Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints and is characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, decreased range of movement and at a more serious stage deformity.

Aromatherapy is a holistic approach to health and wellness by means of aromatic, plant derived scents. It is very much a traditonal method as well as a science that encompasses the intuitive and creative aspects of preparing special purpose blends.

Aromatherapy blends for the treatment of arthritis are usually made from pure essential oils, but also from hydrosols and -- more recently -- phytols. For application to the skin they have to be mixed with vegetable oil, a cream base or a carrier lotion. Essential Oils must always be used diluted when applied to the skin. A dilution of 3% essential oils in 97% base is generally regarded as very effective and safe.

Since the reasons for the occurance of arthritis are still not completely established, it is difficult to find a cure for the disease. Arthritis could be genetic, it could have to do with bone density loss, it could also be a type of infection caused by toxins released in the body. Even more likely it is a combination of several factors. It is -- at this stage -- only possible to treat the pain and symptoms caused by arthritis but not it's underlying cause.

Aromatherapy is one form of arthritis.org/arthritistreatment/ ">arthritis treatment, using a variety of essential oils. They can be added to the bath, massaged into the skin, inhaled or applied as compresses. The right mixture of essential oils will help to relax, promote pain relief and alleviate fatigue. Essential oils can also provide psychological benefits like improving the mood and reducing anxiety.

Some of the more suitable arthritis oils are Lavender, Juniper, Thyme, Rosemary, Benzoe, Eucalyptus, Camomile, Pine Scotch, Camphor, Angelica Root, Ginger, Origanum, Black Pepper and Lemon.

One of the most effective ways to use aromatherapy for relieving pain and reducing inflammation are hot compresses: Fill a medium size bowl with hot, but not scalding water. Add 3 to 6 drops of essential oil. Fold a piece of sterile cotton cloth and dip it into the bowl. Squeeze out excess water, but not too much. Place the wet, hot cloth onto the affected area until it has cooled down to body temperature. Repeat steps 3 through 5 at least two to three times. Wrap the treated area in a dry and warm towel or blanket and leave the patient to rest for a while.

Another good way to use aromatherapy for arthritis relieve is to rub diluted essential oils (see above for dilution) onto pulse points and affected areas during the day. Applying essential oils throughout the day can help to alleviate pain and tension. The essential oils on the skin are quickly absorbed and enter the bloodstream. This is an excellent form of arthritis.org/arthritisrelief/ ">arthritis relief and works also well as a preventative measure.

Aromatherapy is a natural, safe and economical option to deal with the pain and symptoms of arthritis. And above all, it has no negative side effects as so many of the conventional treatments do. In mild cases of arthritis, aromatherapy is often all that is needed to make a person comfortable.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. It cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment.

About The Author

Mireille Gautschi is a qualified Flower Essence Therapist and Herbalist who has many years experience with the developement of natural herbal remedies.

Her products can be found on the Hillside Herbal Products website www.hillsideherbal.com.au that also offers a very informative newsletter.

Essential fatty acids provide protection for the whole body. In particular it is effective in reducing inflammation as experienced in joint pain or arthritis.

Most people will have to deal with arthritis especially as they get older. One way to eliminate or minimize this pain is to supplement with the essential fatty acids.

Osteoarthritis, the most common arthritis, is not the only arthritis that affects so many people:

* rheumatoid arthritis

* arthritis from lupus

* gout

* psoriatic arthritis

* reiter’s disease

* infective arthritis

As you age, the constant movement of the joints creates wear and tear. Toxic wastes that circulate in the blood, dead cells, and liquid can accumulate in the various joints and cause inflammation and pain. Continual inflammation can cause damage to the joints. In some cases the cartilage that coats the bone ends, wears down and joints then rub bone to bone causing extreme pain.

Using the essential fatty acids provides lubrication for the joints as the move against each other. This reduces the wear that can occur at these joints and this results in less inflammation.

There are several conditions and lifestyles that contribute to arthritis,

* Obesity

* Diabetes

* Heredity

* Poor nutrition

* Poor digestion

* Lack of water

* Allergies

* Repetitive use of fingers, hands, legs or arms

* Body injuries – sports or accidents

Arthritis is a difficult disease to treat because there is usually more than one cause. Just working on one cause may not help enough to give pain relief. But it always helps to know the many things that contribute to arthritis so that different nutritional and lifestyles changes can be made.

The use of flax seed oil, omega-3, is known to provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3 breaks down into prostaglandins. It is the prostaglandins that provide the anti-inflammatory results.

So by using the omega-3, GLA, and EPA/DHA supplements, you can get some relief from arthritis. These oils reduce inflammation and pain and provide lubrication, thereby preventing some damage from occurring in your joints.

It is recommended that you use a good dose of,

* Borage oil

* Primrose oil

* NKO oil

Using these oil spread across the day, provides the benefit of feeling reduce joint stiffness and pain in the morning. Use the different oils one bottle at a time. This gives you the health benefits that these different oil provide.

One additional benefit to using these oils is the coating protection that GLA has in the stomach lining.

The standard treatment for arthritis is the use of NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors. These, however, have undesirable side effects such as attacking the stomach lining. Thousands of deaths and visits to the emergency are associated with the use of NSAIDs.

You can benefit greatly if you use NSAIDs by adding GLA oils to your diet and help to prevent the serious side effects of the NSAIDs.

There you have it. Eat the essential fatty acids and provide your body with what it needs to build strong and healthy joints.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter called "Natural Remedies Thatwork.com". For more information on arthritis go to: http://www.arthritis-remedies.for--you.info

Arthritis dates back to prehistoric times and is seen all through the ages in the joints of the skeleton remains.

Most of you will have problems with your joints and it may be arthritis. Arthritis is associated with aging but it is not caused because you are aging. Arthritis is caused by the body not been fed the proper nutrients that keep your joints health and free of wear and tear.

There are plenty of joints in your body and typically there are only specific joints that have arthritic pain. Those are the ones that you use frequently. For men it is knees, spine, and feet. For women it is fingers, hands, knees, and spine.

Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. When your joints have bone-to-bone contact and grind against each other that area becomes swollen and inflamed.

There are two main type of arthritis – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid – and others that are less known.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis means inflammation of the bony part of your joint. As your joints move against each other, the protective coating and surrounding material – membranes, oil sacs, cartilage – wear down. This wear down occurs when the joints see excess activity.

