Arthritis News

Arthritis News
Thomas Recker

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting 16 million Americans usually over the age of 40. This condition begins gradually with the deterioration of joint cartilage, the cushion between bones causing stiffness. As deterioration increases the bones rub causing spurs, then the spurs grind together causing pain. Osteoarthritis is considered neither preventable or curable but many advances have been made in efforts to slow the advancement of the disease.
Studies have shown Glucosamine as a major cartilage building supplement that has proven effective and the most popular. Often, MSM is combined with Glucosamine as an effective enhancement since MSM has been shown effective in slowing joint cartilage deterioration. Though not a cure this combination is by far the most popular and effective for most.
Chondroitin Sulfate is another proven cartilage builder as well as Niacin amide, a form of Vitamin B, is popular for knee pain relief. The combination of Glucosamine, MSM, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Niacin amide can be found in separate supplement form or often combined in a joint relief, or joint building, supplement formula.
SAMe (Sadenosylmethionine) is a cartilage builder from the Amino Acid Methionine. It has good anti-inflammatory properties and has proven very effective but it is the most expensive and out of reach for most people at this time. Hopefully the effective supplement will come down in price in the future.
In efforts to reduce joint pain the herbs Boswellia, White Willow, and Brome lain have anti-inflammatory affects and are available separately or often combined with the supplements listed above. Cayenne Cream applied to joints topically blocks the pain signals but the short duration time of 3 to 4 hours is the average expectation and fine if the discomfort is temporary.
A number of inroads surrounding diet and osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis as well have been recently coming around. Carbohydrates are being looked at closely; apparently reduced carbohydrate diets are showing some effectiveness as well as certain food sensitivity towards arthritis. Tracking suspected food in relation to joint pain, or a short term low carbohydrate diet as well, is easily accomplished and recommended in 8 week personal trials.
Suspected foods include sugar, grains, and highly processed foods. A diet high in Omega-3 Fish Oils may help arthritis sufferers. Moderate, low impact exercise is also highly recommended with emphasis towards stretching and strength training. Start slow, keep track of pain and changes, its not an overnight cure but effective stop to the degeneration is the first step.
Thomas Recker is a contributing editor for www.iwantvitamins.com http://www.iwantvitamins.com
About the Author
Thomas Recker Editor for
www.iwantvitamins.com

Arthritis & Joint Health

Arthritis & Joint Health
StarHerb

Arthritis & Joint Health :Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering from Arthritis and research has shown that Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulphates combined have given these people new hope and relief from their painful ailments. Arthritis it causes pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in or around joints. This can make it hard to complete simple movements you rely on every day for work or taking care of your family. But you can take steps now to avoid arthritis or to reduce pain and resume normal daily activities.There are more than 100 different types of arthritis and the cause of most types is unknown. Scientists are currently studying what roles three major factors play in certain types of arthritis. These include the genetic factors you inherit from your parents, events which occur during your life and how you live on a day-to-day basis. The importance of these factors varies by type of arthritis.Even though there is a lot of mystery surrounding arthritic joint pain, there is also a tremendous amount of research that points to certain nutrients that help nutritionally support this condition.Both short and long term studies have been performed with a nutrient called Glucosamine Sulfate. Glucosamine works to stimulate joint function and repair. It is most effective in treating osteoarthritis, the most prevalent form of arthritis. A number of studies over the last 20 years have shown this to be true. For example, a 1982 clinical study compared usage of the NSAID ibuprofen with glucosamine sulfate, for osteoarthritis of the knee. The over-all results showed that 44% of the glucosamine group had pain relief compared to 15% for ibuprofen.A long-term effects study was done with glucosamine and arthritis reported in the Lancet. the authors concluded that, “Glucosamine sulfate prevents the progression of osteoarthritis of the knee, in addition to relieving the symptoms.” The health supplements carry by StarHerb for Arthritic and Joint Pain not only contain all of these nutrients; it utilizes the exact forms that were shown in the studies to be effective. The forms which are the best to look for are:Glucosamine Sulfate 2Kcl which is the exact form used in most of the studies showing benefit.It is hard to enjoy your family, friends, hobbies or even money without your health and joint pain is definitely one of the big contributing factors to a poor quality of life. StarHerb Health Nutrition products formula brings these great joint nutrients to nutritionally support the body along with 100% of your daily needs of the essential nutrients all in one formula. About the Author
http://www.starherb.com

Arthritis Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects

Arthritis Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects
John Robben

Arthritis: Its Debilitating and Detrimental Effects

Did you know that Arthritis is one of the most disabling
diseases? It’s true! Arthritis currently affects more than 40
million Americans and that figure is expected to rise to 60
million by the year 2,020. It is imperative that you read this
article and find out what this devastating disease is truly
about.

Arthritis: What it Is

Basically, Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. There are
currently over 100 forms of Arthritis and remarkably, that
number continues to rise. The most common forms of Arthritis
include: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout (see our
next article, “Symptoms of Arthritis” for more information).
Osteoarthritis is the result of degenerative joint disease, or
simply “wear and tear” on the joints. Rheumatoid Arthritis is
the result of an over active Immune System that results in
inflammation. Gout is the oldest form of Arthritis and is the
result of too much Uric Acid. The Uric Acid deposits crystals in
the joints, leading to “Gouty Arthritis”. The joint pain,
inherent to all Arthritis sufferers, is referred to as
“Arthralgia”. Not only are the joints susceptible to attack, but
the surrounding muscles, tissues, and organs are vulnerable to
the effects of Arthritis as well. In fact, Arthritis has been
known to attack the heart, kidneys, lungs, and liver.

