osteoarthritis Archives - Amazing Health Advances

The Best Alternative to Knee Replacement for Osteoarthritis

The AHA! Team — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 05:49:10 +0000

Michael Greger M.D. FACLM via Nutrition Facts – Is there a non-surgical alternative to knee replacement surgery that treats the cause and offers only beneficial side effects? The health effects of being overweight The largest study in history on the health effects of being overweight, analyzing data from more than 50 million people from nearly 200 countries, found that excess body weight accounts for the premature deaths of about four million people every year. Most of these deaths are from heart disease, but the researchers “found convincing or probable evidence” linking obesity to 20 different disorders—a veritable alphabet soup of potential health concerns. In the ABCs of the health consequences of obesity, A is for arthritis. Obesity can make rheumatoid arthritis worse and increase the risk of another inflammatory joint disease—gout, the so-called disease of kings. The most common joint disease in the world, though, is osteoarthritis, and obesity may be its “main modifiable risk factor.” Osteoarthritis develops when the cartilage that lines and cushions our joints breaks down faster than our body can build it back up. Our knee is the most commonly affected joint, leading to the assumption that the association with obesity was simply due to the excess wear and tear from the added load on the joints. But non-weight-bearing joints, like our hands and wrists, can also be affected, suggesting the link isn’t “purely mechanical.” Obesity-related dyslipidemia may play a role, with elevations in the amounts of triglycerides, fat, and cholesterol in the blood aggravating inflammation in the joints, just like cholesterol can exacerbate the inflammation in our artery walls. Osteoarthritis sufferers Osteoarthritis sufferers not only have higher cholesterol levels in the blood, but they also have them within their joints, as you can see below and at 1:52 in my video The Best Knee Replacement Alternative for Osteoarthritis Treatment, in aspirated joint fluid and also found in the cartilage itself. When cholesterol is dripped onto human cartilage in a petri dish, the inflammatory degeneration worsens, which helps explain why the higher our cholesterol, the worse our disease, as shown below and at 2:05. Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs Cholesterol-lowering statin drugs may help prevent and also treat osteoarthritis, as can a cholesterol-lowering diet. In fact, a healthy enough plant-based diet may offer the best of both worlds, dropping cholesterol as much as a starting dose of a statin drug—within a single week—and having only good side effects, such as lowering blood pressure and facilitating weight loss. Decrease the odds of developing osteoarthritis by more than 50 percent Even losing only about a pound a year for a decade may decrease the odds of developing osteoarthritis by more than 50 percent. Weight reduction may even obviate the need for knee replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis sufferers with obesity who were randomized to lose weight improved their knee function as much as those undergoing surgery—and did so within just eight weeks. The researchers concluded that losing 20 pounds of fat “might be regarded as an alternative to knee replacement.” Isn’t it easier to get your knees replaced than lose 20 pounds, though? Rarely discussed is the fact that nearly 1 in 200 knee replacement patients lose their lives within 90 days of surgery. Given the extreme popularity of this surgery—about 700,000 are performed each year in the United States—an orthopedics journal editor suggested that “people considering this operation are inadequately attuned to the possibility that it may kill them.” Arguably, that’s the single most salient fact to share with a patient who is considering the operation. Responding to the question of whether patients should be told about the chance the operation may kill them, an orthopedic surgeon said: “To me, the real question is whether this knowledge will help the patient. Will it add to the anxiety of the already anxious patient, perhaps to the point of denying that patient a helpful operation? Or will this knowledge motivate a less-handicapped patient to stick to a diet and physical activity regime? Ultimately, then, the question boils down to the surgeon’s judgment.” One in five knee replacement patients describe being unsatisfied with the outcome Even among the vast majority who survive the surgery, approximately one in five knee replacement patients describe being unsatisfied with the outcome. Weight loss with a healthy diet, on the other hand, may offer a nonsurgical alternative that treats the cause and has only beneficial side effects. I continue the alphabet of obesity with the next few videos in the related posts below. You may be interested in my book on weight loss, How Not to Diet, and its companion, The How Not to Diet Cookbook, which is full of health-promoting, Green-Light recipes. Request them from your local library. For more on joint health, visit the topic page. Key Takeaways Weight loss through a healthy, plant-based diet may be a nonsurgical alternative to knee replacement surgery, with only beneficial side effects, such as lowered cholesterol, reduced inflammation, and improved joint function. Obesity is a significant modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis, with both mechanical strain on joints and obesity-related inflammation contributing to disease progression. Elevated cholesterol levels may worsen osteoarthritis by aggravating inflammation in the joints, making cholesterol management important in treating the disease. A plant-based diet may help prevent or treat osteoarthritis by reducing cholesterol levels, which can decrease joint inflammation. Knee replacement surgery carries risks, including a small but significant mortality rate (1 in 200 within 90 days), and one in five patients are unsatisfied with the outcome. Weight loss may provide similar benefits without these risks. 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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7 Pine Bark Extract Benefits, Including for Skin, Hearing & Diabetes

