Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution: May 2016

Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Better Walking, Greater Health – 9 Tips You Can’t Miss

It’s free, easy to do and needs no special equipment – who doesn’t like walking?

Walking is an activity fit for all ages. No matter what you condition is – obesity or joint pain – walking will help you deal with it in a safe and effective manner.

Benefits of walking

Improves body balance and coordination
Boosts absorption of vitamin D
Helps maintain body weight
Reduces the risk of Diabetes
Lowers the risk of hip fracture by 40%
Improves blood circulation
Increases bone strength
Balances mood and emotion
Leads to deeper sleep at night
Gets youStronger breath
Decreases risk of brain degenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s
Lowers risk of Osteoarthritis
Boosts stamina and keeps disability at bay

The above reasons are enough to help explain the popularity of walking as a form of exercise.

Here are some simple tips to help you walk better.

Effective walking tips

1. Plan your walk: Most people – especially the elderly – tend to not have a plan for walking. This means that they don’t walk regularly and may end up straining their bodies when they do go out for a walk. Walking doesn’t become a habit for them. This kind of irregular walking may end up harming them.

2. Have a back-up plan: Have you missed your morning walk one day? In such a case, schedule you walk to the evening. Always create a back-up plan for unexpected interruptions in your walking schedule.

3. Make it a habit: You should treat walking like a simple daily activity, like brushing your teeth in the morning. Instead of seeing it as an “exercise” which you do because your doctor said so, treat like a daily activity which helps you live better.

4. Don’t walk alone: Walking with your spouse is one of the simplest pleasures of life. Walking with someone you know creates a strong familial bond and makes walking a pleasure.

5. “Read” while you walk: An audiobook can help you pass the time. Unlike listening to music, an audiobook can teach you about the world around you. This will make walking a complete activity for your body and mind.

6. Warm up: Before stepping out to walk, do some simple stretching exercises to increase circulation to your muscles. This will help prepare your body and mind for the coming activity as well as prevent strain or sprain.

7. Take short strides: While taking long strides can be fun, it makes your hips and legs more susceptible to injuries, cramps and strain. Taking short strides helps you focus on the activity of walking.

8. Loosen up: Keep your entire body relaxed while walking. This will help reduce the risk of straining any particular muscle. Keep your fists open and your shoulders loose while walking.

9. Keep your goal in mind: If you are walking to help reduce joint pain or because your doctor said it will help your stiff knees, then keep that in mind while walking. This will help you stay focused and motivated.

We at Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution are confident of our unique treatment plan. We have received thousands of enthusiastic reviews and testimonials from our patients that Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy work together to rid one of pain in an effective and affordable manner. To avail of our services or to give your valuable feedback, call us at 1800 419 6607 (Toll free) or message us on WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

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Monday, May 30, 2016

Less Weight = Less Joint Pain

Mr. Sharma stopped in front of the stairs to his office and thought, “Here comes the pain.”

For more than 3 months, any physical activity would cause pain in both of his knees. Whether it is climbing the stairs or going to the market or taking care of his garden – pain had become his constant companion. He was just 50 years old and felt absolutely helpless. He went to a doctor who gave him various pain killers. The medicine worked for a while but the pain always returned. He felt older than he really was.

Could his joint pain have something to do with his weight?

How weight can cause joint pain

When you walk, your joints (especially your knees) are put under stress. If you weigh 100kg, your joints have to bear 150kg of active pressure. If you walk on uneven terrain, the force on the joints becomes greater. Your joints have to bear more than 4 times your body weight while climbing the stairs or squatting.

There are 2 ways your weight can cause joint pain:

It raises the risk of Osteoarthritis due to the excessive wear and tear on a joint.
It increases the incidence and intensity of inflammation in and around the joints.

Does losing weight help you joints?

Losing a few kilograms can help reduce the pressure under which your joints work.
This will help in protecting the delicate cartilage tissue from the effects of excessive wear and tear.
Losing weight also reduces the sensation of pain.
Researchers have found that losing just 5kg has a deeply positive impact on the health of your joints.

