Lifestyle impacts your health.

Introduction

Raynaud's disease vs. Raynaud's phenomenon

The root of the problem in Raynaud's disease is an instability in the nerves that control the blood vessels in the hands and feet. In a recent article in Lancet, researchers traced the mechanism to a shortage of nerve fibers in the skin that contain calcitonin-gene related peptide, which acts on the blood vessels to open them up. The symptoms of Raynaud's disease are fingers (generally not the thumb) or other affected parts of the body may feel numb or cold during an episode, and later, after warming, may become bright red with a throbbing painful sensation.

It's important to distinguish between primary and secondary forms of Raynaud's disorder. Primary Raynaud's phenomenon is often called Raynaud's disease, and the cause of it is unknown. It is the mildest and most common form, and the majority of people with this form of Raynaud's don't experience a secondary disease as a result.

Conversely, secondary Raynaud's phenomenon can be caused by related health problems, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, lupus, scleroderma and mixed connective tissue disease, in which blood vessel walls thicken and constrict too much, limiting blood flow. People who work with vibrating tools and those who type or play piano are also susceptible. Even drugs including beta-blockers prescribed for high blood pressure, chemotherapy agents and some narcotics and over-the-counter cold medications have been linked to the secondary form. The most serious problems resulting from the secondary form are skin ulcers and, in severe cases, gangrene in toes and fingers.

Raynaud's relief

Now for the good news: Many patients with Raynaud's phenomenon find relief from symptoms and suffer no additional complications. Conventional treatment, especially of the secondary form, often includes prescription drugs, but these can cause side effects including ankle swelling, headache, flushing, weight gain, acne and irregular heartbeat. Lifestyle changes and natural supplements that encourage better circulation, on the other hand, are effective alternatives for some sufferers. Here are a few lifestyle changes and supplements that have shown promise in alleviating Raynaud's.

Change Your Life:

• Direct and indirect smoking should be avoided. If you smoke, quit smoking! Nicotine really constricts arteries in the extremities. Also eliminate other stimulants from your life, including caffeine, as these make Raynaud's worse. Beta blocker drugs also may trigger the condition
• Exercise at least 3 times a week. Check with your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet that concentrates on whole, unprocessed foods. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. In general, the more fruits and vegetables are processed, the less nutritive value they have. Eat whole grains or foods made from whole grains. Beans (legumes) are a healthy, low fat source of protein and vitamins. Seeds and nuts contain essential fatty acids.
• Drink 8 - 10 eight ounces of pure water. Reduce or eliminate alcohol, caffeine and refined sugar. Carbonated drinks should be severely restricted.
• Reduce your stress. There are numerous studies documenting the deleterious effects of stress on health. Stress triggers the autonomic nervous system which acts to constrict the vessels of the periphery. Make time for friends and family. Find ways of relaxing throughout the day. Consider meditation, deep breathing exercises, visualization techniques or prayer. Relaxation exercises can help you relax the autonomic nervous system, including the nerves that control small arteries in the hands.
• Another possibility is a course of biofeedback to learn to warm your hands, followed by practice on your own. There is good research showing that biofeedback can be very helpful for suffers of Raynaud's disease.
• When your fingers start to turn white, the first thing to do is try and warm them up. You can dip your hands in warm water for a few minutes, or put on woolen gloves.

Helpful Supplements:

• The AMA has endorsed the need for a daily multivitamin.
• Take 400 - 800 IU of vitamin E daily. Selenium enhances the action of vitamin E. Also supplement vitamin C, 500 - 1000 mg each day, as vitamin C converts vitamin E into its helpful form after oxidation. Vitamin E is especially useful in Raynaud's as it decreases platelet aggregation
• Ginkgo biloba is a powerful antioxidant and is well known for its powerful action to enhance circulation, even to the smallest of body parts, and apart from helping with the blood flow, it is thought to also make the blood less sticky. A growing body of research shows that Ginkgo biloba increases blood flow when taken orally by those with impaired circulation in extremities, leading scientists to believe that ginkgo supplementation may be useful in treating Raynaud's disease. In his book, The Green Pharmacy, noted herbalist James A. Duke, Ph.D. suggests a standardized extract of 60-240 mg per day of ginkgo
  Additionally ginkgo not only enhances memory and decision-making, it also lowers homocysteine levels for cardiovascular health.*
• Coenzyme Q10. One of the best-known effects of this compound is its antioxidant qualities as well as the control it exercises on the flow of oxygen within cells, assistance with cardiovascular functioning, the production of energy, its assistance with absorption of other nutrients as well as its immune boosting properties.
• Calcium has a natural calming and tranquilizing effect and is necessary for maintaining a regular heartbeat and the transmission of nerve impulses.
• Essential Fatty Acids (EFA). Recent research suggests that supplementation with omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids (EFAs) may be useful because they decrease platelet aggregation, which can limit blood flow. Some natural practitioners recommend massaging the oil into affected fingers and toes to improve blood flow, as well. Hemp seed oil and oils found in nuts, seeds and fish are other good sources of EFAs.
• Many practitioners recommend niacin, including Andrew Weil, M.D., in his book Natural Health, Natural Medicine. Niacin induces blood vessel dilation that results in warm flushing and tingling in the skin's surface. Niacin will dilate the blood vessels in the skin, causing a wave of heat from your head to your toes.
• Some practitioners also recommend taking garlic, which, like EFAs, decreases platelet aggregation.

Head-to-toe nutritional support!

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.