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My Experiment: 1 Year Off the Carnivore Diet

I had achieved something I never thought I would – superhuman status! I held this status for 5 years easily with a strict carnivore diet to start then a majority carnivore diet to sustain my results. I was 80-90% Carnivore with some dairy, a few veggies maybe twice a month. The same with fruit.

I would deviate quite a lot on monthly outing and celebrations where I was expected to partake. I did, and it didn’t bother me other than a day or so of bloat.

I was in the best shape of my life with clean energy, amazing joint flexibility and mobility, good strength, exercise felt great with minimal recovery symptoms from heavy sessions. I literally felt better than I did when I was in my 30’s! I exercised because I felt good. It was no longer something I had to make myself do.

I had no skin lesions, no more seborrheic dermatitis, was no longer getting colds or other illnesses, no addictions (sugar/sweet,) no hunger pangs, no adult acne breakouts, no joint pain or stiffness, no heart burn, no indigestion, my Heberden’s Nodes disappeared (reabsorbed,) no paresthesias from previous lumbar and neck injuries (years of full contact, jiu jitsu, and karate sparring.)

Why Stop What Was Working?

As a man of science and a healthcare professional, I had been asking the question, what would happen if I went back to the way I was eating before? How much have I healed? Was I cured of seborrheic dermatitis or was it simply not being triggered (remission,) would my arthritic lesions (Heberden’s nodes) return? Would I get heartburn with spicy foods and grains? Would I get acne breakouts? And how much bad weight would I regain? What about cravings and the signs of carbohydrate addiction? Would I get my obligatory 2 colds a year again?

The Experiment Design:

I decided to simply eat with my wife, friends and other family. This included all the Holiday and celebration foods.

This way of eating basically put back in vegetable oils, grains (bread and pasta mostly,) vegetables including nightshades, sugar, fruit, a little high fructose corn syrup, refined carbs, and diet drinks. Coffee would be put back in, also.

My wife’s way of eating is decent of the protein side, low on the fat, and moderate on the carbs. She is highly carb tolerant where I’m not. She is your classic pear shape whereas I’m an apple.

I would return to eating 2 times a day (lunch and dinner) consistently whereas before I was eating 1-2 times a day.

In a way, it’s really not a terrible diet by today’s standards as it’s a step above the Standard American Diet. I basically continued to eat steak and other meats, but not near as much as before. I ate red meat about 2-3 times a week compared to daily when I was in supreme health.

Life was great and I felt great. In fact, I didn’t know how good I felt until I didn’t …

What Happened?

In the first 3 months, I gained 10 lbs and didn’t really feel bad other than the bloat you forget about after eating meals with carbs. My small shirts no longer fit comfortably and I was back in the Mediums. Between the 7-8 month period, Large was comfortable and medium was very fitted.

My Weight:

I’m 5′ 7″ with a muscular build. As a 80-90% carnivore, my weight stayed between 155-165. Prior to going Keto then carnivore, I was 191!

On this experiment, I settled into a 178-188 range and I lost my abs about 6 months in. On average, I’ve gained 20 lbs of bad weight.

Body Fat % increased from 15% to 24.3% as measured on the Tanita TBF-410 Analyzer.

I started snoring again! This happened at 4-5 months in. I noticed I do this when over 165 in weight.

My Shape & Appearance:

My belly (at the umbilicus) circumference increased from 31 to 40 inches!

My waist increased from 29″ to 32″. My pants got super tight – thank God for stretch jeans and dress pants.

Chest measurement increased from 41″ to 44″

My neck only increased 1/2″ although I did develop a little double chin effect and lost the ability to see my platysma muscle upon contraction.

I have a patient who has no filter and follows all that I do. Her Quote, “I noticed that you’re not glowing any more.” That was 6 months in when I informed her about the experiment.

My Autoimmunity:

I have not experienced the return of the facial and sternal seborrheic redness and itching although I did have extra head itching, and intermittent mild to moderate dandruff, and these mild hyperkeratotic type skin lesions. I did have the classic redness/itching/flaking in my eyebrows a few times a month. My Heberden’s nodes did not return, but my hands were constantly stiff.

I would get significant soreness and occasional swelling in various joints after performing manipulative therapy on others whereas before I had no such symptoms.

Musculoskeletal:

I was amazed at how stiff I got within 3 months! I lost the ability to kick at head level and it almost hurt to try. I’ve been able to easily do this since being carnivore (I’m a former world champ in martial arts.) I popped my hamstring 5 months in – grade 2 tear – goofing around doing what I could do as a carnivore, but obviously couldn’t in my current state (a competition level spin hook kick.) My hands started to ache and have occasional pain after doing manual therapy techniques, especially certain spinal manipulations. My DIP and PIP joints would take several days to recover. I did slip in some collagen supplementation.

I lost shoulder ROM via the scratch test. I’m 5″ away whereas before I could clasp my fingers.

I lost the ability to sit in a full squat or sit with my knees fully flexed – I had to lean to the side.

Any attempt at exercise felt bad. I can see why most people quit! Dietary related joint stiffness and pain don’t feel good when adding more pressure!

My 2017 ACL reconstruction from skiing injury started to feel tight on a weekly basis. I had all but forgotten about this!

