Pain management is a key aspect of life with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In a paper published in the European Journal of Pain, about 40% of people with RA have moderate to severe pain, and pain is the defining symptom of RA. But inflammation and pain do not always directly correlate—some individuals have intense inflammation with minimal pain, whereas others have very high pain without elevated inflammatory markers. Also, chronic conditions such as RA can lead to stress and anxiety, which can even amplify pain.

Although medications like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and OTC pain medications alleviate RA symptoms, they cannot always be expected to offer complete pain relief. Most patients have unrealistic hopes that medication alone will eliminate all pain. Rather, professionals recommend a multi-faceted approach—combining both medicinal and natural approaches—to gain pain control that enables people to lead active, productive lives.

Natural Relief Strategies for RA Pain

As studies continue to investigate complementary treatments, numerous RA sufferers are taking matters into their own hands with natural remedies that can help lessen pain. So many, in fact, that over half of those with RA use some sort of complementary treatment as part of their regimen, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) reported. Some of the natural options that can treat RA pain with success include:

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a well-known traditional therapy that involves the insertion of thin needles at precise points on the body to relieve pain. A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials discovered that acupuncture did not significantly enhance overall RA symptoms but relieved knee osteoarthritis, which frequently accompanies RA. Other treatments employed in acupuncture, including moxibustion (a heat treatment involving dried herbs), can also relieve pain.

Biofeedback

Biofeedback is a mind-body treatment that allows people to control physiological processes such as heart rate, breathing, and muscle tension. Through the use of electronic monitoring, expert therapists instruct patients to learn to control these processes, perhaps alleviating chronic pain, anxiety, and even RA discomfort. In a study in Life, biofeedback and other psychiatric treatments—such as hypnotherapy and cognitive behavior therapy—can greatly supplement conventional RA treatments.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can offer relief from RA pain, tension, and stiffness. Research indicates that specific massage techniques can enhance grip strength and range of motion and reduce joint pain. A therapist who is knowledgeable about RA is necessary to avoid worsening discomfort with improper techniques.

Heat and Cold Therapy

There is not enough proof to definitively indicate whether heat or cold therapy is better for relieving RA pain, yet both methods provide advantages. Cold therapy will decrease swelling and numb pain, making it beneficial for swollen joints. Heat therapy, conversely, boosts blood flow and eases stiffened muscles. Alternating between heat and cold therapy is helpful for some in relieving their symptoms.

Can Creams and Patches Help?

A number of topical preparations, including capsaicin creams and arnica gels, have been investigated for their ability to alleviate arthritis pain:

Capsaicin: Isolated from chili peppers, capsaicin decreases pain by numbing pain receptors. While there is little research on RA, osteoarthritis studies indicate a 50% decrease in pain ratings when capsaicin-containing treatments are used.

Arnica: The herbal medication has been found to exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions, with certain research reporting its efficacy on par with ibuprofen for relieving osteoarthritis pain. But users must exercise caution when using arnica as it can produce skin irritation.

Can Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques Help?

Deep Breathing

Shallow breathing is a result of pain or stress. Deep breathing can oxygenate the body, slow heart rate, and decrease anxiety. Johns Hopkins Medicine says that not only does deep breathing relieve stress, but it also helps with pain management through the activation of the body's relaxation response.

Meditation and Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Mindfulness meditation also conditions the brain to disengage from pain-related thoughts and sensations, which may enhance pain tolerance. In a study published in Annals of Behavioral Medicine, researchers discovered that mindfulness practices decrease pain intensity and improve overall quality of life. Likewise, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR)—a tensing and relaxing of various muscle groups—has been found to be beneficial for people with chronic pain.

Aromatherapy

Essential oils like lavender and bergamot might also provide relief from pain with aromatherapy. Research has shown that lavender oil blocks the production of pain-provoking prostaglandins, so it could potentially be helpful in the management of RA pain. Although further investigation is necessary, aromatherapy is a popular adjunct therapy for relaxation and reducing stress.

Exercise and Movement

Even though pain and stiffness can make it difficult to exercise, movement is essential for the health of joints. The ACR highly advises regular physical activity, as it decreases stiffness, enhances mobility, and lowers the level of pain. Various exercises provide different advantages:

Aerobic Exercise: Swimming and walking are examples of aerobic exercises that improve cardiovascular fitness without putting a strain on joints.

