Arthritis Archives - Amazing Health Advances

Can Gout Increase Your Risk of Kidney Disease?

The AHA! Team — Wed, 16 Apr 2025 05:25:33 +0000

Sara Middleton via NaturalHealth365 – Did you know that 14% of people in the United States have chronic kidney disease? This health condition can be serious and incredibly life-changing, especially if a person requires dialysis for advanced kidney disease. And nobody wants to require dialysis – which is the use of a machine to filter your blood because your kidneys can no longer do the job. Keep in mind that dialysis is a time-consuming process that usually takes about 4 hours, 3 sessions per week! So, today, we’ll highlight ways to avoid a problem. Known risk factors for chronic kidney disease include diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure. But now, research out of BMJ Open adds another risk factor to the list: gout. This finding aligns with a recent paper in Kidney International emphasizing that uric acid retention in advancing kidney disease contributes to gout and systemic inflammation, which are linked to higher cardiovascular risks. Millions of people currently require gout treatment. This new paper suggests that to relieve your gout symptoms and protect your kidney health, adopting a healthy diet for gout and kidney stones is more important than ever. Gout, a common inflammatory condition, is linked with an increased risk of poor kidney function Interestingly, the medical community has known for a long time that having kidney disease can increase your risk for gout. But it turns out that this relationship is bi-directional. A team of researchers from the United Kingdom analyzed the health data of nearly 69,000 adults with gout and over 500,000 adults without gout. After following these individuals for nearly 4 years on average, they discovered that having gout increased a person’s risk for chronic kidney disease by almost 30%. Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects at least 8.3 million Americans. The condition happens when a metabolic by-product called uric acid builds up in the blood. When this happens, crystals can form and lodge in joints throughout the body, especially the knees and big toes. The result? Painful, red, warm, and stiff joints. But high levels of uric acid aren’t just bad for joints. This study suggests that uric acid build-up caused by gout can harm your kidneys, too. By the way, there’s another condition that causes a build-up of compounds within the body: kidney stones. These are hard calcium masses in your kidneys that can cause severe pain. And while individual (tiny) kidney stones usually don’t cause serious damage, having them can increase your risk for kidney disease. Since it turns out that gout and kidney stones can increase your risk for chronic kidney disease, the natural next question is: How can I modify my lifestyle and diet to reduce my risk for gout, kidney stones, and kidney disease? And what does a diet for gout and kidney stones look like? Want to protect your renal function? Follow this diet for gout and kidney stones One of the greatest things about adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle is that it’s highly efficient – that is, a solid nutrition plan can protect you from many types of chronic diseases, including kidney disease. But if you’re specifically worried about gout and kidney stones, be sure to follow a sensible plan that includes: Eat plenty of locally grown, organic fruits and vegetables Drink clean, fresh (purified) water – on a daily basis Make your own homemade lemonade In addition to eating nutrient-rich foods, consider adding more lemon wedges to your filtered water (antioxidants + hydration) or taking a high-quality vitamin C supplement, which has been found to significantly reduce the risk of gout. Again, staying well hydrated is crucial for kidney health. So, be sure to drink clean, pure water – regularly. This will ensure that your urine color will not get too dark – which is a sign of dehydration. Lastly, knowing what to avoid is important, too. Talk to your doctor about cutting back on or eliminating foods like alcohol, factory raised (toxic) red meat, and shellfish, which have been shown to increase the risk of kidney stones and gout. And, of course, avoid as many other environmental toxins as you can. Purify the air you breathe at home; don’t buy toxic personal care or household cleaning products, and buy local (organic) foods – as much as possible. All of this will help to reduce the toxic burden placed on the kidneys – day to day. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Kidney.org BMJ.com Medicalnewstoday.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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Obesity’s Impact on Back Pain, Blood Pressure, Cancer, & Diabetes

