To Fight Osteoarthritis & Multiple Other Chronic Diseases

Selenium, a trace mineral that is essential to health, is emerging as a nutrition powerhouse -- yet few people are aware of its importance, or where to get it.

Most recently, a study by researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Center found that low levels of selenium are linked to knee osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. The study, which began 15 years ago and involves 940 people, found:

For every additional tenth of a part per million of selenium, participants' risk of knee osteoarthritis decreased 15-20 percent.

Those with lower-than-normal levels of selenium in their systems had a higher risk of the condition in one or both knees.

The severity of participants' arthritis was related to how low their selenium levels were.

"We are very excited about these findings because no one had ever measured body selenium in this way in relationship to osteoarthritis," said study leader Dr. Joanne Jordan of UNC.

"Our results suggest that we might be able to prevent or delay osteoarthritis of the knees and possibly other joints in some people if they are not getting enough selenium. That's important because the condition, which makes walking painful, is the leading cause of activity limitation among adults in developed countries," Jordan said.

Selenium: An Antioxidant Powerhouse Against Disease

When you consume selenium, it's incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins -- potent antioxidant enzymes that help prevent cellular damage from free radicals.

Selenoproteins also help regulate thyroid function and the immune system, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). It is also known to be protective against a host of chronic diseases, aside from osteoarthritis.

Cancer: Selenium is thought to protect against cancer through its antioxidant content. It also may slow or prevent tumor growth by enhancing the immune system and suppressing blood vessels to the tumor. Studies on the topic have yielded interesting results:

Death from lung, colorectal and prostate cancers is lower among people with higher levels/intake of selenium.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer occurs more frequently in areas of the United States that have little selenium in their soil.

In a 1983-1990 study, those taking a daily selenium supplement had a significantly lower rate of prostate, colorectal, lung and total cancers than those who did not.

Heart disease: As noted by the ODS, a lower antioxidant intake has been linked with a greater incidence of heart disease. Further, selenium may limit the oxidation of bad (LDL) cholesterol, which may help prevent coronary artery disease.

HIV: Antioxidant nutrients like selenium may help slow the progression of HIV/AIDS. A deficiency of the nutrient is also linked to decreased immune cell counts, increased disease progression and a high risk of death among people with HIV/AIDS.

Cognitive decline: Low levels of selenium have been linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease in the elderly.

Cataracts and macular degeneration: Selenium's antioxidant activity fights free radicals that may damage the eye's lens and macula at the center of the retina. This may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, which are the two most common causes of blindness in elderly Americans.

Cold sores and shingles: Cold sores and shingles that erupt from the herpes virus may be suppressed by selenium because it boosts the immune system. One study published in Agriculture Research also found that mice with low levels of selenium were particularly susceptible to herpes virus outbreaks.

The Best Ways to Increase Your Selenium Intake

"If you were just growing most of your own food in soil that did not have much selenium and not eating vegetables and meat from elsewhere, you could potentially get in trouble with selenium deficiency," Jordan said. That's because the selenium content of your food is highly dependent on the level of selenium in the soil where the food was grown.

In the United States, for instance, soil in northern Nebraska and the Dakotas have very high levels of selenium. So high, in fact, that people living in these areas typically have the highest selenium intakes in the country, says the ODS.

Soil in certain areas of China and Russia, on the other hand, are known to contain very low levels of the mineral, and deficiency is often reported in these regions.

Since most people in the United States generally eat food from a variety of regions, low soil levels of selenium usually don't present a problem. Still, there are certain foods to focus on if you want to be sure you have enough selenium in your system. Try snacking on:

Brazil nuts (one nut contains 120 mcg, about twice the Recommended Daily Allowance)

Tuna, cod and flounder

Oysters and shrimp

Chicken and turkey

Beef

Oats

Brown rice

Eggs

Wheat germ

Sunflower seeds

The best way to get selenium is from foods, as it is possible to overdose on this nutrient.

High blood levels of selenium can result in selenosis, a condition that results in mild nerve damage, gastrointestinal upset, hair loss, fatigue, irritability, white blotchy nails and a garlic odor on the breath. The most selenium an adult should get in a day is 400 micrograms, according to the Institute of Medicine's tolerable upper intake level.

