Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis, earlier was considered common in the elderly people, but these days young people are also facing the problem of arthritis especially rheumatoid arthritis.

Welcome to Healthy Alert.. We are going to discuss about rheumatoid arthritis, its symptoms, diagnosis, its causes, treatment and RA diet plan.

Are you suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis?
If yes, then you need to take precaution in your diet. One study has found that vitamin D helps prevent rheumatoid arthritis.

So first of all let us know what is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a serious chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disease of the hands, feet, and joints in which a person's own immune cells attack the membrane surrounding the joints. RA destroys the protective cartilage, a flexible connective tissues whose main job is to join bones together and as a result the bones start to weaken. Over time, the ligaments connecting the bones become weak. In this case, the bone is removed from its place and can also become deformed. RA causes swelling and pain.

Rheumatoid arthritis

According to the study, if the level of vitamin D in the body is sufficient, the risk of getting arthritis can be avoided. Recently, this study was published in the Journal of Autoimmunity. During the study, researchers tested the ability of immune cells in the blood from swollen joints of people with arthritis to detect vitamin D response. The findings suggest that tissues that do not form the disease react effectively to vitamin D. This suggests that vitamin D helps protect against rheumatoid arthritis. But when the effect of Vitamin D starts to slowly disappear from the body, then this disease catches us. The study also found that vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties. Therefore, it is necessary to take sufficient amount of vitamin D to keep bones, teeth and muscles strong. Apart from this, vitamin D is also prone to cold-cough and infectious diseases. In this article, we are going to tell about some foods containing vitamin D. By including it in your diet, you can avoid the disease RA.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually affects small joints in the first hand and foot. Later on it spreads to the wrists, elbows, ankles, knees, hips and shoulders. Even other parts of the body like heart, lungs, eyes, and blood vessels can also be affected.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Its symptoms usually start between 40 and 60 years of age. But these days even younger people are becoming its victim.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis keep coming in alternate periods. From time to time, it relieves the symptoms related to it. Therefore, it becomes difficult to detect the disease.
This disease is detected through a blood test. It examines normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody levels or C-reactive protein (CRP) levels. The disease is also detected with the help of X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

However, we are still searching for an effective treatment for RA. We now know that if a person is treated with Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD), it is more likely to have symptoms. Of course, depending on the severity and duration of the disease, only the patient's doctor can tell about better treatment.

Does rheumatoid arthritis has any treatment?

Thankfully, we have an effective treatment option available today, which is present in the form of food medicines rather than injections. RA patients should regularly check with their doctor to monitor their progress and evaluate how well the treatment is working.
Effective treatment is possible only when the patient learns to manage their symptoms, follow the prescribed treatment and openly communicate with their doctors.

What food to avoid with rheumatoid arthritis?

Broiled, Grilled, or fried meats, processed and fried foods

A toxin that generates inflammatory reactions and leads to tissue damages within the body is known as of advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Meats by itself contains good levels of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and  upon cooking meats at particularly high heat temperatures, such as grilling, broiling or frying, grilling, more AGEs are formed in foods and trigger an inflammatory response. Instead, it is recommended to steam, simmer, or braise lean proteins.

Omega-6 fatty acids (fatty foods)
Trans fat or trans-unsaturated fatty acids or trans fatty acids, are typically found in packaged goods, vegetable oils and margarine and are used to reduce the chance of food spoilage and increase the shelf life. Research has shown that the consumption of these trans fats can increase inflammation in the body. Additionally, these trans fats can increase the risk of insulin resistance and obesity, which is a known risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis.  It can also raise bad cholesterol and lower good cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease.

Sugars and refined carbohydrates. 
Digesting Sugars and refined carbohydrates molecules triggers the release of cytokines or inflammatory messengers in the body. Cold drinks, juices, sodas and pastries which are commonly consumed by us in our daily lives are full of sugars that lead to inflammation. We should lookout for sugar substitutes and foods that end in –ose: fructose, sucrose, glucose. I’m not telling you to cut down these foods forever but definitely just have them on occasion as they may satisfy your taste buds but your joints may not be so happy

Gluten
Eating gluten can lead to inflammation in the body.  As RA is an inflammatory condition, people with a gluten intolerance may feel that eating gluten causes their symptoms to flare up. So the foods containing gluten should be avoided in RA.

Preservatives and flavour enhancers
 Ajinomoto or Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a chemical ingredient added to many foods as a flavour enhancer, has been shown to trigger inflammation. We need to really pay attention to our food labels. Boycott foods containing these harmful chemical.