Simple tips for weight loss

1. Restrict fat intake: Since older adults don’t do vigorous physical activity, their bodies are unable to burn fat efficiently. Avoid fat-rich items like ghee, cheese and paneer.

2. Reduce portion size: Eat small servings of light foods like fruits, green tea, juices and soups. This will prevent excess consumption of calories at any given meal.

3. Avoid sugar: They contain nothing but empty calories. Excess sugar-intake can increase the blood sugar level in the body. It is better to avoid it completely.

4. Stop drinking alcohol: Alcohol reduces the effectiveness of medicines you take. It also puts stress on the stomach and especially the liver.

5. Stay away from refined carbohydrates: They are usually found in foods like pasta and white bread. Refined carbohydrate can cause sudden spike in blood sugar level.

6. Take fibre: The daily diet should include at least 30gm of naturally occurring fibre. It helps to lose weight by slowing down the digestive process, thus prolonging the feeling of being “full” after a meal. Dietary fibre absorbs water and helps in the progression of food matter through the digestive tract.

7. Walk regularly: It is the ideal aerobic exercise for people with joint pain. It promotes good health, fitness and helps in weight loss. Brisk walking can even help the body improve the metabolic rate. Walk for 30 minutes every alternate day.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Saturday, May 28, 2016

7 Ways To Fight Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Doesn’t matter whether you are an office worker, a carpenter or a pianist: you are at risk!

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a menace in the modern age. With more and more work being done using computers, there is now extra stress on the carpal tunnel in your hands. This constant stress puts pressure on the median nerve, leading to numbness, weakness and pain. This problem can strike anyone who works with his fingers.

What is Carpal tunnel syndrome?

Nerves and tendons in your hand passes through a small structure called the Carpal Tunnel in order to reach the fingers. Due to repetitive movement of the wrist and finger, this tunnel can become cramped, thus putting pressure on the nerves. This leads to numbness, weakness and pain in the hand.

Symptoms of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Wrist pain
Numbness in the fingers, especially in the thumb, index, middle finger and half of the ring finger.
Weakness in the hand
Pain in the forearm
Pain “travelling” up the arm to the shoulders

7 tips to manage Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

1. Complete rest: Avoid using the affected hand for at least a couple of weeks. This will reduce the stress on the median nerve and give the carpal tunnel time to heal.

2. Wear a wrist splint: Some patients are given wrist splints to wear. This keeps the wrist in a neutral position throughout the day, and helps to speed up the healing process.

3. Do Carpal tunnel exercise: Researchers have developed several exercise aimed at the carpal tunnel. Such exercises help to strengthen and limber up the wrist muscles.

4. Try massage: Massage can help to reduce the feeling of pain and can help increase strength in the hands. Remember to inform the masseur

5. Do Yoga: Numerous studies have found that regular Yoga practice helps to reduce the intensity of pain and numbness while simultaneously strengthening the wrists and the fingers.

6. Eat proper food: Foods like bell peppers, spinach, walnuts and pineapple help to reduce the symptoms and also speed up recovery.

7. Avoid acidic food: Citrus fruits (like oranges or grapefruit) should be avoided as the natural acids may increase inflammation of the carpal tunnel.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Friday, May 27, 2016

Vitamin D Deficiency And Chronic Pain - Is There A Link?

You probably know by now that vitamin D is an important nutrient. It helps your bones to absorb calcium. Adequate vitamin D is necessary for the health of your bones. Not having enough of it can lead to various bone problems, gastrointestinal issues and various other complications.

Now, researchers have found a deep link connecting vitamin D deficiency and chronic pain. The study was published in the Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry.

The study

200 patients complaining of chronic pain were closely observed. The concentration of vitamin D in their body was measured. They were asked to report their daily diet and for how long they had been suffering from chronic pain. 200 healthy persons were used as the control group.

