Cherries and Joint Pain

Cherries Can Reduce Gout Attacks, and Other Joint Pains

Remarkably, not all joint pain can be adjusted away with skillful hands ... not even mine. A new study out of Boston University corroborated by other studies reports how a natural remedy of tart cherry extract ... or simply a bowl of cherries, and in some cases cherries plus medication can reduce some forms of chronic joint pain, and other acute attacks of gout by up to 75 %.  Eating about 30 pieces of the sweet fruit within 48 hours of a gout attack may even cut the risk of recurrence of the painful arthritic condition by 35 percent.

The single most important thing you can do however, to prevent acute bouts of joint pain, is to drink plenty of water throughout the day... everyday. Generally speaking, two thirds your body weight in fluid ounces.  For someone weighing 150 pounds about 99 ounces or 3 quarts of water consumed slowly all-day-long should become a daily ritual for everyone.

Drink Plenty of Water Throughout the Day

When so-called conventional medicine discovers something that natural health professionals have been saying for years, I always find it amusing.

This November 2012 study from Boston University found among 633 patients, there was a direct relationship between eating cherries and reducing painful attacks of gout, or pseudogout a condition characterized by recurrent attacks of inflammatory arthritis, and in some cases chronic unrelenting joint pain without a history of specific injury or known onset.

Not too shocking, the more cherries someone eats the better the results are. Those who eat one serving a day were able to reduce their attacks by 35%; two servings a day reduced attacks by 40%; and 3 servings of cherries had reduced attacks by as much as 51%. Eating up to three servings of cherries, about one and a half cups, seemed to be the magic number for preventing a serious gout attack.

These researchers also found that patients who combined a daily helping of cherries with the common gout medication called allopurinol had the chance to further reduce their attacks by as much as 75%.

Why does this occur? An excessive amount of uric acid in your diet develops into tiny little razor sharp crystals. In some, those crystals are monosodium urate (MSU, the ones found in gout), and the others are calcium pyrophosphate dehydrate (CPPD, the ones found in pseudogout). Because of super-saturation, these crystals become deposited in and around the joints triggering intense inflammation. Uric acid is a waste byproduct of metabolism and normally excreted through the kidneys in urine. When the process is impaired, uric acid accumulates in the blood stream until the concentration is sufficient enough for crystals to form and are deposited in and around the joints causing the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with gout. It usually attacks the big toes but can sometimes affect the rest of the foot, ankles or knees and less commonly, the elbows and shoulders sometimes mistaken as a rotator cuff injury.

Alcohol consumption, or chronic dehydration along with a high protein diet increases your chances of gout 

Those who are predisposed are generally sensitive to certain other kinds of food. These include organ meats like liver, sweetbreads, kidneys and brain as well as pork, red wine, and orange colored cheeses like cheddar.

Alcohol consumption, or chronic dehydration coupled with a high protein diet and other foods for instance shellfish, and small wild game are rich in the chemical purine, and can also increase the frequency of gout for those who are predisposed. You'd probably be best served to limit your consumption of mushrooms, asparagus, peanuts, lentils and peas because they are higher in purines than other foods.  In doing so, I recommend a healthy diet that reduces inflammation by including fish oil or flaxseed oil rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids, and in some persons high doses of folate.

The enigma behind cherries' gout-fighting powers isn't entirely understood. Dr. Allan Gelber who co-wrote the commentary to the study found in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatism with Dr. Daniel Solomon, said perhaps the vitamin C content of the fruit or potentially the strong anti-inflammatory effect of their high antioxidant content.

"Anthocyanins are an antioxidant pigment found in cherries and other red and purple fruits and vegetables. They seem to stabilize the free radical molecules responsible for causing inflammation and cell and tissue damage."

Fine tuned however, and in the right combinations,

magic can happen...

It's  well known how many plant flavinoids and compounds called anthocyanins reduce joint inflammation. These are the same substances abundantly found in curcumin, quercetin, ellagic acid, resveratrol, Jatoba extract, and grape seed extract, but unfortunately not everyone has the capacity to benefit equally either because of absorption problems, or its simply lacking in their diets. Fine tuned however, and in the right combinations magic can happen. One such product receiving widespread attention and favor, now with 14 clinical studies found in peer-reviewed journals supporting its use and efficacy is Protandim, a Nrf2 synergiser.  Protandim is a once-a-day patented formulation of five plant substances available without a prescription, and allows the body to express its own abundant antioxidant producing ability without interference.

Oddly enough, after the study above was released, the FDA sent a letter to various cherry-based product manufacturers warning them not to use the study results to make assertions about the benefits of their products.

I look forward to our Christmas celebration in a few days, and time spent with family and friends.  Wishing you a happy Christmas, and a New Year filled with God's abundant favor and grace.

Be sure to enjoy yours too, and don't forget the cherry pie!