The AHA! Team — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 05:07:54 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Losing weight can reduce sciatica, hypertension, and cancer risk, as well as reverse type 2 diabetes. In the ABCs of the health consequences of obesity, A is for Arthritis, as I discussed in my previous blog post, and B is for Back Pain. Being overweight is not just a risk factor for low back pain, but it is also a risk factor for sciatica (a radiating nerve pain), as well as degenerating lumbar discs and disc herniation. Similar to what we learned in the arthritis story, this may also be due to a combination of the excess weight, high cholesterol, and inflammation associated with being overweight. Why cholesterol? Studies of autopsies and angiographies show that the lumbar arteries that feed our spine can get clogged with atherosclerosis and starve the disks in our lower back, as you can see below and at 0:47 in my video The Effects of Obesity on Back Pain, Blood Pressure, Cancer, and Diabetes. B is also for Blood Pressure. Excess visceral fat—for example, internal abdominal fat—can physically compress our kidneys. The increased pressure can effectively squeeze sodium back into our bloodstream, increasing our blood pressure. Together, the combination of obesity and hypertension can have “disastrous health implications,” but the good news is that just a few pounds of weight loss can help take off the pressure. Losing excess weight has been described as “a vital strategy for controlling hypertension.” In fact, researchers found that losing around nine pounds (4 kg) may lower blood pressure about as much as cutting salt intake approximately in half can. C is for Cancer. As many as three-quarters of people surveyed “were unaware that being overweight or obese increased a person’s risk of cancer,” when, in fact, based on a comprehensive review of more than a thousand studies, excess body fat raises the risk of most cancers, including esophageal, stomach, colorectal, liver, gallbladder, pancreatic, breast, uterine, ovarian, kidney, brain, thyroid, and bone marrow (multiple myeloma) cancers, as you can see below and at 2:00 in my video. It could be the chronic inflammation of obesity or perhaps it is the high insulin levels due to insulin resistance. (Besides controlling blood sugars, insulin is also “a potent growth factor” that can promote tumor growth.) In women, it could also be the excess estrogen. After the ovaries shut down at menopause, fat takes over as the principal site of estrogen production. That’s why women who are obese have up to nearly twice the estrogen levels circulating in their bloodstream, which is associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer and dying from it. The data on prostate cancer aren’t as strong, though obesity is associated with increased risk of invasive penis cancer. “We’re confident the link between obesity and cancer is cause-and-effect” One of the reasons we’re confident the link between obesity and cancer is cause-and-effect—and not just an indirect consequence of eating poorly—is that the overall risk of cancer goes down when people lose weight, even through bariatric surgery. Researchers found that those experiencing a sustained weight loss of about 40 pounds (19.9 kg) after surgery went on to develop around one-third fewer cancers over the subsequent decade, compared with matched individuals in the nonsurgical control group who continued to slowly gain weight over time. The exception, though, is colorectal cancer. “Colorectal cancer is the only known malignancy where the risk of being diagnosed with disease seems to increase after obesity surgery.” Indeed, after bariatric surgery, the rate of rectal cancer death may triple. The rearrangement of anatomy involved in one of the most common surgeries—Roux-en-Y gastric bypass—is thought to increase bile acid exposure along the intestinal lining. This causes sustained pro-inflammatory changes even years after the procedure, which is thought responsible for the increased cancer risk. In contrast, losing weight by dietary means has the potential to decrease obesity-related cancer risk across the board. D is for Diabetes. As presented in a consensus statement from the International Diabetes Federation, obesity is considered the single most important risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, which is the leading cause of kidney failure, lower-limb amputations, and adult-onset blindness. Ironically, many of the leading drugs used to treat diabetes (including insulin itself) cause further weight gain, creating a vicious cycle. So, again, using lifestyle medicine to treat the underlying cause is not only safer, simpler, and cheaper, but can also be most effective. If you missed my previous video, check out The Best Knee Replacement Alternative for Osteoarthritis Treatment. Coming up next? See related posts below. I continue the topic of weight control with these videos that may be of interest to you: Is the Obesity Paradox Real or a Myth? and Friday Favorites: What’s the Ideal BMI and Waist Size?. For more on back pain, blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes, check out their topic pages. Key Takeaways Obesity increases the risk of low back pain, sciatica, and lumbar disc degeneration due to excess weight, high cholesterol, and inflammation, which may restrict blood flow to the spine, and the loss of even a few pounds, can help reduce blood pressure and prevent related health complications. Obesity raises the risk of many cancers, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer, due to chronic inflammation, high insulin, and, in women, increased estrogen levels post-menopause. Weight loss, including through bariatric surgery, significantly lowers cancer risk, except for colorectal cancer, where the surgery may increase the risk due to bile acid exposure. Obesity is the primary risk factor for type 2 diabetes, which can lead to severe complications. Lifestyle changes targeting obesity can be more effective than medications, which may cause further weight gain. To read the original article click here.

