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Blog, Jod Rakshak

Foods and Beverages to Avoid with Arthritis

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Living with arthritis in this day and age is more common than you know. In fact, up to 40% of men and 47% of women may be diagnosed with osteoarthritis during their lifetime. Both rheumatoid arthritis and Psoriatic arthritis are chronic inflammatory diseases. They are also auto-immune diseases that have no known causes. Having said that, they are also progressive diseases that means managing the condition is mostly carried out by lifestyle changes which ultimately slows down its effects and progress.

Arthritis, though a chronic, and painful health condition can be managed through a healthy diet.  It has not been proven medically but people suffering from arthritis have claimed effective and positive results by changing their lifestyle and taking herbal supplements.

In most cases, people are aware that staying active and eating healthy would cure arthritis and bring about good results. However, they are not aware of the foods they should be avoiding while suffering from this disease.

We have got you covered, take a look at the following list of foods and beverages you must avoid if you are suffering from arthritis:

Refined Carbohydrates and Sugar

Refined Sugar

 

Whether or not you have a liking for sweets, it is the go-to food item for days when you wish to feel better emotionally or physically (during cramps and pains, etc.). The fact remains it is not easy to give up on sugary items and they are no less than addiction. Most of us, like our meals with soft drinks and other sugary sodas.

Sweet treats like cookies, pastries, candies, donuts, etc. are full of refined sugars which is harmful to the body. If you find glucose, fructose, or any word that ends in ‘ose’ in the ingredient list of the edible product you are purchasing; you must keep it back as it is packed with refined sugars. Other harmless products like baked goods and white bread are also packed with refined sugars which you must avoid to improve your health condition.

Dairy Products

Dairy Products

 

This one’s a shocker as it is a universal fact that dairy must be consumed to get enough vitamin D and calcium. It is encouraged and promoted right from our childhood to consume products rich in calcium, particularly, dairy. However, you also must know that dairy also increases inflammation in the body as it contains saturated fats.  Therefore, you must keep a check on your dairy consumption. Lifestyles changes should not be sudden, you can gradually reduce dairy by switching to low-fat dairy products for starters.

Alcohol

Alcohol

 

Alcohol is toxic for your body regardless of your health condition. Nevertheless, it is one of the major contributing factors to inflammation. Moderate and occasional drinking is not harmful but if you are suffering from arthritis, you must avoid it at all costs.  Another major reason why alcohol is not recommended is that it would hamper the effects of the strong medicines prescribed to a patient suffering from arthritis. Your body will not be positively receptive to the medicines. Therefore, a big no to alcohol and alcoholic beverages.

Processed and Red Meat

 

Red Meat

 

Again, inflammation is inevitable due to the consumption of processed and red meats. High levels of inflammatory markers like interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine are present in red meats and processed meats which are harmful to people suffering from arthritis. In a rather detailed study, it has been proven that people with Rheumatoid arthritis complained of conditions worsening due to diets heavy in red and processed meats.

Gluten

 

Gluten

 

Gluten is a family of proteins found in grains including barley, wheat, spelt, and rye. Wheat among all is the most of all gluten-containing grains. There have researches conducted to prove that gluten, after all, is a major contributing factor for increased inflammation, and reducing it may reduce the effects of arthritis symptoms. This is why people suffering from celiac disease are at a greater risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis. It is a known fact that celiac disease sufferers often have inflammation and joint pain as symptoms. Gluten can be found in some other harmless food items like soups, soy sauce, pasta, and couscous, etc. Be wary of gluten content in medications, vitamins, and supplements.

Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Fried items

 

Omega fatty acid

 

Regardless of the kind of oil you use to cook your food, fried foods are never good for your health. They are high in trans fats and therefore, it would be best to eat broiled or grilled foods. Why? Because not only do trans fats lead to tons of life-threatening diseases but also increases inflammation. Some varieties of vegetable oils are toxic to your health. Heavy diets rich in omega-6 fats and low in omega-3 fats increase the severity of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This means avoid butter, coconut oil, lard, margarine, etc. as much as you can. Fried foods are dangerous as the most common oils used for frying like corn oil and vegetable oil are rich in omega-6 fatty acids. Also, frying itself as a cooking method can lead to inflammation.

Artificial sweeteners

 

Artificial Sweetener

 

This is going to be disappointing for some to digest but as healthy as they seem, that is just a marketing gimmick, they are a lot more harmful. Artificial sweeteners or aspartame seem perfect as you require a very little amount of it to get a good amount of sweetness in your teas and other beverages but since they are artificially processed, humans cannot digest it easily, this results in increased inflammation.

The Bottom Line

Arthritis, regardless of how uncomfortable the journey is, it gets better with the right choices in life. Take control of your dietary habits and a daily dose of ayurvedic supplements for joint pain, you will soon see a reduction in inflammation and its inducing symptoms.

Blog, Jod Rakshak

Arthritis and Women in 40’s: What to Know

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Arthritis is counted among one of the common elderly diseases found in adults age 65 or older.However, according to one survey, women are likely to develop arthritis in their 40’s.

For a quick refresher, arthritis causes pain and inflammation in joints. Joints connect the two bones and have a flexible connective tissue known as cartilage that protects the joints by absorbing the pressure and shock when you put excessive stress on them. The wearing out of cartilage due to age, injury or other factors increases the risk of arthritis. The common symptoms of arthritis are pain in joints, swollen joints, redness and decreased range of motion.

Coming back to the main topic, women are more vulnerable to arthritis than men. They are likely to be three to four time more frequently affected with rheumatoid arthritis, a type of arthritis, than men.

According to several studies, the symptoms are likely to occur in the 35-55 years of age group.

Many factors make women more vulnerable to arthritis than men.
Two of them are…

• Hormones:

The rate of osteoarthritis boosts significantly after menopause in women. Experts believe that it is the female hormone estrogen that causes arthritis.

• Bio-mechanics:

This is the way your body is structured that leads to risk for arthritis. Usually, women with wider hips are believed to have a significant effect on the alignment of their knees. This further leads to uneven stress on them, leading to osteoarthritis. Along with this, women also tend to have more flexible joints and hyper-mobility. These two factors add their contribution to the risk of arthritis.

