Posts Tagged ‘Gout’

The Skeletal System – what is it and why is it important for health ? Part 6

The skeletal system acts as a framework for the body and it protects the internal organs. There are some problems associated with the skeletal system, some of which needs immediate action and some needs care and precautions.

- Fractured Vertebra
If a person is experiencing sudden pain following an injury to the back, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness, tingling or difficulty in moving limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fractured vertebrae which is diagnosed by an x-ray. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Fracture
If a person is experiencing severe pain with heavy swelling, difficulty in movement, black and blue discoloration or mishapen limbs then these can be the symptoms of a fracture and an x-ray should be done immediately. Seek medical attention immediately.

- Infected molar
If a person is experiencing an ear pain then it can be the symptom of an infected molar so you need to check it out with the dentist.

- Gout
If a person is experiencing a big toes which is twice its size and angry red and painful then it can be the symptom of gout where the uric acid is deposited in the joints of the body. A blood test and medication should be taken.

- Slipped disc
If a person is experiencing a bad back problem to an extent that it is killing you then it can be the symptom of a slipped disc which can be confirmed by an x-ray.

- Sciatica
If a person is experiencing a radiating pain along leg or foot, pins and needles and it gets worse if you are sitting for long hours, walking, running, stairs climbing or straightening the leg then these could be the symptoms of sciatica which is diagnosed by a X-ray and MRI. It often improves by physiotherapy and painkillers and by keeping a check on your sitting, sleeping and working patterns. Surgery is the last step.

- Tumor
If a person is experiencing a swelling in bone then it can be the symptom of a tumor and one should get the x-ray done.

- Spondylitis
If a person is experiencing a hurt neck then it can be the symptom for spondylitis that is the inflammation of one or more vertebrae or spondylosis which is the stiffening of a joint in the spine and it can be diagnosed by x-ray or MRI and treated by physiotherapy.

- Osteoporosis
If a person is experiencing that his or her bones break very easily even if it is a small injury then it can be the symptom of osteoporosis and you should have a bone scan done.

- Stress fracture or Muscle strain
If a person is experiencing a nagging pain which worsens over a week and it gets even worse when you exercise then it could be the symptom of a stress fracture or a muscle strain and you should get an x-ray done.

- Infection or fracture
If a person is experiencing too much pain in the joint which is combined by fever or rash then it could be the symptom of an infection or fracture and you should get an x-ray done.

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What are different health benefits of including celery seeds in your diet?

Celery seeds, scientifically known as Apium graveolens are primarily used as a seasoning. Celery seeds have been used since ancient times due to its medicinal value. These seeds are a good source of flavonoids, coumarins and omega 3fatty acid. Celery seeds are also known to contain minerals like calcium, iron, boron chlorine, magnesium, phosphorus, manganese potassium, selenium, zinc, sulfur and vital vitamins like B, A, C, E and K. All of these compounds contribute significantly to the health benefits of celery seeds, the main reason why this seed has gained a lot of medical attention and is under active research. Some of the important health benefits are discussed below.

Gout
A form of arthritis, gout, is caused due to the deposition of uric acid in the joints. Studies have shown that celery seeds can help in reducing the deposit of uric acid in the body thus helping in preventing this painful health condition. Apart from this, celery also has anti inflammatory compounds which help in relieving the pain associated with gout.

Cardiovascular health
Apigenin is a flavonoids present in celery seeds. Apart from being an effective anti oxidant, apigenin has shown to relax the coronary blood vessels allowing it to widen and permit an unobstructed flow of blood thus lowering blood pressure. Recent studies have also indicated that celery seeds can help lower the cholesterol level in the blood.

Anti microbial
Celery also possesses anti microbial properties which helps in removal of parasites from the intestine and maintain a good digestive system.

Diuretic
Celery seeds are also diuretic in nature allowing the excretion of water along with toxic compounds from the body. This seed is highly recommended in patients suffering from diabetes and hypertension which may lead to water retention in the body.

Anti carcinogenic
The various flavonoids present in celery seeds helps in avoiding the growth and spread of cancerous cells. Flavonoids act as anti oxidants and help in clearing the body of the harmful free radicals which may otherwise lead to the growth of cancerous cells. The phytochemicals along with the presence of coumarins help in preventing colon and stomach cancer.

Weight management
Drinking celery juice may help in reducing the craving for food thus helping in weight management. Apart from these antioxidants called coumarins, celery also has phenolic compounds which block the prostaglandins that facilitate growth of tumor forming cells.

Acidity
Celery seeds are also known to help in acidity and curbing flatulence. The minerals present in this seed helps in maintaining the pH balance of the blood.

Gynecological health
This seed is known to help in regularizing the menstrual cycle in women. It leads to uterine contraction which helps in the menstrual flow. The anti spasmodic effect of celery help in reducing abdominal cramps experienced during menses.

All these health benefits of celery seeds are yet to be proven scientifically as they are all based on clinical experience rather than experiments. However, they have been since ages used as a meditative food product and it has shown effective results.

Curing Gout …

Gout is a type of arthritis which is characterized by sharp shooting pains in the joints often affecting the big toe but also other joints as well and can last for a short time or days. The pain is caused by a build up of sodium urate crystals in the cartilage and tendons of your joints and can be extremely painful. Gout is persistent and can come in attacks, months or years apart. It typically starts and one joint but over the years can affect many joints and is accompanied by swelling and redness in the area. Few home remedies that can cure gout are :

- One simple tip is to drink plenty of water. Drink at least 2 cups of water for every 2 hours you are awake. Men should be drinking about 125 ounces of water and women should be drinking about 90 ounces of water.
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Add a half teaspoon of baking soda with a glass of water. Baking soda can naturally dissolve uric acid crystals and increase the solubility of uric acid to flush it quicker.
- Strawberries have been shown to neutralize uric acid and provide immediate relief for your symptoms.
- You should also get plenty of folic acid. 10 to 75 mg of folic acid inhibits xanthine oxidize which is required for uric acid production.
- Vitamin C supplements are known to help many gout suffers, as they are effective in reducing uric acid levels.
- Potassium citrate raises the pH level of urine. Higher pH levels mean that the body’s unwanted uric acid is more soluble and therefore easier to purge. This supplement can also help to prevent kidney stones, which seem to be more prevalent in gout sufferers.
- Another way is treat gout naturally is to avoid alcoholic beverages; consuming excessive alcohol like beer inhibits the excretion of uric acid and can lead to gout.

Exercise is another essential for curing pains caused by gout. Stretching increases and maintains a range of motion in the joints and helps to strengthen and stabilize them. This also increases the endurance and stamina of the body overall.
Reducing repetitive use of joints, and avoiding sports injuries by including proper warm-ups are also important, as it choosing suitable sports equipment for exercising.