Recipe: Easy Baked Avocado & Feta Eggs

From arthritis.ca/living-well

The word “superfood” gets tossed around a lot these days, but when it comes to helping with arthritis, avocados may actually fit the bill. Research on the health benefits of avocados highlights a wealth of helpful antioxidant compounds, including the healthy monounsaturated fatty acids that offer anti-inflammatory benefits similar to olive oil. Emerging research also suggests that avocados may help reduce pain in osteoarthritis in the lower jaw.

Nutritional information (per serving*):

Calories: 271; Total Fat (24g); Saturated Fat (5g); Monounsaturated Fat (12g); Carbohydrates (7g); Fibre (6g); Sodium (154mg).
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
*Servings: 4 (one half avocado and one egg per serving)

Ingredients:

• 2 avocados (large work best)
• 4 eggs
• 1-2 green onions, chopped
• 4 Tbsp feta cheese, shredded (can be purchased pre-shredded)
• Paprika, dried basil, salt and pepper, sprinkled to taste
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Preheat over to 425°F.
2. Cut each avocado in half and remove pit.
3. Fill each avocado half with an egg. It might be easier to pour each egg into a bowl first, then into the avocado.
4. Add green onions, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried basil to taste, then drizzle with the olive oil.
5. Bake in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on how firm you like your egg yolks.  
6. Sprinkle feta cheese over each egg, then top with parsley and serve immediately.

Extra tip:

This recipe can be a very satisfying breakfast that keeps you full until lunchtime. Try it with a slice of whole-grain (and, if necessary, gluten-free) toast and kalamata olives.

https://arthritis.ca/living-well/optimized-self/eating-well/recipe-video-easy-baked-avocado-feta-eggs

Chloe, 20, from Middlesbrough speaks out about living with arthritis

From thenorthernecho.co.uk

A 20-YEAR-old has spoken out about the challenges and stigma she faces living with arthritis as a student.
Chloe Umpleby, from Middlesbrough, has been living with Juvenile Idiopathic arthritis (JIA) all her life.
She is passionate about challenging the myth that arthritis is something only elderly people get.
Chloe wants to raise awareness of the impact arthritis has on the "typical" student from her time at Lancaster University, through a campaign, It’s not alright, it’s arthritis.

Through the initiative, the charity Versus Arthritis, wants to challenge the misplaced assumption that arthritis – which affects over ten million people in the UK, two thirds of whom are under the age of 65 – is ‘just a bit of wear and tear’ and inevitable – something only old people get, 30 per cent of those living in England live with an MSK (Musculoskeletal) condition.

   Chloe Umpleby, 20, from Middlesbrough is featuring in a campaign about living with arthritis

Versus Arthritis has joined forces with Global Radio as part of a combined effort to shine a light on how the condition steals the fundamentals of life.

The campaign tells the moving stories of people living with arthritis who have been robbed of the things most people take for granted – intimacy, independence or even the ability to work and earn a living.
Radio stations such as, Heart, Capital and Radio X are running the adverts which hear Chloe speak but with words removed, signifying what arthritis has taken from Chloe.

Chloe said: "I can't go anywhere when I have flare ups. The pain and fatigue mean I can’t even sit in a lecture theatre – I just have to stay in bed.
"When I'm isolated like this I go through bouts of depression. Going to night clubs is very tiring, too, so I don't have the typical uni experience.
"I am so sick of people saying, 'arthritis is only for old people, you couldn’t have it,' or 'it’s just some aches and pains, nothing big.'
"This undermines everything I'm feeling. It's really difficult."

Chloe was born with JIA, and was diagnosed when she was 18-months-old. Doctors do not know where the condition has come from or what has caused it.

Chloe said: "I have to take immunosuppressants to stop flare ups, so I'm having to self-isolate for 12 weeks, as I could get quite ill from the coronavirus."
On a bad day Chloe, struggles to get out of bed due to fatigue and the pain.

For more information go to www.versusarthritis.org

https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/18406446.chloe-20-middlesbrough-speaks-living-arthritis/

The 5 Best Diets for Psoriatic Arthritis

From healthcentral.com

No boring bites here. These diets are full of flavour, and they come with one awesome benefit—fewer psoriatic arthritis flares!

