Asthma & Arthritis Health Articles

With 10 million or more people with arthritis, the majority of them will have degenerative arthritis. This arthritis is called Osteoarthritis. Degenerative arthritis occurs when joints are overworked, rub against each other, experience excess friction, and slowly degenerate.

Most joints rub against each other, but bone joints have a protective layer called cartilage. This cartilage has no blood vessels or nerves so it cannot receive nutrients directly. This cartilage serves as a cushion or pad between bones so that bones don’t wear out and so you don’t feel pain.

Cartilage should not wear out if its surfaces remain lubricated with oils that you eat. But if you are not eating the right oils or the proper amount, then your cartilage can become dry. Under these conditions you will slowly deteriorate the cartilage, which will lead to degenerative arthritis.

Once your cartilage becomes damage or grinded down, it is hard to regenerate it. Cartilage is not a living tissue and does not receive its nourishment directly from blood vessels. It is made up of mucin, albumin and sulfuric acid. It absorbs oils and nutrients by osmosis.

Osmosis is the movement of oil from an area of high oil concentration passing through a membrane into an area of low oil concentration. So if the cartilage is deficient in oil and you don’t eat the oil it needs to minimize cartilage-to-cartilage friction, then degenerative arthritis will occur over time.

Eating oil that is high in vitamin D and iodine is what is necessary for good cartilage strength and function. Oil such as cod liver oil is ideal as lubrication for cartilage function. Fish oil is another good oil to eat. When you eat cod liver oil, this oil passes through the joint lining into the joint cavity. Once in the cavity, this oil is absorbed into the cartilage through osmosis.

Once the cartilage is properly lubricated, it has an elasticity and lubrication so that when it rubs against other cartilage little friction and cartilage degeneration occurs.

There is another process that can affect the integrity of the cartilage. Calcium can deposit on the bone near the cartilage and breaking to the cartilage and wear it down.

To prevent this condition, calcium must be kept in solution in the lymph liquid. This is done by maintain a balance diet.

Degenerative arthritis is a process where the cartilage at the end of bones in joint structures slowly degrades. This degradation occurs from the lack of the right oil in the diet and through calcium build up in the bone joint. Joint degeneration starts to occur after the age of 20 and can continue if the right diet if not followed.

Eating the right food to prevent degenerative arthritis is difficult to do if you have been brought up eating the wrong kinds of food. But as an adult you can now make a choice as to whether you will have Osteoarthritis when you get older by eating the foods.

What is meant by Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a very commonly found form of arthritis. It is a disease that gets worsened over a period of time and leads to painful swelling and permanent damage in the joints of the body particularly the fingers, wrists, feet and ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease i.e. a disease in which the body’s immune system damages its own tissues. The injured tissues cause reddening, swelling and pain in the particular area. Apart from inflammatory joints, this disease can even hit one’s internal organs such as lungs, eyes and heart. It is therefore a systemic ailment that often produces excruciating intolerable pain.

People prone to Rheumatoid Arthritis

Women especially between 20 to 60 years of age are more susceptible to develop Rheumatoid arthritis due to the innumerable hormonal alterations in their body because of various reasons. However, young and the old, anyone can be afflicted by this autoimmune systemic disease.

Symptoms and Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Pain, irritation, stiffness, extreme weariness after doing day’s work and even swelling of joints, mark the onset of arthritis. If the situation deteriorates gradually, it is definitely Rheumatoid arthritis.

Contrary to gradual development, in some cases the disease might just hit within few seconds with inflammation and fever.

The stiffness of joints and tiredness because of Rheumatoid arthritis is extreme and hampers the individual’s daily activities. The problem may trouble more during winter season.

A burning pain in the joints (left or right hand, cartilage and bone etc.) that prolongs for six weeks or more at a stretch indicates Rheumatoid Arthritis. But if the pain travels to individual’s sacroiliac joints of lower back or to the upper spine, the disease is other than this one.

Factors that invoke the disease

No strict causes for Rheumatoid Arthritis have been discovered as yet. But investigations and experience have revealed many some constantly occurring or usual factors that have led to its development.

The individual with a family history of Rheumatoid Arthritis is greatly liable to be afflicted by it. But particularly what infested thing gets passed on from affected ancestors to the patient still needs to be explored.

Acute stress is supposed to be another reason behind Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Different viruses such as mononucleosis can cause Rheumatoid Arthritis. Other than this, infections like strep throat lead to the ailment.

Prevention and Cures

Diagnosis commences with some crucial tests. These tests determine the severity or the stage of rheumatoid arthritis for the individual. Once rheumatoid arthritis is confirmed, anti-rheumatic drugs are prescribed. Anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, ibuprofen etc. are prescribed initially and more often to those who are suffering from mild form of the disease. But when the case gets worse, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs or DMARDs are given. Corticosteroids like prednisone, narcotics; chemotherapy drugs for instance Cytoxan; anti-organ rejection medicines such as cyclosporine are examples of DMARDs. Arava, Enbrel or Etanercept and Methotrexate are by and large recommended medicines to patients of Rheumatoid arthritis. But as many other antibiotics, these drugs too have numerous side-effects which should be borne in mind before advising them.

