by admin | Sep 18, 2019 | Cannabinoid, CBD, Health Awareness
CBD oil has been appearing everywhere we look recently, and its popularity doesn’t seem to be disappearing any time soon. Known officially as cannabidiol, the compound is found in the marijuana plant and has been associated with a broad range of claims to boost health. Indeed, everything from promoting heart wellness to reducing acne has been credited to CBD oil — but is there really any evidence to back up these claims? While further research needs to be done to support many of these positions, one area that shows promise is CBD’s ability to relieve arthritis pain.
Arthritis: Common Yet Challenging
More than 54 million adults have been diagnosed with at least one type of arthritis, but it’s possible that there are many individuals living with the condition. Despite the fact that it’s very common, there is still no cure for arthritis, and it can be notoriously difficult to treat. Although medications are available for controlling symptoms, many have their own host of side effects. And, the pain caused by this joint condition can range from mildly uncomfortable to debilitating.
Where CBD Oil Comes In
CBD oil has the powerful ability to stimulate brain activity by interacting with cannabinoid receptor types 1 and 2, which are involved with the immune system, to decrease the effects of pain and inflammation. Yet, it doesn’t have the same psychoactive effects as marijuana and is thus considered a worthwhile alternative for arthritis patients seeking a natural solution without side effects for managing pain. The World Health Organization reports that CBD exhibits no indication of the potential for abuse or dependence and that there is no evidence of health-related issues resulting from pure CBD. But has it been proven effective for treating arthritis pain?
The research seems to say yes. In a study from the European Journal of Pain, topical CBD oil showed reduced inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. Research has also confirmed that CBD inhibits inflammatory and neuropathic pain, both of which are especially difficult to treat. In individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, controlled trials have shown that cannabis-medications can significantly improve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve quality of sleep.
If you’re experiencing chronic pain from arthritis, CBD could be the key to enjoying more pain-free days. Of course, quality is important to ensure optimal results, please visit our website to see available Charlotte’s Web products.
by admin | Sep 16, 2019 | Health Awareness
In individuals with neurological conditions, the varying nature of symptoms can make it difficult to generalize dietary advice. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), for example, damage to the myelin sheath can manifest as many different physical and mental symptoms. These symptoms can vary over time and may be different from one person to the next. Nonetheless, there are some healthy eating tips from which both Multiple Sclerosis patients and individuals with other neurological conditions may benefit. Explore some practical strategies for eating well to manage neurological conditions below.
Eat to Energize
All food gives us energy, but wholesome choices are the best choices for keeping energy levels up during the day. Natural foods like fruits, vegetables, and nuts can help to keep fatigue at bay. Additionally, avoiding sugary or particularly heavy foods that cause a crash can also minimize energy loss.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Neurological disorders are often accompanied by symptoms that make exercise difficult. This can result in weight gain, and to further complicate matters, meal prep and food shopping can further deplete energy. Research suggests that malnutrition isn’t uncommon in people with Multiple Sclerosis, but having healthy, home-cooked meals can ensure you get the nutrients you need while promoting weight management. A plant-based diet, in particular, has been shown to help people with MS lose weight. A dietician can help you come up with healthy options that require minimal prep work, such as vegetarian chili in the slow cooker.
Avoid Known Triggers
Feeling overheated can be an issue for people with Multiple Sclerosis, so avoiding foods that are too hot can help keep this symptom at bay during meals. Likewise, if you begin to feel overheated, a cool healthy treat such as a whole-fruit popsicle could provide relief. Individuals with trigeminal neuralgia, which causes facial pain, may find it easiest to enjoy softer foods, like yogurt and potatoes. Finally, any foods that cause constipation should be limited, as this symptom tends to be common in Multiple Sclerosis.
Get Plenty of Key Nutrients
Researchers are exploring whether certain nutrients could help individuals with neurological conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids, in particular, have been linked with less disability progression and fewer relapses in people with Multiple Sclerosis. While omega-3s can be found in fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel, it can be difficult to take in ample amounts through diet alone. Thus, many patients discuss the option of taking an omega-3 supplement with their doctors.
