Friday, January 2, 2009
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Creating Your Healthy Life - Hypertension
"Creating Your Healthy Life"
Today we are going to discuss "Hypertension" or "High Blood Pressure".
Blood pressure can be defined as the pressure or force that is applied against the artery walls as blood is carried through the circulatory system. It is recorded as a measurement of this force in relation to the heart's pumping activity, and is measured in millimeters of mercury. The top number, systolic pressure is the measurement of the pressure that occurs when the heart contracts of beats. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is the measurement recorded between beats, while the heart is at rest.
Hypertension itself is not a disease but, rather one warning of the manifestation of a disease. It is an indicator that the force required for blood flow is greater than normal. Because the heart is working harder than normal, high blood pressure increases the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, kidney failure and atherosclerosis. When the heart works harder, over a period of time, it tends to enlarge. High blood pressure also causes the arteries to become scarred, hardened and less elastic. This in turn can limit the amount of blood flowing to the organ; can cause blood clots in the arteries; and can ultimately damage the heart, brain and kidneys. Because persons with hypertension may not exhibit any symptoms, they often go undiagnosed until complications occur. This is why it is known as the "silent killer"!
Risk factors associated with hypertension that can be controlled are lifestyle related: obesity, lack of exercise, diet, stress, use of certain medications, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Hypertension is a powerful indicator of disease in other body systems. Thus, it is not just a blood pressure reduction numbers game therefore it is worthwhile to consider associated underlying cardiovascular disease and treatment protocols when treating hypertension as well as the individual's unique response to various conventional and integrated therapies. Conventional doctors treat hypertension in one or both ways, 1) change lifestyle and eating habits 2) prescribing medications. Alternative practitioners seek to address the underlying cause and correct it.
Maintaining adequate dietary minerals may protect against high blood pressure as well as adding nutrients which may reduce or eliminate the need for anti-hypertension medications. Individuals wanting to replace drugs with a supplement protocol must do so with the cooperation of a physician and have their blood pressure taken regularly.
Please feel free to email me with your questions and/or comments.
Have a FABULOUS week!
Blessings! PAM
www.heyenwellnesstherapies.com
pam@heyenwellnesstherapies.com
Today we are going to discuss "Hypertension" or "High Blood Pressure".
Blood pressure can be defined as the pressure or force that is applied against the artery walls as blood is carried through the circulatory system. It is recorded as a measurement of this force in relation to the heart's pumping activity, and is measured in millimeters of mercury. The top number, systolic pressure is the measurement of the pressure that occurs when the heart contracts of beats. The bottom number, or diastolic pressure, is the measurement recorded between beats, while the heart is at rest.
Hypertension itself is not a disease but, rather one warning of the manifestation of a disease. It is an indicator that the force required for blood flow is greater than normal. Because the heart is working harder than normal, high blood pressure increases the risk of coronary heart disease, heart attack, stroke, aneurysm, kidney failure and atherosclerosis. When the heart works harder, over a period of time, it tends to enlarge. High blood pressure also causes the arteries to become scarred, hardened and less elastic. This in turn can limit the amount of blood flowing to the organ; can cause blood clots in the arteries; and can ultimately damage the heart, brain and kidneys. Because persons with hypertension may not exhibit any symptoms, they often go undiagnosed until complications occur. This is why it is known as the "silent killer"!
Risk factors associated with hypertension that can be controlled are lifestyle related: obesity, lack of exercise, diet, stress, use of certain medications, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Hypertension is a powerful indicator of disease in other body systems. Thus, it is not just a blood pressure reduction numbers game therefore it is worthwhile to consider associated underlying cardiovascular disease and treatment protocols when treating hypertension as well as the individual's unique response to various conventional and integrated therapies. Conventional doctors treat hypertension in one or both ways, 1) change lifestyle and eating habits 2) prescribing medications. Alternative practitioners seek to address the underlying cause and correct it.
Maintaining adequate dietary minerals may protect against high blood pressure as well as adding nutrients which may reduce or eliminate the need for anti-hypertension medications. Individuals wanting to replace drugs with a supplement protocol must do so with the cooperation of a physician and have their blood pressure taken regularly.
Please feel free to email me with your questions and/or comments.
Have a FABULOUS week!
Blessings! PAM
www.heyenwellnesstherapies.com
pam@heyenwellnesstherapies.com
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Creating Your Healthy Life - ADHD
What is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD? ADHD symptoms include the inability to pay attention, concentrate or complete tasks and may include hyperactivity.
