Showing posts with label Arthritis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Arthritis. Show all posts

Monday 28 March 2022

Relieve Your Arthritis Pain


Individuals who suffer from arthritis are forever seeking ways to relieve their pain. One way to ease or even forestall it is through an arthritis diet. There are a few arthritis diets that some individuals will swear by, but have never been proven to make a difference. There are a few diets that make a definite difference according to health authorities.

 

First of all we’ll have a look at some arthritis diets where there’s little or no grounds that they really make a difference. Among the basic arthritis diets is to eliminate potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and many peppers. While the diet won’t do any hurt, it hasn’t been proven to affect arthritis at all. A different arthritis diet seeks to reduce the acids in one’s body eliminating sugar, coffee, red meat, most grains, nuts, and citrus. It’s intended to be abided by for just one month. Individuals might feel better because they slim down which reduces the stress on their joints, but again there's no grounds to support this. It likewise excludes many sources of ascorbic acid which is essential in fighting arthritis. Drinking green tea has been demonstrated to reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis in mice, but there are no conclusive results on human studies yet. Shark cartilage is supposed to relieve arthritis. Animal and lab studies show promise, but there are no human studies to support this yet. 

 

Not let’s take a look at a few arthritis diets that have been shown to work. Switching fats may reduce inflammation. Eating fats found in red meat and poultry have really been shown to increase inflammation. Switching to cold water fish may help reduce the inflammation. Utilizing corn, safflower, and sunflower oils likewise helps. Another arthritis diet is the ASU (avocado-soybean unsaponifiable). It has been demonstrated to relieve osteoarthritis, stimulate cartilage repair, and lessen a patient’s need to NSAIDs to control pain. Ginger has been demonstrated to ease pain and inflammation as well as protect the stomach from gastrointestinal effects from taking NSAIDs. Glucosamine is a supplement that relieves pain in a few patients with osteoarthritis. It helps the body rebuild cartilage, but may take up to 2 months to see the effects. If you're allergic to shellfish, check with your physician before taking this as it's derived from crab, lobster, or shrimp shells. Before taking any supplements talk with your physician as some may interfere with or worsen side effects from your medicines.  

 

Naturally the best arthritis diet is a good old-fashioned well-balanced diet. Eat five to nine servings of fruits and veggies, and go easy on fats and cholesterol. A heart healthy diet is particularly important to patients with rheumatoid arthritis as studies have demonstrated a link between this disease and coronary failure. Vitamin C is great for repairing body tissue. Vitamin D helps absorb calcium, build bone mass, and prevents bone loss. Calcium helps beef up your bones. If you're on medicine, ask your doctor if he/she recommends taking vitamins. Some medicines can create vitamin or mineral deficiencies. When selecting your arthritis diet, make sure to talk with your physician as different types of arthritis have different needs.

 


Monday 29 November 2021

Arthritis and Chronic Joint Symptoms


Are you female, Caucasian, have a lesser education, and overweight? Then you run the greatest risk of either arthritis or chronic joint symptoms. Check out the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

 

These statistics left me stunned. Just for openers: 

 

Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect nearly 70 million Americans, or about one of every three adults, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. As the population ages, this number will increase dramatically.

 

Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Double that of heart trouble. Triple that of respiratory trouble. Five times that of diabetes. Over six times more than that of stroke!

 

Nationally, medical care for arthritis cost nearly $22 billion in 1995 (latest figures).

 

Total costs, including medical care and loss of productivity, exceeded $82 billion in 1995.

 

Who has arthritis?

 

As the CDC reports: "The prevalence of arthritis is high for all demographic groups, but especially higher among women, older persons, and those with less education."

 

What's being done?

 

The CDC reports that in 1998, the "first ever" plan to address arthritis using a public health approach was released. This plan was developed by the CDC, the Arthritis Foundation, and the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, with input from over 90 organizations. The plan recommended actions in 'Three major areas for individuals and groups interested in reducing the impact of arthritis'.