The AHA! Team — Mon, 06 May 2024 18:04:27 +0000

Kyra Oliver via Dr. Axe – We all know the power of antioxidants to improve health and the high-antioxidant foods we should eat regularly. But did you know that pine bark extract, like pine oil, is one of nature’s super antioxidants? It’s true. What gives pine bark extract its notoriety as a powerful ingredient and super antioxidant is that it’s loaded with oligomeric proanthocyanidin compounds — OPCs for short. The same ingredient can be found in grapeseed oil, the skin of peanuts and witch hazel bark. While OPCs found in this extract are mostly known for their antioxidant-producing benefits, these amazing compounds exude antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. As such, pine bark extract can help reduce muscle soreness and may help improve conditions relating to: poor circulation high blood pressure osteoarthritis diabetes ADHD female reproductive issues skin erectile dysfunction eye disease sports stamina It addition, the OPCs in this extract may “inhibit lipid peroxidation, platelet aggregation, capillary permeability and fragility, and to affect enzyme systems,” which basically means it may be a natural treatment for many serious health conditions, such as stroke and heart disease. What Is Pine Bark Extract? Pine bark extract comes from the inner bark of the Pinus pinaster tree, most commonly found in Europe. A popular variety is the pinus maritime or the maritime pine that grows exclusively along the coast of southwest France. In 1534, a French ship led by the famous explorer Jacques Cartier became stranded in ice near Quebec, Canada. The crew fell extremely ill from scurvy, an extreme lack of vitamin C. Cartier’s crew crossed paths with a Quebec Indian who encouraged them to drink a tea made from pine bark and needles. Four hundred years later, a French researcher named Jacques Masquelier did some studies to understand why this natural remedy was so effective. He learned about the seemingly omnipotent antioxidant within it and how those antioxidants increase the absorption of vitamin C. Continued research showed that the pine bark contained flavonols and bioflavonoids, which hold tissue-repairing properties. Masquelier was easily able to create a pine bark extract from materials that were otherwise known as waste. Health Benefits 1. Lowers Glucose Levels, Improving Diabetic Symptoms Pine bark extract has been studied in regard to its ability to help diabetic patients. A study was conducted by the Guang An Men Hospital of Chinese Medical Science Research Institute with 77 diabetes type II patients to determine if the extract of the French Maritime pine bark provided anti-diabetic effects. Patients were given 100 milligrams of Pycnogenol®, a branded version of pine bark extract, for 12 weeks, with continued anti-diabetic treatment. The effects of the pine bark extract showed significantly lower levels of blood glucose and improved endothelial function when compared to placebo, concluding that supplementation of Pycnogenol for treating conventional diabetes may be beneficial. 2. Helps Prevent Hearing Loss and Balance Ototoxicity is ear poisoning and can occur when exposed to certain drugs or chemicals, such as cisplatin, that damage the inner ear or the vestibulocochlear nerve. This nerve affects our balance and hearing by sending signals to the brain. This condition can be temporary or permanent — however, some studies have indicated that pine bark extract may help alleviate these symptoms due to its high presence of antioxidants. Thus, this powerful extract may work as a natural ear infection remedy while improving balance and preventing hearing loss. 3. Staves Off Infections Studies have been conducted to review the effects of pine bark extract on pseudomonas infectious wounds. These wounds occur most frequently in hospitals or in those with weakened immune systems, such as after surgery. However, healthy people are not immune and can also develop mild infections, in particular after being in improperly chlorinated hot tubs or swimming pools. In one particular study published in Research in Pharmaceutical Sciences, researchers investigated the antibacterial activity of pine bark extract essential oil on staph infections, E. coli and pseudomonas infections. The antibacterial activity was assessed indicating that the essential oil of pine bark, specifically the proanthocyanidins, were effective against P. aeruginosa, significantly inhibiting its growth. Additionally, the results showed that the extract has significant “anti-pseudomonas activity,” making it a potential natural remedy and possible preventive measure for infections. 