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Ways to manage and avoid rheumatoid arthritis

Ways to manage and avoid rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common health condition that leads to pain, swelling, loss of function, and joint stiffness. While the exact cause of RA is not known, healthcare experts say that factors like the environment, genes, and hormones influence the condition. Some people experience the disease for a short period, while others experience chronic symptoms. In either case, it is always good to learn a few ways to manage and avoid rheumatoid arthritis.

Regular exercise

Gentle exercises regularly will help strengthen the muscles around the joints. Speak to your doctor about the exercises suitable for your condition. Starting with a simple walk and then moving on to biking will also benefit your muscles.

Learning relaxation techniques

Other than exercise, involving yourself in relaxation activities can also help improve rheumatoid arthritis. Guided imagery, muscle relaxation, yoga, and guided imagery are a few relaxation methods to help soothe the pain.

Practicing Tai chi

The method is preferred to relieve stress in a person’s life. Studies have further revealed that Tai chi helps improve mood and quality of life in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The method combines gentle exercises, stretching, and deep breathing. Be sure to learn from a professional instructor, and avoid any movements that may increase your pain.

Eating healthy foods

Several foods can help reduce the effects of rheumatoid arthritis. Fish is one such food good for RA. It contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and other properties known to reduce inflammation in people with RA. Including foods like walnuts, strawberries, oranges, kale, spinach, and low-fat dairy products can also help limit the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

Steering clear of pollutants

Pollutants in the environment like chemicals used for cleaning and manufacturing may also trigger health problems linked to RA. According to research, if people with the HLA gene have rheumatoid arthritis, they might experience an increase in inflammation when exposed to chemicals like dioxin.

Foods to avoid

There are several foods that can worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Some of them are:

Red meat

Red meat is high in saturated fats and omega-6 fatty acids. Saturated fats are known to worsen the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, such as increasing the pain in the joints. Research indicates that people who cut down on meat found a significant reduction in the inflammation of their joints.

Fried Foods

Foods cooked in oils are generally high in saturated fat and omega-6 fatty acids. Fried foods also contain salt, breading, and added sugars. These elements are known to increase inflammation and the symptoms of RA. Fried foods can also lead to other health conditions like obesity.

Processed foods

Though processed foods are easy-to-cook, they contain sugars, saturated fats, and refined flour. These ingredients can trigger the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and also worsen any existing symptoms.

Gluten

Foods like wheat, barley, triticale, and rye are rich in a group of proteins called gluten. And people who eat foods rich in gluten are susceptible to an increased risk of RA. Furthermore, those with celiac disease are even more likely to develop the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.

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Understanding arthritis – A common joint condition

The joints are constantly working while we move our limbs, so, understandably, people may develop certain joint conditions that cause pain and compromise mobility, especially with age. One of the common joint conditions is arthritis, which leads to joint inflammation and mild to severe pain. While there are several types of arthritis, the two most common types are rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Stages Rheumatoid arthritis has four stages: Stage 1: At this stage, inflammation occurs inside the joints, and swelling, stiffness, and joint pain are the common symptoms. Stage 2: The inflammation of the joint lining, synovium, aggravates at this stage and results in cartilage damage. The affected joints’ range of motion is also compromised, causing pain and discomfort. Stage 3: At this stage, the severity of the joint condition increases, and it leads to bone damage. This results in more pain, loss of mobility, and weakness of muscles. The bones rubbing against each other can cause bone deformity as well. Stage 4: This is the final stage where the joints stop functioning completely. It leads to more pain, stiffness, and swelling, and the bones may even fuse, which is known as ankylosis. Osteoarthritis also has four stages of progression: Stage 1: Wear and tear may affect the knee joints, and minor spur growths on the affected bone can also be seen, but the condition does not cause too much pain at this stage. Stage 2: The bone spur growths increase and cause pain, and the knee joints become stiffer. Stage 3: This stage is characterized by joint inflammation leading to increased pain and stiffness. Walking can also cause popping sounds in the joints. Stage 4: The space between the bones in the joints becomes very narrow, causing the cartilage to wear down. Also, a chronic inflammatory response caused by the breakdown of cartilage aggravates discomfort and pain. Diagnosis of arthritis These joint conditions can be diagnosed using several tests. A physical examination reveals whether a patient has red, warm, and tender joints, and this test also helps examine the fluid around the joints. A rheumatologist can analyze the level of inflammation in the joints to determine the type of arthritis an individual is affected with. Also, blood tests are undertaken to check for antibodies like anti-CCP, rheumatoid factor, and antinuclear antibody. In addition, X-ray, CT scans, and MRI are also performed to check the condition of the cartilage and bones. Prevention of arthritis A family history of joint conditions like arthritis or aging can increase one’s risk of developing arthritis, but making certain lifestyle changes can also help lower the chances of developing the condition. To start with, one should include more foods with omega-3 fatty acids in their diet as these healthy fats are anti-inflammatory. One should also exercise regularly, keep their weight under check, reduce stress on their joints, and try to avoid injuries. Also, if one notices any symptoms of arthritis, they should consult a doctor immediately as early diagnosis goes a long way in managing the condition effectively through timely treatment.

