Treating Polymyalgia Rheumatica? It occurs primarily in older people (the average age at diagnosis is 7. Although no one knows what causes it, immune system abnormalities and genetic factors are suspected. Polymyalgia rheumatica seems to be related to another condition, giant cell arteritis (also called temporal arteritis and cranial arteritis), which causes inflammation in the arteries in the head (usually those in the temples). The inflammation causes swelling which narrows or stretches the arteries and may pose a threat to vision. About 1. 5 percent of people in the United States who have polymyalgia rheumatica also have giant cell arteritis, and about half the people with giant cell arteritis also have polymyalgia rheumatica. Early diagnosis of arthritis symptoms can provide faster relief. Learn about the tests that diagnose arthritis, including blood tests and imaging studies. A review of both polymyalgia rheumatica and giant cell (temporal) arteritis, and their intimate connection. Overview of polymyalgia rheumatica, and how to treat it in a natural way. Autoimmune disease alterantive treatment, vitamins and herbs. Autoimmune disease alternative therapy with diet, vitamins, herbs and supplements, natural treatment. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) causes stiffness and muscle aches, particularly in the neck, shoulders and hips. Symptoms can appear almost overnight in some cases with. If you have polymyalgia rheumatic (PMR), changes in your diet may help you manage symptoms. Learn more about the do's and don'ts for eating with PMR. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and inflammation in the muscles around the shoulders, neck and hips. Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that causes muscle pain and stiffness. Learn about its symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Join 239 friendly people sharing 108 true stories in the I Have Polymyalgia Rheumatica group. Because of the threat to sight, those with giant cell arteritis in addition to polymyalgia rheumatica must take the steroid drug prednisone until symptoms disappear and tests show that there is no longer a risk of blindness. Signs of this disorder can include headache, pain in the temple, blurred or double vision, and flu- like symptoms. Polymyalgia rheumatica may begin abruptly but usually develops in a gradual manner over a couple of weeks. Mild or early cases are marked by morning symptoms (lasting one to two hours after waking, then returning after periods of inactivity) as well as fatigue, a sense of weakness, weight loss and low- grade fever, all of which can accompany the pain and stiffness. The disease often goes away without treatment in a year or more, but prednisone can bring the symptoms under control within a day or two. The drug really works well for this condition although you always want to take the lowest possible dose and discontinue treatment as soon as possible. Typically, the initial dose is increased until symptoms disappear, and then gradually decreased to the lowest amount needed to relieve symptoms. Treatment usually continues for six months to two years but may be restarted if symptoms recur. At first, your wife will need prednisone for the relief it offers. She also might try aerobic exercise, which a friend affected with this condition has told me makes a big difference. I also recommend whole licorice for treatment of inflammatory disorders. You can find whole licorice as a root or extract. Look for products with six to 1. Since whole licorice can worsen high blood pressure, check with your doctor before taking it if your pressure is high. Licorice root capsules can be used in the amount of 5- 6 g per day. Concentrated extracts can be used in the amount of 2. This approach may enable your wife to lower her prednisone dose. In addition, she should try to maintain an anti- inflammatory diet. Chinese medicine and mind/body techniques such as hypnotherapy and guided imagery can also help. Andrew Weil, M. D. Polymyalgia Rheumatica Diet: Do's and Don'ts Overview. Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory disorder that causes pain, usually in your shoulders and upper body. Inflammation is your body’s natural response when it’s trying to protect you from harmful germs. Inflammation works by drawing extra blood and white blood cells to whatever part of your body it’s trying to defend. This increase of fluid can cause swelling, stiffness, and pain. If you have an inflammation disorder like PMR, your body fights its own joints and tissues, even when germs aren’t present. You may be able to treat some of your symptoms of PMR with steroid medicine. You may also be able to manage your symptoms with lifestyle changes, including changes to your diet. A healthy diet is important for everyone, but if you have PMR, the foods you eat may have an impact on your symptoms. That’s because some foods are more likely to cause inflammation in your body. Keep reading to learn more about the types of foods you should eat and the types you may want to avoid. Foods to eat Foods to eat. Eating the right food can support your immune system and may even prevent inflammation before it starts. Some foods may also fight potential side effects from medications you’re taking for your PMR. These side effects can include: high blood sugarweight gainsleeplessnessosteoporosisbruisingcataracts. No diet is proven to make PMR significantly better or worse for most people, and everyone reacts differently to foods. Pay attention to what foods seem to help you feel your best and keep track of them. It’s also important to have a well- balanced diet and to eat from all major food groups. Following are some foods that may be beneficial to people with PMR. Healthy fats. Not all fats are created equally. Your body actually needs some fat to properly function. When choosing fat sources, it’s important to focus on healthy fats. One source of healthy fat is omega- 3, which may help prevent inflammation, especially when paired with a balanced, healthy diet. One good source of omega- 3 is fish oil. Studies have found fish oil to have anti- inflammatory