4. Protects the Skin from Ultraviolet Exposure Who doesn’t want amazing skin? Pine bark extract may be the perfect treatment since it’s an antioxidant dynamo. There is a seemingly growing problem with skin exposure to ultraviolet radiation and the confusion of how to get vitamin D from the sun while avoiding these skin-damaging rays. A review was conducted of French maritime pine bark extract, specifically using the nutritional supplement Pycnogenol. The study provided clear evidence that Pycnogenol does, indeed, offer photoprotection — however, it came out even better than expected, showing that it may be used to reduce hyperpigmentation of human skin while improving the “skin barrier function and extracellular matrix homeostasis.” 5. Decreases Erectile Dysfunction If you knew you could resolve your erectile dysfunction and, therefore, naturally remedy impotence issues, wouldn’t you? Erectile dysfunction has increased over the past decade or two, creating a pathway for various medications to land on the shelves of numerous medicine cabinets, but as you know, going for the natural approach can make a huge difference in overall health. According to a Japanese study, the combination of Pycnogenolt and L-arginine may produce the results you’re looking for, making the bedroom a much happier place. Forty-seven Japanese men with mild erectile dysfunction were given supplements with L-arginine and French maritime pine bark extract over four months. The research revealed that the sperm concentration greatly increased after about eight to 16 weeks of treatment, to include improved orgasmic function. No side effects were noted, unlike its synthetic counterpart. 6. Reduces Inflammation Pine bark extract’s antioxidants scavenge damaging free radicals in an effort to eliminate them, ultimately preventing disease. Studies were conducted in Turkey on subjects who underwent abdominal surgery to determine if the pine bark extract could help reduce the inflammation. They were given Pycnogenol for a period of 10 days. The outcome showed significant healing compared to those subjects who were not given any drug or remedy, concluding that Pycnogenol may be an effective remedy for healing of surgery-related lesions. 7. Helps Increase Athletic Performance Pine bark extract has been studied regarding its relationship to exercise performance, oxidative stress and inflammation to body that has been imposed by exercise. Research indicates that Pycnogenol provides an increase in endurance performance of trained athletes. It does this by improving the time it takes the body to reach a fatigued state through increased serum NAD+ levels. Additionally, athletes have endured less cramping and muscle pain when using the extract. It’s likely that muscle recovery time improved as well due to the high antioxidants pine bark extract contains. Risks and Side Effects While most studies do not indicate major side effects, pine bark extract may cause irritability and fatigue, and could interact with other drugs. Make sure to seek out the advice of your physician prior to using pine bark extract or the branded name, Pycnogenol. If you are taking blood thinners, do not take pine bark extract or Pycnogenol unless approved by your doctor. It’s been noted that taking OPCs and vitamin C supplements at the same time could increase blood pressure if you have hypertension. How to Use Pine bark extract can be found in liquid, tablet or capsule form containing 85 percent to 90 percent OPCs. It can also be found as creams, lotions or ointments, typically containing 0.5 percent to 2 percent pine bark extract. If you choose to use Pycnogenol, follow the dosage instructions on the label. It’s best to check with your doctor about the dosage, based on the symptoms you have and other possible conditions, prior to taking either pine bark extract or Pycnogenol. Final Thoughts Pine bark extract offers some amazing benefits since it’s so high in powerful antioxidants. From diabetes and sexual function to sports performance and beautiful skin, pine bark extract may be worth exploring to provide results you’re looking to achieve. Consider pine bark extract by having a conversation with your physician or a functional medicine doctor. You may want to start slow, taking smaller amounts, to ensure that your body works well with the OPCs found in pine bark extract. Once you’re sure that you don’t have any negative reactions, you may be able to increase your dosage according to the label. To read the original article click here.

