Arthritis!

Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis.

Natural Cures Shorten Pain Inflammation:

About 1 in 7 North Americans suffer from one or more types of arthritis, which could be any of more than 100 disorders characterized by joint pain, inflamation, stiffness and swelling. The most common types of this are rheumatoid arthritis, a systemic disease that will cause severe pain and crippling. Osteoarthritis, a painful condition in which the joint cartilage gradually breaks down. Both of these conditions have similar symptoms and will respond to similar treatments.

Medical science and doctors do not yet understand why some people develop arthritis and others don't, but a combination of different factors do play a role in arthritis. Some people with osteoarthritis may have inherently defective cartilage that makes it vulnerable to normal wear and tear. Rheumatoid arthritis can develop when an overactive immune system attacks connective tissue in the joints and even other organs causing inflamation and also pain.

Even recently doctors would dismiss dietary treatments for arthritis as worthless, but many recent studies show that for many arthritis sufferers that your diet can make a big difference.

Although it is sketchy some recent studies show that beef, other types of red meat, fatty foods and vegetable oils high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids can worsen arthritis inflammation in some people. In a recent study patients with rheumatoid arthritis were enroled in a highly strctured program that called for a low fat mainly vegetarian diet, regular excercise and daily meditation. Most of these people exp0erienced fewer symptoms and needed les medication than the matched group of patients that ate a regular diet. The researchers concluded that the diet accounted for most of the benefits, and most of these disappeared after the patients returned to their normal eating habits.

There are 2 kinds of oils that help fight inflammation; omega-3 fatty acids, found in salmon, sardines and other cold water fish; and gamma linolenic acid (GLA) derived from evening primrose, borage, black currant and hemp seeds. Researchers have reported a marked reduction in joint swelling, pain and redness when rheumatoid arthritis sufferers take these oils. They also help with other types of inflammatory arthritis, including lupus.

Doctors advise getting your omega-3 fatty acids from 2 or 3 servings of fish per week and not just from fish oil supplements. Excessive use of omega-3 can increase the risk of bleeding problems for people taking arthritis drugs that interfere with normal clotting. GLA can be taken in capsule form daily dosage is about 500mg. Improvements have occured in 6 to 8 weeks

Patients with inflammatory arthritis that have allergies can have flare ups. Some of these offenders are shelfish, soy, wheat, corn, alchohol, coffee and some food additives. You should keep a diary to record and identify foods that cause a flare up. When a flare up occurs eliminate the offending food from your diet.

Obesity greatly increases the risk and the severity of osteoarthritis and even just a few pounds of extra weight strain the hips and knees, the most vulnerable weight bearing joints in the body. Losing weight and just a regulare excercise regime can and will improve the symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis often have the opposite weight problems; they may be too thin due to lack of appetite, chronic pain, depression, or even anemia. In such cases a doctor may recommend calorie and nutrient enriched supplements to counter deficiencies.

HELPFUL FOODS: helpful hints.

- Salmon and other oily fish to supply omeg-3 oils. Eat eat 3 or more times a week.

- Fresh green and yellow vegetables for beta carotene vitamin C, and antioxidants to reduce cell damage. Have at least 2 servings a day.
- Grapefruit and other fresh fruits for citrus flavonoids that are thought to increase antoxidant effects of Viatmin C eat daily.

- Lentils and other legumes for zinc, essential for immune system function. Other sources oysters, wheat germ, whole wheat products and milk. Eat at least one of these a day.

- Ginger to benefit from it's anti infammatory effects. Eat one or two pieces of candied ginger a day.