Real Meds » anti-inflammatory

The powerful properties of turmeric

Nick — Fri, 05 Oct 2007 20:56:38 +0000

Have you ever suffered from an abscess? I have in the past. About a year ago I was suffering from monthly bouts of painful inflammation in either my earlobes or inner thighs. After the 4th affliction I started to look for a solution, not wanting to go on any anti biotic , I came upon this Indian spice called Turmeric. It’s used in abundance in Indianne cuisine and gives off that yellow tint in most dishes from it’s pigment.
I started taking 3 tablets a day when feeling the onset of another abscess. This time the inflammation subsided with no pain or that horrible popping with pus, the turmeric stopped it’s growth in about 48 hours.

What’s so special about Turmeric? It’s the medicinal properties of curcuminoid which has an anti-inflammation and anti-viral properties. Presently, there is over 15 major clinical studies around the world studying the effects of this food molecule to fight against cancer.

Research from the past couple of years shows that turmeric is a strong anti cancer inhibitor which may explain why the population of India have a lower incidence of cancer compared to North America.
One of the more significant finding is prostate cancer comparison with 100 out of 100 000 men in North America afflicted, while less than 5 men out of 100 000 in India are affected. (20 times less!)

Turmeric has the unique ability to have multi function qualities. It can inhibit cancer cell growth, inhibit the formation of angiogenesis (formation of blood vessels in cancer tumours) and an anti inflammatory. The last is of major interest to many pharmaceutical companies which are trying to identify the derivative molecules of curcuminoid . It’s properties can actually replace regular anti inflammatory medication like vioxx and celebrex with no harmful side effects.

You can benefit from this spice today by using it daily in your own food preparation. However there is two points to remember.
Turmeric is fat soluble, so it is best to use it in sauces and salad dressings which can bind with fat.
Secondly, curcuminoid molecules are not easily absorbed by the intestine, but can be boosted up to 2000 times with the presence of piperine. Piperine is found in black pepper and is essential to use when cooking with Turmeric.

More information
Turmeric can be found in any good grocery store in the spice section. The medicinal ingredient curcuminoids is of a higher standard in supplement form which can be purchased from health food stores.

The powerful properties of turmeric Real Meds

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Nick — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 04:24:40 +0000

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You’ve heard about the good fats and the bad fats, saturated fats and unsaturated fats. Can’t keep them straight, between what you’re supposed to eat and what you can? Unfortunately, many people who are dieting eliminate all fats altogether, which is as unhealthy as what they were previously putting into their body.

We’re here to help you make sense of one variety – the Omega-3 fatty acids, which offer immeasurable health benefits. Doctors and scientists are still only scratching the surface of the power of Omega-3. Including more of this essential nutrient in your diet will award you better health. Omega-3 Fatty Acids are a type of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fats are the healthy kind of fat that should be part of your regular diet.

Many of those who suffer from inflammation due to their arthritis, asthma, allergies or a number of other diseases have reaped the benefit of Omega-3 fatty acids, a known anti-inflammatory.

Scientists and doctors are finding new uses for Omega-3 all the time. The American Heart Association recommends eating fatty fish at least twice a week because of the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids for cardiovascular disease. Ongoing research points that Omega-3 may help combat autism, low birth rate and psychological disorders, to name a few.

Other areas of study on the effects of Omega-3 include, but are not limited to:

Diabetes
Menstrual cramps
Asthma
Burns
High cholesterol

Unfortunately our Western diet just doesn’t include enough of this essential nutrient. Good sources of this essential fatty acid come primarily from certain kinds of seafood, like salmon, albacore tuna, herring and shellfish. Flax is the next best source of Omega-3, an alternative for vegetarians. While our body can convert flax into these types of acid, seafood is recommended over it. Since scientists and doctors have praised the fatty acid, many different types of foods are now enriched with Omega-3, from bread to yogurt to baby food, to just name a few. Again, while they do contain the nutrient, it’s best to take it straight from the source.

Omega Daily is a supplement that offers all the Omega-3 your body needs. Based on a concentrate of New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel, it takes the guess work out of what to eat and what not to eat.

It is advisable to talk to your physician before taking any supplement.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Real Meds

Preventing Osteoarthritis

Nick — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:14:17 +0000

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If you have a family history of osteoarthritis then you have a higher chance of developing the disease yourself. Besides genetic predisposition, osteoarthritis can be present in those who are overweight or those who routinely put stress on the particular joint. Injury is also a culprit.

