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Arthritis Pain Relief and Prevention
Arthritic Options Today
There are many ways to effectively manage arthritic pain today to find relief. Available
are arthritic diets, exercise programs, over-the-counter and prescription medications,
relaxation and positive emotion coping techniques. Also available are surgeries,
supplements, home remedies, natural and other alternative therapies. When arthritis is
first suspected, it would be wise to seek a medical opinion first. Then as time and
resources allow, check out the other options. The basics of each follow.
Arthritic Diets amd Nutritional Healing
There is a great deal of debate in the medical world about the effects of overall diet
on arthritis and using diet toward alleviating the condition. Doctors have known for a
long time that diet affects gout, a specific type of arthritic condition, however the
jury remained out for a long time on other common types of arthritis such as rheumatoid
and osteoarthritis.
However, overall dietary health is important and does come into play. Being overweight
can affect certain arthritic conditions, forcing some joints to carry more of a load.
This added weight stresses the joints, causing overuse or more wear to components, and
pain, especially in the knees. So making sure arthritic sufferers eat god foods and get
help from healthcare providers to create and follow a well-balanced dietary plan is
advised.
To begin, here is a look at some vitamins, minerals, nutrients / foods and some herbal
applications to consider.
Vitamins
Vitamin B5 - When grouped and tanked together, B vitamins work at their peak. They,
and B5 specifically, are good for reducing swelling.
Vitamin B3 - This vitamin reduces tissue swelling and dilates small arteries,
increasing blood flow. Note that Vitamin B3 is NOT advised for persons with high blood
pressure, gout or sliver disorders.
Vitamin B6 - Another B that reduces tissue swelling.
Vitamin B12 - This vitamin aids in multiple functions. It helps with cell formation,
digestion, myelin production, nerve protection.
Vitamin C - This vitamin acts as an anti-inflammatory, relieving pain, and rids the
body of free radicals.
Vitamin E - This is a strong antioxidant that protects joints from free radicals
while increases joint flexibility.
Vitamin K - This vitamin assists with mineral deposit into the bone matrix.
Minerals
Boron - This trace mineral aids in bone health.
Calcium - This is a much-needed mineral for bone health.
Magnesium - Magnesium helps keep calcium in balance within the system.
Zinc - This mineral is necessary for bone growth, but is often lacking in
arthritic patients.
Manganese - Manganese is also necessary for bone growth. However, do not
ingest manganese with calcium because they can work against each other.
Copper - Copper helps to strengthen connective tissue.
Germanium - This antioxidant helps with pain relief.
Sulfur - A lack of sulfur can result in deterioration of ligaments, cartilage,
collagen and tendons.
Nutrient Combos
Chondroitin Sulfate - This lubrication in joints, joint fluid and connective
tissue, can be found in the sea cucumber.
Gelatin - Help with raw cartilage replenishing with this cheap source.
Glucosamine Sulfate - This combo is necessary for tendon, ligament, bone,
cartilage, and synovial (joint) fluid formation.
Quercetin - This helps with inflammation reduction.
Type II Collagen - Use this for growth and repair of joints, articular cartilage
and connective tissue.
Other Factors
There are many factors to consider with regards to arthritic diets and nutritional healing,
and each factor may not apply to each individual. For example, certain people are allergic
to specific foods, and these allergies can indeed worsen arthritic conditions. Ingesting
foods that contain sodium nitrate or tartrazine can inflame rheumatoid arthritis, while
ingesting foods containing a substance called hydrazine can contribute to systemic lupus
erythematosus, an arthritic condition connected to lupus. There is a rare type of
arthritis called Behcet's Disease, and eating black walnuts can cause flare-ups in people
with this rare condition. So as you see, there is a variety of arthritic conditions and
along with them a variety of foods that may trigger them. The best way to approach the
situation is to examine each arthritic condition and tailor one's approach based upon the
specifics.
The term arthritis covers over 100 different diseases and conditions. Since it would be
impossible to cover all of them in a work such as this, we will look at the most common
conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and gout.