The findings

Patients with chronic low back pain had significantly diminished vitamin D levels when compared to healthy adults. Half of the patients with low back pain were vitamin D deficient. Such people also had elevated levels of C-reactive protein (an indicator of general inflammation).

This connection provides a plausible way of explaining the chronic pain that some patients experience in their muscles and bones.

Importance of vitamin D

This vitamin helps to keep various types of cancers (like breast cancer, colon cancer and prostate cancer) at bay.
It helps to prevent heart disease.
It is vital for treating depression and diabetes.
It prevents musculoskeletal diseases like Osteoporosis, Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis.

6 natural sources of vitamin D

1. Sunlight: Exposure to sunlight induces the body to produce vitamin D. Aim for just 25 minutes of exposure. Avoid over-exposing yourself as it can dry up your skin.

2. Fatty fish: Fish like mackerel are rich in vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids which help to control inflammation in the bones, joints and surrounding muscles.

3. Milk: It is a popular source of vitamin D. 1 glass of milk contains about 100 IU of vitamin D.

4. Fortified orange juice: Most packed juices these days are supplemented with added vitamin D. Read the packet to find out whether it has vitamin D or not.

5. Eggs: It is the most convenient way of getting vitamin D. You can have an egg in the breakfast or lunch. However, don’t rely only on eggs for your daily supply of vitamin D.

6. Fortified cereal: Look for brands which add vitamin D to their cereals. A single bowl of cereal is enough to meet your daily vitamin D requirement.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Emotions And Arthritis - Is There A Connection?

Mr. Kumar stepped out of the doctor’s clinic dazed and dismayed.

He had been suffering from a niggling knee pain for the past 8 months. He wasn’t worried: he was a more-or-less healthy 67-year-old man. He had no complaints other than hypertension. He thought the pain was from a bump he got while getting down from the bus. Now the reports say it’s arthritis.

He had heard about the horror stories about arthritis. Now he was beset with fear about the present and was anxious about the future. This only made the pain worse!

Emotional burden on people with arthritis

This is something that health professionals and researchers often forget: the negative emotions and their impact on people with arthritis. Arthritis is seen as a purely biological phenomenon, and the psychological impact is often sidelined or outright ignored.

Now, researchers have discovered an important link between the emotions felt by arthritis patients and the sensation of pain.

The study

Researchers at the Manchester University wanted to see how brain processes the pain caused by arthritis. Using a type of brain imaging, six men and women with Osteoarthritis were closely observed. The researchers focused on two pain processing areas in the brain: the lateral system and the medial system.

The findings

After studying the brain images, it was discovered that while both systems share many functions, the medial system is especially sensitive to stress and anxiety. This suggests that the sensation of pain caused by arthritis is so closely connected to stress and anxiety that one can reinforce the other.

So what?

Since there is a deep connection between stress and pain, patients can exercise some degree of control over how much pain they feel by focusing on positive thoughts and memories.

Positive thinking – a potent pain reliever

Fear and anxiety about pain can actually worsen the feeling of pain. Patients who practised positive thinking and had mature expectations usually experienced less pain. Positive thinking can influence how the brain processes the sensation of pain.

How to think positive and control pain

1. Think about favourite food: When the pain irritates you, try to focus your mind on your favourite food. Recall the images, the fragrance and the texture of the food. Also recall the pleasant conversation you had while eating, the ambience of the place and even the weather at that time. Filling your brain with positive images and memories can help bring down the feeling of pain.

2. Meditate: It is a powerful way of controlling the sensation of pain. When you are in pain, focus on your breathing or heart beat. Instead of forcing the brain to ignore the feeling of pain, focus on images of things you like, like your pet or your favourite car. This will temporarily distract your mind from the feeling of pain.

3. Distract yourself: Do you have a favourite book? Try to read it in your free time. Or you can watch movies on TV. Talk to your spouse about the events of the day. Do anything to remove your focus away from the pain.