 

  • Surveillance, Epidemiology, and Prevention Research
  • Communication and Education
  • Programs, Policies, and Systems

 

For some reason, this evokes a scene in my mind from the TV show "Star Trek Voyager" where the holographic Doctor is helping one of his patients recover from a leg joint injury. The crewman is in great pain, while the Doctor dispassionately tells the patient to "live with the pain and do the exercises". The crewman, exasperated at this attitude, complains to the Doctor that he was programmed not to hurt his patients. The holographic Doctor quickly replied, "I was programmed to do no harm. However, I can inflict as much pain as I wish."

 

In the daily media, we are bombarded with stories about AIDS, SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome), Heart Disease, and even the latest outbreak of the West Nile Virus. Yet, you hardly ever hear anything about the greatest threat to our quality of life... Arthritis!

 

Let me repeat the findings of the CDC (Centers for Disease Control).

 

"Arthritis and chronic joint symptoms affect nearly 70 million Americans, or about one of every three adults, making it one of the most prevalent diseases in the United States. As the population ages, this number will increase dramatically."

 

One in Three

 

God forbid you are a Caucasian woman, with little education, and are 30 lbs or more overweight (obese).

 

What can be done?

 

The CDC recommends: "We can do the effective things that are not being done enough. Research shows that physical activity decreases pain, improves function and delays disability. In addition, research studies suggest that maintaining an ideal body weight and avoiding joint injuries reduces the risk of developing arthritis and may decrease disease progression. Obtaining an early diagnosis so that appropriate management, including self-management, can be initiated may improve the quality of life for persons with arthritis. Early diagnosis and appropriate management of arthritis, including... self-help courses, weight control, and physical activity can help people with arthritis function better, stay productive, and lower health care costs."

 

Has your Doctor ever told you to just keep doing your exercises, keep dieting and keep your weight down, and keep taking your medications and just try to live with the pain?

 

What else is your Doctor going to say? Are we crazy? Could it be that if your Doctor said anything else it would mean committing financial suicide?

 

I know most doctors are hard-working and doing their best and in many cases are achieving astonishing things.

 

However, the pressure to use drugs and more drugs is overwhelming. It is not their fault! It is ours! We go to them for a magic bullet and expect them to heal us... and with not having to make any lifestyle changes. Is this fair to the doctors? Of course not!

 

"I Cured My Arthritis You Can Too!"

 

Margie Garrison

www.cureyourarthritis.com



Arthritis - The Inflammatory Disease


Symptoms such as general pain or swelling around the joints, an increased stiffness in the joints in the morning, a cracking sound in the knees when standing, and joints with a red appearance that feel warm to the touch are all signs of arthritis.

 

One of the most common conditions in the United States today is a debilitating inflammatory disease that affects our joints. It is estimated that there are over 100 different forms of this disease and over 40 million people suffer from one form or another.

 

Though typically thought to be an affliction of the aging, arthritis can affect anyone at any time, and with all of the different forms, each with their own symptoms, it could be hard to determine just what type of arthritis an individual is suffering from.

 

The signs and symptoms of arthritis are varied, though some of the first symptoms are familiar and easy to recognize. Symptoms such as general pain or swelling around the joints, an increased stiffness in the joints in the morning, a cracking sound in the knees when standing, and joints with a red appearance that feel warm to the touch are all signs of arthritis. 

 

However, before you rush to purchase an over-the-counter arthritis treatment, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor is the only one who will be able to tell you what form of arthritis you may have and how to treat it.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common forms of arthritis that plagues sufferers. It affects the joints and is a systemic disease that can affect other organs.  Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms tend to disappear after sometime, but the problem is still there. The true cause of rheumatoid arthritis is presently unknown, though many suggest that things such as infections, fungi, or bacteria are the culprits. However, there are also those that believe that rheumatoid arthritis is hereditary. Painful and swollen joints are a common warning sign of rheumatoid arthritis, followed by muscle pain, extreme fatigue, redness and warmth at the joints, even a low grade fever and appetite loss.

 

Next to rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis is a common affliction, caused by breaking down of joint cartilage. Osteoarthritis commonly begins in one joint and typically only affects the one joint. It does not move to internal organs. Osteoarthritis commonly affects the knees, hips, hands, and spine. By the time the pain starts setting in for an osteoarthritis sufferer, the damage to the affected joint cartilage could be considerable.

