Gout

I was recently asked about gout and what medications work best. Of course there are some that work extremely well, but instead of going right for the prescription or even over the counter medications try this first. If you are in an acute flare up of gout you will need medication to get it under control.

If you have had gout in the past, try drinking more water. Studies have shown that individuals with a history of gout were 40% less likely to develop another attack if they drank 5-8 glasses of water a day. It's simple, dehydration allows uric acid to concentrate in the blood stream which makes uric acid crystal formation more likely. These ccrystals get deposited around joints which results in the red, hot painful joint.

Stem Cells and 10 Illnesses #10

The last area where stem cells may be helpful is in the growth of new organs where there is organ failure. One of the problem we face today is a shortage of transplantable organs for those needing them. Many patient's die because there are not organs available.

Two years ago researchers were able to grow a beating rat heart in the lab from stem cells from newborn rats. This hold great potential for the future.

Stem Cells and 10 Illnesses #9

Another area where stem cells are being considered in terms of correcting problems is in blood disorders. There is a lot of research that is looking at the use of stem cells in Sickle cell anemia.

Studies have been done with mice with the sickle cell trait and have shown a complete cure with stem cells made from their own skin cells. This is truly a hopely finding for those who suffer from this disease.

Stem Cells and 10 Illnesses #8

One of the diseases that I think there is real potential for is arthritis, specifically osteoarthritis which is the most common form of arthritis. You may also have heard it called degenerative joint disease. This is a disease that is the result of the wearing away of the protective cartilage in joints. Once gone, it is gone.

Researchers are looking at ways to use stem cells to replace the lost cartilage and repair these degenerated joints.

Stem Cells and 10 Illnesses #7

Next in my list of disease is lung disease. Texas researchers have successfully developed stem cells into lung cells in the lab. They have shown strong evidence that these cells can actually repair lung tissue damage in mice.

Some of the conditions that this could help would be lung damage from a variety of diseases as well as from trauma to the lungs from car accidents, gun shots or sports injuries.

Stem Cells and 10 Illnesses #6

Another disease where stem cells could be useful is Lou Gehrig's disease. This is a very debilitating disease that many who are diagnosed with only live for 3 to 5 years. This disease damages the muscle controlling motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord.

Scientists are researching ways to help stem cells become motor neurons that could be transplanted into these patients.

Stem Cells and 10 Illnesses #5

Number 5 on my list falls in the same category with the neurodegenerative diseases. Alzheimer's is a disease that progresses by degrading and killing brain cells, which leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and sometime behavior problems.

There is a lot of skepticism as to whether stem cells could help in this disease, but I feel there is potential here.