What are the General Causes of Arthritis in Women Over 40’s?

Obesity:

As the body weight is carried by the leg joints and knees, the risk of putting excessive weight makes you the candidate for arthritis.

Age:

The joints are likely to wear away as they age, making the person vulnerable to getting arthritis.

Wrong Lifestyle:

If your job involves heavy lifting or repetitive joint movements and bending, you are at the risk of getting bone injuries or joint problems. And this could lead to arthritis over time. Plus, unhealthy eating habits add to the risk.

How You Can Manage and Prevent Arthritis in Your 40’s

Weight Management:

Excess body weight is one of the topmost reasons for arthritis. Therefore, you need to keep your body weight in check. This is more important as women are more likely to get obese as they age.
Losing extra weight is something you can do to prevent arthritis or manage the symptoms.
For this, you need to take care of your diet and do some workouts like walking.

Stay Hydrated:

Did you know that the cartilage in your joints is made up mostly of water? Hence, when your body is dehydrated, i.e. water gets sucked out of the cartilage; it becomes more easily damaged by wear and tear. So, you need to keep your cartilage healthy by drinking water throughout the day. Make sure you have at least 8 glasses of water daily.

Minimize the Use of High Heels:

High heels can trouble some people if worn regularly. This is because they can affect the body’s posture and increase pressure on the knee joints, ankle and foot, thereby increasing the risk of arthritis. Prefer more joint-friendly footwear.

Do Non-Impact Workouts:

Avoid high impact workouts like soccer or long-distance running as they put up a lot of stress on the joints. Switch to something lighter like water exercises, which will help you stay active and practice arthritis prevention.

Take Vitamin D:

Over 70-80% of Indians are deficient in Vitamin D. That’s why arthritis is on the rise among Indians. Vitamin D helps the bones absorb calcium that is important for bone health as well as muscle movement, nerve communication, and fighting inflammation. You can take Vitamin D from low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese, salmon and tuna.

To conclude, you can avoid the risk of arthritis or manage its symptoms by opting for a healthier lifestyle. See your doctor if you start experiencing the signs of arthritis. What do you think?

Let us know by commenting below!

 

Blog, Jod Rakshak

6 Best Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain

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Millions of people around the world are affected by arthritis. Two of the most common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Both of these types lead to joint pain, stiffness, tenderness, etc. Most people believe that physical movements would harm their joints and worsen the pain.

Contrary to what people believe, exercising can actually help an arthritic knee. In fact, regular exercise can decrease the severity of stiffness and swelling, and other symptoms of arthritis pain. People with rheumatoid arthritis should all the more be physically active and do light exercises daily to improve their condition. Exercising improves joint flexibility and function, reduces painful symptoms to a great extent, boosts mood, and increases range of motion.

A complete lifestyle change is required to improve the condition of arthritis pain. Reduction in swelling, pain, inflammation will not vanish in a week or a month. You will have to exercise every day, eat healthy, and increase your intake of natural supplements for arthritis pain. It is the best way to cure arthritis pain holistically.

Take a look at the best exercises for arthritis pain:

Stretching

Never underestimate the power of stretching. It can improve your range of motion, reduce stiffness, and improve joint flexibility. The best time to do stretching is in the morning to relieve the symptoms of arthritis. It would be best to stretch daily. The stretching routine would be different for each individual as it will depend on the joints you are targeting. Regardless of the affected joints, stretching includes slowly and gently moving your hands, elbows, and knees. Start by warming up your body by walking for five minutes. Next, stretch your body and hold each stretch for 20 seconds, and release. Repeat each stretch three times. Finish the routine with deep breathing. Your body should feel relaxed.

If your symptoms are severe then it would be best to do your routine stretching under the supervision of a physiotherapist or a family member so that you do not injure yourself.

Walking

Another great form of low-impact exercise is walking. It also helps with joint health, boosting energy and mood, and heart health. It will help you stay fit and increase stamina. Make sure to stay hydrated throughout the exercise and wear proper gear while you walk. Walking should not be exhausting or strenuous. It would be best to walk at a slow pace and gradually increase the pace. Make sure that by the end of this exercise you are not out of breath or injuring yourself.

Yoga

Yoga is a great way to relieve symptoms related to arthritis and inflammation. It would be best to combine it with gentle poses, meditation, and deep breathing. Regular yoga would increase range of motion, balance, and increase flexibility. It would also help to reduce stress and anxiety. A calm state of mind would help you manage the symptoms in a much better way. Yoga offers a range of poses that are specifically helpful for people dealing with arthritis. therefore, make sure to stick to light poses and exercises that will help you get rid of the discomfort and pain.

Water exercises

Water exercises or aerobics are the best exercises for you if you are overweight or obese. Since water helps support body weight, exercising in water will not affect your joints. In fact, you will be able to carry out high-impact exercises in water with little or no effect on your knees and joints. It would increase the strength and health of your knees. Along with that, it would help with aerobic conditioning, flexibility, and range of motion. In the long run, it would help reduce joint stiffness and stress to a great extent.

Strength training

This does not include using heavyweights in the gym. However, it would be best to strengthen your muscles around the infected joints to increase and improve strength and flexibility in the joints. Along with that, strength training will help reduce pain and other arthritis symptoms.

The best way to start strength training would be by using resistance bands to build muscle and strengthen your joints and body. A physiotherapist, in this case, would help you immensely by guiding you through the regime and process.

Cycling

Most people struggling with rheumatoid arthritis do not know that along with inflammation and pain, they are also at risk of developing cardiovascular disease. It is important to take care of your heart health as well. In this case, you must indulge in an exercise that keeps your joints healthy and improve your cardiovascular fitness as well.

Cycling is a great way to keep your joints and your heart fit. Along with that, it reduces stiffness and swelling in the joints. It also helps increase and improve leg strength and range of motion. A great way to safely build endurance and improve joint health through cycling is by using a stationary bike.

How to Reap Maximum Benefits from the Above Exercises?

