Erosive Osteoarthritis Support Group

10/29/2024

Happy Halloween 🎃 👻

10/29/2024

Turmeric Benefits

Did you know that turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation and relieve pain from arthritis? It's a natural remedy worth exploring!

https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/bone-joint/turmeric-for-arthritis/

10/28/2024

Study Finds Genetic Link to Gout (Not Lifestyle)

A major international study has found gout is a chronic illness where genetics is a major cause, rather than lifestyle choices of the sufferer.

10/28/2024

USNews: Antidepressants and Pain Management

US News is a recognized leader in college, grad school, hospital, mutual fund, and car rankings. Track elected officials, research health conditions, and find news you can use in politics, business, health, and education.

04/20/2024

Harvard Medical School Healthbeat Repost: 5 surprising benefits of walking

The next time you have a check-up, don't be surprised if your doctor hands you a prescription to walk. Yes, this simple activity that you've been doing since you were about a year old is now being touted as "the closest thing we have to a wonder drug," in the words of Dr. Thomas Frieden, former director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Of course, you probably know that any physical activity, including walking, is a boon to your overall health. But walking in particular comes with a host of benefits. Here's a list of five that may surprise you.

Counteracts the effects of weight-promoting genes. Harvard researchers looked at 32 obesity-promoting genes in over 12,000 people to determine how much these genes actually contribute to body weight. Among the study participants who walked briskly for about an hour a day, the effects of those genes were cut in half.

Helps tame a sweet tooth. A pair of studies from the University of Exeter found that a 15-minute walk can curb cravings for chocolate and even reduce the amount of chocolate you eat in stressful situations. And the latest research confirms that walking can reduce cravings and intake of a variety of sugary snacks.

Reduces the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers already know that any kind of physical activity blunts the risk of breast cancer. But an American Cancer Society study that zeroed in on walking found that women who walked seven or more hours a week had a 14% lower risk of breast cancer than those who walked three hours or fewer per week. And walking provided this protection even for the women with breast cancer risk factors, such as being overweight or using supplemental hormones.

Eases joint pain. Several studies have found that walking reduces arthritis-related pain, and that walking five to six miles a week can even prevent arthritis from forming in the first place. Walking protects the joints — especially the knees and hips, which are most susceptible to osteoarthritis — by lubricating them and strengthening the muscles that support them.

Boosts immune function. Walking can help protect you during cold and flu season. A study of over 1,000 men and women found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, at least 5 days a week, had 43% fewer sick days than those who exercised once a week or less. And if they did get sick, it was for a shorter duration, and their symptoms were milder.

To learn about additional benefits of walking, check out Walking for Health, an Online Course from Harvard Medical School.

04/07/2024

Digital Myxoid (Ganglion) Cysts: Associated With Osteoarthritis

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23456-myxoid-cyst

https://www.healthline.com/health/myxoid-cyst

A myxoid cyst, or digital mucous cyst, is a small, shiny lump or growth most often found near a nail on your finger or toe.

03/23/2024

Harvard University Medical School: Foods you should eat to help fight inflammation

We typically think of inflammation as a result of an injury or disease. But diet also plays an important role in chronic inflammation.

This is in part because the foods we eat influence the types of bacteria that populate our gut and their chemical byproducts. While some foods encourage the growth of bacteria that stimulate inflammation, others promote the growth of bacteria that help suppress it. That's why it's important to know which foods have anti-inflammatory properties and which can cause inflammation.

Foods that fight inflammation

Fruits and vegetables. Most fruits and brightly colored vegetables naturally contain high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols. Polyphenols are potentially protective compounds found in plants. Studies have shown that polyphenols have multiple anti-inflammatory properties and may improve the function of cells that line blood vessels. Foods high in polyphenols include onions, turmeric, red grapes, cherries, and plums, as well as dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach, kale, and collard greens.
Nuts and seeds. Studies have found that consuming nuts and seeds is associated with reduced markers of inflammation and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
Some oils and fatty fish. Olive oil, flaxseed oil, and fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, and mackerel offer healthy doses of omega-3 fatty acids, which have long been shown to reduce inflammation.
Coffee, cocoa and green tea. The polyphenols in coffee and the flavanols in cocoa are thought to have anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is also rich in both polyphenols and antioxidants.
Foods that can fuel inflammation

The foods that contribute to inflammation are the same ones generally considered bad for other aspects of health. These include:

Sugary sodas
Refined carbohydrates (like white bread and pasta)
Red meat and processed meats
Processed foods. Certain components or ingredients used in processed foods such as the emulsifiers added to ice cream, may have effects on inflammation.
Such foods are also likely to contribute to weight gain, which is itself a risk factor for inflammation..

The key to reducing inflammation with diet

To practice anti-inflammatory eating, it's best to focus on an overall healthy diet rather than singling out individual "good" and "bad" foods. In general, a healthy diet means one that emphasizes fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole grains, fish, and healthy oils, and limits food loaded with simple sugars (like soda and candy), beverages that contain high-fructose corn syrup (like juice drinks and sports drinks), and refined carbohydrates.

For additional advice about ways to reduce inflammation, check out Fighting Inflammation , an Online Course from Harvard Medical School.

02/16/2024

Tudca for Inflammation and Immune Support

TUDCA (tauroursodeoxycholic acid) is a unique water-soluble bile acid that has a wide range of uses. Learn about the surprising TUDCA benefits!!

12/25/2023

Wishing you health and happiness now and in the coming year!