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Walking Towards Healthier Knees

AHA Publisher — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 07:00:19 +0000

Baylor College of Medicine via Newswise – A new study published today in Arthritis & Rheumatology led by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine reveals that walking for exercise can reduce new frequent knee pain among people age 50 and older diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis. Additionally, findings from the study indicate that walking for exercise may be an effective treatment to slow the damage that occurs within the joint. “Until this finding, there has been a lack of credible treatments that provide benefit for both limiting damage and pain in osteoarthritis,” said Dr. Grace Hsiao-Wei Lo, assistant professor of immunology, allergy and rheumatology at Baylor, chief of rheumatology at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center and first author of the paper. The researchers examined the results of the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a multiyear observational study where participants self-reported the amount of time and frequency they walked for exercise. Participants who reported 10 or more instances of exercise from the age of 50 years or later were classified as “walkers” and those who reported less were classified as “non-walkers.” Those who reported walking for exercise had 40% decreased odds of new frequent knee pain compared to non-walkers. “These findings are particularly useful for people who have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis but don’t have pain every day in their knees,” said Lo, who also is an investigator at the Center for Innovations in Quality, Effectiveness, and Safety at Baylor and the VA. “This study supports the possibility that walking for exercise can help to prevent the onset of daily knee pain. It might also slow down the worsening of damage inside the joint from osteoarthritis.” Lo said that walking for exercise has added health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health and decreased risk of obesity, diabetes and some cancers, the driving reasons for the Center for Disease Control recommendations on physical activity, first published in 2008 and updated in 2018. Walking for exercise is a free activity with minimal side effects, unlike medications, which often come with a substantial price tag and possibility of side effects. “People diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis should walk for exercise, particularly if they do not have daily knee pain,” advises Lo. “If you already have daily knee pain, there still might be a benefit, especially if you have the kind of arthritis where your knees are bow-legged.” 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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Popular Joint Supplement Offers More Than Pain Relief, Lowers Death Risk, NEW Study Reveals

AHA Publisher — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 08:00:40 +0000

Joy Jensen via NaturalHealth365 – Glucosamine/chondroitin – a supplement that combines two compounds found naturally in your cartilage – is used by many individuals to combat joint pain and osteoarthritis. According to new research, this common supplement may lower overall death risk by as much as exercising. Researchers at West Virginia University (WVU) studied individuals who took a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement daily for a minimum of a year, discovering that they saw a significant reduction in all-cause mortality, and more specifically, death from heart disease. While study authors aren’t suggesting people stop exercising, the idea that taking a pill has such an impact is intriguing. Taking This Pill for a Year or Longer Offers UNEXPECTED Benefits, Including Lower Death Risk The new study conducted at WVU involved assessing data from more than 16,000 adults who’d completed the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 1999 to 2010 and were a minimum of 40 years old. This survey was created to assess individuals’ health and nutrition in the U.S. continually. Participants were interviewed at home and examined later at mobile centers to collect nutrition and health data. This study specifically looked at those participants who’d taken a glucosamine/chondroitin supplement for a year before their interviews. Among the 16,000-plus participants, around 4 percent had taken the supplement for over a year. When merging this information with 2015 mortality data, study authors found that 3,366 of the total participants had died, and 674 of those deaths resulted from heart disease. Among those taking glucosamine/chondroitin supplements for a minimum of a year, there was a 39 percent reduction in all-cause mortality and a significant 65 percent reduction in the likelihood of death due to heart disease. What ADDITIONAL Science-Backed Health Benefits Can You Expect? Let’s Take a Look Previous studies on glucosamine supplements have also demonstrated a link between taking the supplement and reducing cardiovascular mortality risk. Some researchers believe that it may be glucosamine/chondroitin’s ability to reduce system inflammation that accounts for its effects on all-cause mortality rates. Additional research shows that taking glucosamine supplements is linked to reducing biochemical markers for inflammation, which is why it often helps individuals with arthritis. Multiple studies show supplementing with glucosamine offers pain reduction and slowing of disease progression in those with osteoarthritis, and some research even reveals that glucosamine reduces the markers of rheumatoid arthritis, too. There’s also a large body of research supporting the role of glucosamine/chondroitin in joint support, and it’s been shown to help reduce collagen degradation in joints. With this new study showing that glucosamine/chondroitin supplementation is as effective as exercise at reducing overall mortality, it’s an excellent time to consider adding this supplement to your diet. Don’t stop exercising, but enjoy the additional benefits glucosamine has to offer. Just make sure you discuss any new supplements with your healthcare provider. Sources for this article include: JABFM.org MedicalNewsToday.com NIH.gov Healthline.com To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