  • Use comfortable accessories like slip-resistant yoga mats, proper shoes, loose-fitting clothes, a water bottle, and light music.
  • Mix varieties of exercises. Create your regime according to your convenience and comfort.
  • Make sure to never over exhaust yourself. The aim is to reduce inflammation and pain. There shouldn’t be any discomfort at any given point.
  • Be consistent and regular with your exercises. Practice every day. Reduce the intensity, if you feel tired or exhausted on some days, but never skip these exercises.

To conclude, it is important to remain active and consistent to achieve meaningful results. It would be best to take regular doses of herbal supplements for arthritis to speed up the healing process. Make sure to always consult a professional before beginning the exercises.

Blog, Jod Rakshak

6 Best Breakfast Smoothies to Cure Inflammatory Arthritis Pain

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Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. This becomes all the more important when your breakfast is your source of power-packed nutrients for overall health. In the end, you are what you eat and that’s what makes a big difference in either stopping inflammation or aggravating it. Inflammation plays an important role in your life especially when you are suffering from inflammatory arthritis. Your mornings start with swelling, tenderness, pain, and warmth in your joints. Along with that, stiffness lasts for hours.

The best way to cure and treat arthritis at home would be to consume herbal supplements that would keep your joints healthy and pain-free. Having said that, a bonus would be to eat healthy and eat right to make sure that you get the benefits of a proper diet to help you heal. A good diet, especially a good breakfast smoothie will help you a long way to protect yourself from inflammatory arthritis. It will also help ease the stiffness, pain, and tenderness in your joints due to inflammation.

What is inflammatory arthritis?

Inflammatory arthritis is a condition that can be used to describe a group of ailments caused by an overactive immune system that consequently results in inflammation. This includes inflammation of joints, stiffness in the knees, and joint pain in the morning. However, inflammatory arthritis can also have ill effects on your connective tissues and other organs. Science says that arthritis is irreversible however Ayurveda, Indian herbs, and herbal supplements have proven to cure inflammatory ailments like joint pain, osteoporosis, and even arthritis.

It is safe to say that there is a lot of scope in curing and healing joint pain, stiffness, and tenderness that derives from inflammation due to arthritis and other ailments through Ayurvedic natural supplements.

As we enter spring and welcome summers, it is the best time to take charge of your joint health as the weather will go easy on your knees and joints. Summers are the best time for healthy, chilled breakfast smoothies. It is to be noted that we will suggest different varieties of smoothies. However, it would be best to include seasonal fruits and vegetables for added benefits.

On that note take a look at some of the best anti-inflammatory smoothie recipes which would help you combat inflammation and inflammatory pain.

Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberry Smoothie
Who doesn’t love strawberries? Strawberries are not only delicious but power-packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients. Along with strawberries, you can add cranberries or beets for added nutrients. These rich pink ingredients are natural detoxifiers. Cranberry is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. All you need to do is take a glass of milk, add strawberries, beets, cranberries, and a dash of ginger to get rid of the soreness and stiffness, and blend! This is your go-to smoothie for a delicious, anti-inflammatory breakfast.

Turmeric Smoothie

 

Turmeric Smoothie

Anti-inflammatory dishes are incomplete without turmeric. This sunshine yellow smoothie is a great start to your mornings. All you need to do is whip up mango, pineapple, ginger, turmeric, ice, and milk and you are good to go! Mango and pineapple amp up the sweetness and a dash of ginger and turmeric would help balance the flavor with their earthy taste. This way, there is no need for sweetening agents.

Dragon Fruit Smoothie

 

Dragon fruit

Another great pink smoothie for a healthy, power-packed breakfast, pitaya or dragon fruit is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents. Not only this fruit is low in calories but packed with iron, vitamin C, vitamin B, and calcium. All of these nutrients are helpful for your joints. The main ingredient for the smoothie is dragon fruit but you can also add a few cubes of pineapple or shredded coconut and ginger with a dash of honey. Sprinkle some flax seeds and voila!

Citrusy Sunshine Smoothie

 

Citrusy smoothie

This smoothie is not only anti-inflammatory but an absolute energy and mood booster. The main ingredient in the smoothie is avocado which contains stress-fighting glutathione, useful in blocking oxidative damage, vitamin E, folate, and beta-carotene. It will also give the smoothie a creamy texture which is perfect for a smoothie. Another great ingredient for the smoothie is orange or lemon that is rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Add a banana to the smoothie and you will feel replenished, and full of energy.

Typical Tropical Smoothie

 

Tropical smoothie

Although the name suggests typical; there is nothing typical about this smoothie as it is a quintessential anti-inflammatory breakfast smoothie. This one works great for summers as it combines the best of the tropical world. For this smoothie add fresh mango or pineapple, turmeric, ginger, and coconut milk. All inflammation-fighting ingredients, packed into one lip-smacking smoothie.

Orange Breakfast Smoothie

 

Orange smoothie

Another great breakfast smoothie loaded with health benefits is-orange breakfast smoothie that has nothing to do with the fruit orange. It is rich in antioxidants as it has the benefits of carrots, lemons, and pineapple. Blend them with the best anti-inflammatory ingredients — turmeric and ginger. They give the smoothie a warm earthy flavor. Carrots and pineapple bring sweetness to the smoothie. Lemon balances the flavor with its citrusy zest. You can add a banana for a rich texture and added health benefits.

All in all, the above-mentioned smoothies are your go-to breakfast alternatives for overall health. All of these smoothies are packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients which will help you combat inflammation and related ailments. Feel free to experiment by adding leafy greens or nuts to the smoothies for overall health benefits. To reap the benefits of these breakfast smoothies is by being consistent and combining them with a dose of herbal supplements every day.

 

Blog, Jod Rakshak

9 Common Arthritis MYTHS You Shouldn’t Believe

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The term arthritis is used for over 100 types of conditions that affect the joints or tissues around the joint. Most of them lead to joint pain and stiffness—while some types can impact the immune system and internal organs.Despite being a common health condition in India, arthritis is often misunderstood as it is surrounded by several misconceptions and myths.

It is always useful to learn about this common but painful health condition? How much do you know about arthritis?

