How to Relieve Arthritis Pain

Arthritis can be due to a number of contributing factors. Some of these are factors like genetics and age which we cannot control. Others, like our weight and other lifestyle factors are within our power to change. The symptoms of arthritis are pain, fatigue and swollen joints. The illness is far more common in women than in men – about 2/3 of arthritis sufferers are women.

If you have been diagnosed with arthritis, there are things you can do to alleviate the symptoms.

Exercise

Getting regular exercise will keep your joints limber and can reduce arthritis pain. Be sure to stretch and warm up before exercise and to cool down and stretch afterwards. Low impact exercise like walking and cycling is best. Regular exercise will also increase the strength of your bones and joints.

Diet

Just as important as exercise is diet. A healthy diet which is rich in fruits and vegetables (many of which have anti-inflammatory properties) will go a long way towards easing the symptoms of arthritis. Losing weight is also helpful, since any extra pounds you are carrying puts additional stress on your joints. You may also consider using an herbal appetite suppressant like hoodia in order to facilitate quick weight loss.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Complementary and alternative medicine is gaining popularity as a way to reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis. Some of the more commonly used therapies are massage, yoga, tai chi and magnetotherapy. Yoga and Tai Chi are especially beneficial exercises for arthritics. There are also herbal anti-inflammatory supplements which can help to reduce swelling and pain in the joints.

Non-surgical Procedures

Arthritis can also be alleviated with some non-surgical medical procedures like spot injections of steroids.

Hot and Cold Treatments

Ice is a standby for arthritis pain. It numbs soreness and also reduces inflammation. Heat is also useful, but works differently. Heat improves circulation and relaxes muscles and ligaments, which reduces pain and increases flexibility – which is why it is usually recommended over cold. However, the choice between heat and cold should come down to which gives you more relief from your arthritis symptoms.

Common cold therapy products include…

• Frozen gel cold packs: These are very convenient. Just keep them in your freezer and apply them as needed. You’ll want to wrap them in a dry cloth or towel before applying to your skin, however.
• Biofreeze: This is a topical pain reliever used for temporary relief of pain from arthritis and tendonitis. It is available in spray, gel pump or roll-on form.

Common heat therapy products include…

• Infrared heat: This heat penetrated deep into tissue to reduce pain; a infrared heating belt is a good choice, since it can be used nearly anywhere.
• Spa or hot tub: A portable sauna works great to provide arthritis relief and is easy to move around. If it’s within your means, however, installing a sauna or hot tub in your home is also a good idea.
  Arthritis gloves: These gloves provide both warmth and a little bit of compression, while leaving the fingertips open so you can still work with your hands. They can be worn all day without adverse effects.

 

Vital Nutrients for People Over 50

As we get older, our bodies need more nutrients to stay healthy. Getting a healthy, balanced diet and supplements as necessary can make sure that we stay in the best possible health even as we age. However, the American Dietary Association reminds us that older people need more nutrients but fewer calories, since the metabolism tends to slow as we age.

Every person has a different level of physical activity and a different metabolic rate, so the exact number of calories needed depends on the individual. However, everyone needs about the same amounts of seven essential nutrients; so without further delay:

• Vitamin A – We all know that vitamin A is good for our eyes, but it also is healthy for the skin and for immune function. Carrots, cantaloupe, summer squash and green leafy vegetables are all good sources of this vitamin.
• Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 helps give a higher energy level and nervous system health, which helps establish mental and emotional clarity and stability. Meat, eggs and dairy products are good sources of B12.
• Vitamin C – This vitamin boosts the immune system, can help alleviate cold and flu symptoms and is a powerful antioxidant. Many older people suffer from iron deficiency, which can be helped by having vitamin C along with your food – the vitamin helps your body absorb iron from your food more efficiently. You can get vitamin C from citrus fruits and juices, as well as from some vegetables.
• Vitamin D - Vitamin D helps you to absorb calcium more efficiently, keeps your skin healthy and is essential for bone health. You can make Vitamin D on your own – you just need 20-30 minutes of sun two to three times weekly. You can also get Vitamin D in your diet from eggs, tuna, enriched milk and mushrooms.
• Protein – People over 50 should have at least five ounces of protein daily. Meat, eggs, beans and dairy products are good sources of protein.
• Folate - Folate helps your blood to bring more oxygen to the body. The best sources of folate are spiach, kidney beans, strawberries, peas, romaine lettuce and broccoli.
• Calcium - this is one of the very most important mineral nutrients, especially for older people. Those over 50 should have at least 1,200 milligrams of calcium each day. The richest sources of calcium are dairy products, but calcium is also found in green leafy vegetables, cereal and some enriched juices.

If your diet is coming up short in terms of any of these seven nutrients, you may be in need of supplementation. High quality nutritional supplements are available which can help your body get what it needs to stay in peak health.

How to Tighten Your Skin Naturally

As we get older, gravity begins to take its toll – this can be seen in the form of loose skin. To help alleviate this problem and tighten out skin, many of us use various skin care products. However, the offerings on the market are relatively few and not all of them are terribly effective. In this article, we’ll look at some natural solutions which are effective and inexpensive while being easy to implement.

The Fountain Of Youth Just May Be Your Refrigerator!

There are plenty of natural items which are probably in your kitchen which can help to tighten your skin.

Honey, egg whites, oatmeal, cucumbers, avocados, yogurt, bananas, olive oil and vitamin E capsules can all help to tighten your skin when applied directly. Make a paste out of one or a combination of these ingredients and leave on your skin for 20 minutes before rinsing off.

Most people apply these ingredients to their face and neck, but they are equally effective anywhere on your body – it’s probably best to apply these in the bathtub if you plan on using them as a body mask!

Alternatives to Surgery

While surgery is certainly an option for tightening your skin, there are some other alternatives; not everyone is interested in having surgical intervention to counteract loose skin.

You can perform resistance exercises three or four times per week to build new muscle under your skin, which will cause it to tighten. You can also help achieve tighter skin by eating the right diet. This includes ample lean protein and drinking lots of water.

Over the Counter Products That Contain Natural Ingredients

Personally, I prefer to avoid putting chemicals on my skin. There are skin care products you can find which are made only of natural ingredients and are effective at tightening the skin. Make sure to look for products which contain natural ingredients when you are trying to reduce lines and wrinkles and get tighter, more youthful looking skin.

Natural products made from fruit and vegetable extracts will nourish your skin with vitamins and minerals which can help lend a healthier appearance. There are a number of excellent products which you can buy online or at your local shops which are made from natural ingredients – just be sure to read the labels before buying.

Now of course, none of these options will be effective for any longer than you are actually using them, so be sure to choose something which you are comfortable with using at least once a day before buying any kind of skin cream. Keep in mind that nothing is going to provide instant results. Be realistic and stick with your regime for a while before deciding whether or not to move on to another one. Remember, natural products usually take a little longer to produce results – but the wait is worth it.

Look into the ingredients in any cream you are thinking of buying; make sure it contains no ingredients you are allergic to. Even natural products can have adverse side effects if you are allergic to the ingredients. There are several options for tightening your skin naturally. Give it some though and go with a treatment which works best for you. Before long, your skin will be looking healthier and tighter.

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