Preventing Mental Decline with Provasil

If you want to give your brain a boost, reach for Provasil, a powerful brain support supplement that helps you retain your mental edge, especially if you are starting to feel the effects of old age creeping up. This supplement is a potent blend of 15 natural ingredients that help perk up the brain, improving concentration and focus while improving the memory and other cognitive functions.

Why boost your Brain?

Why not? The brain is a very important part of the body. It directs everything in your life - your decisions, your relationships and your coping mechanisms. The brain also takes care of your body processes - breathing, digestion and even the tiniest cell repair and regeneration.

Nowadays, a lot of attention is being directed to physical fitness - which is great, because physical health is important. However, people should also pay attention to mental health, especially as they age.

Avoiding the Dreaded Mental Decline

Memory loss and lack of focus are only some of the things you can experience as your cognitive functions decline. If you have older friends and relatives suffering from dementia, you would know how terrible it is to live with diminished brain functions. Even simple "senior moments"- misplaced house keys, missed appointments, forgotten names and dates - can be annoying. The good news? You can take steps to counter this decline and keep your mind sharp even as the years advance by applying the following techniques:

1. Listening to music. Music engages different areas of the brain. Listening to music, singing and playing instruments can improve motor and reasoning skills. Plus, everything seems better when set to music, right?

2. Exercising. Moderate exercise does not just help keep diseases at bay; it also helps circulation, which in turn allows the passage of more oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood to the brain.

3. Avoiding abusive substances. Smoking hardens and constricts the arteries, which can lead to decreased oxygen supply in the body and brain. Similarly, over consumption of alcohol can damage the brain.

4. Eating and sleeping right. The brain works nonstop, so it needs proper nutrition that you can get from a balanced diet. Lack of sleep, on the other hand, can cause brain fog and impaired thinking.

5. Stimulating the brain. Keep your brain functioning properly through consistent stimulation. Solve puzzles, read books or find a hobby that will keep you interested and your mind engaged.

6. Keeping your cool. As much as you can, do not stress yourself. High level of stress impairs attention and mental flexibility and causes memory loss. Prevent repeated stress to the brain by calming own and channeling your energies to more productive tasks.

Provasil: Best Brain Supplement

Aside from following the above-mentioned tips, you could also take Provasil, a tried and tested supplement that helps improve cognitive functions. This supplement contains ginkgo biloba - an herb that heighten mental performance by boosting blood circulation in the brain - and bacopa monnieri, a traditional Hindu medicine that improves the memory and focus, among other brain-boosting nutrients.

Combat brain fog, memory loss and mental decline with Provasil and never have to endure another senior moment in your life.

Avoid These Options for Treatment for Arthritis Pain

When looking for an effective treatment for arthritis pain, there are some things to avoid. High-impact exercise is not a good thing. The last thing you want to do to joints already swollen and painful is put excess pressure on them. This is especially true for those with arthritis in the knees, feet, and hips. Instead of choosing a high-impact exercise option for treatment for arthritis pain, you need low impact. Walking and swimming are both great ways to deal with the condition without creating more problems. Using your head first will make treatment for arthritis pain much easier.

Repetitive motions in exercise are not an effective treatment for arthritis pain. You may love playing tennis. However, swinging the racket and hitting the ball repeatedly without break can create problems. It does not allow the body to recover from an action. That only leads to more swelling. When you are having a flare-up, you need to seek less repetitive exercise options for treatment for arthritis pain. Many experts suggest stretching exercises like yoga or Tai Chi. Cycling and swimming are also great alternatives. Light strength training is another component to consider adding to your exercise routine. Non-repetitive exercise is a great treatment for arthritis pain.

Too much or too little medication is not a good treatment for arthritis pain. Some people think as soon as they feel a bit of pain, they need to take medication. However, many medications can lose their effectiveness if you use them too much. That means you will not get the relief you need without taking more. That is not a smart treatment for arthritis pain. On the other end of the spectrum, using too little medication can cause trouble also. Suffering with pain is not smart. It will make your mood go down. It can lead to depression and anger. The best treatment for arthritis pain is to use joint pain supplements as needed, not too much or too little.

Smoking is another thing to avoid when seeking a good treatment for arthritis pain. Many people smoke to handle stress. Moreover, dealing with arthritis can be very stressful. However, when you are seeking treatment for arthritis pain, it is a very bad thing to do. Scientific studies show that people who smoke have double the chances of developing rheumatoid arthritis. Continuing to smoke after getting a diagnosis can lead to more severe bouts of arthritic pain. If you want an effective treatment for arthritis pain, stop smoking first.