Test yourself with these arthritis misconceptions/myths and learn the facts.

Every Joint Pain is Arthritis:

FACT:

Although arthritis is a form of joint pain, other conditions such as bursitis, tendonitis or soft-tissue injuries can lead to joint pain. These are common structures that are near the actual joints that can lead to pain and swelling and feel like joint pain.

It might be the case of lupus that is an inflammatory condition that affects many different body parts such as the joints, including the lungs, heart and brain. Similarly, gout is a condition that is caused by a high level of uric acid and leads to sudden pain in the foot and joints.

The Weather/Climate Can Impact Arthritis Symptoms

FACT:

One common misconception is that arthritis can be aggravated in cold and humid climates. However, this is not backed by science yet. There is a link between warmer weather and arthritis relief, as a warm climate encourages a person to remain more active, but there is no proof that colder weather can trigger the condition.

Arthritis Can be Cured

FACT:

To date, arthritis has been an incurable disease, although the symptoms like pain can be managed and the progression can be slowed down with better treatment options. Nothing has been found successful to treat the disease.

Since most arthritis types are chronic conditions and meant to be a lifelong process, it is important to gain knowledge and understand your own health condition.

One should learn how to deal with arthritis symptoms, medications, herbal supplements and other treatment options, pain relief techniques and how to deal and live well with arthritis.

Poor Diet Causes Arthritis:

FACT:

Well, a well-balanced, nutritious diet and ideal weight can help manage the symptoms of arthritis.

However, there is no solid scientific evidence yet to prove that specific foods prevent or cause arthritis. Although a healthy diet can be useful in managing arthritis, it cannot prevent arthritis. Unless you have a particular food allergy that makes your arthritis flare, there is no evident link between a specific food source and arthritis.

Exercise Can Worsen Your Arthritis Pain:

FACT:

It is a common misconception that exercises can worsen your joint pain and stiffness.

But not doing exercise actually can increase pain and stiffness.

Moderate exercises can help manage your arthritis by maintaining your strength and range of motion.

Moreover, it helps reduce joint pain and combat fatigue. Of course, when you are suffering from stiff and painful joints, the thought of doing a workout can seem overwhelming.

This is because strong muscles and surrounding tissues are important to maintain support for the bones. Lack of exercise can weaken these supporting muscles, leading to more stress on the joints.

However, make sure to consult your doctor before doing any workout when you arthritis. Your doctor or therapist can suggest you the right exercise plan according to your condition. Some of the best exercises for arthritis pain are…

  • Range of motion workouts to ease stiffness and improve mobility.
  • Strengthening exercises to build strong muscles
  • Aerobic workouts to manage your weight and improve your stamina and energy.

Heat is More Effective than Ice for Sore Joints:

FACT:

Both cold and heat can help manage arthritis pain. It all depends on what you feel more comfortable with.

Applying ice at night can lessen joint inflammation causing by daily activities. Applying heat in the morning can relax the muscles for stiff joints.

Make sure to apply ice for 20 minutes at a time. Or you can use a bag of frozen vegetables or wrap some ice cubes in a towel for a quick compress.

A heating pad can be effective for sore joints, too.

If you don’t have a heating pad, you can put a damp washcloth in a microwave for nearly 15 seconds before placing it on the affected joints to ease them.

Arthritis is an Elderly Disease:

FACT:

Most people think that arthritis is an old-age disease. However, you might at risk of arthritis at any point in your life depending on your lifestyle and genetics.

The different types of arthritis are triggered by different factors, but most of these occur much earlier in life with mild signs that are not generally noticed. The signs are only noticed when the condition worsens over time, and this is usually in the elderly. Arthritis is also more common among adults who are overweight than among those who have normal weight or underweight.

Arthritis is a Life Ruining Disease:

FACT:

Although the symptoms of arthritis are debilitating and can affect your routine life, it doesn’t mean you are doomed if you have this health condition. With the right lifestyle, diet and proper treatment, you can manage the symptoms of arthritis.

Symptoms are Always Painful and Severe:

FACT:

Since arthritis is determined by periods of signs variability, with flares and remission, it is often challenging for people to understand why an arthritis patient feel so much better or so much worse on any day.

In fact, some people can believe that the disease is only a psychological impact.

Keep in mind that arthritis can be a mix of relief and pain. Some days, a patient can feel more pain while someday they look totally fine.

So these are myths about arthritis you shouldn’t believe anymore. Keep in mind that the right approach towards the disease is as important as the treatment. Always consult your doctor when it comes to making lifestyle changes or when in doubt.

What do you think? Let us know by commenting below!

Blog, Jod Rakshak

Best Home Remedies for Arthritis and Joint Pain

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According to one study, over 180 million people in India have arthritis. It means that arthritis is more prevalent than other well-known diseases such as AIDS, diabetes, and cancer. Nearly 14% of the Indian population visits a doctor every year for this joint disease.Mayo Clinic defines arthritis as “swelling and tenderness of one or more of your joints. The main symptoms of arthritis are joint pain and stiffness, which typically worsen with age. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.”

In arthritis, you experience pain and inflammation in the joints where two bones meet. The joint connects the body parts so that you can move.It has a flexible connective tissue termed cartilage which protects the joints by absorbing the shock and pressure when they undergo huge stress.

When this cartilage deteriorates, it can increase the risk of getting arthritis.

The common symptoms of arthritis are redness, pain, decrease range of motion and swollen joints.

It is caused by obesity, intense joint movements and sports injuries. Although there is no treatment for arthritis yet, the symptoms can be managed with the treatments such as surgery, topical ointments and physical therapy.

Simply put, the treatment intends to ease the pain and prevent additional damage to the joints.

While medication is the foundation of managing arthritis, home remedies and lifestyle changes play an important role in your arthritis treatment too. Arthritis should be treated from an entire body perspective, not simply a medical one, which means using all aspects of wellness, including home remedies.

Here we have listed out such home remedies that can help you ease pain and prevent additional damage to the joints.

Chilli Peppers:

Chilli peppers are an effective home remedy for arthritis. This is because it is packed with capsaicin, an element that makes chilli peppers spicy heat.