Besides medicines patients even find therapies like acupressure and acupuncture quite relieving. In many cases of Rheumatoid arthritis, patients also desire to go for a surgery.

Arthritis, whether it is osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout, have the common symptoms of inflammation of one or more joints. This is accompanied by pain, swelling and sometimes joint deformity. Traditionally, with herbal medicine, anti-inflammatory herbs such as black cohosh, feverfew, yucca and wild yam were recommended. And a naturopath might prescribe vitamins like vitamin A, the B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Plus a host of minerals like chelated zinc, chelated calcium and magnesium, copper salicylate, selenium and bromelain. And supplements like evening primrose and fish oils, glucosmaine, and superoxide dismutase, which is found in good quality dehydrated (but not juiced) green barley powder.

But scientists have found some very effective anti-inflammatory agents in our own kitchen. Some of them, like ginger, can be bought as a supplement. And due to ginger’s strong taste, this might be a preferable way of taking it to get the quantities you need for a significant anti-inflammatory effect. But others, like olive oil, can easily be integrated into the daily diet. Cinnamon is not commonly used as a supplement here, but in India it has a rich traditional use and may be available as part of an Ayurvedic supplement.

Ginger

One of the active constituents in ginger is a phenolic compound known as gingerols. These have been found to have a strong anti-inflammatory effect. In a study reported in the Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Journal, the participants who took the ginger compound had significantly less pain during movement than those who took the placebo. This study followed 29 people over 12 months, and also found that swelling in the knees was also reduced.

However, if you are taking blood thinning medication like warfarin, you may need to be careful about the amount of ginger you take, as ginger can thin the blood also. (Australian Healthy Food)

Cinnamon

This rather delicious spice has a number of health benefits. Specific to inflammation and arthritis, cinnamon can help inhibit the release of inflammatory fatty acids. (Australian Healthy Food)

Yellow and Orange Fruits and Vegetables

Some of the carotenoids in yellow and orange fruit and vegetables help reduce inflammation. Carotenoids are what gives these vegetables and fruit their color. (Australian Healthy Food)

Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil acts similar to the anti-inflammatory drug ibuprofen, though it doesn’t have the immediate pain relieving effects that ibuprofen does. But a compund found in extra virgin olive oil, called oleocanthal has been found to inhibit the COX enzymes like ibuprofen, in what researchers describe as a ‘dose dependant’ manner. This research was originally reported in the September, 2005 issue of Nature magazine by Paul Breslin and his associates from Monell Chemical Senses Center. He describes oleocanthal as a natural anti-inflammatory compound that is potentially as strong as ibuprofen. He suggests that taken over the long term, it will have the same potential benefits that long term use of ibuprofen does. Their results found that taking 50 grams of extra virgin olive oil is equal to approximately 10% of the dosage of ibuprofen recommended for pain relief for adults. Olive oil also has a host of other benefits, including a heart protective effect.

Interestingly, scientists have also found that a diet high in refined grains, sugary soft drinks, processed meat and even diet soft drinks can encourage both inflammation and type 2 diabetes.

Resources:
1. http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com/news/ng.asp?id=62217
2. Australian Healthy Food Magazine, November 2005 Issue
3. Australian Healthy Food Magazine, January 2006 Issue
4. P Bedson, The Complete Family Guide To Natural Healing (Hinkler Books)

Selenium, a trace mineral that is essential to health, is emerging as a nutrition powerhouse — yet few people are aware of its importance, or where to get it.

Most recently, a study by researchers at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill Thurston Arthritis Center found that low levels of selenium are linked to knee osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis. The study, which began 15 years ago and involves 940 people, found:

For every additional tenth of a part per million of selenium, participants’ risk of knee osteoarthritis decreased 15-20 percent.

Those with lower-than-normal levels of selenium in their systems had a higher risk of the condition in one or both knees.

The severity of participants’ arthritis was related to how low their selenium levels were.

“We are very excited about these findings because no one had ever measured body selenium in this way in relationship to osteoarthritis,” said study leader Dr. Joanne Jordan of UNC.

“Our results suggest that we might be able to prevent or delay osteoarthritis of the knees and possibly other joints in some people if they are not getting enough selenium. That’s important because the condition, which makes walking painful, is the leading cause of activity limitation among adults in developed countries,” Jordan said.

Selenium: An Antioxidant Powerhouse Against Disease

When you consume selenium, it’s incorporated into proteins to make selenoproteins — potent antioxidant enzymes that help prevent cellular damage from free radicals.

Selenoproteins also help regulate thyroid function and the immune system, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS). It is also known to be protective against a host of chronic diseases, aside from osteoarthritis.

