.I.C.E., which stand for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. These are the standard treatments recommended by coaches, trainers, and other professionals to treat muscle or joint injuries such as sprains or strains. When combined with Traumeel (one of several wonderful products for traumatic injuries that contains arnica), acute injuries heal much more quickly. Adding another supplement called MSM can help when tissue healing is necessary (e.g. sprains or broken bones). The The Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder (Berry or Citrus) can also give overall support for healing as well.
Inflammation is part of our natural healing process. Whenever there is injury, our body puts out "cytokines" in those areas to bring in white blood cells to knock out any infections and bring in other cells to begin the healing process. Because of this, healthy inflammation is a very beneficial tool that our body uses to heal. The cells come in, eliminate any infections, fix the problem, and then dissipate. When healthy, it is almost always localized and short-term.
Inflammation can become unhealthy, however. In these situations it is often generalized throughout the body. In addition to causing pain and disability, it can also cause premature aging. As noted above, anytime you see the letters "-itis" at the end of the word, it tells you that unhealthy inflammation is present. Excess inflammation is very common. For example, over 40 million Americans have arthritis. The inflammation can then damage the joints, causing deformity. Allergic rhinitis, which causes swelling of the nasal passages, is also common, affecting approximately 40 million Americans. Gastritis and colitis, which cause abdominal pain, are two other examples. Dermatitis, including psoriasis and eczema, are inflammatory illnesses of the skin. Even Alzheimer's disease and heart disease have been associated with increased inflammation. Asthma, with its associated bronchitis, is also an inflammatory condition -- and one that has doubled in frequency during our lifetime. In treating these allergies and asthma, we sometimes mistakenly focus on the trigger. But the trigger is not the main problem because most people don't have problems when they come in contact with that trigger. It is more important to look at the cause of the overall reactivity in each individual.
We are now beginning to understand why we are so much more prone to inflammation these days than we were in the past. As noted above, clues for understanding this can be found by looking at how the modern diet has changed over the last several thousand years.
Research shows that prehistoric hunter gatherers were much less likely to have degenerative diseases; their main problems were infection and trauma. They had a high-protein, high complex carbohydrate, and high-fiber diet. Most importantly, their diet was high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in inflammation stimulating omega 6 fatty acids (e.g. fats from meat, saturated and trans fats, shortening, margarines, and grains). Their diet was also high in antioxidants, nutrients that put out the "inflammatory fires." Foods were also unprocessed and low in refined sugar.
As society became more farming-based, our diet included more grains, and cattle were more likely to be grain fed. All this resulted in higher levels of the omega 6 pro-inflammatory fats. These omega 6 fats stimulated cytokines and inflammation. At this time, inflammation began to increase. This problem had been seen once before in recorded history in ancient Egypt. This civilization also had the osteoporosis and inflammatory diseases seen today.
Our current diet has continued to degenerate to where we are getting as much as 12 to 20 times as many inflammatory fats in the diet as we used to! In addition, we have a massive amount of sugar, potatoes, and white flour in our diet. This stimulates insulin resistance and release, further increasing the production of pro-inflammatory hormones (arachadonic acid) from these omega 6 fats. At the same time, our intake of antioxidants to put out these fires has markedly decreased.
What Does Modern Medicine Do About This?
Doctors give anti-inflammatories like Motrin® and Celebrex®, which block conversion of the omega 6 fats to the pro-inflammatory cytokines by blocking the enzyme cyclooxygenase. Unfortunately, these also block your body's ability to make anti-inflammatory messengers. This is one reason why over 16,000 Americans a year die from NSAIDs and ~ 139,000 have had heart attacks or strokes from Vioxx. We also use high dose steroids as anti-inflammatories, which used long-term, can be highly toxic. Other treatments include new tumor necrosis factor blocking medicines for rheumatoid arthritis that cost $10,000 a year. We focus on prescription medications because that's where the money is -- so the pharmaceutical industry makes sure that we learn about them!
What Natural Alternatives Do We Have That Are Safer and Effective?
Substituting olive oil for other oils can be very helpful. In addition, increasing fish, nuts and seeds, berries, free range chicken and grass fed meats, spices and herbs, and green leafy vegetables (not potatoes and grains) can be a very helpful start. For more information on this, there is an excellent book you can read, The Inflammation Syndrome: The Complete Nutritional Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease, Arthritis, Diabetes, Allergies, and Asthma by Jack Challem. In addition to this book, an excellent set of two cassette tapes will help you understand excess inflammation in more detail. Inflammation and Aging by Ronald E. Hunninghake M.D. (Tapes 1 and 2) are available by calling 1-800-447-7276. You can either pay $10,000 a year to use the new tumor necrosis factor blocking medicines for rheumatoid arthritis, or you can take fish oil (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3) and other nutrients and clean up your diet (do it in ways that taste good)! Which one do you think the drug companies will be encouraging your doctor to recommend?