effects in people with rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and asthma. That suggests that omega- 3s can have anti- inflammatory effects in people with a wide range of conditions. Foods high in omega- 3 include: walnutsflaxseed and flaxseed oileggssalmonsardines. Other anti- inflammatory foods include: tomatoesolive oilspinachkalecollardsorangesberries. Calcium and vitamin DSome medications used to manage PMR symptoms increase your risk for osteoporosis. To combat that, eat foods high in calcium and vitamin D. Calcium can strength your bones, and vitamin D helps your bones absorb calcium. Dairy products are a good source of calcium, including milk, yogurt, and cheese, but you can also get calcium from other sources, such as: broccolispinachsardines with bones. Vitamin D can be absorbed through exposure to the sun. Some foods are also high in vitamin D, such as: salmontunabeef liveregg yolkfortified breadsfortified dairy products. Water. Staying hydrated is important for combating inflammation. Adults should drink 2- 3 liters of fluid per day. Keep a reusable water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day. That will also help you keep track of how much you’re drinking. If you get bored with plain water, try flavoring it by squeezing a lemon, lime, or even an orange into your water. Coffee. In some people, coffee may have anti- inflammatory effects. A recent study found that these effects vary from person to person, and that in some people coffee has the opposite effect and can actually increase inflammation. If you’re a coffee drinker, monitor how you feel after having a cup. If you notice your symptoms improving, you may be able to continue drinking coffee in moderation. If your symptoms seem to get worse after having coffee, it may be time to cut back. Try replacing your cup of coffee with a decaf version or herbal tea. You should also focus on eating food that will help you fight the potential side effects of your PMR medication. Foods to avoid Foods to avoid. It’s equally important to keep track of any food that seems to make your PMR worse. Processed food isn’t recommended for people with PMR because it may increase inflammation in your body. Processed foods may also lead to weight gain. Increased weight puts more pressure on the muscles and joints affected by PMR, which can make your pain worse. Some people may be intolerant to gluten, the protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Excessive sugar intake is also inflammatory and may cause weight gain. Here are some foods you should avoid, and suggestions for what you can use as substitutes: For example, if you’re eating at a restaurant and your meal comes with french fries, ask the server if you can swap out the fries for a side salad, steamed vegetables, or an apple. Most restaurants have an alternative option you can choose. Exercise Exercise. If you have PMR, it’s important to make time for physical activity. You may need to avoid strenuous activities, but light exercise can help improve your symptoms and overall sense of well- being. Some exercises may also help you prevent side effects from medications you’re taking. Keep your body moving with gentle activity like a daily walk, bike ride, or swimming. Cardio exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, which means less stress on the bones and joints affected by PMR. It also promotes heart health. Lifting light weights may also reduce your risk for osteoporosis because it helps build bone density. Remember to talk to your doctor before starting any new workout routines. If you're looking for ideas for ways to add exercise to your routine, your doctor can also recommend safe exercises for you to try. Other treatments Additional treatments. A healthy diet and regular exercise can improve symptoms, support your immune system, and benefit your overall health. Still, most doctors recommend corticosteroid medication to fully treat the inflammation and swelling from PMR. In some cases, nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve) may work too. It’s important to work closely with your doctor to get a personalized treatment plan. Your doctor can recommend daily routines and guidelines that fit you best. Outlook Outlook. Most people with PMR wake up with pain in the upper body and sometimes hips too. The pain might come and go over time. A healthy diet and light exercise can help reduce many symptoms of PMR, but you may also need to take medication. Work with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan. Next steps Tips for healthy eating. It can be difficult to know where to start when making changes to your diet. Here are a few tips to help you adopt a healthy diet for your PMR: Take it one day at a time. Changing habits takes a long time. Start by trying to make one small change. For example, you could start by drinking an extra glass of water every day next week. Or replace your go- to processed snack with baby carrots or fresh fruit. Meal planning and cooking with your family or a friend will make you more likely to follow through and help you feel less isolated in your efforts. Plan and prepare. It’ll be easier to stick to your new diet if your kitchen is stocked with all the right food. Set aside a couple hours to plan out your meals for the next week. Make a shopping list and do any prep work now, like dicing vegetables, to make it easier to prepare healthy meals during the week. Experiment with flavor. Convinced you don’t like something? Try cooking it and seasoning it in new ways. For example, if salmon isn’t your favorite fish, try spreading a thin layer of honey and mustard over it before baking. Salmon is a good source of omega- 3, and the honey- mustard topping can help mask the distinct flavor of the fish. Consider an elimination diet of one or more of the common allergies and intolerances, such as nuts, soy, gluten, dairy, eggs, or shellfish, to see if your symptoms improve. Offer nonfood rewards. Motive yourself to eat well by promising a treat like a new book, new shoes, or a trip you’ve always wanted to take.
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