4. Visualize: If, for example, you always wanted to visit Bangkok, then visualize the things and people you would like to meet or see when you go there. Fill your mind with the images and sounds of the streets, the shops and the people. This can shift your focus away from the pain.

5. Focus on constructive work: To control the sensation of pain, you can think about any upcoming projects. Try to come up with new ideas to show to your boss. Think about how the project can be streamlined or improved upon.

6. Listen to soothing music: This will help reduce the feeling of anxiety and stress and temporarily reduce the sensation of pain.

Trust the experts

While some of these techniques have been proven to be useful, you should not ignore the fact that you have arthritis. So remember to follow the advice givem by your doctor and take care of your joints. If the feeling of pain becomes intolerable, then you should visit a specialized joint pain clinic without delay and seek expert advice.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Boosting Bone Health Is Easy – Just Exercise!

As you age, your bones become gradually weak. Bone weakening is a common problem among older adults and the elderly. Bone mass (an important part of bone health) begins to slowly decrease after the age of 30. For women, bone loss usually speeds up after menopause.

But what do people do? They think that taking calcium supplements is all that’s necessary in order to maintain bone health. Such people find out the error in their way of life only when they suffer a fracture or end up with Osteoarthritis.

Why bone health matters

If you don’t take proper care of your bones, you can end up facing the following problems:

1. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common type of arthritis that usually affects people in old age. This condition causes pain and swelling in the joints which lead to loss of mobility.

2. Fracture: Weak bones are prone to fracture and sudden injury. You could end up in a wheel chair for the rest of your life.

Is exercise important?

Exercise is important for building strong bones when you are young and it is essential for maintaining bone strength when you start to age.
Like muscles, regular exercise makes the bones stronger by encouraging them to produce new bone cells.
When you exercise regularly, your bone adapts by building more cells and becoming denser.

Exercise for strong bones

There are many types of exercise. If you want to maintain bone strength, then you should focus on the following kinds of exercises:

1. Yoga: Regular practice of Yoga helps to keep the bones and the joints flexible and strong. It increases blood supply to vulnerable joints like the knees and keeps the surrounding muscles strong. This means that your body weight gets partially borne by your muscles, which lessens the stress on your bones and joints.

2. Strength training exercises: This kind of exercise makes extensive use of weight machines and free weights in order to make the bones and the surrounding muscles work harder. By exposing the bones to weights greater than the body weight, it speeds up cell production and helps maintain bone mass.

3. Weight-bearing exercises: These exercises use the weight of your body and the force of gravity to strengthen the bones and the muscles. These put moderate stress on the bones, forcing them to produce more bone cells and increase bone mass. Brisk walking, jogging, playing football and dancing are all excellent weight-bearing exercises.

Check ideal exercise program for your bones

In the beginning, break up a single 30-minute session into two 15-minute parts.
Try to add different kinds of exercises in your routine. This will help you enjoy what you are doing.
Include 30 minutes of weight-bearing activity, 3 days a week.
If you want to get active in a simpler manner, you can try to walk for 30 minutes every day. Then you can move on to other, more rigorous forms of exercise.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Keep Your Cartilage Healthy - 7 Simple Checks

You don’t worry about your bones. Nobody does. But you should.

You think your diet is good enough for your bones. You eat what the doctor tells you. You take rest when your joints ache. You think you are ready to face the challenges of old age. But have you thought about cartilage loss?

What is cartilage?

It is made up of firm tissue, but it is relatively more flexible than bones. Cartilage is a dense connective tissue mainly made up of collagen. As there are no blood vessels bringing nutrients to the cartilage, it generally grows slower than bone matter.

Importance of cartilage

Cartilage serves as the starting point of bone formation.
It provides added flexibility to the bones and joints.
It acts as a lubricating region between the joints.
Cartilage is essential in the growth and regeneration of long bones.
It acts as a shock absorber between the joints.

