Did you know what you eat can effect your arthritis ?

You may find a large amount of information about diet and nutritional supplements for different types of arthritis in web, magazines and books. They invariably state that arthritis can be cured by taking their diet, Arthritic diet- as they call it. But these are mostly confusing.

The suggestions, mostly on the web, are given by some companies who are producing food supplements. They have an understandable interest to sell their products. Some of the patients are actually buying these exorbitantly priced food products being fooled by their marketing capability.

But the truth is that, the same result can be achieved by taking our day to day meals. For example, it is more rational to get the required amount of vitamins from the regular food rather that going for those food supplements.

For that we have to know about the possible diet which can increase the risk of getting arthritis and of course, the diet that helps to reduce the risk.

Osteoarthritis (OA), a major form of arthritis is aggravated by increase in the weight. So we need to avoid or substantially reduce the amount we use to take.

These include foods that contain more saturated fatty acid, like butter, ghee (clarified butter), animal protein (mainly red meat); dry calorie, like alcohol, excessive carbohydrates, this include all the cakes, pastries, chocolate, junk food and all those you can imagine.

Gouty arthritis is caused by the deposition of needle like Uric acid crystals in the joint spaces. Intake of alcohol produces much amount of uric acid. The kidneys of the alcoholic patients are again unable to excrete all the uric acid formed in the body.

Now we need to know about the 'good' foods which we should take to ensure we have an effective arthritis diet to minimize pain.

As per the recommendation of American Medical Association, the following combination of diet is essential for the arthritic patients.

The diet should be rich in complex carbohydrates (foods that contain high amount of fiber- whole grains, green leafy vegetables and fruits), low in protein (15% of the total calorie intake protein should preferably come from lentils, white meat or trimmed meat) and not more than 30% of the total calorie intake should come from Fat (with ~10% from animal fats).

The recommended diet include vegetables (preferably green leafy vegetables, cabbage, kale, parsley, broccoli, celery), tomato, banana, fruits (guava, pineapple-it contains high amount of Bromelain, strawberry, fresh cherry, blue berry and other red-blue berries), fruits that contain high amount of Vitamin C (lime, orange, red cabbage, tangerine, mandarin, red bell pepper, potato), animal food, which contain low fat (poultry, turkey-white meat), food that contain complex carbohydrate (brown bread, cereals, rice, pasta, germinated pulses), foods that contain essential fatty acids (salmon and tuna, other small fishes, nuts, pulses, flaxseed), Tofu (made from soya bean and a better choice than red meat).

Foods that contain moderately high amount of Purine (an Amino Acid) are also recommended. The list of food that will not raise the risk of gout include cauliflower, asparagus, mushroom, spinach, peas, whole grain breads, some animal products (chicken, turkey, duck, ham, kidney and Lima beans). Here it should be kept in mind that all the food from animal source contains Purine and that is least likely to be eliminated from our diet.

Foods to be avoided are- all carbonated drinks, coffee, cocoa and chocolate.

Check out alternative arthritis diets  for additional diet information. follow the link below : http://ezinearticles.com/?Effective-Arthritis-Diets-To-Eliminate-Pain&id=959883

 

The
History of 'APRONS'

I don't
Think our kids know what an apron
Is.

 
 

The
Principal use of Grandma's apron was to protect
The dress underneath, because she only had a
Few, it was easier to wash aprons than dresses
And they used less material, but along with
That, it served as a potholder for removing
Hot pans from the oven.

 
 

It was
Wonderful for drying children's tears, and on
Occasion was even used for cleaning out dirty
Ears.

 

From the
Chicken coop, the apron was used for carrying
Eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched
Eggs to be finished in the warming
Oven.

 
 

When
Company came, those aprons were ideal hiding
Places for shy kids.

 
 

And when
The weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around Her arms.

 
 

Those big
Old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent
Over the hot wood stove.

 
 

Chips and
Kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in
That apron.

 
 

From the
Garden, it carried all sorts of vegetables.
After the peas had been shelled, it carried out
The hulls.

 
 

In the
Fall, the apron was used to bring in apples that
Had fallen from the trees.

 
 

When
Unexpected company drove up the road, it was
Surprising how much furniture that old apron
Could dust in a matter of seconds.

 
 

When
Dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the
Porch, waved her apron, and the men knew it was
Time to come in from the fields to
Dinner.

 
 

It will be
A long time before someone invents something
That will replace that 'old-time apron' that
Served so many purposes.

 

 

 

Did you know that Herbs have wonderful haelth benifits ?

