by admin | Dec 19, 2018 | Health Awareness, Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition in which the body’s immune system directs itself against the central nervous system (CNS). Most often, this impacts the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerves. The symptoms of this condition can vary widely, with some people experience mild effects and others struggling to complete daily tasks.
Frustratingly, many of the symptoms of MS aren’t outwardly visible. These behind-the-scenes challenges are therefore often endured silently, while the patient’s friends and family members may assume that their appearance of health indicates minimal to no suffering. Here are some of the symptoms which, despite their invisibility, can be debilitating; along with practical coping mechanisms to help you maintain your quality of life.
Pain
Up to two-thirds of people with MS report pain. For many, it interferes with aspects of daily life, including career, recreation, mood, and their ability to complete activities. The steady discomfort is suspected to result from fatigued muscles, which are working to compensate for those weakened by the disease. Sometimes, chronic pain is reported to feel like a tight band around the chest or torso, known as the “MS hug.” It may also feel like burning, prickling, aching, or “pins and needles.”
Sharp pains, on the other hand, are believed to be from faulty nerve signals caused by the lesions produced by MS in the CNS. The damage to the nerves is called dysesthesia and can impact the legs, feet, arms, and trunk. Up to 55% of people with MS have experienced this “clinically significant pain,” and while it isn’t necessarily dangerous, it can be a source of significant frustration.
For some people, compression stockings or gloves can minimize the pain caused by dysesthesias. For others, pain is more pronounced and requires the use of medications. Doctors may prescribe anticonvulsant medications or antidepressants, which change the ways in which the CNS reacts to pain. Over-the-counter pain relievers, including acetaminophen, and warm compresses can also be used to combat pain under a doctor’s supervision.
In many cases, chronic pain is best addressed through anti-inflammatory drugs, either over-the-counter or prescription. Stretching routines may also aid in maintaining flexibility in the muscles, which could help with pain levels. Massage therapy and physical therapy may also be beneficial. Some seeking an alternative option will consider stem cell therapy due to the potential regenerative ability these stem cells offer for those with MS.
Ultimately, discomfort for MS patients varies in intensity. On days when pain is most severe, changing your routine may provide the greatest relief. Whether it’s declining a social event or using a mobility-assistive device, it’s important to find ways to put your comfort first when experiencing intense pain.
Fatigue
The fatigue MS patients experience goes beyond general tiredness: it is often described as a flu-like feeling of exhaustion or extreme muscle weakness. It occurs in 80% of people with the condition and is therefore among its most common symptoms. Although the condition itself can be the cause, it’s also possibly related conditions, such as sleep disorders, medications, and depression could be culprits behind fatigue.
To determine the best form of treatment for your fatigue, consult with your doctor to pinpoint the reason for your exhaustion. If it’s the condition itself, lifestyle management tactics developed through occupational and physical therapy could make day-to-day tasks more manageable. Scheduling rests and even short naps could help you conserve energy. Also, while it might seem counterintuitive, light physical activity might actually combat energy depletion.
For sleep-related issues, stress management, relaxation training, and sleep regulation techniques may be beneficial. If your fatigue comes on suddenly, occurs regularly, and begins to interfere with responsibilities, consider talking to your doctor about medication options.
Cognitive Issues
Cognitive impairment, including issues with memory, perception, learning, and problem-solving, is reported by nearly 50% of people with MS. Sometimes, it can be difficult to tell whether the symptom is tied to the mental fatigue or “brain fog” the condition causes, or whether the mental glitches are actually a result of the impact MS has on the CNS.
While research on the best methods for treating cognitive impairment in MS is still ongoing, there are some tactics you can implement to work around any mental challenges you may experience. Mood management is a good starting point: if you experience inexplicable mental or emotional shifts, you could be suffering from depression. This symptom may be a result of the condition itself, or it could be attributed to medications, in which case you could discuss with your treating physician to see if adjustments to your treatment may be needed.