My hands, arms and feet lost the usual vascularity and presented as mildly edematous with occasional +1 pitting in my ankles! My fingers, wrists and ankles all increased in their girths.

Digestion:

Heartburn and indigestion returned at the 4-5 month mark and has progressively worsened to daily. I recall having this for years and thinking it was normal! This immediately resolved on the carnivore diet, and I was shocked as to how good I felt.

If I just did a carnivore meal at night, I could sleep and there was no GERD. If I ate a burger (with the bread) with a few fries – it took me hours to digest and yep – break out the anti-acids and get ready for the reflux. This started between the 5th-6th month and persisted.

My bowel movements significantly increased to 2-3 times a day from 5-7 times a week.

Immunity

I got sick 3 times! I had 4 year run with no colds, and in late 2021, I might have had Covid. It lasted about 48 hours (1 day of fever, 1 day of fatigue) then no symptoms – I treated it with all the “banned” substances.

Prior to going carnivore, I would get 2 colds a year. Now I’ve literally had 3 colds in the last year!

I also experience 2 cold sores! Again, I hadn’t experienced this in years! I used to take L-lysine during my plant-based and supplementation days because I was so prone to them. For 5 years as a carnivore, I had none!

After having the cold sores then the second respiratory cold hit, I stated to my wife, “I’ve fully returned to mortal status. I am no longer superhuman.” She rolled her eyes.

Addiction!

This was one of my primary curiosities – how long would it take for carb addiction and all the associated symptoms return?

In short – In the first month, I noticed the post meal hunger that made you feel like you needed to eat more about 2 hours later. By 1-2 months, I started having the cravings again!

If you gave me the opportunity to eat any kind of chocolate, Ritz cracker, trail mix (with the fruits,) I took it without even thinking about it.

While at work, I would text my wife to see what we were having for dinner. I would forgo some essential work I really needed to complete, and rationalize that I needed to eat more than work, because I couldn’t focus well any way – I was hungry!

I started designing my day around food and didn’t even realize it. I would also rationalize eating more of a bad food saying things like, “I have a super busy day tomorrow, and I’ll be on my feet more, so I can eat this.” HA!

I was behaving and living like an addict! And this is how most people live – it’s considered normal. You start your day with “what are we going to eat for lunch,” then “where are we going for dinner?” We must plan around food! I was back in the system for sure.

Mental Health

I found myself trying to multi-task whereas before I was very regimented in doing one thing at a time. I would start tasks, not finish, move on to the next, not finish and repeat the cycle until noting was getting done! I was experiencing a lot more frustration that I chalked up to circumstances, but in reality it was my response to those circumstances.

I’d had much more stressful situations when I was carnivore and was able to focus, remain calm and take care of things in a regimented way.

Eating carbs or a standard western diet seems to keep me in a neuroexcitatory state that’s not conducive to being focused. Concentration takes a lot of effort, and it’s easy to be distracted.

My wife also tells me frequently that I’m “edgy,” and being an “asshole” more than usual.

I can see why people who have neurological disorders do so well on a keto or carnivore diet! I can also get a sense of why many plant-based people are angry a lot of the time! Being able to feel the difference has been a game-changer for me! You can feel an immediate difference when you shift back (away from carbs – natural or refined.) There is a calm that I’m glad to return to.

What Now?

As of this writing (March 3, 2024,) I’m BACK on the carnivore way of eating x 5 days and plan with a few weeks of using some fasting strategies to knock of this uncomfortable weight and belly circumference (that’s in metabolic syndrome territory for a man.)

I already feel better! You don’t realize how much bloat you carry and how often you have indigestion until you don’t!

Steaks are great! But a ground beef bowl runs right through me! My poor gallbladder has to adapt again!

I’m set to get another calcium score (CACs) to see if I’ve incurred any coronary artery deposits – I’ll report this on my instagram account (drwade_physio) and here!I’m also doing a DNA test to see what my biological age is.

I’m excited about my return to supreme health or super human status! Having been there, I know what it feels like, and that is a strong motivator to return. Moving away from pain, misery, agitation, stiffness, cloudy thinking, poor sleep, indigestion, bloat, etc. is also a HUGE motivatory.

But the biggest motivator of all is to be in excellent health for MY FAMILY! I have a beautiful wife, amazing kids (grown) and 2 grandkids with more on the way!

Next, I have an amazing work family that depend on me. My practices, GT Physical Therapy, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers, and Red Hills Orthopedics are a culmination of my life’s work and we’re on a mission.

Lastly, I need to be an example of truth to the communities I serve. Talk only goes so far – showing people results is how you change lives.

Summary:

Adverse symptoms that returned being OFF the Carnivore Diet:

  • Bloat
  • GERD
  • Daily indigestion
  • 20 lb weight gain
  • Belly girth expansion to metabolic syndrome levels
  • frequent neck and face acne
  • mild seborrheic dermatitis at eyebrows and scalp
  • Reappearance of hyperkeratotic skin lesions
  • Agitation
  • Poor sleep
  • Snoring
  • Clouded thinking, difficulty focusing
  • Joint stiffness and flexibility loss
  • Loss of motivation
  • 3 colds in 1 year!
  • 2 cold sores
  • lack of energy
  • Frequent hunger
  • Tore a hamstring

The Benefits of Joint Injections: A Path to Relief and Mobility

I normally spend my time working to help people avoid invasive procedures, including joint injections; however, they are a very common and effective strategy that can be considered for some patients.