Normally you would not expect to see this wear down condition since there are many joints that see excess activity and don’t become inflamed or arthritic. There millions of people who don’t get arthritis, yet the use their joints are used just as much and perhaps even more. Then there are people who don’t use their joint to excess and still get arthritis.

So the actual arthritis.org/causeofarthritis/ ">cause of arthritis is more than excess activity.

The arthritis.org/causeofarthritis/ ">cause of arthritis has come down to a single or combination of nutritional deficiencies, excess joint activity, and emotional issues.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid means "similar to flowing pain." It is an autoimmune disease where good cell and tissue are attack by the immune system. Rheumatoid first affects the joint membranes and later the bone structure at the joint. Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in people of all ages. As this arthritis progresses it can becomes crippling.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a recent disease, which appeared at the turn of the 20th Century. Its cause can be associated with diet where the balance of the joint structure receives chemicals that destroy its balanced condition.

Gouty Arthritis

Gout is a disease where uric acid deposits in the joints of feet and legs. When the body has an excess of uric acid, which it can’t eliminate through normal channels of elimination- the kidney – the uric acid settles in the joints and soft tissue causing pain.

Gout is more common with men, people with high blood pressure, alcoholics, diabetics, and obesity. Gout means drop. It was thought by Romans that gout was caused by poisonous crystals coming from the blood, drop by drop, and depositing in the toes.

There is some evidence that gout is related to the amount of wine that is drunk with the meal. This put an extra strain on the liver that tries to detoxify the wine and the meal at the same time. Result is the liver is unable to detoxify the complete meal.

Other Types of Arthritis

There are other types of arthritis. These account for a small amount of the types of arthritis that most people have. Here is the list:

Bursitis – inflammation of the shoulder joints and muscles.

Neuritis – is know as rheumatism of your nerves. When the sheaths of your nerves dry out you have neuritis

Myositis - pain that comes from working hard and muscles have friction between them.

Fibrositis – is when your connective tissue become inflamed Lumbago – occurs before you get arthritis.org/arthritisofthespine/ ">arthritis of the spine.

Which arthritis doe you have? In other articles, I'll tell you what you can do to prevent or eliminate arthritis of any kind.

Rudy Silva has a degree in Physics and is a Natural Nutritionist. He is the author of Constipation, Acne, Hemorrhoid, and Fatty Acid ebooks. He writes a newsletter called "Natural Remedies Thatwork.com". For more information on arthritis go to: http://www.arthritis-remedies.for--you.info

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. Osteo arthritis seems to come with the wear and tear of aging and affects nearly three-quarters of those over 50. The onset of arthritis is marked by morning stiffness, crackling joints, and perhaps some pain. As it progresses it causes discomfort, more pain, and some disability. It also causes an enormous consumption of painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs that can have undesirable long-term effects.

If left untreated, osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, along with other forms of rheumatoid disease, can become progressively worse... painful crippling can result. This is particularly true of rheumatoid arthritis, which can destroy joints, unless effective treatment is administered in time.

Modern medicine doesn't have much to offer for these chronic conditions... offering only symptomatic temporary relief. True, painkillers along with the so-called NSAIDs, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are effective in reducing symptoms quickly. However,these often cause serious side effects such as ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding, and they don't stop the progression of the disease. In the long run they have actually proven to worsen the condition by accelerating joint destruction.

Coping with the chronic pain of arthritis can be frustrating. You get the feeling you're all alone facing the daily challenges caused by your arthritis symptoms. And, the traditional treatments leave a lot to be desired. It doesn't have to be this bad!

The last few years of research on arthritis have brought some hope to this dismal picture. Old herbal remedies such as ginger, nettle, and willow bark, as well as fish oils and the already well-known cartilage constituents glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, are about to revolutionize the treatment of arthritis. These substances not only give symptomatic relief, but, actually intervene at the root of the arthritis problem and help the body to rebuild functioning joints.

As they quickly sooth your pain, these powerful creams help repair, restore and regenerate cartilage, tendons, muscle and ligaments. Fast acting, these creams increase mobility and optimal repair of joint structures as they help reinforce the body's protective linings and lubricating fluids by recovering cell stability and function to stop further damage. Really powerful stuff. You can learn more about this non-traditional arthritis treatment at our website. To your good health, Jim Dowler

About The Author

Jim Dowler is the Webmaster of http://arthritis-pain-relief.gainstreet.com

One of the most common forms of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which affects approximately two million Americans, of which more than 75 percent are women. RA is a chronic, autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks healthy tissue lining the joints, leading to pain, deformity and disability that may be permanent. Now available is a first-of-its kind online Yoga guide specifically for people with RA, developed by the AYA, in collaboration with the arthritis.org/arthritisfoundation/ ">Arthritis Foundation and support from RAacademy.com.

For thousands of years people have used Yoga to build flexibility and strength, improve concentration, relieve stress and increase energy. Today the benefits of Yoga may extend to people with RA. According to a pilot study published in the British Journal of Rheumatology, people with RA who participated in a Yoga program over a three-month period experienced greater handgrip strength compared to those who did not practice Yoga.

"People with RA may benefit from low-impact exercises like Yoga to help improve overall health and fitness without further damaging or hurting the joints," said Dr. Cheryl Lambing, M.D., Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California Los Angeles. "Physical activity may optimize both physical and mental health and plays a vital role in disease management."

The unique Yoga guide, Remain Active with RA, encompasses traditional Yoga poses including range-of-motion, muscle strengthening, and endurance exercises - the three major forms of exercise typically prescribed for people with RA. Each exercise contains detailed photographs and instructions indicating the proper way to perform each movement, with variation of exercises based on disease severity. It is important for people with RA to speak to their physician before embarking on any new exercise program.

"With my rheumatoid arthritis, I never thought I would be able to do an exercise like Yoga," said Lynn McKenzie-Collins, Ph.D. "I am now reassured that there is a Yoga guide tailored for people with my disease that may help my pain and stiffness."

The Remain Active with RA Yoga Guide is offered free exclusively at www.RAacademy.com and can be accessed when visitors to the site register. RAacademy is a disease web site, sponsored by Aventis Pharmaceuticals that provides RA-related news and information to people with the disease and their families. In addition to the Yoga guide, the site features self-care tools and tips for living with RA.

