Arthritis Caused by Psoriasis

By CH Woods

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that has an effect on a few people who have psoriasis, which is a common problem that causes red patches of skin to develop along with silvery flaky scales. The majority of people who develop psoriasis before arthritis often have joint problems before any signs of psoriasis start to show up.

Inflammation, stiffness, and joint pain are the primary symptoms of Psoriatic arthritis. The symptoms are able to have an effect on any part of your whole body, such as your spine and fingertips, and can vary from mild to serious.


Both psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis can flare up and usually alternate with times where it seemingly goes away. It is said that there is currently no cure for Psoriatic arthritis, though there are ways to manage the symptoms and prevent further damage to your joints. If left untreated, Psoriatic arthritis is able to cause permanent damage and immobility.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriasis and Psoriatic arthritis are both long-term problems that only become worse as time passes, however there may be times where your symptoms get better or go away completely, though they often come back even worse. Psoriatic arthritis can have an effect on the joints on either one side or both sides of your body.

The symptoms of Psoriatic arthritis often appear to be similar to rheumatoid arthritis. Both problems cause joints to be inflamed and swollen.

In most cases, Psoriatic arthritis is likely to trigger symptoms such as:

1. Lower Back Pain: A lot of people develop a problem known as Spondylitis due to Psoriatic arthritis. Spondylitis primarily triggers swelling of your joints between the vertebrae of the spine and your pelvis.
2. Foot Pain: Psoriatic arthritis may also damage the points where your ligaments and muscles attach to your bones, particularly at the rear of your heel or bottom of your foot.
3. Swollen Fingers and Toes: Psoriatic arthritis may result in an unpleasant inflammation of your toes and fingers. You may even develop inflammation in your feet and hands before any serious joint problems being to occur.

Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can develop when your immune system starts to attack your very own tissues and cells. This immune response will trigger swelling of your joints in addition to the excessive production of skin cells. 

It is not completely clear exactly why your immune system may decide to attack its own cells and tissue, though it is likely that environmental and genetic factors are involved. A lot of people with this condition have a family background of either Psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis. Medical experts have found that specific genetic markers that seem to be linked to Psoriatic arthritis.

Possible Risk Factors of Psoriatic Arthritis A number of factors can raise your risk of Psoriatic arthritis, like:

1. Psoriasis: If you have psoriasis then you have a significantly higher risk for having Psoriatic arthritis. Those affected by psoriasis lesions on their nails are particularly prone to have Psoriatic arthritis.
2. Age: Despite the fact that any person can develop Psoriatic arthritis, it develops most frequently in people between the ages of thirty and fifty.
3. Family Background: Lots of people with Psoriatic arthritis are related to someone with this disease.

Complications of Psoriatic Arthritis
Some people with Psoriatic arthritis eventually develop a problem known as arthritis mutilans, a serious, unpleasant, and devastating type of disease. As time passes, arthritis mutilans breaks down all the small bones in your hands, particularly the fingers, resulting in long-term disability and deformity.

When to Seek Medical Advice
If you believe you have Psoriatic arthritis or psoriasis, make sure you contact your doctor immediately if joint pain occurs. Psoriatic arthritis may show up abruptly or develop gradually; however in either case it can significantly harm your joints if left without treatment. 

If you would like more information we offer this

Free eBook all about Arthritis

CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic & Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.

A Quick Guide to the West Nile Virus

By CH Woods

West Nile virus is the result of being infected with a virus carried by mosquitoes.

The majority of people infected with the West Nile virus do not usually suffer from any symptoms, though in uncommon cases a person may suffer from minor conditions like a headache or low fever.

On the other hand, there are rare cases where people who are infected with West Nile virus end up with a deadly condition that involves the inflammation of their brain. Minor symptoms of the West Nile virus infection typically start to disappear without any type of treatment, however severe symptoms, like a high fever, overall weakness, and migraines, will need instant medical attention or else death might become a possibility.