Does that mean you should only eat things that you hate? Of course not. You may find that substituting a wide variety of nuts such as peanuts, cashews, walnuts, etc. for chips and sugary snacks actually tastes better. Eating more salmon and tuna is not a big deal if you like these. If you don't like them, don't eat them. You can always add fish oil (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3) (using one, of course, that is mercury free) instead. Take 1/2 to 2 Tbsp daily or 1 softgel 3 times a day. When you feel better you may be able to lower the dose.
When you're shopping for meat, go to Whole Foods Market, Wild Oats, Sprouts, or a similar store where you can get free range chicken and grass fed beef. Although it is a bit more expensive, it tastes much better, may not make you put on as much weight, and will save you a fortune on doctor bills. Olive oil is also tasty and can be used for frying, cooking, and instead of butter on your bread. Substitute stevia or saccharin for sugar. Use sugar-free chocolates (Russell Stover® makes a delicious line and there are now an enormous amount of yummy sugar-free options for those on the Atkins' diet). T hey taste just as good as foods with sugar but will not make you sick. In addition, as a general rule of thumb, the more colorful a vegetable the healthier it is. or example, sweet potatoes or carrots are a lot healthier than white potatoes. The The Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder (Berry or Citrus) will also supply extensive antioxidant support, simplifying the process dramatically.
The effects of treatment with diet are not subtle. In a study done at the University of Washington, it was found that women who ate 1 or 2 servings of fish a week were 22 percent less likely to have rheumatoid arthritis. Those who had more than 2 servings a week were 43 percent less likely. Those who had deep fried fish (usually fried in omega 6 fats), however, were more likely to have rheumatoid arthritis. In another study done in Scotland, 64 men and women with rheumatoid arthritis were given fish oil. They began to feel better in three months. By one year, they had decreased NSAID medicine use by 40 percent. There is also evidence suggesting that fish oil (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3) helps heal the joints and may decrease osteoporosis as well.
Unlike prescription medications, which can result in quick results (but some such as like steroids and NSAIDs cause long-term toxicity), natural and dietary therapies take longer to see the full effect. They are more likely, however, to build up and heal your system. I find that benefits usually start to be seen by 6 to 12 weeks and continue to build over years as the person gets healthier and healthier. Because of this, I tend to use medications as an initial "band-aid," while the natural therapies heal the underlying problem over time.
What Natural Anti-inflammatories Can I Use?
In addition to using fish oil (Arctic Omega or Eskimo 3), it can be very helpful to use the End Fatigue Pain Formula (by Enzymatic Therapy), which contains willow bark, Boswellia (also known as Frankincense), and cherry. These natural elements can wonderfully decrease both pain and inflammation.
Can You Summarize What I Need to Do?
If you have excess inflammation, your body can often repair the damage over time. This means decreasing sugar and simple carbohydrates (keep chocolate but make it sugar free), increasing protein and healthy oils (e.g. fish, olive, nuts), and getting optimal nutritional support (e.g. the Energy Revitalization System vitamin powder - Berry or Citrus). Use the End Fatigue Pain Formula to decrease inflammation. Your dietary changes can actually be simple (similar to the Atkins' diet but using healthy fats), and will leave you younger-looking, thinner, healthier, and feeling great!
credit/reff: http://www.jacobteitelbaum.com/tools-support/101_inflammation_natural_therapies.html
Coffee!!!
The next time someone tells you to stop drinking so much coffee, that it isn't good for you, arm your self with a good defense.
"The best effects in terms of longevity and diabetes and Alzheimer's protection are actually the people who drink 5 cups or more a day. Isn't that crazy?"
Every morning, many of us sip our coffee with no real thought given to the beans behind the brew. But coffee beans are extra-ordinarily complex fruits containing over 1,0001,2 compounds - only a handful of which have ever been individually investigated by scientists. Not only is coffee packed with antioxidants,3 but it is the greatest source of antioxidants in the American diet.3,4
The average American coffee drinker consumes about 3.1 cups of coffee a day,5 but extensive research has found that higher volumes - as much as 4 to 12 cups daily - can help prevent most major killers, including cardiovascular disease,6-8 cancer,9-11 diabetes,12-14 liver disease,15-17 and Alzheimer's disease.18-20
For instance, in case-controlled human studies, compared to coffee abstainers, those who drank the most coffee cut their risks of breast cancer by 57% and diabetes by 67%.10,21
In this article, you will learn about recent research into the benefits of coffee consumption, what's missing from most commercial coffee beans, and what people should do who are overly sensitive to coffee beverages.
************
Those who drink the most coffee have a substantially reduced risk of developing diabetes, cancer, liver disease, cognitive decline, and DNA damage. But the health benefits of coffee's complex phytochemistry don't end there:
"The best effects in terms of longevity and diabetes and Alzheimer's protection are actually the people who drink 5 cups or more a day. Isn't that crazy?"
- Coffee is the greatest source of antioxidants in the American diet.3,4 And the good news is that sound scientific studies have found that the common fears about excess coffee consumption are invalid, and higher intake means bigger benefits.