Herbs
and Their Uses

By Thomas Stearns Lee, NMD

Acidophilus

A friendly organism that crowds out harmful kinds, helps the body fight disease and restore health, and acidifies the colon.  Manufactures most of the B vitamins in the body.

Alfalfa

Contains all vitamins and minerals known to science;  for overacidity, pituitary gland, arthritis, chlorophyll.  Highly nutritive, alkalizes the body rapidly, and detoxifies the body and liver.

Algin/Sodium Alginate

Helps rid the body of radiation poisoning.

Aloe Vera

A quick healing agent for burns, abrasions, skin problems, and wounds.  Stops bleeding, and is soothing and healing to the stomach.

Barberry Bark

Laxative, soothing to the gall bladder.  Treats typhoid, jaundice, and improves appetite.

Bayberry

Drains sinuses and mucous membranes.  Extremely good for all female organs and adrenals.  A stimulant.

Bee Pollen

Energy food, hay fever, allergies.  May be the only perfect food on earth.  Contains RNA and DNA.

Bentonite Clay

Clay with a high mineral content;  has a negatively charged electrical attraction for toxic poisons, which are positively charged.  Always take with an herbal laxative.  Great for diarrhea and stomach flu.

Bilberry

Good for the eyes, especially night blindness and light sensitivity;  helps with blood sugar problems.

Black Cohosh

Female estrogen, menstrual cramps, high blood pressure, spinal meningitis, poisonous bites, relieves childbirth pain and hot flashes.  Calms the nervous system.  Good for rheumatism, neuralgia, tension, and eyestrain.

Black Current Oil

Overcomes the abnormalities of fatty-acid metabolism which candida albicans sufferers develop.

Black Walnut

Cleanses parasites, ringworm, tuberculosis, expels tape worms, diarrhea.  Oxygenates blood;  good for rashes and poison oak.

Blessed Thistle

Strengthens the heart and lungs;  takes oxygen to the brain.  Increases breast milk.  Has treated depression, loss of memory, and suicidal tendencies.

Blue Cohosh

Regulates menstrual flow, makes childbirth easy, good for whooping cough, bronchial mucus, palpitations, high blood pressure, epilepsy, spasms, muscular pain, and supports the uterus, nerves, joints, and urinary tract.

Blue Vervain

A natural tranquilizer, stops convulsions, aids the circulation, lungs, nerves, spleen, liver,  and colon; promotes sweating, settles the stomach, expels phlegm from the throat and chest, and expels worms.

Boneset

One of the most common remedies in the 1800s;  good for fever, pain, colds, measles, influenza, and cleans the gastrointestinal tract.

Buchu

Helps all types of urinary disorders, as well as prostate disorders, venereal disease, weak bladder, dropsy, and bed-wetting.  Produces perspiration when taken as a warm tea.

Buckthorn

Good for rheumatism, gout, dropsy, skin disease, and chronic constipation;  expels impurities, removes warts and itching.

Bugleweed

Useful for enlargement of the thyroid gland.  Kills pain.  Has eased asthma, indigestion, excess menstruation, nosebleeds, bronchitis, bleeding, and nervousness.  More effective when taken with demulcent herbs.  Supports the heart.

Burdock

A rapid blood purifier, a diuretic, and good for ulcers.  Aids the pituitary gland, keeps waste moving out of a weak body, and expels kidney and bladder stones.  Reduces calcium deposits in the joints.

Butcher’s Broom

So called because butchers used to rub this on chopping blocks to remove grease.  Anti-inflammatory, it removes obstructions in veins, and increases the flow of urine.  Aids with jaundice, expels phlegm, and helps hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and phlebitis.

Calendula (Marigold)

Soothes earaches, toothaches, ulcers, bleeding, hemorrhoids, fevers, cramps, and skin eruptions.

Capsicum (Cayenne Pepper)

A catalyst for all herbs, cayenne stops bleeding (inside or outside the body, even arterially), and aids the circulation and heart.  Use with Lobelia for nerves.  Use as a stimulant.  Reduces fevers, heals ulcerated stomach, and stops shock.

Cascara Sagrada (Sacred Bark)

Good for chronic constipation and gall stones;  increases the secretion of bile.

Catnip

Relieves convulsions, colic, and high fever in babies; a sleep aid, soothes the stomach and nerves, as well as insanity.  Relieves pain.

Chamomile

Soothes nerves and toothaches, muscle pain, corns, eases smoking and alcohol addictions, normalizes appetite, and eliminates insomnia.

