BioMed Central released an article in 2010 about musculoskeletal disorders and, in particular, Rheumatoid Arthritis. The research article discussed the experiment of controlled supplements of fish and krill oils in rodents. The results identified that krill oil should be studied further for patients, as they showed to have higher rates of benefits than fish oil. 

The research of Collogen-Induced Arthritis (CIA) into rodents with controlled krill and fish oils was conducted to find less harmful medicinal approaches to treating chronic diseases such as degenerative joint disease and rheumatoid arthritis in human patients. CIA and RA are similar in the sense that they have an autoimmune Th1 environment (2).

There are two main polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), n-6 and (n-3). The PUFA, (n-3), is present in fish oil. When administered to patients, the fish oil was proven to have some disease modifying effects in patients with RA (2). A main effect include reducing inflammation by incorporating eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). The biochemists hypothesized that since the chemical make up of Krill oil is similar to standard fish oil, that the benefits would be greater for patients. In other words, less damage would occur in the joint from the lack of damaging synovial fluid.

Krill oil contains a high level of (n-3). However, unlike the triacylglycerol form of (n-3) in fish oil, Krill oil’s (n-3) 40% in a form of phospholipids, which are the primary structure of human cell membranes. Krill also contains astaxanthin, an antioxidant (2). The scientists wanted to study how the two different forms of (n-3) oils would differ in their levels of EPA correlated to the development of CIA.

There were three treatment groups, including a group of mice strictly given the CIA, mice given CIA and krill oil, and mice given CIA and fish oil. For the first two weeks, the mice acclimatized to the food and water (3). Twenty-four days prior to the CIA treatment, the mice were given oil supplements and their diet was changed in accordance to their group to maintain nutrient consistency in each of the groups. For example, the food was stored in vacuum bags so that the (n-3) PUFA would not oxidize. In edition, the food was modified to provide a realistic human level of EPA and DHA. The mice underwent CIA after 25 days of feeding.

The paws and knees of the mice were amputated and studied for a week. The scientists used blind scoring to access the extremity of the arthritis on a scale 1 to 4; with “intermediate” being between 1 and 2. After the scores were given, blood was drawn from the mice to compare the visual score with the statistics (3). The scores, in general were reduced with both of the oil supplement mice groups, however they have different reactions to inflammation (9). Astaxanthin is present in krill oil, something used to fight cardiovascular disease and is present in the krill oil (9).

The scientists found that the krill oil maintained a better body weight mean, whereas the other groups of mice had lower body weight means. This was a direct result of the development of severe arthritis. This was one reason scientists believed that the krill oil had more benefits than the fish oil (6). In a present study, krill oil was studied with humans as the subject and the severity of the RA decreased by 50% (8).  The scientists stated that the supplement should be further studied, as it’s benefits were different than fish oil, but of greater value (1).

For this reason, I feel that I would use the product along with good nutrition, exercise, and rest. I feel that it would help to naturally reduce inflammation. Anything that would decrease the chance of a flare up is worth taking, especially if there are no side effects (as the team states in page 2). I feel that the studies of the three groups of mice were incredibly well done. The scientists evaluated the outlying factors and studied them further for a better understanding of the product. They compared and contrasted. The krill oil is highly comparable to fish oil and is recommended by me!

http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2474-11-136.pdf

While emotional support is a way to cope, there are times when a loved one is not available. During these times, patients usually have a few items that they turn to regularly. What gives me comfort when I’m sick or in pain? Scroll down to find out! 

My Keurig
Having Rheumatoid Arthritis means constantly catching the “common cold”, the “stomach bug”, and the flu…which means a lot of congestion, fatigue, and discomfort. Who would have thought that such a small machine could bring so much happiness into my life?! I am able to brew a wide variety of teas in the shortest amount of time, or get a fast kick from my coffee for those early school mornings, without even running to the cafe. Truly, my Keurig has made my battle with RA much easier and my parents and I take it everywhere we travel!

My scarf collection
When you have difficulty rising in the morning due to stiffness, just throw on a scarf with a t-shirt. You can dress up an outfit without even trying and will get compliments on your outfit–guaranteed! It could be 100 degrees out and you bet I’ll be bundled up! My body has horrible circulation and a scarf is an accessory that warms you up but does not make you look like an eskimo!

My finger brace
My right middle finger has bent and twisted in ways that I’ll never be able to understand. While it took me weeks to overcome the awkward stares and questions about my splint, it is well worth the lack of fashion. For such a small joint, the pain is unbearable. My splint allow me to utilize my hands. I am still able to type, work, make sandwiches, and paint.

Pink Nail Polish
Something so simple can make me feel so beautiful! With three toes the same length on each side, it is easy to think that my feet are ugly. However, with a bit of bright Barbie Pink nail polish…no one notices!

My duck shoes
These are by far one of my favorite pairs of shoes. They are water proof, have a wide toe, and are cute! My feet have bad circulation and so, the thought of my shoes getting wet makes me cringe. With these shoes, I do not have to worry about my feet getting cold or wet! I love them!

