Information and facts on Osteo Arthritis

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Over 16 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis involves the deterioration of cartilage that covers the ends of bones. Commonly, osteoarthritis is the result of aging although injury or a defect in protein in the cartilage may also be the cause. In is rare for a person under the age of 40 to have osteoarthritis and effects women 3 times as much as men.

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage in joints becomes damaged, disrupting the smooth gliding motion of the joint surfaces. This results in pain, swelling, and deformity. The pain of osteoarthritis normally increases with joint use and gets better when resting. For unknown reasons, although x rays can find evidence of arthritis, the level of pain and stiffness experienced by people does not match the extent of injury noticed on x rays. Many theories exist about the causes of osteoarthritis, but we don't really know what causes the disease. Osteoarthritis is often described as "wear and tear" arthritis. However, recent evidence indicates that this simple explanation is incorrect. For example, osteoarthritis frequently develops in many joints at the same time, often symmetrically on both sides of the body, even when there is no reason to believe that equal amounts of wear and tear are present. Another intriguing finding is that osteoarthritis of the knee is commonly and mysteriously associated with osteo-arthritis in the hand. These factors, as well as others, have led to the suggestion that osteoarthritis may be a systemic body wide disease of the cartilage. During one's lifetime, cartilage is constantly being turned over by a balance of forces that both break down and rebuild it. One leading theory suggests that osteoarthritis may represent a condition in which the degrading forces get out of control. Some of the proposed natural treatments for osteo-arthritis described on this webpage may inhibit enzymes that damage cartilage. When the damage cartilage to in osteoarthritis begins, the human body reacts by creating new cartilage. For many years, this replacement effort by the body can keep the joint functioning well. The natural treatments described below appear to work by assisting the body in repairing cartilage. However, building forces may not be able to keep up with destructive ones, and what is called end stage osteoarthritis then develops. The conventional medical treatment for osteoarthritis consists mainly of analgesic medications, such as Tylenol, and anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Aleve and Orudis. The main problem with anti-inflammatory drugs is that they can cause ulcers. Another possible problem is that they may actually speed up the progression of osteo-arthritis by interfering with the body's cartilage repair and thus promote the cartilage destruction at a faster pace.

 

Nutrient / Supplement Importance
( 1 - 10 )
Helpful notes
Boron 10 is a trace mineral needed for healthy bones. It it also aides in the absorption of other minerals that are helpful to people suffering with osteoarthritis and related disorders.
Glucosamine 10 very important for the formation of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, all of which are affected by osteoarthritis. It works well in combination supplement with chondroitin sulfate, hydrolyzed gelatin, and the herb called boswellia. (See Glucosamine Formula link below)
Chondroitin 10 provides nutritional support for joints, legs, and ligaments
Boswellia 10 an Ayurvedic herb helpful with inflammation and it helps restore blood vessels around inflamed and damages connective tissue
vitamin E 9 antioxidant that protects bones and joints from harm by free radicals
Calcium 9 required to prevent bone loss
Magnesium 9 magnesium helps balance calcium and both of these minerals are beneficial to people with arthritis
Essential fatty acids 10 are extremely important for reducing inflammation related to osteoarthritis and they also serve to increase blood circulation. Fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil.
Niacin 9 vitamin B3 aids in increasing blood flow
Pantothenic acid 9 helps with adrenal function
Pyridoxine 9 helps reduce swelling in tissue
vitamin B12 9 aids in production of myelin and protecting the coating around around the nerves
Nettle 8 herb used for its anti-inflammatory properties
Olive leaf extract 8 herb that kills microbes that may cause arthritis
Dandelion  8 herb that helps detox the body
Folic acid 8 works with vitamin B12
vitamin C 8 free radical destroyer and can help with pain relief
Bioflavonoids 8 works with vitamin C
vitamin K 8 aids in getting minerals to the bones
Zinc 8 zinc is required for proper bone growth and very often people with osteoarthritis are not getting enough of the mineral zinc in their diet.
Multi-vitamin & Mineral supplement 9 contains vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium which all are helpful for osteoarthritis. Nutritional supplementation is also needed for general good health and well being.
Garlic 8 garlic has been shown to inhibit the formation of free radicals which can damage joints which affects people with osteoarthritis and related health disorders.
Grape seed extract 8 aids with joint flexibility and repair of connective tissue

 

Other Changes To Make

  • drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or filtered water a day

  • eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)

  • nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good

  • juice is good (make your own with a juice machine)

  • do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods

  • carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack

  • a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)

  • do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks

  • do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...

  • use stress relief like going for walks in the park (or the 10/90 rule - see Stress)

  • brown rice is good to eat

  • avoid red meat and animal fats

  • reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others

  • fast a few days a month

  • get at least 8 hours of sleep 

  • exercise light to moderate amounts

  • avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet

  • do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke

  • do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal

  • do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry

  • do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else

All information presented on these web pages is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any physical ailments.
In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed Medical Consultant or Doctor.
Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.

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........Symmetry herbal and nutritional products for Women, Children, and Men includes vitamins, herb supplements, skin care, weight loss, water filters, sport's nutrition, and health maintenance. Giving you and your family an alternative natural way for prevention and healing treatment of disease - also to aid in well being of mind, body, and spirit.