- An impressive number of studies have shown a strong association between higher consumption of coffee and a significantly reduced risk of most chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and others.
- With over 1,000 phytochemicals, coffee's unparalleled antioxidant punch no doubt plays a role in its protection against disease. But a multitude of direct biological actions on the body are suspected, such as an improvement in intracellular signaling,95,96 which may help prevent cancer, diabetes and more.
- Drinking just one cup of coffee a day - caffeinated or decaffeinated - can decrease the risk of developing diabetes by 13%.24 But at 12 cups a day, the risk of getting diabetes is slashed by 67%.21
- Far from being a risky habit, coffee has now been shown to provide powerful protection against an epidemic of diabetes and a rising tide of other age-related diseases. It's an all-natural and inexpensive elixir - to go!
Every morning, many of us sip our coffee with no real thought given to the beans behind the brew. But coffee beans are extra-ordinarily complex fruits containing over 1,0001,2 compounds - only a handful of which have ever been individually investigated by scientists. Not only is coffee packed with antioxidants,3 but it is the greatest source of antioxidants in the American diet.3,4
The average American coffee drinker consumes about 3.1 cups of coffee a day,5 but extensive research has found that higher volumes - as much as 4 to 12 cups daily - can help prevent most major killers, including cardiovascular disease,6-8 cancer,9-11 diabetes,12-14 liver disease,15-17 and Alzheimer's disease.18-20
For instance, in case-controlled human studies, compared to coffee abstainers, those who drank the most coffee cut their risks of breast cancer by 57% and diabetes by 67%.10,21
In this article, you will learn about recent research into the benefits of coffee consumption, what's missing from most commercial coffee beans, and what people should do who are overly sensitive to coffee beverages.
************
Those who drink the most coffee have a substantially reduced risk of developing diabetes, cancer, liver disease, cognitive decline, and DNA damage. But the health benefits of coffee's complex phytochemistry don't end there:
- Decaffeinated and caffeinated coffee lowered the risk of kidney stones in women by 9 and 10%, respectively.107
- Caffeinated coffee reduced the incidence of gallstones and gall bladder disease in both men and women.108,109
- Scientists found that coffee boosted regular weight loss by 8 pounds and promoted body fat metabolism.91,110,111
- Sometimes-inconsistent findings have generally linked coffee drinking with reduced all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality.6,112-115
- For athletes, caffeine reduced muscle pain, increased energy (ergogenic aid), and enhanced endurance.116-119
- One study found caffeine, taken 2 hours before exercise, prevented exercise-induced asthma.120
- Confirming earlier research, a 2011 study on over 50,000 women found that 4 cups of coffee daily lowered the risk of depression by 20%, compared to coffee abstainers.121
- Antibacterials in coffee were found to inhibit plaque formation and prevent dental decay.122
- Whether caffeinated or decaffeinated, coffee consumption prevents constipation 123,124 and - despite the myth that coffee dehydrates the body - contributes to the body's fluid requirements.125-127
- Caffeine is believed to boost by 40% the effectiveness of pain relievers against headaches. Caffeine also helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly.128
- A large, as-yet-unpublished study presented October 24, 2011, found that men and women with the highest coffee consumption have a 13% and 18% lower risk, respectively, for basal cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer).129
Sore, Tired Feet- Vinegar foot soak remedies
Vinegar foot soak remedies-
A mixture of warm water and vinegar is the best one for relaxing your tired feet. Moreover, soaking feet in vinegar is known to cure various feet problems. Here are a few foot soak recipes which you must try.
Foot Soak Recipe for Regular Care
Mix 1 cup white vinegar and 2 gallons warm water together and a few drops of essential oil.
Soak your feet for 45 minutes in this mixture.
Now use a pumice stone to remove the skin from heels and callused areas of your feet.
Take a soft brush and rub your upper foot area and toes.
Doing this once or twice a week, followed by application of a moisturizer is sure to help you have soft and supple feet. This is one of the best solution for smelly feet and nail fungus. Make sure that you do not use the same solution more than once.
Vinegar Foot Soak for Tired Feet
In order to make this foot soak, you need 1 cup sea salt, 1 cup Epsom salt, 1 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup dried lavender.
Now heat enough quantity of water till it is hot, yet bearable for soaking your feet.
Pour this water into a tub which is wide and deep enough for soaking your feet properly.
Now put all the above-mentioned ingredients in warm water and stir the water for a minute.
Just sit in a relaxing chair and put your feet in the tub. Soak them for at least 20 minutes and see how great it feels.
Foot Soak for Athlete’s Foot
Most of you must be aware that vinegar can cure athlete’s foot. You can try soaking feet in this solution for the same.
Prepare a foot soak by mixing 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 teaspoon of salt and enough warm water to cover your feet. Apart from this remedy, you can also apply white distilled vinegar to the affected areas for curing athlete’s foot.
Saturate a cotton ball with vinegar and rub it over the affected areas.