Arthritis Foot – Keep Your Feet Healthy!

Arthritis foot disease is a degenerative condition that often results in major damage to joints. This disease results in symptoms such as pain, inflammation, stiffness, and loss of range of motion. While most any joint and even the spine can be afflicted with arthritis, foot problems can be one of the more painful targets of the disease. Foot and ankle joints affected by arthritis can most definitely lead to debilitating pain and negatively impact your ability to lead an active lifestyle. For this reason, it is imperative that you visit your physician and begin treatment immediately after the onset of Arthritis Foot symptoms.

Since there are many different forms of arthritis, foot problems related to the disease can be attributable to one of several types of arthritis. The most common form is known as osteoarthritis, which is a gradual wearing away of the cartilage in the foot joints. In this disease, swelling and pain result in major difficulties standing or walking. Another common form of an Arthritis Foot disease that can affect the feet and ankles is rheumatoid arthritis. This is by far the most severe and crippling version of arthritis foot disease, and can often lead to such severe loss of cartilage that joints can no longer hold their shape and become deformed.

There is an arthritis foot condition that affects only the feet known as Gout. In this type of Arthritis Foot disease, foot problems are caused by a collection of excess uric acid crystals in the joints of the foot and ankles. Typically the big toe is the most severely painful, as it is the focal point of your body’s weight with each step. Gout can strike at any age and men are more likely to contract this form of arthritis foot disease than women. Gout can be caused by overindulgence in alcohol or a diet too high in red meats or internal organs.

The treatments for Arthritis Foot conditions involve standard care of the disease such as anti-inflammatories and pain medications, but there are also joint relief products to prevent and treat arthritis of the foot. One of the ways your doctor can help you treat your foot arthritis problems is with the use of orthotics. These are specially designed and custom fitted insoles which provide support and relief to achy and swollen feet. Your doctor may also recommend that you be fitted for custom shoes designed specifically for the needs of an Arthritis Foot condition. Whatever the form of arthritis, foot problems are manageable and should not be ignored.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: How does it affect Your Body?

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), unlike other common types of arthritis, is an autoimmune disease wherein the cells in the body are attacked by its own immune system thereby resulting to inflammation which is mostly seen around the joints. Although it can also have a systemic approach and can affect any organ in the body including the heart and lungs. Since it’s the body is being attacked by its own immune system, the body process goes haywire and results to joint pain, muscle inflammation, heart problems, and other complications.

Here is a list of known complications and effects on the body associated with rheumatoid arthritis:

• Skin Problems – Rheumatoid nodules area tissue lumps that are often seen in people suffering from RA. It develops under the skin and is mainly found on the fingers, elbows, and forearms but can also develop in vital organs like the heart and lungs. In severe cases of RA, these nodules appear suddenly indicating the active phase of inflammation. Ulcers may also appear on the skin when the inflammation occurs on the blood vessels.

• Eye Problems – Since RA is an autoimmune disease, the antibodies may also affect the lacrimal glands in the eyes which are responsible for tear production. The eyes can become dry and irritated, which when left untreated can cause conjunctival scarring. Other complications include inflammation of the membrane lining the sclera (white of the eye). The sclera may also become inflamed and can result to loss of vision of not treated promptly.
• Cardiovascular Problems – Pericarditis, the inflammation of the pericardium (the membrane the lines the heart) is a common cardiac complication in patients suffering from RA. Pericarditis usually develops during episodes of active inflammation or flare-ups. Since it often happens over a long period of time, the pericardium can become stiff and affect the contractility of the heart. This then results to decreased blood flow to other parts of the body. Another noted complication is called pericardial effusion, which is the collection of fluid in the space between the pericardium and the heart which can result to shortness of breath and palpitations. Inflammation of the heart itself can also happen. It is called myocarditis which can manifest as chest pain, shortness of breath, and irregular heartbeats.
  RA also increases a person’s risk for developing stroke due to the inflammation of the blood vessels. Vasculitis (inflammation of the blood vessels) commonly affects the small vessels in the skin. However, it can also affect the vessels in other vital organs like kidneys and lungs.
• Hematologic Problems – RA also results to the decreased production of red blood cells which can significantly reduce of haemoglobin in the blood, thus causing Anemia. This condition can result to constant fatigue, tachycardia (increased heart rate), dizziness, pallor (pale color of the skin), and shortness of breath. Active disease activity can also increase blood platelet in the blood which increases the risk of emboli formation. On the other hand, immunosuppression therapy (treatment for RA) can cause reduced platelet count which can increase the risk of bleeding.
• Lung Problems – As mentioned earlier, rheumatoid nodules and vasculitis can also affect the lungs which can result to hinder proper functioning. Another complication on the lungs can be pleural effusion, which is the collection of fluid in the pleural membrane that surrounds the lungs. It can cause difficulty of breathing and can even lead to atelectasis (lung collapse) when not treated promptly. Pulmonary hypertension can also happen in patients with RA when the blood vessels that carries blood from the heart gets inflamed thereby narrowing the space of blood flow to the lungs.
• Immune System Problems – Unlike common types of arthritis that only involves inflammation of the joints, RA affects the immune system of the body by stimulating and autoimmune response. This response activates the body’s immune system and attacks the body’s own cells and tissues. This then leads to inflammation, a common immune response of the body.
  Since the treatment for RA is immune suppression, which halts the immune response of the body, the body is can no longer fight off any infection that affects the body. This can result to serious complications when necessary prevention is not implemented.
• Emotional Problems – Since RA is a chronic condition, patients often have limited activities; others cannot even participate in the sports that they like due to the severity of their condition. These limitations, together with inflammatory flare-ups, treatment, and constant pain, people often suffer from emotional problems like depression and anxiety. 