 

Relieving pain from a form of arthritis can be as simple as over-the-counter or prescription medication. However, in the most severe cases, surgery may be necessary. Being overweight can also play a role in arthritis. Some physicians believe that a change in diet can also ease the pain of arthritis, though there is a lot of debate on the topic. Regardless, you should speak to your doctor who can tell you just what form of arthritis you may have, and what treatment options may work best for you.



Arthritis: Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects


Did you know that Arthritis is one of the most disabling diseases? It’s true! Arthritis currently affects more than 40 million Americans and that figure is expected to rise to 60 million by the year 2,020. It is imperative that you read this article and find out what this devastating disease is truly about. 

 

Arthritis: What it Is

 

Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and remarkably, that number continues to rise. The most common forms of Arthritis include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout (see our next article, “Symptoms of Arthritis” for more information). Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint disease, or simply “wear and tear” on the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is the result of an over active Immune System that results in inflammation.  Gout is the oldest form of Arthritis and is the result of too much Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in the joints, leading to “Gouty Arthritis”. The joint pain, inherent to all Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as “Arthralgia”. Not only are the joints susceptible to attack, but the surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable to the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has been known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.  

 

Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a disease that only affects the elderly. This simply isn’t the case. Yes it’s true that seniors, especially senior women, are effected the greatest by Osteoarthritis, yet the average age for onset of Arthritis is 47 years old, and sufferers are generally afflicted between the ages of 20-50.  Sadly, even infants have been diagnosed with forms of Arthritis.  

 

One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has to be that it is a chronic condition.   Arthritis is so weakening that it only grows worse with time. In fact, Arthritis is so detrimental that of the diseases that instil chronic physical disabilities, Arthritis is second only to Heart Disease.  

 

The cost of Arthritis is not only measured in the loss of quality of life, but it is also measured by dollars and cents as well. It is estimated that over $150,000 is lost by an individual over the course of a lifetime due to the debilitating effects of Arthritis.  This is totalled by lost wages, medical treatments, and the cost of medically based needs and care.

 

The overall conclusion is that Arthritis is a seriously unbearable condition that causes chronic pain and weakness. It does not only affect seniors, but forms of Arthritis also plagues children. There are over 100 forms of Arthritis and all Arthritis sufferers share one thing in common, chronic joint pain. The top three common forms of Arthritis include Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. We have seen that Arthritis isn’t cured, but managed. 

 

Some steps and treatment plans used by Arthritis sufferers include:  

 

  • Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and strain on the joints)
  • Increasing their Nutritional Intake
  • Reducing Stress (both physical and emotional)
  • Participating in Gentle Stress Free Exercises such as Stretching
  • Using both Hot and Cold Therapies
  • Protecting Joints by use of Splints and Braces
  • Drug Therapies
  • Surgery

 

If you suffer from Arthritis, don’t give up. There are many people who are discovering that with the proper management and health care provisions, they can live better, healthier, and pain free lives.

 

Stay tuned for the next article in our series on Arthritis, “Symptoms of Arthritis”.



Ankylosing Spondylitis, Treatment and Symptoms


Description of the arthritic condition called Ankylosing Spondylitis with some information on the symptoms and treatment of this condition.

 

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

 

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition which is related to arthritis. Ankylosing Spondylitis affects approximately 1 in every 250 mainly young men so while many may have not heard about it, it is quite common.

 

The word Ankylosing means inflammation of the spine while Spondylitis means joint which is fixed solid and unable to bend. So, in simple terms, Ankylosing Spondylitis is a condition which involves the spine becoming inflamed and as a consequence becoming fixed and solid. What tends to happen, is that tendons or ligaments attached to the spine become swollen. When the swelling reduces, it is replaced by growths of bone. When this happens a number of times, there becomes more and more bone where there used to be tendons or ligaments until eventually the joint fuses together.

 

As with many conditions, different people are affected with varying degrees of this condition, with some barely noticing it while others lose their full independence. What is also interesting is that the Ankylosing Spondylitis symptoms can come and go over time.

 

What are the Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

 

The first time people tend to notice that they have Ankylosing Spondylitis, is when the experience lower back pain and some muscle spasms. This tends to be worse during the night. This pain often spreads to the upper back, neck and buttocks. Also, in the morning, neck pain may be experienced which is relieved during the day through exercise.