For some people, brain exercises such as puzzles and memory games help to maintain mental acuity. The brain is a muscle, and working it out regularly is important to facilitating strength. Planning your days in advance is also a good way to minimize any challenges cognitive issues may pose. Schedule important tasks for the times of day when you feel most alert. Finally, don’t hesitate to seek out support from counselors, support groups, or loved ones. Isolation can exacerbate cognitive decline, but socialization can improve or minimize the symptom.
by admin | Dec 14, 2018 | Health Awareness
The holiday season is often seen an opportunity to indulge, so wellness typically isn’t the first thing that comes to mind this time of year. While there’s nothing wrong with enjoying some sweet treats and rewarding yourself for a year of hard work, now is still a good time to prioritize your health. Doing so can help you ensure you feel great not only through this season but for many more to come. Here are 7 hopefully helpful tips for promoting your health this holiday season.
1 Avoid the Flu
Flu season is upon us, but it’s never too late in the season to get vaccinated if you haven’t already done so. Even in healthy people, flu complications such as pneumonia and dehydration could pose serious health risks. The CDC advises everyone over the age of 6 months to get a flu shot, as long as they have no known allergies to the vaccine or eggs. While it isn’t 100% effective,it can significantly reduce your odds of catching the flu or make symptoms less severe even if you do catch it. Don’t forget to wash your hands and avoid coming into contact with people who are knowingly sick, too.
2 Go for Exams
Many people have met their deductibles by this time of year,
so if you aren’t up-to-date on your health screenings, now is a good time to
schedule appointments as needed. If you’re a woman over the age of 40, this
includes mammograms, while men 50 and up should have prostrate screenings.
Colonoscopies should be completed every ten years starting at the age of 50,
and at 65, it’s a good idea to have bone density studies performed.
3 Practice Safe Food Prep
With so many recent foods recalled, it’s more important than ever to practice safe food prep. While there’s no way to be entirely sure your food is 100% free of pathogens, you can take a few steps at home to reduce your risk of exposure. Be sure to wash your hands and surfaces frequently, prepare meats separately to prevent cross-contamination,and always wash produce thoroughly.
4 Always Wear Seatbelts
The hustle and bustle of the holiday season makes it easy to overlook this important safety practice. Yet, you should pause and take thetime to put your seatbelt on every time you get in the car. From heavier volumes of traffic to icy conditions, winter can create some challenging driving circumstances, so it’s always important to make sure you’re safe as a passenger or driver.
5 Stay Warm
If you intend to spend some time outside, be sure to dress appropriately and keep your head, hands, and feet protected with warm clothing. Additionally, try to keep your nose warm – research shows the virus behind the common cold is more likely to take hold if your nose is chilly. Don’t forget to keep a spare blanket, gloves, and hat in your car to provide warmth in the event you should ever get stranded.
6 Beat Stress
The holidays are practically synonymous with stress, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take some time out to practice healthy stress management. Yoga, meditation, and even a brisk walk around the block can be used to clear your head as needed. This time of year is also linked to seasonal depressive disorder (SAD),so if you find yourself losing interest in activities you once enjoyed, schedulea session with a counselor who can help.
7 Eat Well and Exercise
You can expect to find an abundance of delicious treats, rich foods, and alcoholic drinks at most holiday gatherings. While it’s perfectly fine to indulge this time of year, remember that moderation is key. Limit drinks to one to two at most, and sip water in between to stay hydrated. Offset less-healthy meals with vegetable-rich choices for the rest of the day. Never skip a meal to make up for an indulgence you’ll have later on, either. Instead, fill up on meals with lean protein and veggies, such as a vegetable omelet or grilled chicken salad, earlier in the day. That way, you’ll be less likely to overeat later.
Don’t forget to take some time out for whatever form of exercise you enjoy, too. It can even be built into family time. If you’re visiting with loved ones, for instance, consider taking a walk as a family or going to a group aerobics class nearby. Not only will you feel better physically, but exercising can also support a better mood, too.
by admin | Nov 30, 2018 | Health Awareness
Regenerative medicine seeks to restore the functionality of cells, tissues, organs, or genes. In particular, stem cell therapy is among the most promising forms of regenerative medicine. This is due to the fact that stem cells are not specialized cells and can, therefore, transform into any cell or tissue with which they come into contact, including that of muscle, tendon, bone, and ligament. From supporting regrowth of meniscal cartilage in the knee to the self-renewal of central nervous system (CNS) tissue, stem cell therapy has shown a potential option of treatment for a broad range of conditions and injuries.