Main causes of cartilage loss

1. Obesity: If you are carrying excess weight, then it puts pressure on the joints, especially the knees. The extra stress slowly erodes the cartilage in important joints like the knee. Excess fat also disrupts the body’s response to insulin, speeding up cartilage loss.

2. Improper nutrition: If your diet doesn’t supply enough vitamin C and collagen, then your cartilage can gradually lose its strength.

3. Age and genes: Older adults tend to have weaker cartilage. Certain genes can also lead to cartilage loss.

4. Certain medication: Local anesthesia and steroid medication can speed up cell death in cartilage. Many anti-inflammatory medicines are also known to harm cartilage tissue.

5. Hormonal changes: Leptin is one hormone known to speed up cartilage breakdown. People who overeat tend to have a higher concentration of Leptin in their body, leading to gradual loss of cartilage.

6. Poor alignment: If the joint alignment is awkward, it can lead to cartilage loss in particular joints. The improper alignment means that certain joints are exposed to chronic stress and tension.

7. Joint instability: The joints move around too much, leading to slow degradation of the cartilage. If the joint is sore or swollen and if it produces cracking or popping sound then you are probably suffering from an unstable joint.

How to manage cartilage loss

1. Reduce weight: If you can reduce just 1 kilogram of weight, it reduces the stress on your joints (especially the knees) by 4 kilograms. In order to control cartilage loss, you have to maintain a healthy weight.

2. Diet control: Reduce the amount of sugar in your diet. This will keep your blood sugar level at a stable state and lead to proper insulin absorption. Research suggests that cartilage loss can be controlled by reducing the intake of carbohydrates and sugar.

3. Eat nutritious food: In order to check cartilage loss, you need adequate vitamin A, C, D and K. Remember to keep nutrient-rich foods like spinach, apples, milk and olive oil in your daily diet.

4. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise (especially aerobic exercise) increases the supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage, allowing it to regenerate faster. Just 30 minutes of exercise per day is enough to help your cartilage tissue.

5. Do yoga: The regular practice of Yoga adds strength, balance and flexibility to you bones and joints. You are less likely to suffer from catastrophic joint injury if you do Yoga regularly.

6. Get adequate rest: To prevent excessive wear-and-tear, take rest after any kind of activity. If your joints feel sore or painful, then don’t exercise that day. Try to avoid repetitive motions and any vigorous activity.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Monday, May 23, 2016

Link Between Atherosclerosis And Osteoporosis

While it may not be apparent, your circulatory system is intimately connected with your bones. Every single bone in your body is criss-crossed with thousands of blood vessels which bring essential nutrients like calcium and oxygen to it and take away waste matter.

Thus it should be of little surprise that a healthy body needs a strong heart and bones.

Now, researchers have found out that people with Atherosclerosis are more susceptible to gradual loss of bone matter.

What is Atherosclerosis?

The term refers to a condition where plaque builds up inside the walls of the arteries. This decreases the circumference of the blood vessels and reduces blood flow throughout the body. This condition is responsible for heart attack, stroke and can be fatal.

What is Osteoporosis?

If your skeletal system is not making new bone matter adequately or it is gradually losing bone matter, then you are suffering from Osteoporosis. In this condition, the bones become so weak that even a minor accident or fall can result in gruesome fractures and lifelong disability.

The study

In a study published in the American Journal Of Physiology, two kinds of bone cells, osteoblast and osteoclast, were closely observed. Osteoblast is responsible for bone formation while osteoclast is responsible for the removal of ageing bone cells. The study looked at the concentration and behavior of these two kinds of cells in the presence of excess cholesterol in the blood.

The findings

If the blood vessels are clogged with cholesterol, then the concentration of bone-making cells decreases while the concentration of bone-destroying cells remains the same. This leads to gradual loss of bone matter. The cholesterol also contributes to inflammation, which interferes with the creation of new bone cells.