Rheumatoid arthritis can really be a frustrating disease especially when it results to serious complications like those involving the vital organs of the body. That is why regular check-up with the consulting health care provider is a must for patients suffering from RA. A simple dryness of the eye cannot go unnoticed because it can cause loss of vision. Likewise, palpitations should also be taken seriously because there might be a more serious cause of the problem. Unlike with common types of arthritis, patients with RA must be more vigilant in their health condition. A strong support system is also a necessity to be able to cope up with the stress brought by this disease process.

Undiagnosed Hypertension More Likely in Rheumatoid Arthritis

TUESDAY, Oct. 7, 2014 (HealthDay News) -- Among patients meeting guideline-based criteria for hypertension, those with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are less likely to receive a diagnosis of hypertension, according to a study published in the September issue of Arthritis Care & Research.

Christie M. Bartels, MD, from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in Madison, and colleagues conducted a cohort study to examine whether RA is a risk factor for not receiving a diagnosis of hypertension. Data were obtained from adult patients with and without RA/inflammatory arthritis from an academic multispecialty practice. All participants were seen regularly in primary care and met the clinical guideline criteria for hypertension, but had not been diagnosed with or received treatment for hypertension.

The researchers found that 201 patients of the 14,974 with undiagnosed hypertension had RA codes. Compared with patients without RA, those with RA had equivalent primary care visits and more total visits. The likelihood of hypertension diagnosis was 36% in RA patients and 51% in patients without RA. The risk of hypertension diagnosis was significantly lower for patients with RA in adjusted Cox models (hazard ratio, 0.71), with more undiagnosed hypertension seen than with other comorbidities.

"Given heightened cardiovascular risks in RA and the importance of hypertension diagnosis as a first step toward controlling risk, rheumatologists should collaborate to improve rates of diagnosis for this modifiable cardiovascular risk factor," the authors write.

- See more at: http://www.hcplive.com/articles/Undiagnosed-Hypertension-More-Likely-in-Rheumatoid-Arthritis#sthash.tD3oeqSr.dpuf

Smokers Taking Excess of Sodium Are at Higher Risk of Rheumatoid Arthritis

A new study has shows that cigarette smokers, who consume excess of sodium, are at a higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

On an average, an American's daily intake of sodium is about 3,400 mg. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend limiting sodium to less than 2,300 mg a day  or 1,500 mg for those aged 51 years or older, or if they are black, or if the person has high blood pressure, diabetes or chronic kidney disease. Some people's bodies are very sensitive to sodium. This was seen in the latest study by Umea University, Sweden, researchers.

According to the Swedish researchers, there exists a strong association between high sodium intake and rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the small joints in hands and feet. The risk doubles in case of current smokers.

The study led by Bjorn Sundstrom looked at whether the recent animal and human cell study revealed the association between a high sodium intake and RA would produce similar results in a case control study that worked on data retrieved from Vasterbotten Intervention Programme (VIP).

"These findings will provide new insights into the etiopathogenic process leading to the development of RA among smokers. The finding of sodium being a risk factor for the development of RA among smokers is intriguing, as it may explain discrepancies in previous studies of diet as a risk factor for RA. That consumption of fruit and vegetables is associated with a lower risk of developing RA, while consumption of protein, red meat, and fish with a medium fat content is associated with a higher risk, could be explained by these dietary products being associated with a higher intake of sodium. These results could have implications for analyses of diet in other conditions in which inflammation is of importance," said Sundstrom.