Reverse Signs of Aging Naturally, By Adding This Fruit to Your Diet

AHA Publisher — Mon, 01 Feb 2021 08:00:51 +0000

Karen Sanders via NaturalHealth365 – With millions of baby boomers closing in on age 65, the American population is aging at an unprecedented rate. The Federal Interagency Forum on Aging-Related Statistics predicts that by 2030, boomers over age 65 will be 72 million strong. As they enter their “golden years,” they will be accompanied by an increased vulnerability to age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis, dementia, and congestive heart failure. Thankfully, nature offers powerful ways to help improve cognitive function and effectively reverse other signs of aging. Slow Down the Aging Process With This “Superfood” The good news is that a powerful weapon against degenerative diseases is already freely available and sold by the pint. And you don’t even need to visit a pharmacy to obtain it – it can be found in the produce aisle of your local market. Vaccinium myrtillus, otherwise known as blueberry, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. In fact, it has the highest score for antioxidant capacity per serving of all fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices tested to date – it’s no surprise that the USDA’s Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging has named blueberries one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Blueberries Reduce Inflammation, Fight MULTIPLE Other Diseases By reducing free radical and inflammatory damage in the brain, blueberries help reverse the aging neurons’ degenerative changes. Their ability to neutralize free radical damage in the collagen matrix of tissues helps them ward off degenerative and inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. Their bluish-reddish pigments, or anthocyanins, improve the integrity of support structures in the joints. They can also decrease the “stickiness” of blood platelets, making them important players in the fight against atherosclerosis. Blueberries improve cognitive function in more than one way. Numerous animal, test tube, and human studies have all supported blueberries’ ability to reduce signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, alleviate age-related cognitive deficits and improve memory. In a 2006 animal study published in Neurobiology of Aging, researchers found that blueberry extracts helped older rats regain their ability to generate heat shock protein 70 – a substance that protects against stress and inflammation in the brain. While young rats generate this substance in abundance in response to stress, elderly rats typically produce very little. After the elderly rats’ diet was supplemented with blueberry extracts for 10 weeks, their heat shock response was restored to that of youthful, vigorous rats, leading researchers to conclude that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of blueberries could alleviate age-related cognitive deficits. A year earlier, a study published in Pharmacological Research demonstrated that rats given blueberry extracts for 30 days had significant improvements in cognitive function, causing researchers to conclude that blueberries could be beneficial in preventing age-related memory deficits. Another 2005 study, published in Nutrition and Neuroscience, showed that blueberry extracts could cross the blood-brain barrier and localize in the sections of the brain responsible for memory and learning. Significantly, the more blueberry extracts found in the cortex of the brain, the more pronounced the improvement in cognitive performance. It Gets Even Better! Your Brain Is Not the Only Organ That Benefits from Eating Blueberries Yes! In a small but controlled clinical study published in 2010 in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 12 weeks of daily consumption of wild blueberry juice caused improved recall, learning, and comprehension in elderly volunteers who had been diagnosed with age-related memory changes. Researchers credited anthocyanins in blueberries with increasing neuronal signaling and concluded that blueberries could afford cognitive benefits. And the news keeps getting better… Scientists have found that blueberries protect the endothelium, or inner cell wall of the arteries, thereby cutting atherosclerosis risk and the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Prevention of the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reducing the aggregation of platelets – two more of blueberries’ gifts – also help delay or avoid the onset of atherosclerosis. In a study published in 2010 in the Journal of Nutrition, blueberry powder given for 20 weeks caused rats to have smaller atherosclerotic lesions than those in the control group. Researchers noted that the blueberry powder boosted levels of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the oxidative stress and inflammation that contributes to atherosclerosis. Combine Blueberries With the Right Foods to Protect Against Digestive Diseases Blueberries protect against inflammatory digestive diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and IBS – especially when eaten with probiotic foods. In a 2010 study conducted at Lund University Faculty of Engineering in Sweden, researchers found that the protective effects of blueberries against ulcerative colitis were even more pronounced when the berries were eaten along with probiotics, such as the lactobacillus found in live yogurt cultures. Combining blueberries and probiotics reduces inflammation-promoting bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract and raises blood levels of immune system-boosting butyric and propionic acids. A Blueberry Is a Blueberry, Right? Not So Fast. Wild blueberries score highest for antioxidants and polyphenols, but farm-grown, cultivated blueberries aren’t too far behind. If you have access to wild blueberry plants, it can be very rewarding to harvest your own. Naturally, take care that the berries have been properly identified and that the area is free of pesticides and animal waste. Many small, local blueberry farms allow you to pick your own berries; if this isn’t feasible, look for fresh, organic blueberries at your local market or produce stand. Select berries with intense, violet-blue coloration and a whitish “bloom” on the surface. Berries should be firm, plump and intact, and should move freely in their container when it’s shaken. Avoid washing blueberries until right before you are ready to eat them, and opt for raw, whole berries rather than those that have been cooked, stewed, or preserved; heating them can lower their anthocyanin levels. However, if you’ve picked or purchased too many berries, don’t hesitate to freeze them. Repeated experiments have shown that frozen blueberries retain virtually all their beneficial phytochemicals. And, finally, fresh, unwashed blueberries may be stored in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container for up to three days. Fresh blueberries, one of the gustatory pleasures of summer, are more than just a sweet, refreshing snack – researchers have shown that this superfood can help protect against chronic and degenerative disease. As an entire generation prepares to transition from “middle-aged” to “elderly,” the timing couldn’t be better. Sources for this article include: NIH.gov Sciencedaily.com Sciencedaily.com NIH.gov To read the original article click here. For more articles from NaturalHealth365 click here.

