rheumatoid arthritis Archives - Amazing Health Advances

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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Hammer Toe Treatment Gets People on Their Feet Faster

The AHA! Team — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 06:26:43 +0000

Duke Health – If your toes are crooked or stiff, you may have a hammer toe. They may be caused by a sudden injury, chronic instability, an autoimmune disease (such as rheumatoid arthritis), or tight or improperly sized shoes. Here, Andrew Hanselman, MD, a Duke Health foot and ankle orthopaedic surgeon, explains treatment options. How is hammer toe treated? Hammer toes can be treated with stretching exercises, comfortable wide-toe-box shoes, and over-the-counter toe spacers and metatarsal pads, which help keep the toes separated and cushioned, so they don’t rub against each other. If your toe is also rubbing up against the underside of your shoe, you can use small pads, found in most drugstores, to cover and protect the toe. Will I need surgery for hammer toe? Surgery for hammer toes may be recommended to remove some bone and straighten the toe. A foot and ankle surgeon may also manipulate the soft tissue and move the insertion point of the tendon muscle to make the correction even better. Once the toe is straight, they use a variety of techniques, such as a pin, which stays in the toe for several weeks, to hold the toe straight while it heals. These pins are then removed by the surgeon in clinic with little to no discomfort. The pin technique allows the toe to remain straight with no residual metal left inside your body. Another technique uses a small metal implant to hold the toe together while it fuses. This is usually permanent but does not require removal afterwards. Our foot and ankle specialists will recommend the procedure that is right for you after discussing your preference, and the bone quality of your foot. Is surgery for hammer toe painful? Surgery for hammer toes is an outpatient procedure; it does not require a hospital stay. Although every situation may be different, the majority of these procedures are performed under a regional nerve block along with anesthesia administered through an IV to help you relax. This allows for a pain-free process while being safer than traditional regional anesthesia. Often, people are able to walk afterwards using a supportive specialized post-surgical shoe or sandal that is provided at the hospital or surgery center. How long does it take to wear regular shoes and walk normally after surgery? Most people return to wearing regular shoes around six to eight weeks following surgery. Low-impact activities, such as walking for exercise, may begin at that time. Depending on how quickly you heal, you can typically return to higher impact activities, such as riding a bike or using an elliptical machine, around three months and running/jumping activities around four to six months. To read the original article click here.

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Urgent: 25% of Pregnant Women Risk Omega-3 Deficiency

The AHA! Team — Mon, 06 May 2024 18:02:57 +0000

Stephanie Woods via NaturalHealth365 – Omega-3 fatty acids are vital to a healthy diet and provide many benefits, including brain and heart health. However, a recent study says pregnant women may not get enough omega-3 from their diet or supplements. Getting enough omega-3 during pregnancy can help prevent preterm birth and promote neurodevelopment and overall health of the baby. This gives babies a good, healthy start in life, but almost a quarter of the study participants reported that they did not eat any fish or take any omega-3 supplements during their pregnancy. Research reveals omega-3 deficiency common among expectant mothers A recent study, led by researchers at the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Institute and published on February 27, 2024, sheds light on omega-3 deficiency in pregnant women. Drawing data from the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) program, the study examined the dietary habits of 10,800 pregnant women regarding fish consumption and supplement intake from 12,646 expectant mothers. After carefully examining the data, the study reveals a concerning reality: many pregnant women are at significant risk of omega-3 deficiency. 25% of pregnant women lack omega-3-rich fish consumption The study’s findings showed that almost a quarter (25%) of the participants reported not consuming any fish or consuming fish less than once a month during their pregnancy. It also showed that just 16% of the women reported taking omega-3 supplements. The findings also showed that women who consumed less fish were also less likely to use omega-3 supplements. This put that group at an even greater risk of not getting sufficient omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. Potential risks of omega-3 deficiency during pregnancy There are several risks that an omega-3 deficiency can cause in infants and fetuses. Omega-3 is vital not only for a child’s neurodevelopment after birth but also for fetal brain development. Omega-3 deficiency during pregnancy has been linked to lower behavior and developmental scores. There are also benefits for the pregnant mother. Omega-3 intake during pregnancy has also been linked to regulating inflammation, preventing heart disease, and preventing mood disorders. It can also be beneficial for many medical conditions, such as IBS, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. In short, omega-3 intake during pregnancy can benefit both mother and baby. How to make sure you get enough omega-3 While there isn’t a set daily recommended intake for omega-3, guidelines for alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid, offer insight into suggested amounts: Pregnant women: 1.4 g Breastfeeding women: 1.3 g Children: Birth to 12 months: 0.5 g 1-3 years: 0.7 g 4-8 years: 0.9 g Boys 9-13 years: 1.2 g Girls 9-13 years: 1.0 g Teens: Boys 14-18 years: 1.6 g Girls 14-18 years: 1.1 g Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet can be achieved through supplements or by consuming foods rich in omega-3s daily, such as: Cold water, fatty fish like mackerel, salmon, herring, and sardines Nuts and seeds such as chia seeds, flaxseed, and walnuts Plant oils like, flaxseed oil Whole foods like organic milk, pasture raised eggs and raw yogurt Bottom line: prioritizing good prenatal care alongside a wholesome diet can benefit both the baby’s and the mother’s health. Fortunately, incorporating enough omega-3 into your diet is relatively straightforward. Take action now – your baby is counting on you. Sources for this article include: Cambridge.org Sciencedaily.com NIH.gov Americanpregnancy.org NIH.gov 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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Wild Yam Benefits for Diverticulosis, Cancer & More