My chip cup
I enjoy the smile back at me while I drink my water to take my pills with milk and crackers before bed. When I was a young girl, my family traveled to Disney every year for vacation. My baby room and big-girl room were plastered in disney decals and murals. It would be fair to say that my family believes in “The Magic”. I was also obsessed with figure skating as a girl and so, when Disney on Ice came to my city, you bet that my family bought tickets to the show. It was my dad’s favorite– Beauty and the Beast. The memories I had from the show have remained with me today and this memorabilia has traveled with me to every dorm room and every apartment I have lived in.

My fake glasses
My overactive tear ducts can be a real pain sometimes. It is awkward to look stoned or like I am crying and sometimes it seems like the slightest breeze can cause me pain and tears. While I’m not sure if I have glychoma or not, I cover my base by wearing fake glasses to protect my eyes from any dust or gusts of wind!

Memorabilia
When you have Rheumatoid Arthritis, it is easy to become sick…and I mean REALLY sick. It is easy to become depressed when you are lying in bed for weeks at a time. Having some sort of memorabilia, such as a yearbook or scrapbook, close by is always a great pick-me-up! I always look back at such items to remind myself of my accomplishments and friends in life. It’s always good to see yourself smiling in pictures or to see written messages from the ones you love.

Vampire Diaries
Unpredicted love stories with unexpected twists and unknown myths revealed. Every episode is a surprise and keeps me lured. I truly enjoy this television show because every time I’m sick the show makes time fly by much quicker!!

My Blanket
A soft, cozy, blanket made out of your old favorite t-shirts…what more could a girl ask for?! For a Christmas gift, my mom cut my old t-shirts that I had collected over the years. While she knew I didn’t want to throw them out, she turned them into a work of art. I sleep with the blanket every night and when I’m sick in bed, it’s fun to run my fingers across all the letters, numbers, and graphics. The blanket is another reminder of how far I have come with my Arthritis and all that I have done to stay mentally happy.

My workout Gear
There is nothing in this world that gives me more of a high than working out. I feel that I spend more money on fitness clothes and gear than I do regular clothes. What can I say, bright colors and cute patterns on spandex excite me. I love walking into the gym looking and feeling great, knowing that when I come out I will feel even more sexy!

Venice Di Milo Soup
If there is one food I could survive off of for the rest of my life, it would be this soup. There have been times where I am not up to eating due to medication and mood swings or being weak and weary. Somehow, some way, however, I can always eat up a bowl of this soup and go back for seconds! It is easy to make–as simple as throwing everything in a pot and waiting. If you are on a vegan diet you may alter the ingredients!

My Dunkin Donuts Cup
I like a routine in the morning. Part of that routine is having my coffee when I wake up and I like it in the same cup, every morning. It’s just that simple.

Yummy Zucchini Bread for Healthy Joints!

It is summer, which means our bodies are craving beautiful garden vegetables to nourish our bodies for radiant skin, a sharp mind, and healthy joints! My mother has prepared this bread for years, as she has always had an abundance of beautiful zucchinis. It was a great way for her to disguise vegetables for us three young girls! Enjoy this family favorite for breakfast or a snack!

Check out the Other Arthritis Fitness Videos!

1. Proper Posture
2. Nutrition
3. Warm-Up
4. Upper Body Exercises
5. Leg Exercises
6. Stretches  

Check out the Other Arthritis Fitness Videos!

1. Proper Posture
2. Nutrition
3. Warm-Up
4. Upper Body Exercises
5. Leg Exercises
6. Stretches  

Check out the Other Arthritis Fitness Videos!

1. Proper Posture
2. Nutrition
3. Warm-Up
4. Upper Body Exercises
5. Leg Exercises
6. Stretches  

In 2001 I represented the some 300,000 children who suffer from Juvenile Arthritis. With my first Rheumatologist, Dr. Tony Alario, I was interviewed on Cox 3 News.While I find my Boston accent and favorite outfit to be comical, the disease itself is not. Although I did not always understand why or how I was different, my parents provided me ample opportunities to learn about my disease and share my knowledge with others. While I have not become a teacher in an academic setting, I feel that I have followed my dreams by teaching others about the chronic illness. I am honored to have represented my generation and have reflected upon this short news clip a dozen times. It has been over ten years since this interview and I have grown tremendously along with the Arthritis community and medical treatments. I hope that another ten years from now, I will be able to look back on my videos and say, once again, that I have grown and am continuing to follow my dreams!

In this video, the Olympic athlete and personal trainer, Jonathan Fennell, tells us exactly what we need to do before a workout. Learn some great exercises that will warm up your muscles and joints so that you may prevent injuries! Since this video series is revolved around fitness routines for Arthritis, all of the warm ups are simple and low-impact. There are rotations to start, followed by four easy movement demonstrations that will gear you up for your workout…or, as I say, will have you “ready to rock”! Enjoy!

Check out the Other Arthritis Fitness Videos!

1. Proper Posture
2. Nutrition
3. Warm-Up
4. Upper Body Exercises
5. Leg Exercises
6. Stretches