And this is the same component that works by minimizing a neurotransmitter known as Substance P, which sends pain signals from nerve endings to the brain and causes joint inflammation as well.

If you keep Substance P lower, you will fell less inflammation and pain. No wonder why capsaicin is used in many OTC pain-relieving creams.

You must be wondering how to use capsaicin to manage your arthritis pain.

Here’s what you can do…

  • Heat ½ cup of olive oil in a saucepan 
  • Add two tbsps. of cayenne powder. 
  • Let the powder dissolve. Whisk it continuously. 
  • Let it cool down
  • Transfer it to a glass jar.
  • Rub this onto affected joints. 

Eucalyptus Oil:

Eucalyptus oil is packed with menthol that is a common ingredient in several pain-relieving ointments. It raises the skin temperature and boosts blood flow. In fact, eucalyptus ointment is also commercially available.

Here is a simple recipe for making eucalyptus balm for arthritis at home.

  • Add ten drops of eucalyptus oil to a tbsp. of petroleum jelly
  • Mix it well.
  • Massage it onto your aching joints.
  • You can also add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to water to be used for bathing. 

Ginger:

Ginger is an effective remedy for arthritis. It reduces the releasing of chemicals like leukotrienes that increase joint inflammation. Moreover, it is a great source of salicylates, which converts into salicylic acid, the same pain-relieving substance used in aspirin, by the body.

Salicylic acid balances the production of prostaglandins, which can raise inflammation and send pain signals to the brain.

Here is how you can use ginger to ease your arthritis pain.

  • Take three cups of water and boil it in a saucepan.
  • Add a tbsp. of freshly grated ginger root to the water.
  • Boil for ten minutes and strain.
  • Add honey or stevia for taste.

Turmeric:

Turmeric has been used for several health conditions for ages.

What makes turmeric an effective home remedy for arthritis and joint pain?

Thanks to its effective compound known as curcumin that reduces the enzymes and proteins raising inflammation. Many studies have proved that ginger can reduce pain and swelling.

According to one study, taking 1,000 mg of curcumin for up to 12 weeks can relieve pain and inflammation from arthritis.

As turmeric is a common cooking spice, it can be used in a variety of ways to flavor foods and beverages. Using turmeric in recipes can empower the foods and drinks with “inflammation-fighting power.”

However, taking turmeric alone might not be that effective. It is recommended to take it along with black pepper. According to one study, the pain-relieving power of turmeric increases by 2000% when combined with black pepper.

Here is a super easy recipe you can try now…

  • Boil 2 cups of water with 1 tbsp. of turmeric powder and ½ tbsp. of black pepper.
  • Simmer it for 15 minutes
  • Add honey or lemon to taste.
  • Drink this tea whenever you experience joint pain or inflammation.

Fish Oil:

Fish oil is packed with Omega 3 essential fatty acids, which have strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also contains vitamin D for repairing the cartilage within the joints. Some of the recommended fish types are salmon, herring, sardines, mackerel and trout. Or you can take fish oil supplements available at drug stores or online.

Relying Only on Home Remedies is not Enough for Arthritis

So you must have understood how certain home remedies can ease pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. But keep in mind that these remedies only ease the pain. They can’t be used as an alternative to medicine or doctor’s advice. Like we have said before, it takes an entire body perspective and all aspects of wellness to manage arthritis.

Apart from medication and home remedies, you have to consider lifestyle nd diet plan. Here’s how…

Exercise:

Physical activity is the most common method of arthritis pain. One of the key reasons for doing a workout is to reduce your weight. Losing extra kilos can remove the unnecessary strain off the joints. Exercise also improves your body’s natural supply of anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substances. It releases endorphins to alleviate your mood and minimize the emotional effects of suffering from arthritis.

Diet:

Diet plays important role in managing your condition. Make sure to include omega-3 fatty acids and dietary fibers in your diet.

Meditation:

Relaxation is an efficient practice for managing diseases like arthritis. This is because stress can prompt inflammatory reactions in the body. Meditation and deep breathing can promote relaxation.

Massage Therapy:

Massage therapy is a relaxing and safe therapeutic approach to arthritis pain management. It involves various techniques to relax your tensed tissues and muscles. Gentle massage therapy also improves circulation throughout your tissues, joints and muscles. With improved blood flow, your joints can get important nutrients and oxygen to promote repair. Massage therapy also releases feel good hormones to uplift mood and reduce anxiety.

Hot and Cold Therapy:

Hot and cold therapy is one of the effective self-management tools for arthritis pain. While hot therapy with a hot water bottle or heating pad can soothe sore muscles and joints, cold therapy with a gel ice pad can decrease swelling and inflammation. However, avoid using extreme heat or cold.

Medication:

Apart from using the doctor’s prescribed medication, you can use OTC herbal supplements to ease your joint pain. At Alliance Biotech, we offer Jod Rakshak, effective medicine for joint pains. It is packed with the goodness of Shudh Guggul, Ashwagandha and Shilajit.

Order it now!!

 

Blog, Jod Rakshak

Best Foods for Arthritis and Joint Pain

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Do you have arthritis or joint pain? Well, no one can tell better than you how it likes to live with such pain.

It not only causes sheer discomfort but also impacts your ability to do daily tasks.While there are many medications and herbal supplements to manage the symptoms of arthritis, you need to take care of your diet. Some foods are rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammation and analgesic properties. It means that they can minimize the production of inflammation as well as stop pain—the two most debilitating factors associated with arthritis and joint pain.

Without further ado, let’s walk through the list of best foods for arthritis:

Fatty Fish:

Fatty fish varieties such as salmon mackerel sardines and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects.

Many studies have proved that taking omega-3 fatty acid supplements can decrease joint pain intensity and morning stiffness.

Ginger:

Besides adding flavor to tea, soups and sweets, ginger may also help ease the symptoms of arthritis.

A 2001 study assessed the effects of ginger extract on 261 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee. After six weeks, sixty-three per cent of participants experienced improvements in knee pain.

Consuming ginger in fresh powder or dried form may reduce inflammation and aid in reducing symptoms of arthritis.