Source: Health Guidance

Glucosamine Chondroitin & Arthritis

Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering from Arthritis and research has shown that Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphates combined have given these people new hope and relief from their painful ailments.

Many medicines are available to reduce pain, but some of them have serious side effects, some that have even proven to be fatal.

Both substances are Natural complex sugar like molecules that the body uses to rebuild cartilage and restore movement to Arthritic joints. It is important to remember that Glucosamine and Chondroitin are an amazingly safe and easy to use mixture, especially when compared with other forms of treatment.

Loss of cartilage can result in damage to the bone and the development of Osteoarthritis, which ends up as pain and disability. Cartilage is the key to healthy joints, and maintaining a healthy cartilage throughout life is critical to healthy joints and continued movement of joints.

As we age, or as the result of injuries, our ability to renew cartilage diminishes, causing damage to bone ends as they rub together. Glucosamine and Chondroitin can actually help to rebuild cartilage, therefore, improving joint health.

Taking the two compounds proves to be a very easy way of maintaining joint health and helping to alleviate pain and disability.

Cartilage rebuilding is a slow process, but with the right amounts of Glucosamine and Chondroitin benefits to mobility and pain relief can be seen within two to six weeks, it is recommended though that it should be taken daily for at least three months.

Engagement in mild or moderate exercise on a regular basis, would help in providing joint mobility.

Most users would need something like 1250mg to 1500mg of Glucosamine a day and about 1000mg to 1200mg of Chondroitin a day.

You should check with a Physician or Natural Health Care provider before commencing treatment.

Glyconutrients contain Glucosamine along with seven other sugars or polysaccharides.

Source: Health Guidance

Relief From Arthritis: A Who's Who in Arthritis Treatment for Newly Diagnosed Patients

Newly diagnosed arthritis patients can easily become overwhelmed with the myriad of information, treatment options, help and professionals available to them, while still trying to find relief from their disease. In an effort to demystify who does what, this article will point out each of the people you'll most likely be interacting with during your arthritis treatment and explain their role in helping you find relief from arthritis.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Acupuncturist

Considered foreign to most Americans, acupuncture has become a beacon in the arthritis treatment sphere. By placing small, sterile needles into very specific points on the body, acupuncture is said to relieve stress, increase endorphins and remove blockages that are pain-causing, thus providing relief from arthritis. For a list of fully trained osteopaths who are also acupuncturists, visit the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture for more information.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Chiropractor

Chiropractors are the hands-on, trained manipulators that actually realign the joints, muscles and tendons that may be out of whack. Although they are not medical doctors, chiropractors may refer their findings to your family doctor or rheumatologist for further investigation. The American Chiropractic Association can give you a better idea as to what exact these professionals can do to help you find relief from arthritis.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Massage Therapist (LMT, CMT)

Relief from arthritis isn't only found in the bottom of a medicine bottle or at the hands of a surgeon; many arthritis treatment plans strongly suggest a massage therapist as an aide to reduce muscle tension or to increase one's range of motion. However, not all massage therapists are trained the same: check with the American Massage Therapy Association for certified arthritis treatment specialists in your area.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Orthopaedic Surgeon (MD)

Specializing in the evaluation and treatment of the bones, joints and tissues, orthopedic surgeons usually work on a referral-based system from your family doctor. These types of doctors will determine whether or not your arthritis treatment will focus on surgery, non-surgical options or a combination thereof. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons can answer most of your general questions about surgical arthritis treatment options that can bring relief from arthritis symptoms.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Physical Therapist

Sometimes known as occupational therapists as well, physical therapists help with the daily management of the disease by showing patients practical, hands on tactics to find relief from arthritis. This can include heat/cold therapy, assistive techniques (different ways of doing the same thing so that there is less pain but with no reduction of mobility), introducing tools that can help with day-to-day living and exercises that increase flexibility and mobility. Contact the American Physical Therapy Association for more information.

