by admin | Aug 24, 2022 | Rheumatoid Arthritis, Health Awareness
The chronic inflammatory disorder rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the joint lining, causing painful swelling. Since there is not yet a permanent cure for the condition, the treatment goal is to put a patient’s RA into remission, where the symptoms are well controlled.
RA remission is more complicated than it seems, and there are many vital facts to know if you have RA.
1. Remission Doesn’t Mean “Without Symptoms”
The Arthritis Foundation defines remission as having limited symptoms of the condition. Since this definition can be subjective, researchers have developed criteria to use in clinical trials. These remission criteria include:
- Only one or fewer swollen joints
- Only one or fewer tender joints
- The patient assesses arthritis activity as a one or less on a 0–10 scale
- A blood test evaluating inflammation shows little to no inflammation
If any of these criteria aren’t met, a patient is not in remission.
2. Remission Can Last for Any Length of Time
Some patients with RA experience remission for a few weeks, and others for a year or longer. There is no guarantee that remission will last for a specific duration.
3. Early Treatment Increases Odds of Remission
While RA symptoms need to persist for six weeks for a doctor to diagnose the condition, the sooner the inflammation is controlled, the better your chances of achieving remission. Since inflammation from RA can cause long-term changes in the joints, patients need aggressive treatment to get the condition under control.
4. Following Your Treatment Plan Is Essential
Staying active, eating healthy, taking your medication as prescribed, and maintaining your scheduled doctor’s appointments to evaluate your health and adjust any dosages as needed is the best way to achieve remission.
5. Tapering Medication Requires Your Doctor
While some patients may be able to cut back on their medication while their RA is in remission, for others, that will cause a relapse. Medication adjustments require your doctor’s guidance to maintain control over your symptoms.
6. Relapses Are Unavoidable
Unfortunately, almost all patients who go into RA remission experience a relapse at some point. If you’ve experienced a flare-up after remission, schedule an appointment with your physician immediately so you can make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
by admin | Aug 10, 2022 | Health Awareness
One of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce sugar consumption is limiting your soda intake. While most of us enjoy a cool, bubbly glass of cola, we could do without the dyes, sugars, acidity, and artificial sweeteners that come with it.
However, one of the easiest ways to kick a soda habit is to swap it out with one of these five better alternatives:
Sparkling Water
Sparkling water has become the hot new soda alternative, quickly outpacing regular sodas for sales growth. There’s a good reason for their popularity. People want a healthier option that still feels like a treat.
If most sparkling water feels too bland, you can add a splash of your favorite fruit juice to punch up the flavor.
Unsweetened Iced Tea
Are you missing your afternoon caffeine fix? A refreshing glass of iced tea can give you the energy boost you need without a sugary soda. While most pre-packaged iced teas are sugared, unsweetened options are available. Plus, you can always make your own at home for an inexpensive option.
Infused Water
Do you want to drink more water but feel like your regular water isn’t cutting it in the taste department? Try infusing herbs, fruits, or veggies into your regular H2O. You can inspire yourself with new recipes like strawberry basil or cucumber mint.
For the most flavor, grab a pitcher and fill it with your concoction at night, letting the water infuse while you sleep, and then greet the new day with a delicious combination of infused water you can sip on all day long.
Coconut Water
If you’re looking for a beverage you can look forward to instead of your standard daily soda, coconut water is a delicious, low-calorie, and lower-sugar alternative to soda or sports drinks.
Kombucha
Kombucha is a sweetened, fermented, lightly bubbly tea drink with anti-bacterial, antioxidant, and probiotic benefits. Kombucha has quickly gained popularity amongst those looking for a healthy, flavor-filled soda alternative that provides a wide range of health benefits.
by admin | Aug 4, 2022 | Health Awareness
Candida is a yeast, which is also a type of fungus, that normally lives on the skin and in areas of the body, including the mouth, throat, vagina, and digestive system. However, in cases where candida grows out of control or in areas of the body where it shouldn’t be present, it can form a fungal infection called candidiasis or Candida albicans.
Candida albicans causes conditions such as oral thrush or vaginal yeast infections.
What Causes Candida Overgrowth?
Candida overgrowth is most common in immunocompromised patients, those with uncontrolled diabetes, or those who have recently or frequently used antibiotics since antibiotics can kill off both good and harmful bacteria, unbalancing yeast levels.
Additionally, certain medications, high levels of stress, and increased alcohol intake may lead to candida overgrowth.
How Does the Candida Diet Work?
The candida diet aims to limit yeast and sugars to reduce the amount of candida in the gut and restore balance to the bacteria and yeast that live in your body. In addition, the candida diet focuses on foods that reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar.
A complete candida cleanse often lasts four to six weeks and prioritizes eating lean proteins, healthy fats, and non-starchy vegetables. Followers should avoid:
- Processed, refined-flour, and refined-sugar foods
- Gluten
- Sweeteners
- Dairy
- Sugary foods, like ice cream and candy
- Mushrooms
- Alcohol, especially beer, wine, and hard ciders
While following a diet to increase fiber, eliminate junk food, and drink more water is almost universally beneficial to your health, you should always check with your primary physician before starting a diet, especially one that restricts carbohydrates.
Most patients who follow a candida diet for the recommended four to six weeks report a lift in brain fog, bloating, indigestion, fatigue, nausea, and gas.
