Myths about and treatments for arthritis

Arthritis is a medical condition which causes stiffness and inflammation in the joints. It can be extremely painful and should be cared for on daily basis.
 
However there are many myths surrounding arthritis that need to be busted.

1. Myth: every knee pain is arthritis.
Truth: the condition in which joints pain a lot, it is assumed that every type of knee pain is arthritis and there is only one type of arthritis. From gout to virus caused arthritis, to autoimmune arthritis, there are numerous different types of arthritis.

2. Myth: stop exercising to avoid straining your knee.
Truth: with the joints paining a lot, a lot of patients believe that they cannot exercise any more. The truth is that there are specific low-impact workouts designed for people with arthritis so that staying fit is never a problem.

3. Myth: arthritis makes you immobile.
Truth: arthritis does change your life since it affects your joints. But remember, it doesn't make you a handicap. It is false to believe that nothing can be done about the disease.

4. Myth: diet has no impact on the disease.
Truth: since it is a joints related problem, many people believe that dietary changes are not required if you are suffering from arthritis. It is in fact crucial since those suffering from arthritis are at higher risk of being obese, and in turn getting heart diseases and type2 diabetes.

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Busting The Myths Surrounding Arthritis

Diabetes is a condition where the blood sugar level rises in your body either due to less insulin level in the body or reduced sensitivity of the body to insulin. The foods you eat have a major role in controlling your blood sugar levels. You need to pick your foods wisely to prevent your blood sugar levels from spiking.


The various foods that you should be eating if you have diabetes are:

1. Dark chocolate: chocolate contains good amounts of flavonoids that help in improving insulin sensitivity and limits food cravings. It also reduces your chances of heart attack.

2. Blueberries: blueberries are rich in fiber that helps you in managing your blood sugar levels. They also contain anthocyanins that assist in regulating your blood sugar levels.

3. Fish: fish is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation in the body, thus reducing your chances of heart problems. Fish is also a good source of protein that helps you in feeling fuller.

4. Olive oil: olive oil is rich in antioxidants that help in reducing your chances of heart diseases and diabetes.

5. Oranges: make sure you eat plenty of oranges as they are rich in vitamin c and they reduce the risk of diabetes. You may also opt for broccoli or strawberries.

The various foods you should avoid are:

1. White rice: white rice is a refined grain which, when consumed, tends to spike your blood sugar levels. You can instead opt for brown rice.

2. Bananas: banana may contain vitamins and minerals, but are also rich in carbohydrates. Instead, opt for fruits like berries that are not only rich in fiber and antioxidants, but also have a low glycemic index.

3. Sugary foods: the term sugary foods is used to describe foods such as pastries, cakes, and cookies. These foods are carbohydrate rich and do not contribute much in making the body healthy. Instead, replace them with natural foods such as chickpeas and peanuts.

4. Dried fruit: various dried fruits contain a high concentration of sugar, which happens due to the dehydration process by which they are formed. So replace them with fresh fruits such as guava and peaches to control your blood sugar levels.

Amongst all other dry fruits, almonds and walnuts can be had in moderation as they contain essential fatty acids and do not affect blood sugars.

Foods to Eat and Avoid When You Have Diabetes

Have you ever faced difficulty or experienced severe pain while defecation? Well, this is a widespread phenomenon amongst many, but most of them feel shy to discuss this problem. Different People differently understand the term Piles. For some, it is the name given to the uneasiness or pain that one feels during defecation and for others, it might be blood found along with feces. This notion is partially correct. Piles, also known as Hemorrhoids, are vascular structures that are present in the anal canal.

These vascular structures are like cushions that help with stool control. The problem arises when these structures become swollen. Post inflammation of hemorrhoids leads to the ultimate problem. Piles become painful which is unbearable for many while a few people don t feel much pain but bleeding characterizes the disease. Around 10% of patients having Piles problem require surgical treatment, but they are unaware of the measures needed before opting for a hemorrhoid surgery.

Hemorrhoidectomy

The operation that is used to remove hemorrhoids is known as Hemorrhoidectomy. In this surgery, a local or general anesthesia is given to the patient so that the affected area gets numb and the patient doesn t feel much pain. The doctors make perform a procedure around the anus to get rid of the hemorrhoids. As the anus area is susceptible, stitches might be required. Patients can go home the same day, but intensive care is needed. It might take around two weeks to get normal, in some cases, it may also extend to 6 weeks.

Cure Piles in 15 Minutes (BIEM)-


 Biological Impendence Electrical auto-Measurement  (BIEM) concept is a smart and advanced technology that able to produce controlled  tissues fusion  without causing any carbonation. This technology is being aggressively develop and incorporated into the variety of modern surgery.