Tobacco and Alcohol
Use of alcohol and tobacco can lead to a number of health problems, including some that may affect your joints. Alcohol does not mix well with RA medicines. If you are taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen then its interaction with alcohol can cause stomach bleeding and ulcers. If you consume alcohol while you are taking acetaminophen, leflunomide (Arava), or methotrexate, it could damage your liver. Red wine contains resveratrol which has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects in the body. Too much alcohol intake can cause liver damage, enhance medication-induced liver toxicity (particularly if you take methotrexate), and cause inflammation.

Best food to eat if you have rheumatoid arthritis

Garlic
Studies have shown that garlic has compounds that has cancer fighting properties which may lower the risk of heart disease and dementia. Research has also shown that garlic causes anti-inflammatory effect that may help decrease symptoms of arthritis.

Ginger
Ginger has components that blocks the production of substances that promote inflammation in the body.

Broccoli
Intake of cruciferous vegetables like broccoli is associated with decreased levels of inflammatory markers. Broccoli also contains some important components that could help reduce symptoms of arthritis.
Sulforaphane is a compound found in broccoli which blocks the formation of a type of cell involved in rheumatoid arthritis development (19Trusted Source). Sulforaphane could reduce the formation of certain inflammatory markers that contribute to rheumatoid arthritis.

Walnuts
Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to decrease the symptoms of arthritis as it is nutrient-dense and loaded with compounds that may help reduce the inflammation associated with joint disease.

Fatty Fish
Fatty fish such as mackerel, sardines, salmon, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Fatty fishes are also very good source of vitamin D, which can help prevent vitamin D deficiency as  rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with low levels of vitamin D which contribute the symptom.

Beans
Beans are packed with fiber that helps lower your levels of C-reactive protein. It also provide protein to keep the muscles around joints strong. Kidney, red and pinto beans are good sources of folic acid, magnesium, iron, zinc, and potassium, all of which can give your heart and immune system a boost. Thus, they are beneficial in RA.

Cherries
Anthocyanins are powerful antioxidants that help hold down inflammation are found in cherries. This chemical only  give cherries their bright and vibrant colour. It is found in other purple and red fruits, like raspberries and blueberries.

Citrus Fruits
Gooseberry, limes, malta, oranges and grapefruits are great sources of vitamin C, which leads to a strong immune system that can help and protect us from inflammatory diseases like RA.

Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols, which are antioxidants that may lower inflammation and slow down cartilage destruction. Green tea also has epigallocatechin-3 (EGCG), which stops production of molecules that lead to RA joint damage.

Olive Oil
Olive oil are enriched with omega-3 fatty acid as well as other natural chemicals that stops the production of the chemicals causing inflammation. Extra-virgin olive oil is derived from the first pressing of the olive and has the highest content of good-for-you nutrients.

Turmeric
Turmeric, or Curcuma longa, is a bright yellow spice which is a star ingredient in many Indian dishes and packed with many medicinal benefits . Turmeric contains curcumin  that holds anti-inflammatory properties. The natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of turmeric works better on the RA  where attacks cause inflammation that eventually leads to bone and joint damage in the affected areas and prevent swelling and pain.

Whole Grains
Whole grains have selenium which is very good anti-oxidant. People with rheumatoid arthritis have lower levels of selenium in their blood where whole grain fits in the requirement well and emerge beneficial. Intake of whole grains instead of processed ones may lower CRP levels.

Please find the direct links for some beneficial products for rheumatoid arthiritis  below : 

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in the body and ways to get rid of

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in the body and ways to get rid of, vitamin d deficiency causes, vitamin d foods will be discussed in this post in detail. You will be gaining a complete insight into the topic.

Welcome to Healthy Alert. Lets start..

Bone and Muscle Weakness – Are you feeling pain and weakness in the bones as well as constant pain in the muscles ?

 It may be due to vitamin D deficiency. Vitamin D is a very important nutrient for the bones and muscles, besides being very essential for bones.

Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency in the body and ways to get rid of

In this era of multi-storey buildings and dense mohallas, due to the lack of proper sunlight in the house, people's health is being affected. Some people put many curtains in their houses so that the first rays of the sun do not wake them from falling on their faces, but they do not know how important this first ray is for health.

Today, whether you are a young, old or a child, check vitamin D in anyone, it is found in very small amounts and this leads to fatigue, muscle weakness or other health problems. Another belief has become in us that if we get out in the sun, we will get tanned, this concern about beauty has affected our health the most.

Vitamin D helps our body to get rid of many diseases but when there is deficiency of Vitamin D in the body then it can prove dangerous for the person. So, it is very important to constantly monitor its symptoms so that its deficiency could be recognized at the earliest.