 

Without treatment, it is possible that the symptoms could develop into fever, fatigue and a loss of appetite. There may be some weight loss as well.

 

As the spine starts to fuse together, you may start to find it more and more difficult and painful to move around. Also, in a number of cases. as the joints start to become more and more affected, it becomes harder to breath as the ribs start to stop moving. This means that breathing is now being conducted using only the muscles of the diaphragm. On top of this, the lungs could be affected by Ankylosing Spondylitis.

 

Ankylosing Spondylitis in approximately 1 in 3 cases can cause inflammation in one or both eyes.

 

Causes of Ankylosing Spondylitis

 

Nobody knows exactly what causes Ankylosing Spondylitis. It is generally thought that the antigen HLA-B27. This may explain why this condition appears to run in families. This is also linked to a condition called Reties Syndrome.

 

Treatment of Ankylosing Spondylitis

 

There are no drugs in existence today which can slow or stop the condition. However, there are drugs called Non-Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) which can help to control the inflammation and reduce the pain.

 

Also, daily exercise consisting of gentle stretching exercises or swimming can help to improve the movement of the spine and help to create a more positive posture. On top of this, hydrotherapy and physiotherapy can also help to relieve the symptoms.

 

Unfortunately, there are a small number of people suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis who will require hip replacements. Thankfully, those cases are few and far between.

 

Interestingly, the symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis can be present for a period of time and then they reduce significantly.



An Introduction To Rheumatoid Arthritis


Rheumatoid arthritis is the second major type of arthritis - exceeded in number of cases only by osteoarthritis. It is a very serious ailment caused by inflammation of the joints. The pain associated with the disease is at times so severe that it almost completely disables sufferers. It affects women more often than men.

 

Rheumatoid arthritis advances in three stages starting with painful swelling and stiffness of the joints. In the second stage the pain aggravates and the bones and cartilage are severely affected thereby restricting the movement of the person altogether. By this time the diseases becomes chronic and just defies all treatment.

 

It is in your best interest to immediately consult a doctor as soon as you have pain in the joints. This means that don’t wait for any other symptom appear. Also, you should never try treating the disease by taking over the counter medicines. Chances are that you may aggravate the ailment.

 

It is important that you ask your doctor to diagnose whether you are actually afflicted with Rheumatoid arthritis and if so, start taking the treatment that he prescribes. If you go by your doctor’s advice you can save yourself a lot of damage by reducing the severity of the attack of the disease. Any delay in diagnosing and treating the disease may aggravate to an extent that you may have to undergo surgery. This will not only entail great pain, but also require huge costs of treatment.

 

Besides seeking a doctor’s advice early, you may take general precautions like protecting your affected areas from stress of exertion. You should also try to reduce your weight if you are obese. Also contact your physiotherapist. Seek his or her advice about certain kind of exercises that may be specific to your kind of rheumatoid arthritis and take these exercises regularly as per the expert’s advice.



Sunday 28 November 2021

A Brief Introduction To Rheumatoid Arthritis


One out of every seven Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and it's predicted that almost sixty million will suffer from the disease by the year 2020.

 

This is according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.

 

You might not know it, but you could be suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Although rheumatoid arthritis is commonly associated with the older generation (people over the age of 65), the disease is found in younger generations - even including children. How could you tell if you have it? Well if you're experiencing morning stiffness for no apparent reason (like if you had done a lot of strenuous exercise the night before, for example), you might be suffering from one of it's symptoms. As mild as you might think morning stiffness is, you really ought to give it some serious thought and consult with your doctor because if that morning stiffness is related to rheumatoid arthritis, you can work to prevent it from disabling or crippling you later on down the road to a point where you can barely function. But rheumatoid arthritis isn't just a physical condition. It has the propensity to tax your mental and emotional state of well-being tpp.

 

This is because arthritis can change the way you work, the way you interact with your family, and the way you entertain yourself with recreational activities. You might even know someone with rheumatoid arthritis and have observed how this disease changed not only his or her mobility, but also his or her outlook on life. Those of us without rheumatoid arthritis tend to take our ability to move anyway we want for granted, but when that ability slowly disappears right before our eyes, it's no surprise that we get depressed about it.

