Arthritis – you really don’t need to suffer so much
There are many theories as to what causes arthritis such as an inherited predisposition, getting older (even though children can have arthritis), obesity or a previous trauma or injury. The various kinds of arthritis have some degree of auto-immune involvement and the mechanism for maintaining healthy joints is compromised. Like most conditions there is an element of both psychological and emotional involvement. It has been known for years to alternative practitioners that in cases of arthritis there is some degree of liver involvement. So treatments will probably involve prescribing herbs that are good for the liver (if the case study reveals there is a need).
Read MoreFenugreek seeds ease muscle spasm and helps arthritis
It is one of the oldest medicinal herbs held in high regard by the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. The seeds smell a little like celery but have a mild bitter/sour taste and are often used in curries.
Studies have shown fenugreek seeds help to stabilize blood sugar levels, very useful when you are trying to change to a healthy diet. This helps reduce cravings for certain foods enouraging you to make better food choices. A very important aspect in reducing pain and inflammation.
It helps lung congestion aiding in bringing up mucus, this is why opera singers use to use it to clear phlegm.
Read MoreBoldo is good for your liver, hence good for Arthritis
Any thing that is good the the liver will help your arthritis condition.
The plant is an evergreen tree that grow to about 18 feet with small berries, but it is the leaf that is of most interest and been used for centuries medicinally. In this case the plant is either male or female, so will need to plant one of each for it to produce.
Legend has it that a Sheppard in Chile noticed when his sheep ate a certain plant (now known as boldo) they were healthier in general and had less liver problems. It’s hard to imagine sheep having too many liver problems – maybe it’s from too much Chilean wine!!!
Anyway the plant is now particularly well known for helping with liver conditions, or as a preventative measure maintaining the health of the liver. Besides its positive effect on the liver it also encourages the gall bladder. Boldo is also known to intestinal worms, rheumatism, cystitis, colds, hepatitis, constipation, gout, and jaundice. In a general sense it helps to protect the liver and encourage the production of bile. This in turn can lower cholesterol and improve digestion.
Boldo contains many plant compounds but one alkaloid in particular is boldine has shown in recent studies to have properties that protect the liver and encourages the production of bile something people have known for centuries. This alkaloid has shown during studies to have encouraged digestive juices. In other research boldine has been shown to be a diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and reduce uric acid plus an anti-oxidant with blood thinning properties. Some very new research is indicating that boldine increases heart flow, improving the heart function in general.
However, boldine is one of many plant compounds in boldo that work synergistically, this means it is better in the whole form with all it components in tack. This herb should not be used in high doses or for a long time without a break. If you have a sluggish digestion that makes you feel bloated and full then boldo might be the herb for you. Buy a couple of scrubs and plant in your garden. Make a tea pot of three heaped teaspoons of leaves to three large mug full of boiling water – leave to brew for 10 to 15 minutes. Drink one mug full and put the rest in the refrigerator, drink another cup around lunch time and one in the evening. Those other two cups can be warmed up or just drink cold. The taste is not too bad, the smell is quite distinctive and for this reason some people prefer drinking it cold. Do this for about 6 weeks and then take a break. If this does not appeal, tea bags are easy to find in most supermarkets.
Caution – avoid if you are pregnant as it has abortive properties. Avoid if you are taking a blood thinner like warfarin.
Read MoreKombucha Tea
Kombucha tea is an ancient health remedy that has been around for nearly 2000 years or so. Kombucha Fungus japonicus, it is often referred to as a mushroom, but is actually a colony of yeast and bacteria that looks like a jelly-like substance. First used in China to help relieve digestive problems. Advocates believe kombucha can reduce symptoms of arthritis, asthma, multiple sclerosis and shingles. In addition some say the tea turns gray hair dark, increases energy and curbs excessive alcohol consumption. I have to say I haven’t used or prescribed this tea to anyone, so I have no first hand experience of this tea.
Brewing the tea requires a starter containing the kombucha culture. The gelatinous pancake is floated on top of a mixture of brewed green tea. After a week or 10 days of fermenting, the culture replicates itself or “has a baby” and creates a carbonated drink that resembles cider. The tea is strained and put into the fridge and stored for daily consumption. It is not a taste that most people like it is probably an acquired taste.
