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Arthritis
Arthritis is
the inflammation of the joints, causing redness, swelling, stiffness and
pain. There are more than a hundred different types of arthritis,
with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common.
Arthritis can also be a symptom of some other medical conditions, such as
infections, Lyme disease, lupus, etc.
Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease. It
involves deterioration of the cartilage covering the bones. The
cartilage surface becomes rough and causes friction during movements.
Sometimes, bone spurs may develop as the condition advances. More
women are affected by osteoarthritis than men.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis and is an
autoimmune disorder. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system
identifies the synovial membrane (thin membrane covering the joint
capsule) as foreign, this causes inflammation of the synovial membrane
which in turn, damages cartilage and surrounding tissues. In severe
cases, scar tissues may form, causing the bones to fuse together.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes stiffness, swelling and often crippling pain.
Arthritis is
often treated with drugs which help to reduce pain and inflammation, such
as analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), Cox-2
inhibitors, corticosteroids, and immune-suppressing drugs.
Food
supplements for arthritis:
Bromelain
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found in
pineapple. It helps protein digestion if taken after meals.
If taken in between meals, Bromelain can be used to treat a wide range of
conditions. Bromelain reduces inflammation and pain associated
with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Chondroitin sulfate + Glucosamine
Chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine are
natural compounds found in and around the cells of cartilage. Chondroitin
is a complex carbohydrate that helps the cartilage retain water.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that distributes in cartilages.
Chondroitin and glucosamine are important for the health of bones, joints,
tendons, ligaments and cartilage. For arthritis patients with moderate to
severe pain, chondroitin sulfate combined with glucosamine provide
pain relief similar to NSAIDs.
Essential fatty acids (flaxseed
oil, primrose oil)
EFAs increase the production of
anti-inflammatory prostaglandins and help to control arthritis pain and
reduce inflammation.
MSM
A biologically active form of sulfur that
reduces inflammation and joint pain. It is usually used with other
joint supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, omega 3 essential
fatty acids and niacinamide as they have synergistic effects if used
together.
Sea cucumber
Sea cucumber is a good source of chondroitin
and used to treat arthritis, tendonitis and joint pain.
Superoxide dismutase
(SOD)
Studies have shown that low levels of SOD are
correlated with chronic pain and arthritis. SOD supplementation protects our body from arthritis diseases. It also reduces
inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
Multivitamin and mineral
complex
A balance of vitamins and minerals is
essential for the repair of tissue and cartilage. Multivitamin and
mineral complex protects our body from free radicals, increases blood
flow, and reduces inflammation and swelling of tissue.
Boswellia
An Ayurvedic remedy for arthritis.
Studies in India have shown that boswellia is effective in reducing
inflammation. Boswellin cream is used topically to control pain.
Turmeric (curcumin)
Turmeric contains the active ingredient, curcumin,
which inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and
reduces arthritis pain.
Yucca
Yucca has been traditionally used as an
arthritis remedy. Yucca extract reduces the swelling, pain, and
stiffness of arthritis.
Doctor's Best, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, 240 Capsules
Carlson Labs, The Very Finest Fish Oil, Lemon Flavor, 16.8 fl oz, (500 ml)
New Chapter, Zyflamend EasyCaps, 180 Softgel Capsules
(use code "WAN045" - get $5 off your first order)
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