 

But it doesn't necessary have to be that way. With proper medications, education, support, and prescribed exercises, you could work to prevent the most severe forms of the disease - or at least prolong the worst case symptoms.

 

Arthritis works in two ways. First, it inflames the muscles, ligaments, and cartilage that sit in-between joints. And it's this inflammation that causes the pain, swelling, and heat. Those are symptoms that are typical indications of an injury and they're vital to understanding more about this disease. Second, arthritis works by releasing enzymes that basically consume or otherwise destroy the muscles, ligaments, and cartilage that have become inflamed to a point where they're not very useful and don't allow for easy movement. In the worse cases, cartilage disappears completely and as you can guess, this is extremely crippling and uncomfortable.

 

That's why we call rheumatoid arthritis a disease. Typically, inflamed muscles, ligaments, and cartilage are the result of an injury, like falling on the knees for example. But with arthritis, no injury has to occur. In fact, arthritis is a type of autoimmune disease and the cartilage inside joints is one of the things that it destroys. And any joint can be affected - one, two, maybe even more but most of the time, the disease targets fingers, hips, feet, and knees.



A Better Understanding Of Arthritis


The term "Arthritis" refers to more than 100 different types of diseases which all cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints of affected people. All arthritis conditions involve some form of joint pain or the other. However, the seriousness of the joint pain, the duration of the joint pain and degree of the joint pain vary from one type of arthritis to another.

 

The two most prevalent types of arthritis include Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, in which joint cartilage is destroyed. In other cases of Osteoarthritis, the patient experiences bony outgrowth, also known as bone spurs and also lose of cartilage particles. 

 

Osteoarthritis affects mostly aged people, from 55 years and older. That is why most people say it is an 'aged disease' of the joints. Osteoarthritis is mostly common in the hands, feet, spine, hips and knees of victims.

 

In rheumatoid arthritis, the patient experiences white blood cells in the synovial membrane dividing, growing and multiplying. These produce inflammation of the joint capsule and synovial membrane, loss of space in the synovial cavity, pain and stiffness in the joint. If there is no arthritis relief and treatment, this may lead to cartilage destruction. 

 

Apart from these types of arthritis, another type of arthritis that commonly affects people is "Inflammatory Arthritis". This type of arthritis causes very severe inflammation in the joints and the tendons of the victims. 

 

This is mostly characterized by the swelling and inflammation of the synovial membrane - thereby causing severe pain and stiffness in the joints of the victims. Inflammatory arthritis makes the joint look red and warm when touched. Arthritis relief for victims is necessary to reduce the pain. 

 

Arthritis relief is therefore very important, especially in a country like the United States where Arthritis is the number one cause of physical disability. There are an estimated total number of 43 million Americans - 16 percent of the population, suffering from one form of arthritis or the other. 

 

It is not only adults who need arthritis relief, but also children. In the United States, about 300,000 children suffer from one type of arthritis related disease or another. Children, being very susceptible to pain, need arthritis relief and treatment more than ever before. Unlike adults who can endure joint pains to a great degree, children cannot and therefore need arthritis relief as soon as the problem starts.



Ayurvedic Home Remedies for Digestive Disorders


There are numerous simple recipes illustrated in Ayurveda to correct many disorders. Here are few gruel recipes which are strongly recommended in digestive disorders. These are simple and effective remedies which can be prepared easily at home to correct the digestive disorder and also to replenish the lost nutrients.

 

Gruel Recipes

 

For Indigestion

 

Ingredients:

 

Rice - 1/2 cup

Water - 4 cups

Long pepper - 2 or 3 

Ginger -1

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook rice with recommended quantity of water with crushed ginger and salt. Powder long pepper and fry it in a spoon of cow’s ghee and add it to gruel. Consume this when it hot. This is very light to digest and relieves colic pain.

 

For Diarrhoea

 

Ingredients:

 

Rice - 1/2 cup

Water - 4 cups

Ginger paste - 1/2 spoon

Salt to taste

Pomegranate juice - Ω cup

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook rice with recommended quantity of water with ginger paste and salt. Add pomegranate juice when the gruel is warm. This gruel rehydrates body and supply energy. This soothes inflamed walls of intestine and controls bowel movements. 