Joint pain is a common and debilitating issue that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether due to arthritis, injury, or other underlying conditions, it can significantly impair one’s quality of life.

Fortunately, joint injections have emerged as a valuable treatment option to alleviate pain and restore mobility. In this article, we will explore the benefits of joint injections, supported by references to studies that highlight their effectiveness.

I. Types of Joint Injections

There are various types of joint injections, but three of the most common are corticosteroid injections, hyaluronic acid injections, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.

  1. Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroids are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used in joint injections. They work by reducing inflammation in the affected joint, thereby alleviating pain and improving function. A study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (JBJS) found that corticosteroid injections were effective in managing osteoarthritis-related knee pain (Jevsevar et al., 2013).
  2. Hyaluronic Acid Injections: Hyaluronic acid, a natural component of joint fluid, is often used in injections to lubricate and cushion the joint. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine demonstrated the benefits of hyaluronic acid injections in improving knee osteoarthritis symptoms, with a significant reduction in pain and enhanced mobility (Altman et al., 2015).
  3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: PRP injections involve using a patient’s own concentrated platelets to promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown promising results with PRP injections in the treatment of chronic tendon injuries and osteoarthritis (Patel et al., 2013).

II. Benefits of Joint Injections

  1. Pain Relief: One of the primary benefits of joint injections is the relief of pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of corticosteroids and the lubricating effects of hyaluronic acid can provide rapid pain relief for those suffering from joint conditions. A systematic review published in the journal Pain Medicine supports the effectiveness of joint injections for pain relief (Bannuru et al., 2014).
  2. Improved Function: Joint injections not only reduce pain but also enhance joint function. Patients who receive these injections often experience an increase in their range of motion and overall joint functionality. The JBJS study mentioned earlier found that corticosteroid injections led to improved knee function in patients with osteoarthritis.
  3. Delaying Surgery: For many individuals, joint injections can postpone or even eliminate the need for surgical interventions. A study in the journal Osteoarthritis and Cartilage reported that hyaluronic acid injections significantly delayed the need for knee replacement surgery in patients with knee osteoarthritis (Jevsevar et al., 2013).
  4. Minimally Invasive: Joint injections are a minimally invasive procedure, typically performed in an outpatient setting. This makes them an attractive option for those who wish to avoid more invasive treatments.
  5. Low Risk of Side Effects: While joint injections are generally safe, it’s essential to be aware of potential side effects, such as infection or an allergic reaction. However, the risk of severe complications is relatively low. A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that PRP injections were a safe and well-tolerated treatment for chronic elbow tendinopathy (Kaux et al., 2016).

Conclusion

Joint injections offer a range of benefits to individuals suffering from joint pain and limited mobility. Whether through corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, or PRP injections, these treatments can provide pain relief, improve joint function, delay surgery, and have a low risk of side effects. The effectiveness of these injections is supported by various studies, making them a valuable tool in the arsenal of treatments for joint-related issues.

Ideally, eating a nutrient dense diet, such as the carnivore diet, you give yourself the best chance at controlling pain and inflammation along with possibly experiencing some repair of your joint damage. Even if you opt for injections, these are temporary improvements whereas your diet can promote more long term and permanent benefits.

Combining joint injections, high nutrient dense dieting, and a well constructed physical therapy program can give you the best chance of repairing, avoiding surgery, and returning to all the fun activities you miss.

If you are experiencing joint pain, consult with a healthcare professional to explore the potential benefits of joint injections for your specific condition.

To get information RIGHT NOW on if this could be of benefit for YOU – CLICK HERE

7 FODMAP Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

What is a Fodmap?

FODMAP is an acronym for “Fermentable Oligo-, Di-, Mono-saccharides And Polyols”.[1] They are short chain carbohydrates that are poorly absorbed in the small intestine, and are prone to absorb water and ferment in the colon. They include short chain oligo-saccharide polymers of fructose (fructans) and galactooligosaccharides (GOS, stachyose, raffinose), disaccharides (lactose), monosaccharides (fructose), and sugar alcohols (polyols), such as sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol, and maltitol.[1][2] Most FODMAPs are naturally present in food and the human diet, but the polyols may be added artificially in commercially-prepared foods and beverages.

by Dr. Karen Reed Ph. D. Thursday, May 11, 2017

Everyone is different when it comes to diets. There are food groups that some of us can stand, but others will never be able to touch. And our food intolerances and allergies will develop and change over time. Scientists don’t understand it all, but they’re making headway.

What’s important is the FODMAP symptoms. Too many people ignore serious FODMAP symptoms, believing that they just have to put up with chronic pain and discomfort. Well, that is certainly not the case. The symptoms are your body’s way of telling you that there’s a problem – that you need to make some changes to be able to improve your lifestyle.

With that in mind, it’s time to look at the seven most commonly ignored symptoms. These FODMAP symptoms need you to pay attention and make changes today.

