Thursday, December 20, 2018

5 Micronutrients Your Bones Crave During Winter and Why


Are we getting well-synchronized with winter? Our answer might dwell in an affirmative atmosphere but a mild drop in temperature is enough to make us homebound with pain & stiffness in bones and muscles. 

Moreover, another pensive factor is the extent of bone loss! Surprisingly, it is more during the winter months (December - February) as compared to any other time of year. Researchers have found out three main causes. Let’s look at these...

i) Low exposure to Sunlight: Limited sunlight absorption in winter has been observed as one of the primary cause behind ailing bones. Reduced sunlight ebbs the synthesis of vitamin D resulting in Osteomalacia (Softening of the bones due to the deficiency of calcium or Vitamin D).

ii) Decrease in Physical Activities: Regular high intensity exercises help to increase the bone density. However, cold weather makes us sluggish & we refrain from exercising daily. This decreases the flexibility and increases our pain & stiffness.

iii) Faulty Binge Diet: With the arrival of the winter, our appetite can spin out of control, making us crave for spicy junk foods instead of the healthier ones.

To stay fit as fiddle it is important to strengthen our skeletal system and prevent fractures by consuming foods with bone-friendly nutrients.

Calcium

Being the most important building block of our body, calcium is essential for the development, growth and maintenance of our skeletal system. It also helps in regulating muscle contraction & relaxation.

So, aim for at least 1,000 mg to 1,200 mg of calcium daily. The adequate amount of calcium in the diet helps to sustain bone strength & density. Thus, reducing the risk of Osteoporosis, Osteomalacia and other Degenerative Bone Disorders.

For instance, dairy products like milk, cheese, & yogurt can meet up one-fourth of your Calcium requirement. Dry fruits like raisins, apricots, and figs are rich in Calcium. Other sources include collard greens, kale, spinach, nuts, small fishes, etc.

Vitamin D

What comes to your mind when you first think of Vitamin D? Sunshine Vitamin! True the best source of this Vitamin comes from sun rays but only the early morning rays. But how many of us can afford the golden rays.

Vitamin D is crucial for helping the body get ample amount of Calcium and Phosphorus- these minerals are critical for building and maintaining strong bones.
Its requirement is imperative to prevent and reverse a wide range of critical conditions like Rickets in children, Osteomalacia in adults, and Osteoporosis in the aged.
Now the question is how do we get it? Adults need at least 600 IU of Vitamin D.
Foods like mushrooms, fatty fishes, egg yolk, fortified yogurts, peanut butter, avocados, and oranges can help you to maintain the level of Vitamin D necessary for your body.

A research conducted by Harvard University has found that people who are into aerobic exercises in the early morning outside, like brisk walking, jogging or running exhibit higher levels of Vitamin D, High Density Cholesterol (HDL) and Low heart diseases & bone stiffness.

Vitamin K

Very few of us are familiar with “Vitamin K”. Yes or No? Well, this Vitamin plays an important role is Bone Mineralization, a process which contributes to bone strength.

Few foods are good sources of Vitamin K1 and K2. Especially some leafy greens like kale, spinach, collard greens, mustard greens, lettuce, and parsley are rich in K1. Even sprouts, cabbage, meat and bony fishes are good sources of Vitamin K1.
Fermented foods like yogurt, raw cheese, cucumber pickles are rich in Vitamin K2.

A cup of raw spinach packs 145 micrograms or 120 percent of the daily Vitamin K adequate intake for men.

Magnesium

Magnesium may be the lightest micronutrient but it assures strength and firmness of the bones and makes the teeth stronger. Moreover, a minimum level of Magnesium is necessary to enhance the absorption of Calcium in our body.

Magnesium plays a vital role in the production of calcitonin, a bone preserving hormone. It also regulates parathyroid hormone, involved with the function of bone breakdown in number of ways.

The role of Magnesium doesn’t end here; it also helps to activate Vitamin D and the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. A mild deficiency of the enzyme can lead to abnormal crystal formation and can also result in Osteoporosis.

Fortunately, our dietary supplements can reduce any risk related to Magnesium deficiency. Dairy products, leafy greens like spinach, collard greens, kale, carrots, and fatty fishes are rich in Magnesium. An amount of 400-420 mg of magnesium for men & 300-320 mg of magnesium for women is necessary for daily consumption.