About The Author

Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com; e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com

Ulcers: No Fun and They can be YoursOur stomachs have natural bicarbonate that protects us from ulcers. However, the amount of bicarbonate is controlled by prostaglandins and in some parts of your body, they can cause inflammatory responses. When you listen to television commercials, they talk about Cox-I and Cox-II inhibitors. I am referring to ads for products like Celebrex and Bextra. Now, these two enzymes are in charge of manufacturing prostaglandins. The one that protect your stomach is of the Cox-I type. They control the amount of bicarbonate released into your stomach. The Cox-II type deals with inflammation through prostaglandin production.

 The Bextra and Celebrex ConnectionThis is what I call "high-end" NSAID's. They are prescription drugs and very expensive. Supposedly, these drugs control inflammation with less stomach irritation or complications. Of course if they follow the course of Vioxx, they will not be on the market much longer either. The point is, these drugs were touted for their ability to control inflammation from arthritis with less stomach complications.

The Use of NSAID's and the StomachWhen you are using an NSAID of any kind, it holds back the ability of your body to produce prostaglandins that protect both your stomach and inflammation. In short, it inhibits your body's ability to offer this protection. So, do you have to suffer with arthritis.org/arthritispain/ ">arthritis pain or risk the ulcer?

You have Two Options AvailableIf you feel you must use an NSAID, and I caution against them, then you should use a product like Prilosec (an over-the-counter antacid); or, Prevacid or Nexium (prescription). These drugs reduce the production of acids and if taken at the same time as an NSAID, reduce the ulcer risk. Frankly, I am a strong advocate of using a pharmaceutical quality liquid glucosamine. Most osteoarthritis sufferers get great results and there is absolutely no ulcer risk involved. Certainly, there is no risk of cardiac problems associated with using liquid glucosamine. The choice seems easy to me. JR Rogers is the owner of Synflex America Inc. makers of Syn-flex, a premium glucosamine arthritis formula for humans and household pets.The author's statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not provided to diagnose or to suggest that liquid glucosamine and chondroitin will treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Douglas Mulhall, nanotechnology journalist, is co-author with biological engineer Katja Hansen of THE CALCIUM BOMB: The Nanobacteria Link to Heart Disease & Cancer (The Writers’ Collective) that explores new discoveries about calcification. Afterword by leading cardiologist Dr. Benedict Maniscalco. See www.calcify.com Mulhall also authored the acclaimed book, OUR MOLECULAR FUTURE.

About the Author

C. Bailey-Lloyd/LadyCamelot is the PR Director and Staff Writer for Holistic Junction and Media Positive Radio

About the Author

Margie Garrison was diagnosed with acute arthritis by her doctors. Determined not to accept living with arthritis as her fate, she began to look for options. She found out how to cure her arthritis through much research, modification of diet and much more. Garrison has made it her mission to help others suffering with the disease and has written a book to share with others called, "I Cure My Arthritis, You Can Too."

Fact: Proper exercise performed on a regular basis is an important part of arthritis.org/arthritistreatment/ ">arthritis treatment, according to the arthritis.org/arthritisfoundation/ ">Arthritis Foundation. Twenty years ago, doctors advised exactly the opposite, fearing that activity would cause more damage and inflammation. However, not exercising causes weak muscles, stiff joints, reduced mobility, and lost vitality, say rheumatologists, who now routinely advise a balance of physical activity and rest.

Three main types of exercises are recommended:

Range-of-motion ...moving a joint as far as it will comfortably go and then stretching it a little further to increase and maintain joint mobility, decrease pain, and improve joint function. These can be done at least every other day.

Strengthening ...using muscles without moving joints to help increase muscle strength and stabilize weak joints. These can be done at least every other day, unless there is severe pain or swelling.

Endurance ...aerobic exercises such as walking, swimming and bicycling to strengthen the heart and lungs and increase stamina. These should be done for 20 to 30 minutes, three times a week, unless there is severe pain or swelling.

Myth 2: Arthritis only affects older people.

Fact: While it is true that arthritis becomes more common as people age, arthritis may begin at any age, including childhood. Nearly three of every five sufferers are under age 65. Conversely, some elderly people never develop arthritis.

Myth 3: Arthritis is nothing more than minor aches and pains.

Fact: Arthritis can be permanently debilitating. Many forms of arthritis or musculoskeletal conditions are self-limited and get better without specific treatment. Others, however, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may be quite serious and may affect the body's internal organs as well as the joints.

Arthritis already affects more than 42 million Americans in its chronic form, including 300,000 children. By 2020, CDC estimates that 60 million people will be affected, and that more than 11 million will be disabled.

Myth 4: A warm climate will cure arthritis.

Fact: Arthritis occurs in all parts of the world. Many people do notice that a difference in the weather can cause their arthritis to flare, but for most people, moving to a different climate does not make a big enough difference to justify moving.

Myth 5: Knuckle cracking will give you arthritis.

Fact: There is no clinical evidence that knuckle cracking causes arthritis in the fingers or the hand. Studies of people with osteoarthritis in their knuckles show they are no more likely to have cracked their knuckles earlier in life than people who did not develop the condition. However, the bad news is that there is some evidence that people who habitually crack their knuckles have decreased hand function, such as reduced ability to grip tightly.

Myth 6: Drinking milk prevents arthritis.

Fact: Drinking milk does not prevent arthritis. This myth is often attributed to confusing osteoarthritis with osteoporosis, a condition that can be reduced by drinking milk and taking regular weight-bearing exercise. A person with osteoporosis gradually loses bone material so that his or her bones become more fragile. Osteoarthritis results from the wear and tear of life. The pressure of gravity causes physical damage to the joints and surrounding tissues, leading to pain, tenderness, swelling, and decreased function.

For More Information:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Mail Stop K-45 4770 Buford Highway, N.E. Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 770-488-5131 http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/

National Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Clearinghouse 1 AMS Circle Bethesda, MD 20892-3675 301-226-4267 1-877-22-NIAMS (toll-free) http://www.nih.gov/niams/

arthritis.org/arthritisfoundation/ ">Arthritis Foundation P.O. Box 7669 Atlanta, GA 30359-0669 1-800-283-7800 http://www.arthritis.org

American College of Rheumatology Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals 1800 Century Place, Suite 250 Atlanta, GA 30345 http://www.rheumatology.org/index.asp

Copyright © 2005 David B. Silva

About David: David B. Silva is the webmaster for About arthritis.org/arthritistoday/ ">Arthritis Today (http://aboutarthritistoday.com), a website on the causes, symptoms, and treatments of arthritis. It spans all the various forms: rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, with articles, newest research, and links to other resources. Visit http://aboutarthritistoday.com.