Resistance Training: Strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected joints can give extra support and reduce strain.

Yoga: Combining movement with the control of breathing, yoga increases flexibility and may help the pain while lowering stress.

Skincare has become a common phenomenon among people of all ages. However, it is not a full proof way to have clear skin. Many people feel frustrated and anxious when they experience breakouts, despite having multiple step skincare routines. While a healthy skin depends on how well you eat, maintain a steady schedule and what products you use, a lot of it also depends on your mental and emotional state.

How Does Your Mind Affect Your Skin?

Research shows that your mind and emotions have a real impact on your skin. According to the British Association of Dermatologists 2016 study when you’re stressed, your body releases hormones that can cause skin problems.

Other studies from the same journal like the 2013 study on Phsychodermatology explains that people who practice mindfulness, like meditation, have less stress and healthier skin. Stress hormones can slow down wound healing, cause inflammation, and even make your skin age faster. Many people who go to the doctor for skin problems say that managing their stress is a big part of feeling better. It’s often hard for doctors to tell if skin problems cause emotional problems, or if emotional problems cause skin problems, because they’re so connected.

How Can You Build Better Skin Health?

Being mindful, which means paying attention to the present moment, can help your skin heal faster. Studies have shown that people who learn mindfulness techniques have better wound healing than those who don't. This means that when you calm your mind, your body can heal better too. The Cleveland clinic suggests that when you’re stressed, your body is in a “fight or flight” mode, and it’s not focused on healing, it is focusing on surviving. But when you’re calm, your body can focus on repairing itself. So, taking time to relax and be mindful can help your skin recover from cuts, scrapes, and other injuries.

Simple Steps To Take Care Of Your Skin

To have healthy skin, you need to take care of your mind and body. This means using gentle skincare products that don’t irritate your skin. You should also avoid things that are bad for your body, like smoking and too much alcohol. Here are some other ways to take care of your skin according to Mayo Clinic.

Mindful Skincare

As you cleanse or moisturize, feel the products on your skin. Acknowledge its role as a barrier, offering gratitude for its daily protection.

Listen to Your Skin

Observe subtle changes. Tightness signals dryness; pimples may indicate stress. Heed these cues to adjust your routine accordingly.

Avoid Toxins

Minimize intake of alcohol and processed foods. These can disrupt your body's balance, negatively impacting skin health and appearance.

Reduce Stress

Engage in calming activities like reading, music, or nature walks. These help lower cortisol levels, promoting clearer, healthier skin.

Sleep Well

Aim for seven to eight hours of undisturbed sleep. This allows your skin to repair and regenerate, resulting in a more radiant complexion.

Eat Healthy

Prioritize fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. These provide essential nutrients for skin vitality and a balanced gut microbiome.

Protect from Sun

Use SPF 30+ sunscreen and protective clothing. This shields your skin from harmful UV rays, preventing premature aging and damage.

Stay Hydrated

Consume ample water throughout the day. Hydration plumps skin cells, promoting a smooth, healthy appearance and overall well-being.

Having a morning coffee to start your day, or a midday coffee to keep your day going, is the best feeling. It energizes you and helps you get through the day. But have you ever noticed how you are left with sour notes in your mouth and a foul smell. Does that mean you have bad hygiene or is it an indicator that you should not be having coffee?

The answer is neither, it is due to some compounds in the coffee. You may have noticed that this is the case with many other strong-tasting foods like garlic, onions, boiled chicken and other dairy products. The Mayo Clinic explains that food particles breakdown around your teeth leads to more bacteria and causes a bad smell. These foods enter the blood stream after you ingest, get carried to your lungs and affect one’s breath.

While it may seem like a minor issue, it can be noticeable to others and make us feel self-conscious. So, it's important to understand why coffee causes bad breath and what we can do to get rid of it.

Why Does Coffee Make Our Breath Smell

When coffee beans are roasted, they release certain chemicals that contain sulfur. According to MedlinePlus these sulfur compounds are a big reason why coffee makes your breath smell bad. Think of it like the smell of rotten eggs, but much milder. Coffee is also acidic, which means it can change the pH balance in your mouth, making it easier for bacteria to grow.