Bless and be blessed,

Lewis Meltz

Trampoline Use During This Gift Giving Time of Year…

Over the years having raised four daughters, we've had several lucky brushes when it came to injuries and broken bones.  Now that they're all beyond the age of immediate concern, these comments may be helpful advice for parents with younger children.  It’s all about trampoline use during this gift giving time of year…

My good friend Michael Klein, M.D. is a longtime orthopedic surgeon here in Sacramento, and we recently had lunch together.  Earlier this year he was honored by his residents at UC Davis Medical School when he was voted as outstanding clinical faculty for 2011-2012.  He teaches in the general orthopedic clinic, and has taught in the pediatric fracture clinic since 1999.  I consider Dr. Klein a tremendous resource, and he shared an article with me concerning the recreational use of trampolines.

It wasn't that long ago that we had a trampoline in our backyard.  The safety curtain attached stood 6 ft. around the perimeter of the mat, and really wasn't all that safe after all… as the kids would always seem to find the space just small enough to slip right through and land on the grass.  The foam cushions on the vertical supports deteriorated in the sun after a year or two, as did the safety padding covering the springs.  So after two or three years, it was just a plain old flat trampoline, used on occasion, and usually only when the boys came over… but I think they had other interests other than doing flips for my girls, (in more ways than one).

This article comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics, and is a policy statement published September 24, 2012 in which they oppose, and recommend against trampoline use, and here's why:

According to the co-authors, Susannah Briskin, M.D. and Michelle LaBotz, MD "although trampoline injury rates have been decreasing since 2004, the potential for severe injury remains relatively high.”   Dr. Briskin who practices as a pediatrician notes how trampoline injury rates were 70 per 100,000 in the zero to four-year-old group as late as 2009, increasing to 160 per 100,000 in the 5 to 14-year-old group.  Injury rates for those ages are similar for bicycling or playground equipment, as well as in and around swimming pools or other aquatic environments.  Dr. LaBotz, a sports medicine physician, indicates that even though population exposure is "significantly greater" for bicycling and playground equipment, there are far greater broadly publicized evidence-based safety advisories for swimming pools than advisories for trampolines, which hardly exist. 

Multiple Users, Smallest Jumpers Most Susceptible

Findings reveal how most trampoline injuries occur when multiple people are using it at the same time, and the smallest persons on the trampoline are up to 14 times more vulnerable to injury not only because of the weight differences between the jumpers, but because of their less-developed motor skills, and increases when age differences between the jumpers is increased.  Falling accounts for 27% to 39% of injuries, and risk for falling rises when the trampoline in use is on an uneven surface.

Similar to our own experience, this article notes how cushioning and other padding does not seem to minimize the risk for injury, and a third half of all injuries occur despite direct adult supervision.  Children younger than six years of age account for 22% to 37% of injuries presenting to emergency rooms for treatment with acute injuries.

Even though foot and ankle injuries such as ankle sprain, are most common (more than 60% in 1 study) 10% to 17% of injuries affect the head or neck, “and 0.5% of all trampoline injuries resulted in permanent neurologic damage" the authors warned.  That means you can expect in the under four-year-old group 3.5 of those kids to have permanent neurologic damage, and as many as eight in the 5 to 14-year-old group (per 100,000 injuries), who suffer similar permanent neurologic injuries.

According to this article, the American Academy of Pediatrics offers several recommendations as part of their policy statement which includes:

• A strong recommendation against recreational trampoline use.
• Parents should verify whether trampoline injuries are covered under their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy.
• Any trampoline use should be restricted to a single user at a time.
• Adults familiar with safety guidelines should exercise direct supervision with any trampoline use. 
• Trampoline conditions should be inspected regularly, and trampolines in disrepair should be discarded.

The AAP policy statement also says that until further safety information is available on trampoline parks and other well structured community sports programs that include trampolines, "the cautions outlined here” should be closely observed.  Of the many other sports that use trampolines such as SlamBall, BossaBall, or SpaceBall, or ones that combine volleyball, basketball, dodgeball with intense jumping —similar practical considerations should be entertained.

In summary, doctors need to actively discourage unsupervised recreational trampoline use.  Families need to know that many injuries can occur on the mat itself, and current data does not appear to demonstrate that the manufacturers supplied safety netting or padding in place can significantly decrease the risk of serious injury. 

My advice from this article is simply this, keep the gift receipt… and teach the kids to fish.

Bless and be blessed.

Lewis Meltz

Tips on Reducing Stress to Prevent Anxiety During the Holidays

These days it's popular to obsess about our faults and insecurities and limits, of course it is, but it does nothing to move you forward.  And if you happen to stall there, that’s the feeling of “being stuck,” and unable to move forward.  That alone causes added stress and anxiety.  Your limited beliefs will always be there. The question is: do they win, or do you?  Do you rise to the calling of your greatness and service in your heart, or do you routinely shrink back to the thought of what limits you?  Magic resides within you. So live it.