Needless to say, being bitten by mosquitoes where West Nile virus is found raises your chances of being infected with it. Make sure you properly protect yourself from mosquitoes with mosquito repellent and by putting on clothing that covers most of your skin in order lower your risk.

Signs of the West Nile Virus
As mentioned, typically there are no signs or symptoms that come with West Nile virus. Roughly one out of five people will develop a condition known as West Nile fever, which includes several symptoms apart from a fever, such as:

• Skin Rashes
• Headaches
• Body Aches
• Back Pain
• Swollen Lymph Glands
• Eye Pain
• Fatigue

It is estimated that one out of one hundred people infected with the West Nile virus will suffer from severe brain infections. This kind of infection can include brain inflammation along with swelling of the membranes around the brain.

Severe infections might also include problems such as inflammation and contamination of the membranes around your spinal cord and severe flaccid (soft, limp, or lacking firmness) paralysis.

Indications of these complications can include:

• Partial Paralysis
• Pain
• Migraines
• Stiff Neck
• Confusion
• Convulsions
• Coma
• Loss of Balance
• Tremors
• Muscle Spasms
• Muscle Weakness
• High Fever

Symptoms of West Nile fever typically keep going for a couple of days, however the signs of brain inflammation along with similar conditions can stick around for weeks at a time. There are cases where certain symptoms, mainly muscle weakness, last for the rest of your life.

West Nile Virus Prevention Tips
The best way to protect against West Nile virus along with other mosquito-related diseases would be to steer clear of them entirely. In order to prevent the West Nile virus, you need to eliminate any breeding grounds nearby.

To reduce your risk one should:

• Do away with any used tires or old containers that can hold water which act as breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
• Get rid of any standing water in your yard since mosquitoes reproduce in standing water. 
• Regularly change the water in your birdbaths.
• Empty out your swimming pool if it is no longer in use.
• Clean out your roof gutters to prevent breeding.

In order to reduce your chances of coming in contact with mosquitoes, you should: 

• Put on fully sleeved shirts and long pants whenever you are traveling through mosquito-infested areas.
• Wear mosquito repellent approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Select the concentration according to the length of time you need the protection for. 
• Refrain from taking part in avoidable outdoor pastimes during times when mosquitoes are out which includes dawn, dusk and the evening. 
• Whenever you are outside, protect your infant's baby stroller or playpen with a mosquito netting to keep them out.

When to See A Medical Professional
Minor symptoms of the West Nile fever typically get better by themselves. In the event you suffer from symptoms like a stiff neck, loss of balance, confusion, or a severe headache then make sure you seek professional medical care as quickly as possible. 
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.

All Natural Herbs That Can Help With Type 2 Diabetes

By CH Woods

Type 2 diabetes does not just have an effect on your blood sugar and insulin production, but it may also result in many other complications such as pain, nerve damage, kidney problems, and blood thickening.

Listed below are some of the best all-natural herbs and vitamins that can help manage type 2 diabetes. Keep in mind, these are not meant to replace your diabetes treatment, but can be taken in addition to help if approved by a medical professional.