It can be difficult to accurately diagnose ADHD. Health professionals should be provided a detailed medical history of the client, as well as observe the clients behavior. Behavioral signs that may be indicators are as follows:
Attention Problems: disorganized, procrastination has problems starting and completing tasks, impulsive talking, inability to stay focused/on task.
Motor skill Problems: Difficulty maintaining visual attention, problems with motor skills, hyperactivity, the constant movement of legs & hands, fidgets excessively
Mood Problems: low self esteem, depressed, fits of anger, inappropriate interruptions, anxiety in group/social settings, and feeling out of control
Adults may experience addictions such as alcohol and drug abuse, abusive relationships and/or become criminal offenders. They also have difficulty holding a job or maintaining meaningful relationships.
There are no physical abnormalities but research has found biochemical and genetic changes in people with ADHD. Low Neurotransmitters such as Dopamine can cause compulsive and risk taking behavior and Low Serotonin levels are associated with increased aggression. Research also relates defects in the genes that control the dopamine receptors which are associated with addictions, compulsions, obesity and other personality traits.
The use of conventional treatments includes stimulant medications which work to suppress all spontaneous behavior. These are short term and come with some severe side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, depression, withdrawal, headaches and may even develop into emotional disturbances such as obsessive compulsive behavior, thereby initiating the need for antidepressant, sedatives and mood stabilizers. It is easy to see how conventional treatment can lead to vicious cycle of medicating symptoms. Stimulant medication has also been linked to increased blood pressure, liver damage, and lack of appetite, growth problems and a higher incidence of drug addiction.
With all the problems that can result from conventional treatments it is comforting to know that there are safer and effective alternative approaches to treating ADHD. These therapies include exercise, diet, supplementation, environmental changes and a mind/body approach. The following are some steps you can take using behavioral techniques.
Avoid Stressful Situations such as information overload.
Practice EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) and Meditation
Utilize Biofeedback to encourage calmness which increases impulse control and attention.
Evaluate the environment for molds, fungi, chemicals and heavy metals
Exercise Routine with combination of moderate to vigorous activity
Daily Routine is important to establish with specific times to go to bed, get up, meals, play, and do homework, games, TV, exercise, etc.
Eye Contact should always be maintained when speaking to someone with ADHD
Diet should be addressed and care taken to avoid processed foods, food additives and sugar. Increase intake of foods high in vitamins and minerals focusing on complex carbohydrates.
There are also nutritional supplements and herbal remedies that may improve the symptoms of ADHD. Supplementation of any kind, especially for children should be recommended by a qualified physician or practitioner.
These alternative therapies can be a safe and effective approach in managing ADHD. For more information please contact a natural therapies professional.
Pamela A Heyen
www.heyenwellnesstherapies.com
pam@heyenwellnesstherapies.com
It can be difficult to accurately diagnose ADHD. Health professionals should be provided a detailed medical history of the client, as well as observe the clients behavior. Behavioral signs that may be indicators are as follows:
Attention Problems: disorganized, procrastination has problems starting and completing tasks, impulsive talking, inability to stay focused/on task.
Motor skill Problems: Difficulty maintaining visual attention, problems with motor skills, hyperactivity, the constant movement of legs & hands, fidgets excessively
Mood Problems: low self esteem, depressed, fits of anger, inappropriate interruptions, anxiety in group/social settings, and feeling out of control
Adults may experience addictions such as alcohol and drug abuse, abusive relationships and/or become criminal offenders. They also have difficulty holding a job or maintaining meaningful relationships.
There are no physical abnormalities but research has found biochemical and genetic changes in people with ADHD. Low Neurotransmitters such as Dopamine can cause compulsive and risk taking behavior and Low Serotonin levels are associated with increased aggression. Research also relates defects in the genes that control the dopamine receptors which are associated with addictions, compulsions, obesity and other personality traits.
The use of conventional treatments includes stimulant medications which work to suppress all spontaneous behavior. These are short term and come with some severe side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, fatigue, depression, withdrawal, headaches and may even develop into emotional disturbances such as obsessive compulsive behavior, thereby initiating the need for antidepressant, sedatives and mood stabilizers. It is easy to see how conventional treatment can lead to vicious cycle of medicating symptoms. Stimulant medication has also been linked to increased blood pressure, liver damage, and lack of appetite, growth problems and a higher incidence of drug addiction.