Managing Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis can be managed by following a strict diet of heart-healthy food and moderate exercise. In order to control the level of cholesterol, you should eat fatty fish like mackerel and green leafy vegetables. Minimize salt and sugar intake (especially artificial sweeteners) and include nuts like almonds and walnuts in your diet. Avoid fast food and deep fried food since they are rich in unhealthy trans fat.

Managing Osteoporosis

If you have Osteoporosis, you need to be careful about two things:

1. Preventing a fall: If you have low bone density, you need to watch where you step. A fall can leave you in a wheel-chair for the rest of your life. In order to reduce the risk of falling, you can keep you house neat and tidy. Keep your house well-lit. Remove all slippery items like mats from your house. Always keep the floor of your bathroom dry and carry a walking stick at all times. In the kitchen, keep all the required items near at hand. By following these simple tips, you can reduce the risk of injuring yourself significantly.

2. Nutrition: As your bones have become weak, they need elements like calcium and vitamin D more than ever. Make sure to include bone-boosting foods like milk, cheese and spinach in your daily diet. In order to encourage bone growth, you can do light aerobic exercise. Or you can just take a walk for 30 minutes every day. Nutrition combined with proper lifestyle will help you control Osteoporosis to a large extent.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Saturday, May 21, 2016

Common Age-related Pains And How To Cope With Them

Are you aware that you are ageing?

While you may not notice the passage of time, your body is no longer what it used to be when you were young. It is slowly getting susceptible to infection, disease and especially pain.

Noticing the signs and symptoms of pain can tell a lot about your ageing body. Researchers have discovered a deep connection between the process of ageing and the incidence of chronic pain.

Certain types of pain become so common with age that you should be aware of their causes and how to deal with them. Knowing about them can help you prepare for them and avoid the irritation.

Common pains of age

1. Lower back pain: If you are under 50 and you have lower back pain, it is probably the result of sitting for long stretches. Sitting continuously puts a lot of pressure on the lower discs.

2. Osteoarthritis: This condition usually affects when the cartilage between the joints and bones become degraded. This disease can be the result of ageing or wear-and tear.

3. Joint pain: People can get joint pain without Osteoarthritis – it is called tendinitis. Inflammation of a tendon is tendinitis. Repetitive motion (like typing or playing a sport) is usually the culprit for this condition.

4. Pelvic pain: This usually affects women between the age of 18 and 50. Such a condition is not connected with the periods, for it is usually caused by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

5. Carpal tunnel syndrome: When the median nerve in the hand becomes pinched by the surrounding bones or muscles, you get carpal tunnel syndrome.

6. Muscle strain: Ageing makes your muscles less flexible and less dense, making them more prone to injury and soreness.

7. Headache: Regular headache usually means that you have migraine. Migraine is different from headache since you feel nauseated as well.

How to manage such pain

1. Massage and exercise: If you have lower back pain or Osteoarthritis, then you can try out massage and low-impact aerobic exercises for your back. Or you can try walking for 30 minutes every day.

2. Apply cold pack: Chronic pain can be dealt with by taking adequate rest and applying a cold pack on the affected area. Keep the joint at an elevated position using a pillow to control the sensation of pain.

3. Physical therapy: It is usually one of the first steps to take in order to deal with chronic pain. This will help to increase blood flow and enrich the affected region with nutrients and oxygen. Such a form of therapy is especially useful in case of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

4. Don’t lift heavy objects: The best way to avoid muscle strain is to avoid taking part in rigorous physical activities. Try to avoid lifting heavy weights.

5. Try Yoga: Regular Yoga practice will help to increase blood supply to the joints and make the muscles surrounding them more flexible.

6. Practice Meditation: In order to deal with chronic pain, you can do simple breathing exercises and meditation techniques.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Friday, May 20, 2016

How Pomegranates Can Help In Osteoarthritis

People with Osteoarthritis lead a painful life: they suffer from stiffness, intense agony and loss of mobility. They end up either totally dependent on others, or they are forced to deal with the boredom of a sedentary life.