It’s no secret that what you eat can impact your health. And if you have a chronic disease, diet plays a huge role in keeping symptoms at bay.

“This is especially true for people who have too much inflammation in their body, which is what happens with psoriatic arthritis,” says Robin Foroutan, R.D.N., an integrative medicine dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

It is estimated that about one in five patients with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, an autoimmune condition that can lead to inflammation that damages your skin and your joints.
“Many different foods, especially foods high in antioxidants, can help the body balance inflammation, and that’s why diet is so important,” says Foroutan.

On the flip side, “some foods are pro-inflammatory in and of themselves, meaning they trigger an inflammatory cascade,” says Foroutan. “For someone with PsA, that’s like pouring gasoline on a wildfire.”

                                                                                       iStock

Are You Pro Anti-Inflammatory Diet?

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, an anti-inflammatory diet composed of lean proteins, whole grains, and fresh produce is often recommended for those with psoriatic arthritis.
“Many diets will claim that they are anti-inflammatory. However, certain diets score better when it comes to research and efficacy–these diets include the Mediterranean Diet, the Dash Diet, and a Vegetarian Diet,” says Angel Planells, R.D.N., Seattle-based registered dietitian nutritionist and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. “These diets have a higher intake of health protective nutrients (fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, healthy fats, lean protein).”

“On the most basic level, sugar, white refined grains, processed red meat and any food that provides minimal to no nutrient density should be avoided,” says Kristin Kirkpatrick, R.D.N., registered dietitian nutritionist and lead dietitian at Wellness Nutrition Services at Cleveland Clinic Wellness & Preventive Medicine. “What should be adhered to are colourful foods representing high phytonutrient/antioxidant levels often found in plants, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains.”
The good news is that studies have found there are actually a bunch of diet plans that can help you eat to beat inflammation. Here’s a rundown on five of the top picks, plus their pros and cons, and who might want to consider them.

Mediterranean Diet

Basics: The Mediterranean Diet consists of mostly vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, moderate amounts of dairy, fish, and meat (with minimal amount of red meat), and minimal processed foods and sugar. Healthy fats, especially extra virgin olive oil, also get a big check mark in this diet.

Pros for PsA: The Mediterranean Diet is considered an ‘anti-inflammatory’ diet. One study found that patients with PsA who followed a Mediterranean Diet compared to those who didn’t reported lower levels of PsA disease activity.

Cons for PsA: According to Harvard University, the Mediterranean Diet could increase your risk of excess calorie intake, as portion size isn’t emphasized, which may cause weight gain.

You might like it if: You are looking to decrease the amount of processed foods you eat and increase the amount of produce.

DASH Diet

Basics: The ‘DASH’ stands for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension. It was designed as a diet to lower blood pressure, and it puts major stock in vegetables, fruits, and low-fat dairy foods. Also emphasized are moderate amounts of whole grains, fish, poultry, and nuts as well as low-sodium intake.

Pros for PsA: Like the Mediterranean Diet, the DASH Diet cuts out foods known to increase PsA symptoms, including processed foods. Since it's goal is to improve heart health, this diet is another pro for those with PsA, who are at higher risk of developing heart disease.

Cons for PsA: This diet was specifically created to lower blood pressure, which may not be necessary for those with PsA (i.e. those who do not have hypertension).

You might like it if: You are looking to improve your heart health (along with your PsA symptoms).

Paleo Diet

Basics: This diet (a.k.a. the Caveman Diet) consists of primarily lean meat, fruit, fish, nuts and seeds, and cuts out the junk food and most processed foods, which can contribute to inflammation. It eliminates potentially inflammatory foods like gluten and dairy, and it allows for lots of anti-inflammatory veggies, herbs, spices, fatty fish, and high-quality meats and fats.

Pros for PsA: There’s a version of Paleo called the AIP diet, or auto-immune paleo diet (which is an elimination-style Paleo diet), that can also be remarkably helpful for anyone with an autoimmune condition. The AIP diet requires focus on food quality and includes trial elimination of many otherwise healthy foods like eggs, beans and legumes, which are technically anti-inflammatory.

