True_Wellth

Vitamins, arthritis

wellth — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:41:34 +0000

A diet high in vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, and beta- carotene may slow the progression of osteoarthritis, the most common joint disorder of older Americans. (Annals of Rheumatic Diseases 56(7)397-400, July 1997) Copyright 1997 Phylis Austin

Honey for diabetic ulcers

wellth — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 16:36:12 +0000

A study from Egypt demonstrates the effectiveness of honey, a natural remedy used since antiquity. Thirty infected diabetic foot wounds were treated with pure raw untreated commercial clover honey over a three month period. Slightly more than 43% achieved complete healing, with another 43% having significant improvement. Slightly over 6% received no benefit from the treatment.
Gauze soaked in honey was applied to the wounds, using enough layers to fill the depth of the wound to above the skin area, a fluffy dressing applied over the area, and tape used to hold the dressing in place. Dressings were changed when they became soaked, sometimes several times a day. The wounds were debrided as necessary at each dressing and washed out with normal saline. The wound was dried before the honey gauze was reapplied.
Diabetic foot ulcers often lead to amputations, and can be very difficult to treat. Edema, hotness, and redness disappeared within 10 days in all study subjects. Ulcers which have progressed to expose the bone did not respond to this treatment and two subjects in this study progressed to amputation.
Honey is known to be effective against many antibiotic-resistant bacteria, and may prevent bacterial growth even in heavily infected wounds.
(Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 89:276-281, 2010)
Copyright 2010 Phylis A Austin

Rheumatoid arthritis, Thunder God vine

wellth — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:39:01 +0000

Thunder God vine (Tripterygium wilfordii) is widely used in China for the treatment of autoimmune diseases. A recent placebo- controlled double-blind trial demonstrated benefit in rheumatoid arthritis. (Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism 26(5)713-723, April 1997) This herb also possesses anti-inflammatory principles, stimulates circulation, and reduces swelling. Copyright 1997 Phylis Austin

Caloric intake, osteoarthritis

wellth — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:37:27 +0000

A five-year study of dogs revealed that limiting food intake reduced the incidence of osteoarthritis. (Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association 210(2)222-225, January 15, 1997) Copyright 1997 Phylis Austin

Systemic lupus erythematosus, diet

wellth — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:35:53 +0000

Systemic lupus erythematosus is more common in women who report the frequent consumption of meat, particularly fatty meats such as pork or beef. Menstrual irregularity was also reported to be more common in women with systemic lupus erythematosus than in control women. (Tohoku Journal of Experimental Medicine 169:245-252, 1993) Copyright 1993 Phylis Austin

Estrogen replacement therapy, systemic lupus erythematosus

wellth — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:34:17 +0000

Women who are taking postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy are at increased risk of developing systemic lupus erythematosus. The risk increases as the length of time the hormones are taken increases. (Arthritis and Rheumatism 37(Suppl 9)S211, September 1994) Copyright 1994 Phylis Austin

Diuretics, lupus

wellth — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:32:26 +0000

Hydrochlorothiazide diuretics may induce lupus erythematosus in sensitive individuals according to a report from the University of Louisville School of Medicine.
An earlier report in the medical literature reported that PUVA therapy for psoriasis may induce lupus erythematosus. Several other medications, including griseofulvin and sulfasalazine have been associated with lupus, and some wonder if the sulfonylureas, which are often used in diabetes, may not also induce lupus. (Internal Medicine News 24(1)34, January 1-14, 1991) A total vegetarian diet has been reported helpful in lupus, instituted after seven to ten days of total fasting. (Medical Tribune, June 11, 1992, p. 32) Copyright Phylis 1992 Austin

Overeating, asthma

wellth — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:27:38 +0000

An association between overeating and asthma attacks was reported by William Osler in 1880. Recent laboratory studies indicate that overeating, which causes distention of the stomach, induces respiratory changes which are compatible with broncho-constriction. (Journal of Asthma 22(4)191-193, 1985) Copyright 1985 Phylis Austin

Full spectrum light, sickness in school children

wellth — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 09:23:29 +0000

Researchers replaced ordinary classroom lights with full-spectrum lights (sold as Vitalite) in three classrooms in a Vermont school. A survey of illness in children in these three classrooms revealed that they suffered less illness than students in other rooms in the school, and less sickness than students in these rooms had the previous year, with ordinary fluorescent lights.
The teachers liked the full-spectrum light, and considered it more natural. They did not wish to return to the former type of lighting at the end of the study period. (The Lancet 2:1205-1026, November 21, 1987) Copyright 1987 Phylis Austin

Migraines, hand warming, brain blood flow

wellth — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:55:35 +0000

Warming the hands increases blood flow in the brain. Migraine suffererers have been taught to warm the hands to relieve their headaches. Blood flow increase in the left hemisphere is more marked than in the right. (Brain Mind Bulletin 5(11)1, April 21, 1980) Copyright 1980 Phylis Austin