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Does Fasting Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The AHA! Team — Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:19:42 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Fasting, followed by a plant-based diet, is put to the test for autoimmune inflammatory joint disease. Does Fasting Help Rheumatoid Arthritis? Alan Goldhamer is the founder of the TrueNorth Health Center in Santa Rosa, California, where 10,000 individuals have fasted for “a variety of conditions from diabetes and cardiovascular disease to autoimmune diseases.” He noted that “conditions that seemed to be tied to dietary excess tended to respond predictably to the use of fasting followed by a health-promoting diet,” which he describes as one that is “low salt, vegan, high fiber, low fat, low protein, and low sugar.” This approach offers people an option to make lifestyle changes “This approach offers people an option to make lifestyle changes, eliminate the cause of the problem, and stabilize their conditions, to the point where the medication is no longer needed.” It’s in contrast to “conventional medicine, which is more about the suppression of the symptoms associated with the disease, rather than removing the underlying mechanisms by which they are caused.” Said Dr. Goldhamer: “If you treat high blood pressure medically, they tell you, ‘You must take these drugs the rest of your life.’ If you have diabetes, they’ll tell you, ‘You’ll be on these medications the rest of your life.’ If you have autoimmune disease, like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriasis, or eczema, you will be told, ‘You must be on medications the rest of your life,’ because medicine guarantees you will never recover…” “They promise you, if you follow their advice explicitly, you will be sick the rest of your life.” Preliminary data suggest that fasting may benefit “metabolic diseases, pain syndromes, hypertension [high blood pressure], chronic inflammatory diseases, atopic [allergic] diseases, and psychosomatic disorders,” but the highest level of evidence we have for the benefits of fasting are in regard to rheumatic diseases—autoimmune inflammatory joint diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis. Nearly a century ago, it was written that “diet treatment is not generally recognized by the medical profession…as one of the weapons with which to attack rheumatic conditions.” This attitude persisted until relatively recently, but a systematic review of controlled trials has since shown “a statistically and clinically significant beneficial long-term effect.” Rheumatoid arthritis has a well-known genetic component Rheumatoid arthritis has a well-known genetic component, but the concordance rate—that is, the chance that a pair of identical twins both get it when one has it—is probably less than 30 percent, despite the twins having the same genes. That leaves 70 percent to be explained by nongenetic factors. Even if we don’t know exactly what those factors are, “fasting is very similar to rebooting the hard drive in a computer. Sometimes, the computer gets corrupted, and you do not know exactly where the problem is. But if you just turn it off and reboot it, a lot of times, that corruption gets cleared out.” The evidence base started with case reports of water-only fasting followed by a plant-based diet. There were remarkable reports of years of pain and stiffness that were not only gone within a week but, more importantly, stayed gone on the healthier diet. One after another, just like that. But case reports are merely glorified anecdotes. There have been studies going back decades suggesting that “fasting may represent the most rapid and most available way of inducing relief of arthritic pain and swelling for patients who have RA,” rheumatoid arthritis, but they often failed to control for the placebo effect, which is “particularly important whenever self-reporting systems are used (reports on general well-being, pain, stiffness, tiredness, and the like)”—that is, subjective symptoms. Fasting may represent the most rapid and most available way of inducing relief of arthritic pain and swelling for patients who have RA There are objective measures, however, including lab tests of inflammation that don’t appear to be affected by placebos. As shown below and at 3:22 in my video Fasting for Rheumatoid Arthritis is what can be seen in controlled trials, starting immediately and staying down for at least a year. 10 different measures of inflammation decreased significantly after the fasting & subsequent meat- & egg-free diet Ten different measures of inflammation decreased significantly after the fasting and subsequent meat- and egg-free diet, whereas none of the parameters budged in those individuals with rheumatoid arthritis who continued to eat their regular diets. What’s more, this squelching of inflammation translated into a significant reduction in pain, morning stiffness, loss of grip strength, and the number of tender and swollen joints, as you can see below and at 3:43 in my video. Even a year after the trial had ended, those who benefited from the diet continued to benefit in terms of less pain, stiffness, and tender and swollen joints, presumably because they stuck with it, as shown here and at 4:00 in my video. During the period of fasting both inflammation and pain are reduced in RA patients “There is little doubt that during the period of fasting both inflammation and pain are reduced in RA patients,” individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. “However, after the normal diet is resumed, inflammation returns unless the fasting period is followed by a vegetarian diet…” Why might that be? It could be due to changes in the microbiome. The improvement in symptoms coincided with a “significant alteration in the intestinal flora” when patients switched from an omnivorous diet. “A diet can change intestinal flora and this may somehow be beneficial in RA,” perhaps by strengthening the gut barrier. We know fasting can decrease the leakiness of the gut in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, but we don’t yet know what role, if any, this plays in the disease process. It could be as simple as eicosanoids, the mediators of inflammation that are formed from arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is a long-chain, inflammatory, omega-6 fatty acid found in animal fats. As seen below and at 5:04 in my video, the biggest contributors are chicken and eggs, which together contribute nearly half the intake of Americans. That’s also been suggested as an explanation for why those eating more plant-based appear to have better mental health; they aren’t suffering the “cascade of neuroinflammation” caused by arachidonic acid. Removing eggs, chicken, and other meats was shown to improve mood It’s also why removing eggs, chicken, and other meats was shown to improve mood in a randomized controlled trial, suggesting the arachidonic acid “may negatively impact mood state.” It may also help explain the impact of more plant-based diets on inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. So, all of this may help explain why “maintaining a nutrient-dense, vegan diet of unrefined plant foods”—a plant-based diet—“appears to be necessary after the fast to prevent the recurrence of symptoms and inflammatory activity,” or as one popular press article put it, fasting may just be a tool to get you to radically kickstart a change in the way you eat. For more on fasting, see related posts below. This video was originally part of my Fasting for Disease Reversal webinar. If you want to see all of the videos in one place, check them out here. Stay tuned for Fasting for Autoimmune Diseases, coming up next. For more on rheumatoid arthritis, see Turmeric Curcumin and Rheumatoid Arthritis, Why Do Plant-Based Diets Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?, and Friday Favorites: Fasting for Rheumatoid Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases. Key Takeaways Fasting, followed by a low-salt, vegan, high-fiber, low-fat, low-protein, and low-sugar diet, has been reported to help manage and even eliminate symptoms of various chronic conditions, including autoimmune diseases and cardiovascular issues. Fasting, especially when followed by a plant-based diet, has shown significant benefits in reducing inflammation and pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with effects lasting even after the fasting period ends. The shift from an omnivorous to a plant-based diet may positively alter gut flora and reduce the inflammatory response, potentially due to decreased intake of arachidonic acid, a pro-inflammatory fatty acid found in animal products. The benefits of fasting and a plant-based diet in managing rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions seem to be sustained only if the dietary changes are maintained long-term. To read the original article click here.