Now, researchers think that there is hope for such people.

The study

Researchers at the Case Western Reserve University have done extensive research on pomegranates. They published their findings in The Journal of Nutrition.

In the study, several laboratory tests were done on pomegranate extracts. It was made to react with the various chemicals which are known to trigger and support inflammation in the joints.

The findings

Researchers found that:

The anti-oxidants present in pomegranates reduce the level of interleukin, a substance which acts as an inflammatory agent in and around the joints.
Pomegranate extracts also slowed down the production of enzymes which are known to erode cartilage tissue.
Pomegranate extracts “inhibit cartilage degradation in Osteoarthritis” and so the fruit may be considered as a “useful nutritive supplement” for people with Osteoarthritis in order to maintain joint health, function and general mobility.

Pomegranates as natural medicine

In ancient medical systems, pomegranates have been revered for its medicinal properties. Traditional medical experts have used not just the fruit but also the barks and roots of the tree. The powerful antioxidants within it have been effectively used against cancer-causing elements. It is also helpful against cardiovascular diseases. Now, we know that pomegranates can be used as an effective food supplement by people with Osteoarthritis.

Osteoarthritis is one of the diseases for which people seek herbal of traditional medicine. Such treatments are successful in many cases and are relatively inexpensive. They are also without any known side effects. Although all the usually suggested fruits and herbs have not been tested in a laboratory environment, the research done by the researchers at the Case Western Reserve University can be seen as an important milestone in the journey towards dealing with arthritis in a natural and patient-friendly manner.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Thursday, May 19, 2016

Osteoporosis Can Affect Men Too - Learn How To Keep Your Bones Strong!

There is a misconception among many people that Osteoporosis is merely a “women’s disease”. Yes, the incidence of the disease is high in women, especially after menopause. But men are not totally in the clear. Not learning about the disease and having a careless attitude can end up in a crippling fracture – or even worse.

The danger men face

Osteoporosis affects over 2 million men around the world, while over 13 million men have Osteopenia, which is a condition that precedes full-blown Osteoporosis. Because men tend to ignore Osteoporosis, they are usually not aware of its presence until a fracture occurs. By then, it is usually too late to take precautionary measures on bone strength.

What to do?

If you want to know whether you have Osteoporosis, then visit a specialized clinic which deals with bone health. You will be asked to undergo tests which will accurately determine your bone density. If the density is lower than what is normal at your age, then you probably have Osteoporosis.

Strengthening your bones

It doesn’t matter whether you have Osteoporosis or not – having strong bones is vital for overall health. Here are some simple things you can do to help your bones and joints stay strong:

1. Walk daily: It is the simplest form of full-body exercise which needs no gym membership or expensive equipment. Walking is great for keeping your weight under control and keeping the bones active and strong. It can also improve mental health.

2. Eat vegetables: Green leafy vegetables like spinach are packed with nutrients which are important for your bones.

3. Eat calcium-rich foods: Your bones need a steady supply of calcium in order to maintain bone mass. Since your body cannot produce this mineral, you will have to eat foods like milk and cheese in order to get adequate calcium.

4. Get enough vitamin D: Your body needs this vitamin in order to absorb calcium efficiently. Make sure you get enough sunlight throughout the day and eat vitamin-rich foods like eggs and mackerel.

5. Drink green tea every day: Researchers have found that people who drink green tea regularly tend to have stronger bones. 2 to 3 cups of green tea per day should be enough for you.

6. Do strength training: This form of exercise involves the use of instruments like weight machines and dumbbells. Lifting weight makes sure that the bone cells get regenerated. This keeps your bones well-supplied with new bone cells.

