by admin | Oct 20, 2021 | Health Awareness, Pain Management
Millions of people rely on oral supplements to mitigate the effects of joint pain and arthritis. While these supplements can provide some relief, it is important to choose the right products. A few of the more popular options include glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and chondroitin.
If you or a loved one are struggling with joint pain, then you may want to consider adding these supplements to your daily regimen:
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays an important role in bone strength. Inadequate levels of vitamin D can contribute to injuries and joint pain. Oral vitamin D supplements are affordable and can help you avoid these potential issues.
Glucosamine
Your body uses glucosamine to maintain healthy cartilage. Since cartilage acts as the cushion or shock absorber for your joints, it is essential for preventing joint pain. Glucosamine also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Chondroitin
Many glucosamine supplements also contain chondroitin. Together, these two supplements can reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Chondroitin has been linked to better mobility, reduced pain, and less dependence on pain medications.
Omega-3
Omega-3 supplements like fish oil are often discussed due to their potential heart health benefits. However, they may also help reduce stiffness associated with chronic inflammation.
Curcumin/Turmeric
Curcumin, which is the active ingredient found in turmeric, has been linked to joint pain relief. This treatment likely works because curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Green Tea
Green tea is packed full of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory micronutrients. As a result, it may be beneficial for combating joint pain and stiffness. However, more research is needed to understand its effects fully.
While all of the supplements outlined above can help reduce arthritis and joint pain severity, medical intervention may still be necessary. In the past, this meant potentially harmful oral medications or invasive surgical procedures.
Another possible treatment option is stem cell therapy. While stem cell therapy is still being studied, many patients have experienced benefits using this intervention. It has allowed them to regain a better quality of life while also avoiding invasive surgery or healing from surgery.
by admin | Oct 20, 2021 | Health Awareness
Recently, numerous studies have demonstrated that exercise is excellent for your immune system. Regular physical activity also has mood-boosting benefits. Having an immune system that is functioning properly is vital, especially in light of the recent pandemic.
Currently, the exact reasons as to why exercise boosts immunity are not entirely understood. However, it likely has something to do with an increase in white blood cell and antibody circulation during vigorous activity. In addition, regular exercise hinders certain stress hormones, which have been linked to diseases and reduced immunity.
Unfortunately, in today’s busy world, finding the time to exercise can be quite challenging. It can be difficult to squeeze in that workout between work, social obligations, plans with the family, and any other responsibilities that you may have on your plate. With that in mind, we wanted to highlight which exercise is the best for your immune system. That way, you can efficiently protect your health, even if you are in a time crunch.
Which Exercise Is Best?
While consistently getting up and moving is vital, you do not have to deadlift 500lbs, attend spin class seven days a week, or train as a triathlete to experience the immune system-related health benefits of exercise. All you need to do is go for a brisk walk of 30 minutes or more. Simply going for regular walks will increase white blood cells and antibodies.
However, these elevated levels of antibodies and white blood cells do not last forever. If you want to maximize the benefits of walking, then you should exercise consistently. You should aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity daily or every other day. Even if you do get sick, your symptoms are more likely to be mild when compared to your more sedentary counterparts.
In addition to regular exercise, you should also eat a healthy diet and supplement with vitamins and minerals. You can also add healthy beverages like lemon water and green tea. Prioritizing sleep is an additional regimen that can help your immune system stay healthy.
by admin | Oct 13, 2021 | Multiple Sclerosis, Health Awareness, Stem Cell Therapy
Several million people across the globe are living with the condition known as MS or multiple sclerosis. The majority of them were diagnosed with this condition between 20-40 years of age.
Due to the complexity of the condition, diagnosing MS requires a multi-stage testing process. Once a positive diagnosis has been obtained, patients have several treatment options available to them, which we’ll outline below.
The Diagnosis Process
To diagnose multiple sclerosis, doctors rely on a variety of tests that are designed to rule out other medical conditions. This is necessary because there are no specific diagnostic procedures for detecting MS. The diagnosis process may include:
Blood Tests: During initial testing, blood samples are used to rule out common conditions that present similar symptoms to MS. These blood tests also check for unique biomarkers that are associated with MS.
Spinal Tap: Depending on the results of the blood tests, the physician may schedule a spinal tap next. This test involves puncturing the lumbar spine in order to remove a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid. The fluid is then subjected to laboratory analysis and checked for abnormal antibodies linked to MS.
MRI: An MRI or magnetic resonance imaging test is used to identify lesions on the spinal cord and brain. These lesions are a common sign of MS. Oftentimes, patients receive an IV injection of a “contrast material.” This substance helps to highlight legions during the MRI scan.
Evoked Potential Tests: An evoked potential test documents electrical signals that are created by your nervous system. It can use electrical stimuli or verbal stimuli in order to prompt your nervous system to create impulses. The goal of this test is to determine how fast information is traveling down nerve pathways.
MS Treatment Options
While MS has no cure, there are several viable treatment options available. These treatments can enhance the quality of life of MS sufferers and mitigate their symptoms. MS treatments include:
Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are used to reduce nerve inflammation. They can be administered orally or through an IV. However, corticosteroids do present a risk for several side effects, such as insomnia and increased blood sugar.
Plasma Exchange: Plasma is the liquid component of blood. During this treatment, the plasma is removed and separated from the patient’s blood cells. The cells are combined with albumin (protein solution) and put back into the patient’s body.
