Category Archives: Conditions of the Bone

Yoga For Back Pain

Chronic back pain affects millions of American adults and is the second most common reason people seek out a doctor. Now, for the first time, research reports that yoga practice relieves chronic back pain and is more effective than conventional therapeutic exercise or getting a self-care book.
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Osteoporosis? Try This Isoflavone

Research reports that aglycone genistein may be the most beneficial isoflavone to promote bone health. Continue reading

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Osteoporosis? Try Greek Mountain Tea

Research reports that Sideritis euboea (Greek Mountain tea) extract may strengthen bones and reduce osteoporosis risk. Continue reading

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Tendonitis? Try This Spice

Research reports that curcumin reduces inflammation and may treat tendonitis. Continue reading

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Exercise Helps to Prevent Arthritis Disability

New research reports that exercise can actually help prevent disability from arthritis, as well as help to improve joint function.
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Statins: Effective Treatment For Arthritis?

Statin drugs are famous for their lipid lowering ability. Many individuals with high cholesterol and high LDL (bad cholesterol) can be put on a statin drug and find dramatic decreases in blood lipids. In studies in humans and animals, researchers observed another effect of statin drugs – decreased inflammation.
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Good News! Natural Arthritis Pain Relief

Research reports that the Indian spice turmeric (Curcuma) can prevent and relieve osteoarthritis pain. Continue reading

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Can Yoga Improve Balance and Prevent Falls?

Research reports that yoga practice can improve balance and stability and prevent falls. Continue reading

Posted in Aging, Conditions of the Bone, Fitness | Tagged aging, balance, falls, fracture, seniors, yoga | 1 Comment
 

Take Bone Building Supplements Before Drugs?

Prescription bone-building drugs like bisphosphonates can have serious side effects including structurally unsound bones. This can lead to an increase in hip fractures and jaw necrosis. New research reports that calcium and vitamin D supplements increase bone density and reduce … Continue reading

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Vitamin K Deficiency Influences Osteoarthritis

The journal Arthritis and Rheumatology published the results of a trial in the spring of 2006 that made an association between Vitamin K status and the incidence of Osteoarthritis.
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Calcium, Strength Training Thwart Osteoporosis

Few studies have investigated the interactive effects of calcium intake, exercise, and hormone therapy on osteoporosis. However, newer research reports that a combination of daily calcium intake and strength training exercise effectively prevents osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
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Calcium, Vitamin D, Lower Fracture Incidence

Previous studies have shown that calcium and vitamin D supplementation helps strengthen bones. Current research reports that calcium and vitamin D supplementation can lower the risk of hip fractures in women.
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Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Knee Pain

The latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine published a study that documented the treatment outcomes of individuals with knee pain specifically due to osteoarthritis. More than 1500 patients completed the trial.
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Can Flouride in Water Threaten Bone Health?

There are several populations spread around the US who are at risk for fluoride poisoning due to naturally occurring fluoride in the drinking water. These individuals may consume 1-2 times the maximum amount considered safe by the EPA.
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Gift of the Magi: Arthritis Healing

In the Christmas story, frankincense is one of the gifts of the Magi along with myrrh and gold. Frankincense, a resin obtained from the Indian Boswellia serrata plant, has been used for centuries as a healing agent and incense. Frankincense’s … Continue reading

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Vitamin + Drug Therapy = Reduced Fracture Risk

A recent study published in August 2005 measured the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation with or without risedronate. Risedronate is a commonly prescribed pharmaceutical for treating osteoporosis.
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A Natural Arthritis Fix?

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative type of arthritis that develops over time, leading to chronic pain and disability.  According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis medical costs in the U.S. … Continue reading

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When Should You Take Dietary Supplements?

