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by Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, M.S.
5 Steps to Pain-free joints
Millions of people suffer from one form of arthritis or another and, contrary to popular belief, it is not a disease affecting only the elderly. Some forms of arthritis strike toddlers, while thousands of others are stricken in the prime of their lives. Arthritis is the most prevalent chronic condition affecting women, particularly between the ages of 20 and 40.
Arthritis ("arth" meaning joint; "itis" meaning inflammation) consists of over 100 different conditions, from gout to rheumatoid arthritis . Although most of these disorders involve joint or muscle inflammation, others, like lupus, involve the skin, lungs and kidney. Inflammation, swelling and, most importantly, pain, are hallmarks of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a gradual wearing away of the cartilage that cushions the joints by preventing the bones from scraping against each other. New research is also finding that osteoarthritis occurs when the ability to regenerate normal cartilage is impaired. Repetitive activities and sports injuries, as well as aging, are associated with the development of osteoarthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the second most common form, is an autoimmune disease. The immune system produces antibodies that destroy the synovial membranes around the lubricating fluid in the joints. RA may begin in fits and starts, taking months or years to progress, but for about 25 percent of sufferers, it begins abruptly and is severe. In the case of RA, correcting imbalances in the immune system is the focus of treatment.
TYPES OF ARTHRITIS
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Gout (see Gout)
- Infective Arthritis
- Juvenile Chronic Arthritis
- Osteoarthritis (the most common type)
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
- Pseudo Gout
- Psoriatic Arthritis
- Raynaud's Phenomenon
- Reiter's Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Sjogren's Syndrome
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Symptoms
Osteoarthritis: Usually osteoarthritis appears after the age of forty and is characterized by joint pain and stiffness that increases in severity over a long period of time. Scientists now believe that this form of arthritis may actually begin as early as age 20 or 30 and that we only notice the symptoms in our 40s and beyond. The joints may become swollen and lose their mobility. After much of the cartilage has been worn away, bone spurs develop in the joint spaces.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: The joint pain and stiffness of RA is more noticeable in the morning and, like osteoarthritis, the joints become swollen. Unlike osteoarthritis, however, RA can strike suddenly and at any time of life, even in childhood (Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis). Other symptoms include fatigue, fever, depression, anaemia, weight loss and night sweats. When the joints are inflamed, they can take on a purplish color and, as the disease progresses, the hands and feet can become deformed. RA attacks symmetrically, afflicting both wrists, ankles or both knees. In order to confirm a diagnosis of RA, four out of the following seven criteria must be met: morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour; the arthritis is symmetrical; three joint areas simultaneously inflamed (not just bony overgrowth); arthritis is present in any of the hand joints; nodules lay under the skin on bony prominences; serum rheumatoid factor levels are abnormal; and erosions or decalcification are detected by X-ray.
Pain relief is what most arthritis sufferers seek. Healthy, pain-free joints can be achieved with the following 5 simple steps.
STEP ONE
Foods That Promote Pain and Inflammation
The foods you choose can either promote or prevent pain and inflammation. Foods containing arachidonic acid, such as eggs, organ meats (including liver, heart and giblets), beef and dairy products, promote inflammation. Through a complicated process. As the body processes these foods in order to use them, arachidonic acid is broken down into inflammatory compounds, including the hormones, prostaglandins and leukotrienes that control the mechanisms of inflammation, constrict blood vessels and promote blood clotting. Pain is the result. Stop eating these foods for 2 weeks. Then reintroduce them into your diet and see if your pain and inflammation becomes worse. If so avoid these foods altogether.
Overcooked food or foods cooked at high temperatures (including French fries, blackened and/or barbecued foods, fried chicken - high-heat frying or deep-fried foods) incite the inflammatory response and enhance pain in some people with arthritis
STEP TWO
Foods that Stop Pain and Inflammation
Eat at least six servings of vegetables and one serving of fruit every day. These are foods are the best choices for reducing inflammation. The standard, high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet we are eating is disrupting our bodies' ability to regulate blood sugar adequately. It forces our bodies to pump out too much insulin in order to reduce abnormally high blood glucose, and our body's cells become resistant to insulin's action. In addition, those high blood glucose levels increase inflammation - fruits and vegetables calm the inflammatory process.
Eat moderate amounts of free-range, organic chicken and plenty of fish. Do not eat margarine, shortening or highly processed supermarket oils. Avoid all foods containing trans fats. Read labels; if you see "partially hydrogenated" or "hydrogenated," the food contains trans fats, which promote inflammation. Extra virgin olive oil is the safest oil sold in your local grocery store; later you will read more on essential-fatty-acid-rich oils. Avoid processed foods of all types - they should be labeled, "Warning inflammation will occur if you eat this."
STEP THREE
Fat Cells Increase Pain and Inflammation
Maintain a healthy weight. It is well-known that even an extra 20 pounds can create an abundance of inflammation in the human body and lower overall immunity. Weight management is an important aspect of controlling pain and inflammation in those with joint problems. With over 50 percent of those in the U.K. overweight, and an additional 15 percent or more classed as obese, public health care planners expect to see a tremendous increase in inflammatory diseases. Fat cells act likeinflammatory factories creating messengers that promote pain. The more fat cells you have, the more potential there is for pain and inflammation.
Weight gain also puts tremendous pressure on joints. For every ten pounds of weight gained, 40 pounds or more of additional pressure is put on hips and knees, compressing cartilage and collagen, grinding down bones, promoting damage and the inflammatory response.