About the Author

Margie Garrison is the author of the best seller "I Cured My Arthritis You Can Too" and a Free Weekly Newsletter, "Amazing Secrets To Fantastic Health".She is dedicated to helping you help yourself to a healthier life.Contact Margie @ arthritislady@yoursuccesslinks.comSubscribe to her Newsletter @ newletter@yoursuccesslinks.com Visit her Web Page @ www.yoursuccesslinks.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR I am a Doctor, doing my Ph.D.in Yoga. My topic of interest is to conduct Yoga Retreat, take class for Yoga Teacher and Medical professionals for in depth Research findings, and also Interest to conduct research in various field of yoga, both experimental and theoretical. I have been Traveling to all EUROPIAN countries.My contact: yoga4all@india.comMy web page:http://www.geocities.com/manojrieneke/Research.html

We have talked about acupuncture before. However, it has been some time ago and I wanted to bring this up and add some interesting points.

arthritis.org/arthritispain/ ">Arthritis PainIt is no secret that I favor the use of a high-quality liquid Glucosamine to deal with the pain of arthritis. And, I make that recommendation for both humans and pets. Given the recent news stories regarding the use of NSAID's, it is certainly a safer and in most cases, equally effective way to handle your pain.

New studies using AcupunctureI recently read some information about clinical studies that used acupuncture on arthritis patients. For those of you not that familiar with acupuncture, it is the ancient Chinese technique of inserting (very) thin needles in strategic locations in your body. It is a practice that has been used for about 2,000 years so we cannot discard it.

Clinical studiesIn December of 2004, a study that as funded by the NIH (National Institutes of Health) and reported in the Annals of Internal Medicine regarding the use of acupuncture.

What the researchers said was that of some 570 study participants in the study had less pain than those who received what they called "sham acupuncture." A similar study reported in the British Medical Journal reported similar results. (That study used a combination of acupuncture and an NSAID)

For those not familiar with the term "sham acupuncture" (I was not) it means that study participants received what they "thought" was acupuncture but it was not. The patients were simply unable to determine that needles were being inserted.

If you need more this might be the answerI continue to recommend the use of a high-quality liquid Glucosamine for dealing with arthritis.org/arthritispain/ ">arthritis pain. Generally, you are going to get the desired result without the need to do more.

And, I am the first to recognize that acupuncture is not necessarily an option for everyone and in fact, it is not available in many areas. However, if you suffer from osteoarthritis, you should be aware that there are options available to you.

I think that it would be a rare case where someone would have to take this extra step. However, these clinical studies confirm that it has helped with arthritis problems and for that reason alone, you need to be aware of it.

About the Author

JR Rogers is the owner of Synflex America Inc. makers of Syn-flex, a premium glucosamine arthritis formula for humans and household pets.The author's statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not provided to diagnose or to suggest that liquid glucosamine and chondroitin will treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About the Author

http://www.starherb.com

About the Author

Priya Shah is the editor of The Glutathione Report and Health Naturale. This article may be reprinted as long as the resource box is left intact and all links are hyperlinked.

About the Author

Joe Serpico is webmaster at aa-fitness-guide.com. For much more information regarding exercise, health, nutrition, and fitness, visit http://www.aa-fitness-guide.com

About the Author

Yvonne Loubet is a Natural Therapeutic Specialist who retired from her 20-year massage therapy practice bearthritis.org/causeofarthritis/ ">cause of arthritis. She operates a website http://www.arthritispainsolution.com which provides information on an alternative arthritis.org/arthritistreatment/ ">arthritis treatment. More information can be found at http://www.arthritispainsolution.com/arthritis-treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

About the Author

Rachel Williamson is a contributing writer for Eat This! where she has written about the health benefits of cherry juice.

About the Author

Jimmie Newell is the webmaster for http://www.ToYourHealth101.com, a health & wellness website, featuring editorials, tips, information and links addressing many of the health issues of today.

About the Author

Kamau Austin is a health enthusiast and advocate who publishesa portal for middle age health at...www.HealthandFitnessVitality.com . Remember to check with your doctor before embarking on any exercise or health program.

About the Author

Janet is a pain relief specialist located in New York. She offers a broad range of alternative solutions for all health and pain related issues.For more information on natural health and fitness lifestyle options, log on to http://www.bodestore.com

Aleve, Vioxx, Celebrex and Bextra: What You Need To Know About arthritis.org/arthritispainmedication/ ">Arthritis Pain Medications

Recent controversy about the safety of pain medications for arthritis has left patients and health care professionals alike confused about which medications are safe to use. In fact, a recent survey by the Boston-based Rippe Lifestyle Institute indicated that many people with arthritis are suffering unnecessarily because they have stopped or reduced their use of pain relievers due to confusion about which drugs are considered safe.

The survey also showed that now, more than ever, those with arthritis need to understand the benefits and possible side effects associated with all arthritis.org/arthritispainmedication/ ">arthritis pain medications. In order to do so, people with arthritis, their caregivers and families must be familiar with recent news about the two types of drugs most commonly used to treat arthritis.org/arthritispain/ ">arthritis pain – non-selective, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and another group of NSAIDs known as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) specific inhibitors.

COX-2 specific inhibitors vs. Other NSAIDs

COX-2 specific inhibitors are the newest members of the NSAID class of medications. Available by prescription only, they became widely used in recent years to reduce joint pain and swelling. COX-2 specific inhibitors work by selectively blocking, or inhibiting, one of the two enzymes associated with inflammation. Some experts think that this selective inhibition may be one reason for some of the negative side effects currently associated with COX-2 specific inhibitors.

Non-selective NSAIDs were developed earlier than COX-2 specific inhibitors and have been widely used to relieve arthritis.org/arthritispain/ ">arthritis pain and inflammation for many years. Unlike COX-2 specific inhibitors, non-selective NSAIDs inhibit both major enzymes involved in the inflammatory process, COX-1 and COX-2. The non-selective NSAID category includes a number of different medications that are available in both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) products.

Timeline of Events

To understand the current state of affairs, it is important to understand the sequence of events. The controversy started when a study published in the October 21, 2004, issue of the New England Journal of Medicine cited the COX-2 specific inhibitor, Vioxx as potentially causing “major adverse events,” including heart attack and stroke, among patients taking the drug. As a result, Merck (the drug’s manufacturer) voluntarily withdrew Vioxx from the market. However, in the months following, the safety of the other available COX-2 specific inhibitors such as Celebrex and Bextra, as well as other arthritis.org/arthritispainmedication/ ">arthritis pain medications in the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) class, were also called into question.

