Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder in which the bodies immune system attacks synovial membranes in the joints. These membranes create lubricating fluid and thus when damaged or destroyed inflammation occurs and thus the pain of arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur at any age even under 18 years old. Rheumatoid arthritis causes stiffness, swelling, fatigue, anemia, weight loss, fever, pain and more...
Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis, and is an
overactive autoimmune disorder. Like other autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid
arthritis is a "self attacking" disease. Where the person's immune
system incorrectly identifies the synovial membrane as foreign. Resulting in
inflammation that damages both cartilage and tissues around and inside the
joints. Often, the bone surfaces are destroyed because inflammation in the
joints causes enzyme production that digest nearby tissue. The human
body replaces the damaged tissue with scar tissue, causing spaces within the
joints to become smaller and the bones may fuse together. Rheumatoid
arthritis creates stiffness, swelling, fatigue, anemia,
weight loss, fever, and a crippling severe pain. Rheumatoid arthritis
normally occurs in people below 40 years old. Over 2 million Americans have
this health problem, of which 75% are female. Juvenile arthritis is a form
of rheumatoid arthritis that strikes children under 16 years of age,
affecting over 71,000 young people who are mainly female. The start of
rheumatoid arthritis maybe triggered by physical or emotional stress, poor
diet and nutrition, or even bacterial infection. While osteoarthritis
affects individual joints, rheumatoid arthritis can affect all of the body's
synovial joints. Joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis tend to make a
sound like crinkling cellophane, and osteoarthritic joints make banging,
clicking, or popping noises. Arthritis can also be caused by bacterial,
viral, or fungal infection of a joint. The microorganisms most commonly
involved in this type of the disorder are streptococci, staphylococci,
gonococci, hemophilus or tubercle bacilli, and fungi such as Candida
albicans. Normally the infecting organism gets to a joint via the
bloodstream from an infection somewhere else in the body, but injury or even
surgery can cause joint infection. Symptoms include redness, swelling, pain,
and tenderness in the affected joint, often accompanied by systemic symptoms
of infection such as fever, chills, and body aches.
GOOD SUPPLEMENTS TO TRY
| Nutrient / Supplement | Importance ( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Boron | 10 | is a trace mineral needed for healthy bones and it also aides in the absorption of other minerals which is helpful to people with rheumatoid arthritis and related health problems. |
| Multi-vitamin & Mineral supplement | 10 | contains vitamin E, vitamin C, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium which all are helpful for rheumatoid arthritis. The nutrients in a daily supplement are required for good general health and well being. |
| Essential fatty acids | 10 | extremely important for reducing inflammation causes of rheumatoid arthritis and they also aid in increasing blood circulation. Essential fatty acids are found in omega fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and borage seed oil. |
| Magnesium | 9 | the mineral magnesium works with calcium to rid imbalances affecting people with arthritis. A good source of magnesium is a quality multi-vitamin & mineral supplement especially one with calcium, zinc, and the herb garlic. |
| Calcium | 9 | works with magnesium to prevent bone loss |
| Copper | 8 | aids in strengthening connective tissue and bone formation |
| Nettle | 8 | herb that is good for inflammation |
| Olive leaf | 8 | good for arthritis caused by infection |
| Zinc | 8 | the mineral zinc is required for proper bone growth and health. Very often people with rheumatoid arthritis are not getting enough of the mineral zinc in their diet. |
| Alfalfa | 8 | herb with vitamin K and minerals for skeletal health |
| Niacin | 8 | vitamin B3 aids in blood flow by dilating small arteries |
| Pantothenic acid | 8 | vitamin B5 very good for rheumatoid arthritis and is required for adrenal function |
| Pyridoxine | 8 | vitamin B6 aids in reducing swelling in tissue |
| vitamin C | 8 | helps with inflammatory pain relief and is a free radical destroyer |
| Bioflavonoids | 8 | work with vitamin C |
| Folic acid | 8 | some studies indicate people with rheumatoid arthritis are low in folic acid in their diet |
| Garlic | 7 | the herb garlic has been shown to inhibit the formation of free radicals which can damage joints relating to arthritis problems. |
OTHER CHANGES TO MAKE
- drink steam distilled water (6-8 glasses a day)
- avoid all alcohol
- eat more fresh fruits and vegetables (asparagus, onions, garlic are good)
- avoid saturated fats and fried foods
- eat less meat and more fish
- eat high fiber diet (brown rice and millet are good)
- make sure to get vitamin A, C, and E
- reduced sugar, candy, etc...
- avoid caffeine, hydrogenated oils, fried foods, meat, soft drinks
- reduce dairy products in your diet
- fasting a few days a month
- spend more time outdoors getting a little sunshine for vitamin D3
- PRAY ... prayer helps with healing
| Diseases&Treatments |
Disclaimer: This information is intended as a guide only. This information is offered to you with the understanding that it not be interpreted as medical or professional advice. All medical information needs to be carefully reviewed with your health care provider.
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Women |
Men |