Arthritis Treatment Specialist: Rheumatologist (MD)

A rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in the treatment of muscle and skeletal problems, such as lupus, osteoporosis and gout. Rheumatologists work closely with your family doctor to ensure your arthritis treatment is specific and specialized. The American College of Rheumatology provides "professional education" to its members and publishes several journals related to arthritis treatment and the relief from arthritis symptoms.

Source: Health Guidance

Weighing Over the Counter Medications and Supplements

Chronic arthritis pain isn't something to ignore: not only can it affect your quality of life, it can also deplete your emotional stores (leading to anxiety and/or depression) and muscle fitness (leading to weakness or complete muscle breakdown).

But whether you suffer from osteoarthritis ("wear and tear" of the joints), rheumatoid arthritis (inflammation in the joints) or gout (excess uric acid that accumulate in the joints), relief from your arthritis pain is available. This article will discuss the pros and cons of over the counter (OTC) medications and supplements for osteoarthritis, focusing on managing arthritis pain and maintaining the ability to use the joint in question.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Acetaminophen

Of the drugs in our list of arthritis pain relievers, acetaminophen is widely accepted as the OTC with the least amount of undesirable side effects and the lowest long-term costs. However, acetaminophen does nothing to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis pain, normally can only treat mild to moderate cases of osteoarthritis and can easily become toxic if mixed with alcohol.

Arthritis Pain Relief: NSAIDs

NSAIDs help sufferers with both arthritis pain and inflammation and are quite inexpensive (like acetaminophen). However, long term usage has been shown to cause upset stomach and other, more serious side effects (such as skin rashes or speeding up the progression of osteoarthritis by interfering with cartilage repair and promoting cartilage destruction).

Arthritis Pain Relief: Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

Combined together, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are excellent supplements in the fight against arthritis pain: they are said to increase mobility, reduce osteoarthritis pain and form the building blocks for cartilage growth. However, those allergic to shellfish must avoid glucosamine at all costs (since it's derived from the shells of shrimp, lobster and crab).

Arthritis Pain Relief: MSM

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) has been studied extensively (for over twenty years) as an arthritis pain relieving supplement. By blocking pain transmitters in the affected nerve, MSM users find similar arthritis pain relief to acetaminophen, but without the potential liver toxicity. Some osteoarthritis sufferers have also noticed a reduction in inflammation of the joints also, since MSM reduces histamine levels (linked to allergy-related inflammation).

Arthritis Pain Relief: SAMe

SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine) has been shown to reduce inflammation in osteoarthritis sufferers as much as NSAIDs. However, SAMe takes a longer time to see symptom reduction, but offers less gastrointestinal discomfort than NSAIDs in general. Arthritis pain sufferers should ensure enough B vitamins are ingested along with SAMe to feel the full effects, and expect slow but steady arthritis pain relief.

Arthritis Pain Relief: Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

Found in evening primrose and borage oils, GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid said to help lessen arthritis pain, stiffness and swelling. Few side effects have been recorded, however all omega-6's are blood thinners and may increase the risk of bleeding if taken with NSAIDs.

As with all OTC supplements and drugs, check with your doctor first before starting any arthritis pain reducing regimen on your own. You may also want to monitor your liver and kidney function for most of the medications discussed above since almost all have a slight risk of side effects. Start with the lowest dosage possible to see how your body and your illness tolerate the item, and be patient: you'll never be sure if a new supplement or medication is actually working if you don't take adequate time to test.

Source: Health Guidance

Living With Arthritis: 6 Ways to Cope for Arthritis Sufferers

Just because you've been diagnosed with arthritis doesn't mean that you have to wait in pain for your doctor to contact you. There are quite a few things you can do as an arthritis sufferer while waiting for new medications, an appointment for a specialist or just to work on the problem yourself. This article will detail some of the simple but highly effective ways you can manage arthritis comfortably on your own time and at your own pace.

Living With Arthritis Tip #1: Keep On Moving Although it's painful for most arthritis sufferers to stay active, you need to be mobile every single day in order to keep your current range of movement. Even if you can only manage a ten minute walk daily, those ten minutes will do wonders for your mood, joints and pain in the long term.

