Arthritis
Arthritis is reaching epidemic proportions in America and many other parts of the world. One in seven Americans has arthritis, effecting a total of 40 million Americans. Arthritis is projected to increase to 60 million Americans by 2020 (20% of the population). Women are affected by arthritis more than men... nearly 23 million women of all ages have arthritis. Arthritis is the number one cause of disability in America today, impacting 7 million Americans (approx. 18% of all disabilities in America).
Arthritis can be treated very effectively using natural therapies. Simple lifestyle changes, vitamin and mineral supplementation and herbal therapies can help you reverse your arthritis. You are going to have to make some changes and some effort. There will be foods that you will need to avoid for now, and there are foods that you need to start eating today! Plus, there are breathing techniques that will help you gain deep muscular relaxation, further helping to assist in the process of cartilage and joint repair.
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Are there different types of Arthritis?
Osteoarthritis: This type of arthritis is marked by chips and cracks in the smooth cartilage that lines the joints. The bone ends may rub together and develop growths called spurs. Osteoarthritis affects about half of those over 65.
Rheumatoid arthritis In this arthritic condition, the lining of the capsule surrounding a joint becomes inflamed and thickened, causing swelling, pain, and stiffness. The cause is believed to be auto-immune disease. (the body's own immune system attacking itself.)
What are the modern medical treatments for arthritis?
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) drugs such as Mobic, Cataflam, or Motrin: NSAIDs are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs used to relieve inflammation. The family includes a wide range of both prescription and non-prescription medications. NSAIDs work quickly to reduce inflammation: relief is usually felt within hours. Most NSAIDs are also analgesics (general painkillers)
Cox-2 Inhibitor drugs such as Celebrex or Vioxx Cox-2 inhibitors are rheumatoid arthritis treatments developed as improved NSAIDs. Popular opinion holds that Cox-2 inhibitors slow the progression of RA, but this isn't true. Celebrex and Vioxx work much like other NSAIDs, but only block Cox-2 enzymes. Unwanted side effects such as stomach ulcers or gastric bleeding do not occur with Cox-2 inhibitors as frequently as they do with other NSAIDs.
Is there a holistic approach to treating arthritis?
First, we need to acknowledge that diet, exercise and stress management play a huge role in this disease. We will use herbs, vitamins, minerals, breathing exercises, diet and nutrition to treat the entire person instead of treating just the arthritis.
Diet: Diet is a major factor in arthritis. You need to know what foods you should avoid. This will help greatly with the pain.
What are the best foods to to help reduce the risk of arthritis?
Pain-Free Foods
Pain-free foods are foods that will not irritate during times of high stress and during a major health crisis. The following suggestions are based on clinical experience and nutritional knowledge.Grains: Brown Rice, Millet, Buckwheat, Rice cakes and cereals, Tapioca flour
Fruit: Mangoes come first, especially in chronic inflammatory conditions. Cherries, cranberries, berries (raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, boysenberries, etc.), watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew, nectarines, papayas, pears, persimmons, pineapples, plums, pomegranates, prunes.
Some folks have to limit themselves to cooked or dried fruits. You may need to AVOID citrus fruits, apples, bananas, peaches or tomatoes.
Vegetables: Cooked leafy greens are probably going to be the easiest to digest at first. Then orange and yellow vegetables: artichokes, asparagus, beets, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, carrots, celery, chard, collards, cucumbers, green beans, lettuce, peas, potatoes (sweet and white), snow peas, sugar snap peas, spinach, string beans, summer or winter squash, sweet potatoes, tapioca, taro (poi), zucchini.
Beans: Split mung dahl, lentils, and refried pinto beans
Beverages: Water, herbal teas, fresh vegetable juices and fruit juices as tolerated. Room temperature or warmer is best for all beverages.
Condiments: turmeric, cumin, coriander, ginger, garlic (if tolerated), salt in moderation, maple syrup, honey, vanilla extract.
Will additional Vitamins or Minerals be helpful for arthritis?
Supplementation with glucosamine sulfate may be helpful for you. This supplement has repeatedly demonstrated that it can help actually reverse your arthritis.
Here is a sample of supplements that may be helpful:
- NUTRIENT - DAILY AMOUNT - APPLICATION
- Glucosamine Sulfate - 500mg - three times daily
- Turmeric - 500mg - three times daily
- Ginger - 250mg - three times daily
- Flax Seed Oil - 1 tablespoon - twice daily
- Folic acid amount to be determined by your doctor
- Niacinamide amount to be determined by your doctor
- Selenium amount to be determined by hair analysis
- Vitamin B12 amount to be determined by your doctor
- Vitamin E* 400-600 international units twice daily
*If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, you should not take vitamin E supplements.