AHA Publisher — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 08:00:20 +0000

Kyra Oliver via Dr. Axe – During the fall and winter months, the desire for yams increases steadily. They are deliciously rich in vitamins and flavor, so what’s not to love? However, when we are talking about the wild yam, it isn’t what you think. For centuries, Native Americans and early Americans have used wild yam, or Dioscorea villosa, for possible benefits ranging from estrogen therapy and natural progesterone to treating diverticulosis, gallbladder pain, rheumatoid arthritis, as well as offering increased energy. It has even been used by women to reduce hot flashes and treating colic in infants. A perennial vine, wild yam is typically the long, slender and knotted tuberous rootstock of the plant. The leaves are heart-shaped, growing anywhere from two to six inches long and nearly as wide. The lower leaves often grow in twos and fours, and the plant contains small greenish-yellow flowers that smell a lot like cinnamon. Many of the varieties develop edible tubers much like potatoes. The parts used are the dried roots or rhizome. The roots of the wild yam contain diosgenin, a plant-based estrogen the can convert into the hormone known as progesterone. What’s important to note is that our bodies do not convert the chemical into the estrogen hormone — that must be done in a laboratory. Regardless, this makes it a phytoestrgoen food, meaning it comes from plants that could produce estrogen therapy and menopausal relief. If you are looking for wild yam, you probably won’t find it in the produce section, but rather in the supplement section as a dried root, dried root powder, capsule or liquid. Some other names for wild yam include: aluka China root colic root devil’s bones shan-yao yuma rheumatism root red velvet yam Wild Yam Benefits 1. Potentially Regulates Blood Sugar The U.S. National Library of Medicine suggests that wild yam may help regulate blood sugar. This is believed to be due to a substance called dioscoretine and has shown positive results in studies. Research from the Phytotherapy Research Laboratory at the University of Nigeria found that blood sugar was lowered in diabetic rabbits when administered dioscoretine that was extracted from tubers. 2. May Fight Cancer A study was conducted in Japan to help determine if wild yam could help reduce the risks of cancer. The study was launched due to the extensive use for wellness benefits in Japan. While there’s insufficient evidence and further research is needed, the researchers did find that the rhizome within in the wild yam plant — which produces the major compound dioscin — possessed antiproliferative effects on leukemia cells. Although it’s often used as a supplement, in the northern part of Japan wild yam is consumed as a health food, and this research shows it may be a cancer-fighting food. Furthermore, research published in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine found “that wild yam extract acts as a weak phytoestrogen and protects against proliferation in human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells.” 3. Improves Cholesterol Levels A study published in the Journal of Lipid Research indicates that the diosgenin found in wild yam may help raise good HDL cholesterol and lower LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). In the study, rats were given wild yam for a period of one week to determine if diosgenin suppresses cholesterol absorption, and it was found the rats had better HDL-to-LDL ratio. Another study conducted on mice and rats suggests that supplementation using wild yam may be beneficial in controlling hypercholesterolemia. 4. Offers Diverticulosis Relief Wild yam may help treat a disorder of the intestines called diverticulosis. This happens when small pouches form on the colon wall. If they get inflamed, they are are referred to as diverticulosis and can be very painful, resulting in constipation, diarrhea and even fever at times. Records indicate that diverticulosis is found in 30 percent to 40 percent of people over the age of 50, and it is caused by a highly refined low-fiber diet. How does wild yam help with diverticulosis? Wild yam has anti-spasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects. As an anti-spasmodic, it may help reduce any pain caused by abdominal cramping around the inflamed area. A tincture of wild yam, valerian, cramps bark and peppermint may offer relief. 