New Research: Cherry Juice Treats Gout More Effectively Than Medication!

Over the last four decades, the incidence of gout has significantly risen, currently affecting millions of Americans.  Gout, an extremely painful inflammatory arthritis, is now the most common form of arthritis in both men and women. It is described as a complex form of arthritis and is said to be more common in women, particularly in menopausal women.

A gout attack may occur out of the blue, typically waking up the person in the middle of the night with a sensation that the big toe is “burning”. The affected joint is quite hot and swollen, and so tender that even the sheet may seem difficult to tolerate.

A recent study suggests that half a cup of cherries daily may lower the risk of gout attacks. Although fresh cherries are not present on the market all year round, there are other alternatives, such as frozen cherries or cherry juice.

The first pilot study exploring the relation between cherry juice and gout was actually a controlled trial study on cherry juice concentrate with pomegranate juice concentrate as a control for preventing gout attacks in those experiencing four attacks on a monthly basis. The cherry group received a tablespoon of cherry juice concentrate two times daily over the course of four months while the control group received a tablespoon of pomegranate juice concentrate two times daily for four months.

The gout attacks in the cherry group decreased from an average five down to two while the flares in the pomegranate group dropped from five to four. In addition, half of the participants from the cherry group who were taking prescribed drugs managed to stop their medications within two months after starting the cherry juice.

The second study regarding this subject was a retrospective investigation which involved 24 patients whose attacks significantly dropped after starting the cherry juice. To be precise, they went from having 7 attacks a year, down to 2. Consequently, it has been concluded that cherry juice concentrate is extremely effective in preventing gout flares.

So, are cherries now ready for use as gout treatment? One commentator “is of the opinion that the current state of evidence remains insufficient to formally recommend cherry fruit or cherry products as a complementary therapeutic remedy for gout.”  Interestingly, this commentator is a paid consultant to 9 drug companies, all of which manufacture gout drugs.  With this being said, what could possibly get wrong by eating half a cup of cherries daily or taking a few tablespoons of cherry juice?

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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How to Make Ginger Water to Treat Migraines, Heartburn, Joint and Muscle Pain

Flavored waters have become all the rage- and for good reason.  Besides being important for proper hydration and removing toxins from the system, adding a few natural ingredients makes water a powerful healing tool.

The options are limitless: you can add blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, herbs like lavender and mint, and even veggies like cucumber.

However, if you are looking for real power drink, consider adding some ginger.  This spice adds specific taste and provides numerous health benefits.

The Power of Ginger Water

Ginger is well-known for its potent effects on gastrointestinal issues. Being a carminative, it helps eliminate intestinal gas and treat heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. What`s more, it is also found to be intestinal spasmolytic, which means that it helps soothe and relax the intestinal tract.

However, ginger is not a remedy for stomach issues only! It has been also found to relieve migraines. According to a research, ginger works similarly to sumatriptan, a popular prescription drug which constricts blood vessels and inhibits the pain pathways in the brain.

Although drugs often provide immediate relief, in 40% of people the headache will return within 24 hours.  Additionally, triptans cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, muscle weakness, nausea, and serious issues like stroke, heart attacks, artery spasms, and even seizures.

In a double blind study, one group of people received 250 grams of dried ginger, while another group received 50mg of sumatriptan. It has been found that ginger was as effective as the drug, providing relief to staggering 90% of people within two hours.

Anti-Inflammatory Spice

Ginger`s ability to prevent the formation of inflammatory compounds and treat inflammation in tissues, muscles and joints is one of its best properties. As reported by Green Med Info, there are over 800 studies on the healing properties of ginger, 275 of which are related to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Gingerol, a chemical similar to piperine and capsaicin (the compounds that give black pepper and chill peppers their spiciness) is the one responsible for ginger`s anti-inflammatory properties.

According to two studies involving two groups of people, 75% of arthritis patients and 100% of people with muscular pain experienced relief from pain when using ginger.

