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File under: Arthritis - Research

Osteoarthritis is a disease that develops when the linings of joints fail to maintain normal structure. It is the most common form of arthritis, and affects of millions of Americans. Arthritis is commonly treated using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’S) such as aspirin, ibuprofen… While these drugs may help with the pain, they do not slow the progression or help with healing of arthritis.
In fact NSAID’s may even aid in the degradation of cartilage and actually inhibit joint repair and maintenance, by inhibiting synthesis of proteoglycans.

Proteoglycans are a group of proteins that cover the frame work of collagen fibers. They have the ability to bind and organize water molecules. Due to there high viscosity and low compressibility they are ideal as a lubricating fluid in the joints. On the other hand their rigidity provides structural integrity to the cells. This is what gives the joints their strength and resilience.

Research indicates that damaged cartilage can be replaced by healthy new cartilage. Therefore, treatment of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis should focus on inhibiting cartilage breakdown, promoting cartilage repair, and reducing the pain caused by inflammation.

Nutrients available to combat the effects of arthritis:

Glucosamine HCL- Glucosamine provides the raw material needed by the body to manufacture glycosaminoglycan (GAG) a lubricating substance inside joints. When Glucosamine levels are low joint repair and maintenance may slow. When sufficient amounts of Glucosamine are present eroded cartilage is restored and normal joint maintenance resumes.

Double blind studies show the benefits of Glucosamine. A study conducted in Milan, Italy showed patients treated with Glucosamine to experience a reduction in pain, tenderness, and, overall symptoms. Cartilage samples from those treated, when examined under an electron microscope, were reported as looking strikingly similar to that of healthy cartilage. The researchers concluding that glucosamine helped rebuild damaged cartilage.

Chondroitin Sulfate- Chondroitin sulfate is a major constituent of cartilage, classified as a type of glycosaminoglycan, rich in sulfur and related to glucosamine.

The large quantities of chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate found on ‘aggrecan’ play an important role in the hydration of cartilage. Aggrecan, one of the most studied proteoglycans, is abundant in cartilage representing up to 10% of its dry weight. They give the cartilage its gel-like properties and resistance to deformation. Their rigidity provides structural integrity to the cells and allows for cell migration by providing passageways between cells. Chrondroitin sulfate is a key constituent to healthy hydrated cartilage.

Manganese- Manganese is needed for healthy cartilage formation. It is used to several key enzymes in the body and activates others, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) an anti oxidant facilitator. It is thought that manganese may act as an anti-inflammatory by boosting the activity of SOD.

MSM-Methylsulfonylmethane(MSM) is a source of biologically active sulfur, which has an extensive role in the body. It is needed to manufacture many protein’s including those forming hair, muscles, and skin. Sulfur is also a constitutent of bones, teeth, and collagen (the protein in connective tissue).

MSM is naturally produced in the body, yet may decrease in cases of degenerative illnesses such as arthritis. MSM is thought to be useful in reducing inflammation, in increasing blood flow, relieving pain, reducing muscle spasms, increasing cell-wall flexibility, and reducing allergic reactions.

This considered MSM would be a key ingredient in any well rounded arthritic formula.

Grape Seed Extract- Proanthocyanidins also called oligomeric proanthocyanidins or procyanidolic oligomers derived from Grape Seed Extract, are a class of nutrients belonging to the flavonoid family. The main functions of proanthocyanidins are antioxidant activity, and the stabilization of collagen and maintenance of elastin, two critical proteins in connective tissue that supports organs and joints, well as blood vessels and muscle.

Uncaria Tomentosa- Uncaria Tomentosa also known as cats claw is a plant that naturally grows in the rain forests of South America. Cat’s claw has been reportedly used by indigenous peoples to treat inflammation, rheumatism, it is popular in South American folk medicine for intestinal complaints, gastric ulcers, arthritis, and to promote wound healing.

Bromelain- Bromelain is a natural occurring proteolytic enzyme, derived mostly from the stems, of pineapples. Pineapple had a long history of traditional use among the native of Central and South America. They applied pineapple dressings to wounds and skin injuries to reduce inflammation, and cased stomachaches and indigestion by drinking the juice of the fruit.

Bromelain is most notable for its effectiveness in the reduction of inflammation and decreasing swelling. One way it does this is m helping to break down fibrin. Fibrin proteins plays a large role in blood clotting, yet also form a barrier around in flamed areas. Resulting in the blocking of lymph and blood vessels, which leads to pain and swelling.

Bromelain is also thought to interfere with the production of prostaglandins that contribute to inflammation and increase the production of prostaglandins that decrease inflammation.

Bromelain may be helpful in reducing the pain and swelling of arthritis.

(*.) These statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration.

These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

COPYRIGHT 2002 The Townsend Letter Group
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group

Is Heat or Ice Better for Arthritis Pain?

by: Stephanie E. Siegrist, MD

You probably know that applying heat or ice to a painful joint can help relieve pain, but have questions about these simple techniques. Which one? Why? How often? How long?

The only time you must choose “ice” is during the first 48 hours after a sudden injury or surgery. Cooling the area causes the nearby blood vessels to constrict; there is less swelling, so there is less pain. Heat opens up the area’s blood vessels, improving the flow. Increased circulation brings oxygen and healing elements to the scene, while flushing away wastes: in with the good, out with the bad.