Chaparral

A blood cleanser and purifier;  good for arthritis, acne, and boils;  promotes hair growth;  dissolved tumors and warts.

Chickweed

A bronchial cleanser, eats cellulite (fat), helps with deafness, peritonitis;  can be externally applied to skin disorders (such as eczema).  Reduces cholesterol.

Chlorophyll

A natural deodorizer and super blood builder.  Also used in douches, enemas, and foot baths.

Comfrey

A blood cleanser;  good for ulcers, stomach, kidneys, and bowel;  a bone-knitter, used for sprains and arthritis.  High in Vitamins A and C.

Cornsilk

Used for prostate difficulties and painful urination.  Controls inflammation and regulates urination.  Good for kidney and bladder problems.

Damiana

Aids with sexual impotency and issues with reproductive organs.  Overcomes loss of nerves and energy to limbs.  An aphrodisiac.

Dandelion

Rich in sodium, Vitamin A, and calcium;  beneficial for low blood pressure, issues with kidneys and bladder, iron anemia, and gout.  A diuretic.

Echinacea

A blood and lymph cleaner, with mild antibiotic activity.  Interferon-like, cortisone-like (anti-inflammatory), increases T-cells, and demonstrates anti-tumor activity.  Stimulates the immune response.

If you would like to read more on this subject:

http://www.naturodoc.com/library/herbal/herb_dictionary.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know some researchers believe People with arthritis should avoid night shade vegetables ? 

These researchers believe that arthritis is misdiagnosed in people who are in fact just suffering joint pain and swelling from eating nightshade vegetables. One in three arthritic people in America suffer an adverse reactaction to nightshade vegetables. These patients frequently have sensitivity to the sol nine chemicals present in these vegetables. However;    No foods have been definitively shown to cause or worsen arthritis in most individuals studied.   There is a rare form of arthritis caused by allergies to wheat products called "Sprue." Avoiding wheat products will eliminate that form of arthritis. For those of you who may think nightshades do worsen the arthritis symptoms the following is a short list of night shades.

Tomatoes

Ground Cherries

Potatoes

Eggplant

Cabbage

Tomatillos

Huckleberry

Peppers

Cayenne pepper

Tabasco sauce

I am sure there is more that is not on list.

Blueberries!  

Feeling stiff?

Did you know, Foods can help ease

some of the pain related to

arthritis ?

Did you know about one out of every five

Americans suffer from some form of arthritis?

Did you know, there are over 100 forms of arthritis?

Did you know Arthrits is not just an ache and pain?

Did you know, Blueberries are one of the many foods that can offer some relief from Arthritis symptoms. Suchas; swelling and stifness ? 

Did you know, There are sevral Flavonoid rich foods such as cherries, blueberries, and blackberries are very beneficial in the treatment of joint destruction?

Study suggests health benefits in blueberries

By Shantell Kirkendoll
UMHS Public Relations

Could eating blueberries help get rid of belly fat? And could a blueberry-enriched diet stem the conditions that lead to diabetes? A Cardiovascular Center study suggests so.

The new research, presented recently at the Experimental Biology convention in New Orleans, gives tantalizing clues to the potential of blueberries in reducing risk factors for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. The effect is thought to be due to the high level of phytochemicals — naturally occurring antioxidants — that blueberries contain.

The study was performed in laboratory rats. While the animal findings suggest blueberries may protect against two health conditions that affect millions of Americans, more research should be done.

The researchers studied the effect of blueberries (freeze-dried blueberries crushed into a powder) that were mixed into the rat diet, as part of either a low- or high-fat diet. They performed many comparisons between the rats consuming the test diets and the control rats receiving no blueberry powder. All the rats were from a research breed that is prone to being severely overweight.

In all, after 90 days, the rats that received the blueberry-enriched powder, measured as 2 percent of their diet, had less abdominal fat, lower triglycerides, lower cholesterol, and improved fasting glucose and insulin sensitivity, which are measures of how well the body processes glucose for energy.

While regular blueberry intake reduced these risks for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, the health benefits were even better when combined with a low-fat diet.

In addition to all the other health benefits, the group that consumed a low-fat diet had lower body weight, lower total fat mass and reduced liver mass, than those who ate a high fat diet. An enlarged liver is linked to obesity and insulin resistance, a hallmark of diabetes.

The rats in the study were similar to Americans who suffer fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome as a result of high-fat diets and obesity. Metabolic syndrome is a group of health problems that include too much fat around the waist, elevated blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, high triglycerides, and together these conditions increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and diabetes.

