Fall isn’t normally renowned for bringing illness, rather people choose to focus on the cooler weather, beautiful colors in the trees, and the coming of winter. But there are a few things you should be on the lookout for, including the flu, an increased chance of your rheumatoid arthritis flaring up, and seasonal depression.
Prepare for Flu Season
Although the timing of the flu season varies year to year, it typically gets rolling in October and peaks from December through February, but activity can last until May. We’ve covered how to protect yourself from the cold and flu many times before, so you can read an in-depth explanation of it here.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain
Rheumatoid Arthritis, or RA, is a chronic, idiopathic, autoimmune disease that affects over 1.3 million Americans. Falling temperatures directly correlate to arthritis pain, which means the fall is the prime season for painful flare ups.
RA causes inflammation in the affected joints, such as hands, feet, wrists, elbows, knees and ankles. It can also affect organs like your heart and lungs, and your respiratory system. Thankfully, symptoms of RA come and go, meaning you won’t always be in pain if you’re diagnosed with it. Although there is no cure for RA, treatment is available and natural remedies can help.
Treating RA
One of the most common treatments for RA is prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and inflammation. Over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen and Advil. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger medications based on your diagnosis.
You can boost the effects of your prescribed or over-the-counter medication by using natural anti-inflammatories such as B vitamins, vitamin C, and curcumin.
B Vitamins
If you’re deficient in B vitamins, there is a high probability that your RA can affect you more than normal. People with low vitamin B6 will often have high C-reactive proteins. This means your body has a higher number of compounds that produce inflammation. Vitamin B6 has the ability to counteract those proteins, therefore reducing said inflammation.
Vitamin B6 is commonly found in kale, bell peppers, and mushroom, cantaloupe, tuna, and poultry.
Vitamin C
Although vitamin C is known for helping keep the immune system healthy, it is also a powerful antioxidant that can help reduce the aforementioned C-reactive proteins.
To get more vitamin C from your diet, eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, which are also loaded with antioxidants that can improve health and potentially lower risk for heart disease and cancers.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the main component of the spice turmeric. It provides several impressive health benefits. It is one of nature’s best anti-inflammatories and can help relieve inflammation caused by RA, diabetes, heart diseases, and more.
One randomized controlled trial found that people with metabolic syndrome who took curcumin had significantly reduced levels of the inflammation markers CRP and MDA, compared to those who received a placebo.
Curcumin is poorly absorbed when taken on its own, but you can boost its absorption by taking it with piperine or through an IV.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD, usually begins in the fall. It is seasonal depression that usually is strongest in the winter. It is generally found in correlation to lower serotonin and vitamin D levels, though the exact cause is unknown.
If you suffer from SAD, there are a few things you can try to boost your mood, including taking vitamin B-12.
Low levels of vitamin B-12 in the blood are associated with depression and taking it daily can improve your mood and help fight fatigue and depression. That’s because it plays a vital role in synthesizing and metabolizing serotonin, which is the chemical responsible for regulating mood. It’s most commonly known as the “feel good” hormone that causes happiness.
It’s backed by science too: one study in people with depression and low vitamin B12 levels found that those who received both antidepressants and vitamin B12 showed fewer depressive symptoms than those who were only treated with antidepressants
Magnesium
You can also try magnesium, which may help improve your quality of sleep and reduce anxiety, which are two symptoms of SAD. Low magnesium levels, like low B-12 levels, can lead to depression.
A randomized control group was given a daily dose of magnesium of 450 mg. The results found that magnesium improved their depression symptoms as much as an antidepressant!
How to Fight Fall Illnesses or Disorders
If you’re feeling down or in pain, you can receive all of the vitamins, minerals, and supplements mentioned above through IV Revival’s IV treatment. Because it will be administered through IV, the absorption rate of each will be near 100%, which helps ensure you will feel better right away.
You can request an appointment or call for more information today.
If you believe you are affected by RA or SAD, contact your doctor right away for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. An IV and natural supplements are a good place to find added relief, but they are not a substitute for prescription medication.