Consequently, in February 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a special Advisory Committee, made up of members of the Arthritis and Drug Safety Advisory Committees, to review the cardiovascular safety of these arthritis.org/arthritispainmedication/ ">arthritis pain medications.

FDA Directive: Stronger Warning Labels for Some Pain Medications

On April 7, 2005, taking into account the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, the FDA issued the following directives:

• Bextra, a COX-2 specific inhibitor manufactured by Pfizer, was withdrawn from the market.

• All prescription NSAIDs must revise their labeling to include a “black box” warning that highlights the potential increased risk for cardiovascular (CV) events as well as the potentially life threatening gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding associated with these drugs. Celebrex, the only COX-2 specific inhibitor remaining on the US market, was included in this directive.

• All OTC NSAIDs (except aspirin) will be required to revise their labeling to include more specific information about the potential for GI and CV side effects, a stronger reminder to follow label instructions, as well as a warning about potential skin reactions.

To further evaluate the potential for increased CV risk, the FDA also announced that all NSAIDs must conduct and submit to the FDA a comprehensive review and analysis of pertinent safety data from clinical trials.

• Aleve (naproxen sodium) is supported by clinical studies conducted to gain approval of naproxen as a prescription product and as OTC that do not provide any evidence of increased risk of cardiovascular events.

Treatment Options: What Should Arthritis Patients Know?

For some people who suffer from pain associated with arthritis, their symptoms can be managed with exercise, heat/cold therapy, joint protection, assistive devices, weight control, or in some severe cases, surgery. For others, medications are needed to help manage the symptoms associated with arthritis.

When taken as directed OTC medications such as Aleve provide a safe and effective way to treat mild to moderate pain of minor arthritis. If patients have questions, they should consult their health care professional about which treatment option is most appropriate.

Why It’s Important to Treat Arthritis

Arthritis affects approximately 66 million Americans and is the nation’s leading cause of disability. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, and they all have different symptoms that vary in severity from person to person. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis, is characterized by the breakdown of cartilage that causes the bones to rub together, resulting in pain, loss of movements and stiffness . Arthritis is usually a chronic condition.

For more information on Aleve and naproxen, visit the Aleve website at www.aleve.com. For more information on arthritis.org/arthritispainrelief/ ">arthritis pain relief, visit www.arthritis.org.

A Nutritionist's Insight on Arthritis by Carol Koester

Here is some of my knowledge about nutrition's role in ARTHRITIS from past experiences. I am speaking as a nutritionist, not a medical specialist. Most arthritics I have dealt with experienced marked relief usually within a short time after enriching their diets with GLYCONUTRIENTS, along with PHYTOGENENS in a complex that includes additional herbs that assist the body in diffusing pain after strenuous exercise or in conditions where there is chronic pain. For best results, balancing all four systems of the body speeds recovery time, so support from PHYTONUTRIENTS and FOOD-MATRIX TYPE VITAMINS AND MINERALS is also important. These nutrients play the following support roles in the body:

GLYCONUTRIENTS: immune system modulation, either upward or downward as needed; anti-inflammatory; anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and delivery system for all other nutrients.

PHYTOGENENS: hormonal balance, fat metabolism, bone metabolism, stress management, energy levels, mental clarity, help in building new nerve pathways.

PHYTOGENENS IN A SPORTS FORMULA: all of the above, plus pain management and recovery from physical stress.

PHYTONUTRIENTS: help with repairs in the body of bone, muscles, tendons, tissues, nerves; protect against tumors; aid body's host defense system.

FOOD MATRIX TYPE VITAMINS AND MINERALS: nutrients that the body can recognize as food and utilize 100% (instead of the average 7% for non-food forms of vitamins and minerals); act as a catalyst for other nutrients in the body.

When relief of arthritis.org/arthritissymptoms/ ">arthritis symptoms doesn't begin to happen soon for someone I always investigate to see if perhaps they might have an allergy to dairy products. That can imitate a lot of the arthritic symptoms! My nephew was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but when he got off of all dairy his symptoms all left, and they discovered that he did not have arthritis, actually. Also, a few are allergic to a lot of grains such as wheat and corn, and that needs to be explored also. This can be done easily by leaving off all those foods for two weeks, and see if it makes a difference. If there is just a slight difference, than taking care to eat those offending foods only once in four days can be a big help, and they don't necessarily need to give them up permanently. Over time, adequate amounts of glyconutritionals in the body usually help correct or reduce most allergies.

Drinking adequate amounts of water is absolutely essential to speeding up this process. Divide the body's weight by half, and that is how many ounces of water an individual needs. Eight to ten glasses a day is average; bigger people require MORE. And for every cup of caffeine containing beverage that is consumed, one EXTRA glass of water is needed, as caffeine dehydrates the system further. It is amazing how many symptoms can disappear just by being properly hydrated - including depression. When we feel depressed, often the rest of the body has been dehydrated for several days, and now the brain is!

Mild exercise is also a must for arthritics. They may be very limited to what they can do, but any movement is helpful, even gentle stretching. We lose what we do not use! Sitting with feet on a mini-trampoline while someone else jumps on it is a great aid in exercising the lymphatic glands when other normal exercise is limited. I hope this is helpful in your support of people who suffer from arthritis. As you know, rheumatoid arthritis is a common autoimmune disease. Glyconutrients are necessary fuel that the immune system uses to counteract autoimmune diseases, so that the right signals can be sent out between cells to modulate the immune system back downward so the body will stop attacking itself. It may sound complicated, but put simply, it spells RELIEF - and that's what people are looking for. It is best for overall health when that can be attained through improved nutrition instead of toxic drugs. Carol Koester

Sponsored by: http://tapthegold.com

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Copyright 2005 Yvonne Loubet

Many fear the pain of arthritis as they age. But, it can attack anyone at any time. For those who it does strike, the pain is unbearable. It is a group of diseases of the bone joints. Each time a person moves, joints move with them. But, when arthritis lurks in the joints, pain is also lurking. Many people have mistakenly come to believe that it is a sign of growing old. In fact, it is not. There are different types of arthritis, and many ways that it can begin to consume your life.