Living With Arthritis Tip #2: Don't Push Yourself If you don't have to use your body to move, push or pull something, don't. Living with arthritis means taking stock of what you can and cannot do, and then creating new ways of doing the same thing without hurting yourself. This might mean purchasing assistive devices (special can-openers for instance), losing weight or using the larger joints (such as your hips) instead of the smaller ones (such as your back) to lift things.

Living With Arthritis Tip #3: Stay Tuned Keep up with the current findings, research and information related to fellow arthritis sufferers and the disease itself. As they say, knowing is half the battle!

Living With Arthritis Tip #4: Talk About It Let your friends and family know when living with arthritis becomes a challenge, or when you are frustrated with the disease. Educate them as well, since the more they know the more they will be able to assist you as well. Even better, find a local support group where you can discuss with other arthritis sufferers your feelings about the illness.

Living With Arthritis Tip #5: If The Shoe Fits... Make sure that what supports you is actually supporting you properly! Those suffering from arthritis need even more foot, ankle and joint support than most. Invest wisely in a pair of orthopedic shoes and you'll notice the difference almost immediately.

Living With Arthritis Tip #6: Stretch It Out By stretching the joints that you use the most, you are not only making your body work better, you'll be making your disease easier to manage. Try to focus on the larger joints (knees, ankles, hips, back) at least once a day for a cat-like stretch to invigorate the mind, body and spirit.

Source: Health Guidance

Osteoarthritis: Causes and Symptoms

In our last article, we briefly discussed Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. This article will take a close look at the cause, symptoms, and current treatment used for Osteoarthritis. So let's take a second look at what Osteoarthritis is.

Osteoarthritis is known by many as "wear and tear" Arthritis. It is one of the most common forms of Arthritis and is the result of cartilage wearing away from the joints. This cartilage is responsible for the smooth gliding of joints, and once it begins to deteriorate, the patient is left with pain, joint swelling and inflammation, and even deformity.

Osteoarthritis patients usually state that their pain is greatest during times of movement, and then lessens significantly during periods of rest. Osteoarthritis affects many more women than men. There is an estimated 24 million Osteoarthritis sufferers in the United States and roughly 74% are women.

The cause of Osteoarthritis is not known, yet doctors have many suspicions. Some of the symptoms of Osteoarthritis boggle the minds of scientists and more research needs to take place to determine the actual root of the disease. For instance, X-rays can tell that Arthritis is present, yet the amount of pain reported by Osteoarthritis sufferers differs from the results of the X-ray. Though many people refer to Osteoarthritis as the "wear and tear" disease, evidence shows that this disease and its mysterious cause are not as simple as that definition. In fact, "wear and tear" does not take place in just one joint, but affects joints simultaneously throughout the body. An example of this, is that sufferers with Osteoarthritis of the knee, offer suffer Osteoarthritis in the hand. Also, doctors have noted that patients don't suffer with Osteoarthritis on just one side of the body (as would be expected due to wear and tear) but because it seems to affect the body concurrently, it appears that Osteoarthritis is a systematic disease affecting all of the cartilage at once.

One suggestion is that Osteoarthritis is a result of cartilage that has stopped functioning at optimum level. Cartilage is continuously undergoing a process where it is broken down, then rebuilt. Some theories state that this process becomes unbalanced and out of hand. This is referred to as "End Stage Osteoarthritis." It is at this stage that joint pain and impairment begin to manifest. There are many natural remedies that show promise in the management of Osteoarthritis pain and symptoms. Look for future articles in our Arthritis Series that will offer natural remedies that may prevent enzymes from damaging cartilage.

Some other ideas that point to the cause of Osteoarthritis include:

· Previous Sports related or Joint Injuries · Genetically Inherited (it appears that Osteoarthritis runs in families) · Repeated Occurrences of Bleeding into a Joint (as occurs with Hemophilia and other diseases) · Repeated Occurrences of Gout and Gout like Diseases · Avascular Necrosis- this is a condition where blood near a bone is cut off, this leads to bone death as well as joint damage. Avascular Necrosis typically afflicts the hip joint. · Previous Rheumatoid Related Illness- such as Rheumatoid Arthritis can lead to chronic inflammation of the joints. · Osteoporosis-due to the high risk of bone fractures and injury, Osteoarthritis may develop in joints. · Metabolic Disorders- for example, Hemochromatosis can result in high levels of Iron being deposited in the joints · Joint Infection-It is believed that cartilage may deteriorate in people who have defects in their cartilage and joints.