The Feeling of Being Bloated and Gassy

You shouldn’t feel bloated on a daily basis. However, people start to get used to it and forget that it’s one of the FODMAP symptoms. These are foods like fructose and other sugar and carby ingredients that line the stomach and intestines. The FODMAPs aren’t digested properly, and they start to back up in the system.

Bloating will make you feel full and big. You’ll find it difficult to pull your stomach in – possibly in pain because of it. Some people even have pain around their kidneys or their gallbladder, as the body tries to rectify the problem.

Bacteria start to grow around the intestines, and you end up with other serious problems. The pain gets worse, you can suffer from stomach upsets, and constipation or loose stools become an issue. Your muscles in the stomach start to spasm, leading to pain between meals.

This is a FODMAP symptoms that you will continually suffer from. While fiber can help to push through the food, there are some limitations. In fact, too much fiber can end up making it all worse. You can find that your weight loss efforts are stalled because of the water retention and backed up food.

It’s not just bloating, either. FODMAP symptoms can lead to other gut diseases and problems. Irritable bowel syndrome and leaky gut are two very common complaints with those who suffer from FODMAP symptoms.

The only way that you can get rid of FODMAP symptoms. This will help to get rid of the reason, rather than trying to battle the FODMAP symptoms.

You’re Constantly Battling Headaches or Migraines

Do you have a daily headache? One that just doesn’t go away no matter what painkillers you take or how much sleep you get? You may even find that your headache is more serious and becomes a migraine. This can lead to you being trapped in a dark room for a full day because any sort of movement or light makes you sick.

While many people blame headaches and migraines on dehydration and stress, they could actually be a FODMAP symptoms. This is because the foods you’re eating are causing inflammation in your body. That inflammation passes up into your brain, putting pressure on every single nerve in your body. The more serious your inflammation is, the more serious your headache or a migraine will be.

Don’t ignore this symptom and brush it off as something else. It’s easy to think that it’s just a normal part of your life that you must put up with.

A slight change in your diet could fix everything for you. Try eating foods that have more fiber and proteins. Magnesium-rich foods are certainly ones that you want to consider more in your diet. The magnesium will help to reduce the inflammation in your body and can help to take some of the pressure on your nerves.

If you can’t get enough magnesium in your diet, you may find that you need to take supplements. Consider all your options to help battle this side effect to a common problem.

You Struggle with Handling Your Mood Swings

While women will find mood swings a common complaint every now and then, some of us find the moods extremely had to control. We suddenly feel moody or down in the dumps from one day to the next, with seemingly no reason. There may be feelings of anxiety or stress, without anything happening in our lives to cause it.

Sometimes it’s not quite mood swings but changes in your brain function. You can become confused or suffer from this feeling of cloudiness on a daily basis. The problem with these symptoms is that you can overlook them and not realize they are happening. It will be your friends and family members who notice it first – ask them if you are worried about something like this.

The inflammation in the body is to blame for this – yes, inflammation again! Studies have shown that inflammation leads to the release of proteins that lead to depression and other mental health problems.

This is a symptom that you don’t want to ignore. While there may be a day where we’re just fed up with the world because of boredom or stress, this shouldn’t be a regular problem. You shouldn’t find that you’re battling anxiety or depression on a daily basis! It’s a sign that there is something wrong with your diet and your hormones.

Following the FODMAP diet can help to reduce these symptoms. You start to battle the reasoning behind the inflammation, which prevents the proteins from being released.

Even if you don’t want to overhaul your diet completely, you should look at eating more omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. Both of these nutrients will help to fight off inflammation and put your body right again. Omega 3 has also proven benefits to the mental health, improving longevity, cognitive function, and moods.

At the same time, you’ll want to look at changing your hormonal balance. Reduce the stress and increase the happy hormones to get more control over your mood.

You Have Trouble Sleeping on a Night

Insomnia is not something that you should suffer from. Okay, there are some people who are night owls. Others sleep easily on a night but get up very early. That’s part of human nature.

What you shouldn’t find is that it takes you hours to sleep – if you even get sleep – that you get to sleep for two or three hours and then you’re repeating the process the next night. You shouldn’t feel like you’re constantly running on fumes one day to the next.

Like with everything else, inflammation has been linked to insomnia. In fact, around 10% of adults will suffer from persistent insomnia and feel like there is no way out. And those with insomnia and high levels of inflammation have been linked to a higher mortality rate. After all, your body isn’t getting the rest it needs, your mental health suffers, and you just don’t feel well within yourself.

You don’t want to ignore this symptom – although too many people too. You need to take steps to improving your sleeping pattern on a night. Stop using it as an excuse to get a few things done around the house. They can wait, and your body needs you to rest right now!

Try meditation and limiting your caffeine on a night. You could even try the exercise on a morning or mid afternoon to help use up some of the excess energy and get a better night’s sleep. Essential oils can help to eliminate stress, which is a common reason for insomnia on top of the inflammation.

You Constantly Feel Tired

Whether you sleep well or not, you constantly feel tired. There’s this overall tiredness that reaches every single muscle in your body. Your head is cloudy, and you just don’t feel like you can concentrate on anything. All you want to do is close your eyes and have a nap – although you know that it never solves anything.

