Arthritis Pain and Help for Second Hand Smoke

Little tidbits that come to my attention

Another plus for an apple a day.

Arthritis pain is just a pill away for your doctor. I learned that 90% of doctors have only had maybe 10 hours of pain management training. That means your doctor knows how to prescribe a dosage of a pill for your weight range. Those pills can have side effects that can be worse than the arthritis pain.

Numerous natural medications are available over-the-counter. These medications may contain Cayenne or Limonene Oil or Emu Oil or Arnica or possibly a combination.

Will they work for your pain? Maybe, but at least you won't suffer from any bad side effects when you give it a try. Include eating apples - hey we all know that balancing your pH is the bullseye for good health and that includes reducing the pain of arthritis.

Scientists know that the inflammation that triggers arthritis pain is the result of an enzyme-protein complex called cycloaxygenase-2 (COX-2). When COX-2 production is reduced, inflammation and pain are reduced as well. Current research is focused on finding a COX-2 inhibitor that does not have heart related side effects.

Zyflamend is an herbal formulation that inhibits COX-2. Research on this formulation has produced promising results, with none of the side effects caused by COX-2-inhibiting drugs.

Second hand Smoke

This is for all of you who live with a smoker, especially if you have children at home.

Studies show this timeline of the way second hand smoke affects the heart:

5 minutes: The aorta begins to stiffen
30 minutes: The blood begins to become "sticky" with activated blood platelets; damage to the artery linings begins; blood vessel dilation is reduced
2 hours: Heart rhythm may become disturbed

For healthy people, the endothelial cells that line the heart and blood vessels release nitric oxide (NO). But when the endothelium is damaged (smoking), NO production is decreased and blood vessels become less responsive to changes in blood flow.

A recent study out of Germany shows that foods containing flavanols (antioxidant and anti-inflammatory found in some fruits and vegetables) help maintain the nitric oxide mechanism that promotes healthy arteries.

Those who are exposed to second hand smoke on a regular basis need to increase their dietary consumption of flavanols. Sources include the all mighty apple, broccoli, onions, berries, some teas and if you need an excuse dark chocolate.

I would go easy on the chocolate and load up on the apples.


Sharono