When bacteria grow, they release even more smelly sulfur compounds. On top of that, coffee can dry out your mouth. Caffeine acts a little like a dehydrating agent, and coffee also contains tannins, which stop your mouth from making enough saliva. Saliva helps wash away bacteria and food particles, so when your mouth is dry, these things stay around and cause bad breath.

How To Fix This Issue?

The best way to avoid coffee breath is to make some smart choices about how you drink your coffee. Experts suggest drinking black coffee, without any milk or sugar, is better for your breath. Milk and sugar can feed the bacteria in your mouth, making the smell worse. If you must add flavor, try stirring your coffee with a cinnamon stick or a vanilla bean. These natural flavorings can add a nice taste without causing bad breath. If you need a sweetener, try using sugar substitutes instead of regular sugar. If you have to use dairy, whole milk or half and half are better than skim milk, as skim milk contains more sugar.

If you're willing to try something other than coffee, there are some good alternatives that can still give you a caffeine boost. High-caffeine black tea or chai tea can provide a similar pick-me-up without the strong coffee smell.

Whether you drink coffee or not, good oral hygiene is essential for fresh breath. The sulfur compounds, acidity, and tannins in coffee can all contribute to bad breath. So, it's important to brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly, and use mouthwash. If you drink coffee, you might need to pay extra attention to your oral hygiene

Democratic Senator Cory Booker completed the longest speech in America's history, which lasted for 25 hours. How did he prepare for it? To endure standing and talking for 25 hours takes a lot of preparation and strategy. So, what did Cory Booker do to ensure he maintained his body's energy and hydration levels?

Starting from a few days leading to the big day of the speech, he started for days leading up to the speech, limiting both food and water intake. His primary concern was to avoid the need of a bathroom break. This would mean that you would yield the floor, and end his historic speech in between.

Booker abstained food to eliminate the risk of digestion-related discomforts like bloating or hunger pangs mid-speech. Medical experts however suggest that this approach has downsides, such as muscle fatigue and electrolyte imbalances.

Mental and Physical Conditioning

Booker is also known for his dedication to fitness. He has relied on his physical endurance to sustain himself through the speech. His preparation also showed that his training for marathon in ways have helped him. As per reports, he used breathing techniques and mindfulness to maintain focus and combat fatigue.

Furthermore, his heart rate was tracked by his Oura ring, which shot up to over 100 bears per minute at one point. This prolonged elevated heart rate indicated the physical strain his body was under. This was similar to what happens during an extended physical activity.

Nutrient Deprivation

Medical professionals also emphasized the importance of proper hydration and electrolyte balance before prolonged physical exertion. Booker, however did the opposite, he actually reduced his water intake to avoid urination. This also led to cramping, which is a common symptom of dehydration. Without adequate fluid intake, his muscles lacked the necessary hydration to function efficiently, leading to tightness and discomfort.

Experts also noted that fasting for days before the event likely caused a depletion of glycogen stores, the body’s primary energy reserve. Without sufficient carbohydrates or fats for energy, Booker would have relied on sheer willpower and metabolic efficiency to sustain his performance.

ALSO READ: Senator Cory Booker's Longest Speech In History Criticizes Trump's Health Policy, Details Inside

How His Body Reacted?

Booker admitted to experiencing muscle cramps toward the end of his speech. These were likely due to prolonged standing and dehydration. Medical professionals warn that such extreme dehydration could have caused more severe issues, such as kidney problems, urinary tract infections, or even fainting.

Despite completing his speech, Booker struggled to sleep afterward. His mind remained active, and his body, still processing the stress and exhaustion, made it difficult for him to rest. He reported feeling “loopy” after reaching home, a symptom often associated with extreme fatigue and sleep deprivation.

Experts recommend gradually replenishing fluids and nutrients after extreme exertion. Booker took steps in this direction by consuming a banana and drinking water post-speech. Doctors suggest that an ideal recovery diet should include electrolyte-rich fluids, easily digestible foods like rice or broth, and a slow reintroduction of solid meals to restore depleted energy reserves.

Standing for prolonged periods can lead to blood pooling in the lower extremities, which may cause dizziness or fainting. Additionally, resisting the urge to urinate for such an extended period could have long-term repercussions for bladder health. Given his fitness level, Booker is expected to recover fully, but his speech took a clear toll on his body.