Along with the health benefits of kombucha, researchers are analyzing its potential to cause health problems. There have been reports that caution is needed do not drink large amounts. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) cautioned the necessity to know how very important it is to prepare this tea properly. Since the tea is produced in individual homes under varying conditions, contamination with pathogenic organisms is possible. The FDA have advised people to make the tea in glass or ceramic containers, not to store the tea in enameled and lead crystal containers. The finished tea is acidic in nature which can encourage leaching of toxins into the tea.
Lastly, kombucha tea can trigger low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in those susceptible or with yeast problems (candidia). Though, kombucha tea has been extensively touted as immune enhancing. If you have an immuno-compromised disease or a serious illness like diabetes, you should not consider taking this tea without professional advice.
Read MoreCan Herbal Medicine Help Arthritis?
Medicinally, herbs (spices) are any plants or plant parts that are used in a therapeutic way. Herbal medicine is the art and science of using plants for promoting health and preventing and/or treating illness. It has endured over the centuries as the world’s primary form of medicine (today 75% of the population), since the beginning of time. There is written evidence that is more than 5000 years old!
Most pharmaceutical drugs are single chemical entities that are highly refined and are often synthesized. In contrast, herbal medicines are prepared from living or dried plants and contain hundreds to thousands of interrelated compounds. Science is beginning to demonstrate that the safety and effectiveness of herbs is often related to the synergy of its many constituents. Modern medicine is brash, bold and fast in contrast herbal medicine is understated, profound, and slow acting.
The focus of the herbalist (and many other practices like acupuncture or naturopathy) is to treat people as individuals irrespective of the name of the disease or syndrome they have been labeled with. The practitioner has to figure out how they will encourage that person’s innate healing power through the use of such interventions as herbs, diet and lifestyle.
In contrast focus of conventional physicians is to attack diseases using strong chemicals that are difficult for the body to process, or through the removal of organs. Not only does this ignore the unique makeup of the individual, but many patients under conventional care suffer from side-effects that are as bad as the condition being treated. The philosophical difference between herbalists and conventional physicians has profound significance. I firmly believe that we should have choices and if you choose medication that is fine. However, if you are someone who is seeking a different approach herbal medicine can help, as long as they discuss nutritional changes with you.
Like all Alternative treatments herbal medicine can be used in three different ways
1) to help prevent disease
2) to help treat disease like arthritis
3) to maximize your general health
Take arthritis for instance – the success of herbal treatment always depends upon a variety of factors including how long the condition has existed, the severity of the condition, the dosage and mode of administration of the herb/s and how diligently treatment plans are followed.
Most herbs sold as dietary supplements are very safe. When used appropriately, the majority of herbs used by practitioners have no adverse side-effects. A review of the traditional and scientific literature worldwide demonstrates that serious side-effects from the use of herbal medicines are rare. Bear in mind some people have adverse reactions to peanuts!
If you decide to self prescribe then read product labels very carefully, most manufacturers provide appropriate information. If they don’t, then don’t buy their product.
Most visits to an herbalist begin with a consultation about your past and current health history, your dietary and lifestyle practices, or other factors related to your health issue, like family history. The herbalist, then with your involvement, will develop a comprehensive herbal and lifestyle program that addresses your specific health problems.
Various herbal traditions have developed worldwide. In the West there are a number of different traditions which include folklore herbal practices, clinical Western herbal medicine, naturopathic medicine, practitioners of Ayurveda or Chinese medicine and numerous Native American herbal traditions.
All of these disciplines look at treating the causes and not just the symptoms, improving the quality of your life.
Read MoreA-Z of powerful arthritis strategies
ARACHIDONIC ACID from too much meat in the diet sets up a chain of events that encourages inflammation and suffering within the body.
BOWL OF FRUIT keep one well stock in sight and easy to reach – out of sight out of mind. Most suffers find if they avoid oranges, their pain and stiffness eases.