Remember that you will have to do this for a few weeks even after the symptoms disappear as the fungus might affect again.
Both the methods, soaking feet in vinegar solution or applying it vinegar directly on the problem area are very effective in treating this foot problem.
You can soak your feet in a solution made of equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water as the same is also effective in curing athlete’s foot. Soak your feet in this mixture for 10 minutes daily for ten days or until the symptoms disappear. Moreover, this also relieves itching and peeling caused due to athlete’s foot.
Foot Soak for Toenail Fungus
Vinegar cure for toenail fungus is very popular.
Soaking feet in vinegar and water for at least 30 minutes, twice a day or more will help kill the fungus.
The acidity of vinegar restores pH balance of nails and helps in soothing the discomfort caused due to toenail fungus. Though most types of vinegar can be used in toenail fungus treatment, apple cider vinegar is known to be most effective.
You can also soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the nail, but ensure that vinegar stays on your nails for a significant amount of time. Let me tell you that apple cider vinegar is the most commonly used solution for curing fungal infections. It is a strong astringent and has anti-fungal properties. It is also known to reduce inflammation and pain linked with some stages of fungal infections. Combining vinegar with hydrogen peroxide forms a solution effective in wiping out bacteria and viruses.
A mixture of warm water and vinegar is the best one for relaxing your tired feet. Moreover, soaking feet in vinegar is known to cure various feet problems. Here are a few foot soak recipes which you must try.
Foot Soak Recipe for Regular Care
Mix 1 cup white vinegar and 2 gallons warm water together and a few drops of essential oil.
Soak your feet for 45 minutes in this mixture.
Now use a pumice stone to remove the skin from heels and callused areas of your feet.
Take a soft brush and rub your upper foot area and toes.
Doing this once or twice a week, followed by application of a moisturizer is sure to help you have soft and supple feet. This is one of the best solution for smelly feet and nail fungus. Make sure that you do not use the same solution more than once.
Vinegar Foot Soak for Tired Feet
In order to make this foot soak, you need 1 cup sea salt, 1 cup Epsom salt, 1 cup vinegar and 1/2 cup dried lavender.
Now heat enough quantity of water till it is hot, yet bearable for soaking your feet.
Pour this water into a tub which is wide and deep enough for soaking your feet properly.
Now put all the above-mentioned ingredients in warm water and stir the water for a minute.
Just sit in a relaxing chair and put your feet in the tub. Soak them for at least 20 minutes and see how great it feels.
Foot Soak for Athlete’s Foot
Most of you must be aware that vinegar can cure athlete’s foot. You can try soaking feet in this solution for the same.
Prepare a foot soak by mixing 1/2 cup vinegar, 2 teaspoon of salt and enough warm water to cover your feet. Apart from this remedy, you can also apply white distilled vinegar to the affected areas for curing athlete’s foot.
Saturate a cotton ball with vinegar and rub it over the affected areas.
Remember that you will have to do this for a few weeks even after the symptoms disappear as the fungus might affect again.
Both the methods, soaking feet in vinegar solution or applying it vinegar directly on the problem area are very effective in treating this foot problem.
You can soak your feet in a solution made of equal parts of apple cider vinegar and water as the same is also effective in curing athlete’s foot. Soak your feet in this mixture for 10 minutes daily for ten days or until the symptoms disappear. Moreover, this also relieves itching and peeling caused due to athlete’s foot.
Foot Soak for Toenail Fungus
Vinegar cure for toenail fungus is very popular.
Soaking feet in vinegar and water for at least 30 minutes, twice a day or more will help kill the fungus.
The acidity of vinegar restores pH balance of nails and helps in soothing the discomfort caused due to toenail fungus. Though most types of vinegar can be used in toenail fungus treatment, apple cider vinegar is known to be most effective.
You can also soak a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and apply it directly to the nail, but ensure that vinegar stays on your nails for a significant amount of time. Let me tell you that apple cider vinegar is the most commonly used solution for curing fungal infections. It is a strong astringent and has anti-fungal properties. It is also known to reduce inflammation and pain linked with some stages of fungal infections. Combining vinegar with hydrogen peroxide forms a solution effective in wiping out bacteria and viruses.
Horse Chestnut Extract -Varicose veins and other circulatory problems (chronic venous insufficiency)
Horse
chestnut seed extract-
The seeds, leaves, bark and flowers of this tree, which is native to Europe, have been used for centuries in herbal medicine.
Scientific evidence: Several studies now indicate that horse chestnut seed extract may be helpful for venous insufficiency, decreasing leg pain, fatigue, itchiness and swelling.
Caution: Horse chestnut may lower blood sugar and interfere with diabetes medication.
*******************
Horse chestnut is LIKELY SAFE for most people when a
standardized seed extract product is used short-term. Standardized
products have been tested to contain exact amounts of a verified
chemical. Look for products which have had the toxic substance esculin
removed. Horse chestnut products can sometimes cause side effects such
as dizziness, headache, stomach upset, and itching.