Many people mistakenly believe that Arthritis is a disease that
only affects the elderly. This simply isn’t the case. Yes it’s
true that seniors, especially senior women, are effected the
greatest by Osteoarthritis, yet the average age for onset of
Arthritis is 47 years old, and sufferers are generally afflicted
between the ages of 20-50. Sadly, even infants have been
diagnosed with forms of Arthritis.

One of the most devastating effects of Arthritis has to be that
it is a chronic condition. Arthritis is so weakening that it
only grows worse with time. In fact, Arthritis is so detrimental
that of the diseases that instill chronic physical disabilities,
Arthritis is second only to Heart Disease.

The cost of Arthritis is not only measured in the loss of
quality of life, but it is also measured by dollars and cents as
well. It is estimated that over $150,000 is lost by an
individual over the course of a lifetime due to the debilitating
effects of Arthritis. This is totaled by lost wages, medical
treatments, and the cost of medically based needs and care.

The overall conclusion is that Arthritis is a seriously
unbearable condition that causes chronic pain and weakness. It
does not only affect seniors, but forms of Arthritis also
plagues children. There are over 100 forms of Arthritis and all
Arthritis sufferers share one thing in common, chronic joint
pain. The top three common forms of Arthritis include
Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Gout. We have seen
that Arthritis isn’t cured, but managed. Some steps
and treatment plans used by Arthritis sufferers include:

Losing Weight (thereby reducing stress and strain on the
joints)
Increasing their Nutritional
Intake
Reducing Stress (both physical and
emotional)
Participating in Gentle Stress Free
Exercises such as Stretching
Using both Hot and
Cold Therapies
Protecting Joints by use of
Splints and Braces
Drug Therapies
Surgery

If you suffer from Arthritis, don’t give up. There are many
people who are discovering that with the proper management and
health care provisions, they can live better, healthier, and
pain free lives.

Stay tuned for the next article in our series on Arthritis,
Symptoms of Arthritis”.

About the author:
Written by John
Robben of Ultimate Water Massage, Inc.

Providing Massage Services and Pain Relief products. Visit our
Arthritis Information
Center

Arthritis: Causes, Treatments and Prevention

Arthritis: Causes, Treatments and Prevention
Natalie Katsman

Arthritis: Causes, Treatments and PreventionBy Natalie Katsman http://www.natural-aid.comArthritis affects about 40% of Americans and about 50% of people worldwide. This ailment is more common than cancer and heart problems and dates back thousands years. It is believed that the famous Roman baths were created not only for hygiene purposes, but to help ancient people ease the aches and pains in the joints. What is happening and why?There are two most common forms of arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis. RA is an autoimmune disorder when the body attacks its own cells, which often results in joint destruction. OA is wear and tear arthritis that comes with age or because of improper diet or lifestyle. Cartilage, the joint lining, that acts as a shock absorber consists of water and though protein fibers, collagen. Collagen matrix, that gives cartilage its strength and shape, is insulated by a net of proteglucans. They are filled with water to protect and nourish the cartilage. Proteglucans are long molecular chains that include glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate – two important building blocks. Glucosamine is essential to production of water-binding proteins in cartilage, and chondroitin sulfates draw fluids that provide the ease of movement and attract nutrients for cartilage repair. Injury, wear, corrosive enzymes can damage this protection, and cartilage loses the ability to repair itself. It gradually deteriorates and forms clefs and crevices that impede movement and cause pain.Traditional approach to treating joint pain is well known: the pain is suppressed with NASDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.). Calming the symptoms, these drugs simply mask the problem, while the joints keep deteriorating.Luckily, there are other ways to deal with arthritis. Research shows that supplementing your body with the two important cartilage building elements – Glucosamine and Chondroitin – can aid in joint restoration. Another useful nutrient is MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) – a form of sulfur found in many common foods: fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, milk and eggs. MSM helps to relieve pain and inflammation in joints and muscles. In addition, it boosts blood supply, lessens muscle spasms and softens scar tissue.Capsium – cayenne pepper extract (Yes! That hot spice!) has been found to be helpful in arthritis pain relief. Emu Oil – due to its small molecular weight, Emu Oil easily penetrates skin membrane and delivers its soothing relief to sore joints. Its anti-inflammatory properties make preparations with Emu Oil more and more popular among health professionals and sportsmen. Last but not least, your lifestyle and habits can help you avoid the discomfort. Folks who maintain their body in shape and enjoy an active lifestyle have much smaller risk to develop osteoarthritis. OA hits weight-bearing joints first. If joints have to manage extra weight, the cartilage is worn out faster than it can repair itself.Despite the belief that osteoarthritis sufferers should not exercise, research proves the opposite. Moderate exercise helps to keep joints healthy. Even if they are already affected by arthritis, making them work stimulates the restoration process. Here is a small exercise you can do to keep your knee joints in shape: Bend your knees as if you were going to do at sit-up. Keeping your knees close together, move them in circular motions clockwise and then in reverse direction.You might not feel like moving when your arthritis reminds of itself with burning pain, but a combination of diet, moderate exercise, supplements and topical preparations can prevent it and allow you to enjoy your favorite activities. Disclaimer: The above statements were not evaluated by the FDA. Always consult your doctor for professional advice. (C) Natalie Katsman, 2003 About the Author
Natalie Katsman is a co-founder of
http://www.natural-aid.com, where you can find fine quality aloe vera products for beauty and well-being and subscribe to HealthySkin Newsletter filled with beauty tips, recipes and information on herbal healing, skin care and cosmetic chemistry.