Arthritis

Arthritis, which involves inflammation of the joints (accompanied by pain, swelling and deterioration of the joints) is a common problem in modern society. It is now the number one cause of disability in America with one in every seven people suffering from this ailment. It was once a problem largely confined to the elderly, but is now affecting people at younger and younger ages.

There are two basic types of arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a non-inflammatory degenerative joint disease that affects the tissue and fluid between the bones. This results in pain, stiffness or restricted movement and weakness. It can develop over time from everyday wear and tear on the joints or even a lack of enzymes in the diet.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Theoretically, the body gets confused and attacks its own joints. Viral infection or toxins in the tissue may be the real cause of rheumatoid arthritis.

Many arthritis sufferers are using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Initially, these drugs may knock out the pain and seem like a solution, but they are not removing the cause and because they are toxins themselves will eventually contribute to further breakdown of the body. Other arthritis sufferers opt to use corticosteroids or undergo surgical repair or replacement. Killing pain does not get rid of the cause of arthritis. In natural therapy we are seeking to eliminate root causes.

Arthritis is caused by irritation to the joints. The irritation must come from somewhere. Remove the irritant causing the problem and irritation to the joints ceases. Joint irritation comes from three major sources. The first is structural stress (mechanical wear or damage). The second is chemical stress, environmental toxins and nutritional deficiencies that weaken the joints. Emotional stress (being “frozen” in our lives) can be a third source of arthritis.

In working with arthritis naturally, start by drawing better circulation into the affected areas to help them to heal. Massage and gentle stretching exercises combined with topical applications of Tei Fu Essential oils or Deep Relief oils will also help ease pain.

Alkalizing the diet is very helpful for reducing irritation to the joints. This means balancing highly acid forming foods like meat, dairy, grain, nuts and beans with more alkaline-forming foods like fruits and vegetables.

There are a number of increasingly popular supplements to help with arthritis and joint pain. They are:

MSM (MethylSulfonylMethane), a sulfur compound, Sulfur, the eighth most abundant element in the human body, has a long history as a healing agent. For centuries mankind has soaked in sulfur-rich mineral hot springs to help heal a variety of ailments. MSM supplies biologically active sulfur. It helps with liver detoxification and studies show it helps ease arthritis pain in many individuals.

Glucosamine is an amino sugar normally found in the human body and is the base material for making up mucous membranes, ligaments, tendons and synovial fluid in the joints. It helps joints to heal.

Chondroitin is a long chain of repeating sugars found naturally in the joints and connective tissues. It helps to produce new cartilage and protects existing cartilage. Chondroitin interferes with enzymes that destroy cartilage molecules and enzymes that prevent nutrients from reaching the cartilage. Collagen is another major supportive tissue in the human body. Cartilage, ligaments and tendons are primarily made of collagen.

All of the above compounds are found in Everflex.

Collatrim Plus and Collatrim Capsules both contain collagen. Where cartilage is damaged, Collatrim helps to prevent hardening of this tissue and helps cartilage to heal. A few grams a day can help restore mobility to the joints.

There are a number or excellent herbal products that also help arthritis. Herbs can supply nutrients to help damaged joints to rebuild. Silica adds resiliency to joints so they are less susceptible to damage. It is found in horsetail, Dulse Liquid and HSN-W.

Calcium is important for joints, but taking calcium supplements doesn’t help unless other elements are present for assimilation and utilization, including Vitamin D, silica, boron and magnesium. Skeletal Strength contains all of these nutrients and is the best calcium supplement for helping with joint repair. Still, many people actually do better with the herbal calcium found in Herbal CA, which also promotes bone and joint healing.

Anti-inflammatory herbs can reduce joint inflammation, aid in detoxification and ease arthritis symptoms. Joint Support and Joint Health are two excellent formulas that help with this problem. Combination Eight or APS II will also help reduce inflammation and pain. As an alternative to NSAIDs Triple Relief can be used to ease pain. However, underlying causes still need to be addressed.

For dealing with the calcium deposits often present in osteoarthritis see information under Calcium Deposits.

If the kidneys are weak and not filtering acids properly from the blood, KB-C will help.

The following is a complete list of products that have been used for arthritis. You can find all these great products at www.mynsp.com/herbsplus

7-Keto, Alfalfa, All Cell Detox, Aloe Vera, Anamu, APS II, Arthritis Remedy, Black Currant Oil, Blue Cohosh, Bone/Skin Poultice, Burdock, Capsicum, Chondroitin, Collatrim, Colloidal Minerals, Dandelion, Deep Relief Essential oil, Devil’s Claw, DHA, Evening Primrose Oil, EverFlex, Everflex Pain Cream, Feverfew, Flax Seed Oil, Garlic, Germanium Combination, Glucosamine, Gotu Kola, Grapine, Herbal CA, Horsetail, HSN Complex, HSN-W, Hydrangea, IF-C, IGF-1, Joint Health, Joint Support, KB-C, Kidney Drainage, Lemon Essential Oil, Licorice Root, Lymphatic Drainage, Magnesium, MSN, Nature’s Fresh, Nerve Eight, Noni (Morinda), Omega-3 Hi EPA, Oregano (Wild), Pau D’Arco, Phyto-Soy, PLS II, Red Beet Formula, Red Clover, Red Clover Blend, Rosemary, S.O.D. With Gliadin, Safflowers, Sarsaparilla, SC Formula, Super GLA, Tei Fu Oil, Thai-Go, Una de Gato, Valerian Root, Wild Yam, Wild Yam & Chaste Tree, Yucca


All Information in this article copied from The Comprehensive Guide to Nature's Sunshine Products published by the Tree of Light Publishing. Available at www.treelite.com