The researchers looked at 386 individuals who reported their dietary habits as a part of the community intervention programme with a median of 7.7 years before the onset of RA symptoms. This group was then compared to 1886 controls that were taken from the same database.

As a part of the study, the researchers worked on health-screening data that included dietary habits, physical exercise, smoking and other social factors. They also collected participants' blood samples. However, the researchers did not find any link between sodium intake and the developed RA due to which they failed to confirm the hypothesis.

Sundstrom added: "Additive interaction analyses suggested that approximately half (54%) of the increased risk from smoking in the development of RA is due to interaction with sodium intake. A large influence of sodium intake on smoking as a risk factor for RA is also supported by the fact that we could not identify any significant proportion of risk from smoking in individuals with a low sodium intake."

The finding was documented in the journal Rheumatology.

Source: http://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/17107/20140911/smokers-taking-excess-of-sodium-have-higher-risk-of-rheumatoid-arthritis.htm

Beneflex

What is Beneflex?
Beneflex is an all-natural joint pain nutritional supplement that promises to consist of components which have been clinically analyzed and verified. In case you turned through its website, it can help prevent this difficult sign of the aging process by providing you what you really need to remain strong and healthy.

Key ingredients of Beneflex:
Beneflex is made from the following essential ingredients:

• Hyaluronic Acid: It plays a mojor role in this supplement. It helps to lubricate joints and connective tissues so the impression of your activities is better absorbed by your joints.
• AprèsFlex: It is a boswell serrata plant extract that helps to deal with arthritis and reduces swelling of the knees.
• UC-II Collagen: It is a component that has been clinically approved in joint research center.
• Turmeric Root: It is one of the most commonly used ingredient for cooking that eliminates histamine levels and tends to increase production of cortisone to provide relief. 

Other Ingredients are:  
It's also important to keep in mind that byproducts of shellfish are used in this supplement. However, Beneflex is totally herbal, natural and gluten free.

Supplement Facts for Beneflex: 
Serving Size 1 Capsule
Servings Per Container 30
Amount Per Serving % DV
Hyaluronic Acid 90% 5.00 mg **
Hyaluronic Acid 90% 5.00 mg **
UC-II® (providing 10mg undenatured type II collagen) 40.00 mg **
UC-II® (providing 10mg undenatured type II collagen) 40.00 mg **
Aprèsflex® - Boswellia Serrata Extract 100.00 mg **
Aprèsflex® - Boswellia Serrata Extract 100.00 mg **
Turmeric Extract 25:1 (standardized to 95% curcuminoids) 200.00 mg **
Turmeric Extract 25:1 (standardized to 95% curcuminoids) 200.00 mg **
** Daily Value (DV) not established

Is it safe to use Beneflex?
However it is safe to use this product, consult a health care practitioner before use if you are pregnant or nursing, and have a serious medical condition. It is for adult use only. It is restricted to use only as directed.

Strengthen of Beneflex:

• Beneflex provides a free trial period.
• Clinical research has been confirmed for this supplement.
• Online purchasing option is available for Beneflex.
• Beneflex provides a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Weakness of Beneflex:

• Clinical studies have been done on individual ingredients in Beneflex, but no such studies are cited that have been conducted directly on Beneflex itself.
• Beneflex is relatively pricy one.
• Shopping for this supplement automatically enrolls customers in a monthly shipping/billing program, until elsewhere stopped by the customer.

Recommended doses: 
As a dietary supplement you may take one capsule per day.

Customer Reviews
Beneflex advertised 'no side effects'--but my experience was quite different--within about 30 minutes of taking my first pill, I got severely dizzy, short of breath; my heart was racing and my blood pressure was jumping all over the place. And also my vision went goofy; and while my vision straightened up shortly, the overall feeling of impending doom lasted for several hours. I do take blood pressure medication and cholesterol control medication as well, maybe people should be cautious when taking these meds---I have returned my bottle for a refund.
Source: amazon.com

Doctor gave me a cord zone shot after 2 days pain returned. Saw add for 14 day free trial of Beneflex. After 3 days pain was almost completely gone. Good stuff, going to continue taking it!!!!
Source: gnc.com

I started using this product because my husband read an article about how it was helping so many people. I have a very bad knee that I could not go up and down starts without all kinds of pain, getting out of bed in the morning was so painful. I have been only taking this product for 5 days and it is a miracle. No pain in the morning and no pain on the stairs.
Source: drugstore.com

Wrap up:
Beneflex is a natural joint pain supplement which is believed to consume anywhere between 3 to 6 months to illustrate good results. Beneflex is guaranteed by medical research. This really is the best thing simply because not every dietary supplements might provide this. Additionally, you also get a money back guarantee. In case you're wanting to stay away from gluten and you're searching for a remedy for your joint pain without switching to glucosamine and chondroitin, you might like to pay back more money to get a bottle of this product. Alternatively, you might want to get assistance somewhere else if you're trying to find a solution that doesn't cost much.

