Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Rheumatoid Arthritis - What Are Its Risk Factors?

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is not inevitable with age. You need to have a certain group of risk factors in order to be in the likelihood of having RA. Finding out the risk factors and minimizing their impact can go a long way in slowing down the advent of RA or avoiding it altogether.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

When your immune system targets your joint linings, the condition is called Rheumatoid Arthritis. It’s a long-term condition that also affects other tissues. Usually, the joints are the most severely affected areas of the body. If you have RA, your own immune system starts attacking healthy tissues, thinking that it is fighting an infection. This triggers a chain reaction that leads to more inflammation and cell damage.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Tender, warm and swollen joints
Stiff joints which are worse in the mornings and after a long period of inactivity
Fatigue along with fever
Gradual weight loss

Risk factors

1. Gender: The disease is three times likely to affect women than men.

2. Age: While RA can develop at any age, it is more likely to affect people between the age of 40 and 60 years.

3. Genetics: People with family members who suffer from RA are more likely to get the disease. While the disease itself is not inherited, the predispositions are passed along genetically.

4. Smoking: Researchers have found that regular smokers have a significantly higher risk of developing RA than non-smokers. Smoking increases the likelihood of getting RA. According to the new research published in the journal Arthritis Care and Research, smoking can even lead to an early death for those with RA.

5. Testosterone level: According to research done at Lund University, men with low testosterone are more likely to develop RA later in life.

6. Alcohol: People who drink regularly are at a greater risk of developing RA.

7. Pregnancy: RA is more likely in women who've never been pregnant and in those who've recently given birth.

8. Environmental factors: Chronic exposure to asbestos has been found to increase the likelihood of RA.

9. Obesity: People who are overweight have a higher risk of developing RA, especially women.

Natural treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis

1. Aloe Vera: It has naturally occurring anti-inflammatory property which works to diminish the intensity of the inflammation in the joints.

2. Eucalyptus: It is rich in tannin which helps to reduce inflammation and swelling and also reduces arthritic pain.

3. Ginger: Numerous studies indicate that ginger is one of the most effective herbs in providing relief from arthritic pain.

4. Green tea: Not only is green tea a widely consumed health drink, it has potent anti-inflammatory properties which help you in reducing inflammation.

5. Turmeric: The curcumin present in turmeric has potent inflammation-subduing properties.

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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Sunday, April 10, 2016

Nutritional Deficiency - The Silent Cause Of Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps are painful, but we don’t usually worry about them. They usually affect the calf muscles although they can occur at any part of the body and at any time. When a cramp occurs, we are told to apply cold pack on the affected area. This usually works and then we all forget about it. Short term solution like cold packs and massage are highly effective in stopping and treating cramps. But if you regularly suffer from cramps and strains, then it may be an indication.

Your body is trying to tell you that you are not getting enough nutrients.

Nutritional deficiency and muscle cramps

According to researchers at the New York University, nutritional deficiency can be one of the leading causes of cramps. Deficiencies in minerals like calcium, potassium, magnesium or sodium can trigger a sudden spasm. Eating a healthy diet that provides much-needed minerals can help diminish the frequency and intensity of muscle cramps.

Why does nutritional deficiency cause cramps?

In order to function properly, muscles need adequate amount of nutrients like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. If there is deficiency in any of the minerals, the contraction and relaxation process of the muscles is disrupted, causing cramps.

What causes mineral deficiency?

Not eating foods which contain these essential elements.
Certain medications like diuretics can gradually deplete these nutrients from the body.
An unusually intense workout.

Daily Dietary Recommendations

According to the Department of Agriculture, the human body daily needs

4700mg of potassium
1000mg of calcium
420mg of magnesium
2300mg of sodium
700mg of phosphorus

Which foods to eat?

