What is Arthritis?

I have many people ask 'what is arthritis'?

Arthritis is rarely life-threatening, but it is lifestyle-threatening. It is a chronic condition of the body.



Types of Arthritis

There are two types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis accounts for more impairment of function among middle-aged and older adults than any other disease category.

Gout is also known as Gout Arthritis.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis?

It is characterized by joint discomfort and can cause painfully deformed joints and harm organ systems when in its most serious stage.

No longer does it appear that osteoarthritis is purely the result of wear and tear, or that rheumatoid arthritis is purely the result of immunological over-activity.

An interesting discovery is that Lyme disease when it becomes a chronic condition in the body can trigger rheumatoid arthritis along with other serious illnesses.

What is Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is known as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis. In a joint afflicted with osteoarthritis, the cartilage that covers and cushions the ends of the bones degenerates, allowing the bones to rub together.

Symptoms of Osteoarthritis

Bone/joint inflammation may not be quite accurate as osteoarthritis has more joint pain rather than inflammation.

Nutritional Supplements - Glucosamine has no known side effects.

Glucosamine is effective for humans as well as animals.

Osteoarthritis can be stopped in its tracks or reversed by using this natural supplement.

Arthritis and Diet

There are foods to be avoided and there are specific foods that will directly increase or decrease both inflammation and pain within an arthritic joint.

I would recommend a Candida Diet.

The worst food intakes are eggs, bread, milk, meat, salt and sugar, because these all cause arthritic calcification.

Drinking extremely hard water will frequently accentuate an arthritic condition.

What Kitchen Herbs Will Help

Ginger

Ginger Root continues to be used in TCM to help decrease pain and inflammation. I also keep Nature's Sunshine's Ginger Capsules in my herb cupboard, just in case I do not have fresh ginger available.

It is a natural supplement to take for the treatment of osteoarthritis for its anti-inflammatory effect.

Other uses for ginger, while we're talking about ginger. Ginger can be taken for many reasons. When going on that long awaited boat cruises, it helps with travel sickness.

When Ginger is used in the bathtub, it helps rid the body of fever.

Turmeric

Turmeric, also known as Curcuma longa, is a perennial herb that naturally grown in Southern Asia and throughout the Caribbean.

Turmeric or Curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects has been compared to hydro-cortisone and phenylbutazone.

Turmeric has been used primarily for flavour, especially in curry dishes.

Capsicum

There are over 50 different species of Capsicum. The most common are paprika, cayenne and chili peppers.

As an herbal remedy Capsicum has been used to increase circulation, aid digestion and anti-inflammatory properties.

The active ingredients in capsicum are capsaicinoids or capsaicin, which has a direct effect on inflammation and pain in the body.

I keep capsules of Capsicum in my medicine cabinet as well as my kitchen cupboard.

A very handy tip for it's use in the kitchen besides cooking - it will help coagulate blood flow if you cut yourself with that favourite kitchen knife. Just pour it directly on the injury. It stings! But it works!

Aloe Vera

Whole leaf aloe vera juice also builds the immune system to help fight arthritis, AIDS, cancer and other degenerative illnesses.

Again and again you might ask - what is arthritis?

Remember with the word ending in 'itis' - it just means 'inflammation'. In this case, it is inflammation of the joints.

Now, when someone asks you - what is arthritis - you can answer them and perhaps put their minds at rest.

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