Yes, the inflammation is to blame again. And this is one of those symptoms that is too often overlooked. The problem is that it’s a symptom of so many other problems! We feel tired because we are tired. We’re fatigued because we’re ill or because we’ve used up all the energy that we currently have.

Inflammation affects the way the whole body works. When it comes to fatigue, the inflammation affects how the liver performs. It stops the oxygenated blood getting to the body, meaning the organs don’t get everything that they need.

Of course, gut inflammation also stops the body from absorbing all the nutrients that you eat. You may get plenty of iron from your food, but your body isn’t able to absorb it. Your body can’t produce enough red blood cells to get the oxygen around your whole system.

We tend to drink more coffee or eat more sugary foods because we’re tired. It’s time to stop that habit because those foods and drinks just cause more problems. Sure, you get a slight increase in energy at first. You end up with a stronger dip, which means you will feel more tired than you did when you first started!

The best thing to do is change your diet. Reduce the inflammation and improve your nutritional absorption rate. After all, if your body isn’t getting enough iron, what else isn’t it getting enough of?

You Struggle with Breathing or Have Chest Pains

Of course, you wouldn’t ignore this symptom, right? Well, you’ll be surprised to hear just how many people do, especially if it happens on a regular basis. However, this is one of the FODMAP symptoms that you need to look out for.

Difficulty in breathing is a sign of a much more serious problem. Okay, if you’ve just runup 10 flights of stairs, you are going to struggle to breathe. That’s normal, but you should find that your breathing returns to normal quickly. What you shouldn’t have is a sudden onset when doing nothing – and certainly not every few hours of the day. You also shouldn’t find that your breathing difficulties stop you from doing activities.

Your doctor will want to rule out various complications, including asthma, stroke, and blood clots. Infections in the lungs are also commonly to blame.

Likewise, you shouldn’t have pain in your chest or this feeling of something pressing onto it. This is a difficult symptom, as you may be used to the feeling of your breathing being constricted. Sudden pain is a sign of a heart attack. While men get pain in their arms, women are more likely to feel pain in their back or stomach!

The pain may be accompanied by dizziness and vomiting. Whenever it is to do with your breathing or chest, speak to a doctor!

Your Vision Has Changed Considerably

I understand how easy it is to overlook this FODMAP symptoms. Let me begin by saying that vision changes as you get older are normal. Your cells start to die, and you can start to suffer from a short or long distance. There is also an element in the genes – those with parents who wear glasses are more likely to need them in the future. Those with parents or siblings who have glaucoma are at a higher risk of developing it.

Trauma is another reason for changes in the vision. Getting debris in the eyes or suffering a blow to the head could change what you can and can’t see – or how dry your eyes become.

What should n’t find is that you have sudden vision loss or blurred vision. You shouldn’t experience sudden flashes of light in your eyes – almost like lightning going off. This could be a sign of something severe that needs immediate medical care.

If there are any changes to your vision, it’s best to talk to an eye doctor. Seeing one will help to rule out anything more serious, while you change your diet to eliminate the FODMAP symptoms.

Keep an Eye Out for All FODMAP Symptoms

I don’t say any of this to scare you. There are many FODMAP symptoms that are left ignored. We all do it from time to time because we’re used to the symptoms or think that they’re not serious. After all, that flash of light may have just been a flash of a headlight, right? The bloating is just something that you ate or indigestion because you ate too quickly!

More often than not, the symptoms are ones that you can get rid of. By not ignoring them, you won’t let them get any worse or affect your mental health. You can get rid of the reason behind the symptoms and look after your overall health by following the low FODMAP diet.

Arthritis Aches And Pains: Ways To Minimize The Discomfort

arthritis

There has been a significant increase in the number of people with arthritis over the last few years. Arthritis is a painful condition that affects and inflames the joints, resulting in acute pain and difficulty in getting around. The following tips can help anyone who suffers from arthritis learn how to manage and treat this oftentimes debilitating condition.

You should definitely avoid smoke from cigarettes, and if you are someone who smokes, quit. Initially, your inflammation may subside as the nicotine from cigarettes reduces blood flow, yielding a calming sensation. It also causes joint damage and will result in your arthritis progressing more rapidly than in a non-smoker.

Anytime you change your medication schedule first consult with your doctor. There are pills that you need to take for a certain period of time before they kick in, and there are others that may cause ill effects should you stop too soon.

Bring a little yoga into your life. Studies show that yoga is great for relaxing because of the easy-going pace, and a bonus of getting some exercise which helps to soothe joint pain caused by arthritis.

Despite some of adverse health consequence of alcohol, drinking doesn’t seem to make the effects of arthritis worse. It might help alleviate the pain and relax your muscles if you consume on a moderate level.

Lay down the clipper on your thigh, then press down using the heal on your hand. This helps you avoid using sensitive fingers to grip the clippers, and makes the fingernail-clipping task much easier.

Treating arthritis early on can be helpful. Good typing posture and technique can go a long way to help. Your hands need to be level with the keyboard at all times, and there should be an elevated pad underneath your mouse. By doing this, your hands won’t be strained, and you won’t run the risk of developing problems later on in life.

Consider joining a therapy group. Independence may be difficult for people who suffer from arthritis, so therapy can help sufferers realize that they are not helpless. People with arthritis are also at risk for developing depression and anxiety, and individual or group therapy can help you to deal with any concerns you may have.