Walnuts:

Walnuts are nutrient-dense and loaded with compounds that may help reduce the inflammation associated with joint disease.

Walnuts are especially high in omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown to reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

Spinach:

Leafy greens like spinach are full of nutrients and some of their components may actually be able to help decrease inflammation caused by arthritis. Several studies have found that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables is linked to lower levels of inflammation spinach.

They contain plenty of antioxidants as well as plant compounds that can relieve inflammation and help fight disease.

Olive Oil:

Olive oil is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, making it one of the effective foods for arthritis and joint pain.

According to one study performed on 33 participants with and without rheumatoid arthritis, olive oil can lower the risk of the disease.

Garlic:

Garlic is rich in anti-inflammatory properties.

Some studies have shown that garlic may enhance the function of certain immune cells to help strengthen the immune system.

Adding garlic to your diet could benefit both arthritis symptoms and overall health.

Broccoli:

It’s no secret that broccoli is one of the healthiest foods out there.

It contains important components that can help reduce symptoms of arthritis. For example, sulforaphane is a compound found in broccoli that has been found to block the formation of a type of cell involved in rheumatoid arthritis.

Berries:

Berries are rich in plenty of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. All these elements can be useful in reducing inflammation. Berries are rich in Quercetin and routine to plant compounds that

Grapes:

Grapes are high in antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties. They contain several compounds that are beneficial in the treatment of arthritis. For instance, they contain resveratrol that is an antioxidant present in the skin of grapes. Resveratrol is good for joints and can lower inflammation.

Tart Cherry Juice:

This delicious juice offers a wide array of nutrients and health benefits and may even help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Researchers have studied different amounts of several varieties of cherries in every form, from pills to juice. Although the studies are limited, evidence of the advantage of cherries for arthritis is growing.

How cherry can help reduce arthritis or joint pain?

According to the studies, it is due to plant pigments known as anthocyanins that have strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They help reduce inflammation by curbing pro-inflammatory compounds in the body, such as COX or cyclooxygenase.

They are found in red and purple fruits, including blueberries and raspberries, but cherries like tart cherries have higher levels.
Tart cherry juice is also packed with other polyphenols, including flavonoids. All of these compounds make tart cherry juice an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory food for people with arthritis.

Make sure to look for an unsweetened variety of tart cherry juice to make sure you don’t consume excess added sugar.

Whole Grains:

Take it a step further and add whole grains to your diet. Whole grains reduce levels of C-reactive protein or CRP in the blood. CRP is an indicator of inflammation associated with heart disease, arthritis and diabetes.
From bulgur, oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa to faro, there is plenty of variety to choose from. These varieties provide extra nutrients and fibre that only whole grains can add naturally. Make sure to eat between three to six ounces of grains a day.

You can try them as side dishes.

Olive Oil:

Did you know that olive oil and ibuprofen (a pain killer) have more in common when it comes to treating arthritis or other body pain?

However, unlike ibuprofen, olive oil doesn’t harm your health.

Studies have found that olive oil is packed with several anti-inflammatory compounds. One of such compounds is oleocanthal that works just like ibuprofen. This compound works to minimize and prevent inflammation by preventing pro-inflammation enzymes such as COX-1 and COX-2. This is what ibuprofen does to reduce inflammation and pain.

When inflammation is reduced, you feel relief. Olive oil also comes with other health benefits.

According to the researchers, 3 and a half Tbsp. of the olive oil is equal to a 200-mg tablet of ibuprofen. This is because olive oil is high in calories.
Avoid heating olive oil to high temperatures, as it can kill some of the beneficial properties. At a lower temperature between 300-340 degrees, you can fry or sauté vegetables. Or it is better if you use it to dress your salads.

So these are some best foods for arthritis. However, it is better to see your doctor if the symptoms worsen. What do you think?

Let us know by commenting below!

 

Blog, Jod Rakshak

7 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha

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Whether call it Withania Somnifera, Indian Winter Cherry, or Indian Ginseng, Ashwagandha has been a super health remedy for ages. After all, the benefits of this ancient Indian herb are documented in ancient texts as well as have been accepted by modern science.The name Ashwagandha has been derived from two Sanskrit words—Ashwa which means horse and Gandha which means odour.

According to Charaka, the father of Ayurveda had quoted on the health benefits of Ashwagandha—

 ‘One obtains longevity, regains youth, gets a sharp memory and intellect and freedom from diseases, gets a lustrous complexion, and strength of a horse.’

Ashwagandha is a panacea of most ailments and is known for its rejuvenating and therapeutic attributes.

Ayurveda also considers the herb as Bhalya – something which increases strength and Vajikara – something which increases healthy sexual functioning.

Here we have outlined Top 7 Proven Health Benefits of Ashwagandha:

  • Easing Anxiety:

    Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogen, meaning that it can help the body adapt to stress. It can improve brain function and help deal with the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Several studies have proved that this herb can minimize the symptoms associated with stress and anxiety.

    This is because of its ability to reduce a stress hormone called cortisol, according to several studies.

    The medicinal herb can help lower levels of cortisol. Some studies have found that the daily doses of 125 mg to 5 grams for 1-3 moths can lower this stress hormone (cortisol) by 11-32%.

  • Reducing Inflammation:

    Inflammation is triggered by the body’s response to the infection, trauma and toxins. It is the defense mechanism of your body that activate whenever your body feels “danger”. Under normal conditions, our body produces an anti-inflammatory response to maintain balance. However, the body might lose its ability to control inflammation when experiences chronic pain. It can lead to chronic imbalance and chronic pain as well. Ashwagandha can reduce inflammation.

    In human studies, Ashwagandha is proven to increase the activity of the natural killer cells that are immune cells that fight infection and boost your health.

    In fact, Ashwagandha has also been found to minimize the markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP).

  • For Acne Prevention:

    Ashwagandha is also known for its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties, making it a great remedy for acne or infections. It also improves the collagen in the skin which delays the ageing signs. If you have acne, you can try the face packs with Ashwagandha powder.