Osteoarthritis affects the joints in the body, most commonly the spine, hips, knees, feet and hands. It is caused by the wearing down of cartilage between these joints, causing bones to rub together. This causes discomfort and a decrease in mobility to the area.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting 21 million people in the United States. It can be caused by a number of factors. While it is more frequently found in those over 45, it can occur in younger people. Under 45, men are more likely to develop the disease than women, while over 45 women are more likely to develop it than men.

Fortunately, there are ways to prevent the onset of the disease, and it’s easier than you think. It’s about taking care of your body, which hopefully you’re doing already as good health is the key to combating any form of disease, as well as education.

If you are overweight you are far more likely to develop osteoarthritis than someone who isn’t. This is because the extra weight puts unnecessary stress on the joints. Keeping in shape also helps to prevent many other diseases, such as heart disease.

Keep fit, not only to keep your weight in healthy range but also to work your joints. Aerobic exercises that work as much of your body are especially important; they revitalize your circulatory system and keep your heart rate up, as well as keep your joints limber. Make sure not to over exert yourself, especially if you feel pain in a joint, as this may only cause to exacerbate the condition you are trying to prevent. Discuss with your doctor what kinds of exercises are best for you. Osteoarthritis in the hands is the most genetically predispositioned form of the disease, so if you are at risk ask your doctor if there is anything you can do.

Injury to the joints can also cause the onset of osteoarthritis. Be sure to wear protective gear, like wrist guards for instance, when deemed necessary.

There have been some foods and supplements that have been reported to decrease your chances of getting the disease. While some initial results have proved encouraging, studies are still continuing for conclusive results. None of the supplements have been reported to carry side effects though, and are part of a healthy lifestyle.

An anti-inflammatory is just what you’re looking for. Anti-inflammatory properties can be found in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fatty fish like salmon or albacore tuna. Since our North American diet is severely lacking in fish on a regular basis, try an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement such as Omega Daily.

Early detection is important. If you feel a recurring pain in your joints, or a stiffness that won’t go away, talk to your doctor. He or she can help you find the best way to deal with the pain.

Preventing Osteoarthritis Real Meds

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Nick — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 04:14:15 +0000

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Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is an autoimmune disorder, causing your immune system to attack the joints, causing a painful inflammation. Unlike other forms of arthritis like osteoarthritis, RA also attacks the organs like the heart, eyes and lungs. Of the 100+ forms of arthritis, this is one of the most debilitating varieties.

Rheumatoid Arthritis affects 1 out of 100 North Americans, or 2.1 million people, and women are three times more likely to get the disease than men. The cause of RA is unknown, but a popular theory points to the disease being infectious as those who have close friends or family with the disorder are more likely to develop it themselves. Susceptibility to the disease may also be an inherited trait as well.

Early detection is vital in treating RA because the most damage is done within the first two years, with 75% of the damage occurring within the first five years. While there is no cure or preventative measure for rheumatoid arthritis, there are a number of treatments to alleviate symptoms. Each type of drug includes its own side effects- make sure that you are informed about the medication you are taking, and report any side effects to your doctor.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, reduce the pain and swelling of the joints. Many can be had without a prescription, like acetylsalicylic acid and ibuprofen. In more severe cases your doctor can prescribe a stronger NSAID. Omega-3, found in fatty fish, also works to shorten the period of stiffness in the morning, one of the major symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Add salmon or albacore tuna to your diet, or try an Omega-3 supplement like Omega Daily.

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs, known as DMARDs, are slow-acting and may take weeks to take effect. While NSAIDs are effective in relieving pain short term, DMARDs are a long term treatment meant to reduce damage to the joint and bone. Methotrexate is the most widely used DMARD.

Biologic Response Modifiers are a third medication for RA sufferers, although it is extremely cost prohibitive, costing upwards of $25,000 a year and is rarely covered by insurance. Biologic Response Modifiers, called Biologics for short, work by decreasing inflammation. They are usually paired with other medication.

There are a number of things you can do yourself to make living with the disease easier. While it is tempting to put as little exertion on your sore joints as possible, keeping active is essential to enjoying life with rheumatoid arthritis. This is for a number of reasons. The first is that regular exercise strengthens the muscles around the joint and increases flexibility. Try low-impact activities, like swimming. Try not to partake in any activities that involve too much exertion, which causes more harm than good.
Use heat and cold to your advantage, easing pain. Heat should be applied only when the joint is not inflamed, and preferably in the form of a bath or hot shower. Use cold packs on the inflamed joint directly or after strenuous use of the joint.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Real Meds

Discover the Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger Root

Nick — Mon, 14 May 2007 01:21:44 +0000

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You may be aware of its use as a flavoring or spice, but you may not know that there are numerous health benefits of ginger root. Throughout history, ginger root has been used to relieve nausea, pain, swelling and cold symptoms. Today, ginger capsules are sold for medicinal purposes in pharmacies in many countries, but not the United States.