Maintain your weight at a proper level to alleviate joint stress. Your joints can become strained, making your arthritis symptoms worsen by being overweight. Instead of depriving yourself of food by skipping meals, opt for a healthy, nutritious diet.

Have the right equipment on hand at all times. If they have access to the proper tools, arthritis sufferers can do almost any task. Products that enable sufferers of arthritis to accomplish regular activities with little help include specialized pens, knives, can openers, shoe horns and even zipper pulls. You can invest into living an easier life with these tools.

In conclusion, there has been a large increase in the amount of arthritis patients in recent times. This may be because of an aged population who eats a poor diet and does not exercise enough. Using this article can help you treat your arthritis so that you can live a better life.
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Expert Advice When It Comes To Arthritis

arthritis

Have you been searching for answers to your questions on coping with arthritis? There are so many different tools and resources available to help you live comfortably with arthritis. Read on to find some tips you can use in you life.

High heels are not a good option for women who are suffering with arthritis. While high heels may be stylish, they are bad for your feet and joints. They tend to cause a twisting pressure on your knees, which can only aggravate the arthritis in these crucial, complicated joints. Choose more supportive shoes and you can expect your arthritis pain to lessen. Your body will certainly notice the difference.

Try doing exercises that are low impact, such as biking, swimming, or walking, they can help you ease pain in joints. Ask your doctor if you question your ability to exercise.

Non-weight bearing activities like water aerobics are best for arthritis sufferers. Aquatic therapy carefully practiced in warm water is gentle on the joints and muscles which can be a soothing way to exercise while lessoning the pain of arthritis flare-ups. Ask your doctor if there a warm water therapy program could be helpful for you.

Can’t sleep due to pain caused by arthritis? Take a warm bath every night, and use bath salts. This can relax your muscles and alleviate the arthritis pain. This, in turn, allows you to fall asleep and remain asleep for a longer time.

Dealing with arthritis as soon as possible will keep it at bay. A good tip to prevent arthritis is to use good typing habits. Ideally, you should keep the hands level with the keyboard, and use a mouse pad beneath your mouse. These techniques are helpful for reducing the stress on your hands, which prevents further damage later in life.

Don’t abuse your joints. Simple tasks can cause you to have great pain if you have arthritis. Avoid lifting things when you can by sliding them instead, or ask for assistance from someone. If you will protect yourself from irritation and inflammation, it can keep your joints flexible and keep your pain level down.

Cold and hot treatments work better when alternated. Alternate heat and cold treatments for the greatest benefit. Be careful not to use ice or heat excessively, because either one can cause damage when overused. Do these treatments no more than twice a day.

See to it that you pay close attention to the food you eat. Some who have arthritis might have food allergies that they are unaware of. Record the foods you’re consuming, and when your symptoms flare up, take note. Doing that could be what helps you find the cause.

Make sure you are consuming your protein. Eating protein is very important to arthritis suffers because when you have this condition, your body will tend to use more protein than the normal person. It is very important for anyone who is a vegetarian to include protein in their diet. You need the protein to prevent inflammation and pain.

There are many things that can be done that could decrease the challenges associated with arthritis. Many of these tips will provide you with some relief, and hopefully, some of them will give you a great amount of relief.
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The Healthy Way To Treat Your Arthritis

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Arthritis is not to be scoffed at. Symptoms can begin showing suddenly at all ages and in various parts of the body. It effects the bones and can cause severe pain in the joints that inhibits normal, daily routines.

You want to practice yoga or meditation if you suffer from chronic arthritis. These relaxation techniques will calm your body and mind, reducing the severity of arthritis symptoms. To get the best results out of these techniques you should set aside time to do these things about three of four times every week.

It can be very beneficial to stop arthritis. Make sure you use good typing habits to prevent arthritis. Gel pads can keep your wrist raised and supported and helps to keep your hands on a level plane with your keyboard. This technique will help prevent straining, and prevent the development of more severe arthritic pain later in life.

Always ensure that you get adequate exercise, and be sure that you are getting the most beneficial kind of activity. Exercise will increase the flexibility of your joints in addition to keeping you healthy and fit. Low impact exercises can prevent your joints from becoming inflamed, but you have to take care not to overexert yourself. Stop exercising when you feel any pain or discomfort.

An often overlooked, but possibly very helpful, measure to take against the nagging pain of arthritis is aromatherapy. Aromatherapy is found to be useful for some people. Things that are relaxing tends to reduce many painful symptoms.

Start stretching every day. A decrease in flexibility is a common complaint with arthritis. When you have a stretching regimen that targets all your muscles, you can help prevent any flexibility loss. Start off with stretching your feet, and then move in an upwards direction across you entire body until you reach your head.

You might not have thought of this, but you can help out with arthritis pains simply through calming music. As your entire body relaxes, pressure will be taken off your joints and you will be able to focus on something else. It can also help you to fall asleep if you are kept awake by pain at night.

Try to stay in a space that keeps you from feeling stressed out and overwhelmed. In some instances, stress will trigger swelling and painful inflammation. Learn some stress-reduction techniques and apply them as needed, to keep your body and mind thriving.