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CDC Study: Significantly Higher Lyme Disease Rates Among Older Adults Than Previously Reported

The AHA! Team — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 08:24:32 +0000

Dr. Sanchari Sinha Dutta, Ph.D. via News-Medical – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in association with the University of Iowa, USA, has conducted an epidemiological study to determine the incidence rate of Lyme disease among older adults in the United States. The study is published in the CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal. Background Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a vector-borne bacterial infection caused by a species of Borrelia bacteria that spreads to humans by the bite of infected black-legged ticks (Ixodes scapularis). The main symptoms are fever, headache, fatigue, and a specific type of skin rash called erythema migrans. While Lyme disease can present with a characteristic erythema migrans rash, it can also lead to severe complications if left untreated, including facial nerve paralysis, arthritis, and even heart rhythm irregularities. In the United States, Lyme disease most commonly occurs in the Northeast, mid-Atlantic, and upper-Midwest regions. Previous studies estimating the prevalence of the disease have used employer-sponsored insurance claims data to quantify the disease diagnoses. However, this type of data does not include information on individuals aged 65 years and above who exhibit higher susceptibility to Lyme disease than their younger peers. In this study, scientists have determined the incidence of Lyme disease among older adults in the United States using Medicare fee-for-service data that includes information on individuals aged 65 years and above. Study design The study analyzed Medicare fee-for-service data together with drug treatment data to identify Lyme disease diagnoses among individuals aged 65 years and above. The data collected during 2016 – 2019 was included in the analysis. The Medicare fee-for-service study population was compared with the 2019 US Census estimation data for individuals aged 65 years and above to ensure that the two groups were age-, sex-, race-, ethnicity- and region-matched. Lyme disease diagnoses identified in the Medicare fee-for-service data were compared with the confirmed and probable cases among individuals aged 65 years and above obtained through national surveillance. However, the study also notes certain limitations, such as slight differences between the Medicare fee-for-service population and the U.S. Census population regarding race, ethnicity, and sex. These differences, though small, were stable throughout the study period. Important observations The Medicare fee-for-service population included in the study was estimated to have a median of 17,872,466 person-years during the study period, as compared to the US Census population of 51,561,372 individuals aged 65 years and above. Person-years refer to the number of years for which persons contribute data. The proportion of individuals from neighboring high-incidence states was higher in the Medicare population than in the US Census population. Incidence of Lyme disease A total of 88,485 Lyme disease cases were identified in the Medicare population during the 2016-2019 study period. This corresponded to an average incidence of 123.5 diagnoses per 100,000 person-years. The total number of Lyme disease cases reported through public health surveillance during the same period was 34,183. This corresponded to an average incidence of 16.6 cases per 100,000 persons. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a bullseye rash. Approximately 82% of Lyme disease cases were identified among individuals residing in high-incidence states. The median incidence of Lyme disease diagnoses was 346.9 per 100,000 person-years among residents of high-incidence states, 35.3 per 100,000 person-years among residents of states or jurisdictions neighboring high-incidence states, and 29.4 per 100,000 person-years among residents of low-incidence states. Public health surveillance data revealed that about 93% of Lyme disease cases were among residents of high-incidence states. The median incidence of these cases was 57.1 per 100,000 persons among residents of high-incidence states, 3.6 per 100,000 persons among residents of states or jurisdictions neighboring high-incidence states, and 0.6 per 100,000 persons among residents of low-incidence states. The majority of Lyme disease diagnoses occurred in the summer months. Among residents of low-incidence states, a large proportion of disease diagnoses occurred in winter months. According to Medicare and surveillance data, the majority of Lyme disease cases were identified among men. In high-incidence states, men had the highest incidence of Lyme disease for all age groups. In low-incidence states, women had a slightly higher incidence than men only in the 65–69-year age group and 75–79-year age group. Study significance The study identified more than 88,000 adults aged 65 years and above diagnosed and treated with Lyme disease during 2016 – 2019 in the United States. Most Lyme disease cases have been identified among residents of high-incidence states. The study reports a 7-fold higher incidence of Lyme disease diagnoses compared to that reported through public health surveillance. These findings are similar to the findings reported in previous claims analyses. The study also acknowledges the issue of overdiagnosis, which may partly explain the differences observed between the Medicare data and public health surveillance data. Overdiagnosis has been reported in other analyses and may contribute to the higher incidence rates observed in this older population. A variation in Lyme disease seasonality has been observed when Medicare fee-for-service data is compared with surveillance data. Some differences in gender-specific disease susceptibility have also been observed when this study is compared with previous claims analyses. Antibiotics like doxycycline are effective treatments. In previous claims analyses, male children have shown higher susceptibility to Lyme disease in both high- and low-incidence states. In contrast, male older adults have shown higher susceptibility in high-incidence states. Overall, the study findings add insight into Lyme disease patterns unique to this older population in the United States. Journal reference: Schwartz AM. 2024. Epidemiology of Lyme Disease Diagnoses among Older Adults, United States, 2016–2019. Emerging Infectious Diseases. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/30/9/24-0454_article To read the original article click here.