Potassium

Only a handful of people know about Potassium’s contribution to bone health. In fact, studies have found that a potassium-rich diet counteracts the harmful effects of the metabolic acids (a result of biochemical reactions).

Deficiency of Potassium urges the body to pull away the alkalizing compounds from the bones, resulting in Bone Loss. Potassium plays a pivotal role in protecting the bone-strengthening minerals such as Calcium & Phosphorus from getting washed away. It increases bone density, thus, adding to the strength factor of the bones.

An average individual is recommended to take 3,500-4,700 milligrams of Potassium every day.

Instead of taking potassium supplements, it is always better to go for natural potassium sources. Bananas are the richest source of this mineral followed by dry fruits such as apricots, figs, raisins, and leafy greens, green veggies like broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, mushrooms and cucumbers. 

STOP SUFFERING, START LIVING!!

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll-Free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

Thursday, December 6, 2018

What causes Neuralgia & how to deal with it?













Precisely, Neuralgia is defined as an intense, mostly intermittent pain along the course of a 
nerve, especially in the head or face. The stabbing pain originates from an affected nerve which may be the result of:

Ø  Ageing
Ø  Diseases such as Diabetes or Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disabling disease of the brain & spinal cord (central nervous system). The immune system attacks the myelin (protective sheath) that covers the nerve fibres and causes communication problems between the brain & other body parts. Symptoms vary from person to person depending upon the location of the affected nerve. They manifest in the form of:

·        Numbness/weakness in one or more limbs
·        Partial/complete loss of vision
·        Prolonged double vision
·        Slurred speech & so on

How Does MS Cause Neuralgia?

Multiple Sclerosis patients are often affected by ‘Trigeminal Neuralgia’.  The trigeminal nerve is one which travels from the brain to different parts of the face. MS patients suffer from Demyelination (loss of myelin sheath surrounding nerve fibres) which often becomes responsible for triggering the neuralgic pain! Trigeminal Neuralgia causes severe, recurrent pain in the face, usually on one side. In fact, sometimes it is one of the earliest and most painful symptoms of multiple sclerosis! Aged people (above 50) are common sufferers of this condition!

Other Risk Factors of Neuralgia

Diabetes: People affected with diabetes may have their nerves damaged because of excess glucose in the bloodstream. The commonly affected areas, in this case, are the hands, arms, feet & legs!

Shingles: This is a viral infection caused by Varicella zoster, the same virus that causes chicken-pox. After the chicken pox infection is gone, the virus may stay back in the nervous system for years & reactivate as shingles! It manifests in red skin rashes with sensations of pain & burning.

Shingles cause ‘Postherpetic Neuralgia’. It causes that same pain & burning, sometimes even three months after the shingles rashes have disappeared. People with this condition often cannot even bear the touch of clothing on the affected skin (Allodynia)! The risk generally aggravates with age or if the person’s immunity is weakened.

Most commonly, pressure on nerves may cause neuralgia. The compression may be induced by a bone, blood vessel or tumour! Swollen blood vessels’ pressure is mostly responsible for Trigeminal Neuralgia!

How to Deal with the Menace?

Exercise is the best answer. It releases natural painkillers called ‘Endorphins’. It also increases blood flow to the nerves in the legs & feet and revitalizes the damaged nerves! A daily walk could be the most recommended choice.

One should also thrive to get a good night’s sleep. Nerve pains worsen at night, thus disrupting sleep & further worsening the condition. This vicious cycle can only be broken with proper sleep habits like restricting caffeine intake at night, moving to bed early & getting about eight hours of sleep daily. Apart from these, certain home-made remedies like alternative hot & cold pack application can work wonders. Simply pressing a hot water bag provides great relief. Some may not want to alternate it with cold touches; it is the winter season after all!

STOP SUFFERING, START LIVING!!

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations andInternationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll-Free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Elbow pain? How do you know if it’s a Golfer’s Elbow or a Tennis Elbow?