What is vitamin D after all ?

Vitamin D is a group of fat-soluble pro-hormones. It has two main forms: Vitamin D2 (or Argocalciferol ) and Vitamin D3 (or Cholecalciferol). When the skin is exposed to sunlight, the process of vitamin D formation in the body starts. It is also found in fishes. Vitamin D helps to maintain calcium in the body, which is essential for strengthening bones. In its absence, bones are weak and can also break. Vitamin D also protects against diseases like cancer, tuberculosis.

Main function of vitamin D 

Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bone. Vitamin D increases the activity of the body's T-cells, which protect the body from any external infection. It has a major role in strengthening the human immune system and without its sufficient amount, the T-cells of the immune system being unable to respond to external infection. T-cells rely on vitamin D to activate. Whenever a T-cell encounters an external infection, it start sending signal to check for the availability of vitamin D. That is why T-cells also need vitamin D to be active.

Major Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency 

Mostly, vitamin d deficiency causes  :

Fatigue

This is one of the most common symptom that people usually ignore. Most people think that due to overwork in office or home, fatigue happens. But they fail to understand that excessive fatigue can also be the result from vitamin D deficiency. Generally, blood pressure is reduced due to deficiency of vitamin D, which causes a lot of fatigue.

Hair fall

Vitamin D deficiency causes a lot of hair loss. This problem is common among both men and women. 

As much as vitamin D is beneficial for health, it is also beneficial for your hair. There are many types of research on vitamin D. Recently there has been a research that the length and strength of hair can measure the level of vitamin D in the human body. Research has also revealed that the better the level of vitamin D, the stronger and longer the hair of a human being.

Osteoporosis

Vitamin D caters to the lack of calcium in the body, which causes the bones to become stronger whose absence could cause disease like osteoporosis which means "porous bone". 
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that makes bones fragile and weak. It is a disease where body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both.The bone becomes so fragile that even mild stresses such as falling, bending and coughing can cause severe fractures which usually occur on the hip, spine and the wrist. 

Wound healing time

If you have wound in your body and it is taking more time to heal, then you may be struggling with vitamin D deficiency. Deficiency of Vitamin D inhibits the formation of new skin.

Muscle aches

Reduction in vitamin D levels may also be linked with a lack of blood cells. If there is a lot of pain in your muscles, it may be due to deficiency of vitamin D.

Other Symptoms and risks of Vitamin D deficiency :

• With the increase in obesity, the level of vitamin D in the body decreases.
• The person who are deficient in vitamin D in their body, besides being depressed, they are also under stress.
• If you are doing manual work then it is natural to sweat but it is not normal if you are sweating a lot without any labor. In such a situation, you must check your vitamin D levels.
• If there is a problem of pain in bones, then it is one of the symptoms of vitamin D.
• Due to lack of Vitamin D, your immunity system becomes weak due to which you get sick very quickly and are also vulnerable to viruses that remain active during the change of season.
• Due to lack of Vitamin D, the energy level in the body decreases and the whole day feels tired and no work is felt.
• Due to lack of vitamin D in the body, you will start to appear premature. There are wrinkles in the face and hands.
• Due to lack of Vitamin D, your blood pressure may increase.
• Due to lack of Vitamin D, sometimes digestive problems also occur.
• Due to vitamin D deficiency, there is an increased risk of getting gum related diseases.

What is the treatment of vitamin D deficiency ?

• If you are deficient in vitamin D, then this problem can be easily overcome. Increase the amount of food rich in vitamin D in your diet. Include vitamin D foods like fatty fish, such as tuna and salmon, egg yolk and dairy products such as cheese. Soy milk is also a great source of vitamin D.
• Vitamin D3 - Sunlight is considered the best source of Vitamin D. For this, the early morning sunlight is right. It also reduces the risk of skin disease.
• Vitamin D deficiency is complete by eating salmon and tuna fish.
• If you cannot eat fish, then include eggs in the diet. Must eat yolk.
• Dairy products help in curing vitamin D deficiency. For this, take milk, cow's milk, cheese, curd, butter, buttermilk etc.
• Boil milk and give it to the children to drink at the same time and cool it. It is often seen that the milk is heated by removing cream from the milk and given to drink. The milk does not remain as healthy as the cream is removed.
• COD liver also contains plenty of vitamin D. It removes bone weakness.
• Eating carrots is also beneficial when vitamin D is deficient. It is better to drink carrot juice.
• Also, include soy products in your diet. Soy milk is very good.
• Eat mushrooms and mace.
• Vitamin D is very low, please consult a doctor immediately. Vitamin D levels can be elevated to some extent through injection.