In the US, it is not approved by the FDA to treat or cure any disease, but ginger capsules are sold as dietary supplements. Ginger root is classified by the FDA as a “food”, not a drug, as are most herbs and nutrients.

There are many known health benefits of ginger root and other plant foods, but because they are safe for frequent use in reasonable amounts, the FDA does not regulate them, except to say that manufacturers may not make unsupported health claims about their products.

Manufacturers of ginger capsules do have clinical studies, laboratory studies and evidence related to historical use to support claims about the medical benefits of ginger root. But, in the United States, manufacturers must be very careful about wording. They must also use the disclaimer that ginger root is not meant to treat, prevent or cure any disease.

Even information that they supply to consumers must be accompanied by warnings that the writers are not attempting to diagnose or recommend a treatment for a disease and that the information is not meant to take the place of a doctor’s advice.

All of this may seem excessive to someone who is simply trying to learn about the health benefits of ginger root. The regulations, warnings and disclaimers are mentioned here because some of the benefits listed may not be found on a bottle of ginger capsules. In fact, without reading numerous published scientific research reports and studies, finding a natural cure or remedy for a common ailment can be difficult.

For example, ginger root has been shown to provide effective relief for migraines and headaches of all types, but ginger capsules will not be found alongside over the counter remedies such as Tylenol and aspirin, at least in American pharmacies.

The common pain relievers are typically ineffective for the relief of migraines and can increase the stomach upset and discomfort, which sometimes accompanies migraines. Continued use can even lead to ulcers and other health problems.

On the other hand, the benefits of ginger root include relief of nausea. Continued use will not lead to ulcers and it is extremely safe, but manufacturers are not allowed to state that “ginger root relieves headaches, migraines and nausea.” In other words, US regulations make it difficult to find a safe, effective, natural treatment for headaches or any other condition.

When it comes to motion sickness and nausea, ginger root has been shown to be more effective than drugs. It is commonly used by women in Eastern countries to mitigate morning sickness. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that ginger root is likely safe for use in pregnancy when used orally in amounts found in foods.

The total amount found in ginger capsules vary. 100 mg per day is believed to be a safe dosage. No side effects have been noted at higher dosages, except in those who are allergic to ginger root. The typical allergic reaction is excessive burping.

Some suspected health benefits of ginger root are quite exciting. Scientists and researchers have established a relationship between chronic inflammation and heart disease, cancer and many other conditions. Pharmaceutical companies have spent years and probably billions of dollars trying to create safe synthetic anti-inflammatories and COX-2 inhibitors. Some of these drugs have proven to be unsafe and even lethal.

Nature has already provided us with safe pain relievers and anti-inflammatories. Natural anti-inflammatories and plant components with COX inhibiting action exist and many experts feel that these are the real keys to preventing chronic and life threatening diseases. Natural components of ginger root, as well as many other herbs and botanicals, display anti-inflammatory and COX inhibiting activity.

Recent studies have shown that the benefits of ginger root, when used on a regular basis, include lower cholesterol levels, more stable blood pressure and blood glucose levels and a reduction in blood clotting similar to that observed in persons on an aspirin regimen.

To conclude, a quick but lengthy list of the known and suspected benefits of ginger root follows. Experts in natural and alternative medicine say that ginger root may be beneficial in epilepsy, indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome, morning sickness, osteoarthritis, vertigo, atherosclerosis, gastro intestinal disorders, hay fever, HIV support, low back pain, migraine headaches and rheumatoid arthritis.

If you are already taking other supplements, adding ginger root capsules to your daily regimen may be expensive and taking yet another pill may be frustrating and hard to stomach. In addition, if the manufacturer does not supply ginger root or other ingredients in the right form, with the right delivery system, then results may be disappointing.

Because of the many health benefits of ginger root, this compound is included in the best daily multi nutrient formulas, making it possible for you to get your daily dose of ginger root, along with recommended amounts of numerous other vitamins, minerals, co-factors and elements, without taking numerous pills from various sources.

Mila Sabido is editor of http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com. Visit http://www.nutritional-supplements-information.com/benefits-of-ginger-root.html for more info on ginger and supplement products containing ginger root

Discover the Amazing Health Benefits of Ginger Root Real Meds