Suppose that you’re concerned about restoring balance to your gut microbiome and reducing or eliminating digestive concerns, aches and pains, and other issues that may stem from candida overgrowth. In that case, a candida diet may be worth considering.
by admin | Jul 27, 2022 | Multiple Sclerosis, Health Awareness
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of the central nervous system. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society states there are, on average, one million people in the United States living with this disease.
One treatment that has the potential of offering an improvement in the symptoms of MS is biotin. Learn what biotin is and what it can offer.
What Is Biotin?
Biotin is also known as vitamin B7. It is one of the B-complex vitamins essential for nerve cell metabolism and is present in many foods, including:
- Egg yolks
- Chard
- Brewer’s yeast
- Nuts
- Livers
- Soybeans and other legumes
- Whole grains
- Bananas
- Mushrooms
- Cauliflowers
Biotin is a part of enzymes that break down fats, carbohydrates, amino acids, and other substances. It also has links to healthy nails, hair, and skin.
How Biotin Can Help Combat MS
Biotin can work to combat MS by stimulating enzymes that help produce more myelin. Myelin is a layer that wraps around your nerves and increases the rate at which electrical impulses travel, and when the immune system targets and damages myelin, multiple sclerosis develops.
Having healthy levels of myelin makes it possible for nerve cells to communicate better, which can relieve symptoms of MS and might even slow the disease’s progression. As such, a supplement such as biotin that encourages myelin production can be very helpful in managing MS.
In some studies, people with MS saw an improvement in their vision upon taking biotin. Another study showed that those taking high doses of biotin felt a reduction in pain levels as well as a boost in energy and a reduction in paralysis.
Learn More About Biotin
Biotin has the potential to offer relief from symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Whether it is the right choice for you will depend on many factors, including your doctor’s recommendations.
If you have MS and are interested in exploring biotin, contact us to learn how you can order today.
by admin | Jul 22, 2022 | Health Awareness
Monitoring and tracking your sleep hygiene offers a straightforward way to help yourself fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Sleep hygiene refers to healthy sleep habits, behaviors, and environments that promote consistent, quality, uninterrupted sleep.
By creating and following good sleep hygiene behaviors throughout the day, you can improve the quality and quantity of your sleep each night.
Why Is Sleep Hygiene Important?
Healthy sleep is critical for both physical and mental health. Those who consistently get high-quality sleep may have improved productivity, outlook, and quality of life.
Established physical benefits of sleep include:
- Reduced stress levels
- Better immune function
- Lower blood pressure
- Better mood
- Improved cognitive function
- Better problem-solving skills
Patients who don’t receive adequate sleep are up to ten times more likely to experience depression and seventeen times more likely to experience anxiety.
How to Improve Sleep Hygiene
The key to good sleep hygiene is to create behaviors and an environment conducive to consistent, quality sleep. Creating habits and behaviors that optimize your sleep schedule, developing sleep-supporting daily routines, and prioritizing a pre-bedtime routine can improve your sleep hygiene.
Sleep-Supporting Daily Routines
Circadian rhythms are the physical, mental, and behavioral changes that align with a 24-hour cycle. You can use the body’s natural circadian rhythms to support good sleep.
Actions supporting sleep and promoting the body’s adherence to circadian rhythms include regular exposure to morning and evening sunlight and physical activity. You can also encourage sleep hygiene by limiting caffeine in the afternoons and evenings and limiting your in-bed activities to sleep and sex.
Optimize Your Sleep Schedule
Adhering to a set sleep schedule can go a long way to support good sleep. Going to bed and waking up at the same time can train the body for proper sleep and wakefulness times.
Establish a Pre-Bedtime Routine
Creating a soothing pre-sleep routine can signal the body that it’s time to rest. This includes turning off screens 30-60 minutes before bed, avoiding bright lights that stimulate wakefulness, and following the same steps before bed, like brushing your teeth and putting on pajamas. Improving your sleep hygiene offers a free, easy way to help improve your overall health.
by admin | Jul 20, 2022 | Health Awareness
Gardening provides benefits beyond beautiful flowers and homegrown vegetables. The act of digging in the dirt offers several unexpected boosts to your physical and mental health and the gratifying experience of growing your own food.
If the warmer weather has you ready to stop and smell (and prune) the flowers, then rest assured that your hobby is keeping you healthy!
Outdoor Gardening Helps Your Body Fight Disease
Soaking up the sun while digging in the dirt allows your body to turn that sunlight into a vital nutrient: vitamin D.
Vitamin D strengthens your bones, boosts your immune system, and helps to lower your risk of cancer and multiple sclerosis. While you need to balance your UV rays with your risk of developing skin cancer, know that your time outside serves a critical function in maintaining your immune health.
Gardening Reduces Stress
Gardening has been shown to improve your mood, reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and even increase self-esteem. In a 2011 study of therapeutic horticulture, researchers found an overall improvement in mental health related to gardening, with the benefits lasting several months.
Gardening Reduces the Risk of Dementia
Several studies linking cognitive function and memory skills to horticulture find that gardening can trigger and improve the brain’s production of memory-related nerves. In addition, patients already experiencing symptoms of dementia see an improvement in symptoms after participating in horticulture therapy.
Gardening Lowers Your Risk of Heart Disease
While most of us think of heart-healthy exercises as running, biking, or another heart-rate–boosting activity, physical exercise and stress reduction provided by gardening can also offer substantial heart health benefits.
A 2013 study found that gardening can cut the risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke by up to 30%. The connection to the natural world offered through gardening can provide significant, long-lasting mental and physical benefits. For more health awareness blogs, please visit www.stemedix.com/blog.
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