Use your ice/heat pack as often as you’d like; at least three times a day. Heat before activity warms up the joints, and ice afterward cools the inflammation from the friction in arthritic joints. Most packs can be frozen or heated; buy two. Keep one in the freezer, pop one in the microwave when you need it.

When trying to find relief from your daily arthritis pain, you can’t go wrong by experimenting here! Choose a large ice/heat pack that is pliable enough to cover and conform to your painful joint. Try it for 20 minutes (check your skin every 5 minutes!) If you feel better, then you’ve made the right choice! If not, try the other.

Take notes on what works. Make good use of low-tech, low-cost, low-risk, common-sense health habits that pay off in many ways!

Want to learn more? Visit www.knowyourbones.com to order “Making Sense of Arthritis Medicine: Manage Your Symptoms Safely” and discover relief that’s right for you!

About The Author

Stephanie E. Siegrist, MD is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in her 10th year of practice, and author of “Making Sense of Arthritis Medicine.” She’s one of only 3% of U.S. orthopedic surgeons who are women! Dr. Siegrist strives to bridge the gaps that exist in today’s doctor-patient relationship with “Information Therapy!” Complete information about Dr. Siegrist, and the book, are available from her website www.knowyourbones.com.

Filed under:
Arthritis - Research
Powerful Arthritis Pain Relief For All Of Us
When you ask what arthritis is, professinals will tell you
it’s inflammation of one or more joints. But you know it
better as pain, swelling, stiffness, deformity, and/or a
diminished range of motion of those joints! It’s estimated
that over 50 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis and other related conditions.

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

Filed under: Arthritis - Research
There are two main types of arthritis: inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Inflammatory arthritis can be treated naturally without drugs. Inflammatory arthritis’ symptoms (such as Rheumatoid Arthritis) are exactly what they sound like: inflammation, redness and swelling in the joints. Sometimes there will even be a temperature change in the area affected. Also, in the hand, you may notice that some fingers may look like they are turning away from the thumb (ulnar deviation). This type of arthritis is primarily an auto-immune response. This means that the body believes it is under attack by an invader, such as an infection of some kind. However,this is not the case and the body ends up “attacking” the toxins that have built up in the joint capsules. Alternative treatment for this type of arthritis is fairly simple. Since the problem is caused by toxins in the joints, then the solution is to remove these toxins. There are actually several ways to detoxify the body. One of these is fasting. Using juice fasts,fruit fasts or other types of fasts can be very effective. However, it takes a very disciplined individual to actually finish one of these programs. There are several good books to help you if you planon doing a fast, one of my personal favorites is “Dr. Jensen’s Guide to Better Bowel Care"", by Bernard Jensen. Another way to detox is cleansing the colon with a colonic irrigation or similar procedure. This procedure should be done by a professional since there are some minimum hygiene standards that should be followed. In this procedure, a tube is inserted into the rectum and filtered water is constantly irrigated into the colon-and fecal matter and other wastes flowing out at the same time. People that have this performed often report they see waste products from foods they have not eaten in years. A third way to cleanse is by supplementing your diet with large quantities of fiber and herbal supplements. This method is probably best for most Americans. Not because it is more effective than the other two, but because of it’s ease of execution. One good way to see if this type of treatment will help is to buy an inexpensive psyllium supplement and take it three times per day for two days. If you do notice an improvement in your symptoms,then go ahead and purchase a complete cleanse program of some kind. If you are performing a cleanse you should modify your diet in several ways: increase the consumption of leafy green vegetables, decrease the consumption of dairy, red meat and other mucus-producing foods. And probably the most important-increase your intake of clean filtered water to at least a gallon per day. One note of caution: when doing any type of cleanse, you may experience a healing crisis. On the third or fourth day or a cleanse regimen, you may experience symptoms such as sore throat, headache, lightheadedness, bad breath or pimples. Don’t panic! this is a normal response and indicates that the cleanse is working and the toxins are beginning to leave your body. Depending on your toxicity level, you may experience some relief by simply having a bowel movement. If the healing crisis becomes too uncomfortable, then be sure to discontinue the program and consult a health care professional. The goal is to find the type of treatment that is correct for you and see it until the end. You will find that these treatments are more successful in helping arthritis than the traditional medical solution of pain killers and drugs. © 2000 Daniel DeReuter, D.C. Daniel DeReuter, D.C. is a chiropractor practicing in Dalton, GA. He operates a website http://www.deepdownwellness.com that provides alternative health tips and information.

10/15/2005

Old Folk-Home Remedies To Relieve Arthritis And Rheumatism

I have created this blog about arthritis pain and will attempt to gather pertinent information that will offer assistance and help in dealing with the woes, pain and effects of arthritis. Having had to deal with the aches and pains of arthritis for several years now, I am in an ongoing search for ways and information that will help us in dealing with the moderate to severe effects that arthritis pain takes on our daily lives. I hope you find some of the information helpful and beneficial. As in any quest such as this , always examine, question and take with a grain of salt some of the cures and offers of assitance in getting rid of the pain that is inherent in dealing with arthritis. My best to all of you , and now we begin…..