Cons for PSA: If people were to eat too much meat and not enough veggies (which is easy to do with this diet), the level of anti-inflammatory protection would go down.

You might like it if: You're up for meal planning and prepping, and you want to lose or maintain your weight.

Intermittent Fasting

Basics: This somewhat customizable diet implements different time cycles of fasting and eating. There are many different fasting methods, including the 16/8 method where you fast for 16 hours and have an 8-hour eating window. There’s also the “Eat-Stop-Eat” method where you fast for 24 hours once or twice a week.

Pros for PsA: There is some evidence that Intermittent Fasting (IF) can help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, especially when paired with anti-inflammatory foods like green leafy vegetables, fatty fish, and olive oil. One study published in the journal Nutrients found that after a month of fasting, patients with PsA reported lower inflammation markers.

Cons for PsA: It may prevent you from attaining as many nutrients as possible if you limit the amount of time (and consequently the amount of food) you eat using IF. And simply limiting the periods when you’re eating without adjusting your diet to include anti-inflammatory foods likely won’t result in major PsA improvements.

You might like it if: You want to practice portion control and simplify your lifestyle (since you don't have to think about when to eat, only what to eat).

Vegetarian Diet

Basics: This diet consists of plants, plants, and more plants. Obvi.

Pros for PsA: “The different colours you see in plant foods are signals that the food is high in ‘phytonutrients’, a.k.a. antioxidants,” says Foroutan. “These foods help the body balance inflammation and can help modulate an overactive immune system.” In other words, when you eat foods that are high in antioxidants, like vegetables, you prevent the production of inflammatory compounds and fight destructive ‘oxidant’ molecules that attack healthy cells, leading to inflammation.

Cons for PsA: Plant-based diets often lack foods that contain vitamin D like fatty fish, cheese, and egg yolks, which is not ideal. One study published in Arthritis Research & Therapy, found that nearly 41% of participants with psoriatic arthritis had a vitamin D deficiency.

You might like it if: You’re trying to cut back on your meat intake (which can come with a lot of inflammation-causing saturated fats), and up your consumption of veggies.

https://www.healthcentral.com/article/best-diets-psoriatic-arthritis

Benefits of physical activity highlighted for people with arthritis

From avondhupress.ie

Being active can have a big impact on the health and wellbeing of people with arthritis, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, according to Arthritis Ireland. The national patient organisation has today (20 April) launched National Arthritis Week with the theme “Every Movement Matters”.

The charity is encouraging people living with arthritis to try even small amounts of physical activity, which they say can help you stay strong and remain independent.

“Physical activity is about much more than exercise; it includes any activity or movement that people do. This can include dancing to the radio, gardening, seated exercises, walking around the house or building your strength with a tin of beans. Everyone can start being active, even now, when so much of the world is shut down,” said the charity’s chief executive, Gráinne O’Leary.

She noted that while some people with arthritis think that physical activity will make their condition worse, the opposite is true.
“Research proves that physical activity can reduce stiffness and pain, increase flexibility, strengthen muscles around the joints and help people reach and maintain a healthier weight,” Ms O’Leary stated.

She continued: “Physical activity is also shown to have a positive impact on mental wellbeing, which is so important in these challenging times. Being active is associated with better sleep patterns, well-being, self-esteem, energy levels and helps manage fatigue.”

Caroline Cahill from Portlaoise has rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. To keep herself active during Covid-19, she does chair exercises, takes the stairs, washes the windows and walks her three dogs.
“Movement is definitely the best medicine,” she said, “I keep my own pain under control; the busier I can be, the better I feel.”

Arthritis Ireland is publishing information and resources about physical activity on its website and social media channels throughout National Arthritis Week. This will include a Take Control with Exercise programme, which features flexibility and strengthening exercises.

The charity is also asking people to support its work by donating €4 by texting ARTHRITIS to 50300.

Around one million people have arthritis in Ireland. The condition affects people of all ages, including children; one in five (18%) are younger than 55 years.