Pollen from the horse chestnut flower can cause allergic reactions. Rectal (suppository) use of horse chestnut may cause inflammation and itching in the anal area.
Raw horse chestnut seed, bark, flower, and leaf are UNSAFE and can even cause death when taken by mouth. Signs of poisoning include stomach upset, kidney problems, muscle twitching, weakness, loss of coordination, enlarged eye pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor. Accidental ingestion of horse chestnut requires prompt medical attention. Children have been poisoned by drinking a tea made from the leaves and twigs or eating seeds.
The seeds, leaves, bark and flowers of this tree, which is native to Europe, have been used for centuries in herbal medicine.
Scientific evidence: Several studies now indicate that horse chestnut seed extract may be helpful for venous insufficiency, decreasing leg pain, fatigue, itchiness and swelling.
Caution: Horse chestnut may lower blood sugar and interfere with diabetes medication.
*******************
What is it?
Horse chestnut is a plant. Its seed, bark, flower, and leaves are
used to make medicine. Horse chestnut contains significant amounts of a
poison called esculin and can cause death if eaten raw.
Be careful not to confuse aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut) with aesculus californica (California buckeye) or aesculus glabra (Ohio buckeye). Some people call any of these plants horse chestnut. This information applies to aesculus hippocastanum.
Horse chestnut seed and leaf are used for treating varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and swollen veins (phlebitis).
Horse chestnut seed is used for diarrhea, fever, and enlarged prostate.
Horse chestnut seeds can be processed so that the active chemicals are separated out and concentrated. The resulting “extract” is used for treating a blood circulation problem called chronic venous insufficiency.
Horse chestnut leaf is used for eczema, menstrual pain, soft tissue swelling from bone fracture and sprains, cough, arthritis, and joint pain.
Horse chestnut branch bark is used for malaria and dysentery.
Some people apply horse chestnut branch bark to the skin for lupus and skin ulcers.
Be careful not to confuse aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut) with aesculus californica (California buckeye) or aesculus glabra (Ohio buckeye). Some people call any of these plants horse chestnut. This information applies to aesculus hippocastanum.
Horse chestnut seed and leaf are used for treating varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and swollen veins (phlebitis).
Horse chestnut seed is used for diarrhea, fever, and enlarged prostate.
Horse chestnut seeds can be processed so that the active chemicals are separated out and concentrated. The resulting “extract” is used for treating a blood circulation problem called chronic venous insufficiency.
Horse chestnut leaf is used for eczema, menstrual pain, soft tissue swelling from bone fracture and sprains, cough, arthritis, and joint pain.
Horse chestnut branch bark is used for malaria and dysentery.
Some people apply horse chestnut branch bark to the skin for lupus and skin ulcers.
How effective is it?
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness
based on scientific evidence according to the following scale:
Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective,
Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
The effectiveness ratings for HORSE CHESTNUT are as follows:
Likely effective for...
The effectiveness ratings for HORSE CHESTNUT are as follows:
- Varicose veins and other circulatory problems (chronic venous insufficiency). Taking horse chestnut seed extract can reduce some symptoms of poor blood circulation, such as varicose veins, pain, tiredness, swelling in the legs, itching, and water retention.
Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for...
- Hemorrhoids.
- Diarrhea.
- Fever.
- Cough.
- Enlarged prostate.
- Eczema.
- Menstrual pain.
- Soft tissue swelling from bone fracture and sprains, arthritis, joint pain, and other conditions.
- Other conditions.
How does it work?
Horse chestnut contains a substance that thins the blood. It also
makes it harder for fluid to leak out of veins and capillaries and
weakly promotes fluid loss through the urine to help prevent water
retention (edema).
Are there safety concerns?
Pollen from the horse chestnut flower can cause allergic reactions. Rectal (suppository) use of horse chestnut may cause inflammation and itching in the anal area.
Raw horse chestnut seed, bark, flower, and leaf are UNSAFE and can even cause death when taken by mouth. Signs of poisoning include stomach upset, kidney problems, muscle twitching, weakness, loss of coordination, enlarged eye pupils, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, paralysis, and stupor. Accidental ingestion of horse chestnut requires prompt medical attention. Children have been poisoned by drinking a tea made from the leaves and twigs or eating seeds.
Are there interactions with medications?
Moderate
Be cautious with this combination.
Lithium
Horse chestnut might have an effect like a water pill or
"diuretic." Taking horse chestnut might decrease how well the body gets
rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and
result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider
before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose
might need to be changed.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs)
Horse chestnut might decrease blood sugar. Diabetes medications are
also used to lower blood sugar. Taking horse chestnut along with
diabetes medications might cause your blood sugar to go too low. Monitor
your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might
need to be changed.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)
Horse chestnut seed might slow blood clotting. Taking horse
chestnut seed along with medications that also slow clotting might
increase the chances of bruising and bleeding.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Some medications that slow blood clotting include aspirin, clopidogrel (Plavix), diclofenac (Voltaren, Cataflam, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others), naproxen (Anaprox, Naprosyn, others), dalteparin (Fragmin), enoxaparin (Lovenox), heparin, warfarin (Coumadin), and others.