5. May Help Reduce Photoaging Studies indicate that the disogenin found in wild yam extract may have a “depigmenting effect.” This means it could help with issues such as melasma, melanodermatitis and sun lentigo — issues that ultimately result in hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is harmless and rather common, but it can be frustrating since it is a skin condition that develops, rather noticeably, as darker patches of skin. What about menopause relief? It has been claimed by many as a great way to reduce menstrual symptoms and assist with hormone replacement during menopause, but does it really work? According to a recent study, maybe not so much. A study was conducted using a wild yam cream, similar to what you may think of as progesterone cream, in 23 healthy women who were experiencing menopause. Three months into the study, results showed that there were no significant changes, and although there were no side effects, the cream had little to no effects on menopausal symptoms overall. How to Use It is important to consider a few factors regarding the correct dosage of wild yam. Age and health condition of the individual are important, especially if pregnant. It is always best to consult a physician, especially since there really isn’t enough evidence about wild yams at this time. Follow the directions on labels, and check with your health care provider first. Wild yam is usually found as a liquid extract, dried herb, powder, capsule or tablet. The liquid version can be made into tea. You can also purchase creams containing wild yam, but unless it has been to a laboratory, it likely does not contain the chemical needed to affect hormones. Our bodies do not convert it naturally. You can also add it to a tincture — ask your doctor about the best application. Using wild yam therapeutically is not recommended for children. There simply isn’t enough data to support its safety. Wild yam is often combined with other herbs known to have estrogen-like effects, namely black cohosh. Wild yam creams, tablets and powders may contain synthetic hormones since they are produced in labs. Check the ingredients carefully, and consult a doctor. As an anti-spasmodic, it can help with coughs, spasms and nausea. Use the recipe below: Wild Yam Recipe for Coughs, Spasms and Nausea INGREDIENTS: 8 ounces chopped fresh wild yam root (or 4 ounces of dried) 4–5 cups of water 1–2 drops peppermint essential oil 1 sprinkle of pure stevia to taste (optional) DIRECTIONS: In a saucepan, cover the chopped fresh wild yam root with water and bring to boil. Reduce heat and allow it simmer for 20 to 30 minutes. Strain, add the peppermint and stevia. Have ½ cup, twice a day. Store in refrigerator. Wild Yam vs. Other Yams Wild Yam Wild yam is mainly used as a supplement due to the diosgenin it contains, which can be used to produce hormones when it goes through a chemical reaction. Wild yams grow best in flooded freshwater marshes and swamps, non-tidal shrub swamps, roadside ditches, and forested wetlands throughout the eastern United States. Inland, wild yam is found growing as a vine on shrubs. Mexican Yam (Jicama) You may have heard of and even eaten jicama — the Mexican yam that is a member of the Fabaceae (pea) family. It is a perennial that grows in areas that do not get frost. Jicama, often served in salads, is found in U.S. supermarkets, but it’s imported from Mexico and the Caribbean. Only the root of Mexican yam can be consumed. All other parts, including stems, leaves, flowers, pods and seeds, contain rotenone, a natural pesticide not safe for eating. Yam Yams are native to Africa and Asia and closely related to lilies and grasses. Yams come in different sizes but are usually similar to the size of a small potato. They contain more starch and are drier than sweet potatoes. Sweet Potato Sweet potato is the one you probably know most since it is the the yam you see at Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. Technically known as ipomoea batatas, the sweet potato yam is not related to to the Mexican yam or wild yam, but you have seen it in the produce department. Sweet potatoes range in skin color from white to yellow, red, purple or brown, and the flesh ranges in color from white to yellow, orange or orangish-red. These varieties are usually classified as either firm or soft and maintaining a soft or firm consistency, respectively, when cooked. The soft varieties are typically labeled as yams here in the U.S. Risks and Side Effects Let’s stress again that there’s insufficient studies on wild yam. Therefore, you need to consult with a doctor or herbalist first, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, suffer from any disease or are taking medication. The University of Maryland Medical Center warns that wild yam extract could cause problems if you are currently taking estradiol, which is an active ingredient that may be in your birth control pill or hormone replacement therapy. Allergic reactions are possible, so it is best to stop taking wild yam extract if you experience rashes, swelling of the tongue or lips, difficulty breathing, or throat swelling. Final Thoughts Wild yam, or Dioscorea villosa, has many purported uses and benefits, but insufficient scientific data exists for some of them, such as menopause relief and hormonal balance. However, the the top five proven benefits of wild yam include its ability to regulate blood sugar levels, improve cholesterol and reduce photoaging. Wild yam is usually found as a liquid extract, dried herb, powder, capsule and tablet. You can also use the liquid to make tea and creams are available. But remember that unless it has been to a laboratory, it likely does not contain the chemical needed to affect hormones because our bodies do not convert it naturally. To read the original article click here.