As we stated, arthritis is actually a common name for a group of diseases of the bone joints. These diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease and certain other types of arthritis, which are caused by a bad injury, repetitive use, sports, or overexertion. Septic arthritis is caused by a joint infection. And, the most common of all is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative disease. In this particular disease, older people are mainly the target. Their joint cartilage is simply deteriorating over time. In any of these cases, arthritis can be profoundly painful and at times, unbearable. For those who are elderly, the worst of the pain comes in the morning or after sitting for long periods. This is due to the fact that joints become stiff. Once they begin to move and keep moving, though, the pain can be mild. When arthritis strikes a young child, he or she may just stop using the limb. Weather changes can also cause increased pain in the effected area. The pain of the disease comes from the joints developing extra nerve endings. They do this to protect the joint from more damage. If it hurts more, you likely won’t use it more for fear of it getting worse. However, the stiffness sets in from lack of use and the vicious cycle continues.

What can you do if you think you may have arthritis? The first course of action is to see a doctor. The doctor will ask you questions regarding any other symptoms you may have besides the obvious pain and limited use of the joint. Fever can be a cause for septic arthritis. In this specific cause, you should seek a medical emergency team right away as it can be life threatening. In any case, the doctor will most likely have blood work done as well as x-rays. Once the type of arthritis is diagnosed, your doctor will have a better idea how to treat it. For some this may include surgery, prescription drugs, physical therapy, or a reduction in the use of the effected joints. There are other products being used as well. One of these is a collagen injection. Other treatments that have been shown to ease the pain include herbal remedies.

In the end, arthritis can be helped, and may be cured if treatment is sought and given in the right manner. If you suspect that you or someone you love is being affected by this disease, you should speak to your doctor as it can be an unnecessary pain that you or they face day in and day out. Unfortunately, arthritis can’t heal itself and does require treatment. It is simply a wise choice to get it taken care of.

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Yvonne Loubet is a Natural Therapeutic Specialist who retired from her 20-year massage therapy practice bearthritis.org/causeofarthritis/ ">cause of arthritis. She operates a website http://www.naturalarthritispainrelief.com which provides information on an alternative arthritis.org/arthritistreatment/ ">arthritis treatment. More information can be found at http://www.arthritispainsolution.com/arthritis-treatment/rheumatoid-arthritis.html

Arthritis: Causes, Treatments and Prevention By Natalie Katsman http://www.natural-aid.com

Arthritis 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.org/arthritispainrelief/ ">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

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.

“arthritis.org/arthritisdrugs/ ">Arthritis drugs Vioxx, Celebrex safety in doubt”

In doubt and may not be as safe as previously thought. Research earlier this year has shown that these drugs increased the risk of heart attacks although a relatively low risk, over those taking a pain reliever. The FDA is debating whether to add information about the increased risk on both drugs’ labels. One Wall Street analyst has warned that this problem could have an adverse effect on Merck, the drug company responsible for these drugs be placed on the market - along with Pharmacia, which makes Celebrex, generating $2.3 billion in 12 months to March 31 of this year, Merck having sold $1.7 billion Vioxx during the same 12 months.

Studies done last year showed that patients taking Vioxx had four times the risk of heart attacks over patients taking Naproxen - another pain reliever. Naproxen is also sold under the brands names of Naprosyn and Aleve. The risk of heart attacks increases over time, at about four heart attacks per 1,000 patients. This study was sponsored by the Merck company, which also stated that their research does not show this problem of increased heart attacks with Vioxx.

These two drugs are among the best-sellers of prescription drugs in the world. They cause fewer ulcers that many other drugs given for pain. Richard R. Stover, a pharmaceutical industry analyst at Arnhold & S. Bleichroeder Inc, reported on April 27 that he did his own analysis on what he called “disturbing data” from Merck’s study. He stated that he was warning his clients, many of whom were institutional investors holding stock in Merck, that they should watch the issue carefully because it could effect the company’s stock price.

Dr. M. Michael Wolfe, chief of the gastroenterology section at the Boston University School of Medicine and a member of the FDA advisory committee stated that there should be a warning, after a review of the issue earlier this year, stating that “The marketing of these drugs is unbelievable, I’m sure there are many people out there who are taking these drugs that should not be.”

There is a current debate going on between some doctors and Merck’s scientists as to whether the higher risk of heart attacks is a result of Vioxx causing damage in some patients or to an absence of the benefits that Naproxen may have in protecting the heart, that Naproxen stops or slows the production of thromboxane, which is thought to cause platelet in the blood to form clots, similar to the aspirin effect.

Vioxx and Celebrex have been shown to have the same benefit in protecting the heart.

Several doctors say they are worried about the possibility of heart attacks because many of the arthritis patients taking the drugs are elderly and have a higher risk of cardiovascular problems to begin with. The current debate centers on whether the higher heart attack rate found in patients taking Vioxx is a result of the drug’s actually causing damage in some patients or to an absence of the heart-protecting benefits that Naproxen may have.

“Naproxen had a similar anti-platelet effect to aspirin,” said Dr. Eve E. Slater, senior vice president of external policy for Merck’s research labs, “and those people had fewer heart attacks.”

Neither Vioxx nor Celebrex has been shown to have the same heart-protecting benefit.

Slater also said that Stover’s report was flawed and biased in favor of Pharmacia. But regulators and some doctors say they still worry that there may be more of a problem with Vioxx.

And even if Vioxx and Celebrex do not damage the heart, the fact that they do not have the heart-protecting benefits of aspirin reduces the ability of the companies to market them as being significantly safer than other pain relievers.

Merck recommended last year that doctors involved in clinical trials of Vioxx consider prescribing low doses of aspirin to patients taking Vioxx if they are at high risk of heart attacks - although low doses of aspirin could increase the risk of ulcers. Ulcers are the main side effect that Vioxx and Celebrex were developed to avoid.

There have been no studies done to determine whether patients have fewer ulcers if they take low doses of aspirin with either Vioxx or Celebrex. In February Dr Maria Lourdes Villalba, at an FDA advisory meeting, stated that Merck had proved Vioxx [Rofecoxib] caused fewer serious ulcers than Naproxen. However, she also state that the potential safety advantage was offset by a higher risk of heart problems,in her opinion. She reported that “Overall, there was no safety superiority of Rofecoxib over Naproxen, mainly due to an excess of serious cardiovascular events”.

Dr Villalba also stated that there had been no studies to prove Merck’s claim that Naproxen worked like aspirin in decreasing heart attacks. The FDA expressed some concern over the higher rate of heart attacks with Vioxx, stating that this could be caused by the drug’s ability to produce blood clots.

