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ARTHRITIS AND REMEDIES
by Dr. Sayeed Ahmad
Arthritis is actually a
term covering over 100 rheumatic diseases; but
basically, the affliction can be defined as an
inflammation of the joints. The two most common forms of
arthritis are osteoarthritis, which generally is caused
by every day wear and tear on the foot or poor choices
of shoe design, and rheumatoid arthritis, which occurs
when the body's autoimmune system begins attacking its
own cells, causing joint deterioration and deformation.
Some of the common things that can worsen the symptoms
include lectins, such as those found in lima beans,
lentils, and nightshade vegetables, food allergies,
especially sensitivity to wheat and dairy products, and
chemical sensitivities, particularly smoking or
second-hand smoke.
Arthritis is different from most afflictions in that it
isn't always a chronic condition. In a few cases,
arthritis will only cause noticeable discomfort during
"flare-ups" which are often caused by changes in
barometric pressure and cold weather. Rheumatoid
arthritis usually attacks the joints of individuals
between 20
and 60, but it has been known to plague some younger
joints as well in a condition known as juvenile
arthritis. After age 70, new instances of the disease
seem to decline. The condition affects women three times
more than men.
Foods to avoid for arthritis sufferers:
Some arthritis sufferers should avoid nightshade
vegetables, so named because they grow in the shade of
night rather than during the day. Vegetables in this
group include potatoes, eggplant, peppers (although
direct application of peppers on joints can be helpful),
and tomatoes. Meat is also said to aggravate arthritis,
as it is high in uric acid, a primary factor in the
aggravation of symptoms. The effects of uric acid can be
mitigated by not consuming meat, while consuming
dandelion greens, parsley, alfalfa, and the herb devil's
claw.
Treating arthritis naturally:
The conventional medical theory is that there is no cure
for arthritis, only treatments for joint pain and
inflammation, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and the
nutritional supplement glucosamine. But
anti-inflammatory medicines, while beneficial in the
short-term, can begin to make the problem worse, as well
as deteriorate the stomach and liver. There are surgical
procedures to help with arthritis involving the draining
of certain antibodies. Actual joint replacement is
another procedure. But these seem rather barbaric. In
the past, medical practitioners had even recommended the
removal of teeth as a treatment for arthritis.
Vegetables and their juices contain phytonutrients which
can be instrumental in aiding the body in regenerating
cells –a vital part of treating arthritis. Even orange
juice can help since it contains vitamin C, an
antioxidant. Antioxidants assist the body in the
reduction of swelling and inflammation of the joints.
Cherry juice for arthritis pain:
Patients had experienced at least partial relief of pain
symptoms by drinking two glasses of black cherry juice
(four ounces of juice diluted with four ounces of water)
twice a day. The patients can discontinue consumption of
the juice once their pain subsides. Parsley, broccoli,
and spinach can assist in the treatment of arthritis,
since these contain beta-carotene, along with carrots,
apples, and ginger, all of which contain copper.
Pineapple juice is the only source of the strong
anti-inflammatory enzyme bromelain. Bromelain helps the
body breakdown protein. Incomplete protein break down
(i.e. poor digestion) is a condition implicated in
arthritis. Bromelain also helps break down plaque and
fatty tissue deposits that can clog arteries. It also
assists in the natural healing of bruises and minor
abrasions.
Other juices said to help include bilberry, celery
juice, green barley juice, aloe vera juice, and
boswellia extract. Birch cortisone can also help reduce
inflammation of joints; however, cortisones can
interfere with calcium absorption and should be used
sparingly. Not all juices have a positive effect on
arthritis symptoms. Spinach juice and spinach itself is
bad for arthritis because it contains oxalic acid which
can interfere with calcium absorption and exacerbate
arthritic symptoms.
Fish oil has been known to have a positive effect on
arthritis symptoms. In one experiment, patients who
completely supplemented their arthritis treatments and
medications with fish oil while giving up their chemical
treatments experienced no relapse in their arthritis
symptoms. |