Golfer’s Elbow (GE) or Medial Epicondylitis is essentially tendinosis of the bony bump on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle). Tendinosis is essentially inflammation of the tendons.  In this case the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the inner side of the elbow are affected. The pain radiates through the muscles to the wrist and fingers. Stretching and gripping become extremely difficult due to the tenderness over the bony epicondyle.

What causes Golfer’s Elbow

Excessive pressure on tendons & tissues connected to fingers, palm & wrist movements result in Golfer’s elbow. Other reasons include- forceful gripping for long hours, lifting heavy objects carelessly etc.

Sometimes, pain in the elbow may often go unidentified. It may be mistaken as normal muscle sprain. 

Symptoms specific to Golfer’s Elbow are:

ü  Deformation of the elbows
ü  Inflammation of elbows
ü  Burning and Feverish feeling
ü  Difficulty in bending the elbow easily
ü  Tenderness in the interior of the elbow

What causes Tennis Elbow

The Tennis Elbow on the other hand is medically termed as Lateral Epicondylitis. It is a condition where inflammation occurs in the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. Primarily, in case of a tennis elbow a tendon named Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) is affected! Extensors are tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outer elbow that is the Lateral Epicondyle.

Particularly, jobs involving repetitive actions are responsible for causing tennis elbow. Mostly, tennis players, painters, plumbers & carpenters are afflicted by Tennis Elbow. Also, it has been statistically observed that auto drivers, cooks and butchers become victims of Tennis Elbow at some point in their life.

Tennis elbow symptoms may be jotted down as:

ü  Trouble while lifting the object
ü  Uneasiness while opening a door or any ‘pulling’ activity
ü  Pain and discomfort while shaking hands
ü  Difficulty in straightening the wrist
ü  Tenderness in the bony bump on the outer elbow


So where lays the difference between a Tennis Elbow and a Golfer’s Elbow?

In a nutshell, the causes, symptoms and anatomical structures involved in a tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow are more or less similar. The only difference is that they appear on opposite sides of the elbow and the lower arm. Both result from overuse of the elbow due to repetitive actions!

How to deal with the pain?

When it comes to dealing with your elbow pain – be it Golfer’s Elbow or a Tennis Elbow – resting the arm is the initial and the most important step. Wearing wrist splints or arm slings also help. Some other solutions may involve:

Cold Therapy: Applying the ice in the affected area help to reduce the inflammation, redness and swelling. Make sure, you wrap the ice before applying it either on Golfer’s Elbow or Tennis Elbow.

Exercise: Exercises help to speed up the healing process of the Golfer’s elbow and Tennis elbow. If afflicted with Golfer’s elbow try out wrist curls, tennis ball squeeze, rubber band exercise and golfer’s elbow stretch. In case of Tennis Elbow go for sock squeeze, bicep curls, wrist extension stretch, wrist flexor stretch and handshake stretch.

Diet: An appropriate diet helps to reduce inflammation and promote tissue healing. Indulge in foods rich in vitamin A like pumpkin, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots; Omega-3 fatty acids-fatty fishes, chia seeds, walnuts; Zinc- poultry, eggs, legumes; Copper- Dark leafy greens, dry dried fruits like prunes, cocoa and black pepper and yeast.


STOP SUFFERING, START LIVING!!

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations andInternationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll-Free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.
              

Monday, November 12, 2018

5 Everyday Mistakes That Can Cause Joint Pain


Most people believe hereditary causes or natural degeneration due to old age are the only risk factors of joint pain. However, there are certain mistakes which we unknowingly make every day that drastically increases the risk of developing joint pain, and aggravates such pain.

A considerable proportion of people suffering from joint pain have been observed to indulge in these unhealthy habits on a regular basis. Let us take a close look at them.

• Using the Wrong Muscles
We are all aware that our musculoskeletal structure comprises numerous large and small muscles. When we use our small muscles too much in the course of our daily activities, it places unnecessary and excessive stress on our joints. For instance, lifting something heavy off the ground without bending our knees and relying almost entirely on our back muscles is one of the leading causes of back sprains.

-         We should bend our knees when lifting a heavy object off the floor so that our thigh muscles bear the substantial part of the pressure and not our back muscles.

-         Opening heavy doors by making use of our shoulder muscles and not our fingers is also highly recommended.

-         When carrying something for a distance, we must hold it close to our body making use of the palms of our hands and not our fingers.

