What is Arthritis

Arthritis is defined as inflammation of the joints, where the patient experiences severe pain, swelling, and stiffness. It is one of the most common causes of disability in the United States, affecting more than 21 million adults. The joint disorder impacts a large section of the population above 65 years of age, with 60% of patients being women. As per concerted estimates, more than 67 million people in the United States would be affected by this disease by 2030.
Arthritis is not a single disease but includes a number of them:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid
• Infectious
• Juvenile rheumatoid

What Causes Arthritis

This condition can be caused due to injury, hereditary factors, metabolic abnormalities, overactive immune system, and viral/bacterial infections.   However, recent studies have found that wheat and gluten play a huge role in triggering flare-ups.   Luckily it is easier to follow a wheat and gluten diet these days,  as you can find gluten-free recipes and gluten/grain-free options at most supermarkets.

Have yourself or loved one tested for gluten intolerance then follow a process of elimination diet to see how your body reacts with and without gluten or grains.    This debilitation condition is associated with extreme pain, discomfort, and limited function of the joints, tendons, and ligaments.  Redness, pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints are some of the symptoms, which can also affect some organs of the body that are not linked to the joints.
Such symptoms include fever, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the gland, weight loss and abnormalities in the heart, kidney, or lungs. The symptoms of different kinds of arthritis include:

• Osteoarthritis

  – The symptoms grow gradually and become worse with time. Sharp pain in the joint is noticed. Other symptoms like tenderness, swelling and stiffness can also be noticed. Bone spurs can be found around the joint. Knees, spine, hips, and hands are the most affected region of this kind. Over 27 million Americans are suffering from osteoarthritis.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

  – Swollen, stiff, and inflamed joints are some of the symptoms of (RA). It affects the arms, legs, wrists, shoulders, feet, elbows, hips, neck, jaw, and fingers. People with RA feel extremely tired. In some cases, this type  is also accompanied by weight loss.

• Infectious arthritis (IA)

  – In this kind of arthritis, the patient suffers from fever and experiences joint inflammation. These symptoms are often linked to an injury or another type of illness. Elbow, shoulder, knee, finger, and wrist are the most affected parts in (IA)

• Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA)

  – This type of arthritis usually affects children. The patient suffers from discontinuous fever, and the temperature rises in the evening and disappears suddenly. Weight loss, rashes on arms and legs, and anemia are some symptoms of JRA. The patient experiences stiffness in hips and neck.

Treatment For Arthritis

While a number of surgeries are available for (RA), they certainly pose a risk of side effects. True, it can be quite disabling and painful. Nevertheless, some natural remedies ease the pain experienced and even reverse this ailment without posing any kind of threat of side effects.

Diet
Several studies have linked this condition with chronic inflammation.  Chronic inflammation occurs when the body responds, However, lifestyle changes can make a significant difference in treating its symptoms and reducing flares up.  An anti-inflammatory diet is recommended in order to address the root cause of this disease.  Some of the best foods include:

• Fermented Foods
• Eat more vegetables or Juice them
• Removing gluten and even dairy from your diet
• Avoiding sugary foods and simple carbs which turn into sugar (Inflammatory)
• Avoid alcohol
• Consume lots of Turmeric (excellent natural anti-inflammatory properties) I love the organic raw powder or you can supplement it (try it here). Finally, make this ancient golden paste. 

Now it is your turn.  Do you take medications for Arthritis or have you switched to the natural treatments?
Have they worked?
How has your journey to healing it naturally been?

Image source by ALAMY