CHLOROPHYLL is the green pigmentation in plants, fruits and vegetables it is a really powerful detoxifier.
DEADLY NIGHTSHADE family – many suffers have found great relief form pain and stiffness by not eating anything from the deadly nightshade family. Tomatoes seeded to be the worst offered but this can vary from person to person. Potatoes, pepper and eggplants are also included.
ENZYMES from fresh foods – are vital, they encourage healing and repair.
FIVE-A-DAY is the very minimum daily requirement that is given to the general public as a guide line, which most people ignore. Evidence shows few people eat that much in a week let alone a day!
GO GREEN, introduce less chemicals into your home you will feel so much better. Use aromatherapy instead of those chemical air fresheners. Use chemical-free house hold cleaners from most supermarkets these days. The less chemicals your body inhales absorbs or consumes – so less energy is used on dealing with the extra toxins and more is devoted to regeneration and repair.
HERBS and SPICES in your kitchen cupboard should be used as much as possible – they all have a positive effect on your health and many will improve digestion, circulation, ease inflammation, encourage healing, and so much more.
INFLAMMATION is a really big key to reducing your suffering. Take a look at the deadly nightshade family cut down on meat, avoid chemicals in foods, increase vitamin C rich foods, like most fruit and vegetables, and eat more oily fish.
JUNK – completely clear out your kitchen cupboards – sort out all the food you have stored. Throw out all the out of date stuff (there is always some), put aside all the unhealthy stuff – read all the ingredients labels carefully – do you really want to be eating that? Put it aside and give it all to charity. Make a list of all the healthy food you would like to replace it all with.
KEEP WRITING A food-mood journal has shown to help people sort out what is making their condition worse or better. It is like detective work every clue helps.
LIVER It’s a good idea to help the liver – dandelion tea, fresh lemon juice and milk thistle capsules.
MINERALS, it’s important to get enough minerals eat plenty of whole grain and seeds like sesame, millet, quinoa, buckwheat, etc
NUTS are a good thing to eat in moderation, due to the essential fatty acids that have anti-inflammatory properties and also help to ‘oil the body’ so to speak.
Important rules – never peanuts, only raw unroasted and unsalted nuts ie walnuts and almonds.
OFF THE COUCH – get moving anyway that suits you or anyway you can.
PLANT COMPOUNDS like anti-oxidants there have been reports for years that the lack of antioxidants speeds up aging and deterioration. Bio-flavonoids are also plant compounds that ensure healthy organs, veins, arteries, connective tissue. Bio-flavonoids also enhance the properties of vitamin C a natural anti-inflammatory and anti-histamine and is very important to the formation of connective tissue
QUESTION the hype like ‘take this capsule for three week and it will cure your arthritis’. Nothing is that easy if it were no one would e suffering any type of arthritis. It takes a concerted effort to change your lifestyle some people manage to become pain-free with continued vigilance while others have reduce and stiffness.
RELAX, everyone needs some R and R occasionally. Stress can increase pain and suffering by changing our body chemistry.Everyone has stress you need to find ways of handling it better.
SLEEP, that is good quality sleep has been proven to help people who are suffering to pain. Help you to cope better, find.
TASTE BUDS need re-educating, it’s important to get them on your side in your quest for better health and less suffering.
UNITE with someone, maybe you can get a friend to join you or a family member in your quest to get healthier it’s easier if you have support.
VOLUMIZE with more fresh food – they are detoxifying, full of nutrients to help with repair, bursting with enzymes encouraging healing.
WATER Research points out that a lot of people are dehydrated – drink more water and less tea, coffee, sodas etc and you will reduce stiffness, aches and pains. Just because you are not thirsty is not an indicator, the brain get confused between hunger and thirst signals, after years of poor food choices.
X-RATED All artificial chemical sweeteners should be banned from your diet – research has indicated that it can cause or increase aches and pains – besides it’s not a food, it’s a chemical, adding to your toxic load.
YOGURT Choose a natural plain yogurt – fully of good bacteria – helping to ensure autointoxication is reduced.