Are there interactions with herbs and supplements?
Herbs and supplements that might lower blood sugar
Horse chestnut might lower blood sugar. Taking it along with other
herbs or supplements that also lower blood sugar might cause blood sugar
to drop too low. Some of these herbs and supplements include
alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, devil's claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum,
Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.
Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting
Horse chestnut might slow blood clotting. Using it with other herbs
that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and
bleeding in some people. These herbs include angelica, clove, danshen,
garlic, ginger, ginkgo, Panax ginseng, red clover, and others.
What dose is used?
The following dose has been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
ref/credit- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/1055.html
BY MOUTH:
- For poor blood circulation (chronic venous insufficiency): 300 mg of horse chestnut seed extract containing 50 mg of the active ingredient, aescin, twice daily.
Natural Pain Relievers (Herbals too)
Natural Pain Relievers ( and related )
by Debbie Tapp (Notes) on Sunday, May 12, 2013 at 7:00pm
Homemade Pain Relieving Cream
http://herbalhealthcare-daw.blogspot.com/2013/02/homemade-pain-relieving-cream.html
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Coconut Oil you can also use Jojoba Oil
2 teaspoons Beeswax pellets
2 teaspoons Camphor crystals or 5 Drops Camphor oil
2 teaspoons Menthol crystals or 5 drops menthol oil
5 drops Peppermint oil
5 drops Eucalyptus oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops white willow bark essential oil
5 drops arnica essential oil
Melt the coconut oil and beeswax together. You can do this in the microwave, in a double boiler, or what I did was set a small saucepan on the stove for a minute or two and then turned the burner off and added the coconut oil and beeswax. Stir until melted.
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then add the camphor crystals or oil , white willow bark oil, the menthol crystals or oil , arnica oil, and the eucalyptus oil.
Put in a container and allow to cool completely. When it is completely cooled it will be a solid rather than liquid…but the minute it hits your warm skin…it will liquify again. That’s what coconut oil does, which makes it perfect for massaging onto sore muscles and joints.
Before you start taking these herbs or any herbs for pain please research them and find out if you can take them or are allergic to them
Here is a list of Herbs that help with pain
you can add to the recipe above with these herbs
White Willow Bark
White willow bark contains several beneficial compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and immunity-boosting effects. The main active component of white willow bark is salicin, a chemical that has an analgesic effect (painkiller). The body converts salicin into salicylic acid once its ingested. This chemical is what makes this bark similar to aspirin, which is why it's commonly used as a natural pain remedy.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Oil has a number of benefits among which the most well known is that it a strong antiseptic and a perfect oil for aromatherapy. Eucalyptus Oil of Australia helps to clear the mind and focus it. It is also a natural remedy for many diseases because it prevents infections and is a natural vaso-dilator, opening your blood vessels and increasing circulation to promote the healing process of the body for natural pain relief.
Menthol
Menthol has a natural analgesic (pain reliever) attribute when used in lotion, gel, or cream form. As the lotion is applied, molecules called ligands attach themselves to receptors in your cell triggering a change. The menthol ligand attaches to the kappa Opioid receptor, which produces a numbing effect.
Menthol brings a wonderful cooling sensation by stimulating thermoreceptors in the skin cells which help your body recognize temperature changes. Your skin doesn’t actually change temperature. Instead, menthol causes a signal to be sent which your brain interprets as cold, relieving the uncomfortable heat of inflammation. That’s why many first aid products use menthol for cooling in place of ice.
Arnica
Arnica ,relieves osteoarthritic pain in the knee and pain following carpal-tunnel release surgery. It contains helenin, an analgesic, as well as anti-inflammatory chemicals
Boswellia
Boswellia contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic boswellic acids that can soothe pain
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw has been used for thousands of years in Africa for fever, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, inflammation and pain and conditions involving the gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.
Valerian Root
This hardy little plant is often referred to as "All-Heal". It is given this name because of how many uses it has. Not only does it treat Back pain, Sleeplessness and Stress, but this plant is also used for anxiety and depression. It has a natural muscle relaxing quality and naturally sooths the mind, bringing a calm and content feeling. This plant even has minor Sedation properties which is what makes it so useful for falling asleep.
