Sjogren’s syndrome
Paracetamol: long-term risks may be underestimated says new review
The long-term health risks that could be associated with the commonly-taken painkiller paracetamol need to be reassessed, says a group led by Prof Philip Conaghan of the Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine. Continue reading
Exposure to mercury through seafood may be a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s and lupus
Women of childbearing age who are exposed to mercury could be at a higher risk of autoimmune disorders such as lupus, Sjögren’s, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and multiple sclerosis, says a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives.
Experts found that mercury – even at low levels generally considered safe – was associated with autoimmunity disorders, which cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy cells by mistake. Continue reading
Positive emotion – a new anti-inflammatory?
Positive emotions are linked to lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (the proteins that signal the immune system to work harder) in research published in the journal Emotion.
It has long been established that a healthy diet, exercise and sleep bolster the body’s defences against physical and mental illnesses. But the new findings suggest that positive emotions can be added to the list. Continue reading
Deadly nightshade foods and arthritis: urgent need for research based on strong anecdotal evidence
potatoes – tomatoes – aubergines – peppers – goji berries
• People with arthritis used to be told to eat less foods from the deadly nightshade family as a way of reducing symptoms.
• In recent years this thinking has been widely dispelled as a myth.
• There is no scientific evidence that suggests that foods from the deadly nightshade family exacerbate arthritis symptoms. But equally, there is no research concluding that they don’t.
• Bearing in mind the wealth of anecdotal evidence from people with arthritis that eliminating all (or particular) nightshade foods from their diet has made a fundamental difference to their symptoms, it is somewhat surprising that no studies have been done in the area.
• It could be that some people have individual reactions to particular foods and do see an improvement in their symptoms if they eliminate them. Perhaps some of us have genes that make us more susceptible to the effects of solanine, or another component of deadly nightshade plants. Why wouldn’t experts put deadly nightshade plants to the test in light of all the anecdotal evidence in the area? Continue reading
Brighton Marathon beckons. Iona Walton from Arthritis Digest magazine fundraises for leading arthritis charity
I’ve taken the plunge… and signed up to run the Brighton Marathon this April. And it’s all thanks to you, the community we’ve created via our website, facebook and twitter.
I’ve been editing Arthritis Digest magazine for over two years and now realise the devastating impact that arthritis and similar conditions can have on every aspect of life for some people. Continue reading
