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The cause(s) is (are) not clear. Characteristically
the synovial membranes or inner linings of the joint capsules are
chronically inflamed the joint mass increases and destroys cartilage,
bone and adjacent structures. Blood
tests often reveal the presence of rheumatoid factors.
Using a broad holistic approach, nutritional medicine can work
with the whole body to promote diminishing effects of the condition and
help to alleviate pain and inflammation in joints and tissues
Wear
and tear arthritis is called osteoarthritis and is probably the most
common type of arthritis found today.
It comes from daily wear and tear in the body’s joints. Another common form of arthritis is gout and is caused
by a build up of uric acid in the joint tissues, particularly the big
toe joints.
Dietary Influences
We now know that various forms of
arthritis may be inherited. However,
viral infections may be involved as well.
Diet is a primary way to modify these risk factors, particularly
in rheumatoid arthritis. There
are some foods that need to be eliminated from diets to minimize
symptoms such as fatty red meats that stimulate inflammation and
substances known as antigens that can trigger allergic reactions.
The body can produce antibodies to fight these invaders and can
destroy the joints and tissues in the process (this is why rheumatoid
arthritis is known as an auto-immune disease).
It is also important to eliminate nightshade vegetables, such as
eggplant, green peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes, and mushrooms.
These can create joint stabbing pain in all major joints.
Some things to include in your diet are cold-water fish such as
herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines and tuna.
These are rich in omega 3 fatty acids.
A vegetarian diet is beneficial to most arthritis sufferers while
just eliminating red meats can help tremendously.
Nutritional Supplements
The use of nutritional supplements
is key. Studies have
indicated that 50 to 75 percent of arthritis sufferers are malnourished. Specific supplements such as glucosamine sulfate are
critical. A good
multivitamin/mineral formula together with antioxidants and herbs are
very beneficial. Pantothenic acid has been found to be missing in
arthritis sufferers. This
helps in both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients.
Arthritis patients usually need additional vitamin C, E and K and
the mineral selenium. Anti-inflammatory
agents such as turmeric (circumin) and bromelain (an enzyme found in
pineapple) are very effective to reduce pain and inflammation in joints.
Exercise
Exercise is essential to increase
joint mobility and helpful in reducing pain and inflammation in the
joints. The type of
exercise recommended is based on what the patient can do now.
If you can walk then walk. The
important thing is to increase the amount of activity over a sensible
period of time.
Summary
Almost
everyone over the age of 60 has some form of osteoarthritis.
That includes some 43 million people.
One new case of arthritis is discovered every 33 seconds in the
U.S. and as of the year 2000 the disease adds an estimated $95 billion
to the nation’s annual health costs.
While these statistics are impressive the thing to realize is
that the end result of a balanced nutritional approach can reduce or
even eliminate symptoms of this ailment and at nominal expense.
Simple diet, exercise and nutritional supplementation can have
dramatically positive effects on each patient who suffers from
arthritis. It is my goal to
help each of my patients to achieve this end.
Please call me to discuss how I can help you with this approach.
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