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Botox Is an Effective Treatment for Some Common Sports Injuries, New Research Suggests

AHA Publisher — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 07:00:03 +0000

Wolters Kluwer Health: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins via Newswise – While botulinum toxin is commonly known as a cosmetic treatment for facial lines and wrinkles, a growing body of evidence suggests that “Botox” can also be an effective treatment for certain sports injuries and chronic pain conditions, according to a review in the June issue of Current Sports Medicine Reports, official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The journal is published in the Lippincott portfolio by Wolters Kluwer. Clint Moore, DO, and colleagues of the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences assembled and analyzed previous research on the use of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) – best known by the brand name Botox – for treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. “We found evidence showing promising pain relief and functional improvements using botulinum toxin for some very common conditions, including plantar fasciopathy, tennis elbow, and painful knee osteoarthritis,” Dr. Moore comments. For These Musculoskeletal Disorders, Evidence Supports Botulinum Toxin Injection Various types of BoNT-A are available, but all act on motor neurons (nerve cells) to produce muscle weakness and on sensory neurons to inhibit the release of pain modulators. As in cosmetic procedures, the effects of BoNT-A injection are time-limited, and treatment may need to be repeated for sustained benefits. The effects on muscle contraction last about three months, while effects on pain may last for six months. In a critical analysis of the research literature, Dr. Moore and colleagues identified studies showing that the neuromuscular blockade provided by BoNT-A can reduce pain and improve function in several musculoskeletal conditions: Plantar fasciopathy: The most common cause of plantar heel pain, caused by thickening and other changes in the fibrous plantar fascia in the foot. Several studies report that BoNT injections can be effective if initial conservative treatments are unsuccessful. Although limited, high-quality evidence suggests reduced pain and improved function after BoNT therapy, with no significant side effects. Osteoarthritis: A very common and disabling condition causing pain and reduced function of the knee, shoulder, or other joints. Especially in the knee, studies have reported reduced pain and disability scores after intra-articular (into the joint) injections of BoNT-A. Dr. Moore and colleagues have found improvements lasting four to six months after BoNT injection for knee osteoarthritis. Lateral epicondylitis: Often called “tennis elbow,” a common cause of elbow pain. Studies have reported reduced pain and improvement in daily activities after BoNT-A injection. In some reports, reductions in finger movement and grip strength have occurred due to the (temporary) motor effects of BoNT-A. Chronic exertional compartment syndrome: A condition causing painful and potentially damaging increases in pressure in muscle compartments, usually after exercise. Based on limited evidence, BoNT-A injections may be a safe and effective treatment, in some cases avoiding the need for surgery. For each of these conditions, Dr. Moore and colleagues discuss the role of BoNT-A and how they use it in their practice, including injection technique and dosage. Their paper also reviews studies using BoNT-A for patients with myofascial pain syndrome, a relatively common cause of chronic pain – with inconclusive results. The authors note that all of these are “off-label” uses for which BoNT-A is not an FDA-approved treatment, and emphasize the need for appropriate patient selection and counseling. Dr. Moore and coauthors conclude, “Further research is required to provide stronger clinical recommendations for the use of BoNT in musculoskeletal conditions.” To read the original article click here.

