Autoimmune Disease

Although there is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, diet can play a role in controlling inflammation and offering relief from symptoms. Ideally, RA patients should eat a well-balanced healthy diet that offers a wide variety of nutrients and vitamins in order to support overall good health. Generally, RA patients are considered to be at a ...click here to read more

National Multiple Sclerosis Month is observed each year in March, with the aim of creating a better understanding about the neuro-degenerative disease called multiple sclerosis (MS) disease and encourage those suffering from it to make educated healthcare decisions. This month, we at Bel Marra hope to build public awareness about multiple sclerosis (MS) through articles ...click here to read more

Lyme arthritis—arthritis that has its roots in Lyme disease—is associated with an overactive immune response. An overactive immune response occurs when the immune system malfunctions and the white blood cells are unable to distinguish between the body’s cells and foreign particles. These white blood cells end up killing needed cells and tissues inside the body, ...click here to read more

Fibromyalgia is an incurable condition that causes chronic pain in bones and muscles. While it has no cure, doctors have linked it with the nervous system, as it is the nerves that send the pain sensation to the brain. A recent study draws a connection between fibromyalgia and a hypersensitive brain. The study was carried ...click here to read more

The flu is an infectious disease caused by the influenza virus. It is more than just a simple cold but is often pegged as such. Those affected by the flu have more than just a runny nose and fever, as symptoms are far more intense, with the increased risk for developing respiratory disease. There is ...click here to read more

Has joint pain become a regular part of your daily life? Unfortunately, it is often the harsh reality of aging. But although we may overlook joint pain as a normal part of getting old, it can also be an indicator of a more serious condition. Below you will find six serious causes of joint pain. ...click here to read more

Recent research suggests that people who suffer from inflammatory joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, are at a higher risk for cardiovascular disease that could be better controlled if only preventative measures were adopted. Although there is no definitive proof that inflammation causes cardiovascular disease, research tells us that inflammation is common in people who ...click here to read more

In women with multiple sclerosis (MS), yoga and aquatic exercises help reduce fatigue, depression, and paresthesia. The researchers examined the effects of aquatic exercise and yoga on fatigue and depression among multiple sclerosis female patients. The 54 participants were randomly assigned to either yoga, aquatic exercise, or non-exercise control group, with no changes in their ...click here to read more

Researchers have identified additional genes associated with the autoimmune skin condition vitiligo. Vitiligo causes white patches on the skin due to loss of pigmentation. The researchers identified 23 new genes tied to vitiligo, thus doubling the number of known genes to date. Vitiligo may be linked to other autoimmune diseases, including thyroid diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, ...click here to read more

The FDA has recently approved a new biologic drug to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. Known as Erelzi, the drug is a biosimilar for Enbrel, which was previously approved by the FDA. A biosimilar is a biological drug approved based on findings that it is highly similar to an already-approved treatment, with no ...click here to read more

Beginning multiple sclerosis (MS) treatment as soon as the early symptoms appear may extend the time until a definitive diagnosis or a relapse. The study found that those who received early treatment intervention were one-third less likely to be diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, compared to patients with delayed treatment. Early symptoms include numbness and vision or balance problems. Those in ...click here to read more

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment with steroid therapy (glucocorticoid) raises the risk of diabetes, which increases with higher dosages and longer duration. Glucocorticoid, or steroid, therapy is prescribed to nearly half of rheumatoid arthritis patients, but it is a known risk factor for the development of diabetes. The researchers looked at the medical records of over 20,000 ...click here to read more

Multiple sclerosis (MS) patients may improve cognition with regular walking, cycling, and yoga, according to research. The study found that increasing exercise and physical activity can help multiple sclerosis patients improve cognition. Cognitive problems are common among multiple sclerosis patients as the report explained, “Cognitive dysfunction in MS is associated with negative health consequences, including ...click here to read more

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cause and prevention may be linked to gut bacteria, according to a recent study. We previously reported on the association between the onset of rheumatoid arthritis and gut microbiota, and the latest findings offer additional evidence on gut bacteria playing a role in the development of RA. The onset and development of rheumatoid ...click here to read more