Arthritis
Joint and connective Tissue Disease
Arthritis is characterized by an inflammation or
pain of the joints. Symptoms can vary from pain,
stiffness, and swelling to deformity. Inflammatory
arthritis attacks the synovial membranes surrounding the
lubricating fluid in the joints. The cartilage and
tissues in and around the joints are destroyed. The
body replaces this damaged tissue with scar tissue, causing the
spaces between the joints to become narrow, and to fuse together. This
can happen anywhere two bones meet, but usually arthritis is found
in knees, back, elbows, fingers, or neck.
Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease in
which the cartilage that covers the ends of bones in the joint
deteriorates, causing pain and loss of movement as bone begins
to rub against bone.
Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease
in which the joint lining becomes irritated as part of the
body’s immune system activity. Rheumatoid arthritis is
one of the most severe and disabling types.
Pre-Disposing Factors / Common Causes:
1. Diet High in refined carbohydrates and sugars
2. Excess use of antacids
3. Excess Stress
4. Poor Nutrition
Symptoms to be aware of:
joint swelling
joint pain
muscle pain
digestive problem
feeling extreme cold in extremities
sleep problems
increased frequency of infections
extreme fatigue.
Lifestyle
Sleep
at least 8 hours a night
Fresh air
Sunshine
Drink Fresh water
Yoga to reduce stress
Review medications to insure they are not the underlying cause
What to Avoid:
Corn
Wheat
Eggs
Coffee
Mustard
Colas
Eggplant
Peppers
Supplements that May Help
Supplements
Properties of supplements
| Glucosamine Sulfate |
Helps to rebuild synovial
fluids |
| MSM |
Works with the elasticity
of the connective tissue |
| Flaxseed |
May help to control pain |
| Calcium and Magnesium |
To help prevent bone loss |
| B Vitamin Complex |
for the production of the
myelin; the protective coating surrounding the nerves |
| Quercetin |
To help reduce swelling |
Du
Zhong
Eucommia Bark |
Helps promote circulation
of Qi and blood |
Yi Yi Ren
Coix Seed |
Eliminates dampness and
swelling; increases joint flexibility; stops muscle
spasms |
References:
Manual of Herbal Formulas
Your Health Under Siege by Jeffery Bland
Be Your Own Doctor by Ann Wigmore
Hidden Food Allergies by Stephen Astor
Are You Sure It's Arthritis by Paul Davidson |