Herbs and Vitamins for Type 2 Diabetes

• Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo biloba might help prevent and eliminate diabetes early on before any symptoms start to appear.
• Psyllium: Psyllium supplements have been found to lower blood sugar levels in many people affected with type 2 diabetes. The fiber part of psyllium is thought to be the reason for this effect.
• Vitamin E: Those with low levels of vitamin E are more prone to type 2 diabetes.
• Fish Oil: It has been found that omega-3 fatty acid has helped those with diabetes able to accept and use glucose as energy. On top of that, a few studies have discovered that fish oil supplements increased triglycerides and cholesterol levels in people who suffer from type 2 diabetes.
• Zinc: The nutrient zinc has an essential role in the creation and storage of insulin. People who have type 2 diabetes usually have a zinc deficiency as well, so it is important to eat sources of zinc or to take supplements fix this deficit.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C may decrease sorbitol levels in those who suffer from type 2 diabetes. Sorbitol is a type of sugar that can build up in your cells and harm the kidneys and eyes of those with diabetes. Vitamin C may also improve blood sugar tolerance in type 2 diabetes.
• Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 is required for the regular functioning of your nerves. Vitamin B12 consumed by mouth has shown decreased symptoms of nerve damage due to diabetes.
• Magnesium: Those who suffer from type 2 diabetes generally have low levels of magnesium, so it would be a good idea to take supplements or eat foods rich in magnesium.
• Bitter Melon: Bitter melon can help manage diabetes as it helps reduce blood sugar levels.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is required to sustain sufficient insulin in your blood. Special cells that respond to vitamin D, known as receptors, have been found within the pancreas where insulin is created, and initial evidence shows that vitamin D supplements can help some people with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels.
• Mango Leaves: Mango leaves may be used to treat type 2 diabetes by controlling insulin levels in your blood.
• Vanadium: Vanadium is a small mineral located naturally in soil and several ingredients. Additionally, it is created when petroleum is burned. Vanadium has been discovered to boost insulin sensitivity and minimize blood glucose levels that people who have type 2 diabetes. It seems to imitate most of the activities of insulin in your body.
• Chromium: Chromium has been found to boost blood sugar levels and similar factors in individuals with glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes.
• Cayenne: Cayenne is made up of a compound referred to as capsaicin, which can improve the symptoms of people suffering from type 2 diabetes.
• Biotin: Biotin is a form of vitamin B that is required to process blood sugar. Biotin can also minimize pain from nerve damage caused by this condition.

Visit a Doctor First
Do not take any of the natural vitamins and herbs above without first talking to your doctor or nutritionist for advice. Exercise and water intake is also important for the treatment of type 2 diabetes, so be sure to move around often and drink at least eight glasses of water each day.
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.

Alkalosis: When Alkaline Levels AreToo High

By CH Woods

Alkalosis is a health problem that develops when your body has an overabundance of alkaline. This is the exact opposite of a condition known as acidosis which develops due to a high level of acidity, though alkalosis is far rarer.

The 5 Types of Alkalosis There are five primary forms alkalosis that can develop in your body. In addition to that, the exact causes for these various forms of alkalosis differ.

Below is a list of the various types of alkalosis to watch out for.

1. Hypokalemic Alkalosis: Hypokalemic alkalosis takes place when your body is suffering from potassium deficiency, which occurs due to the kidney's reaction to the high level of alkaline within your body.
2. Hypochloremic Alkalosis: This type of alkalosis develops when there is a lack of chlorine in your blood stream due to vomiting.
3. Respiratory Alkalosis: If you have a decreased amount of carbon dioxide in your blood because of factors such as inadequate oxygen, high temperature, lung disease, liver disease, and so forth, you have a problem known as respiratory alkalosis. Hyperventilation is a primary symptom of having this type of alkalosis.
4. Metabolic Alkalosis: You are a considered to have metabolic alkalosis when your levels of bicarbonate increase in your bloodstream. The primary symptom of metabolic alkalosis is the loss of salt levels in your body such as chloride, potassium, and sodium. A simple blood test will be able to confirm whether your pH level is above or below the optimal level of 7.35.
5. Compensated Alkalosis: As stated above, it is vital for your body to keep the balance between the acids and bases in your body at a healthy level. Compensated alkalosis is a problem that occurs when your body attempts to re-balance both these elements, however the balance between the bicarbonate and carbon dioxide stay at unusual levels.

Symptoms of Alkalosis in General Now that you know about the various types of alkalosis and what to watch out for, it will be much easier for you to keep an eye out for the symptoms of all types of alkalosis.

In general, the primary signs and symptoms of alkalosis can include:

• Mental Confusion
• Breathing Difficulties
• Irritation
• Constipation
• Muscle Spasms
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Muscle Cramps
• Lightheadedness
• Joint Pain
• Muscular Weakness
• Vomiting

Causes of Alkalosis Based on Type Your lungs and kidneys keep up with your proper balance of chemical compounds, known as bases and acids, in your body. Reduced carbon dioxide, which is an acid, or greater bicarbonate (a base) levels make your body too alkaline, a problem known as alkalosis. 