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Osteoarthritis: How Running Actually Can Help

AHA Publisher — Fri, 06 Mar 2020 08:00:27 +0000

LifeBridge Health via Newswise – Not running or jogging because you think it worsens or increases your risk for osteoarthritis? You may be skipping a form of exercise that can help mitigate one of the biggest risk factors associated with this condition. Newswise — Despite what you may have read or heard, there is no conclusive evidence that running causes osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis, often in the hips and knees as well as the hands), or that you shouldn’t be running at all if you have osteoarthritis. Since there is no cure for it, doctors usually look to treat osteoarthritis with a combination of therapies that includes increased physical activity. You should speak with your primary care doctor or physical therapist about exercises that are right for you, but it’s possible that running can help manage osteoarthritis, says Grace “Annie” Neurohr, DPT, CMTPT, a therapist and running specialist in the running program at the Rubin Institute for Advanced Orthopedics at Sinai Hospital of Baltimore. “One of the biggest factors in osteoarthritis and knee pain is weight gain. Running can keep your weight down, decreasing the amount of force that goes through your knee joint,” Neurohr says. In addition to decreasing body fat, running can help build the strength and endurance your muscles need to support your joints, Neurohr adds. It can also help decrease the regular workload of the cardiovascular system and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. In other words, running can be one of the best ways to combat the development or progression of osteoarthritis. Neurohr says that while she doesn’t typically recommend high-mileage running for someone with osteoarthritis, recommendations depend on the person’s “symptoms, body type and grade of osteoarthritis.” She adds: “I typically recommend that runners with osteoarthritis have a good strength training program to complement their running. Improving the strength of the muscles around the hips and knees can better protect the joint with higher-impact activities. I also recommend they run on slightly softer surfaces such as packed dirt, trails or tracks as opposed to concrete.” Among the biggest risk factors for osteoarthritis in addition to obesity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: • joint injury or overuse (repetitive stress on a joint) • gender (women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis than men, especially after 50) • family history The CDC says people who have hand osteoarthritis are more likely to develop osteoarthritis in the knee. The risk of developing osteoarthritis also increases with age. But middle-aged people shouldn’t be discouraged from running, Neurohr says. “Some of the best distance runners are over the age of 40 and still getting faster,” she says. Neurohr advises aging runners to focus on calf strength. “These muscles lose power quicker as we age and are crucial in giving us efficient push-off as we propel ourselves forward,” she says. Neurohr also recommends calcium and vitamin D supplements, which she says “can be helpful in maintaining bone health, which is very important for avoiding stress injuries or fractures as we age.” (Remember to consult your doctor first before taking any new supplements.) “These supplements can help compound the gains you can make in a strength training program and help build stronger bones and maintain muscle strength,” she says. To read the original article click here.

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