We've discussed the potential causes of Osteoarthritis, now it is time to look at the various symptoms of Osteoarthritis.

The symptoms of Osteoarthritis include:

· Joint Pain- this tends to be worse when rising in the morning · Joint Swelling and Inflammation- this occurs during periods of activity · Feeling a "Grinding" Sensation when a Joint is moved · Loss of Mobility and Flexibility

There is no sure way to prevent Arthritis in any of its forms. There are however some things that you can do to help lower your risk of developing Osteoarthritis or any other type of Arthritis.

Some of the preventative methods that you may add to your lifestyle today include:

· Maintain an Ideal Body Weight · Take steps to prevent the development of Osteoporosis. Some of these include taking adequate Vitamin D and Calcium, exercising, and taking medication if needed. · Do your best to prevent injuring your bones and joints -try to avoid accidents such as sports related, implementing joint protection by using splints and braces.

Source: Health Guidance

Symptoms of Arthritis

In a previous article, we discussed what Arthritis is and its many forms, now it is time to take a look at the symptoms of Arthritis. Arthritis shows up in various ways. Some of the first symptoms include things like knees cracking when you stand up, general pain or swelling around joints that lasts for more than two weeks, you may also notice that pain in your joints increases as you move, also you may notice increased stiffness in your joints when you wake up in the morning, and your joints may appear red and feel warm to the touch.

Some other symptoms of Arthritis include fever, a sense of feeling tired all the time, even a feeling that you have the flu. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is imperative that you see your doctor or physician at once. Only a doctor can truly diagnose whether you have Arthritis, and because there are over 100 forms of Arthritis, it is also important to determine which form of Arthritis you have. The different forms of Arthritis have different symptoms as well. It is also important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, since Arthritis has no known cure, the sooner you seek treatment and begin a regimen of care, and the better your results of managing your Arthritis will be. Your treatment plan may include things such as a specific course of medicine, plenty of rest, adequate diet, and proper nutrition, losing weight if you are overweight, and in severe cases, surgery may be required. In future articles we will look at treatment options, from Acupuncture to Zinc.

Is it Rheumatoid Arthritis or Osteoarthritis?

We've discussed that there are over 100 forms of Arthritis. The most common forms are Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. All of these forms have different symptoms and require testing by your physician for an accurate diagnosis. Here are some of the symptoms and differences between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis:

· Osteoarthritis Typically begins in one Joint · Osteoarthritis Typically affects only the Joints · Osteoarthritis does not affect Internal Organs · Osteoarthritis affects Cartilage · Osteoarthritis causes Stiffness in the Joints when waking in the Morning · Osteoarthritis is a Result of Wear and Tear on the body

Osteoarthritis is a result of cartilage being broke down. As this takes place, the bones rub together. This typically happens in the knees, hips, hands, and spine. Unfortunately, when the pain sets in there has already been a substantial loss and damage to the cartilage.

Rheumatoid Arthritis has different symptoms than Osteoarthritis. Here are the symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

· Extreme Tiredness and Fatigue · Low Grade Fever · Muscle Pain and Aches · Appetite Loss · Painful and Swollen Joints · Redness and Heat at the Joint Site

Typically, Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the joint of the body in a symmetrical fashion. Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systematic disease and it often affects other organs in the body, and not just joints.

The symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis often appear, and then enter a state of remission. There is no proven reason as to the exact cause of Rheumatoid Arthritis, however it has been suspected that bacteria, fungi, and infections may cause it. There has also been evidence that Rheumatoid Arthritis is a hereditary condition. It is also believed that certain triggers, such as poor nutrition, stress, and infection can bring on Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Source: Health Guidance