There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, which cause pain, destruction, stiffness and swelling in the joints of the body. Arthritis accounts for one-third of GP visits and is the single biggest cause of disability.

The number of people living with arthritis is forecast to increase in the coming decades. Two key drivers are increased life expectancy and physical inactivity.
Just 46% of adults in Ireland are achieving the minimum level of activity of 150 minutes per week. This figure falls to one-third for adults aged 65-74.

“Taking positive action now by getting more people physically active is a public health imperative. We must do everything possible to minimise the pain and destruction caused by arthritis. Every movement matters is a philosophy we can all embrace,” added Gráinne O’Leary.

National Arthritis Week is supported by MSD and Novartis. Further information about National Arthritis Ireland Week is available online at www.arthritisireland.ie.

https://avondhupress.ie/benefits-of-physical-activity-highlighted-for-people-with-arthritis/

What To Know About COVID-19 And Arthritis

From southfloridareporter.com

Experts do not yet understand how COVID-19 may affect someone with arthritis relative to the general population.

However, it appears that people with inflammatory or autoimmune arthritis may be at greater risk of contracting the infection, and developing more severe symptoms, than others.

Keep reading to learn more about the potential effects of COVID-19 on those with certain types of arthritis. This article also covers some precautions that people can take to reduce their risk of contracting the virus.

How does COVID-19 affect people with arthritis?

Neither researchers nor doctors know the exact effects of COVID-19 on people with arthritis. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other expert bodies are still learning about the impact of the virus on people with pre-existing health conditions.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, people with autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis with high disease activity generally have a higher risk of infections due to reduced immune function.

Regarding children with arthritis, the Arthritis Foundation suggests that factors such as arthritis type, disease activity, the involvement of organs, and the level to which their immune system is suppressed may all play a role in the risk of coronavirus infection.

Some research suggests that people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have an increased risk of infection because their immune system is impaired. This is typical in autoimmune conditions such as RA.

Furthermore, these people may take medications — such as corticosteroids and immunosuppressive drugs — that also affect immune function. This may increase their risk of contracting the virus.

The presence of other underlying conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, can further increase risk.

Is COVID-19 more dangerous for people with arthritis?

There is not yet enough evidence to confirm this, but it seems that people with autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis may be at higher risk of infection or severe COVID-19 symptoms.

The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that conditions or medications that weaken the immune system increase the risk of severe illness with COVID-19.

Experts suggest that the main concerns for those with autoimmune conditions who develop COVID-19 include secondary bacterial infections and other complications that may result from the initial viral infection.

In general, those who take immunosuppressive medications, such as biologics or corticosteroids, are at higher risk of a severe viral infection. People who take immunosuppressive medications and who develop flu-like symptoms should call their doctor immediately.

Healthcare professionals typically do not recommend immunosuppressive treatments in those with active infections, but the risk of disease flares is also worth consideration. A person can determine whether to discontinue, taper, or maintain their medication by consulting their doctor.

Those who take immunosuppressive drugs and who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 should discuss their options with their doctor. In some cases, the risk of arthritis flares may outweigh the potential benefits of stopping treatment.

In either case, it is important that people do not adjust their dosage or stop taking their medication without first seeking medical advice.

Symptoms to look out for

Common COVID-19 symptoms, according to the WHO, include:

• a dry cough
• fatigue
• a fever

Other symptoms may include:

• aches and pains
• breathing difficulties
• gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhoea
• a stuffy or runny nose
• shortness of breath
• a sore throat
• red or watery eyes
• severe headaches

In most cases, the symptoms will begin within 2-14 days of exposure to the virus. Most people will experience only mild symptoms, though some will have more severe ones.

Some individuals may be asymptomatic. This means that they have the illness but do not display any symptoms. It is important to note that those who are asymptomatic can still transmit the virus to others.