 Do you rise to the calling of greatness in your heart, or do you routinely shrink back to the thought of what limits you?

The temptation to become disappointed, disenchanted and discouraged is real. The remedy to stress is clear: don’t give up on you!

Stress is a legitimate mental condition that can have serious debilitating effects by manifesting in many ways, some physical and others not so recognizable.  High levels of stress are indeed measurable, and the end result?  Self sabotage or worse, pre-mature aging.  Once and for all take an active stand against allowing stress into your life in the first place, and put the advice in this article to work for you in your efforts to lead a healthier lifestyle with greater peace of mind so you can relax and truly enjoy this time of year.

First of all, figure out the main cause of your stress, and see if you can find ways to reduce or eliminate it.  One of the best ways is simply by saying “no” especially to other people’s demands for your time and attention.  Eliminating over commitment is one of the easiest ways to minimize stress and improve performance.  For example, if you've got a friend or co-worker who creates stressful situations for you with demands on your time and attention, segment the amount time you allow for them in advance if you can.  You may even want to distance yourself from them, or stay far away from that person all together.  Who cares what other people might think?  Getting rid of all the large sources of stress in your life will improve your overall attitude, your outlook on life, and your health.  

Simply say no...

Any time you feel stress welling up, you should think about what makes you happy, what fulfills you, and what you want to get done… not what others want you to do for them. Positive and ambitious thoughts can create the proper balance of chemicals in your body so that you can improve your mood on demand.  Too much of a good thing can be just as harmful as well.  Exercise; although it’s a great way to reduce stress can also be used as a way to avoid what causes your stress in the first place.  So keep that in perspective.   

TIP! You may need to see a doctor because anxiety can be too much to deal with on your own. You may want to consider seeking assistance from a professional.

Try minimizing stress by managing your time better.  There is truth in the saying, “Early to bed and early to rise.”  When you are always rushing to get things done, multi-tasking, your body is under constant physiological stress, and believe it or not, the body pushes back just as hard in ways that are hard to understand.  Ease this burden by sharpening your ability to complete tasks in an efficient manner.  Getting things done promptly and systematically will stop everything from piling up, which causes even more stress.  My advice?  The very first thing you do at the start of your day is to get one thing done completely, and do it everyday.  This ritual alone will keep procrastination at bay, which is just another source of stress for most people.

Put an end to procrastination

Secondly, your friends and family will not want to hear about your problems all the time, so pick a time and place that is appropriate. There are times that talking about your problems is necessary. Friends will always be there to listen, so it is vital to use this option to help relieve your stress and anxiety.  Remember, you cannot say the wrong thing to the right person, but on the flip side, you cannot say the right thing to the wrong person.  It’s best to err on the side of caution, state the facts, avoid embellishing the situation, and resist ruminating (repeating yourself) to make your point, and avoid confrontation.  
 
Third, make sure you take some time for yourself every day, no matter how busy you are. You can have a quiet cup of coffee as you read something new, get up early to jump rope, or take a walk during a mid-day break.  These special, quiet times during your day can reduce your stress levels and allow you some time to relax.  If you’ve learned something during that time be sure to teach someone what it is, because it only reinforces it better for you.  That’s why the people you admire seem to have-it-together, and have a certain order to their lives and a level of control most would covet.  So teach someone something new everyday.

TIP! Avoid relying on drugs or alcohol to treat your anxiety, as this will only lead to other problems. Severe and chronic anxiety should be treated professionally, or dealt with in a manner conducive to your well being.

Stress is a major factor in loss of productivity and focus in almost all areas of your life.  Our brains are hardwired to address all human drives, and learning how to harness some of those base drives is the solution to minimize stress and anxiety.  Those base drives include:

• Discipline, 
• Proficiency, 
• Consistency, 
• Thoughtfulness and 
• Association.   

Many people who become stressed are unable to motivate themselves out of their situation.  Amplifying what is great within you will certainly accelerate your life faster than fixing what you “think” limits you.  Most authorities agree how dietary deficiencies can cause widespread health problems just as a deficiency in the base drives above can cause the first signs of stress and anxiety, which left alone or ignored only get worse.

 Amplifying what is great within you will accelerate your life faster than fixing what you “think” is limiting you.

You must become your own change agent.  Recognize the fact you are a product of what you read, what you watch on television, the music you listen to, and the people with whom you spend the most time.  In order to break the chains of stress and anxiety say yes to how you change your environment in what ever way you can.  Get out of your own way, make a connection with someone each day, teach someone something new, care about that person, and grow your list. Listen for unfulfilled needs and desires — and listen for values. After awhile, instead of finding ways to cope with daily stress and anxiety, you’ll need to only schedule time for it once and awhile.  

 

Lewis Meltz