Eight Ways To Look After Your Knees

Knee pain can start from an injury to even the smallest  part of your knee and can arise from overuse in childhood or adulthood.

One of the most common reasons for severe pain in this joint is inflammation due to advanced wear of the cartilage on the moving surfaces of the knee joint.

The inflammation from the worn particles of cartilage, if ignored, cause persistent swelling, stiffness, loss of range of movement and the deformity of osteoarthritis.

Knee pain can also come from outside the knee such as bursitis which is caused by inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac, in front of the knee. It is usually intermittent and mild at first but can become persistent, severe and difficult to alleviate so prevention is key.

Here is my advice to help you keep your knees in good condition and to ease pain when it first occurs.

1 Get support: If you don’t want to suffer with knee pain it is really important to wear sports shoes that offer the correct support.

Some knee braces are specifically designed to provide support in the right place. The choice of the correct knee support should be discussed with your sports specialist as there are a variety of supports and braces for different conditions.

Tip: You should invest in a good pair of trainers or sport specific shoes and boots that fit properly. Consider changing these every six months.

If you are serious about your sport you should have the footwear professionally assessed to match your running style before you buy them.

2 Lose weight: It’s not surprising that carrying extra weight means you are putting undue stress on your joints, particularly your knees.

Experts calculate that one pound of body weight is equal to between three and seven pounds of extra weight on your knees. So even losing a few pounds can make a difference to easing knee pain and preventing it in the first place.

Many of the problems of impingement in the knee joint that lead to later issues come from pinching of a fold of fat in the knee joint. Shrink the fat and you might not get the pinch.

Tip: As well as a low-calorie diet, choose a gentle exercise such as swimming or cycling which doesn't place any strain on joints.

3 Ice it: If you do suffer with knee pain, particularly after working out, an ice pack on the affected area can really help to ease discomfort.

This is part of the old mnemonic RICE which stands for: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Ice is thought to help by reducing blood flow and thereby dampening down inflammation around the joint.

Tip: Keep several ice packs in the freezer so they are ready when you need them. For a more professional approach there are cold therapy systems that deliver continuous cold to the joint such as the CryoCuff by Aircast (£59.99/ physioroom.com).

4 Try manipulation: Many people notice a sudden knee pain without any particular injury. I have come up with something I call the “Hardy shuffle test” which I use as both a diagnostic tool and in some patients it cures the pain of impingement.

Tip: To perform the “Hardy shuffle test” at home, kick flick your knee to see if you can shift the pain.

If the pain is coming from under the kneecap sit on the edge of a chair. Relax your thigh muscle and flick your kneecap from side to side to flick out the small fold of fat that is being pinched.

5 Don’t ignore pain: Many people brush off knee pain when they first start to experience it and believe it will eventually go away.

Early diagnosis is key to preventing more severe and irreversible damage. If you have a sharp, intermittent, localised pain you should get checked out sooner rather than later in order to stop some conditions getting worse.

Tip: If you have a pain you can point to on your knee and it is tender to touch, make an appointment with your GP to check whether you have an unstable meniscus tear.

This is the most common cause of osteoarthritis if left untreated. Most GPs will take a history, examine your knee for tenderness and arrange an MRI scan.

6 Supplement your diet: Vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C, calcium and vitamin D support healthy bones, and greens such as spinach, kale and cabbage contain vitamin K, another nutrient that supports bone health.

Tip: Stop smoking. The carbon monoxide from smoking displaces 20 per cent of the oxygen from your hemoglobin. Tissues need this oxygen when trying to heal an injury.

7 Keep moving: But also get a good night’s sleep. Cycling is a proven way to encourage cartilage to grow and heal. Sleep can also do wonders for joint discomfort. So get some early nights to ensure you get your full eight hours. You will feel better for it.

Tip: Look for ways to incorporate gentle activity into your daily routine such as cycling to work or to the shops. You can even get a cycling machine that sits under your desk.

8 Change the way you exercise: High-impact activities such as running and racket sports don’t do your knees any favours.

If your knees hurt it would be a good idea to take up a gentler exercise such as swimming or yoga, at least for a while to let the inflammation go down. Continuing with high-impact exercise could just make things worse.

Tip: Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, or you are sensitive to them, try a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory tablet the night before exercise.

Source: http://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/505891/Eight-ways-to-keep-your-knees-healthy