Arthritis refers to the inflammation of joints and the fibrous tissues around it and the resulting pain in those joints. Earlier referred to as rheumatism, inflammation causes stiffness and pain in those joints and restricts movement over time. Arthritis refers to about 100 types of joint diseases. It affects about 53 million adults and 300,000 children in the country every year. It might stay on for some and disappear in a few days but is degenerative in most. If it affects the knee joint, walking and climbing stairs are severely impaired. If it affects fingers, they can get wobbly and simple jobs like holding, kneading and writing can become overwhelming. Although most types of arthritis affect limbs and joints, some types of arthritis can also affect the eyes, heart, kidney, and lungs. Some types of arthritis and examples are
- Degenerative – Osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory – Rheumatoid and Psoriatic Arthritis
- Infectious – Triggered by organisms Salmonella, Shigella or Hepatitis B, Lyme Disease
- Metabolic arthritis – Gout
Despite the high prevalence of arthritis worldwide, doctors and scientists have till date not been able to find the cause and hence a cure. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that there is no cure for most types of arthritis. Early diagnosis and constant management are the only ways of diminishing the impact of arthritis on a person’s life. Apart from medication to relieve inflammation and strengthen muscles, alternate therapies, devices that help improve mobility are all part of the treatment protocol. Change in diet patterns, lifestyle modification and physical therapy for affected joints can improve the quality of life of those affected.
Connection between food and arthritis
For more than 90 years, scientists are trying to establish a link between food and arthritis, given that it affects young and old, men and women. Except for the discovery that gluten could trigger inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and joints, no other arthritis has been linked to a particular food item or diet. With an increase in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and no trigger linked to their cause, treatment protocols are broad-based and goals are to reduce the pain and improve quality of life.
Today science has been able to break down every single component of every single food item there is. We are more than ever aware of what each food is made of. Isolating all those food items that could potentially cause inflammation can help a little or even a lot to treat arthritis. Apart from being triggers that cause inflammation or reduce it, food also helps improve a person’s overall health. This is beneficial for a person who is affected by rheumatoid arthritis caused by a poor immune system.
There is an increased flow of information about chemicals that cause disease or help treat it. Similar information is also available about the presence of these chemicals in naturally available foodstuff. Treating and managing arthritis with such food naturally, without resorting to lab- and factory-made chemicals is also gaining momentum. Thus, a person also avoids the side effects caused by long term use of anti-inflammatory medications and painkillers.
Food recommended for common types of arthritis
- Rheumatoid
This is caused by inflammation and foods that cause such inflammation need to be avoided - Osteoarthritis
Vegan and plant-based balanced diet works best to improve the calcium deficiency. - Gout
Gout is a type of disease caused by the body’s inability to process uric acid which crystallizes in the joints causing inflammation. Avoid food that is high in purines which release uric acid has to be limited to manage gout naturally. - Osteoporosis
Including calcium and Vitamin D rich food helps the damage caused to bones due to a calcium deficiency.
Foods that can add to arthritis pain
A person suffering from arthritis is highly prone to inflammation. Many triggers in food can cause inflammation and they should be avoided. They need to avoid any such food that increases the symptoms. Some common triggers are sugar, salt, Trans fat, gluten, refined carbs.
Combined with physical activity, a positive attitude, healthy lifestyle, and timely medication, a person with arthritis can rest be assured that there will be a reduction in pain and more active use of the joints. There are many options to know about food choices today on the internet. However, before one decides what to include and give up, it is important to consult a doctor or a nutritionist. They will recommend a diet plan that is specific to your body’s needs and condition, particularly for those who have allergies or are sensitive to a particular food.
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What is an ESA and how to get one
Read moreHaving a dog as a companion can contribute to one’s mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, some canines are trained to officially aid people with disabilities. These dogs are known as emotional support animals (ESAs). People can qualify a dog as an ESA with a few crucial steps. With official evidence, such individuals can be exempted from strict federal housing norms and rules that restrict flight travel with an animal. If you want to know how to register a dog as a support animal or understand the process of getting an ESA, you can follow these steps.
- Register through a trusted ESA service
There are several online ESA services in the country, like the US Service Animals that register a support animal. After entering details about the owner and the dog and completing registration, the ESA service will send the owner a photo identity card of the dog and a certification of registration. This identity card will also contain legal information regarding rights. Having an ID of your dog, along with a certificate, can make it easier to establish the authenticity of the whole process. - Locate a licensed health care provider
Only licensed practitioners can qualify an ESA officially. People usually connect with a licensed therapist via a referral from a trusted doctor. There are online search tools like the Psychologist Locator by the American Psychological Association that may be useful. Simply enter the zip code and practice area to locate an ideal licensed therapist close to the person’s residence. - Ask for an ESA letter
After speaking to the therapist, one has to request for an ESA letter. The letter must state the diagnosis of an emotional or mental disability and that an ESA can help improve the symptoms associated with the mentioned condition. Note that the severity of one’s disability need not be revealed in the letter.
Only an official letter from a licensed practitioner can qualify an animal as an ESA. However, when you register a dog as an emotional support animal with a service, you can show additional documentation to someone who doubts the validity of your ESA.
- Register through a trusted ESA service
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Six tell-tale symptoms of Hepatitis C
Read moreAccording to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been at least 30,000 reported cases of acute Hepatitis C infection every year. A study shows that around 3.5 million people were detected with Hepatitis C virus in 2015. The Hepatitis C virus causes inflammation of the liver that occurs over a prolonged period. This makes Hepatitis C is one such disease that does not show immediate symptoms.
It has been observed that about 20 to 30 percent people experience Hepatitis C symptoms in the first six months. The symptoms of Hepatitis C tend to resemble those of common flu. Hence, it is quite difficult to detect whether a person has been infected by the Hepatitis C virus or not. If you get the following symptoms, consult your doctor and ask whether you are at a risk of Hepatitis C infection.
- You frequently experience pain in your upper abdomen. The pain usually occurs on the right side. You will also notice a swelling on this part. This happens due to water accumulation. You might also suffer from diarrhea.
- Your urine is dark and you pass light-colored stool. This is one of the clearest symptoms of Hepatitis C. If you observe these symptoms in yourself, rush to doctor and get tests done to determine whether you are suffering from Hepatitis C.
- You have jaundice. Your skin and eyes develop a yellow tint. You might suffer from constant itching.
- You lose your appetite and lose interest in your daily activities. You tend to be nauseous and experience vomiting.
- You are constantly tired. You experience periodic pains in your muscles and joints. Also, you experience chronic body aches from time to time.
- You might also suffer from extreme mood swings with a persistent feeling of sadness and lack of energy and enthusiasm.
Most of these symptoms appear within first three months of infection. These can last for two to twelve weeks. Sometimes, certain subtle symptoms can occur periodically over decades. It can take about six months to ten years to became aware of the virus in the body. Since most of these symptoms are similar to illnesses such as flu or diarrhea and other viral infections, Hepatitis C often goes undetected in most cases. It is only when the liver stops functioning normally that it becomes clear that the person is suffering from Hepatitis C infection. In extreme cases, the person might suffer from a condition known as cirrhosis. If you observe any of the above six symptoms, ask your doctor to test you for Hepatitis C. After all, prevention is better than cure!