Extra care and precautions

The CDC explain that the virus SARS-CoV-2 which causes COVID-19 spreads very easily and efficiently between people. To reduce the risk of contracting the virus, people should:

• Wash the hands regularly with soap and water, for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.
• Maintain a physical distance of 6 feet (2 metres) from other people, especially those who are unwell.
• Limit the time outside of the home, including in grocery stores and on the streets. When it is necessary to leave the home, try to wear a face mask.
• Stock up on food, medications, and other essential items to reduce the number of trips outside of the home.
• Disinfect surfaces and everyday household items frequently. Examples include faucets, door handles, toilet handles, keys, and remote controls.
• Avoid sharing utensils, towels, and other personal items with other people.
• Isolate sick members of the household in a separate bedroom and bathroom (if possible) until their symptoms resolve. These people should wear a face covering such as a mask when using shared spaces.
• Avoid all nonessential air and sea travel and other forms of public transport.
• Discuss the use of arthritis medications with a doctor to see if it is advisable to continue with the treatment.

Anyone who believes that they have had contact with someone with COVID-9 should:

• monitor their symptoms closely and check their temperature daily
• call their doctor immediately if any symptoms develop
• seek immediate medical attention if severe symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, occur
• call ahead before going to any healthcare facility

Treatment and symptom management

There is currently no specific treatment for COVID-19. Treatment aims to relieve symptoms in those who contract the virus. Options include:

• cough medicines
• fluids
• pain-relieving medications
• rest

Clinical trials and vaccine development studies are in progress at many medical centres around the world.
People who get severely ill typically require hospitalization. In the hospital, medical staff may use oxygen therapy or ventilators, or they may use other specialist treatments to alleviate the symptoms and prevent or manage complications.
Those with arthritis who contract COVID-19 should discuss their arthritis treatment with their doctor. The doctor, most often a rheumatologist, may suggest continuing with the treatment, tapering it off, or temporarily stopping use.
Medical professionals will advise their patients on a case-by-case basis.

What to do if the test is positive

A doctor will provide individual instructions to those who test positive for SARS-CoV-2. Typically, those who have mild symptoms can isolate and recover at home. Self-isolating prevents the spread of the virus to others.
Those with severe symptoms require urgent medical attention and perhaps a hospital stay. People with underlying conditions and those who take immunosuppressive drugs may also require additional medical care.

Outlook

The outlook for people who contract COVID-19 varies greatly. It depends on several factors, including:

• the severity of the disease
• the person’s age, sex, and ethnicity
• the presence of any underlying conditions
• the use of any immunosuppressive treatments

Current research indicates that around 80% of individuals experience mild-to-moderate symptoms, 13.8% develop severe disease, and 6.1% become critical and require intensive care.
Prompt medical treatment may improve the outlook and reduce the risk of complications. In severe cases of COVID-19, complications include pneumonia, organ failure, and death.

Summary

At present, experts are still unsure of the exact effects of COVID-19 on individuals with arthritis.
It appears that people with autoimmune or inflammatory arthritis and those taking immunosuppressive drugs may be more at risk of contracting the virus and experiencing more severe illness.

Those who have arthritis and develop flu-like symptoms should contact a doctor immediately, even if their symptoms seem mild. They will advise on the person’s arthritis treatment options and the next steps in COVID-19 diagnosis and treatment.

https://southfloridareporter.com/what-to-know-about-covid-19-and-arthritis/

UK Arthritis charity launches chatbot to offer Covid-19 advice

From uk.news.yahoo.com

A new chatbot is to offer health advice to arthritis sufferers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The online tool has been developed by UK charity Versus Arthritis and is thought to be the first of its kind to specifically help people with a long-term health condition during the Covid-19 outbreak.

The tool, called Cova, has been developed in just two weeks and can be found on the Versus Arthritis website, where it offers information on medical advice and medication, isolation guidance, maintaining mental and physical health and managing work and finances.

Chatbots are artificial intelligence-powered tools which can automatically reply to questions and quickly provide the information requested by a user.

         The Cova chatbot provides information to arthritis sufferers around Covid-19. (Filament)

The tool was created alongside AI specialist firm Filament.

The charity said the chatbot can also be added to any website through a simple piece of code.

It added that the tool had been created after it saw a 71% increase in calls to its helpline from February to March.

The chatbot also includes a coronavirus risk calculator, developed by the British Society of Rheumatology, which helps people with arthritis and other musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions assess whether or not they are more vulnerable during the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is the charity’s second chatbot, following Ava, a virtual assistant released more than three years ago which offers general health information to people with arthritis and other MSK conditions.