  • Improving Brain Function:

    Several studies have found that Ashwagandha can minimize memory and brain function problems caused by disease or injury. It can promote memory, reaction time, brain function and ability to perform tasks.

    Studies have shown that it boosts antioxidant activity that offers protection to the never cells from free radicals.

  • Preventing the Growth of Cancer Cells:

    Ashwagandha contains withaferin – A , a compound that can speed up apoptosis, which is a process to get rid of cancer cells. Moreover, it prevents the growth of new cancer cells. Withaferin – A is said to increase the formation of ROS or reactive oxygen species inside cancer cells, thereby interrupting their function.

    Some studies have even found it to be efficient in treating various cancers associated with brain, lung, breast, and ovarian cancer.

  • Being Useful in Asthma:

    Asthma is a respiratory disorder that might lead to shortness of breath, wheezing, chest congestion and breath. If you have asthma, Ashwagandha can help you.

    Many factors can lead to asthma such as pollen, stress, anxiety, pollution, dust and pollen. Several Ayurveda texts have stated various treatments for asthma in kids and adults. It also involves herbs like Ashwagandha roots. Ashwagandha can reduce stress which in turn eases respiratory diseases like asthma when taken regularly.

  • Improving Stamina:

    Do you often feel exhausted?

    Apart from fast-paced modern lives, our unhealthy lifestyle and diet can take a toll on our stamina and make us fee drain out.

    Here Ashwagandha can also help. The herb can help the body to reserve and sustain energy throughout the day to increase sound sleep at night.

    So these are some amazing health benefits of Ashwagandha. While it is a safe herb and anyone can take it, it is important to consult your physician if you have any health problem.

    What do you think? Let us know by commenting below!
Blog, Jod Rakshak

ARTHRITIS IN WOMEN: MAJOR CAUSES AND PREVENTION’S TO KNOW!

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Arthritis is defined as an “inflammation of the joints.” It can occur in one joint or multiple joints. This condition is triggered by the degeneration of connective tissues or cartilage, which are the shock absorber for the joints.

According to one report, knee arthritis can be the fourth most common cause of physical disability in India. Nearly 180 million people in India have arthritis and its prevalence is higher than diabetes, AIDS, and cancer.

The nation is on the cusp of the arthritis epidemic, and the ever-increasing cases in India are said to be much higher compared to Western nations. Thanks to the genetic tendency of Indians towards knee arthritis and a lifestyle that leads to the overuse of the knee joints.

Top of that, it will be challenging for our country to deal with this massive healthcare burden due to the shortage of healthcare facilities and orthopaedic specialists.

Prevent Arthiritis

Arthritis in Indian Women

In Indian women, the average age for the onset of knee issues is 50 years. Many studies have confirmed that arthritis is more prevalent in Indian women than men.

Arthritis is likely to affect different joints in women than men. The hips joints of men are more prone to arthritis while women get it in their knees and hands.

As far as women are concerned, there are two major factors which cause arthritis and are beyond your control.

  • Hormones: 

    You need to know that the rate of osteoarthritis boosts significantly after menopause in women. Experts believe that it is the female hormone estrogen which causes arthritis. Arthritis might be triggered by the lack of testosterone in women. This is because testosterone is useful for muscle building, and men have stronger leg muscles than women. Strong muscles are important for the knee joint, reducing the risk of osteoarthritis.

  • Bio mechanics: 

    It is the way your body is structured that leads to risk for arthritis. Usually, women with wider hips are believed to have a significant effect on the alignment of their knees. This further leads to uneven stress on them, leading to osteoarthritis. Along with this, women also tend to have more flexible joints and hyper-mobility. These two factors add their contribution to the risk of arthritis.

Besides, there are several other factors which cause this joint problem. However, the good thing is that women can take some serious action to manage it. But before you learn how to prevent arthritis, it is essential to know about the other major causes. Isn’t it?

What are the common causes of arthritis?

  • Obesity:

    Do you know overweight people have a greater tendency to develop knee osteoarthritis? Your body weight is carried by your leg joints and knees. So, the heavier you are, the more pressure is exerted on your knees and joints. Hence, being overweight turns out to be another common cause of arthritis.

  • Growing age:

    Certainly, arthritis can affect middle (and younger), aged people. However, it is still more common among older people. You will find a number of them at a nearby senior care home who are developing joint problems. The reason is quite simple; joints wear and tear with the growing age and thus it is one of the most common causes of arthritis.

  • Wrong lifestyle:

    If your job calls for heavy lifting or repetitive joint movement and bending, you are at the risk of getting bone injuries or joint problem. And this could develop into arthritis over time. Plus, unhealthy eating habits add to the risk.

    So, there are chances that you might face debilitating symptoms of arthritis-like long-lasting pain, swelling, inflammation, and stiffness of joints. The level of pain experienced might vary from person to person, depending on the causes and health condition. However, there is a lot you could do to prevent it from happening early. Before seeking treatment it is best to learn how to fight back arthritis.

WHEN TO LOOK FOR ARTHRITIS TREATMENT

Arthritis doesn’t have to impact your active life. If you are having debilitating symptoms or persistent pain, make sure to visit an orthopaedic. Your orthopaedic can suggest you the right treatment plan.

Signs that You should see an Orthopaedic Doctor

  • Pain, swelling, stiffness or discomfort in the joints.
  • Experiencing chronic pain for more than 12 weeks.
  • Affected range of motion.
  • Feeling unstable while standing or walking
  • Soft tissue injury is not healing even after 48 hours.
  • Having pain in the hip or knee that is worse while carrying the weight.

How women can prevent arthritis?

If your target is arthritis prevention, start with these important steps:

  • Control your body weight:

    As stated earlier, it is the excess body weight which is best-known and most important risk factors for arthritis. So, start with it right away. Losing extra weight is something you can do to make a difference in arthritis pain. With the pounds dropping gradually you will be reducing stress on your joints, by simply decreasing their workload.

For this, you can change up your diet:

  • Try adding more fiber each day.
  • Eat more whole grains, fruits, and vegetables.
  • Cut down on refined carbohydrates and fat.

With these small changes, you can easily maintain your weight and prevent arthritis pain.