With all the problems that can result from conventional treatments it is comforting to know that there are safer and effective alternative approaches to treating ADHD. These therapies include exercise, diet, supplementation, environmental changes and a mind/body approach. The following are some steps you can take using behavioral techniques.
Avoid Stressful Situations such as information overload.
Practice EFT Tapping (Emotional Freedom Technique) and Meditation
Utilize Biofeedback to encourage calmness which increases impulse control and attention.
Evaluate the environment for molds, fungi, chemicals and heavy metals
Exercise Routine with combination of moderate to vigorous activity
Daily Routine is important to establish with specific times to go to bed, get up, meals, play, and do homework, games, TV, exercise, etc.
Eye Contact should always be maintained when speaking to someone with ADHD
Diet should be addressed and care taken to avoid processed foods, food additives and sugar. Increase intake of foods high in vitamins and minerals focusing on complex carbohydrates.
There are also nutritional supplements and herbal remedies that may improve the symptoms of ADHD. Supplementation of any kind, especially for children should be recommended by a qualified physician or practitioner.
These alternative therapies can be a safe and effective approach in managing ADHD. For more information please contact a natural therapies professional.
Pamela A Heyen
www.heyenwellnesstherapies.com
pam@heyenwellnesstherapies.com
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Creating Your Healthy Life - Aspartame
This week I want to give you some facts and information on a "dangerous substance" that you may be eating or drinking without being aware of the potential damage it is having on your health. This is not a whistle blowing article, these are proven, documented facts and I am empowering you with. You always have a choice to use these "tools" of information as it relates to your health.
"Aspartame", is the technical name for NutriSweet, Equal, Spoonful and Equal-Measure. Aspartame has been marketed to the public as a "diet aid" but the chemical nature of this substance defeats this alleged purpose by instilling a craving for calorie-laden carbohydrates. How many times have you seen someone washing down their "high carb" meal with a diet drink? When carbohydrates are consumed, there is an increase in levels of the chemical called serotonin in the brain. This increase is what gives the feeling of being relaxed after a meal. When that meal is being washed down with an "aspartame" (diet) drink, the brain ceases to produce the serotonin, and that feeling of "having enough or being full" never materializes. The result is more food (which also may contain aspartame), more aspartame (diet) drinks and the cycle continues. Aspartame directly alters brain chemicals.
Aspartame can be found in thousands of products:
Instant breakfasts Breath mints
Cereals Laxatives
Sugar free gum Cocoa mixes
Frozen desserts Gelatin desserts
Juice beverages Multivitamins
Shake mixes Soft drinks
Tabletop sweeteners Tea beverages
Instant teas & coffee Wine coolers
Yogurt Pharmaceuticals
OTC medications Supplements
If brain chemicals are being altered by this substance it only goes without saying that behavior is affected as well. The reduction in serotonin levels in the brain can manifest into depression and other emotional disorders. Research has suggested that people ingesting high doses and who are sensitive to aspartame may suffer from problems ranging from dizziness, to subtle brain changes, to mental retardation. This data also shows that a fetus may be at risk for these effects as well. There is also evidence of aspartame contributing to brain cancer.
There is concern for persons with diabetes and hypoglycemia. Research conducted by a specialist reports that aspartame leads to the precipitation of clinical diabetes, causes poorer diabetic control, on insulin or oral dependent drugs, leads to aggravation of complications such as retinopathy, cataracts, neuropathy and gastro pareses and can cause convulsions.
The following are some of the symptoms of "Aspartame Sensitivity/Intoxication":
blurred vision, severe headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, mood changes, ringing in the ear & hearing loss, loss of energy, loss of control of limbs, blindness, memory loss, slurred speech, hyperactivity, muscle & joint pain, loss or change of taste,
vertigo, insomnia, mild to severe depression, seizures, rashes, anxiety attacks, skin lesions, and symptoms mimicking a heart attack. These symptoms can be moderate to severe in each individual depending on their sensitivity level.
Aspartame changes brain chemistry. It also acts as an information transmitter, known as a neurotransmitter. Too much aspartame in the brain kills certain neurons triggering excessive amounts of free radicals which kill your cells or put in another way, they "excite" or simulate your neural cells to death. When a substantial number of these neurons are destroyed, clinical symptoms of a chronic illness may begin to manifest. The following chronic illnesses have been shown to be contributed to by the long term exposure to "stimulated" neuron damage.
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson's
Alzheimer's
Memory or Hearing Loss
Hormonal Problems
Epilepsy
AIDS
Brain Lesions
Neuroendocrine Disorders
ALS
Hypoglycemia
Now, as someone who is committed to taking control of your health, you can now make an educated choice to avoid consumable products containing Aspartame. Be aware! Read product labels!