The major advantages of this technology is no bleeding, no open wound, no risk of infection and less pain as the nerve fibers is sealed in the tissues fusion. The new tissues growth will take place from inside and the dry and hard zone will take off itself when tissues healed up. 
Measures to be taken post hemorrhoid surgery

The surgery is extremely safe, however, like all surgeries, there are certain precautions that need to be taken in order to avoid post-op infection or reaction to anesthesia. People mostly complain about the severe pain that they feel while defecating and might also be accompanied by irritation or itchiness in the treated area. These symptoms are normal, but if the irritation or itchiness becomes severe or excessive bleeding becomes frequent, then consult your doctor immediately.

Fever or difficulty while defecating should also be reported to the doctor if it continues to be a problem after surgery. For the recovery phase, your doctor might prescribe the use of some pain killers along with the usage of some stool softeners. Taking a warm bath might also lower down the pain.

Usually, the doctors prescribe a healthy diet before and after hemorrhoidectomy surgery. But the measures might differ from case to case. A few common after and before care measures include diet changes, lifestyle changes, and adopting a regular exercise program. These three steps will not only help in speedy recovery but also reduce the chances of hemorrhoids recurring.

Hemorrhoids - Measures You Must Take Post Surgery!

Swallowing food comes naturally to human beings. But when there is a problem, it is usually called Dysphagia. Esophagus, a muscular tube-like organ located at the back of our throat, usually helps in swallowing food and transferring them to our stomach. When esophagus does not function properly, dysphagia happens. Patients suffering from brain or nerve disorder, seniors and babies might have this problem. 

People with dysphagia might witness the following issues:

Difficulty in swallowing solids and liquids.
Gaging, choking or coughing usually occurs when trying to swallow.
Experience pain when trying to swallow and also heartburn.
Swallowed food might come back up either through mouth or nose.
A chronic problem might result in weight loss.
Causes:
There are 2 main reasons, why the Esophagus might become dysfunctional.

Due to some medical condition the muscles and nerves that help the esophagus work have stopped working.
The esophagus is blocked by something.
There can be a number of reasons for both the condition. Here are the reasons why the muscles and nerves might not work.
Certain diseases can create problems with your nervous system, which in turn can affect the esophagus. These diseases are polio, multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson s disease.

A brain stroke, spinal cord injury or brain injury can also affect swallowing.
Polymyositis or Dermatomyositis are immune system problems that can cause swelling or weakness.
The muscles of esophagus suddenly squeeze, which is called esophagus spasm.
Scleroderma causes the esophagus to become thin and weak.
The esophagus might be blocked because of these reasons:

Esophagus might have malignant or non-malignant tumours.
Esophagitis is a medical condition when the esophagus is infected, got some allergy or even if a pill got stuck on it.
People suffering from reflux diseases often experience the acid that backs up into the esophagus. This can cause an ulcer on it resulting in scars. Scars make Esophagus narrower, making it difficult to swallow.
There are small sacs called Diverticula on the esophagus or the throat, often making it difficult to swallow.
Lymph nodes, tumours, bone spurs can also obstruct esophagus and create difficulty in swallowing.

Difficulty in Swallowing - Are You at Risk of Dysphagia?

The common reason why most of us get throat infections is because they are viral in nature. This means that if one person gets a throat infection then he transmits it to others by touching, coughing and sneezing etc.
Viral throat infections can be managed easily. There are several home remedies that can alleviate your viral infection. However, it is suggested to consult an ENT specialist if the home remedy is not providing any relief to you.

Gargling: It is one of the most popular methods of treating viral throat infection. All you need to do is mix one tablespoon of salt in 200 ml of water and warm the solution. When the water becomes lukewarm, take a small portion of it and rinse your throat with the solution. Take care that the solution remains within your throat and does not reach your stomach. Rinse your throat for 5 minutes and repeat the procedure after a rest of 2 minutes. Ensure that the water remains lukewarm for effectiveness.
Inhalation: Another common method of ridding yourself of viral throat infections is to inhale steam. Boil some water mixed with eucalyptus oil. When the water starts developing bubbles, take your face near it, cover it and the pot containing water with a dry towel and inhale the steam. This procedure is inconvenient for many people because inhalation results in sweating, but the result is perceptible. You must inhale steam for at least five minutes. Once you are done with inhalation, avoid taking cool fluids like cold water etc., else the effect would be reversed and your infection might get more severe.
Take lots of fluids: Strange as it may sound, viral throat infection can also be treated by taking lots of hot fluids. The warm temperature helps in neutralising the viruses, while the fluids prevent the dehydration of the body. Take hot tea, coffee etc. when you have an infected throat.
Drink hot milk and turmeric: Many mothers administer this solution to their kids to treat throat infections caused by viruses. This concoction is best taken before sleeping in the night. Turmeric has been found to carry several anti-microbial properties.
Avoid smoking: If you are a smoker, you must avoid smoking to alleviate your viral throat infection.
Use decongestants and nasal sprays: These substances make breathing easier by contracting the swollen mucous membranes. Nasal sprays also help relieve runny noses and post-nasal drips, which are so irritating and inconvenient to many. However, avoid administering this remedy to small children. Since these sprays contain synthetic drugs, it is advisable to stick to prescribed dosages for different age groups. Please also consult your ENT doctor before administering the nasal sprays to yourself or anybody else.

