Saturday, 14 November 2009

Flower Remedies For Arthritis Psoriasis

If you have never considered flower remedies as a mind, body approach to arthritis psoriasis, then they are well worth consideration.

Edward Bach pioneered this approach in the 1930 by introducing thirty-eight different Bach flower remedies, based on English plants. They directly address an individual's emotional state to facilitate physiological and psychological well-being.

Arthritis psoriasis is therefore helped due to the balancing of negative feelings and stress that can hamper recovery and health.

Most people gradually develop a greater responsiveness to their personal emotions and learn to deal and express them. As the mind becomes more flexible, aches and pains lessen, as does the swelling and stiffness of the joints and muscles.

Flower remedies are prepared from fresh blossoms from the various plants and can help address the underlying issues causing arthritis psoriasis and you can even stop treatment once you feel some improvement due to their non-addictive nature.

Sunday, 9 August 2009

Your Body is Your Best Doctor


The previous post discussed the connection between gum disease and arthritis. I have just come across a book By Melvin E. Page and H. Leon Abrams called, "Your Body Is Your Best Doctor", which although not specifically written on the subject of arthritis, makes a very good read.

In the book the authors discuss their thirty-year research into the cause of tooth decay and gum disease. They believe that it takes a twenty five percent imbalance in the body's chemistry to cause tooth decay.

These conclusions are drawn from the results of more than forty thousand blood tests. The findings show that when calcium and phosphorus in the blood are not proportioned at one part of calcium to two and a half parts of calcium, mineral are withdrawn from the bone and dentin, resulting in tooth decay.

As an arthritis sufferer, I believe that any information to keep bones healthy is well worth reading and this is my reason for mentioning this book here. If you don't agree with me – I welcome your comments!

Friday, 7 August 2009

The Connection Between Gum Disease and Arthritis

Not everyone is aware that gum disease can increase the risk of arthritis. However, it is in fact well accepted that inflammation and infection, also known as pyorrhea or gingivitis can increase the risk of heart problems by three hundred percent. It also increases the risks of stroke, cancer, respiratory disease, kidney disease, low birth rate in babies and arthritis.

An Australian study published in the Journal of Periodontology discovered that inflamed joints and missing teeth go hand in hand.

The study involved one hundred and thirty people. The sixty five who had rheumatoid arthritis averaged 11.6 missing teeth in contrast to the control group who averaged 6.7 and they were found to be more likely to have periodontal disease with moderate to severe jawbone loss.

Gum disease is contagious and deadly. Millions of bacteria and bugs breed in plaque even when you brush and floss daily. It’s a war going on in your mouth that you are probably losing and germs can migrate into your bloodstream.


Rheumatoid arthritis and periodontal disease have similar pathologies and chronic inflammation and a weak immune system are central to both diseases.As over eight-five percent of Americans have gum disease and the medical profession doesn't take this matter as seriously as inflammation in any other part of the body, it really is a good idea to see your dentist.

Friday, 31 July 2009

Arthritis Drugs - Prednisone Side Effects

Did you know that the use of prednisone, one of the arthritis drugs can cause increased appetite and weight gain, especially if you have been taking high doses over an extended period. This generally shows on the face, behind the neck and also on the abdomen. But there are other associated problems and side effects.

This potent anti-inflammatory, a corticosteroid is taken by some arthritis sufferers to suppress immune system activity and reduce inflammation. It works by mimicking cortisol action in the body, but remains inactive until the liver's enzymes convert it to prednisolone, so is not likely to be as effective if you have a liver condition.

Prolonged use can cause your adrenal glands to stop producing cortisol all together and for this reason users will be slowly weaned off this drug to allow the adrenal glands to recover.

Other possible side effects corticosteroid arthritis drugs like prednisone include:

Elevated blood sugar
Elevated blood fats
Cataracts
Potassium loss
Sodium (salt) retention
Fluid retention
Growth of facial hair
High blood pressure
Aseptic necrosis
Irregular periods
Headache
Muscle weakness
Puffiness or moon face
Increased appetite
Bruising easily
Thinning of skin
Poor wound healing
Depression
Rounding of upper back
Glaucoma
Stomach ulcers
Growth retardation in juveniles
Insomnia

Prednisone can also interact with other arthritis drugs or supplements.

Saturday, 11 April 2009

Chondroitin As An Arthritis Cure

Chondroitin is a major cartilage builder and arthritis cure, as well as being an essential part of bones and connective tissue. A new review of all the published clinical trials that involved Chondroitin concluded that it has a marked effect in lessening pain and improving the mobility of joints.

Additionally, Chondroitin has been demonstrated to be as successful as the drug Diclofenac in lowering osteoarthritis symptoms, without the drug's harmful side effects to the digestive system

It has an added health bonus, as Chondroitin also encourages fat burning, improves blood circulation, reduces clotting and reduces cholesterol. The suggested dosage is 400mg of Chondroitin taken twice daily.


Many supplements combine Glucosamine and Chondroitin in one product as an arthritis cure. Product labels will have dosage details.

Friday, 10 April 2009

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Here are a selection of 15 videos regarding juvenile arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.


Tuesday, 7 April 2009

Risk Factors For Osteoarthritis

After the age of 35, both men and women start to slowly lose bone mass, but after menopause, women lose bone mass faster. Without the right kinds of exercise and a healthy diet bones can weaken early in life.

If you have any of the following risk factors for osteoarthritis, you should talk to a health care professional.

If you started the menopause before you reached forty five and:

Have more than two alcoholic drinks several times a week.
Are not active.
Have bad eyesight, even when wearing glasses.
Never had enough calcium.
Sometimes fall.

You are older that sixty five and:

A close relative has broken a bone or has osteoporosis.
Are underweight for your height.
Smoke.
Broke a bone after the age of fifty.
Health is poor or fair at best.

You are taking prescription medications such as:

Thyroid medicine.Antiepileptic medications.
Steroids.
Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
Immunosuppressive agents.
Gonodal hormone suppression.

You have one of the following medical conditions:

Vitamin D deficiency.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Inflammatory bowel disease.
Chronic lung disease.
Hyperthyroidism.
Cancer.
Chronic kidney or liver disease.
Multiple sclerosis.
Cushing's disease.
Hyperparathyroidism.