  • Keep your body hydrated:

    Here’s another reason to drink more water. Why? Do you know the cartilage in your joints is made up mostly of water? Hence, when your body is dehydrated, i.e. water gets sucked out of the cartilage, it becomes more easily damaged by wear and tear. So, you need to keep your cartilage healthy by drinking water throughout the day. Make sure you have at least 8 glasses of water daily.

  • Avoid high heels:

    Your foot was not designed to be on its toes all day long. For you people, high heels can cause trouble. No doubt, it’s fine to wear them occasionally. However, if you have been using them all the time, stop it right away. It will cause a lot of problems. So, switch to a more joint-friendly accessory, your body will thank you.

  • Choose non-impact exercises:

    Exercising is good for your health. But there are some activities which might predispose you to osteoarthritis and arthritis pain. Yes, this basically includes high impact exercise such as soccer and long-distance running. These add up a lot of stress on the joints. So, if you are doing any such activity, it can wear down the cartilage faster than normal.

    Hence, it is recommended to switch to something lighter like water exercises, which will help you stay active and practice arthritis prevention.

  • Boost of vitamin D: 

    Did you know 90% of Indian women have vitamin D deficiency?

    Vitamin D is important in regulating bone metabolism. Women with inadequate levels of vitamin D have a greater progression of osteoarthritis. The exact mechanism is not known, however, it’s advised to keep a check on your vitamin D levels to prevent arthritis prevention. You can take vitamin D supplements if required.

In conclusion, it is all about the small changes to your routine and a little care which will help you keeping
arthritis pain under control.

Remember, the steps you take today to stay healthier will keep you happier in the later years of life!

 

Blog, Jod Rakshak

Tips to Strengthen Your Immune System against Coronavirus

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As more and more study is being done into the world-changing corona-virus, it is becoming increasingly clear that the whole thing rests on immunity. What started out as a hypothesis of the scientific and medical community is now an established fact. The catching of the virus and survival is linked directly to one’s immunity. This is why people with other diseases and a week immune system are worst affected by the virus.

Strengthening your immune system is therefore the best and only proven way to help you in these times. Keeping that in mind we wish to today share with you tips to strengthen your immune system against corona-virus. Let us see what it is you can do to achieve that.

 

Tips to Strengthen Your Immune System against Coronaviruse (1)

Keep your body hydrated

You may find this tip very obvious and yet a study finds that almost 80% of people live daily life in a near dehydrated state. The water consumption of most individuals is much lesser than necessary. Since most of us still drink enough water to feel alright physically but it has effects on our body unseen to us.

Affecting our immunity is one such effect that goes unseen for the most part by us. It is only in illness or bad health that this lack of water in our body becomes known and an issue.

Keeping this in mind, one of the easiest and simplest ways for you to boost your immunity is to simply keep your body well hydrated.  If your body has enough water to take care of its necessary processes internally, it can then work that towards building your immunity against foreign substances such as viruses.

The way to do so is simple. Keep a tab on how much water you intake daily by means of measuring in terms of bottles of water utilized. Keep your water bottle next to you at all times even when not doing physically exerting work so that you can keep taking sips and keep drinking the water. Also important is to remember to not count items that have water in them as a component towards water consumption since they have a different reaction and mechanism in the body.

Daily breathing exercises

One of the most overlooked and yet most crucial parts of our life that define each and every aspect of our health is the level of oxygen in our bodies and how each part of our body receives it well and adequately. This makes breathing the most important function our body performs irrespective of how much we think of it.

It has been seen that coronavirus affects our lungs directly, also that breathing difficulty is what leads to other problems for someone who catches the virus. This clearly points towards good breathing being a defense to coronavirus.

With this thought, focusing on breathing daily by practicing breathing exercises in your free time or making time for them. The way to go about this is singular. Every day take out the time to sit and focus on your breathing only. Leave any and all distractions aside and focus solely on breathing in and out. Once you have this concentration then work on breathing more deeply and for the requisite time rather than the shallow breaths most of us are used to in today’s time.

Immunity booster foods in the diet

After oxygen and water, the biggest body and immunity defining input in your body is the food you eat. We often give enough focus to eating a balanced diet where we take care of the body. This is a great first step as many in today’s time are struggling to achieve even a balanced diet in their day to day food intake.

The next step to this is to actively include in your diet food items that boost your immunity. This will help you be more prepared for coronavirus or keep it off entirely.

The question now becomes what these food items are and how are they effective. Let us see that.

  • Vegetable Juice

Vegetable Juice | Alliance Herbal

This food item does not necessarily bring to mind the pictures of the tastiest juices available but that’s the catch here. You don’t need to indulge in juice made of vegetables to the like to spinach or capsicum. When thinking of vegetable juices, think of carrots, or beetroots. Also, think of having juices of seasonal vegetables along with your meals.

The core idea here is not as much taste as it is the need of your body for the nutrients that come with this that help immunizes your body better.

The best way to consume these juices is to add a tablespoon of raw coconut oil or olive oil to it.

  • Herbal Tea

Herbal Tea | Alliance herbal

Tea in its definition is the leaves or some form of the leaves of specific planets that when boiled in water leave a certain taste and color. By this definition, almost all pure forms of tea are herbal tea.

The distinction is made out here in order to state that The regular tea that most of us are used to, with milk or cream and sugar or sugar supplements is not what is being spoken of here. When the purpose is to increase your immunity, pure herbal tea is what needs to accentuate your meals and daily routine. Take one or two cups daily in order to better your immunity.

  • Vitamin C rich fruits

There is enough data out that making the case out for eating fruits daily. Your diet must include fruits on a regular if not daily basis.

When we talk of increasing immunity the intent is to select and eat those specific fruits that help with immunity. These are fruits that are rich in Vitamin C. These fruits have proven effects positively on the immunity of the people who consume them.

 

In the end, it is crucial that you remember to find the right foods that you like consuming while also making the right choices to help yourself. Along with that, make sure you take herbal supplements to strengthen your immunity In these times of corona-virus, immunity is your biggest strength, and taking it lightly is not advisable.

For more information related to health  & Health supplements Visit our website.