Arthritis refers to more than 100 conditions that are characterized by inflammation in one or more joints.
The term arthritis comes from the Greek word "arthon" which means joint. The causes of arthritis are diverse. It can be an acute or chronic condition.
There is no miracle solution to treat arthritis, but there are three common problems that can be treated.
Osteoarthritis, also known as osteoarthritis, is the most common form of arthritis. It is a form of wear and tear arthritis associated with an inflammatory process. It mainly affects the areas that carry part of the body's weight such as the feet, knees, hips, back and neck. However, it is not limited to these areas.
It can develop in joints that are used repeatedly. For example, arthritis can develop in an electrician's elbow or a baseball pitcher's shoulder. Arthritis can be diagnosed by x-rays, by the presence of pain, swelling, redness and heat in the joints.
The most common treatment for this type of problem is often a prescription anti-inflammatory medication or pain medication found on pharmacy shelves. These treatments are not necessarily the best solution. There is no magic bullet to treat arthritis, but there are three common problems that can be treated.
Inflammation
The first problem is inflammation; we must limit its production. Preliminary studies suggest a possible link between chronic inflammation and saturated fats in red meats, dairy products and chicken skin. The same is true for trans fats found in hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils such as some margarines and fried foods in general. Conversely, mono-saturated fats such as olive oil do not appear to cause increased inflammation. Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil and flaxseed oil have anti-inflammatory effects when ingested in large doses.
Studies have shown that arthritis worsens three times faster in individuals with vitamin D deficiency. It has been shown that 10 minutes a day in the sun without sunscreen is sufficient to replenish vitamin D.
Fruits and vegetables such as oranges, peppers, pumpkins, tangerines and papayas contain carotenoids called beta-cryptoxanthin. Some studies suggest that a diet rich in carotenoids reduces inflammation by 51 days. It is therefore obvious that eating it once a week does not eliminate the problem.
Fighting inflammation also means making sure you have enough nutrients for the body to make anti-inflammatory compounds. These most important nutrients are vitamin B6, magnesium, zinc, niacin and vitamin C. It is important to remember that taking these supplements will not necessarily solve the problem of inflammation. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another. This is why the chiropractor's nutrient recommendations are provided on an individual basis following a thorough examination.
It is important to monitor your weight. There is a lot of evidence that obesity increases the risk of developing arthritis. Weight loss reduces stress on the joints. One study showed that losing one pound of body weight reduces the weight on the knees by four pounds.
Some foods contain allergens that the body must constantly fight against and can, in some cases, cause or aggravate the symptoms of arthritis. The most common foods that make arthritis symptoms worse are wheat, corn, cow's milk and red meats. The best way to find out which food(s) can cause arthritis symptoms is through an elimination diet.
Cartilages
The second problem that needs to be addressed is cartilage degradation. Cartilage is the tissue that covers the bony surfaces of the joints. To have good cartilage, you must have enough sulfur in your body and maintain an adequate glucose metabolism. Sulphur is found in foods such as onions, garlic, broccoli, cauliflower and brussels sprouts. Although people with arthritis often need to take sulphur supplements (such as the amino acid L-Cysteine), the problem is that the sulphur supply has been depleted. The liver uses sulphur for hormone detoxification. Too much cortisone, especially due to its production by the body in a state of stress, only makes the problem worse. The same is true for hormone replacement therapies such as synthetic ones.
The other major factor that depletes sulfur stores is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, aspirin, naproxen and celebrex that are ingested by a patient. These anti-inflammatory drugs that are taken to reduce pain deplete the sulphur a person needs to help the joints function without discomfort. It is therefore important to have a supply of sulphur to reduce the symptoms of arthritis and repair the joints. That's why a person who is deficient in sulphur and takes glucosamine sulphate will feel better.
Glucose
Adequate glucose metabolism does not mean you have to eat a lot of carbohydrates to get more glucose. On the contrary, one should eat foods with a high glycemic index and eliminate sweets so as not to develop insulin resistance.
The glycemic index is a scale that ranks foods according to the increase in blood glucose levels compared to a reference food, either glucose or white bread. A balanced blood sugar level in tissues is necessary to combine with sulphur to make glucosamine sulphate and rebuild joints.
Treatment
To improve the living condition of a person with arthritis, the affected area must be treated directly with certain forms of therapy. A Doctor of Chiropractic trained in Applied Kinesiology ensures that the muscles surrounding the joint are functioning normally to provide good support. Also, he makes sure that all the bones involved in the joint are properly aligned. Taking care of injuries, old or recent, is beneficial.
Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, causes inflammation throughout the body, which distinguishes it from osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis described above. The joints of the hands, wrists and feet are often the first to be affected and become deformed. Curiously, this type of arthritis manifests itself from early adulthood. Although scientists have not yet discovered its cause, it seems to be autoimmune in origin and influenced by genetic background and lifestyle habits, especially diet. The same treatment is used as for osteoarthritis.