Don’t keep your arthritis pain a secret from friends and loved ones. If they know what you are facing in your everyday life, they will understand you better and may be able to offer valuable insight and assistance. If they understand what you are going through, they are better prepared to deal with it.

If you remember to follow these guidelines, you can continue to develop yourself as an athlete without giving in to arthritis. Don’t let arthritis destroy your emotional outlook. Stay positive. Certain things are made to help you manage the pain you suffer or fight it. Stay positive and you can overcome anything.
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Is Arthritis Cramping Your Style? Try These Ideas For Relief!

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There are many treatments, techniques and medications available to help you manage your condition and reduce the effects of its painful symptoms, oftentimes in a manner that promotes your overall health and slows or prevents further joint degeneration. With the tips from this article, you can start trying new techniques to treat your arthritis and finally begin to have successful arthritis pain management.

Arthritis sufferers have had some successes in easing pain by participating in low-impact exercises, like swimming and walking. Talk to a doctor if you have doubts about exercising.

If you’re dealing with arthritis, you should never skip quality sleep. If you are sleep deprived, your body will not be able to battle against arthritic pain. The optimum amount of sleep is eight hours per night, and up to ten hours if your stress level is high. Your body will benefit greatly from sleep.

It is a good idea to maintain a journal if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. A diary is good for identifying what triggers arthritis flare-ups. It can also help you to understand what helps. Let your doctor see the information in your diary so that she or he can give you the best possible treatment options. It is an important item to have.

Taking a long warm bath before bed is a great way to help you to sleep easier, and can also alleviate some of the pain. The bath and the warmth of the water will help relax you and provide some relief from your arthritis pain. Bedtime will come much easier once your body is relaxed.

You should switch back and forth between hot and cold when treating your arthritis. Joints can be easily overworked, and using hot packs, followed by cold ones, can reduce any inflammation and swelling that may crop up. Make sure that you do not treat your joints too often, as this can have a negative effect on your condition. Keep it to a maximum of two times a day.

Seek therapy if you are having a hard time coping with your condition. Arthritis sufferers need social support to remind them that there are others who suffer from the same condition, and therapy can help provide some of that support. People with arthritis are also at risk for developing depression and anxiety, and individual or group therapy can help you to deal with any concerns you may have.

Listening to classical music can relax your muscles and decrease joint inflammation. Calming music helps to appease your body so that you do not put excess strain on your muscles and worsen your symptoms. If you are having a hard time going to sleep, listen to quiet music.

Always closely monitor your diet and food intake. It’s possible for people who have arthritis to have food allergies that they are unaware of. Record what you eat each day, as well as the degree of pain you feel. By doing this, you could potentially determine the root cause of these flare ups.

You cannot treat arthritis without understanding more about this condition. The more you know, the more chances you will have to find something that works. These arthritis tips are a great start to understanding your condition or the symptoms that you are experiencing so you can begin treatment and pain management.
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Get Relief From Your Painful Arthritis Symptoms

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Arthritis only seems like a minor ailment to those it hasn’t touched, and it can touch any person at any age. Ordinary activities and effortless routines are suddenly complicated by severe joint pain and serious skeletal effects.

Maintaining proper posture will help your joints to stay strong. You can minimize your pain by doing this. Sit up straight and stand erectly. Keep both leg’s weight evenly distributed. You will strengthen your joints and spine, which can minimize your arthritis symptoms.

Do not make alterations to your medication schedules without consulting your doctor first. Some medications work more slowly than others, and other medications could have side effects if they are discontinued quickly.

Simple exercises, for example, walking and swimming, have been proven to assist in reducing some of the inconvenience and discomfort associated with arthritic pain. Consider consulting with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.

Acupuncture can be a good treatment option for those with chronic arthritis. For thousands of years, acupuncture has been an alternative treatment for pain, and it might just help you with arthritis-related pain. Just be aware that acupuncture is not an instant fix. To get effective and ongoing pain relief, you’ll need to commit yourself to regular treatments.

Try to manage your arthritis pain without resorting to pain killers, if at all possible. Some pain killers can have side effects that may not be worth the temporary improvement. If you do have a prescription for painkillers, and you are planning on taking them, make sure that you only take them exactly as your doctor has directed.

Eat plenty of vegetables, and reduce meat consumption. Following a strict vegetarian diet with tons of vital nutrients will lessen your arthritis symptoms, and may prevent further damage. If your carnivorous side is too strong to ignore, try to eat only a small portion of meat while filling at least half of your plate with vegetables, and you can still garner the majority of these benefits.

Try to stay slim to reduce the amount of stress on your joints. When you are overweight, you put too much pressure on your joints, which can make arthritis symptoms worse. If you follow a diet that’s good for you instead of just skipping meals, you can get the proper nutrients your body needs.

Regular visits to a sauna can be an effective means of reducing pain from chronic arthritis. Heat and humidity, like that found in a sauna, is effective at reducing pain and inflammation caused by your condition. Visit regularly, though. The benefits come from regular visits.

You should never feel guilty or allow anyone else to make you feel guilty for having arthritis. You might not feel comfortable doing some tasks with arthritis. When you let yourself or others deter you from succeeding it will only let your arthritis control your life more, be sure to always keep in mind your arthritis condition isn’t your fault. Focus on all that you can still accomplish, rather then those things you may not be able to do right now.