There is a prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis sufferers that have an abnormally low blood
zinc level. Several independent studies have been conducted where rheumatoid arthritis
patients have been given increased doses of zinc and showed marginal improvement, yet the
tests were not extensive enough to be conclusive. The effects of copper on rheumatoid
arthritis have been studied for a long time, and although results vary there seems to
be some case for using copper to improve the condition, although this therapy has been
dismissed by most of the medical profession as relatively ineffective. Copper therapy
is not discouraged however when approached from food sources, and may work on some
individuals. It is suggested that if you do attempt copper therapy, that copper-rich
foods are utilized instead of copper supplements, because copper supplements can cause
side effects which include change in sense of taste and smell, nausea, vomiting, loss
of appetite, abnormal blood clots, increased joint pain, chills, anemia and kidney
problems, and excess copper can cause cirrhosis of the liver in patients prone to
Wilson's Disease. Check with your doctor to be sure you are not prone to storing
excess copper in your body. There is an extensive choice of foods you can enjoy in order
to increase your copper intake: lamb; pork; pheasant quail; duck; goose; squid; salmon;
organ meats including liver, heart, kidney, brain; shellfish including oysters, scallops,
shrimp, lobster, clams, and crab; meat gelatin; soy protein meat substitutes; tofu;
nuts and seeds; chocolate milk; soy milk; cocoa are just a few of the foods that are
rich in copper.
As for foods to avoid when suffering with rheumatoid arthritis, many nutritionists and
naturopaths suggest avoiding dairy products all together, as they seem to exacerbate
rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups. Because of the risk in overdosing, one should be
discouraged from taking doses of vitamins that are higher than recommended without a
physician's direction. Some vitamins and minerals can actually worsen certain conditions,
and the concentration that can be attained through vitamins can be dangerous. It is much
better to approach any desired increase in vitamin or mineral intake through food therapy.
There has been some success with the food supplements glucosamine and chondroitin in
relieving symptoms of pain and stiffness for some persons with osteoarthritis. These
supplements can be found in pharmacies and health food stores, however the purity of the
products or the dose of the active ingredients cannot be specified because the FDA does
not monitor these supplements. The National Institutes of Health is studying glucosamine
and chondroitin, so more should be known about the effectiveness of these products for
osteoarthritis in the near future. Patients with osteoarthritis taking blood-thinners
should be careful taking chondroitin as it can increase the blood-thinning and cause
excessive bleeding. Fish oil supplements have been shown to have some anti-inflammation
properties and increasing the dietary fish intake and/or fish oil
capsules (omega 3 capsules) can sometimes reduce inflammation of arthritis. With
osteoarthritis there is also the concern with deterioration of cartilage; therefore
those with osteoarthritis should avoid large doses of Vitamin-A, since there is some
evidence that it contributes to cartilage deterioration.
In the case of fibromyalgia, although clinical proof is once again sparse, there is a
great deal of personal experiences of improvement of this condition when certain dietary
practices are followed. Eliminating wheat, dairy, citrus, sugar, Aspertame, alcohol,
caffeine, and tobacco seem to be universal in those that have had success with treating
the illness through dietary means. According to Dr. Joseph Mercola, author of "The Total
Health Program," nine of ten sufferers of fibromyalgia are female, and 76% of those who
followed suggested dietary rules experienced a significant reduction in pain. The thing
to keep in mind with fibromyalgia is that, unlike the other common arthritis ailments,
it is more of a syndrome than a disease, and much of it can be reversed. Making
corrections to diet as well as reducing stress and getting plenty of rest can lead to a
full recovery.
Herbal and Other Natural, Home Remedies and Supplements
For people who suffer from arthritis, dependable pain relief is a vital concern. The
agonizing sensations of simply walking up the stairs are discouraging and can drive
patients into depression. When someone cannot function properly, their body is not
in balance and often; they will become victims of their pain, forcing them to seek
alternatives. These people have often tried traditional medications without success,
they are often no eligible for surgery and as a result, they will see relieve through
natural remedies.