Cancer: Selenium is thought to protect against cancer through its antioxidant content. It also may slow or prevent tumor growth by enhancing the immune system and suppressing blood vessels to the tumor. Studies on the topic have yielded interesting results:

Death from lung, colorectal and prostate cancers is lower among people with higher levels/intake of selenium.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer occurs more frequently in areas of the United States that have little selenium in their soil.

In a 1983-1990 study, those taking a daily selenium supplement had a significantly lower rate of prostate, colorectal, lung and total cancers than those who did not.

Heart disease: As noted by the ODS, a lower antioxidant intake has been linked with a greater incidence of heart disease. Further, selenium may limit the oxidation of bad (LDL) cholesterol, which may help prevent coronary artery disease.

HIV: Antioxidant nutrients like selenium may help slow the progression of HIV/AIDS. A deficiency of the nutrient is also linked to decreased immune cell counts, increased disease progression and a high risk of death among people with HIV/AIDS.

Cognitive decline: Low levels of selenium have been linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly.

Cataracts and macular degeneration: Selenium’s antioxidant activity fights free radicals that may damage the eye’s lens and macula at the center of the retina. This may help prevent cataracts and macular degeneration, which are the two most common causes of blindness in elderly Americans.

Cold sores and shingles: Cold sores and shingles that erupt from the herpes virus may be suppressed by selenium because it boosts the immune system. One study published in Agriculture Research also found that mice with low levels of selenium were particularly susceptible to herpes virus outbreaks.

The Best Ways to Increase Your Selenium Intake

“If you were just growing most of your own food in soil that did not have much selenium and not eating vegetables and meat from elsewhere, you could potentially get in trouble with selenium deficiency,” Jordan said. That’s because the selenium content of your food is highly dependent on the level of selenium in the soil where the food was grown.

In the United States, for instance, soil in northern Nebraska and the Dakotas have very high levels of selenium. So high, in fact, that people living in these areas typically have the highest selenium intakes in the country, says the ODS.

Soil in certain areas of China and Russia, on the other hand, are known to contain very low levels of the mineral, and deficiency is often reported in these regions.

Since most people in the United States generally eat food from a variety of regions, low soil levels of selenium usually don’t present a problem. Still, there are certain foods to focus on if you want to be sure you have enough selenium in your system. Try snacking on:

Brazil nuts (one nut contains 120 mcg, about twice the Recommended Daily Allowance)
Tuna, cod and flounder
Oysters and shrimp
Chicken and turkey
Beef
Oats
Brown rice
Eggs
Wheat germ
Sunflower seeds

The best way to get selenium is from foods, as it is possible to overdose on this nutrient.

High blood levels of selenium can result in selenosis, a condition that results in mild nerve damage, gastrointestinal upset, hair loss, fatigue, irritability, white blotchy nails and a garlic odor on the breath. The most selenium an adult should get in a day is 400 micrograms, according to the Institute of Medicine’s tolerable upper intake level.

Aromatherapy is a Greek word, aroma means fragrance and therapy means treatment and the term “aromatherapie” was created by French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefosse in about 1928.

The history of aromatherapy dates back to about 4500 BC and there is evidence in the Bible of the use of Essential Oils for therapeutic and religious purposes (Frankincense, Ravensara and Spikenard).

There are historical evidences to prove that essential oils were used by Egyptians, Greeks, Romans and Persians. In ancient Egypt the essential oils were used for mummification and for embalming the dead bodies and the plant oils were also used for mental relaxation and therapeutic use.

Hippocrates, referred to as the father of medicine, used and experimented with herb oils to relieve pain and some ailments. He promoted the beneficial effects of herb oils by advocating oil baths, essential oil massages and cosmetics prepared from essential oils. There is a consensus that the use of herbal oils first originated in Egypt where they used the herb oil for mummification and embalming the dead. Thereafter, it was borrowed by Greeks and from which the Romans learnt it to treat wounded gladiators.

The Romans were good chemists and they knew the art of extracting oils from plants and flowers. They made new composition of oils by importing raw material from east India and Arabia. The most important discovery made in Persian civilization was steam distillation of plants which produced true essential oils.

Earlier methods used only produced herbal water. Ibn Sina was the man who invented a pipe in which the plants were steam distilled to create a medicine. He was also the first one to distill alcohol and perfume.

There is evidence in an old Chinese medical book about the use herbs for the treatment of various ailments. The uses of herbal medicines by the Chinese were of the same period as the Egyptians.

In the nineteenth century many industries were set up which produced essential oils and they were marketed as perfumes and cosmetics.

The history of aromatherapy can be noted in India in the form of treatment called ayurveda, which is about three thousand years old. Even today this form of medicine is very popular. Kerela, a state of India is very famous for producing medicinal plants and essential oils. The medicinal qualities of these herbs are well known and attract people from all over the world for treatments of various diseases.

Aromatherapy is a natural alternative therapy using essential oils, also known as Aromatherapy Oils. As you can see this practice has been used for thousands of years and is still extremely popular in today’s society.

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