 

For Flatulence 

 

Ingredients:

 

Ω cup of rice

4 cups of water

Haritaki (Terminalia chebula) - powder-1/2 spoon

Roots of pippali or long pepper

Ginger paste -1/2 spoon salt to taste

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook Rice, haritaki powder, roots of pippali and water together. Add salt to it. Consume this when it is warm. This relieves flatulence and regularizes the bowel movement

 

For Indigestion Due to Over Consumption of Oily Food

 

Ingredients:

 

Ω cup rice

4 cups of water

Butter milk - 1 cup

Salt to taste

 

Method of Preparation:

 

Cook rice water and salt together. Add a cup of butter milk when it is little warm and consume it. This relieves indigestion, nausea and corrects digestion.



Benefits Of Alternative Medicine


More and more people are turning to Alternative Medicine and Natural Therapy as cost of conventional medicine escalate.

 

With the growing number of people being affected by newly discovered chronic degenerative diseases such as AIDS and chronic fatigue syndrome, are you worried or wondering....

 

Is it possible to maintain good health?

 

What your body needs to function properly?

 

Why conventional medicine is becoming more complicated and costly and in some cases simply ineffective?

 

A growing number of people are turning to alternative medicine and natural healing--simple, traditional low-tech methods of preventing illnesses and solving everyday health problems.

 

Do you have unanswered questions on....

 

Why are people flocking to health food stores, with their lotions and potions, and what keeps them going back for more?

 

What to do if you or someone in your family falls ill?

 

Are these therapies really old wives tales or can they really work?

 

Even mainstream doctors have begun to recommend natural drugless therapies' to treat both everyday complaints and serious illnesses. Dietary modifications, for instance, has become the weapons of choice against a number of diseases that would have been treated mainly with prescription drugs a generation ago.

 

It is now known that many conditions are caused by the wrong diet and can be reversed by the right diet. Heart disease, cancer, weight problems, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure--they can all be treated to some degree with foods.

 

Natural therapies found in alternative medicine are actually much older than Western treatments such as surgeries and antibiotics. Experts estimate that herbal remedies and Ayurveda, the traditional medicine of India, has been around for 5,000 years.

 

Many alternative medicine remedies began with scientific research or clinical impressions reported by physicians working with safe, natural substances. But we live in a generation now that has been cut off from this age-old tradition of self-reliance. Healing and health care have almost become the exclusive province of duly licensed physicians. 

 

While doctors and other professionals-are indeed great to have around, what is not so great is when you cannot do anything without them.

 

Shouldn't we be able to do something to save our health - maybe even our lives - without a doctor?

 

What happens when medical help is not so readily available?

 

What happens when doctoring simply does not work?

 

Some of us go to doctor after doctor, and still no help. Is that the end of the line?

 

While antibiotics have saved millions of lives, they have not really solved some resurgence of germs that are turning up in new forms that do not respond to conventional therapies.

 

There has been a real shift in the way people think about their health. Rising health care cost is a factor in the recent surge of interest in alternative medicine. Many people are attracted to the alternative physicians emphasis on treating the whole person--body, mind and spirit. 

 

Most importantly some physicians use intensive counselling to help patients find out whether aspects of their daily lives, such as job stress, marital problems, diet or sleeping habits might be behind their symptoms. In this age of managed care and impersonal group practices patients find this individualized approach of alternative medicine particularly appealing.

 

One of the principal goals of alternative medicine and natural healing is to break the cycle of dependency and allow people to be more in control of their own lives.



Tuesday 23 November 2021

Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Medicines and Important Herbs


What is Ayurveda and Its Importance? 

 

Ayurveda is a traditional holistic healing. Translated from Sanskrit, Ayurveda means 'the science of life'. Ayur means "life" and Veda means "science. India system which largely depends on plant support to form major Chunk of its medicine. Most of the herbs, spices, seeds, roots, leaves, stems, petals and flowers are deeply ingrained in all Indian homes where 'home remedies' are popular. Even certain family members in some family are adept in curing even intricate disorders by simple and cost effective formulations which, at times, have shown marvellous and astounding results. 

