Do You Suffer From Arthritis?

By Author: Chester Ku-Lea
Total Articles: 40
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Arthritis is a disorder that affects more than fifty- five million Americans alone. Indeed, Arthritis alongside other diseases of the musculoskeletal system are the most common source of disability in North America today.

Arthritis is a disease which involves the inflammation of one or more joints. Most often, the disorder is characterized by stiffness andpain. This pain is frequently more noticeable in the morning or after exercise and these symptoms are accompanied by swelling, deformity, and, at times, a decrease in the range of motion.

There are a variety of forms of arthritis including, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, lupus, Lyme disease, psoriatic arthritis, Reiter's Syndrome, gout, among many others. Arthritis is not a modern disorder, but instead has been found to have affected beings even in the earliest times. Archeological evidence suggests that Neanderthals and other prehistoric mammals (even Dinosaurs) suffered from arthritis.

Despite its long history, there remains some debate regarding the origins and causes of these many varied complaints. Osteoarthritis and ...
... Rheumatoid arthritis being the most common ones are said to involve a degeneration of the joints and cartilage that protects the bones. It can be genetic, however most often it is the result of simple wear and tear. Aging, diet and lifestyle all have a part to play. Osteoarthritis rarely affects those under the age of forty, but it is said that after the age of sixty nearly everyone will be affected. This does not however mean that everyone will experience pain, merely that an x-ray will generally reveal some degeneration. Rheumatoid arthritis on the other hand, does frequently affect people under forty.

Both of these disorders are found predominantly among women. About three times as many women as men suffer from osteoarthritis, and seventy-five percent of those suffering from Rheumatoid arthritis are women. Gout contrarily is primarily a disease affecting men. Approximately ninety percent of those afflicted with this type or arthritic disease are men. Gout also most often occurs in people who are overweight and /or who indulge frequently in rich foods and alcohol.

Despite these odds, arthritis can actually be reversible and even in some cases curable by changes in diet and exercise regimes. Simple changes can relieve inflammation and pain as well as stopping the degeneration process.

Some of the best supplements to take in order to relieve the pain and suffering caused by arthritis include Bromelain and Essential Fatty Acids. Bromelain is an enzyme found in high levels in pineapple for instance, which can also be gotten in supplement form. Bromelain helps to stimulate the production of prostaglandins. These are essential for reducing inflammation in the body especially when taken between meals. This enzyme also helps greatly with digestion.

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are also a needed addition for people suffering from arthritis. EFAs supply the acids needed for the production of prostaglandins as well and will help therefore to decrease inflammation. Alongside these supplements, sulfur rich foods, such as asparagus, eggs, garlic and onions can help to repair the bones, cartilage, and connective tissue. These are also important as they help to absorb Calcium, one of the most essential minerals for maintaining bone health. Regular diet and exercise can also decrease the effects of this disorder and even help reduce future degeneration. As always, proper diet and nutrition can be a great alternative to prescription medications.
Chester Ku-Lea is a health nutrition consultant and is the owner of AstroNutrition.com - a provider of premium health nutrition and sports supplements. Check out our blog at AstroNutrition.com/blog.