What to avoid ?

Staying away from the consumption of these things will be beneficial for your health -

Lose fatty diet, avoid high sugar food products.

 Avoid consuming junk food and soft drinks available in the market.

Limit caffeine use. Caffeine blocks the absorption of vitamin D.

How much vitamin D is really required by human body?

Nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) is used by the scientists to measure the level of vitamin D in the blood.

International Unit (IU) is the term generally used for the vitamin D dosage.

Term	Reference Range
Deficiency	<10 ng/mL
Insufficiency	10 – 30 ng/mL
Sufficiency	30 – 100 ng/mL
Toxicity	>100 ng/mL

Medically, it is recommended that Vitamin D should be between 30 - 100 ng/mL in a normal human being. Anything lesser than this is considered vitamin D deficient.

1000 IU (25 mcg) per day increases vitamin D blood levels by 10 ng/ml 

   

Age Limit	Recommended daily intake of vitamin D
0 to 12 months	400 IU
1 to 70 years	600 IU
70 years and above	800 IU

Let us know if you are facing any such issues, share the action you have taken so far to get rid of and the results you got.

Coronavirus

Coronavirus, the most commonly heard term these days. The word 'corona' means crown in Latin language. Actually, there are many spikes like the crown on this virus. Hence this is called coronavirus. 2019-NCOV coronavirus which has caused havoc in many countries.

Coronavirus

Current Status

[21st Mar 2020] :

Good news is that Mr. Donald Trump announced in a meeting that HCQS  (hydroxychloroquine) is the drug used to threat malaria and serious arthritis had shown very encouraging early results on coronavirus. It has been approved by FDA as well and will be immediately available in the market in excess.

Video Link (Trump announcement) : 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1MyHPmSPdg&feature=youtu.be

[14th Mar 2020] :
Coronavirus has now been reported in more than 2,100 people in 49 states of US. It has been widely spread in Washington as well as in Puerto Rico, and has killed at least 48 people.

[9th Mar 2020] :
India has so far reported 28 positive cases of coronavirus so far, which includes 16 italian tourists.

[19th Feb 2020] :
Coronavirus death toll surpasses 1,100 and infected more than 45,000 people worldwide. 175 cases of coronavirus have been reported on a cruise ship in Japan. Hongkong have been reported with 50 cases of corona virus.

[10th Feb 2020] :
The death toll from the coronavirus in China has crossed 900. It is reported around 73 people died on Wednesday. So far, suspected cases have come up in 22 countries. The World Health Organization has already declared it an emergency. So far, three cases have been reported in India.

Preventing coronavirus from spreading has become a major challenge for health officials. However, China is trying its level best and taking every possible step to stop it. After getting continuous cases of coronavirus across the world, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus an international emergency.

Cases of coronavirus have been confirmed around 22 countries outside China. These countries include Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan,  South Korea, Australia,  USA, France, Germany and United Arab Emirates.

What is coronavirus?

Coronavirus (COV) belongs to a family of viruses whose infection can cause problems ranging from a cold to breathlessness. This virus has never been seen before. The deadly virus infection started in December in Wuhan, China. According to WHO, fever, cough, shortness of breath are its symptoms. So far no vaccine has been made to stop the virus from spreading.

What are the symptoms of this disease?

Due to its infection, problems like fever, cold, shortness of breath, runny nose and sore throat arise. This virus spreads from person to person. Therefore, great care is being taken about this. This deadly virus first caught in China in the month of December and right now it have been confirmed in 22 countries outside China. It is expected to reach other countries as well.

What are the preventive measures?

The Ministry of Health and research experts has issued guidelines to prevent coronavirus. According to the researchers, following measures need be taken :

• Pay special attention to cleanliness
• Clean hands thoroughly with soap before eating anything.
• Do not consume seafood
• Always keep a hand sanitizer with you.
• Keep your nose and mouth covered. Use handkerchief or tissue paper while coughing and peeling.
• Keep distance from people who have cold and flu symptoms.
• Avoid intake of eggs and meat.
• Avoid contact with wild animals.
• Wear mask to cover your nose and mouth while travelling out.
•  Do not touch your face without cleaning hands after travelling in a train or bus

Affect of coronavirus on the economy

Due to this virus in China, the number of tourists can decrease. This will directly affect China's economy. China's economy is already in a state of lethargy. Many countries have issued guidelines and have asked their citizens not to go to China and have also banned people coming from Wuhan. Russia has closed its eastern border with China. Many businesses in China have been shattered, many  have slowed down  as outsiders are not preferring to take products from China. Coronavirus has heavily affected the Chinese economy.