We should always focus on performing physical activities in a way that keeps the stress on our joints to a minimum.

• Overdoing Exercise
In our ambition to lose those extra pounds to steal the show at a party or getting the perfectly toned body, we often end up going overboard with our exercise routine. This can increase the risk of injuries that result in joint and muscle pain.

When you take up a new exercise routine or decide to push out existing one up a notch, it is of paramount importance that you start slowly and learn the correct technique to perform those activities. Furthermore, you should never skip warm-up and cool-down regimens before and after exercise. Keep an eye out for how your body and your joints feel in the course of exercise. A sharp pain or soreness that does not go down without a few hours is a clear sign that you are overextending yourself.

• Having a Poor Posture
Posture can be divided into 2 broad types, namely, static posture & dynamic posture. While static posture relates to how one holds themselves while sitting, standing & sleeping, dynamic posture refers to the same when they are walking, running or bending over to pick something up. To maintain a healthy neck, shoulders & back, we must try not to stand or sit in one position for more than 30 minutes. Also, those who have a desk job should take regular stretch breaks.

In order to maintain a good posture whether standing or sitting, follow these instructions:

-         Line your ankles with the knees

-         Your shoulders should be back & down, positioned directly over your hips

-         The top of your head should point toward the ceiling

This brings us to the subject of what the correct sleeping posture should be. It is of utmost importance as even one night of sleep in an irregular position can result in days of joint ache.

You should avoid, at all costs:

-        The Foetal Position- Do not sleep on your side with your knees drawn up to your chest.

-        Sleeping on Your Stomach- Sleeping on your stomach can cause back and neck pain, especially if you use a saggy mattress.

-        Using a Thick Pillow- A thick pillow can not only cause neck soreness but also lead to spine issues in the long run. Use a pillow that allows your head to be at a normal position, keeping the natural curve of your neck intact. Your pillow should, at all times, be under your head and not your shoulders.

-        Sleeping on a Sofa- A sofa can never provide the comfort nor the support required for a sound sleep.

A healthy sleeping position is one that aids in maintaining the curve of your lower back. It is recommended to sleep on your back with a pillow under your knee. If you are sleeping on your side, keep your knees slightly bent.

• Carrying a Heavy Bag Around
Whether it is a messenger bag, purse or a backpack, carrying a heavy load around for prolonged hours can alter your walking stride & posture. This, in turn, strangulates the delicate nerves in the joints by putting excessive strain on our shoulders, spine & neck, thereby causing joint pain.

Doctors suggest that we should weigh our purse or single-sided bags when they are full and make sure that they do not weigh more than 5% of our total body weight. For instance, if a person weighs 70 kg, his bag should not have a weight of more than 3.5 kg.

Double-sided backpacks distribute the pressure of their weight more evenly than single-sided ones. Thus, we can pack in more weight in them. However, always remember to keep the weight of your bag such that it does not create a feeling of uneasiness, discomfort or pain.

•Smoking or Tobacco Use
Smoking has a two-pronged effect on our skeletal structure. They adversely affect bone health and at the same time weaken the joints. It has been observed that smoking increases the level of “Cortisol” hormone in the body. This limits bone growth & increases the risk of bone breakdown.

On the other hand, the “Nicotine” contained in tobacco shrinks the minute blood vessels that supply blood to the joints, particularly the disks in our spine. Clinically, people who chew or smoke tobacco are at a substantially higher risk of developing joint & spine problems, even as early as their 30s.

STOP SUFFERING, START LIVING!!

Note: Through the synergistic combination of Classical Homoeopathy, Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations andInternationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo, call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll-Free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.

Monday, October 29, 2018

Essential Things to Know About Keeping Your Spine Healthy


Whenever we have back pain, the most common causes are spine issues like a herniated disc, slipped disc, spinal stenosis & lumbar spondylosis. We take medication & follow strict diet & exercise routines to minimize it. However, once the pain goes away, we return to the same unhealthy habits that initially resulted in back pain. Thus, the vicious cycle of disorder & treatment goes on.
If we just take a step back & look to improve our spine health, it can go a long way in preventing many kinds of back pain. Let us discuss the small changes that we can make to our everyday routines for a healthy spine.