Many people are also seeking natural remedies because of the increasing cost of
prescription medication. Before discontinuing a prescription medication, consult a
physician. However, with a doctor's approval, there are many natural solutions, which
may aid in managing arthritis.
A popular alternative to medication for pain relief is acupuncture. Although the
pain-relieving effects may be temporary, these sessions can be very beneficial for those
who find that drugs or supplements are insufficient or have unacceptable side effects.
Cayenne Cream - apply the cayenne cream to painful areas. Cayenne peppers contain
an substance called capsaicin which is responsible for their spicy effect. This also
causes a burning sensation when it comes in contact with skin, and inhibits the body's
production of substance P which is heavily involved the relaying signals of pain to the
brain. Apply the cream two to three times per day for at least one week before making a
decision as to whether or not the cream is helping to reduce arthritis pain.
It's understandable that many people experiencing pain and aching in a joint because of
osteoarthritis reach for the aspirin or another conventional pain reliever. The problem
is, these medications can be rough on your stomach, and they do nothing to slow the
progress of your arthritis. Even the new COX-2 inhibitor drugs do not act to preserve
the joint. [From the doctors of WholeHealthMD].
On the contrary, many natural remedies and supplements have been found to actually reduce
cartilage deterioration and even rebuild a patient's lost cartilage. However, before
adding any to your daily routine, check with your healthcare advisor, as supplements can
cause adverse reactions and may not be right for your situation. Note that dietary
supplements are not regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration); i.e. do not
need to be approved by them, and can include any of the following: plants, fats, proteins
and animal organs and tissues as well as herbs, minerals and vitamins. So some supplements
may be fine for arthritic patients; however some may not be. Note also that manufacturers
may very well promote that their products work great, but they do not have to use
standardized ingredients or recipes, disclose side effects that have been reported, nor
prove that the products are indeed effective. So use caution.
The most popular dietary supplements for arthritis sufferers are chondroitin, fish oil and
glucosamine. Chondroitin can draw fluid into the cartilage, improving shock-absorbing
ability and weight control, as more weight equals more joint pressure. Fish oils help with
controlling inflammation in the body. And recent studies have shown that the
cartilage-building substance called glucosamine is effective for the long-term relief of
osteoarthritis pain. In some people, glucosamine appears to even slow the deterioration
of joints over time and reinforce joint cartilage. Whether or not it can actually
reverse the disease is still unclear. In some instances, glucosamine can be used in
conjunction with MSM, a substance that appears to slow down the degeneration but is not
yet proven and approved.
In a nutshell:
Chondroitin - Helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability.
Ginger - Ginger is an antioxidant that acts as an inflammatory with no major side
effects.
Glucosamine sulfate - This builds cartilage with very few side effects.
Magnets - Although magnets that are worn as jewelry or placed on bed linens have
been reported by some to be effective pain relievers, results are still preliminary;
doctors claim that these magnets are not strong enough.
MSM - This organic sulfur is used in the reduction of inflammation.
Nettle leaf - Nettles can reduce a patient's need for NSAIDS (non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs) by up to 70 percent.
Vitamin E - This antioxidant is used primarily for osteoarthritis.
Vitamin B - Vitamin B is also an effective pain reliever. It works best on the
knee and can help stop degeneration that is caused by free-radical molecules, not only in
the joints but in other areas of the body as well.
These are merely a few examples of what an arthritis sufferer can use when seeking pain
relief from natural remedies. However, due to the lack of scientific study and testing on
many of these alternate treatments, there is no proof of their effectiveness.
Nothing can cure osteoarthritis, but nutritional supplements, the application of heat or
cold to affected joints, exercise, and weight loss can improve the function and flexibility
of your joints, and perhaps even slow the progress of the disease. Conventional
over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen, can be very helpful
in decreasing joint pain, but they do produce side effects and can cause problems in
long-term users.
Unfortunately, there is no way to cure arthritis. However, you can delay the onset by
maintaining a healthy weight. Exercise regularly and eat a healthy and avoid repetitious
movements that cause you pain.
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