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Blood Test Finds Knee Osteoarthritis up to Eight Years Before X-rays

The AHA! Team — Thu, 25 Jul 2024 08:13:23 +0000

Duke Health – DURHAM, N.C. – A blood test successfully predicted knee osteoarthritis at least eight years before tell-tale signs of the disease appeared on x-rays, Duke Health researchers report. In a study appearing April 26 in the journal Science Advances, the researchers validated the accuracy of the blood test that identifies key biomarkers of osteoarthritis. They showed that it predicted development of the disease, as well as its progression, which was demonstrated in their earlier work. The research advances the utility of a blood test that would be superior to current diagnostic tools that often don’t identify the disease until it has caused structural damage to the joint. “Currently, you’ve got to have an abnormal x-ray to show clear evidence of knee osteoarthritis, and by the time it shows up on x-ray, your disease has been progressing for some time,” said senior author Virginia Byers Kraus, M.D., Ph.D., a professor in the departments of Medicine, Pathology, and Orthopaedic Surgery at Duke University School of Medicine. “What our blood test demonstrates is that it’s possible to detect this disease much earlier than our current diagnostics permit.” Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, afflicting an estimated 35 million adults in the U.S. and causing significant economic and societal impacts. While there are currently no cures, the success of potential new therapies could hinge on identifying the disease early and slowing its progression before it becomes debilitating. Kraus and colleagues have focused on developing molecular biomarkers that can be used for both clinical diagnostic purposes and as a research tool to aid in the development of effective drugs. In previous studies, the blood biomarker test demonstrated 74% accuracy in predicting knee OA progression and 85% accuracy in diagnosing knee OA. The current study further honed the test’s predictive capabilities. Using a large United Kingdom database, the researchers analyzed serum of 200 white women, half diagnosed with OA and the other half without the disease, matched by body mass index and age. They found that a small number of biomarkers in the blood test successfully distinguished the women with knee OA from those without it, catching molecular signals of OA eight years before many of the women were diagnosed with the disease by x-ray. “This is important because it provides more evidence that there are abnormalities in the joint that can be detected by blood biomarkers well before x-rays can detect OA,” Kraus said. “Early-stage osteoarthritis could provide a ‘window of opportunity’ in which to arrest the disease process and restore joint health.” In addition to Kraus, study authors include Shuming Sun, Alexander Reed, Erik J. Soderblom, M Arthur Moseley, Kaile Zhou, Vaibhav Jain, Nigel Arden, and Yi-Ju Li. The study received funding support from National Institutes of Health (R01-AR071450 and P30-AG028716). To read the original article click here.

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Anti-Inflammatory Compounds in Rosemary Offer Powerful Arthritis Relief, Studies Show