Vitamin D could also be important for people with Multiple Sclerosis. In particular, MS has been observed as being more common in areas with less sunlight, so researchers believe vitamin D could have protective qualities to help prevent MS. While research is still ongoing to determine whether supplementing vitamin D in patients who already have Multiple Sclerosis could be beneficial, addressing a deficiency could still support your overall health. It’s, therefore, a good idea to have your vitamin D levels checked if you haven’t done so recently.
by admin | Sep 12, 2019 | Health Awareness
In recent decades, our awareness of the potential damage UV rays can do has increased tremendously. The UV radiation is a known carcinogen, as the link between long-term sun exposure and increased skin cancer risk is irrefutable. Yet, the link isn’t as straightforward as we may think, as age and genetic factors are also suspected to play a role in skin cancer risks, in addition to sun exposure.
And, it turns that moderate sun exposure may even have some health benefits. For instance, it helps trigger the production of important hormones, may help reduce the risk of seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and helps the body create vitamin D. Recent research has even shown that it could decrease the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
The Sunshine & IBD Link
In a study conducted by The Australian National University, children who spent half an hour outside each day appeared to have a lower risk of IBD. More than 800,000 people have chronic disorders encompassed by IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. The risk in children who were exposed to sunlight was almost 20% lower than in their peers.
While the half-hour window seems to hold the most promising results, even short periods of sun exposure were linked with a reduced risk of IBD. In fact, the study’s lead professor notes that every 10 minutes of sun exposure resulted in a 6% drop in the child’s risk for developing the condition. This has led the researchers to the conclusion that there is an association between lack of sun exposure and increased IBD risk.
Although experts have already determined that sunlight does play a role in immune system functionality in ways that could lower one’s risk for IBD, the precise mechanisms still have yet to be determined. IBD is becoming more common in children, so this eye-opening discovery could be a worthwhile preventive tactic to explore.
Nonetheless, this doesn’t mean children should forego sunscreen entirely, especially since there’s evidence to suggest that sun exposure during youth could contribute most to skin cancer. Thus, it’s still a good idea for people of all ages to stay protected with an SPF of 15 or higher when spending extended periods of time outdoors.
by admin | Sep 5, 2019 | Health Awareness
It’s a well-known fact that smoking can increase the risk of serious disease over the long term, but research also suggests it could make your day-to-day life more difficult, too. In particular, a University of Kentucky study shows smokers are more likely to experience at least one chronic pain syndrome.
While former smokers experience a 20% greater likelihood of experiencing chronic pain, occasional smokers had a 68% increase. For daily smokers, the odds of experiencing chronic pain more than doubled compared to non-smokers. The conditions studied in the analysis included:
- Chronic joint, neck, and back pain
- Persistent head pain
- Nerve problems
- Sciatica
- Widespread pain throughout the body
- Fibromyalgia
Yet, this study isn’t the only one to have associated chronic pain with smoking. In fact, nearly 50 studies conducted between the mid-1970s and 1990s link smoking to lower back pain. Facial pain, nerve pain, and knee pain are among the most prevalent complaints among groups who smoke.
What’s the Connection?
Despite the trend, researchers haven’t yet pinpointed a precise reason why smoking causes chronic pain. Of course, it must also be asked whether smoking is sometimes used as a coping mechanism for individuals experiencing persistent pain. Nonetheless, we do know certain facts about smoking which can, in part, explain how it contributes to pain:
- Nicotine is believed to modulate pain sensitivity. It may help to minimize sensitivity at first, but this effect can wear off over time. When it does, pain may feel worse.
- Smoking decreases oxygen levels in the blood, thereby preventing tissues from getting the critical oxygen they need. Thus, the habit is associated with a number of pain-inducing conditions, including osteoporosis and increased risk of bone fracture.
- Smoking and chronic pain are both commonly seen in conditions such as depression and substance abuse. These conditions might make it more difficult for individuals to manage their pain levels through healthy, effective means.
Cessation for Pain Management
While former smokers are slightly more likely to report chronic pain than individuals who have never smoked, there is a definite decrease in likelihood between former and current smokers. For this reason, researchers believe people who are experiencing chronic pain could benefit from quitting, in addition to other healthy pain management strategies. Likewise, effectively treating chronic pain could potentially increase a smoker’s odds of quitting successfully. Although further research is needed, quitting smoking will always be one of the best things you can do to improve your health, both now and into the future. If you need help in quitting smoking, there are options for you, but perhaps it may be best to start with consulting with your physician.
by admin | Aug 27, 2019 | Health Awareness
Of all the pieces of wellness advice we hear regularly, the importance of drinking enough water seems to be the most ubiquitous. Indeed, no matter your dietary preferences, workout schedule, or any other unique lifestyle factors, experts always tend to agree that staying hydrated is the one essential practice that can work in everyone’s favor. But just how likely are we to become dehydrated?