But were the health benefits seen in rats a result of losing abdominal fat, or something else?

"Some measurements were changed by blueberry even if the rats were on a high fat diet,"says E. Mitchell Seymour, lead researcher and manager of the Cardioprotection Research Laboratory. "We found by looking at fat muscle tissue, that blueberry intake affected genes related to fat-burning and storage. Looking at muscle tissue, we saw altered genes related to glucose uptake."

Dr. Steven Bolling, a U-M heart surgeon and head of the Cardioprotection Laboratory, says: "The benefits of eating fruits and vegetables has been well-researched, but our findings in regard to blueberries shows the naturally occurring chemicals they contain, such as anthocyanins, show promise in mitigating these health conditions."

 
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You can still have sliced aplles that you prepared yourself even when your hands are very painful. Below I have given you steps to take to accomplish coring, peeling , slicing and cubing fruits and vegetables. Follow the simple steps below to accomplish this tast.

Cutting, coring fruit, peeling, slicing, and cubing fruits and vegetables, and coring mangoes

Cutting and or coring and removing skins from apples, pears, potatoes, small summer squash, mangos—things of that nature—can become a challenge. There is a simple solution to cubing when your hands just are not up to par. Using an apple cutter works miracles. To cut any of the above (except mangoes), use a mango cutter when cutting mangos. Simply place an apple cutter/corer on the top of the item you would like to chop or dice, position the cutter so that one handle is next to your body and the other is away from your body, and place your forearms on the handles, using your weight of your body. Firmly press down. The item is not only sliced, but cored. If any item will not stand firmly, remove a thin slice off the bottom for stability.

To skin, slice for pies, or cube, lay one slice at a time flat on the cutting board, hold the slice in place with a fork, start by puncturing the slice with the fork to stabilize. Using a paring knife, carefully run the blade down the outer side to remove the skin. Once the skin is removed, turn the fruit or vegetable so the wide side is on the board. Use a fork to stabilize. Using the paring knife, slice the thick slice into desired thinness. Also use the fork method to cube.

               When peeling larger items to be sliced, such as eggplant or cucumbers, the first thing I do is cut the eggplant or squash or cucumber in half, making it easier to handle, then trim each end to make a flat surface. Place one flat end on the board. Place one hand flat on top of the item being peeled; you also can pierce it with a fork if you are unable to lay your hand flat. Using a peeler that has a handle with the blade on top, start making downward strokes from top to bottom. Continue this pattern until the entire item is peeled.

To slice, pierce the item with a dinner fork or a large carving fork. You may hold the fork in your hand if able to grasp the handle with your hand. Otherwise, place the top of the carving fork in the bend of your arm at the elbow and squeeze as tightly as you can. Stabilize using your chin or cheek on the top of the fork. Using a chef’s knife, begin to make the slices in the desired thickness; if you have a mandoline, use it. 

               To peel and slice smaller items such as carrots when unable to hold in your hands, lay the carrot on a flat surface on top of a rubber jar opener to avoid slipping. Pierce the item with a fork or use your hand, laying flat on the carrot to hold it in place. Pull the peeler toward you in a backward motion. Sometimes the peelers are too small to hold in your hand. I have found an inexpensive solution. Home improvement stores and hardware stores carry pipe insulation tubes made of foam. They are usually gray in color and already come with a slit in it to accommodate putting it over the pipe with ease. I simply cut it to size (have a friend or family member do this for you), slip it over the handle of the peeler pots, hairbrushes, toothbrushes, anything you need thicker, and secure with duct tape. It may not be pretty, but it makes life so much easier. You can also buy it already the correct size at health supply stores. No need to duct tape this product; it is designed to fit your items.

Picture # 1 Using forarms and the weight of the body to slice apple

Photos by Thomas Painter

Photo # 2 peeling skin from apple using a fork for stability and a small knife for removal.

 Photos by Thomas Painter

This tip is a sneek preview of my upcoming book A complete illustrated guide to cooking with arthritis. Each recipe in the book has step by step directions along with color photos demostrating the technique used. I hope you find this tip helpful!  As you may have noticed my hands are starting to deform and as I am sure you already know, if you also suffer from arthritis, it is quite painful As wives and mothers we have no time to be in pain, as our job never ends, it is 24/7. Therefore we together need to keep finding new ways to improve our daily lives. Good - Luck to you all and I wish you a pain free day!