Amanda Neylon, director of insight, data and technology at Versus Arthritis said the aim of the new software was to give people more options for getting vital health guidance.

“Getting up-to-date, high-quality, trusted health information and services that are available 24/7 are important at the best of times, but particularly during our current crisis,” she said.

“Cova is a one-stop-shop where people with arthritis and MSK conditions can go with confidence to get the information they need to maintain their health and wellbeing.

“Our helpline and face to face services provide essential support for people every day.

“During this period of uncertainty, we need to increase our digital services, which include our online community, website health information, social media, and virtual assistant, to support the millions of people with arthritis and MSK conditions particularly those who are most at risk from the coronavirus.

“We’ve been pioneering the use of AI technologies in the charity sector for several years with our chatbot Ava.

“Our nimble and innovative response will have a big impact for people in a time of great change and uncertainty.”

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/arthritis-charity-launches-chatbot-offer-114247457.html

9 Benefits of Agarwood Oud Oil

By Dong Wong

Agarwood was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of halitosis, pain, regulation of the vital organs, relive spasms and treat the digestive system. Besides, agarwood was considered a good means of easing chest tightness, reliving abdominal pain, asthma and diarrhoea. In this article, we are going to take a look at some common benefits of agarwood oil. Read on to know more.

1. Helps Attain Inner Peace
According to many people, agarwood oud oil can help you get inner peace as it can heal your emotional trauma. Some people claim that it has powerful harmonizing impact on your brain's electrical frequencies.

It's interesting to note that Tibetan monks used to apply this oil to boost their internal energy and induce mental tranquillity. Therefore, it was a common practice to use it in many spiritual traditions.

2. Alleviates Pain
Since it has anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and analgesic properties, you can use it to get relief from pain and inflammation caused by arthritis and rheumatism. All you need to do is mix a few drops of the oil with a bit of coconut oil and then apply to the painful areas.

The good thing is that the diuretic qualities of the oil can promote urination so you can flush out uric acid and toxins from your body. And this way you can help reduce stiffness, swelling and pain. Besides, you can use a little bit of the liquid to sooth your muscles.

3. Supports the Digestive System
The stomachic, carminative and digestive properties of the oil can help with smooth digestion by preventing the formation of gas. If you have the gas problem, it can help you expel the gas from your stomach.

For this purpose, you can add a few drops of the oil with another type of carrier oud oil. Once the mixture is ready, you can apply it to the lower or upper of your abdomen based on where the pain is located. Since this solution can boost the production of digestive juices, you will enjoy better digestion and no bloating at all.

4. Helps reduce Bad Breath
According to researchers, Agarwood oud oil can be effectively used against many types of bacteria that may cause bad breath. Traditionally, it was used to fresh the breath.
To make the solution, you can add a little bit of peppermint aud oil and agarwood oud oil to half glass of water. Once ready, you can use the mixture to gargle. That's it.

5. Helps treat Breast Cancer
This oil is also popular for the anticancer properties it has. Therefore, it can help control the breast cancer cells. According to the reports, further research is required in order to find out if the oil can be used as an effective therapy for the treatment of cancer.

6. Helps Improve Skin Health
The anti-inflammatory properties of the extract can help treatment skin conditions that show symptoms, such as puffiness, irritation, and swelling. Since it can kill bacteria on your skin, you will find fewer spots on your skin.

As far as Ayurveda is concerned, the oil is a good choice to help treat a lot of skin disorders and diseases. A few drops of oil can be mixed with any lotion or skin care cream for good results.

7. Enhance Meditation
With this oil, you can enjoy better meditative practices. According to thousands of years of use in mediation, we can say that it can help enhance mediation. A few drops of this extract can be massaged on your acupuncture points or anoint chakra centres. Besides, the oud oil can be diffused in a good aromatherapy diffuser for powerful fragrance.

For deep inner peace, positive energy, awareness and emotion balancing, this extract can be an ideal choice. Plus, it can open the pineal gland and crown chakra.