Researchers at the University of Miami believe that ginger will eventually replace NSAIDs due to its potency and effectiveness. What`s more, ginger doesn’t cause any side effects which are typical for NSAIDs as it works on cellular level.

Ginger contains essential vitamins, such as A, C, E and beta-carotene, as well as B vitamins like pyridoxine (vitamin B-6) and pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5). It is an excellent source of copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and calcium.  Ultimately, it contains over 50 antioxidants which fight off free radicals, which in turn boosts immunity and prevents various diseases.

How to Make Ginger Water

Ingredients:

• 3 cups fresh, filtered water
• 1-2 inches fresh ginger root
• ½ freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Raw honey to taste

Instructions:

• Pour the water into a glass jar
• Grate the ginger with a zester and add it into the water
• Add the squeezed lemon juice
• Finally, add the honey and mix well

Use:

Drink the ginger water on a daily basis for preventative measures. To relieve symptoms,  drink a couple of glasses during the day.

source: http://besthealthyguide.com

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Forget Prostate Problems With This Natural Treatments

Enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a disorder that generally affects men 50 years of age and older. BPH is not the same as prostate cancer.

The prostate is a small, muscular gland (in the shape of a walnut) in the male reproductive system. It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder and adds fluid to semen to allow sperm mobility.

With age, the cells of the gland begin to multiply, leading to an enlarged prostate. Although the exact cause is unknown, changes in male sex hormones with age may be a factor.

Here are top 5 home remedies for this problem:

1. Sitz Bath

A contrast sitz bath is a soothing and effective remedy for enlarged prostate. The hot bath will help relax the pelvic muscles, reduce swelling and promote healing. On the other hand, the cold bath will ease pain.

• Fill one bathtub with warm water and add ½ cup of Epsom salt to it.
• Fill another bathtub with cold water and add a few drops of lavender essential oil to it.
• First, sit in the bathtub with hot water up to your waist for 3 minutes.
• Next, sit in the bathtub with cold water up to your waist for 1 minute.
• Do this 2 more times. The last bath should always be in the cool water.
• Enjoy a sitz bath a few times each week.

Note: Do not follow this remedy if you have acute bacterial prostatitis.

2. Stinging Nettle

Stinging nettle can also lessen BPH symptoms. The root contains essential bioactive phytochemicals that help shrink prostate tissue. Being a natural diuretic, it also encourages the elimination of inflammatory wastes through urination.

• Add 1 teaspoon of dried nettle leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes, then strain it. Drink this tea 2 or 3 times daily.
• You can also take a stinging nettle supplement. The usual amount is 300 mg daily. Always consult a doctor before taking a supplement for the correct dosage for your condition.

3. Corn Silk

Corn silk is a time-tested remedy to fight off symptoms of prostate enlargement. It acts as a natural diuretic and even helps relax the urinary muscles and lining. This leads to improved urine flow.

• Put the silk of 6 ears of fresh corn in 4 cups of water. Bring it to a boil, and then simmer for another 10 minutes. Strain and drink up to 3 cups of this corn silk tea a day.
• Another option is to add 15 drops of corn silk extract to 1 cup of water and drink it a few times a day.

4. Apple Cider Vinegar

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar has astringent properties that help shrink swollen prostate glands. It also aids weight loss and helps prevent complications of enlarged prostate like UTIs.

• Mix 1 to 2 tablespoons of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of honey in a glass of warm water. Drink it twice daily.
• Another option is to add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a bathtub of water and soak in it for 10 to 15 minutes. Enjoy this soothing bath a few times a week.

5. Rye Grass Pollen Extract

Rye grass pollen extracts are made from three types of grass pollen — rye, timothy, and corn. A review of studies published in BJU International found that men who were taking rye grass pollen extracts reported an improvement in their symptoms compared to those who were taking a placebo.

This supplement seems to be especially helpful for preventing the need to get up during the night and use the bathroom. It can also help men urinate more completely, so there is less urine left in the bladder afterwards.


source: http://dailyhealthmedia.com

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