Peppermint
Peppermint is used for the common cold, cough, inflammation of the mouth and throat, sinus infections, and respiratory infections. It is also used for digestive problems including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cramps of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bile ducts, upset stomach, diarrhea, bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, gas, menstrual problems, liver and gallbladder complaints, and as a stimulant.headache, muscle pain, nerve pain, toothache, inflammation of the mouth, joint conditions, itchiness, allergic rash, bacterial and viral infections, relaxing the colon during barium enemas, and for repelling mosquitoes.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a rust-colored spice, lighter in color than paprika. Turmeric has a slightly earthy taste, and is commonly used in east Asian and Hungarian dishes. This spice is known not just for its aroma and taste, but also for its medicinal properties. Turmeric,known as curcumin, reduces inflammation in the body, and recent medical studies indicate that men who eat turmeric consistently have lower levels of prostate cancer. Reducing inflammation in the body is a key component to good, long health, so learning how to use turmeric to reduce inflammation and pain in your life can have long-term health benefits that far exceed just using this spice as a food additive
Ginger
Ginger has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate digestive cramps and mild pain
Camphor
Camphor seems to stimulate nerve endings that relieve symptoms such as pain and itching when applied to the skin. Camphor is also active against fungi that cause infections in the toenails. Camphor is Effective against Joint pain, Backaches, Neuralgia, Rheumatic pain, can be treated with Camphor externally. It is an herbal counter-irritant and most often used as an analgesic for topical treatment. Camphor oil can act as an analgesic too. The physical pain associated with external bruises or sprains along with severe inflammation can be treated with Camphor oil.
Camphor is safe for most adults when applied to the skin in a cream or lotion. Camphor can cause some minor side effects such as skin redness and irritation. Don't use undiluted camphor products or products containing more than 11% camphor. These can be irritating and unsafe. Also, don't apply camphor containing products to broken or injured skin.
Lavender
Lavender is used for restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, and depression. It is also used for a variety of digestive complaints including meteorism (abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity), loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas (flatulence), upset stomach, painful conditions including migraine headaches, toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint pain. It is also used for acne and cancer, and to promote menstruation.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapple stems, bromelain reduces levels of prostaglandins, which are hormones that induce inflammation. Bromelain may benefit people with arthritis and conditions marked by musculoskeletal tension (such as TMJ syndrome), as well as those suffering trauma-related inflammation. What's more, the enzyme may promote healing in muscles and connective tissues.
http://herbalhealthcare-daw.blogspot.com/2013/02/homemade-pain-relieving-cream.html
Ingredients:
1/2 cup Coconut Oil you can also use Jojoba Oil
2 teaspoons Beeswax pellets
2 teaspoons Camphor crystals or 5 Drops Camphor oil
2 teaspoons Menthol crystals or 5 drops menthol oil
5 drops Peppermint oil
5 drops Eucalyptus oil
5 drops lavender essential oil
5 drops white willow bark essential oil
5 drops arnica essential oil
Melt the coconut oil and beeswax together. You can do this in the microwave, in a double boiler, or what I did was set a small saucepan on the stove for a minute or two and then turned the burner off and added the coconut oil and beeswax. Stir until melted.
Allow the mixture to cool for a few minutes, then add the camphor crystals or oil , white willow bark oil, the menthol crystals or oil , arnica oil, and the eucalyptus oil.
Put in a container and allow to cool completely. When it is completely cooled it will be a solid rather than liquid…but the minute it hits your warm skin…it will liquify again. That’s what coconut oil does, which makes it perfect for massaging onto sore muscles and joints.
Before you start taking these herbs or any herbs for pain please research them and find out if you can take them or are allergic to them
Here is a list of Herbs that help with pain
you can add to the recipe above with these herbs
White Willow Bark
White willow bark contains several beneficial compounds that have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and immunity-boosting effects. The main active component of white willow bark is salicin, a chemical that has an analgesic effect (painkiller). The body converts salicin into salicylic acid once its ingested. This chemical is what makes this bark similar to aspirin, which is why it's commonly used as a natural pain remedy.
Eucalyptus Oil
Eucalyptus Oil has a number of benefits among which the most well known is that it a strong antiseptic and a perfect oil for aromatherapy. Eucalyptus Oil of Australia helps to clear the mind and focus it. It is also a natural remedy for many diseases because it prevents infections and is a natural vaso-dilator, opening your blood vessels and increasing circulation to promote the healing process of the body for natural pain relief.
Menthol
Menthol has a natural analgesic (pain reliever) attribute when used in lotion, gel, or cream form. As the lotion is applied, molecules called ligands attach themselves to receptors in your cell triggering a change. The menthol ligand attaches to the kappa Opioid receptor, which produces a numbing effect.
Menthol brings a wonderful cooling sensation by stimulating thermoreceptors in the skin cells which help your body recognize temperature changes. Your skin doesn’t actually change temperature. Instead, menthol causes a signal to be sent which your brain interprets as cold, relieving the uncomfortable heat of inflammation. That’s why many first aid products use menthol for cooling in place of ice.
Arnica
Arnica ,relieves osteoarthritic pain in the knee and pain following carpal-tunnel release surgery. It contains helenin, an analgesic, as well as anti-inflammatory chemicals
Boswellia
Boswellia contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic boswellic acids that can soothe pain
Devil's Claw
Devil's claw has been used for thousands of years in Africa for fever, rheumatoid arthritis, skin conditions, inflammation and pain and conditions involving the gallbladder, pancreas, stomach and kidneys.