Potassium: Banana, papaya, mango, orange and pears.
Calcium: Milk, yogurt, orange and dates.
Magnesium: Banana, yogurt, dark chocolate and green leafy vegetables.
Sodium: Carrots, beets, turnips and salt.
Phosphorus: Eggs, dairy products, fish and poultry.
Iron: Whole grain, peas, beans and nuts.
Zinc: Soy beans, pumpkin and sunflower oil.
Iodine: Spinach, garlic and turnip.
Chromium: Oatmeal and nuts.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

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Friday, April 8, 2016

The Perfect Diet For Ankylosing Spondylitis

When it comes to diet, it is hard to separate good advice from bad. If you have Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), the food you take as part of your daily diet can make a big difference in how you feel every day and how manageable the disease can be. Eating the wrong food can worsen the symptoms of AS and lead to unseemly complications like heart problem and compression fractures.

What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

This condition is a kind of arthritis of the spine. This condition occurs when the vertebrae of the spine fuse together, resulting in a stiff spine. The condition may be mild or severe, with the patient showing a stooped posture.

Here are some simple tips to create the perfect diet for Ankylosing Spondylitis:

1. Eat a balanced diet: The human body needs a wide variety of nutrients to cope with AS. Eat plenty of fresh, healthy foods including vegetables and whole grains. Control the consumption of fats, especially saturated fats from red meat.

2. Don’t fall for fads: No diet in the world can cure AS. Some custom diets can actually harm your health. Avoid diets with high concentration of copper or zinc. Don’t go for diets that needlessly restrict calorie intake.

3. Track your eating habits: Write down what you eat and when, and then note what happens to your symptoms. You may find some foods trigger flares, while others help you feel better.

4. Avoid alcohol: People with AS are at a greater risk of getting Osteoporosis. So avoid alcohol since it is known to weaken your bones.

5. Take plenty of calcium and vitamin D: Your body needs these two nutrients in order to strengthen your bones and keep osteoporosis at bay. Include calcium-rich foods like milk and yogurt in your diet. Vitamin D is found plentifully in fish like sardines.

6. Maintain a healthy weight: Regular exercise and diet control can help you maintain a healthy weight. Excess weight puts your muscles and bones under unnecessary stress and thus can worsen the symptoms of AS.

7. Reduce red meat consumption: People who eat less red meat report decrease in the intensity of the symptoms. Fish is a good alternative to red meat. Oily fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids which reduce inflammation and keep your heart healthy.

8. Avoid processed foods: They are usually rich in sugar and salt which are harmful for your health.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

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Thursday, April 7, 2016

Osteoporosis Risk High In People With Belly Fat

“Dada, you are getting fat!” Rahul whispered Mr. Dutta. Mr. Dutta looked up from his office work he had brought home. He led a stressful life. After having a light dinner, he would sit with a packet of chips and diet soda to work till midnight. Then he would have another light dinner. Mr. Dutta was not worried as he was always a hard-working individual. The way he ignored his widening belly was a source of much amusement for Rahul. But it was actually a sign that all was not well. Mr. Dutta was simply ignoring his own body.

Belly fat is not just ugly to look at, a recent study has found that it can raise the risk of Osteoporosis.

The study was presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA). The researchers found a close link between belly fat and the risk of getting Osteoporosis. People who had more fat around the waistline were more likely to have low bone mineral density.

The study

Researchers studied 50 women whose Body Mass Index (BMI) ranged from 19 to 46, with an average BMI of 30. A BMI of 30 or above is an indication of obesity. All the participants underwent MRI scans in order to find out the concentration of fat in the belly. Then they underwent CT scans to determine the bone density.

The findings

The researchers found that the participants with more fat in the belly region had lower bone density. High concentration of fat in the belly was an indication of low bone mineral density. The study found that those with more visceral fat had increased bone marrow fat and decreased bone mineral density.

The researchers say that high belly fat is bad, especially for young women. The study shows that abdominal obesity is connected with the risk of osteoporosis and bone loss. Excessive belly fat is also a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes.

What about men?

In another study presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, the presence of excess belly fat was found to be a risk factor for bone loss and decreased bone strength in men. The researchers observed 35 obese men of an average age of 34 years. The men underwent CT scan in order to measure their bone density. The researchers found that men with belly fat had weak bones.

All fats are not bad

There are many types of fats, all of which are not harmful. Subcutaneous fat lies below the skin while visceral or intra-abdominal fat is found under the muscle tissue, especially in the abdominal cavity. Genetics, diet and level of physical activity are some contributors to the level of visceral fat that is stored in the body. Excess visceral fat is considered particularly dangerous, because it has been associated with an increased risk for heart disease.