8. Helps Regulate Menstruation
Agarwood oud oil has an impact on the hormones that regulate periods and boost menstruation. Besides, it can be a good choice for women who are about to reach the menopause.

Aside from this, balancing hormones helps reduce irritability, back pain, cramps, and breast tenderness. As a result, you can enjoy a much better quality of life. You can make a blend of one drop of the extract in a carrier oil of your choice. Once ready, you can apply the solution on your lower back and abdomen.

9. Helps Relieve Itching
Some conditions, such as poison oak, dermatitis, allergies and nerve disorders can cause itching and skin irritation. If you scratch your skin, your irritation may get worse. Therefore, applying some of this oil can be a better idea.

Long story short, these are some of the main benefits of using Agarwood oil. If you want to enjoy these benefits, you can buy this oil from your nearby store. Hope this helps.

https://ezinearticles.com/?9-Benefits-of-Agarwood-Oud-Oil&id=10274551

Holistic remedies for arthritis sufferers

From kcchronicle.com

Arthritis is a common problem that can take on many forms.
From knees and hips to hands and other joints throughout your body, you may experience pain for no obvious reason.

Arthritis is a joint disorder with inflammation in one or more of the joints and is very common, affecting more than 3 million people in the country annually. The primary symptom is pain and stiffness, which typically worsens with age.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, and cases can range from mild to severe. Many people who suffer from arthritis can alleviate their symptoms with holistic remedies.

Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus and is useful in relieving joint pain. ACV also helps remove buildup of toxins in the joints and connective tissues.
Mix one teaspoon each of ACV and honey in a warm cup of water and drink daily, preferably in the morning for alkalizing benefits.

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory root. Eating raw ginger on a regular basis can help alleviate pain by improving blood circulation. Peel and slice fresh ginger and eat with your meals. Ginger oil can also reduce pain when applied on the affected area.

Turmeric contains curcumin which has anti-inflammatory properties. Mix one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a glass of warm milk and drink daily before bed. You can also take 500 mg to 1,000 mg of turmeric capsules three times per day.

Fish oil is another holistic remedy for arthritis. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help reduce pain. Take two teaspoons of fish oil daily, preferably in the morning on an empty stomach to help reduce morning stiffness.

Cherries are also a great way to help reduce inflammation caused by arthritis. Cherries are a good source of magnesium and potassium. Arthritis sufferers can eat eight to 10 cherries daily. Canned, frozen or fresh are all beneficial.

https://www.kcchronicle.com/sponsored/plum-landing/44629270/index.xml

Soothe arthritis with natural remedies

From nwherald.com

Washing your hands frequently in warm soapy water does more than prevent spreading germs, it can help relieve arthritis.   Soaking hands in a sink full of warm water (dishes optional) can relieve sore achy fingers.   Other natural remedies include topical gels and lotions, eating vitamin C-rich citrus fruits, drinking anti-oxidant-rich green tea, exercising, losing weight to reduce joint stress, and adding supplements such as turmeric to your diet to rid inflammation.

The Arthritis Foundation (AF) explains that arthritis is not one disease, but a way to refer to joint pain and disease.   “There are more than 100 different types of arthritis, which is the leading cause of disability in America.   More than 50 million adults and 300,000 children have some type of arthritis.”

Common arthritis symptoms include pain and swelling in the joints (such as knees), stiffness, and a decreased range of motion.   Symptoms can be intermittent, and may progress over time.   There’s no cure for arthritis, but many ways to relieve the pain naturally of this manageable disease.

When pain flares up, the AF recommends balancing activity with rest.   Using hot and cold therapies can be helpful:   alternate ice packs with heat from a heating pad or hot bath.   Massage, aromatherapy, yoga, physical therapy, and acupuncture may be helpful.

The AF explains that topical gels, many made with natural ingredients such as arnica, stimulate the skin’s sensory nerve endings; the body responds by reducing pain signals through the nervous system.

 Losing excess weight may help, as “losing one pound removes four pounds of pressure on swollen, painful joints.   Maintain a healthy weight by combining a balanced diet with regular physical activity,” the AF urges.

https://www.nwherald.com/sponsored/fox-point/01935695/