RAYNAUD'S SYNDROME CAUSES AND TREATMENTS
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Raynaud's Syndrome Causes and Treatments
By Donovan Baldwin
Are you someone who regularly has achingly cold and blue hands and feet, even when they should be warm, you might have Raynaud's Syndrome.
So, what is Raynaud's Disease and why does it make you feel that way?
I guess you could say that it is a malfunction of your body's normal HVAC...or heating and cooling system.
You see, when your body is exposed to cold, it begins to take steps to protect the inner organs of the body. One of the earlier steps it takes is to close down blood vessels in your extremities, i.e. your hands and feet.
In someone with Raynaud's Syndrome, the body gets confused and overreacts to signals, shutting down the blood vessels in the hands and feet at inappropriate times.
This confusion may be caused by several factors.
In cases where the actual cause cannot be medically determined, it is referred to as "primary" Raynaud's.
Cases in which there is an underlying cause, such as scleroderma, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or atherosclerosis, the condition is referred to as "secondary".
 In both primary and secondary Raynaud's Syndrome, the symptoms are essentially the same. Almost always, the sufferer will experience the cold, aching, blue hands and feet associated with being out in bitterly cold weather. In rare cases, other parts of the body, such as the lips and nipples may be affected as well.
Medication can be used as a treatment for Raynaud's Syndrome, either directly or indirectly.
If the medication treats the cause of a secondary condition, improving the first health issue may help with the second. Some medical steps can also be taken to treat the condition and/or its symptoms.
Are there home remedies for Raynaud's Syndrome?
Actually, there are some things you can do to personally treat Raynaud's Syndrome.
As with so many other things, regular exercise can improve circulation and the body's reaction to possible triggers.
There are three supplements that can also help:
- Gingko Biloba
This popular Chinese herb can help open up the blood vessels of the hands. It also is believed to make blood vessels more elastic and tones them.
However, Gingko Biloba is a blood thinner and should possibly NOT be used with prescription blood thinners, such as Warfarin (Coumadin), or with supplements high in Vitamin K, also a blood thinner.
- Fish Oil
While daily fish oil supplements seem able to help defeat that "cold" sensation, effective doses are rather high, and, since fish oil also tends to thin the blood, the same warnings are in place as for Gingko Biloba.
Because of the doses of fish oil required, and the possible interaction with prescription medications, you should check with your doctor before trying this home remedy for Raynaud's Syndrome. Also, you should go for the purest supplements and avoid those that may contain PCB's, mercury, and other contaminants.
- Vitamin B3
Tests with Vitamin B3 seem promising but results are still not final. However, people who use B3 for Raynaud's Syndrome seem to not only experience relief from its symptoms but have fewer episodes as well.
Changes You Can Make to Lessen Raynaud's Syndrome Attacks or Their Intensity
While treatment for underlying conditions are probably one of the first places to start, as mentioned earlier, regular exercise is a self-administered treatment. You may want to cut out caffeine and alcohol, and quit smoking. Many prescription medications can cause, or contribute to, Raynaud's Syndrome, so, do a little research on what you are already taking, and get with your doctor to look at alternative medications.
Two other major things you can do are things you should be doing anyway as they are great for overall health in addition to helping with Raynaud's Syndrome. Do what you can to reduce stress. Take up meditation or yoga. Yoga satisfies the need to relax and offers some exercise.
You should also remain hydrated. As stated, this is good for general health, and, also helps improve circulation to the hands and feet.
Last, but not least, use common sense to alleviate the symptoms. Bundle up, wear gloves and socks, drink warm beverages, and, if necessary, bump the thermostat up.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Donovan Baldwin is a 69-year-old bodybuilder, freelance writer,
certified optician, and Internet marketer currently living in the Dallas - Fort Worth area. A University Of West Florida alumnus (1973) with
a BA in accounting, he has been a member of Mensa and has held several managerial and supervisory positions throughout his career. After
retiring from the U. S. Army in 1995, with 21 years of service, he became interested in Internet marketing and developed various online
businesses. He has been writing poetry, articles, and essays for over 40 years, and now frequently publishes original articles on his own websites and for use by other webmasters.
He has an online store of various health supplements which can be found at http://nodiet4me.com/health_products/.
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