Respiratory alkalosis is due to low carbon dioxide amounts in your bloodstream. This is often caused by:

• Lung Disease
• Lack of Oxygen
• Salicylate Poisoning
• Liver Disease
• Fever

Metabolic alkalosis is a result of an excessive amount of bicarbonate in your blood. Hypochloremic alkalosis is brought on by a considerable loss of chloride, which could happen due to continuous vomiting. Hypokalemic alkalosis is a result of the kidneys' reaction to a lack of potassium, which can take place in those who take particular diuretic medicines. Compensated alkalosis happens when the body attempts to balance the acids and bases within the body; however bicarbonate and carbon dioxide levels stay at an unnatural level.

Complications of Untreated Alkalosis Coma

1. Hypokalemia - a lack of potassium in the blood, usually caused by excessive amounts of it being excreted, that leads to muscle weakness, heart irregularities, disorientation, and sometimes cardiac arrest.
2. Arrhythmias - an irregularity in the rhythm of the heartbeat.

Treatment of Alkalosis: To treat alkalosis, your health care provider needs to find the cause. This problem can lead to serious complications if not treated. 

Your diet may play a role, but the only way to find out for sure would be to receive professional medical advice. 
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.

7 Herbs That Can Help with Kidney Disease

By CH Woods

When your kidneys lose their ability to get rid of the wastes in your body, an excessive amount of toxins and water can build up. This can result in serious medical conditions. If this occurs, it is generally referred to as kidney failure. The symptoms of kidney disease do not often show up until after the disease has progressed 
quite a bit.

Symptoms can include one or more of the following:

• High Blood Pressure
• Fatigue
• Anemia
• Sudden Weight Loss
• Bleeding in Intestines
• Muscle Cramps

There are many natural herbs that it is said can help relieve the symptoms caused by kidney disease and kidney failure. Baking soda has also been said to help improve the symptoms of kidney failure since it helps reduce the acidity of your blood.

Keep in mind that herbs and any other home remedies are not considered treatments.
The seven herbs listed below may all help make kidney problems less dire.

Herbal Remedy #1: Dandelion: Medical experts have stated that dandelion leaves have diuretic properties that might be a good replacement for prescription diuretics in the future. Diuretics are prescription drugs that cause an increased flow of urine.

Dandelion is very common, though many people don't realize that it is fantastic for dealing with the symptoms of kidney failure. Besides kidney problem, this herb has been found to help treat conditions of the gall bladder, joints, and liver.

Herbal Remedy #2: Java Tea: Java tea, commonly referred to as kidney tea, is an herb that is made use of medically for various reasons. It is known in several countries as a powerful herb for the treatment of kidney problems such as kidney infection and kidney stones. Java tea is also considered a diuretic (something that causes increased flow of urine) as well.

Herbal Remedy #3: Lei Gong Teng: Lei Gong Teng is said to have been proven to be effective in preventing cancer, inflammation and improving blood circulation. It has been widely used to treat leprosy and rheumatoid arthritis in clinics. 

Herbal Remedy #4: Green Tea: Green tea is a beverage that people have consumed for countless numbers of years and continue to do so today because of its many health benefits. The leaves of the green tea plant are made up of special substances referred to as polyphenols, which apparently help to prevent kidney stones in addition to prostate and liver cancer. Green tea is also used to break down any fatty buildup in the liver. 

Herbal Remedy #5: Cornsilk: Cornsilk is an extremely effective herb used for those with kidney failure. It can also help manage the symptoms of urinary infection.

Herbal Remedy #6: Couch Grass: Couch grass will help increase urine production as well as improves the conditions of those with urinary tract infections like urethritis and cystitis. Kidney stones are a common problem for those with kidney failure. Couch grass has also been shown to help break down these stones to help them pass without too much pain.
This herb has also been found to help with the treatment of an enlarged prostate. To take this herb, you can ground it up and use it as a substitute for coffee in your coffee maker.