By putting this information into action, one can continue to live a normal, active life with arthritis. Your focus should be on maintaining dominance over your emotional and physical states. You have many different resources available as you battle your condition and its effects. Maintain a positive attitude and you will see improvement in your condition.
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Arthritis Can Be Less Painful When You Know These Good Tips

arthritis

Arthritis is a disorder that can make the most simple of tasks the most difficult. Arthritis is manageable. You can control the impact arthritis has on your life. You can find treatments that are effective in decreasing your arthritis symptoms. Below, you will learn various steps you can take to help with your arthritis pain.

Treating arthritis early on can be helpful. One way to help prevent it is to use good typing habits. Always make sure you type with your hands level to the keyboard, and use a mousepad that has a raised wrist support. This will take some strain away from your hands and you will be able to use a computer keyboard comfortably.

Never neglect the joints. Even small tasks can be hard if you have arthritis. Take the time to slide heavy objects across the floor as opposed to lifting. Even better, ask for help. The best way to protect yourself from the unpleasant symptoms of arthritis such as pain and inflammation, is to reduce the amount of stress on your joints.

Aromatherapy is a great way to relieve some pain caused by arthritis. The relaxation brought by aromatherapy has been scientifically proven to be beneficial to any chronic condition. When you use aromatherapy to relax, the whole body relaxes – including arthritic joints.

A damp heating pad can provide you with some relief from your joint pain. Think about buying a moist heating pad if you experience pain regularly, since the soothing warmth will make you feel better. Even though these pads provide relief from pain, you still need to speak with your physician.

If you are suffering arthritis in the knees, consider buying a knee brace. Surgery needs to be the last option after you have tried everything else. The knee brace might be able to reduce your swelling and pain which is usually associated with arthritis. It can even be worn while your sleeping.

Familiarize yourself with the early signs of arthritis. As with many other illnesses, an early diagnosis is the key to treating arthritis. You will suffer less and get the medication you need. If you think you are having arthritis symptoms, first consult with a physician for the proper diagnosis. He will tell you which type you have and help you to create a treatment plan and give you tips to use at home.

Joint pain and stiffness can be challenging, so rub some castor oil onto them. The oil is helpful to your joints, but massaging it into the joints can provide extra relief. Massaging the affected area works with the castor oil to increase the blood flow which will reduce pain, swelling and stiffness.

Do not carry as much around as you currently do. Arthritis in a person’s shoulders is actually quite common, especially in women. Neck and shoulders can become inflamed and swollen when messenger bags or heavy shoulder bags are toted. For times when you need to carry a large number of items, consider using a backpack that will distribute the weight over a larger area.

As you know, if you’re a chronic arthritis sufferer and from reading the beginning of this article, arthritis can make it difficult to go about daily tasks. If you are an arthritis sufferer, hopefully this article has shown you something you can try to manage your condition and start living better.
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Tips And Strategies On How To Easily Deal With Arthritis

arthritis

Arthritis can be hard to deal with because it makes every day things more troublesome to deal with. If arthritis pain is harming your quality of life, put a stop to it now! This article is here to help you. Continue to read and learn how to treat your arthritis.

High heels might not be worth it for women who have arthritis issues. Attractive, high heels seriously damage your feet. This will damage your knee and make arthritis even worse. Stick to comfortable shoes and your arthritis pain will likely diminish. There are many designer shoes available that will make you look good while being comfortable and protecting your body.

Try and reduce the stress in your life as a means of reducing your arthritis. Chemicals are released when your body is stressed. These chemicals can trigger inflammation, which can increase the pain associated with arthritis. You may want to consider brushing up on your time management skills or adding light exercise to help you cope with stress.

If all the arthritis treatments that you’ve tried have failed, you should talk to your doctor about joint surgery. This surgery can help reverse the arthritic effects on the flexibility and mobility of your joints. It has proved effective for many patients.

One supplement that many arthritis suffers recommend is fish oil. Omega-3 fatty acids, which come from fish oil, are effective in treating joint pain and inflammation. Fish or cod liver oil is sold in many supermarkets and health food stores.

You should never feel bad about your physical limitations and never allow others to make you feel bad either. Arthritis may keep you from performing specific types of tasks. Guilt and pressure from others will make you feel even worse, so don’t let others get you down. Sometimes you may not be able to succeed, however, this is a reason to work harder not to get upset.

Treat fatigue-causing pain with heat. Cold is the most popular treatment for pain relief, but in the case of arthritis, warmth is usually a much better choice. Pain that results in fatigue is best treated with heat, as it can supply you with energy as well.

Talk to your friends and family about your arthritis. They will be able to understand what you are going through and support you if they have more details on your condition. If they know that you are suffering, they will have more compassion for you.

Be sure to go for a relaxing and beneficial after-dinner walk. A regular post-dinner stroll will leave you feeling relaxed but energetic. Even a quick walk with a pal will offer numerous health benefits and opportunities to spend quality time together.

As you know, if you’re a chronic arthritis sufferer and from reading the beginning of this article, arthritis can make it difficult to go about daily tasks. If you are an arthritis sufferer, hopefully this article has shown you something you can try to manage your condition and start living better.
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