By avoiding this substance, you may be avoiding serious health issues in the future as well as overcoming some of the health issues you are experiencing at present.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me!
Have an "Aspartame Free" week!
Blessings!
PAM
"Aspartame", is the technical name for NutriSweet, Equal, Spoonful and Equal-Measure. Aspartame has been marketed to the public as a "diet aid" but the chemical nature of this substance defeats this alleged purpose by instilling a craving for calorie-laden carbohydrates. How many times have you seen someone washing down their "high carb" meal with a diet drink? When carbohydrates are consumed, there is an increase in levels of the chemical called serotonin in the brain. This increase is what gives the feeling of being relaxed after a meal. When that meal is being washed down with an "aspartame" (diet) drink, the brain ceases to produce the serotonin, and that feeling of "having enough or being full" never materializes. The result is more food (which also may contain aspartame), more aspartame (diet) drinks and the cycle continues. Aspartame directly alters brain chemicals.
Aspartame can be found in thousands of products:
Instant breakfasts Breath mints
Cereals Laxatives
Sugar free gum Cocoa mixes
Frozen desserts Gelatin desserts
Juice beverages Multivitamins
Shake mixes Soft drinks
Tabletop sweeteners Tea beverages
Instant teas & coffee Wine coolers
Yogurt Pharmaceuticals
OTC medications Supplements
If brain chemicals are being altered by this substance it only goes without saying that behavior is affected as well. The reduction in serotonin levels in the brain can manifest into depression and other emotional disorders. Research has suggested that people ingesting high doses and who are sensitive to aspartame may suffer from problems ranging from dizziness, to subtle brain changes, to mental retardation. This data also shows that a fetus may be at risk for these effects as well. There is also evidence of aspartame contributing to brain cancer.
There is concern for persons with diabetes and hypoglycemia. Research conducted by a specialist reports that aspartame leads to the precipitation of clinical diabetes, causes poorer diabetic control, on insulin or oral dependent drugs, leads to aggravation of complications such as retinopathy, cataracts, neuropathy and gastro pareses and can cause convulsions.
The following are some of the symptoms of "Aspartame Sensitivity/Intoxication":
blurred vision, severe headaches, nausea, gastrointestinal disorders, mood changes, ringing in the ear & hearing loss, loss of energy, loss of control of limbs, blindness, memory loss, slurred speech, hyperactivity, muscle & joint pain, loss or change of taste,
vertigo, insomnia, mild to severe depression, seizures, rashes, anxiety attacks, skin lesions, and symptoms mimicking a heart attack. These symptoms can be moderate to severe in each individual depending on their sensitivity level.
Aspartame changes brain chemistry. It also acts as an information transmitter, known as a neurotransmitter. Too much aspartame in the brain kills certain neurons triggering excessive amounts of free radicals which kill your cells or put in another way, they "excite" or simulate your neural cells to death. When a substantial number of these neurons are destroyed, clinical symptoms of a chronic illness may begin to manifest. The following chronic illnesses have been shown to be contributed to by the long term exposure to "stimulated" neuron damage.
Multiple Sclerosis
Parkinson's
Alzheimer's
Memory or Hearing Loss
Hormonal Problems
Epilepsy
AIDS
Brain Lesions
Neuroendocrine Disorders
ALS
Hypoglycemia
Now, as someone who is committed to taking control of your health, you can now make an educated choice to avoid consumable products containing Aspartame. Be aware! Read product labels!
By avoiding this substance, you may be avoiding serious health issues in the future as well as overcoming some of the health issues you are experiencing at present.
If you have any questions, please feel free to email me!
Have an "Aspartame Free" week!
Blessings!
PAM
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Creating Your Healthy Life - What is Holistic Healthcare?
I have been asked, "What is Holistic Healthcare"? So, today, I am going to give you an overview of what Holistic Healthcare is and what it means for you.
The web definition of the word "Holistic": Pertaining to the whole body; treatment of disease by taking into consideration every part of the body to bring the internal environment into balance.
You may also have heard the term Mind, Body and Spirit, so let's break those down into definitions as well.
Mind: Mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations.
Body: The entire material or physical structure of an organism, especially of a human or animal.
Spirit: Your values, ideals, beliefs as it relates to each other and the world around you.
Holistic Healthcare guides you, educates you and supports you on a journey to balance your whole being, creating a state of harmonic health!
