Updates from Maria Custode

Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe more than 100 conditions that cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. It’s a common ailment, especially among women over the age of 45, and it can be difficult to determine what type of arthritis you may have. If you think you might have arthritis, the first step is getting a diagnosis from your healthcare provider. Here’s what you need to know.

When you visit your doctor for a diagnosis, there are several tests they may use to determine which type of arthritis you have. The first step is usually a physical examination of your joints and muscles—your doctor will look for signs of swelling or redness in your joints as well as any overly tender areas. They will also check your range of motion and how much flexibility you have in each joint. Your doctor may also take x-rays or blood tests; these can help identify types of inflammatory arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis) or monitor the progression of osteoarthritis over time.

Once the results are in, your doctor will be able to make an official diagnosis. Some common types of arthritis include osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia. Osteoarthritis is characterized by wear-and-tear damage on the cartilage between bones; RA is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints; PsA causes inflammation around the skin and nails; gout causes sudden episodes of painful joints due to high uric acid levels; lupus is another autoimmune disorder that affects a variety of organs and tissues; fibromyalgia is often associated with widespread muscle pain and fatigue.

Once you get a diagnosis for your type of arthritis, it’s important to discuss treatment options with your doctor. Depending on which type you have, treatments can vary from over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to prescription drugs such as methotrexate or corticosteroids. Exercise can also help reduce symptoms by strengthening muscles around affected joints; low-impact activities like swimming or walking are good choices for people with arthritis. Finally, lifestyle changes such as losing weight if necessary or eating an anti-inflammatory diet can help manage arthritic pain and prevent further damage to affected joints over time.

                                                                                           

Diagnosing which type of arthritis you have can be challenging because there are so many different types out there—and because symptoms can vary from person to person. However, once you get diagnosed it’s important to discuss treatment options with your doctor so that you can start managing your condition quickly and effectively before it gets worse over time. Remember: knowledge is power! With the right information about what kind of arthritis you have and how best to treat it, you'll be well on your way towards living an active life free from arthritic pain!

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.

Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation

 Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury or illness. It can be helpful when inflammation helps fight off an infection or heal a wound, but it can also cause pain and damage when it occurs in excess. So what role do eggs play in anti-inflammatory diets? Let’s take a closer look.

Eggs are often included in anti-inflammatory diets because they contain many of the vitamins and minerals that help reduce inflammation. These include selenium, B vitamins, zinc, vitamin A, and omega-3 fatty acids. In addition to these nutrients, eggs also provide essential amino acids that are needed for healthy cell growth and repair.

The nutrients in eggs can help reduce inflammation by providing the body with antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and trigger inflammation. The omega-3 fatty acids found in eggs are especially beneficial for reducing inflammation because they help reduce levels of pro-inflammatory chemicals in the body. Additionally, eggs are packed with protein which helps build and maintain muscle mass – another factor that can help reduce inflammation.

Although most people can safely eat up to four eggs per day without any issues, some experts recommend limiting egg intake to two per day due to concerns about cholesterol levels and heart health. Additionally, those who have allergies or sensitivities to egg proteins should avoid them completely as they may trigger an inflammatory response.

It’s clear that eggs have many benefits when it comes to reducing inflammation. They contain essential vitamins and minerals as well as antioxidants that help protect against free radical damage. However, it is important to be aware of any potential risks associated with eating too many eggs or if you have an allergy or sensitivity to egg proteins. All things considered, adding eggs into your diet can be a great way for women looking for anti-inflammatory food options to get the nutrition their bodies need!

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.

Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation

 While arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) both involve joint pain and inflammation, the two conditions are quite different in terms of their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Understanding the nuances between these two types of arthritis is key to managing your condition and improving your quality of life. Let’s take a deeper dive into understanding the differences between arthritis and RA.

Arthritis is an umbrella term for any disorder that affects joints, including joint pain or joint disease. There are more than 100 types of arthritis, but the three most common forms are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout. Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage on the ends of your bones wears down over time due to aging or injury. It is a chronic condition but can often be managed with lifestyle changes such as diet modification, exercise, physical therapy and medications like NSAIDs.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder that occurs when your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue in your body—in this case, the lining of your joints—causing inflammation that leads to swelling, stiffness and pain. RA usually affects multiple joints throughout the body at once and is classified as a systemic disease because it can affect other organs such as lungs or eyes in addition to joints. While there is no cure for RA, it can be managed with medications like biologic drugs or corticosteroids as well as lifestyle modifications such as physical therapy exercises or stress management techniques.

Although both conditions cause joint pain and inflammation, arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are very different in terms of their causes, symptoms and treatments. Osteoarthritis typically affects older individuals due to wear-and-tear on joints over time while RA is an autoimmune disorder caused by faulty immune system responses attacking healthy tissue rather than foreign invaders like bacteria or viruses. Taking proactive steps to manage either type of condition can help you live a healthier life despite your diagnosis so it’s important to understand how they differ from one another in order to make informed decisions about care options available for each type of arthritis.

