Arthritis, Help IS at Hand

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Arthritis, Help is at Hand

by Illanit Tof

 

For millions of individuals, varying degrees of joint pain, swelling, stiffness,

reduced mobility and weakness infringe on their lives, causing discomfort and

disability. In arthritis, degenerative changes to joints, muscles, tendons and

ligaments cause swelling, joint and bone deterioration, dryness of joints,

stiffness and excruciating pain.

 

Although there are over 100 different types of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the

most common variety of joint disease. Degenerative changes to joint cartilage

result in stiffness, pain and roughening or loss of surface. Onset of

osteoarthritis is subtle and gradual, usually during middle age. Knees and hands

are the most commonly affected sites. Rheumatoid arthritis affects connective

tissue. Believed to be an auto-immune disease, where the immune system

mistakenly attacks body cells, it can occur at any age.

 

 

Food for thought

Dietary changes can halt arthritis in its tracks and instigate healing. The

cornerstone of any healing plan is appropriate wholesome food. The adage “you

are what you eat” rings true and is complimented by “you are what you absorb and

able to eliminate.”

 

Arthritis indicates that the body’s elimination channels are functioning

inefficiently. This must be rectified to remove toxins effectively and allow

complete nutrient absorption. The scenario is often complicated by metabolic

acidity and food allergies. This systemic problem is easily remedied with

dietary measures.

 

Reducing animal products (meat, poultry, dairy), refined white flour products,

soft drinks, sugars and all processed goods is vital. Replace them with fresh

vegetables, fruit, fish, whole grains, beans and legumes, fresh nuts and seeds.

 

Try to obtain chemical free, organic produce where possible. Allergies to citrus

fruits, chocolate, coffee, wheat and nightshade vegetables are common.

 

Try the following dietary experiments, one at a time.

Do each for two months and observe your symptoms:

 

Eliminate milk and all milk products.

Eliminate all sugar except fresh fruit.

Eliminate citrus fruit.

Eliminate all nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers,

paprika, chilli, tobacco).

Eliminate refined salt and replace it with highly mineralised organic Celtic

salt.

At the end of each trial period add the eliminated items to your diet. One or

more category may influence your symptoms.

 

Liberally use anti-inflammatory and circulation boosting spices such as tumeric,

cinnamon and ginger liberally in cooking. Try adding tumeric to stir fries and

curries, make ginger and carrot soup and indulge in ginger and cinnamon spiced

pears. Delicious and healing!

 

 

Essential Fatty Acids

Omega-3 oils, found abundantly in fatty fish and fresh flaxseed oils are rich in

anti-inflammatory properties. They block the effects of harmful inflammatory

processes in the body.

 

A great deal of research suggests all inflammatory conditions are connected with

faulty essential fatty acid metabolism.

 

Removing harmful, rancid fats found in processed, deep fried foods and

margarines is the first step in reversing this process. The addition of healing

Essential Fatty Acids (EFA’s) are necessary to heal tissue, produce secretions

that lubricate joints. They are also required to build cell membranes, deposit

bone material and transport minerals in the body.

 

Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins B3, B5, B6, C and E play a role in healthy cartilage metabolism.

Minerals such as magnesium and boron improve bone mineralisation. Antioxidant

nutrients may reduce the risk of cartilage loss and progression of

osteoarthritis.

 

Mother nature and you – a joint effort

Many herbs are potent anti-inflammatory agents and can provide safe and

effective relief. Boswella, (Boswellia serrata), Nettles (Urtica diocia urens

folia), Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and Willow (Salix alba) are some that

are commonly used.

 

Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa)

 

This woody vine with cat’s claw shaped thorns grows wild in the Peruvian Amazon

highlands, where the native Asháninka Indians have used it for thousands of

years. More recently, scientists found it is a warehouse of beneficial

phytochemicals, including quinovic glycosides, which are strongly

anti-inflammatory. It is useful for relieving arthritis, rheumatism and bursitis

and has a powerful healing effect on digestive and immune function.

 

Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)

 

This anti-inflammatory, pain relieving herb is a specific for rheumatism and

joint disorders while strengthening immunity.

 

Yucca (Yucca spp)

 

This anti-inflammatory herb is excellent for rheumatism and gout.

 

Aloe Vera (Barbadensis miller)

A powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic, this plant is a specific in the

treatment of arthritic conditions. Many people with joint dysfunction have

experienced increased mobility and less pain after regularly drinking Aloe Vera

Juice. The improvement has been attributed to it being highly nutritive, an

excellent detoxifier and healing to the entire digestive tract and liver,

resulting in improved detoxification, digestion and reduction in food allergies.

Celery Seed (Apium graveolens)

 

Many studies and anecdotal evidence supports its use as an anti-inflammatory.

 

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

 

The anti-inflammatory effects of ginger, which acts as a prostaglandin and

leukotriene inhibitor, are so potent that it has been touted as herbal aspirin.