AHA Publisher — Fri, 07 Jan 2022 08:00:47 +0000

Lori Alton via NaturalHealth365 – Roughly a quarter of all adults in the United States – 58.5 million people – are affected by arthritis, a potentially debilitating condition that can jeopardize physical, emotional, and financial health. For example, over 8 million working-age adults declare that their ability to work is limited by arthritis. In addition, the sheer cost of the disease is staggering, with the Centers for Disease Control reporting that arthritis currently costs the country an astounding $303.5 billion a year. While mainstream medicine may attempt to address arthritis with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, these can feature a range of toxic side effects – especially when used long-term. However, a common cooking seasoning may offer a ray of hope. Recent research has showcased the ability of compounds found in rosemary to suppress the inflammation that triggers arthritis. Let’s see how this fragrant, flavorful herb accomplishes this feat and provides arthritis relief. Chronic Systemic Inflammation Can Wreak Havoc on Health Experts say that inflammation is a protective response against injury, pathogens, and toxins – and is a normal part of the healing process. However, when inflammation becomes excessive and chronic (usually the result of an abnormal immune response) disease can result. In inflammatory diseases – such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, periodontitis, fatty liver disease, and type 2 diabetes – immune cells known as macrophages and T-lymphocytes produce excessive amounts of inflammatory enzymes, including cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX). In fact, it is COX and 5-LOX, among other enzymes, that produce the redness, pain, swelling, and loss of function that characterize arthritis. Rosmarinic Acid from Rosemary Offers Arthritis Relief by Slashing Inflammation In a new scientific review published in Frontiers in Pharmacology, the researchers evaluated dozens of test tube, animal, and human studies to assess the potential of rosmarinic acid in rosemary to reduce inflammation and pain from arthritis. They examined the compound’s effect on the two most common forms of arthritis: osteoarthritis – a degenerative disease of the cartilage – and rheumatoid arthritis, classified as a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The findings were promising. Rosmarinic acid appeared to not only alleviate symptoms but also slow down cartilage degeneration. In one clinical study, participants with osteoarthritis who drank a tea rich in rosmarinic acid every day for 16 weeks significantly improved stiffness and physical disability. Rosmarinic acid also caused apoptosis, or cell suicide, in potentially disease-causing T-cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. And, in a 2021 animal study published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, researchers concluded that a nanoemulsion of rosemary and peppermint essential oils reduced osteoarthritis pain. The scientists noted that the emulsion appeared to increase antioxidant capacity, meaning it increased the scavenging of disease-causing free radicals. (In addition to rosmarinic acid, rosemary contains the potent antioxidants carnosic acid, carnisol, hesperidin, and cineole. It has also been shown to elevate levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione, important antioxidants produced in the body). Good News for Eczema Sufferers: Rosmarinic Acid Improves Atopic Dermatitis Atopic dermatitis, also known as atopic eczema, is an inflammatory skin disease that causes lesions, itching, swelling, and redness, along with thickening, flaking skin. When the review authors looked at studies evaluating rosmarinic acid against atopic dermatitis, they found that it interfered with the production of an inflammatory compound known as interleukin, thereby inhibiting the development of lesions and thickening of the skin. While the bulk of the research was performed on animals, several human studies supported the promising findings. In a study published in the Journal of Dermatology, patients with atopic dermatitis were treated with a topical application of a 3 percent rosmarinic acid emulsion twice a day for eight weeks. Participants experienced significant reductions in itchiness and dry skin. Noting that the intervention caused no dermal irritation, the researchers praised rosmarinic acid as a potential treatment for eczema. Studies Show Rosemary Alleviates Asthma — and More Studies have shown that rosemary’s therapeutic compounds can offer arthritis relief, using multiple mechanisms to help improve cough, wheezing, and production of sputum in asthmatic patients. For example, rosmarinic acid inhibits airway inflammation, regulates the synthesis and secretion of pro-inflammatory mediators, and decreases the number of total inflammatory cells and eosinophils in the lungs. These promising findings prompted scientists to “strongly support” the potential use of rosmarinic acid as an anti-inflammatory drug for the treatment of asthma. With asthma currently affecting over 7 and 8 percent of all Americans, the use of safe, natural rosemary extracts as an intervention certainly deserves further study! By the way, the authors of the Frontiers in Pharmacology review noted that rosmarinic acid also benefits Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, pancreatitis, fatty liver disease, allergic rhinitis, and periodontitis. Use Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory Rosemary for Natural Arthritis Relief You can access the benefits of rosemary and support joint health by using the fresh or dried herb in recipes for chicken, fish, beef, soups, and stews. For a savory tea that may help soothe achy joints, steep one teaspoon of dried rosemary in eight ounces of water for five minutes. Flavor with lemon or honey, if desired. Natural health experts advise drinking one or two cups daily. Rosemary essential oil may be applied topically to the affected area, after being diluted with a carrier oil such as olive oil. However, essential oils should not be ingested. Rosemary extracts are also available – but check with your integrative doctor before supplementing. While rosemary is considered generally safe in quantities normally found in food, excessive amounts can cause upset stomach, vomiting, and changes in blood pressure. For centuries, rosemary has been prized by herbal healers for its ability to reduce inflammation and pain. The use of this trusted herb for arthritis relief is a technique that is not only time-honored but evidence-based as well. Sources for this article include: Biomed.central NIH.gov FlushingHospital.org NIH.gov MedicalNewsToday.com CDC.gov EczemaHeadquarters.com To read the original article click here.