When illness or disease manifests in your physical body there are usually underlying issues that may have contributed and need to be addressed. A simple example would be a headache.
Let's say you are experiencing frequent headaches. Your head begins to pound, so you reach for an analgesic to relieve the pain. In a short time, the headache is relieved, symptom have been addressed and resolved but, why you are experiencing these headaches.
Over a period of months taking the analgesic, you now are experiencing a new symptom along with the headache, stomach upset. So, along with the analgesic you begin to take something to soothe that upset stomach symptom. Once again the symptom is addressed and resolved until…..that upset stomach remedy results in a very uncomfortable condition known as constipation.
Now, you are miserable, can't sleep, bloated and cranky. Now you have constipation, upset stomach AND a headache. Do you see how addressing the symptoms and not the underlying cause can snowball into a chronic condition?
How could you have treated this initial headache holistically?
Let's start by addressing what the underlying condition could be by asking the following questions.
Your Mind….are you feeling out of control, overwhelmed, overworked?
Your Body….are you tense, muscles tight, sitting or standing for hours doing repetitive work?
Your Spirit…do you believe you have to struggle everyday to be successful, to be valued, to survive?
If the answer to these questions is yes, you are just one of millions who are experiencing a headache due to STRESS! So, what can you do to address it?
Let's go back and address the underlying condition STRESS, as it relates to:
Your Mind….educate you on how to meditate, quiet your mind, be present.
Your Body…educate you on relaxation techniques, therapies and if necessary supplementation
Your Spirit…educate you on how to change your beliefs to achieve balanced health
Now, you have the tools to take control of your health and address the underlying issues thereby avoiding the manifestation of a chronic illness. Holistic Healthcare helps you to identify and resolve your health issues by educating, guiding and supporting your option to heal naturally. Your body was designed to heal itself but you must be willing to be an active participant by listening to what it is telling you and responding to its needs.
Holistic Healthcare is nothing more than You taking control of your own whole health by being informed of the natural remedies and therapies available and making a choice. Holistic Healthcare providers are there to assist you with those choices and make them available to you!
Have a "Holistic Healthy" week!
Blessings!
PAM
The web definition of the word "Holistic": Pertaining to the whole body; treatment of disease by taking into consideration every part of the body to bring the internal environment into balance.
You may also have heard the term Mind, Body and Spirit, so let's break those down into definitions as well.
Mind: Mental attitude that determines how you will interpret and respond to situations.
Body: The entire material or physical structure of an organism, especially of a human or animal.
Spirit: Your values, ideals, beliefs as it relates to each other and the world around you.
Holistic Healthcare guides you, educates you and supports you on a journey to balance your whole being, creating a state of harmonic health!
When illness or disease manifests in your physical body there are usually underlying issues that may have contributed and need to be addressed. A simple example would be a headache.
Let's say you are experiencing frequent headaches. Your head begins to pound, so you reach for an analgesic to relieve the pain. In a short time, the headache is relieved, symptom have been addressed and resolved but, why you are experiencing these headaches.
Over a period of months taking the analgesic, you now are experiencing a new symptom along with the headache, stomach upset. So, along with the analgesic you begin to take something to soothe that upset stomach symptom. Once again the symptom is addressed and resolved until…..that upset stomach remedy results in a very uncomfortable condition known as constipation.
Now, you are miserable, can't sleep, bloated and cranky. Now you have constipation, upset stomach AND a headache. Do you see how addressing the symptoms and not the underlying cause can snowball into a chronic condition?
How could you have treated this initial headache holistically?
Let's start by addressing what the underlying condition could be by asking the following questions.
Your Mind….are you feeling out of control, overwhelmed, overworked?
Your Body….are you tense, muscles tight, sitting or standing for hours doing repetitive work?
Your Spirit…do you believe you have to struggle everyday to be successful, to be valued, to survive?
If the answer to these questions is yes, you are just one of millions who are experiencing a headache due to STRESS! So, what can you do to address it?
Let's go back and address the underlying condition STRESS, as it relates to:
Your Mind….educate you on how to meditate, quiet your mind, be present.
Your Body…educate you on relaxation techniques, therapies and if necessary supplementation
Your Spirit…educate you on how to change your beliefs to achieve balanced health
Now, you have the tools to take control of your health and address the underlying issues thereby avoiding the manifestation of a chronic illness. Holistic Healthcare helps you to identify and resolve your health issues by educating, guiding and supporting your option to heal naturally. Your body was designed to heal itself but you must be willing to be an active participant by listening to what it is telling you and responding to its needs.