Four grams of ginger equal 200mg of aspirin as an anti-inflammatory. People

taking Warfarin should seek professional advice before consuming large amounts

of ginger.

 

Soothing Essential Oils

The Fragrant Pharmacy by Valerie Ann Worwood contains detailed protocols for

treating various forms of arthritis using therapeutic essential oils and

adjunctive therapies. For rheumatoid arthritis, lavender, eucalyptus,

peppermint, Roman and German chamomile, geranium, rosemary, lemon, thyme are

recommended. Ginger, basil, eucalyptus, thyme, coriander, marjoram, lemon are

suggested for osteoarthritis

 

Homeopathy

This well established approach works with the body’s own healing system. It can

be very effective in dealing with symptomatic and underlying causes of

arthritis. It is safe, effective and can be used with any other form of therapy.

See a homeopath or try over the counter preparations, including oral and topical

applications.

 

 

Nutraceuticals

Green Foods

Chlorella, and Spirulina, (micro-algae), wheat grass and barley grass powders

and tablets provide powerful anti-inflammatory effects. They are also highly

alkalising, an important factor to remedy the systemic acidity often underlying

arthritis. They are vital in a wholistic program to turn around the underlying

condition.

 

Glucosamine

Many scientific studies suggest supplementing with glucosamine is effective in

relieving osteoarthritic pain and inflammation. In scientific trials glucosamine

produced consistent benefits, including gradual and progressive reduction in

joint pain and tenderness, improved range of motion and protection of joints

from further damage. In some cases it equalled or surpassed effects of

anti-inflammatory medication. Glucosamine is actually made in the body in small

amounts and is required to form glycosaminoglycans, key structural proteins in

cartilage. Glucosamine also stimulates cells that produce these proteins,

normalises cartilage metabolism and helps the body repair damaged or eroded

cartilage. Research indicates that glucosamine sulphate is the most beneficial

form for this purpose. No significant side effect have been reported in any

scientific study.

 

Shark Cartilage

This food supplement, made from the powdered cartilage of sharks helps reduce

joint inflammation and swelling and improves mobility. Rich in calcium and

phosphorus, amino acids, and a natural source of glucosamine. It also contains

chondroitin sulphate, an anti-inflammatory protecting cartilage from breaking

down and attracting fluids into molecules called proteoglycans that give tissue

shock absorbing qualities. It should not be taken by pregnant women, people with

cardiovascular problems, those recovering from surgery or still growing as it

inhibits cellular angiogenesis – the ability to generate new blood vessels.

 

Seatone

 

Containing green lipped mussel extract, which naturally contains glucosamine,

Seatone has 25 years of research and anecdotal support as a highly beneficial

anti-inflammatory treatment of arthritis. Its gastro-protective properties are

important for those at risk of digestive side effects from pharmaceutical

painkillers.

 

Dealing with Medication

 

Non steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAI) medication such as aspirin, as well as

cortisone treatment are often used to provide relief from debilitating pain.

Side effects, include severe digestive complaints and damage. While finding

relief with their natural counterparts many people find herbal digestive

remedies to be very effective at reversing the damage. Aloe Vera Juice, Slippery

Elm powder, Marshmallow (Althaea offinalis) and Liquorice root (Glycyrrhiza

glabra) as well as barley grass powder and Spirulina are the remedies of choice.

A course of probiotics such as acidophilous, bifidus and other friendly bacteria

can be highly beneficial.

 

Other Approaches

Many people find relief through heat treatment, massage, shiatsu, naturopathy,

magnet therapy, fasting (under supervision), meditation, visualisation, yoga,

acupuncture, acupressure and Chinese herbal therapy. A macrobiotic diet and

lifestyle has also been shown to restore joint flexibility, shrink spurs and

create a truly healthy and healing condition.

 

With so many choices from Mother Nature’s pharmacy, professional advice can be

helpful when selecting the products that would most benefit you. Arthritis is a

complex scenario and although certain herbs and nutriceaticals can provide

temporary relief, a wholistic program is needed to remedy the underlying causes.

 

 

The contents of this publication are intended to inspire, encourage and support

individuals with healthcare choices. They are not intended to replace the

personal advice of a qualified health practitioner.

 

2000. Ilanit Tof . All rights reserved.

Ilanit Tof B.A. (Psychophysiology/Psychology); Advanced Diploma Healing with

Wholefoods; M.A. Holistic Nutrition (candidate).

 

http://www.cybermacro.com/public_html/Arthritis.html

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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We have made every effort to ensure that the information included in these pages

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[Guest guest]

JoAnn,

 

Thank you so much for that information about arthritis. I am going to

send it to my friend, Jeff, the one who had the terrible accident in

which he compound fractured both ankles.

 

One thing, though, the person who wrote that needs to know the spice

is " tuRmeric, " not " tumeric. " Actually, " tumor ick " would be a great

name for chemo " therapy " for cancer.

 

Best wishes,

 

Elliot