“There is still a tremendous benefit with these drugs” reported Dr Eve Slater of Merck.

Margot B, Writer, Web Developer Margot B has written a book and hundreds of articles, specializing in health and the environment.

mailto:margotb@wonderport.com Web Sites by Margot B: http://margot.bravepages.com http://margotsnews.gossimer.net http://websitebuilder4free.Biz-Page.com http://www.freewebz.com/nuchatlaht

The recent withdrawal of Vioxx and Bextra from the marketplace, due to concerns over unwanted side effects, has many arthritis sufferers concerned. These drugs, which belong to a powerful class of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known as COX-2 inhibitors, are quite effective at fighting the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Unfortunately, they have been linked to increased risk of strokes and heart attacks. Their manufacturers have voluntarily withdrawn them from the market. There are still alternative medications available, such as Celebrex, and traditional medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen. Aspirin and ibuprofen may not be suitable for everyone, as they can cause stomach discomfort in some people. While a good anti-inflammatory can certainly provide more comfort for arthritis.org/arthritispain/ ">arthritis pain, there are some non-medicinal steps that patients can take that may provide some relief from their pain. Get plenty of rest. Your body works best when it’s well-rested, and it’s a well-known fact that most Americans fail to get the recommended seven to eight hours of sleep each night.Exercise. Joints and muscles work best when they’re well toned, and that is true for arthritis sufferers as well as the public at large. Not all exercises will be appropriate, however. A patient with arthritic knees will probably not benefit from playing basketball or tennis. Low impact exercise like walking or water aerobics may help, however. Patients with arthritis are advised to discuss exercise options with their physician.Watch your weight. Arthritic joints work best when they aren’t overly burdened. If you are overweight, you are making a bad situation worse by forcing your joints to work harder than they otherwise might. A loss of just a few pounds could make a huge difference, especially if you suffer from arthritic knees.These tips are certainly not intended to be a substitute for medication, but with a chronic condition like arthritis, every little bit that you can do to ease the stress on your aching joints can provide a bit more relief.

©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including Bextra-Info.net, a site devoted to the withdrawn drug Bextra and StructuredSettlementHelp.com, a site devoted to structured settlements.

Cetyl Myristoleate for Arthritis Science for Speculation By Rusty Ford

There are a lot of fabulous stories about Cetyl Myristoleate (also known as CMO or CM) floating across the Internet. Mine is one of them. There have been a number of articles published in little known journals or magazines. There have been four small booklets published. One making fantastic claims, all four filled with anecdotal evidence but offering no real research to back up the claims. There are a number of Doctors sharing the results they are having with their patients but so does every other wonder-working product. The question is, are there any scientific studies to back up any of these claims? The answer is yes. To date there are several patient studies and two double blind studies completed. I will mention the three most prominent below.

Dr Len Sands of the San Diego Clinic completed the first human study on the effectiveness on Cetyl Myristoleate in 1995. There were 48 arthritis patients in this study. All but two showed significant improvement in articular mobility (80% or better) and reduction of pain (70% or better). Obviously the study had its flaws. One doctor conducted the study, there was no control group and the number of participants was small. Even so, it suggested to many that maybe there was some hope here and that more scientific studies should follow.

The first double blind study followed two years later. Dr. H. Siemandi conducted a double blind study under the auspices of the Joint European Hospital Studies Program. There were 431 patients in the study, 106 who received cetyl myristoleate, 99 who received cetyl myristoleate, and glucosamine, sea cucumber, and hydrolyzed cartilage and 226 who received a placebo. Clinical assessment included radiological test and other studies. Results were 63% improvement for the cetyl myristoleate group, 87% for the cetyl myristoleate plus glucosamine group and 15% for the placebo group.

In August of 2002, a double blind study was published in the Journal or Rheumatology. The study included sixty-four patients with chronic knee OA. Half of the patients received a cetyl myristoleate complex and half a placebo. Evaluations included physician assessment, knee range of motion with goniometry, and the Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI). The conclusion was that the CM group saw significant improvement while the placebo group saw little to none. In fact in their conclusion the state that CM “may be an alternative to the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the treatment of OA”.

Advanced Medical Systems & Design, Ltd completed the last study I would like to mention in Oct 2001. It was not a double blind study but the study included 1814 arthritis patients. The results showed that over 87% of the subjects had greater than 50% recovery and over 65% of those showed from 75% - 100% recovery following a sixteen day regimen. I know that this is not the most scientific study but a study this large does suggest that there could be a positive benefit to the use of CM in the treatment of arthritis.

Conclusion: There is mounting evidence that CM can be effective in the treatment of many forms of arthritis. While it is true that the evidence from these three studies can not be considered conclusive, it is a beginning. It should challenge you to think out side the box and consider that just because it did not come from a drug company does not mean that it will not work. With over 10,000 people a year dying from Nsaids would it not be great to find a safer and more effective product. Especially with the cost of prescription treatments for arthritis costing into the hundreds and good Cetyl Myristoleate products can be found for between $20 and $40.

Rusty Ford http://arthritis-symptom.com

Editor Arthritis-Symptom.com. Author of numerous articles on arthrits and natural health.

Ask Rusty

Arthritis Questions answered by Rusty Ford Editor of Arthritis-Symptom.com

Could this be arthritis in my hands

Hi Rusty. A few days ago, I slightly injured a finger on my hand. Now my hand is swelling with severe joint pain in the fingers. At first I thought this was a possible sprain in that region, but now my other hand is showing the same swelling of the fingers and pain of the joints. Should I go check this out right away? It doesn't seem to be getting worse today, but the pain and swelling are persistent. Could this be a sudden arthritis attack? I'm 38 years old and in good health (I just had a check-up at the doctor last week and the blood work came back okay).

Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Answer

Ouch, a little sprain is not supposed to do that. Unfortunately some times it does. I am sorry to hear about this. It is not unusual for arthritis to begin in an effected joint. It is not the norm for it to set in so quickly. There are different kinds of arthritis that can effect the hands and feet that can cause swelling. It is possible that arthritis was already beginning but not showing symptoms yet but this triggered a symptomatic response.

I am concerned that the pain is bilateral, effecting both sides. I doubt it is anything extremely serious but it would be good to see your doctor. The sooner the better. If nothing else, your doctor will be able to treat the pain and swelling. But if it is arthritis or one of the other conditions that can cause this type of swelling in the fingers the earlier the diagnosis the better.