You need to make simple changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce the risk of contracting Osteoporosis. While some degree of bone loss in inevitable with age, the food you eat and your overall lifestyle plays a significant role in preventing excessive loss of bone matter. If you seek more information on the problem of bone loss, you should consult the experts at a specialized medical clinic

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Manage Neck Pain With The Right Diet

Your neck is a complex structure made up of many interconnected bones, blood vessels, muscles, nerves and ligaments. Neck pain usually occurs due to muscle strain, cervical spondylosis, incorrect posture, worn out joints or compression of the nerves. To prevent neck pain, you usually take all sorts of precautions like regular exercise and correct posture.

But have you ever thought about the food you eat?

If you eat food which helps to strengthen the vertebrae and the surrounding muscles, then the risk of neck pain gets reduced.

Neck pain diet: what to eat

1. Omega-3 fatty acids: They are usually found in fatty fish like mackerel and can help to lower the inflammatory chemicals in your body. This will help reduce the intensity and incidence of pain.

2. Antioxidants: Fruits like apples and oranges are rich in antioxidants and fibre which help to lower the intensity of the inflammation in the neck. Numerous studies exists testifying the health benefits of eating fruits every day.

3. Calcium and vitamin D: Sometimes the source of the neck pain can be the wear and tear of the vertebrae in your neck. In order to keep the delicate bones healthy, you need to eat calcium-rich foods like milk and cheese. The vitamin D (found in yogurt) helps the body to absorb calcium in the bones efficiently.

4. Magnesium: If you don’t get enough calcium, you may become more susceptible to neck pain, muscle tension and stiffness. The muscles in your neck need magnesium in order to contract and relax. Foods like spinach, almonds and soybeans are rich in magnesium.

5. Water: Muscle pain can be caused by inadequate hydration. Drink at least 8 glasses of water every day in order to maintain the balance of electrolytes and minerals in your body.

Your diet can help you keep neck pain under control. However, if you are in excessive pain from an acute flair-up, you should consult a specialized neck pain clinic without delay.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Got Knee Pain? Don't Stop Walking!

To walk or not to walk – that is the question. But now we have an answer.

People with knee pain face a difficult choice: should they rest their bad knees or take part in activities? For years, people have chosen to take rest, thinking it will give their knees time to heal. Now, researchers have discovered that doing simple, low-intensity activities like walking can actually help your knees stay fit.

How walking helps your knees

Rebuild joints: The pain and stiffness usually comes from the slow degradation of the cartilage tissue in the knee. Walking will improve the nutrient supply to the cartilage, allowing it to regenerate faster.
Strengthens the legs: Walking helps to build strength in the muscles surrounding the joint. This means that the muscles will be able to take up some of the weight borne by the knee joints, which automatically means less pain.
Controls weight: Knee pain is intimately connected with how much you weigh: the more you weigh, the greater is the pain. Calorie-burning activities like walking will help to keep your weight under control.

How to walk

Step 1: Begin slowly. If you want to walk 30 minutes every day then break it up into 3 10-minute sessions. Make sure the walking surface is smooth and without obstacles. Wear sturdy shoes that fit.

Step 2: Use a walking stick or a cane if you have to. It will take some of the weight off from the knee joints and allow you to walk comfortably. A knee brace can also help.

Step 3: Walk only when you think the pain is bearable. If you walk in spite of intense pain then it will make walking uncomfortable and unpleasant.

Step 4: In order to control the pain, apply a heat pack or a warm towel to the affected joint 10 minutes before going out for a walk.

Step 5: If you have access to a swimming pool, then you can try walking in water. The water will take some of the weight off your knees and help reduce the discomfort.

Warning signs

Listen to your body. If you feel that the pain is excessive, then there is no need to walk that day. If you observe any of the following signs, then don’t go for a walk:

Sudden increase in swelling or redness.
Severe pain
Feeling unstable, or that you might fall down any moment.
Severe stiffness.

Walking regularly, especially with a partner, is one of the simplest pleasures of life. Walking will help relieve not just the pain, but also boredom which affects many people in their twilight years. Just make sure you are physically ready to walk so you can thoroughly enjoy this activity.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

www.zilaxo.org