Valerian Root
This hardy little plant is often referred to as "All-Heal". It is given this name because of how many uses it has. Not only does it treat Back pain, Sleeplessness and Stress, but this plant is also used for anxiety and depression. It has a natural muscle relaxing quality and naturally sooths the mind, bringing a calm and content feeling. This plant even has minor Sedation properties which is what makes it so useful for falling asleep.
Peppermint
Peppermint is used for the common cold, cough, inflammation of the mouth and throat, sinus infections, and respiratory infections. It is also used for digestive problems including heartburn, nausea, vomiting, morning sickness, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), cramps of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract and bile ducts, upset stomach, diarrhea, bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine, gas, menstrual problems, liver and gallbladder complaints, and as a stimulant.headache, muscle pain, nerve pain, toothache, inflammation of the mouth, joint conditions, itchiness, allergic rash, bacterial and viral infections, relaxing the colon during barium enemas, and for repelling mosquitoes.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a rust-colored spice, lighter in color than paprika. Turmeric has a slightly earthy taste, and is commonly used in east Asian and Hungarian dishes. This spice is known not just for its aroma and taste, but also for its medicinal properties. Turmeric,known as curcumin, reduces inflammation in the body, and recent medical studies indicate that men who eat turmeric consistently have lower levels of prostate cancer. Reducing inflammation in the body is a key component to good, long health, so learning how to use turmeric to reduce inflammation and pain in your life can have long-term health benefits that far exceed just using this spice as a food additive
Ginger
Ginger has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate digestive cramps and mild pain
Camphor
Camphor seems to stimulate nerve endings that relieve symptoms such as pain and itching when applied to the skin. Camphor is also active against fungi that cause infections in the toenails. Camphor is Effective against Joint pain, Backaches, Neuralgia, Rheumatic pain, can be treated with Camphor externally. It is an herbal counter-irritant and most often used as an analgesic for topical treatment. Camphor oil can act as an analgesic too. The physical pain associated with external bruises or sprains along with severe inflammation can be treated with Camphor oil.
Camphor is safe for most adults when applied to the skin in a cream or lotion. Camphor can cause some minor side effects such as skin redness and irritation. Don't use undiluted camphor products or products containing more than 11% camphor. These can be irritating and unsafe. Also, don't apply camphor containing products to broken or injured skin.
Lavender
Lavender is used for restlessness, insomnia, nervousness, and depression. It is also used for a variety of digestive complaints including meteorism (abdominal swelling from gas in the intestinal or peritoneal cavity), loss of appetite, vomiting, nausea, intestinal gas (flatulence), upset stomach, painful conditions including migraine headaches, toothaches, sprains, nerve pain, sores, and joint pain. It is also used for acne and cancer, and to promote menstruation.
Bromelain
Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapple stems, bromelain reduces levels of prostaglandins, which are hormones that induce inflammation. Bromelain may benefit people with arthritis and conditions marked by musculoskeletal tension (such as TMJ syndrome), as well as those suffering trauma-related inflammation. What's more, the enzyme may promote healing in muscles and connective tissues.
***
NOTE: The information contained here is for educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified physician and/or naturopathic doctor, and the information given within is not meant to replace modern medicines or established medical treatments without the proper guidance of a qualified health practitioner. It is only meant for educational purposes.
NOTE: The information contained here is for educational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for seeking the advice of a qualified physician and/or naturopathic doctor, and the information given within is not meant to replace modern medicines or established medical treatments without the proper guidance of a qualified health practitioner. It is only meant for educational purposes.
Nutrition facts, calories in food, labels, nutritional information and analysis
For those of you interested in making sure you are eating foods that
are high on the anti-inflammatory scale, this is a great website.
It shows the inflammatory factor (and everything else you ever wanted to know!) of the foods you are interested in
http://nutritiondata.self.com/
It shows the inflammatory factor (and everything else you ever wanted to know!) of the foods you are interested in
http://nutritiondata.self.com/
Monday, April 16, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
Sunday, February 5, 2012
I am just plain lazy.
I have lost almost 75 pounds this year and I still do not exercise. I need to at least learn to walk regularly in the street or the gym or around the mall, but some place!!! Why walk? The benefits of walking:
1. “Burn” calories, improves the rate of metabolism.
2. Helps strengthen the body, reduce local subcutaneous fat, helps to restore the loose body areas, as a result of the weight loss.
3. Helps to strengthen the bones (something especially important for women).
4. Reduces symptoms of varicose veins, helps the circulatory system.
5. Reduces blood pressure and pulse when you are relaxed
6. Help overcoming headaches.
7. Helps you be calmer with less stress, “intensity”, “nerves” that often cause greed, need for food.
After a good walk you would feel better, more relaxed, less stressed, and less “need” for food.
(info 'borrowed' from http://www.weightlosshelpandtips.net/2009/03/weight-loss-exercise-tips/ )
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)