ZEST FOR LIFE. Change your thinking and your outlook. More laughter, start by watching more comedies – spend less time with miserable people. Laughing more encourages the body to produce more natural painkilling chemicals
Read MoreMany arthritis sufferers take antacids
Sonia Jones ND from the Haven Spa and Health Clinic
Some people find the medication they take causes them a lot of digestive problems.
Does eating give you heart burn? Do you reach for antacids that may or may not work, are expensive, have side-effects and only treat your symptoms? Taking antacids can compromise your health and speed up degeneration.
There are alternatives that cost less, have no side-effects and in some cases treat the cause not just the symptoms.
Heartburn can be the result of a weak lower esophageal sphincter (LES for short), the muscle that rings the base of the esophagus. The esophagus is the tube that carries food into the stomach. Swallowing opens the LES allowing food to enter the stomach, otherwise the LES is supposed to stay closed so stomach acid doesn’t seep back up into the esophagus, this is called “reflux”. If your lower esophageal sphincter allows reflux, you get heartburn. If you have ever suffered you will know how very painful it is, some people have suffered so much pain they thought they were having a heart attack.
What do antacids do?
Some antacids reduce stomach acid acidity so it burns less. Others reduce stomach acid secretion so there is less in the stomach to cause problems.
The problem is we need normal amounts of strong stomach acid to digest food properly.
So the situation of lowering secretion or reducing stomach acidity on a regular basis could impair digestion in the long run, setting up all sorts of problems in the future. I am not referring to the very occasional use at Christmas or after a big dinner party when you eat far too much.
Taking regular substantial amounts of aluminium containing antacids can negatively influence the calcium in our bones, encouraging osteoporosis. Also, you need to consider, if you take any other medication, check with your Doctor as regular daily use of antacids can interfere with absorption of some prescription drugs. This is only a consideration if you are taking antacids on a regular basis. In some people antacids can cause constipation.
Practical Advice
If your problem is a weakened LES the following suggestions are definitely worth trying.
Some foods and drinks increase secretion of stomach acids: alcohol, oranges, carbonated beverages, vinegar, spicy foods and tomato-based foods, while other foods can trigger the release of hormone-like compounds that relax the LES. These include chocolate, tea, coffee, alcohol and greasy foods.
Experiment maybe only one or two of these foods are affecting you personally.
a) Avoid all of the above foods and drinks for a few days
b) then gradually introduce one food or drink one at a time and wait to see what happens before introducing another food from the above list.
Other things to consider -
1) Overfilling the stomach with big meals can force acid past the LES. Eat smaller meals more often.
2) Certainly don’t lie down after eating.
3) Extra weight increases physical pressure on the stomach, and can force acid up into the esophagus. That is why heartburn is so common among pregnant women. If you are over weight it is worth considering loosing weight for many health reasons.
4) Don’t smoke. Cigarettes, not only relaxes the LES but also increase secretions of stomach acids.
Herbs
Chamomile is excellent for heartburn.1 dessertspoon per 1 mug of boiled water. Steep (covered) for 10 minutes and then strain. Chamomile is also good for enhancing digestion in general. Drink only when needed. If you want to drink chamomile teas throughout the day make it much weaker. I teaspoon per mug of boiling water.
Ginger works wonders for some. Use 1 teaspoon of fresh grated root per cup. Steep (covered) for 10 minutes and strain. The dried herb can be used, but less per cup. Ginger is not recommended if you often feel hot but would be good for those of you who always feel cold or have poor circulation.
Peppermint tea works really well. I would not recommend peppermint to people who always feel cold otherwise it is a very good remedy. This is a cooling herb so would be good for those of you who feel warm. See instructions for making chamomile tea.
You have nothing to lose by trying the above suggestions if they don’t help you can seek the help of a qualified health practitioner. One way or another you need to stop taking antacids on a regular basis for the sake of your overall health and long term aging plan.
Foods – Keep your diet very simple for two weeks and gradually introduce one food at a time, monitor your reaction to the individual food.
Most people do not have a problem with all these foods – generally only one to three foods set up a problem. If you do have a problem with just about any foods, look up a Naturopath or Nutritional Therapist for help.
Read MoreArthritis & Pain Program at The Haven