 

All over the world today we are looking for a natural system of healing that is comprehensive and complete, that is not merely some curious form of folk healing but a real and rational system of medicine that is sensitive to both nature and the Earth. This is exactly what Ayurveda has to offer, for it has a many thousand year-old clinical tradition and a comprehensive natural method of treatment ranging from diet, herbs and massage. 

 

With Ayurveda we learn the right diet for our individual type, how to improve our immune system, he keys to right use of sexual energy and rejuvenation, and a conscious way of life that can lift us to a new level of awareness in all our endeavours.

 

Without such natural wisdom as Ayurveda, we may find ourselves not only unhealthy, but unhappy and spiritually confused. 

 

Ayurveda Principles and Theory 

 

Ayurveda system is the prominent user of herbs and its basic theory revolves round imbalance and vitiation of three humours (Doshas). 

 

Ether (Akash), Air (Vayu), Fire (Agni), Water (Jal) and Earth (Prithvi) are the great five elements which underline all living systems. these elements are constantly changing and interacting and can be simplified into three Vitiations (Doshas). When these doshas remain under harmony and balance, health of body does not get disturbed but, when their balance gets disturbed, a diseased state sets in. 

 

The three doshas are Vata (Wind), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm) and due to predominance of the one dosha, a person's personality is determined that is 'Vata-Prakriti', 'Pitta- Prakriti' or 'Kapha Prakriti'.

 

Vata formed from ether and air, governs all movement in the mind and body and must be kept in good balance. 

 

Pitta formed from fire and water, governs "all heat, metabolism and transformation in the mind and body.

 

Kapha formed from earth and water, cements the elements in the body, providing the material for physical structure.

 

Each person has an individual blend of the three doshas, with one or sometimes two doshas predominating. 

 

Common Herbs Used in Ayurvedic Medicines 

 

Amalaki (Amla or Indian Gooseberry or Emblica officinalis) - The fruit is reputed to have the highest content of vitamin C of any natural occurring substance in nature. It maintains balance amongst three doshas and effectively controls digestive problems, strengthens heart, normalises cholesterol, prevents cancer, builds up and sustain defence mechanism, improves eye-sight and detoxifies the body. 

 

Amla is said to have 20 times more vitamin C than orange. The vitamin C content of amla is between 625mg - 1814mg per 100gms. Other studies show that amla increases red blood cell count and haemoglobin. A research team discovered that when Amla is taken regularly as a dietary supplement, it counteracts the toxic effects of prolonged exposure to environmental heavy metals, such as lead, aluminium and nickel. 

 

Ashwagandha (Winter Cherry or Withania Somnifera)- Ashwagandha is one of the main herbs for promoting ojas and rejuvenating the body in Ayurveda. It is a well-known semen promoter and it treats impotency and infertility. 

 

Clinical studies show that Ashwagandha has antibacterial, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. The strong anti-stress actions, increases memory and learning capabilities. It has also found to be useful in Rheumatic and Arthritic disorders like pain, swelling etc.

 

Summing up, it is a strong Aphrodisiac and has Immunomodulating, anti- inflammatory, anti-tumour and anti-stress properties which clearly shows why Ayurveda has such a high opinion of this herb as a general tonic. 

 

Arjuna (Terminalia Arjuna) - It is a cardiac tonic of high quality. Terminalia arjuna, is known to be beneficial for the treatment of heart ailments since 500 BC. Clinical research has indicated its usefulness in relieving anginal pain, and in the treatment of coronary artery disease, heart failure, and possibly hypercholesterolemia. 

 

"Terminalia arjuna bark extract, 500 mg 8 hourly, given to patients with stable angina with provocable ischemia on treadmill exercise, led to improvement in clinical and treadmill exercise parameters as compared to placebo therapy." Result on Clinical Research Conducted. 

 

Improvement of cardiac muscle function and subsequent improved pumping activity of the heart seem to be the primary benefits of Terminalia Arjuna. 

 

Brahmi (Bacopa, Gotu Kola) - Brahmi is known as "the food for brain". Traditionally Brahmi is used as a mental tonic, to rejuvenate the body, as a promoter of memory and as a nerve tonic. It promotes a calm, clear mind, and improves mental function. 