Stem cell therapy is an emerging regenerative medicine option for those who have sustained the central nervous system (CNS) damage including traumatic brain injury, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis. CNS injury is characterized by an inflammatory response, molecular imbalance, cell death, and cyst and scar formation. Researchers suggest that co-therapies, such as physical rehabilitation, could help be a potential booster for their stem cell therapy treatment outcome.
Studies have shown stem cells’ ability to aid in CNS recovery but may also suggest that while significant improvement is made, the treatment is often not enough to completely recover CNS functionality without further intervention. In conjunction with physical therapy, stem cell therapy could produce stronger results. Targeted exercises can produce beneficial effects at the anatomical and physiological levels, thereby positively influencing neural stem cell pools and improving stem cell therapy outcomes. Exercise has been shown to augment stem cell transplantation following muscular injuries in certain studies, but further research is needed to determine exactly how physical therapy and stem cell treatments can be used to support optimized recovery on a case-by-case basis.
Moving forward, it is suggested that physical therapy could help as a supplement to stem cell therapy. By partnering these two therapeutic approaches, patients may be able to potentially improve their treatment outcomes as well as enhancing functionality and quality of life.
by admin | Nov 16, 2018 | Health Awareness
While most vitamins and minerals can be obtained through food sources, the modern American diet does leave some nutritional gaps which many people should address. Folic acid, in particular, is one vitamin which contributes to important bodily functions and may need to be taken in supplement form in certain populations.
What is Folic Acid?
Folic acid is a water-soluble B vitamin. Folate is found both naturally in food, while folic acid is its synthetic form. In the late 1990s, food sources including pasta, cereal, bread, and flour were required to be enriched with the vitamin by federal law. Certain foods are also innate sources of folate, including leafy greens, asparagus, beans, bananas, melons, mushrooms, and some types of meat.
What Does It Do?
Folate is required by the body to make red and white blood cells, produce healthy DNA, and transfer carbohydrates into energy. In addition, it prevents the complications associated with low blood levels of folate, including the inability to absorb nutrients through the bowels and anemia. Folic acid is also used to treat conditions commonly associated with folate deficiencies, such as ulcerative colitis and liver disease, as well as kidney dialysis.
Because of its far-reaching impact, folic acid is also used to support a number of bodily functions. It is often taken by patients with Alzheimer’s and memory loss, hearing loss, macular degeneration, and osteoporosis. Some people use it as a preventative for cancers such as colon cancer or cervical cancer, and it is even taken to minimize the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Finally, folic acid is perhaps best known for its ability to prevent birth defects. Women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding can take a supplement under the direction of their obstetrician to support fetal health and development.
Should You Take Folic Acid?
Many people can get folate through their diets, but achieving the recommended daily value of 400 micrograms (mcg) can be challenging to do through food alone. If you are eating a blend of whole foods every day, there’s a chance you could be getting enough folate already, but because the vitamin plays such an essential role in various bodily functions and disease risk management, it doesn’t hurt to ask your doctor about taking supplements. Most folic acid supplements are sold in 400 mcg doses, but don’t worry if you get more folate from your diet naturally – many adults can take up to 1,000 mcg safely but talk to your doctor first before starting any supplements.
by admin | Nov 9, 2018 | Health Awareness
Probiotics have been gaining attention within the world of nutrition recently due to their suspected ability to help maintain healthy gut flora. These “good” bacteria are found in food and are similar to those already located in your intestinal tract. And, while the digestive system has a greater number of bacteria than there are cells in the body, the harmony among within this microbiome can be thrown off easily with antibiotics, environmental toxins, and poor diet. Left unaddressed, a balance that becomes altered can lead to symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, and fatigue. It is even suspected that when the ratio of good-to-bad gut bacteria is off, it could result in chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis, allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Luckily, there’s a simple way to begin promoting gut health. In fact, in as little as 24 hours, you can create a new microbiota by simply changing what you eat. In addition to following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein, you can also begin to incorporate probiotics into your meals. While yogurt is commonly thought of as the go-to choice for consuming healthy-gut bacteria, there are plenty of other options to choose from. Explore some of the most popular alternatives below.