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5 unhealthy habits to avoid before bedtime

Many people use high-quality mattresses from well-known brands like Tempur-Pedic, Saatva, Sleep Number, Serta, and Essentia. But that may not ensure a good night’s sleep. That’s probably because they have a few unhealthy pre-bedtime routines that not only prevent quality sleep but also adversely affect their physical health, mood, and social life. Here, we’ve listed five habits one must steer clear of before bedtime for a restful sleep on a comfy mattress: Late-evening exercise Regular exercise helps us stay fit, but indulging in this activity an hour before going to bed can be problematic. Heightened heart rate and a boost in energy levels may prevent you from falling asleep. According to studies, the best time to exercise is three to four hours before bedtime. A rise in body temperature during a workout followed by its natural drop will help you fall asleep for the required amount of time. Studies also suggest taking a hot bath before bed to increase blood flow and decrease your core temperature when you need to sleep. Screen time You might enjoy watching something on your phone, laptop, or TV before bed. Sadly, the screens of these devices emit blue light that can be bad for your eyes. When this light touches your retina, it restricts the production of melatonin in the body—a hormone that regulates sleep. Low levels of melatonin in the body may obstruct your ability to sleep, forcing you to be drowsy and less energetic the next day. Instead of using an electronic device, experts recommend practicing activities like meditation, reading, or stretching. Sleeping earlier than usual Several individuals have fluctuating sleep cycles throughout the week, resulting in "social jet lag." As the name suggests, this phenomenon causes a person to feel the exhaustion that is much akin to jet lag. Such a problem is more common in teenagers who sleep and wake up late on quite a regular basis. Those who alter their routine will find it difficult to stay focused on days when they need to wake up early. So, setting a fixed sleep schedule will ensure good sleep hygiene. Skipping dinner We all know that going to sleep on a full stomach is unhealthy, but not eating at all can also affect your sleep pattern. The lack of a proper meal can cause major fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels. Such a factor may restrict your ability to fall or stay asleep. Having a light dinner or a teaspoon of raw honey helps regulate your blood sugar levels and promotes better sleep. Having caffeinated drinks before bed Caffeine present like coffee and tea can boost your energy levels when you need it. But having even a cup of any such beverage before bed is a bad idea. Since this stimulant increases your energy levels, it will affect your ability to sleep. You're better off keeping these drinks for the morning to keep other severe health problems at bay.

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Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes extreme tiredness and fatigue that does not go away even after resting. The causes of the condition are yet to be known. However, there are some theories indicate several factors which include: Viral infection Stress Or several factors in unison Once the symptoms are identified and the condition is diagnosed, treatment can be taken to get relief from symptoms. Understanding all aspects of the condition, including its stages, diagnosis, symptoms, and prevention can help in managing it effectively. Different stages and phases of chronic fatigue syndrome The patients of chronic fatigue syndrome undergo four phases of the condition. Their response towards the treatment can also vary greatly depending on the phase that they are going through. These phases are: Phase I: Crisis or trauma Phase II: Stabilization Phase III: Resolution Phase IV: Integration During all the phases, a chronic fatigue syndrome patient undergoes some physical, psychological, and social changes that are easily noticeable. Diagnosis of chronic fatigue syndrome No one test can diagnose a patient with chronic fatigue syndrome. This is because the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome resemble several other health conditions. Therefore, a lot of patience is required for the diagnosis of the condition.
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What you should know about depression

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Important things you should know about diabetes

The pancreas is an important organ in our body that produces insulin. It is required to help the glucose pass to our cells from the blood. That is how energy is created, which is the fuel we require to function. When the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, the glucose level in one’s blood increases. This can result in diabetes, which can lead to organ damage. Types of diabetes There are mainly three kinds of this disease. Type 1 diabetes It can be most commonly seen in children and adolescents. Having said that, it can occur at any age. The insulin production of one’s body decreases with this condition, and they require daily injections to control their glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes Around 90% of people who have diabetes suffer from this type. It is most commonly seen in adults and results in one’s body failing to properly use the insulin that is produced. It can be kept under control by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, but one may also require medicine in the advanced stages. Gestational diabetes This can be seen during pregnancy if the glucose level in one’s blood increases. It can affect both the child and the mother.
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Gout – Diagnosis, stages, and prevention

Gout or gouty arthritis is a form of arthritis that commonly occurs in the joint located at the base of one’s big toe. It can also be seen in other joints and results in swelling, sudden pain, and tenderness. It can happen to anyone and occur at any moment, even suddenly in the middle of the night. The good news is that it can be prevented and treated. Diagnosis of gout Multiple medical tests can be used to determine if one has this form of arthritis. Below is a list of the most common tests. Joint fluid test The doctor uses a needle to collect fluid from one’s joint and test the same under a microscope. If urate crystals are found in the fluid then they have the condition. Blood test For gout detection, the doctor may suggest a blood test. The amount of creatinine and uric acid present in one’s blood indicates if they have it or not. However, the result of the blood test may not always be conclusive. X-ray imaging If one has joint inflammation, the doctor can use X-ray imaging to determine if it is caused by any other reason or gouty arthritis. Ultrasound A musculoskeletal ultrasound test is used to determine if one has gout or any other form of arthritis.

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