 

Modern Research claims that brahmi improves memory and helps overcome the negative effects of stress. Brahmi is especially suitable for students as it enhances the minds ability to learn and to focus and for an elderly person hoping to regain their memory. It is unique in its ability to invigorate mental processes whilst reducing the effects of stress and nervous anxiety. 

 

As a nervine tonic, Brahmi has been used to help those affected by stroke, nervous breakdown or exhaustion and Attention Deficit Disorder. The best Ayurvedic brain and memory formulas contain brahmi, as do many of the long life promoting compounds. 

 

Guggulu (Shuddha Guggulu, Guggul, Commiphora Mukul) - Modern Research shows that it is the prime Ayurvedic herb for treating obesity and high cholesterol. Studies shows that guggulu lowers serum cholesterol and phospholipids, and that it also protects against cholesterol- induced atherosclerosis. Guggulu were seen to lower body weight in these clinical studies. 

 

Guggulu also as anti-inflammatory properties and is effective in treating arthritis and other joint pains. 

 

Karela (Bitter Melon, Bitter Gourd, Momordica Charantia) - At least three different groups of constituents have been reported to have blood sugar lowering actions in bitter Mellon. These include a mixture of steroidal saponins known as charantin, insulin-like peptides, and alkaloids. Scientific studies have consistently shown that bitter melon lowers blood sugar level of Type 2 Diabetes. 

 

It could probably reduce the patients intake of antidiabetic drugs. Also Bitter Melon has two proteins which are thought to repress the AIDS virus. 

 

Recently, the Department of Health in the Philippines has recommended bitter melon as one of the best herbal medicines for diabetic management. 

 

Neem (Azadirachta Indica) - Neem is an extraordinary blood purifier, good for al skin diseases like acne, eczema, psoriasis and teeth and gums. Neem is included in most Ayurvedic Skin products because it is as effective on an external application as through internal indigestion. 

 

In Ayurveda it has been safely used for over five thousand years and are a good immunity booster to prevent colds, fevers, infections and various skin diseases. 

 

Shilajit (Mineral Pitch, Asphaltum) - Shilajit is one of the prime Ayurvedic compounds for rejuvenating the body. it is an aphrodisiac, anti-aging herb and to treat diabetes and debilitating urinary problems. 

 

The Charaka Samhita states that a person must use shilajit for a minimum of one month before starting to realize he regenerating effects. It is also used to treat impotency and infertility. it is well known that Shilajit would return the libido of people to level of teenagers. 

 

There is a folk saying by the indigenous people who live in the Himalayan region that Shilajit makes the body strong as a rock. It is an adaptogen, (Rasayna), that helps to combat immune disorders, urinary tract disorders, nervous disorders and sexual dissatisfaction. 

 

Shallaki (Boswellia Serrata, Salai Guggul) - Modern Research indicate that the Boswellia herb may assist in treating joint mobility, pain, and may be a useful remedy for a variety of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. A recent clinical trial suggests positive effects of Boswellia serrata extract in knee osteoarthritis. 

 

Boswellia has also been found to be useful for a number of other disorders and best for treating Back Pain, Knee Pain, Joint Pain and Arthritis. This herb has also been proposed as a possible therapy for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

 

Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki) - Triphala has got the properties of three famous nutrients: amla, haritaki and bibhitaki. The advantage of this formula is that it is milder in action and more balanced than any of the three alone. 

 

It has cleansing and detoxifying action. Used regularly it is good for gentle, slow detoxification of the digestive tract and then the deep tissues. It also has the ability to normalize all three humours with continued use. 

 

As a daily supplement triphala is hard to beat; that' s why in India they say "even if your mother leaves you, everything will be fine if you have triphala".

 

Tulsi (Holy Basil, Ocimum Sanctum) - Its very name Holy Basil certifies to its sacred nature. It is a sacred plant worshipped in many Indian homes and is a must in every Hindu’s house. 

 

Holy basil is also a major ingredient of many Ayurvedic cough syrups. it is a good stress reliever, and modern research has found it to be good for Respiratory problems, Cold, Fever and all types of Cough.