Kefir
Kefir is a sour-tasting fermented drink made from the milk of cows, goat, or sheep. Its origins can be traced to the Caucasus Mountains of West Asia. The drink is fermented with kefir grains and is considered to be even healthier than yogurt. While low in calories, kefir also has many macro and micronutrients, including protein, calcium, vitamin B12, and phosphorus.
Kombucha
Kombucha seems to be everyone’s power beverage of choice these days, and for good reason. The fermented tea isn’t just replete with probiotics; it also has bountiful antioxidants. Kombucha made from green tea is especially beneficial, as it shares many of the same health benefits of the tea, including the ability to support weight loss and blood sugar control.
Olives
When we think of foods high in nutritional value, olives aren’t typically the first things to come to mind. Yet, these salty salad toppers are bursting with helpful bacteria. Like many of the other foods on this list, the fermentation process which olives undergo is responsible for their high content of probiotic bacteria. They’re also high in healthy unsaturated fats and have antioxidant properties.
Tempeh
Hailing from Indonesia, tempeh is a soy product known for its versatility. While it is less popular than tofu, it acts as a great substitute for the vegan staple for anyone looking to add some probiotics to their plate. Many versions also contain grains, flavorings, or beans. Tempeh holds its shape well and has a nutty taste, as well as a consistency that holds oils well. Consider incorporating it into a stir frstir-fry it on a skewer, or throw it into a salad.
Coconut Yogurt
If you’re lactose intolerant or have eliminated dairy from your diet for other reasons, you can still get your yogurt fix through the coconut version. Coconut yogurt can be eaten plain and packs a powerful serving of probiotics. Or, you can incorporate it into smoothies, overnight oats, and any other meal or snack as you see fit.
You don’t have to rely on yogurt alone to consume a healthy blend of probiotic-rich foods. When combined with other all-natural food products, these probiotics may help you maintain optimal gut health while also supporting your overall wellness.
by admin | Nov 1, 2018 | Health Awareness
For people living with essential tremor, the condition’s rhythmic and involuntary shaking which occurs upon movement can be frustrating. While it primarily affects the hands, the voice, head, and arms may also be impacted. Treatment options for the condition are limited, with beta blockers, Botox injections, and anti-seizure medications among the few methods available to help. More frustratingly, a mere 60% or less of patients found medication helpful. The potential ineffectiveness and side effects of these drugs often make them an unpopular option among people with essential tremor.
Recently, however, researchers have discovered an alternative treatment option which could help. A study published by the British Medical Journal showcases the results of two individuals with essential tremor who received high-dose vitamin B1 injections over the course of three years. The patients were treated with two extremely high doses of the vitamin (100 times the daily recommended dose) twice per week.
Results were astonishing, with patients experiencing noticeable improvement after three months of the vitamin injections. Tremors improved significantly, which could suggest a highly effective, and affordable solution may soon be available to patients.
Doctors advise patients to proceed with caution when taking vitamins, however. It’s particularly important to receive physician oversight when pursuing mega-doses such as these, as there is always a risk for adverse health effects including interactions with other medications. With that said, B vitamins are water-soluble, meaning any that aren’t used by the body is excreted with urine. Fat-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, could cause toxicity if taken in excess. Unlike water-soluble vitamins, these are retained in the body’s fat stores and could, therefore, lead to serious health complications if taken in high doses.
Because of the study’s limited scope, more research will likely need to be conducted before physicians can begin administering vitamin treatments for patients with essential tremor. Nonetheless, the results we’ve seen appear to hold promise, especially considering the shortcomings of existing treatment methods.
Stem cell therapy has shown potential benefits for those with Parkinson’s disease in helping manage tremors. Contact a Care Coordinator for more information on how regenerative medicine could be an option for helping manage your condition.
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