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.

Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation

Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis are two types of arthritis that can cause chronic joint pain. But what is the difference between them? This blog post will explain the key differences between these two common forms of arthritis and how to identify which type you may have. 

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions joints wears down over time, leading to inflammation and pain. The symptoms of OA can vary in intensity, but they typically include stiffness, tenderness, joint swelling, and decreased range of motion in affected joints. Risk factors for this type of arthritis include age, obesity, genetics, previous injuries or fractures, and certain medical conditions such as diabetes.  

 

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? 

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder in which a person’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues instead of invading bacteria or viruses. RA affects joints on both sides of the body (symmetrically), unlike OA which usually only affects one side at a time. Symptoms of RA include joint pain, swelling around joints, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and numbness or tingling in hands or feet. It can also cause inflammation in other organs such as the lungs and heart if left untreated. Risk factors for RA include age (it’s more common in women than men), family history of autoimmune disorders, smoking cigarettes, and exposure to certain environmental toxins.  

 

How Can I Tell if I Have Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis?                                                                                              

The best way to determine whether you have OA or RA is to consult your doctor. They will ask questions about your symptoms and examine your joints for signs of inflammation or damage. Your doctor may order blood tests to rule out other possible causes for your symptoms such as infection or Lyme disease. They may also order imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI scan to get a better look at any potential damage inside your joints caused by either type of arthritis  . If your doctor suspects that you have RA based on your symptoms and test results they may refer you to a rheumatologist for further evaluation . An experienced rheumatologist can help confirm a diagnosis through specialized tests such as an antinuclear antibody (ANA) test . 

Living with chronic joint pain due to arthritis can be difficult but it doesn’t have to be unmanageable! Knowing the difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis is essential so that you can get proper treatment from your doctor right away if needed. If you think that you may have either type of arthritis don’t hesitate to reach out to your primary care physician who can then refer you to a specialist if necessary. With proper guidance it’s possible to manage both types so that you remain active with minimal discomfort!

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.

Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation

 Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and illness, but it can also be triggered by poor lifestyle choices. Unhealthy eating habits, smoking, excessive drinking, and lack of exercise can all lead to chronic inflammation. Fortunately, certain types of food can help reduce inflammation and provide health benefits. These are known as superfoods - nutrient-dense foods packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are essential for maintaining good health. In this blog post, we will discuss five superfoods that can help reduce inflammation.

This bright yellow spice is a staple in Indian cuisine and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Turmeric contains curcumin - an active compound with potent anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have found that curcumin helps reduce inflammation in the body by blocking inflammatory molecules from binding to cells. It’s also been shown to be effective at reducing pain associated with joint conditions like arthritis.

Cherries contain powerful anti-inflammatory compounds called anthocyanins which help reduce inflammation in the body. They are loaded with antioxidants that can help reduce oxidative stress - a major cause of inflammation - as well as boost your immune system and lower cholesterol levels. Eating cherries or drinking cherry juice has been linked to improved heart health and reduced risk of developing certain cancers.

Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, tuna, and sardines are packed with omega-3 fatty acids which help keep inflammation at bay by preventing the production of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body. Studies have found that regularly consuming fatty fish may reduce risk of developing certain diseases such as heart disease and rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory effects on the body.

 

Broccoli is one of nature’s most powerful superfoods when it comes to reducing inflammation in the body thanks to its high levels of antioxidants like vitamin C and carotenoids. Eating broccoli regularly has been linked to decreased risk of cancer due to its ability to fight off free radicals which are responsible for causing cell damage leading to disease development. Broccoli is also high in fiber which helps regulate digestion and promote healthy gut bacteria which is important for overall health and well being!

Ginger has long been used for medicinal purposes due to its anti-inflammatory effects on the body caused by its active compound gingerol which helps block pro-inflammatory molecules from binding together leading to decreased levels of inflammation overall! Ginger has also been found helpful at relieving nausea associated with some illnesses or treatments as well as helping improve digestion due to its antibacterial properties!

Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods packed full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats that not only provide essential nutrients for maintaining good health but also have powerful anti-inflammatory properties that make them ideal for reducing chronic inflammation caused by poor lifestyle choices or underlying medical conditions. From turmeric to cherries, fatty fish, broccoli, ginger – there's no shortage of delicious options available when it comes choosing superfoods that can help you combat inflammation! Women looking for ways naturally reduce their risk of disease while boosting their overall well being should consider adding these five powerhouse superfoods into their diet today!

This is my superfood

Here is the link to what I use to manage my inflammation.

Ask me about the 11 day jumpstart to reduce pain and inflammation