Holistic Healthcare is nothing more than You taking control of your own whole health by being informed of the natural remedies and therapies available and making a choice. Holistic Healthcare providers are there to assist you with those choices and make them available to you!
Have a "Holistic Healthy" week!
Blessings!
PAM
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Creating Your Healthy Life - Arthritis
Chronic inflammation inflicts devastating effects, especially as we grow older. Systemic inflammation is a common culprit contributing too many degenerative diseases such as arthritis. It can also manifest into atherosclerosis, heart valve dysfunction, congestive heart failure, Alzheimer's and even cancer.
Since I addressed inflammation in a previous article, I would like to concentrate on one of these degenerative diseases that inflammation contributes to, arthritis.
The word arthritis means "Inflammation of the joint". There are two very distinct types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both are painful and are the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 64.
Conventional medicine offer temporary relief from the symptoms which may result in side effects such as ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Some arthritis medication can actually worsen the condition by speeding up joint destruction.
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a gradual decay which usually affects the knees, hips, spinal and hand joints. This degeneration causes pain, swelling, deformation and reduced range of motion. The erosion of the cartilage and erosion of bone results in a loss of shock absorption and the underlying bone begins to thicken and bone spurs are formed. As it worsens there is significant pain and disability. The use of pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs over time may result in undesirable long-term effects.
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks body tissues as if they were foreign invaders. There is erosion of cartilage and of bone, as well as chronic inflammation and thickening of the membrane that surrounds the affected joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be directly related to chronic inflammatory syndrome. The swelled joints may feel warm to the touch and look red. There is also a general feeling of sickness, fatigue, weight loss and fever. The conventional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is relatively safe but the medication itself suppresses not only the symptoms but a much needed enzyme that our bodies need to fight acute infectious diseases which can result in a serious infections.
The conventional treatments for both of these degenerative diseases involve blocking of the inflammatory pathways that are causing the cartilage destruction. There are however, natural therapies that work along these same pathways and without the dangerous side effects.
Modifying the diet can help block common inflammatory pathways. Foods with a high glycemic index should be avoided:
Fatty Red Meat
Organ Meats (liver, kidney, etc.)
Egg Yolks
Pasta
Juices
Rice
White Bread
A simple change in the diet in addition to suggested supplementation may have a significant beneficial impact on arthritis sufferers.
If you would like information on how to get started combating your arthritis with dietary changes, please contact me! I will be happy to send you a dietary plan to get started on!
Since I addressed inflammation in a previous article, I would like to concentrate on one of these degenerative diseases that inflammation contributes to, arthritis.
The word arthritis means "Inflammation of the joint". There are two very distinct types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both are painful and are the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 64.
Conventional medicine offer temporary relief from the symptoms which may result in side effects such as ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding. Some arthritis medication can actually worsen the condition by speeding up joint destruction.
What is the difference between osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Osteoarthritis is a gradual decay which usually affects the knees, hips, spinal and hand joints. This degeneration causes pain, swelling, deformation and reduced range of motion. The erosion of the cartilage and erosion of bone results in a loss of shock absorption and the underlying bone begins to thicken and bone spurs are formed. As it worsens there is significant pain and disability. The use of pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs over time may result in undesirable long-term effects.
Rheumatoid arthritis is considered an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks body tissues as if they were foreign invaders. There is erosion of cartilage and of bone, as well as chronic inflammation and thickening of the membrane that surrounds the affected joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is considered to be directly related to chronic inflammatory syndrome. The swelled joints may feel warm to the touch and look red. There is also a general feeling of sickness, fatigue, weight loss and fever. The conventional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis is relatively safe but the medication itself suppresses not only the symptoms but a much needed enzyme that our bodies need to fight acute infectious diseases which can result in a serious infections.
The conventional treatments for both of these degenerative diseases involve blocking of the inflammatory pathways that are causing the cartilage destruction. There are however, natural therapies that work along these same pathways and without the dangerous side effects.
Modifying the diet can help block common inflammatory pathways. Foods with a high glycemic index should be avoided:
Fatty Red Meat
Organ Meats (liver, kidney, etc.)
Egg Yolks
Pasta
Juices
Rice
White Bread
A simple change in the diet in addition to suggested supplementation may have a significant beneficial impact on arthritis sufferers.
If you would like information on how to get started combating your arthritis with dietary changes, please contact me! I will be happy to send you a dietary plan to get started on!
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