Viral Throat Infection - 6 Ways They Can Be Managed!

Piles can be really painful and embarrassing but fairly common at the same time. it should not be taken as a social stigma as with awareness and proper treatment, the condition can be managed and treated well. If overlooked then it may lead to many complications which are difficult to manage.

In Ayurveda, a complete cure to haemorrhoids is possible, so seeking medical attention can be of great help to relieve you from this condition. Piles, also known as Haemorrhoids is a condition in which veins at the lower end of rectum get inflamed and enlarged. When pressure on the rectum and anus increases, it causes added pressure to these veins, resulting in formation of haemorrhoids. They may burst and cause rectal bleeding. Haemorrhoids are most commonly found in middle-aged and old people while also in people who suffer from regular constipation. 

Types of Piles -

Haemorrhoids are of two kinds, internal and external based on their location. Internal haemorrhoids are located in the inner lining of the anal tract. These veins within the rectum are concealed and cannot be felt so they are painless but when ruptured can lead to bleeding. External haemorrhoids are located on the outer surface of the rectum and can be seen, felt and when inflamed become painful. These are the more troubling type of piles. 

Causes and Symptoms of Piles 

Piles are caused mostly by constipation, but other causes may include untreated gastric conditions such as dysentery, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, genetic constitution and weight of increasing uterus during pregnancy. 
If you are experiencing bleeding in anal region during defecation without any pain; you are suffering from 1st stage of Piles. If problem is not treated at this stage; Pile masses start progressing. 
In starting, Pile mass come out during passing stool and go inside by itself (2nd stage). Later on these pile masses need to be reduced manually. If still Piles is not treated; Pile mass comes out again even after manual reduction while coughing, sneezing etc. (3rd stage). While piles may be an embarrassing issue to talk about, it should not be ignored either. It can be easily dealt with simple ways, and in most cases, all it takes is some lifestyle changes to get rid of the problem. 
However, if left untreated, there could lead to severe complications. Some of them have been listed below. 

Bleeding: In patients who have chronic bleeding, it could lead to chronic blood loss. Patient can develop anaemia because of this regular bleeding. 
Mass protruding out from anal opening: If Piles are not treated at 1st stage; it can lead to development of pile mass which protrudes out from anal opening while passing stool and go inside. In later stages; this pile mass come out even on sneezing and coughing. At this stage they are prone to get infected as most of the time Piles are outside the anal opening. 
Hygiene issues: The itching and discharges can lead to the patient having poor hygiene around the anal area. This further can lead to complications like infections. The area around the anus also becomes difficult to clean if the masses are more in number and size. 
Surgical correction may be attempted in severe cases, but this also can lead complications in some people. These include: 
Excessive bleeding which does not stop after the surgery. 
Postsurgical infection 
Anal fistula, which is a connection between the area of piles and the anal canal. 
Damage to sphincter muscles leads to faecal incontinence, which is a loss of control over passing stool.
Ayurveda Treatment of Piles 
Ayurveda has various approaches to the treatment of piles. Piles can be treated by diet, lifestyle, herbal supplements, Ayurvedic medication, and exercise. Ensuring good digestive health helps with piles if constipation is the cause of it. 

Vegetables such as onion, bitter gourd, radish, and turnip are high on roughage and are a must to add to your diet as well. 
Other than the diet you need to introduce specific lifestyle changes such as a colon cleanse every once in a while, and regular exercise. 
Increase water intake, up to 8 glasses per day. 
Keep away from processed foods 
Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables 
Do not sit for more than an hour in one position 
Stick to stool timings and develop good stool habits 
Do not suppress the urge to pass stools for too long and for too often 
So, follow the instructions of your Ayurveda doctor to embark on the road to cure. If these measurements are not successful; kshar karma or Ksharsutra ligation of Pile mass is necessary. In the ligation procedure; Ksharsutra   medicated thread is legated at the root of Pile mass. 

Medicine released from Ksharsutra blocks the blood supply to pile mass and Pile mass sheds off in 7   10 days. Ksharsutra ligation is a para surgical procedure done under local anaesthesia. No hospitalization or bed rest is necessary in Ksharsutra Treatment for Piles. Daily routine activities along with office work can be done during Ksharsutra Treatment. So Piles can be treated completely in all its stages with Ayurvedic treatment. However, this procedure is to be performed only by a surgical specialist of Ayurveda..

Painful Piles - Why You Should Not Ignore Hemorrhoids

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