Your supplement program will be most effective if you follow these simple guidelines.
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Posted in Aging, Children's Health, Conditions of the Bone, Conditions of the Brain, Conditions of the Circulatory System, Conditions of the Ear, Nose and Throat, Conditions of the Endocrine System, Conditions of the Respiratory System, Conditions of the Skin, Diet and Nutrition, Dietary Supplements, Eye/Ocular Health, Fitness, Gastrointestinal (GI) Health, Men's Health, Misc., Women's Health | Leave a comment
 

These Oils Fight Arthritis

Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).  Omega 3s help reduce inflammation and decrease the risk of heart disease, arthritis and certain cancers. Now research reports that … Continue reading

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Fruits and Vegetables For Bone Density

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(3):700-706) published an article examining intake of dairy products, fruits and vegetables, in relation to bone mineral content in adolescents.
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This Vitamin Combats Rheumatoid Arthritis Inflammation

Low levels of vitamin B6 have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other inflammatory diseases. The low vitamin B6 status may be due to its actions as a coenzyme for inflammatory cytokines production (interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor). Now … Continue reading

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Cerebral Palsy Changes Bone Mineral Density of Adolescents

The Journal of Pediatrics published a study in June that examined the factors involved in bone mineral density status in adolescents with CP in cases with no known interventions in place.
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Can Pumping Iron Help Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation. It leads to disability due to chronic pain and decreased muscle mass and strength. Now research reports that regular weight training may help treat arthritis. RA patients who pumped … Continue reading

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Rose Hip Powder Decreases Arthritis Symptoms

A recent study out of Denmark investigated the effects that daily consumption of rose hips in powder form may have on the symptoms of osteoarthritis and use of medications such as NSAIDs.
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Nutritional Status and Bone Density

Researchers investigated a possible association between bone mineral density and antioxidant and mineral status in the Women’s Health Initiative Study.
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Preventing Bone Loss with Vitamin D3

Previous research has shown that calcium supplementation alone, and with Vitamin D, can improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in July investigated the effect, if any, of Vitamin D3 supplementation in African American postmenopausal women who are receiving adequate calcium.
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Is Meauring Urinary Calcium Excretion Useful?

A study published this January in the Gynecology and Endocrinology journal investigated the usefulness of a 24-hour urinary calcium.
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Diet Cola Depletes Calcium

Previous studies suggest that cola sodas may be linked to decreased bone density and increased fracture risk. Now research reports that diet cola drinks may deplete calcium and phosphorus in women. A negative calcium balance can increase the risk for … Continue reading

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Omega 3 DHA Improves Bone Health

Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids can lower the risk of heart disease, inflammation, obesity and other chronic diseases. Now research … Continue reading

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FDA Issues Warning of Fracture with Heartburn Drugs

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs have a high risk of bone fractures. PPI drugs, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications Prilosec, Nexium and Prevacid, are commonly taken for the treatment … Continue reading

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Discovered Genes Linked with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the joints, leading to chronic pain, deformities and disability. RA affects nearly 1% of Americans (about 2.1 million people in the United States). Now a meta-analysis reports that seven … Continue reading

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Low Vitamin D Linked to Higher Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the joints, leading to chronic pain, deformities and disability. Rheumatoid arthritis affects women more frequently than men. Now research reports that low sun exposure and vitamin D deficiency may … Continue reading

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Prebiotics Enhance Absorption of Calcium

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(2):471-476) demonstrates that supplementing the diet with a combination of long and short chain inulin-like fructans (prebiotics) during puberty resulted in improved calcium absorption and increased bone mineral density of the whole body.
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Spa Therapy for Ankylosing Spondyolitis

A study published in the Israel Medical Association Journal investigated the effects of balneotherapy and climatotherapy on Ankylosing spondyolitis (AS), a chronic progressive disease that affects the spine.
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Can Free Radicals Cause Fibromyalgia?

Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a disorder characterized by persistent fatigue accompanied with widespread musculoskeletal pain and stiffness. Now research reports that high free radical levels may be responsible for the development of fibromyalgia.
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Carotenoids and Inflammatory Arthritis Risk

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2005;82(2):451-455) shows that higher dietary intakes of B-cryptoxanthin is associated with decreased risk of developing inflammatory polyarthritis. B-cryptoxanthin is a carotenoid that has also shown a protective effect against developing RA in the large Iowa Women’s Health Study.
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Isoflavones Improve Bone Density in Women

A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004;79(2):326-333) demonstrates that supplementation of isoflavones in peri- and postmenopausal women slows down bone loss, exerting a protective effect especially in the lumbar spine.
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Flaxseed Oil Helps Prevent Osteoporosis

Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish consist of biologically active EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). Omega 3s found in plant foods (flaxseed, walnuts) consist of ALA (alpha-linolenic acid), which requires conversion into EPA and DHA.  Studies … Continue reading

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Arthritis Medical Costs Skyrocket

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative type of arthritis that develops over time, leading to chronic pain and disability.  According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), approximately 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis. By 2030, more than 67 million … Continue reading

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Glucosamine Omega-3 Combo Improves Arthritis

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance produced by the body for the purpose of producing glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans, the key structural components of joint cartilage. Glucosamine may relieve the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis and slow progression of the … Continue reading

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Glucosamine; In Depth

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance produced by the body, for the purpose of producing glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, the key structural components of joint cartilage.
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Vitamin K is Important for Bone Health

A review article published in Canadian Family Physician (2004;50:993-997) summarized the importance of Vitamin K in the prevention of osteoporotic fractures.
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Chondroitin Slows Knee Arthritis Progression

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative type of arthritis that develops over time, leading to chronic pain and disability. Previous studies, such as the GAIT (Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial) study, suggest that a combination of chondroitin and glucosamine promote joint health … Continue reading

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FDA Recommends Pain Killer Restrictions

The FDA Advisory Committee recently recommended new restrictions on acetaminophen. This popular pain killer is found in many prescription drugs and over the counter (OTC) products including Tylenol, Excedrin and cold medicines.   The FDA recommendation followed the release of … Continue reading

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Calcium Prevents Osteoporosis During Preadolescence

Previous short-term studies have found that calcium supplementation during childhood positively benefits bone mass. Now a long-term study reports that calcium supplementation increased the bone mass of prepubertal girls, helping protect against the risk of developing osteoporosis (a reduction in bone mineral density) later in life.
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Folate and B12 Decrease Hip Fractures Following Stroke

A preliminary study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (March 2, 2005 293(5):1082-1088) showed that supplementation with folate and Vitamin B12 can be beneficial in patients with stroke.
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Raw Food Vegetarian Dieters Exhibit Lower Bone Mineral Density

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine measured the effects of a raw foods vegetarian diet on bone mineral density over a 3.6-year period.
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Calcium and Vitamin D Supplementation May Benefit Patients with Gastrectomy

A study published in the British Journal of Surgery in March measured the effects of calcium and vitamin D supplementation on serum markers of bone turnover and actual bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and hip.
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Ratio between Omega 6 to Omega 3 Fatty Acids Affects Bone Mineral Density

A four year study examined the impact of omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids (both supplements and dietary sources) on bone mineral density.
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Study Finds Fibromyalgia Not Responsive To DHEA Therapy

The Journal of Rheumatology published a study in its July issue that examined the effect that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has on symptoms of fibromyalgia.
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Folic Acid Prevents Specific Deficiency in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

The study published in the December issue of the Journal of Rheumatology documented the effects of a low dose of folate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis being treated with methotrexate.
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Calcium Supplementation and its Impact on the Bone Mineral Density of Growing Females

A new study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition measured the effects of long-term supplementation on females from childhood to young adult hood.
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Supplementation with Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 May Help Reduce the Risk of Hip Fractures

A Japanese study compared the rate of fractures in elderly individuals who had suffered a stroke; published in the March 2005 issue of JAMA.
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Vitamin D Supplementation Can Prevent Fractures

Vitamin D is widely known as an essential nutrient for bone density. However, there has been conflicting evidence of whether it is useful for prevention of fractures.
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SAMe Relieves Arthritic Pain

S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), a naturally occurring physiological agent in the body, has been shown to have anti-arthritis effects in comparison studies with Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs). Now, a comparison study with a cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor (celecoxib or Celebrex) reports that SAMe supplementation is equally effective in relieving osteoarthritis knee pain.
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