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Garlic Supplementation Linked to LOWER Body Aches and Discomfort

AHA Publisher — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 07:00:16 +0000

Joy Jensen via NaturalHealth365 – As many as two percent of the population are affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Characterized by joint inflammation that often causes deformity, many individuals diagnosed with the disease deal with pain, tender joints, fatigue, and additional life-altering symptoms. Of course, conventionally speaking, there’s “no cure” for rheumatoid arthritis. However, a new studyfound that taking garlic supplements resulted in reduced body aches and discomfort for patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Not only did garlic supplementation result in improvements in pain, it reduce inflammation, fatigue, and disease activity scores, as well. Inflammatory Markers IMPROVED for Those Taking Garlic Supplements Garlic – rich in compounds like diallyl sulfide and allicin – has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects on multiple studies, and researchers have documented its anti-fatigue and pain-relieving benefits in the past. Researchers wanted to dig deeper into how garlic would affect individuals with rheumatoid arthritis and gave 70 women with the disease 500 milligram garlic supplements or a placebo twice each day for eight weeks. At the beginning, they measured various biomarkers of inflammation and clinical symptoms in the study group. After eight weeks, the women with RA who’d received the garlic supplements saw a significant reduction in their serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) levels as compared to the placebo group, which indicates lower inflammation levels. Those taking garlic also saw improvements in tender joint count, pain, fatigue, and their disease activity scores after the eight-week trial. According to researchers, this study is the first one of its kind that investigated the effects of garlic on inflammatory biomarkers, clinical symptoms, and fatigue in patients who have rheumatoid arthritis. With the positive results, garlic should be considered as an adjunct treatment for patients with RA, although scientists believe that more long-term studies would be helpful. Garlic’s Antioxidant Properties Offer Additional Health Benefits It’s the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of garlic that make it so beneficial, and it offers health benefits beyond these new discoveries for treatment RA. Previous research found that garlic is associated with a lower mortality risk in individuals of all ages. Supplementing with garlic even helps boost liver health, detoxifying the liver and even helping to reverse nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Taking garlic supplements daily also helps reduce blood pressure In addition, taking garlic supplements daily also helps reduce blood pressure – even as well as prescription blood pressure medications do. Garlic supplementation is also linked to better heart health, improved immunity, lower cholesterol levels, and blood clot prevention. One of the best ways to enjoy the benefits of garlic is to add more fresh, raw garlic to your diet. Toss it in salads, soups, or other dishes. Of course, most people don’t eat enough garlic to maximize the health benefits, which is where a supplement can help. Consider a quality garlic supplement to take advantage of the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties garlic offers for better health. Sources for this article include: Wiley.com, LifeExtension.com, NaturalHealth365.com To read the original article click here.

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