How to control belly fat

1. Avoid sugar: Added sugar can be very unhealthy. Numerous studies show that excess consumption of sugar harms metabolic health. When you eat lots of refined sugar, your liver is forced to turn it all into fat.

2. Eat more protein: Getting enough protein is vital for weight loss. Adding adequate protein can help you lose weight and maintain a proper weight.

3. Reduce carbohydrates: Numerous studies report that when people cut carbohydrate consumption, their appetite goes down and they gradually start to lose weight.

4. Have fibre: It slows down the movement of food in the stomach and promotes a prolonged feeling of fullness. The best way to get more fibre is to eat vegetables and fruits.

5. Get aerobic exercise: Activities like walking, running, swimming etc helps to reduce belly fat.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

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Tuesday, April 5, 2016

Facial Wrinkles - A Sign Of Bone Weakness?

Kavita looked at the mirror and became annoyed. There were now a lot of wrinkles on her forehead and near her eyes. The wrinkles gave her a look of a kindly grandmother, something she disliked deeply. “I am not a grandmother yet!” she said to herself. She had read somewhere that wrinkles were once considered a sign of wisdom. Kavita turned away from the mirror in disgust. She was quite irritated.

What if wrinkles were something more than just another sign of ageing?

In a study, presented at the Endocrine Society’s Annual Meeting, researchers at Yale University

School of Medicine have found that there is a deep connection between wrinkles and bone density.

The study

Researchers measured the number and depth of facial wrinkles and the skin firmness in 114 women. All the participants were within three years of their last period. Then the bone density at the hip, the spine and heels was measured using ultrasound and X-ray.

The findings

The more wrinkles the participants had, the lower was their bone density. This inverse relationship between wrinkles and bone density was found at all skeletal sites. This relationship was found to be independent of factors like age, weight and body composition.

But why?

Bones and skin share the same building block, namely collagen. Due to ageing, the concentration of collagen in the skin and the bones change. This leads to weakened bones and sagging skin.

The study shows that it is possible to identify women with weak bones by measuring the concentration of their facial wrinkles. This study can be used to identify risk of fracture in populations where there is low access to expensive equipment.

How to protect your bones

1. Get plenty of Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium is one of the primary building blocks of your bones. The human body cannot produce calcium. So you need to eat food which is rich in calcium. Foods like yogurt, milk and cheese are known to contain high concentration of calcium. The vitamin D helps the body to absorb calcium in the bones in an efficient manner.

2. Exercise regularly: Walking regularly is the simplest way of maintaining your bone strength. You need to walk just 3 miles every week in order to keep your bones healthy. You can also add strength training to your workout routine since it is known to increase bone mineral density.

3. Eat fish: Fish like sardines are rich in calcium and vitamin D. Instead of taking calcium supplements, you can eat fish at least thrice a week to help your bones stay strong. Such fish also have omega-3 fatty acids, which help to keep your heart strong.

4. Eat green leafy vegetables: Green vegetables like spinach are rich in calcium, fibre, iron and vitamin A. Eating vegetables regularly can help your bones, while gradually improving overall health.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

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Monday, April 4, 2016

Why Sportswomen Get More Injuries Than Men

Taking part in competitive sports is an enormously rewarding and thrilling experience. Nowadays, both men and women are allowed to play at all levels of various sports. But the risk of injuries is more prevalent for women.

It is a fact that women are more prone to debilitating injuries than their male counterparts. In sports that involves landing from a jump or changing direction at speed, women suffer from more injuries than men. Sportswomen are currently considered to be up to 8 times more likely to suffer from some kind of ligament injuries. The greater the level of competition in sports, the more they are at risk.

It is generally believed that alignment of the knee is a major indicator of an at-risk athlete. If the knee falls inward when bending, running or jumping - as is often the case in female athletes - the ACL is more likely to rupture.