     1.     Proper Posture is a Boon for Your Spine: In a general sense, posture can be divided into 2 broad types, namely, static posture & dynamic posture. While static posture relates to how you hold yourself while sitting, standing & sleeping, dynamic posture refers to the same while you walk, run or bend over to pick something up. To maintain a healthy neck, shoulders & back, try not to stand or sit in one position for more than 30 minutes. Also, remember to take regular stretch breaks if you have a desk job.
          In order to maintain a good posture whether standing or sitting, you must:
-         Line your ankles with the knees
-         Your shoulders should be back & down, positioned directly over your hips
-         The top of your head should point toward the ceiling

2.     Know Your Nutrients: The two nutrients that impact bone health the most are “calcium” & “vitamin D”. While calcium plays an important role in building bone tissues, vitamin D aids the body to absorb & process calcium. The richest natural source of calcium is milk & milk-based products. Besides dairy, leafy green vegetables such as cabbage & broccoli, soya beans, nuts, & fish like pilchards, sardines, etc. are good sources of calcium. On the other hand, our body produces vitamin D naturally when the skin is exposed to sun rays. Other sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon, mackerel & tuna, egg yolks, fortified orange juice, etc. In addition to calcium & vitamin D, nutrients that play key roles in maintaining bone strength are vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin B12 & protein.

     3.     Staying Hydrated is the Key: It is well-known that drinking adequate water & staying hydrated throughout the day boosts metabolism, circulation, digestion, as well as the overall functioning of the body. However, taking plenty of fluids is particularly important for spine & back health. Water is one of the major constituents of the spinal discs. Hence, keeping them hydrated & nourished enhances their flexibility. This, in turn, allows them to appropriately perform their function as shock absorbers between the spinal vertebrae. So, do not forget to take at least 8 glasses of water throughout the day & also include enough fluids in your daily diet.

     4.     All Work & No Play Makes Jack a Dull Boy: Regular exercise plays an important role in strengthening the spine & preventing back pain. Here are a few exercises that are both easy-to-do & effective:

i)                   Knee to Chest Stretch
Step 1: Start by lying flat on your back
Step 2: Pull one knee toward your chest by clasping it with both hands
Step 3: Hold for 10 seconds & then switch legs
Step 4: Repeat 3-5 times for each leg
Step 5: Bring both knees to your chest, hold for 10 seconds, repeat 3-5 times


ii)                Hamstring Stretch
                Step 1: Lie flat on your back
                Step 2: Keeping your left leg straight, bend your right leg & rotate it over                   your left leg
                Step 3: Hold this position for 30 seconds
                Step 4: Switch legs & repeat 3-5 times on each side

iii)              Neck Turn
                Step 1: Start with a sitting position looking straight ahead
                Step 2: Gently rotate your head toward your left shoulder & hold for 20                     seconds
                Step 3: Bring your head to the starting position, & then repeat on the other                                side
                Step 4: Repeat 3-5 times for each side

iv)              Neck Side Tilt
                Step 1: Start by sitting straight & looking ahead
                Step 2: Gently tilt your head to the left, bringing your ear toward the                                          shoulder & hold for 20 seconds
                Step 3: Return to the starting position & repeat on the other side
                Step 4: Repeat 3-5 times on each side

     
5.     Watch What You Eat: Studies show that smoking & alcohol abuse increase the level of “cortisol” hormone in the body. This limits bone growth & increases the risk of bone breakdown. If giving up alcohol & smoking proves to be too difficult on your own, do not hesitate to take the help of your close ones or visit a medical counsellor for assistance. Furthermore, the intake of soda, raw salt & caffeine result in loss of calcium through urine, thereby adversely affecting bone health. Hence, limiting these items in our diet will have a positive effect on our bones.

STOP SUFFERING, START LIVING!!

Note: Through     the    synergistic    combination     of       Classical Homoeopathy,  Ayurvedic-Unani Formulations and Internationally Acclaimed Advanced Physiotherapy, Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution aims to eradicate joint pain, counter the process of degeneration and promote bone health. The protocol is at once scientific, effective as well as safe. To avail treatment at Zilaxo,  call on 1800 419 6607 (Toll-Free) or WhatsApp at +91 98304 26607.