Water is the most important substance for survival.
Truth: The prevalence of the “drink more water” mantra holds up. Our cells require H2O to function, and the body uses complex mechanisms to ensure it has enough water to work well. Roughly 75% of a baby’s weight is made up of water, while it makes up 55% of an adult’s weight.
Dark urine always indicates dehydration.
Myth: Urine usually ranges from pale yellow to deep amber. Its yellowish tint is a result of a pigment called urochrome. Typically, well-hydrated individuals will have urine on the paler side. Yet, dark urine doesn’t automatically indicate a need for more water. Beets, berries, asparagus, and certain medications can alter the hue of urine.
Dehydration is common.
Myth: While we know staying hydrated is important, we typically only see severe hydration in performance athletes, the elderly, and individuals with severe illness. The thirst mechanism becomes less effective as we grow older, which is why older adults are more likely to become dehydrated.
There are no formal guidelines on water intake.
Truth: US Dietary Recommendations for water are based on median water intakes. Currently, there is no adequate measurement of the hydration status of the population. For most people, the sensation of thirst is a good indicator of when and how much water to drink. Yet, factors like age, humidity, heat, and physical exertion can impact the need for hydration.
Inadequate hydration poses serious health risks.
True: As mentioned above, water helps the body function on a cellular level. Staying hydrated protects against kidney stones, regulates gastrointestinal function, and may prevent vascular diseases, including stroke. Ample hydration is especially important for people with diabetes. With that being said, further research is needed to determine how hydration affects long-term health and the potential role it plays in chronic disease.
Staying hydrated will leave you with glowing skin.
Myth: While severe dehydration may leave skin cracked and dry, drinking extra water won’t boost skin elasticity in people who already get sufficient hydration. Emollient moisturizers are better suited for combatting skin dryness.
You need to drink 8 glasses of water per day to stay healthy.
The verdict is still out on this one. Again, while there is no exact requirement for water, the National Academy of Sciences has issued general recommendations for women at 91 ounces of total water per day and 125 ounces for men. Keep in mind that this also includes water from all beverages and foods, including fruit and non-water drinks. With that said, the Institute of Medicine confirms that individuals can be adequately hydrated below or above the recommended intake levels.
by admin | Aug 16, 2019 | Health Awareness
Crohn’s disease is a rare but serious inflammatory bowel disease. The condition causes the digestive tract lining to become inflamed, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and malnutrition. Individuals with Crohn’s disease are also more likely to experience small intestine permeability, or what’s known as “leaky gut.” While there is no cure for the disease, medications and lifestyle modifications can be used to help manage the condition. In particular, research suggests zinc supplements may help to combat leaky gut associated with Crohn’s disease.
What is Leaky Gut?
In leaky gut syndrome, the gaps in intestinal walls loosen, allowing bacteria and toxins to pass through the intestines and into the bloodstream. Experts believe the condition may be linked to chronic and autoimmune conditions, including celiac disease and type 1 diabetes.
Leaky gut can occur whenever the balance between good and bad gut bacteria is off. The intestinal tract is home to hundreds of good bacteria, which help to manage digestion, process nutrients, and fight off bad bacteria.
Can Zinc Help?
While optimizing diet to maintain digestive health is a good start for many individuals, there are many other factors beyond nutrition at play when it comes to leaky gut. This is especially true for people with Crohn’s disease. Everything from compounds in tap water to medications can alter gut flora, which is why many individuals, and especially those with inflammatory bowel diseases, need an extra line of defense against leaky gut.
Because Crohn’s disease can inhibit proper nutrient absorption, people with the condition may face deficiencies in key vitamins and minerals. In particular, studies suggest that a zinc deficiency contributes to damage in the gut membrane barrier, but with zinc supplements, small intestine permeability can be improved. In a study published in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, the majority of patients who were given 110 mg of oral zinc sulfate supplements for 8 weeks had normal intestinal permeability and did not relapse. The findings suggest that zinc supplements can resolve permeability issues in individuals with Crohn’s disease and that strengthening the intestinal barrier may minimize the risk of relapse.
While each patient should check with their doctor before introducing any new supplements to their daily regimen, the findings do seem to be promising and may suggest that a single vitamin could play a powerful role in Crohn’s disease management.
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