Most common injuries

Ankle sprain: This is particularly common among women.
Shoulder injury: Problems in the rotator cuff, tendon inflammation, tendinitis and instability.
Knee injuries: They are the most common cause of disability in female players, accounting for up to 91% of season-ending injuries and 94% of injuries requiring surgery.
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL): Girls are 8 times more likely to suffer an ACL injury than boys.
Stress fractures: Risk of fractures in the lower leg is especially high due to inadequate nutrition, irregular menstruation and bone loss.
Plantar fasciitis: Small tears in the tissue of the heel can appear due to misalignment of the foot.

Why are women injury-prone?

We know little about how men and women are susceptible to particular injuries. Research is still being carried out into rates of concussion, joint injuries and even bone damage in women.

Probable causes:

Women's muscles become more flexible after puberty. Without sufficient muscle to stabilise them, joints can be at risk.
Higher oestrogen levels.
Less muscle mass along with greater body fat.
Wider pelvis, which alters the alignment of the knee and ankle.
Narrower space in the knee for the ACL.
High risk of inadequate calcium and vitamin D.

What to do?

Educating coaches is the first priority. They are usually geared to performance than injury prevention.
Strength and conditioning programmes for vulnerable muscles.
The rate of ACL injuries can be brought down if the muscles are strengthened.
Train yourself to change direction using both feet.
Learn how to land from jumps properly and safely.
Sign up for weight-lifting programmes that target specific muscles like the hamstrings.
Insert shoe supports to help prevent plantar fasciitis.
Take the expert advice from a nutritionist in order to prevent nutritional inadequacies.
There is no need to “play through the pain”. If you feel pain or weakness, stop immediately and consult the team doctor.
Do stretching exercises at least 4 times a week to increase muscle mobility.
Drink plenty of fluids to prevent heat injury.
Take rest regularly. Plan to have at least 1 day off every week.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

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Saturday, April 2, 2016

Shoulder Pain At Work - What Should You Do?

After 7 hours in the office, Manojit just couldn’t take it anymore. His right shoulder felt as if it was slowly being torn off. Like most of his colleagues, he thought that the pain would go away on its own. Work is, after all, much more important! With still 1 hour left, Manojit felt swarmed with pain and anxiety. May be the pain means that something is seriously wrong with his shoulders. Will he be able to work? A thousand thoughts crowded his mind and confused him even more.

Why shoulder pain occurs

Shoulder pain often stems from repetitive and awkward movements done in a prolonged manner. The pain results from Repetitive StrainInjury (RSI). RSI usually affects people at work. Short and repetitive activities like typing on a keyboard can strain the muscles and ligaments ,resulting in pain and stiffness.

Activities which cause RSI include:

Using a computer mouse
Typing on a keyboard
Frequent use of heavy industrial machinery
Swiping items at work

Causes of shoulder pain

Strain caused by muscles kept in one position for long period of time
Awkward posture
Mechanical stress (such as resting your wrists on the hard surface of the table while typing)
Small but regular pressure on the shoulder
Vibration of the shoulder caused by a tool
Exposure to high temperature

People who have physically intensive jobs along with those who just work on a computer are both at risk of getting shoulder pain. In most office environments, RSI result from intensive computer use for long period of time. Sedentary work habits along with stress and heavy work load can weaken your muscles and cause enormous pain.

Preventing shoulder pain at work

Here are a few suggestions to help desk workers adjust the ergonomics of their workspaces. These techniques can help reduce shoulder pain at work.

Sitting correctly

When you sit at your desk, make sure that:

The feet are firmly planted on the ground
The thighs are parallel to the floor
Your elbows are adequately supported and close to your body
The wrists and the hands are in line with your forearms
Your lower back is well supported by the chair

Rearrange your workspace

Don’t sit at a desk which is too high. Install an adjustable keyboard and mouse tray if you feel that your table is not comfortable. Keep everything you use regularly within easy reach.

Readjust your monitor

Keep the monitor at an arm’s length away from you. The top of the screen should be just below your eye level. The keyboard should be at the centre, in line with the monitor.

How to use your phone

Never cradle your phone between your ear and your shoulder. If you are required to use the phone frequently, then get a headset.

Take a break

Doctors suggest taking at least 3 minutes of break for every hour you work. Shake your hands and arms to increase blood circulation and relax the muscles. Relax your eyes, head and neck by focusing on any object far away from your desk.

Courtesy - Zilaxo Advanced Pain Solution

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