I wish you good health.

Rusty http://arthritis-symptom.com

About the Author

Rusty Ford is the editor of Arthritis-Symptom.com one of the internets largest arthritis web sites.

A deficiency of vitamins can lead to a variety of health problems, including some forms of arthritis.

These organic nutrients are normal sourced through our intake of fresh fruit and vegetables. Due to the following factors, it is not always possible to get our recommended daily allowance (RDA) of vitamins: Poor soil quality Modern processing methods Popularity of 'Junk' foods

As an alternative to getting your RDA through diet, many people now take vitamin supplements.

The following list of vitamins are known to be especially beneficial to arthritis sufferers:

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.

Vitamins combine with enzymes involved with tissue repair, cell production and our metabolism.

There are two types of vitamins:

Water Soluable - These vitamins ( B and C complex ) are not not stored in our body organs and usually pass through our bodies very quickly, in the form of urine. It is therefore important to have regular daily intakes of these vitamins.

Fat Soluable - Vitamins A, D, E and K stay in the body as they are stored in the liver.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

About The Author

Emily Clark is editor at Arthritis Health News, where arthritis sufferers can find the most up-to-date advice and information to assist in improving their quality of life.

lifestyle-health-news.com

Minerals are essential to maintain our bodies in top condition ...

In fact, our body is composed of many minerals, but unfortunately does not produce the minerals needed for a healthy body.

A deficiency of minerals can lead to various health problems, including arthritis!

The most common minerals used to reduce arthritic pains are:

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. 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.

Our traditional source of minerals has been from fresh fruit, vegetables and some dairy products. Today we have to look at other sources to get sufficient minerals for a healthy diet. Some of the reasons for this are: Loss of minerals in the soil Modern food processing methods Popularity of 'Junk' foods

An increasing number of people are turning to mineral supplements for their source of minerals.

The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to medically diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Consult a health care practitioner before beginning any health care program.

About The Author

Emily Clark is editor at Arthritis Health News, where arthritis sufferers can find the most up-to-date advice and information to assist in improving their quality of life.

lifestyle-health-news.com

Did you know that we all have the ability to enhance self-healing, increase comfort and improve nutrition, exercise, communication and flexibility? This article explains clinical hypnosis and how it can bring relief to clients suffering from arthritis. Hypnosis is easy to learn, you can do it on your own and it empowers you to take an active role in your healthy well-being.

The subconscious mind has many jobs. It quietly and effectively regulates our bodily functions and stores all of our values, beliefs and memories. It also balances our blood pressure, heart rate and co-ordinates each step we take everyday of our life. The negative effects of arthritis extend into many areas of a client’s life, as does the positive resolve and relief of hypnosis. Hypnotherapy is the simple process of accessing and directing the subconscious mind to support certain positive changes. It is the language of the mind, it access the most powerful level of awareness and down loads new applications of freedom and relief.

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. It causes a deterioration of the protective lining of cartilage in our joints. This deterioration occurs due to a breakdown of the chondrocytes that form cartilage. Osteoarthritis affects men and women equally. Most people over 30 years of age have some features of early osteoarthritis. The degree of limitation depends on the location of the inflammation. The major areas of concern are hips, knees and spine. The development of osteoarthritis may be related to trauma, aging or heredity.

The symptoms of stress play a big role in exacerbating the situation. Communication with family and friends plays a key role in managing stress and hypnosis makes this a lot easier. Suggestions offered to a client during a hypnosis session encourage them to share what’s on their mind enabling them to offload concern and frustration, giving them more time doing things they enjoy.

It takes energy to deal with any physical or emotional burden. Hypnosis creates ideal sedation allowing for sound sleep. We all follow the path of our most dominant thoughts and if the last thoughts a client has at bedtime involve deep restful sleep, they are in a much better position to recharge their body and mind for tomorrow’s challenges.

For those suffering with arthritis it’s often difficult just keeping up with the fast pace of day-to-day life. Hypnosis helps individuals adjust to a more appropriate pace and also to release the frustrations and anxiety associated with any limitation. Clients who routinely relax with hypnosis are more centered, balanced and less affected by things they can not control.

Increasing muscle tone reduces stress to affected joints, which increases mobility and comfort. Low impact activities like swimming; walking and range of motion exercises are commonly recommended to clients with arthritis. With hypnosis it’s easier to integrate new regimes and to establish positive subconscious connections between healthy activity and improved mobility, comfort and freedom.

The more protection in your joints, the more comfort and mobility you create. Since the subconscious controls the multitude of our bodily function, hypnosis can direct it to increase the production of chondrocytes, which increases the growth of healthy new cartilage. Pain is often the biggest issue with arthritis. Some pain, however, is necessary; it acts as a warning system telling us that something isn’t right. The responsible approach with hypnosis is to only reduce unnecessary pain, leaving intact the body’s ability to signal us and protect us from further complications.

Hypnosis can also be used to regulate the flow and distribution of endorphins, which are the ‘feel good’ chemicals the body uses to create comfort and relaxation. Using hypnosis to regulate endorphin production plays a big role in putting the client in control. Hypnosis can also alter the perception of where the pain is located. By redirecting sensitivity away from key areas such as hips, knees and vertebrae to a less critical part of the anatomy like a finger tip, the client has much more control.

The same approach can be used to attach a different quality to pain. A sharp pain can be perceived as dull; burning pain can be perceived as cool. Involving other senses is one of the distinct advantages hypnosis offers in managing the symptoms of arthritis. Another technique involves using one color to represent pain and another to represent comfort, and then blending the two offering instant relief.

Lastly, by attaching a number value to pain creates the option of change. By imagining a yardstick during hypnosis a client can pick the number that best reflects their current level of pain, and then they are directed to different numbers which changes their perceived level of discomfort.

With hypnosis arthritis sufferers gain a distinct advantage in managing and even reversing the limitations of arthritis. Hypnosis is simple, empowering and extremely effective. A few sessions with a hypnotherapist gets you started and with a little practice you begin to effect healthy positive changes in your life. We all have remarkable self-healing abilities and hypnosis is an excellent way to jumpstart a return to a healthier more active life.

About The Author

Paul Gustafson RN, BSN, CH runs HealthyHypnosis.com of Burlington, Massachusetts. His 11 years of acute cardiac and hospice experience offer a solid foundation supporting his clinical approach to hypnotherapy. Visit HealthyHypnosis.com or call toll free at 888-290-3972.

info@healthyhypnosis.com