STEP FOUR
Poor Sleep Causes Inflammation
Inflammatory and pain messengers are secreted at a higher rate by those who have insomnia, compared to those who do not. During sleep, the body regenerates and the inflammation calms down. Lack of restorative sleep is a major promoter of inflammation and pain. People with rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune disorders know this, because lack of sleep due to pain associated with their condition promotes further flare-ups and more pain.
Up to 33 percent of Europeans are in chronic pain, which disables more people than cancer and heart disease combined. Adequate rest is essential when battling inflammation.
STEP FIVE
Natural remedies that are safe and effective will make all the difference in reducing pain and inflammation while repairing and regenerating joints.
Celadrin Extinguishes Pain
Celadrin, a blend of special fatty acids, is one of the most effective, natural anti-inflammatories. Both humans and animals have shown remarkable benefits of reduced pain and swelling, increased movement and reduction of inflammatory factors when using Celadrin.
Results of a double-blind, multi-centre, placebo-controlled trial (the most scientifically validated type) published in the prestigious Journal of Rheumatology found that Celadrin when taken orally improved joint and mobility problems. Sixty-four participants between the ages of 37 to 77 were given Celadrin capsules. They were evaluated at the beginning, at 30 days and at the end of the 68 day study. Compared to placebo Celadrin shined. Participants had more flexibility, less aches and pain and were able to walk longer distances than the placebo group.
Anti-inflammatory Cream
Research performed at the University of Connecticut involving 42 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee received either Celadrin applied topically or a placebo. The patients were evaluated before application of the cream and then 30 minutes after and then again following a 30-day treatment period where the cream was applied twice a day morning and evening. The researchers evaluated physical function, postural sway, pain and range of motion. Test of physical function included a timed assessment of how long it took to get up and go from a chair, stair climbing, muscle strength and endurance, and mobility of the knee. The group receiving Celadrin had outstanding results with reduced pain and stiffness, improved balance and strength and better mobility. What was most exciting was that within 30 minutes of applying Celadrin patients experienced a dramatic improvement in all aspects tested. No difference was noted in the ability to extend the leg between groups Results of this study were published in The Journal of Rheumatology. Another study was performed as an extension of the previous study using Celadrin cream confirmed earlier research with improvement in elbow, wrist and knee mobility and significant reduction in pain.
Persons using both the oral form or Celadrin and the cream found a much faster improvement in pain, swelling and mobility than using just the cream alone.
Glucosamine Sulphate
Touted as the "Arthritis Cure," glucosamine (pronounced glue-cose-a-mean) sulfate has been shown, in more than a dozen human trials, to be as good as or better than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in controlling pain and inflammation. Glucosamine normalizes cartilage metabolism while stopping its breakdown and acts as a shock absorber by lubricating and repairing joint tissue. It is an important constituent of bone and cartilage, skin, hair and nails. Several studies have shown that doses of glucosamine sulphate reduce the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis-induced joint destruction. Researchers around the world have compared the effectiveness of glucosamine to the common pain reliever Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin and Nuprin etc.). Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies verified that glucosamine was dramatically better at controlling both pain and inflammation than Ibuprofen. Pain and inflammation were reduced even after the glucosamine was no longer consumed. In addition, glucosamine has the amazing ability to aid the rebuilding process of the cartilage matrix that makes up our joint tissue.
Celadrin and Glucosamine Combined
Use Celadrin to stop the inflammatory process that is causing joint destruction and add glucosamine sulphate to repair the damage that has already occurred. Celadrin is effective at halting the joint-damaging process (whether due to RA or OA), while glucosamine can repair damage already done to those joints affected. Celadrin works by providing continuous lubrication and allowing the cell membrane to repel inflammatory messengers from the immune system. It also stops the cascade of inflammation and the assaults on the membrane, which cause stiffness. Celadrin helps glucosamine perform faster and more efficiently in building joint cartilage. The dual action of Celadrin and glucosamine will provide rapid joint cushioning, quickly alleviate inflammation, build cartilage and restore the entire joint area. Cartilage repair usually begins within two months. Spectacular results have been experienced by those individuals with RA who have adopted the combination treatment.
Health Tips to Enhance Healing
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of pure, clean water every day to keep your joint cushions from becoming dehydrated. For every juice or caffeine beverage that you consume, you must have another glass of water.
- Avoid these foods to prevent flare-ups: citrus fruit, milk, organ meats, red meat, sugar products, salt, paprika and cayenne pepper, tobacco and any member of the nightshade family (potatoes, eggplant, tomatoes, peppers, etc.).
- Focus your diet on natural, whole foods: fresh fruit, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, healthy fats and oils, seafood and fresh fish. They are key to halting inflammation at the source. Eat foods rich in sulfur, including garlic, onions and asparagus.
- Non-weight bearing exercise like water aerobics, swimming, stationary cycling and yoga should be performed. Be careful not to overburden joints or cause further pain and inflammation.
- If you are overweight, lose the excess. Even 10 extra pounds can put an additional 40 pounds of pressure on your arthritic knee and ankle joints.
- Use hot or cold compresses on the area to alleviate pain and inflammation.
- Take hot baths or saunas to keep the joints warm.
- Use topical ointments including Celadrin,
- If you are taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Celebrex, Vioxx, aspirin or acetaminophen long term; all of them promote digestive problems.
- If you are taking methotrexate, you must supplement with B vitamins and folic acid as the drug reduces these nutrients, promoting nausea and diarrhea. Pernicious anaemia may develop if the deficiency is not addressed
Lorna R. Vanderhaeghe, M.S. is the author of seven books. You can read Get a Grip on Arthritis and Other Inflammatory Disorders at her website for FREE at www.healthyimmunity.com
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