Stem Cell Therapy: Stem cell therapy is an alternative treatment option for patients with MS. It is being used to potentially help patients suffering from symptoms of neurodegenerative conditions. Stem cells stimulate the body’s natural healing capabilities and have the potential to help manage MS symptoms. If you or a loved one suffers from MS, stem cell therapy may be an option to explore as an alternative treatment.
by admin | Oct 6, 2021 | Health Awareness
In recent years, people across the nation have become more conscious of the foods they consume. You may have implemented basic detoxing tips or started to work on cleaning up your diet.
However, one of the most popular whole grains out there has some hidden side effects that you should know about. While it is often considered a healthier alternative to white rice, brown rice may have some effects to consider.
Brown Rice Contains Small Amounts of Arsenic
Arsenic is a toxic chemical that may be present in brown rice. This toxin has been associated with an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.
Some studies suggest that rice contains concentrations of arsenic that are up to 10 times that of other grains. If you decide to eat brown rice, do so in limited quantities and make sure to rinse it thoroughly before cooking, as this can help reduce the concentration of arsenic.
Brown Rice Can Cause Digestive Issues
Brown rice is richer in fiber than white rice and many other grains. While consuming more fiber has its benefits, some individuals are sensitive to it. In those individuals, excessive brown rice consumption can cause digestive distress, such as constipation or bloating.
To reduce your risk of experiencing this side effect, you may want to consider limiting your grain intake. Working anti-inflammatory foods into your diet can also be beneficial for your overall wellbeing.
Brown Rice Can Elevate Your Blood Sugar
Especially when consumed in large quantities, brown rice can elevate your blood sugar. It has about as many carbs per serving as white rice, which means that you should consume it in moderation.
While eating brown rice certainly has its benefits, you should be aware of how much you are consuming at any one meal. When incorporated into a healthy way of eating, brown rice is an enjoyable grain that pairs well with just about any protein.
by admin | Sep 22, 2021 | Health Awareness
The plantar fascia is a ligament that attaches the front of your foot to your heel. For many people, this thin strip of tissue can cause large amounts of pain. Over half of all Americans report pain in their heels. Plantar fasciitis is the leading cause of heel pain.
This is one of the most common orthopedic conditions. With constant use, your plantar fascia sustains wear and tear over time. Plantar fascia inflammation can cause severe discomfort in the heel.
This condition is common among runners and other athletes who use their heels extensively. But plantar fasciitis also affects pregnant women because they often carry extra weight.
Fortunately, there are ways to ease the heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Below, we will discuss a few useful stretches for soothing heel pain.
Stretching the Calves
Stretching the muscles that are close to the inflamed ligament can help to ease discomfort.
To stretch your calves, take the following simple steps:
- Stand with arms outstretched and palms against a wall
- Place your left foot behind your right foot
- Gently bend your right leg toward the wall
- Keep your left knee straight and heel on the floor
- Hold the stretched position for 15 to 30 seconds
- Switch the position of your legs and stretch again
Repeat each calf stretch three times. This stretch works the soleus muscle in the lower part of your calf.
Stretching the Plantar Fascia
You can stretch the plantar fascia directly by using the following seated stretching exercises:
Foam Roller Stretch: Sit straight on a chair and roll the bottom of your foot over a round foam roller. You can also use a cold beverage can or frozen bottle of water. Repeat for one minute and then switch feet.
Big Toe Stretch: Sit straight on a chair and cross your legs. Gently grab your big toe and pull it toward your body. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds, but no longer. Reverse your position and do the same with the other foot.
These simple stretches can help to ease the heel pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
by admin | Sep 16, 2021 | Health Awareness
In recent years, lemon water has gained traction as a low-calorie beverage that can help you to lose weight and improve your overall health. But is this tart drink all that it’s cracked up to be?
Below, we’ll take a look at what the science says so that you can decide whether lemon water should become a part of your daily routine.
What is Lemon Water?
As the name suggests, lemon water is just lemon juice diluted into a glass of water. There is no exact dosage recommendation, so you can put as much or as little lemon juice in the concoction as you want. It can be consumed either hot or cold, depending on your personal preferences.
When you’re mixing up your batch of lemon water, feel free to add in some extra components, like include lemon rind, honey, turmeric, mint, or any other herbs that make the beverage more enjoyable If you are not too keen on tart drinks.
Nutrition Facts
The exact nutrition facts of your lemon water will depend on how much you use. If you incorporate other herbs or sweeteners, it will also impact the nutrient profile of your beverage.
For the nutrition of a single lemon, you’ll receive:
- 10.6 calories
- 21% DV vitamin C
- 9.6 mcg folate
While a single lemon does not provide an abundance of essential nutrients, it does contain lots of flavonoids. These compounds can help your body to fight disease.
Potential Benefits
The primary benefit of lemon water is that it is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants. These two compounds help your body to combat inflammation and prevent cell damage. Lowered inflammation can help to reduce your risk for various health conditions, such as diabetes and cancer.
In addition, adding lemon juice to your water can make it more palatable. This can help you to reach your daily water intake goals and stay properly hydrated. Adequate hydration can support weight loss efforts, optimize your mood, and improve your digestive health.
In short, lemon water has several notable benefits and virtually no drawbacks. When paired with a regular exercise regimen and proper supplementation, lemon water can help you reach your health goals!
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