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Showing posts with the label autoimmune disease

What To Eat and Avoid for Gout

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Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that often comes with severe joint pain and tenderness. It is caused by a buildup of uric acid in the body, which then settles in the joints in the form of crystals. Normally, uric acid, which is produced during the breakdown of purines (found in foods such as peas, anchovies, and beer) is supposed to be excreted with the other body wastes. However, in instances where the uptake of high-purine foods is unchecked, the body is not able to excrete all the purine on time, which easily causes gout. As such, knowing what foods to avoid for gout and which ones to eat can help you control gout flares, or prevent gout if you don't have it. Below are some important things you should know in regards to dieting and controlling gout. What Foods Trigger Gout Attacks? As mentioned above, foods that contain purines are a big factor in the development, or reoccurring of gout. These foods include all types of red meat, dried beans, all types of alc...

Exercises Help Ease Arthritis & Stiffness

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There are more than 40 million people in the US and 350 million worldwide who suffer from arthritis. Notably, the condition tends to spread evenly across all ages, irrespective of gender. In the past, arthritis often affected the seniors as they age past 60 years. However, the new trend in children and youth is worrying. With more than a quarter-million children affected, the war against arthritis is being waged to stop the spread. Although the disease can be treated using medications, there are different exercise programs that can help relieve fatigue and pain, while preserving joint function and structure. So what are the benefits of exercise? A tailored exercise program that includes a balance of strengthening training, endurance and range-of-motion – can prevent inflammation and protect your muscles and joints from any further damage. Below are some of the benefits of these exercises: Increase muscle strength and flexibility Maintain the bone strength Reduce pressure on...

Symptoms & Causes of Lupus

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Lupus is an autoimmune disease that often leads to total, or major damage to various body organs. Some of the most affected organs include the brain, lungs, and skin, to the heart. So what is autoimmunity?  Autoimmunity is basically a situation where the body's immune system can't differentiate between the normal body cells and tissues from viruses, bacteria and germs. As a result, it generates and directs antibodies to fight everything, including healthy tissues, and hence the destruction of entire organs. What makes Lupus dangerous is that diagnosis is not as straightforward as with other diseases. This is because the symptoms of Lupus are very similar and commonly confused with those of other diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Notably, Lupus is not contagious, and patients can live and interact freely with their friends and family. Unfortunately, though, Lupus is incurable, but the right treatments can help reduce the pain and ...