Herbal Remedy #7: Uva Ursi: Uva ursi, generally known as bearberry, is among the most effective urinary system antiseptics. It has been used to fight off any infections in the kidneys for thousands of years.

The Dangers of Herbal Remedies
All-natural herbal solutions do not have any side effects; however they may interfere with any current medications that you are taking. You need to see a doctor right away if you suspect you have any sort of kidney problem and would like to take one of the herbs mentioned above.

As mentioned, these herbs are meant to help relieve the symptoms of your kidney problems, not cure them.
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.

Vertigo What it is and What it Does

By CH Woods

Vertigo can be identified as a dizzy sensation and a condition in which somebody feels a sensation of whirling or tilting that causes a loss of balance. It is important to keep in mind that vertigo is considered a symptom and not a disease. 

Vertigo is usually linked to fatigue, weakness, feeling lightheaded, disorientation, and unsteadiness.

If you feel as if you are moving, it is known as subjective vertigo while if your environment seems to be moving, it is called objective vertigo. Vertigo is generally harmless, however if symptoms remain a problem.

Diagnosis of Vertigo The identification of vertigo depends on the symptoms you have which are found through physical evaluations and an overview of your health background. A number of assessments like CT scan, blood tests, or electrocardiograms (ECG) could possibly be done to verify the diagnosis of vertigo.

Types of Vertigo The main types of vertigo are said to be:

• Subjective Vertigo
• Migraine-Associated Vertigo
• Objective Vertigo
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV). This is the type of vertigo that is a sudden onset or intensification of symptoms, especially when recurrent.

Common Symptoms of Vertigo 
Symptoms could be continuous or occasional and can happen from a few minutes to several hours, at times persisting for several weeks or a few months. Frequent signs and symptoms can include:

• Vomiting
• Double Vision
• Nausea
• Disorientation
• Muscle Weakness
• Tinnitus
• Involuntary Eye Movements
• Dizziness
• Sweating
• Balance Difficulties

Causes of Vertigo 
There are many different reasons vertigo could develop. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, also known as BPPV, can develop due to harm caused to the inner ear. It is the most frequent reason for vertigo and might be associated with decreased mental ability, muscle weakness in the face, and hearing loss. Tumors such as acoustic neuroma can cause vertigo along with symptoms such as tinnitus and hearing problems.

Other general causes of vertigo can include:

• Meniere’s Disease
• Head Injury
• Ear Infection
• Inner Ear Fluid Balance
• Multiple Sclerosis

Other medical conditions that may worsen vertigo may include:

• Altitude Sickness
• Motion Sickness
• Migraines
• Massages
• Menopause

Natural Remedies for Vertigo
The treatment of vertigo is determined by the exact cause and intensity of episodes. A very well-known type of treatment involves the use of vestibular rehabilitation exercises, which requires you to lie down on a table on your side until the vertigo decreases and then rotating to your other side until vertigo goes away completely. Speak with a medical professional to find out how to perform this treatment.

If vertigo is triggered because of an infection of the middle ear, antibiotics could possibly be given. More serious cases of vertigo could also call for surgery. Therapeutic massages can also reduce the symptoms of vertigo. Although an overall massage is beneficial, many people feel the most relief while the head is massaged.

Natural treatments can also provide relief from feeling lightheaded and queasy caused by vertigo and boost inner ear stability.Holistic substances like gelsemium, cocculus indicus, and lobelia inflata have all been shown to be very effective in reducing conditions caused by vertigo such as headaches, dizziness, muscle weakness, double vision, exhaustion, tinnitus, and nausea.

Bryonia alba is a herb that may be helpful for head pain as well as for people who sweat excessively. Furthermore, herbal treatments are effective for those struggling with the symptoms of vertigo and they are a great way to enhance any other treatment done to reduce vertigo. Herbs are also beneficial since they are quickly absorbed into the body.

Before attempting any of the treatments above, make sure you consult a licensed practitioner
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CH Woods is the Executive Director of Organic and Environmental Products.
We provide organic and natural products with informative articles on health and environmental solutions.