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New Method Measures Temperature Inside the Body for Detecting Cancer, Other Diseases

AHA Publisher — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 07:00:34 +0000

RUDN University via News-Medical – Russian researchers have proposed a method for detecting cancer and other diseases by measuring the temperature inside the body. Results were published in Sensors. Cancers, blood flow disorders, arthritis, and other diseases alter body temperature, so one way to diagnose such diseases is to detect a temperature change. It is easy to do on the surface of the skin, for example with an infrared pyrometer. But it is impossible to accurately measure the temperature inside the body without damaging the skin with existing tools. A group of researchers with the participation of a RUDN University scientist proposed a radiothermography method that allows measuring the temperature distribution inside the body. “The purpose of this study is to show the possibility of 3D visualization of the internal thermal field of a person using the results of measurements of radio brightness temperatures, simultaneously measured at different points of the body, using a multi-channel multi-frequency radiothermograph. The novelty of the approach considered is an attempt to more accurately localize the heat source position due to 3D visualization of the internal heat field of a body and monitoring the temperature dynamics of a heat point source inside the human body,” said Svetlana Agasieva, Associate Professor of the Department of Nanotechnology and Microsystem Technology at the Academy of Engineering of RUDN University. Researchers have proposed a method, device and software to accurately determine the location of the source of increased heat in the body. A small antenna is installed on the surface of the body, which can measure the internal temperature with an accuracy of one degree. The patient drinks an aqueous glucose solution, it is quickly absorbed into the blood and carried through the cells. Because of this, the body temperature rises evenly by one to two-tenths of a degree. However, if there is a malignant formation somewhere, the temperature in it will rise sharply by one or two degrees for a few minutes. This change can be detected by the device. To clarify the depth of the pathology location, the researchers developed a calculation method. The device and the simulation results were tested experimentally with real patients. The method visualises temperature “layers” on the screen of a computer. One can scroll through them with the mouse to accurately determine the depth of the heat source. Moreover, you can see on the video how the temperature changed in this area. In the future, the researchers will realize clinical trials of the device. “The detailed information about the internal thermal field of a human body has made possible not only detection of an internal malignant tumor, but also the determination of the depth of its location. The new radiothermograph gives an opportunity for more detailed analysis of the state of the vascular system of the brain and early diagnosis of various brain pathologies. Of course, it is too early to talk about all the possibilities and advantages of the new radiothermograph, which will be confirmed during clinical tests that will begin in the nearest future,” Svetlana Agasieva, Associate Professor of the Department of Nanotechnology and Microsystem Technology at the Academy of Engineering of RUDN University. To read the original article click here.

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6 INCREDIBLE Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestion and Immunity

AHA Publisher — Thu, 02 Sep 2021 07:00:54 +0000

Michelle Marks via NaturalHealth365 – Probiotics are foods that help build the population of healthy bacteria in the gut. Why is this so important to human health? Because poor digestive health leads to a wide range of health issues from allergies to many forms of cancer. Unfortunately, too many people have consumed synthetic antibiotics – which kill healthy bacteria. As healthy adults, we are supposed to carry around 3 to 4 pounds of “good” bacteria and yeast in our gut. But, every time we take antibiotics, we kill beneficial bacteria inside the digestive tract. Dysbiosis Has Been Linked to a Multitude of Chronic Health Conditions, Scientific Evidence Suggests Eventually, a condition called dysbiosis can occur – which can cause arthritis, autoimmune illness, vitamin B deficiency, chronic fatigue syndrome, food allergies, and food sensitivities, irritable bowel disorders plus skin problems like, eczema and psoriasis. THESE Are Some of the Best Probiotic Foods to Improve Digestive Health Try eating fresh sauerkraut and pickles. Finely shredded cabbage, which gets fermented, is a super-rich source of probiotics. A 2007 study published in the journal of Applied and Environmental Microbiology revealed that more than 13 different species of gut-friendly bacteria are present in sauerkraut. Naturally speaking, pickles and sauerkraut are some of the best probiotic foods to eat – especially after a heavy dose of antibiotics. Fortunately, it’s quite easy to make your own sauerkraut at home by combining finely shredded cabbage with Himalayan sea salt. Just store it in a mason jar at room temperature. In the presence of sea salt, the cabbage releases water, and the surface bacteria on the cabbage helps in the process of fermentation. If you want to buy sauerkraut, be sure to avoid the ‘commercial’ varieties that are heat-treated and pasteurized for obvious reasons. My personal favorite store brand is Real Pickles. Miso soup is one of the mainstays of traditional Japanese medicine and is commonly used in macrobiotic cooking as a digestive regulator. Made from fermented rye, beans, rice, or barley – you can easily add a tablespoon of miso paste to hot water to make an excellent (quick), probiotic-rich soup. One of my favorite companies for quality miso paste is South River Miso Company. Kefir, which is similar to yogurt, is a fermented dairy product. High in lactobacilli and bifidus bacteria, kefir is also rich in antioxidants. Look for a good, organic version at your local health food store to improve digestive health and help restore your microbiome. Kombucha is a form of fermented tea that contains a high amount of healthy gut bacteria. This probiotic drink has been used for centuries as a natural way to boost energy levels, improve digestion and achieve weight loss goals. Just keep in mind that kombucha, with its natural sugars, may not be for everyone – especially if you suffer from candida. Tempeh – as long as it’s non-GMO – is a probiotic-rich, fermented soybean product. It’s also a delicious meat substitute for vegetarians or vegans and a nice source of vitamin B12. Kimchi is the Asian form of pickled sauerkraut. It’s actually an extremely spicy and sour fermented cabbage – typically served in Korea. Kimchi is rich in beta-carotene, calcium, iron, and vitamins A, C, B1, and B2, plus a great source of probiotics. However, proceed with a bit of caution, as this food has an intense spicy flavor. But Wait, That’s Not All! THESE Foods Also Offer Probiotic Benefits Remember, to restore your gut bacteria, it is also important to consume a variety of raw fruits and vegetables – as often as possible. We say ‘raw’ because, although most produce gets washed before consumption, some bacteria clings to the surface, providing natural probiotic benefits. Improving gut health is relatively inexpensive and loaded with health benefits like a stronger immune system and greater clarity of mind. If you suffer from serious health problems, work with an experienced healthcare provider to restore healthy bacteria today. Sources used for this article: NIH.gov NIH.gov NIH.gov This article has been modified. To read the original article click here.

