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Raynaud's disease (or Raynaud's phenomenon)
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common condition that affects the blood supply to certain parts of the body, usually the fingers and toes. It is usually brought on by the cold or from stress.
It affects women much more often than men. It's often referred to as Raynaud’s disease, syndrome or just Raynaud's.
What is Raynaud’s disease?
Raynaud’s Disease is a circulatory disorder that results in the hands and sometimes the feet, being hypersensitive to the cold.
When the hands are exposed to cold temperatures, the small arteries that supply the toes and fingers suddenly contract and go into spasm.
As a result, the fingers and toes are deprived of adequate amounts of oxygenated blood and become whitish or bluish in colour.
Stress can also trigger the reaction.
What are the symptoms of Raynaud’s disease?
Symptoms of Raynaud's can last from a few minutes to several hours. It's not a serious threat to your health, but can be annoying to live with, because it can be difficult to use your fingers.
Other parts of the body that can be affected by Raynaud’s include the ears, nose, nipples and lips. People with Raynaud’s often go for long periods without any symptoms, and sometimes the condition goes away altogether.
Why do I have Raynaud’s disease?
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a similar condition caused by complications of surgery, injury, frostbite, autoimmune diseases such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, or some other underlying condition.
How is Raynaud's normally treated?
Medications that encourage the blood vessels to widen (calcium channel blockers) are sometimes prescribed to treat Raynaud's phenomenon. It doesn't cure Raynaud's and it can have side effects that range from swelling to headaches, but can help prevent serious tissue damage in severe cases.
How can Foodwise help?
Do you have Raynaud's disease? Foodwise can help.
Calcium channel blockers are not your only options.
We have all the nutritional information and dietary advice to help manage Raynaud’s disease naturally and help keep your circulatory system healthy.
Join nowHow does healthy nutrition help treat Raynaud’s disease naturally?
Several dietary measures may be helpful in treating Raynaud's disease.
- A diet that contains a high percentage of raw foods may be particularly helpful,
- Avoiding beverages that contain caffeine, which constricts blood vessels.
- It is also important to get plenty of rest, reduce stress and keep a positive outlook.
- Deep breathing exercises, biofeedback, visualization and other body calming therapies can help.
An effective dietary and lifestyle approach for managing Raynaud’s includes:
- following a whole food, fibre-rich anti-inflammatory diet
- identifying food allergies and intolerances
- regular exercise
- identifying drug interactions
- limiting alcohol consumption
- correcting nutritional deficiencies
....as well as the appropriate use of natural supplements and home remedies.
Find out more about the Heart and Circulatory Health Program here
Symptoms of Raynaud's can last from a few minutes to several hours
Women are more likely than men to have Raynaud's disease,Raynaud's seems to be more common in people who live in colder climates.
Stopping smoking can improve symptoms, as smoking can affect your circulation.
Heart and Circulation