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Relieve Arthritis and Prevent Cancer With THIS Incredible Plant

AHA Publisher — Mon, 16 Aug 2021 07:00:26 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – At first glance, there’s nothing remarkable about stinging nettle. With its dull-green, notched leaves and small, nondescript flowers, it appears to be the most ordinary of plants. But did you know that it can be quite beneficial for those who have arthritis? However, merely touching nettle leaves can become a ‘memorable’ experience due to its intense stinging sensation on unprotected skin. But stinging nettle is known for much more than simply posing a nuisance to bare-legged hikers. Nettle leaves and roots have been valued for centuries as an herbal remedy for arthritis, urinary tract infections, and edema. Now, researchers are finding that nettles suppress the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body and can affect the transmission of pain signals. Studies exploring nettles’ ability to treat allergies, arthritis, and benign prostatic hyperplasia are ongoing and promising. A Powerful Plant With a Rich History Stinging nettle, scientifically known as Urtica dioica, Urtica urens, and Urtica radix, is native to Europe and Asia but presently grows in temperate zones – worldwide. It flourishes in the nitrogen-rich soil of pastures and woodlands, where it can grow to heights of 4 feet. When contacted by skin, the fine hairs on the undersides of the nettles’ leaves release irritating chemicals, including formic acid and choline. The resultant stinging is harmless and usually begins to subside within minutes. Drying or cooking nettles removes their sting, and they can be consumed as nutritious vegetables. What Are the Healing Powers of Nettle? Researchers believe that nettles owe their therapeutic powers to their high levels of polysaccharides, lectins – or plant proteins – and lignans, plant sterols that may have cardioprotective effects. Nettles are also rich in flavonoids, potent natural antioxidants that scavenge harmful free radicals in the body. Nettles have diuretic properties, meaning they can flush excess fluids from the body and remove toxins. In animal and test-tube studies, nettles have also been found to have antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antimicrobial – or germ-fighting effects. Stinging Nettle Slows the Growth of Prostate Cancer Cells, Relieves Arthritis, According to Study Herbalists and physicians alike may recommend stinging nettle to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, a condition in which an enlarged prostate presses on the urethra and causes problems with urination. Even Blue Shield Complementary and Alternative Health notes that nettle, used along with saw palmetto, helps treat reduced urinary flow and incomplete bladder emptying caused by BPH. The University of Maryland Medical Center concurs, adding that laboratory studies have shown stinging nettle works as well as finasteride – a pharmaceutical medication – in slowing the growth of prostate cancer cells. In a 2000 double-blind study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, nettle leaves applied directly to the bases of thumbs of people suffering from osteoarthritis were significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing pain and restoring function. Calling the treatment safe and effective for arthritis, researchers speculated that the nettles’ ability to interfere with Substance P, a pain transmitter in the body, was responsible for the therapeutic effect. How Nutritious Is Stinging Nettle? Stinging nettle is a truly healthy food with a scanty 37 calories a cup, a whopping 6 grams of fiber, and virtually no sugar, fat, or cholesterol. In addition, a one-cup serving is loaded with essential minerals, including 428 milligrams of calcium and 1.46 micrograms of iron. In addition, nettles are an outstanding source of antioxidant vitamin A, offering three times the ‘daily reference’ intake in one serving. Finally, they are extremely rich in vitamin K, essential for proper blood clotting. What Is the Best Way to Consume Nettle? You can buy freeze-dried nettle leaves in capsule form; topical creams made with nettle extracts are also available. Stinging nettle leaves are sometimes available in health food stores and may be steamed and eaten like fresh spinach. If you choose to gather your own, make sure your source is free of animal waste and pesticides, and check with an expert for identification. Never use nettles to treat a medical condition unless a qualified medical professional supervises you. Ask your doctor before using stinging nettles to ease your arthritis pain, especially if you have kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure or are taking diuretics or anticoagulants. In some cases, exposure to fresh nettles can cause a secondary rash, which may last for up to 24 hours. Just remember, when handling fresh nettle plants, to use gloves, and never apply them to an open wound. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov NIH.gov To read the original article click here.

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