Fighting Arthritis Through Nutritional Healing By Michael Russell If your aching joints are giving you enough problems to last you a lifetime, you can be just another victim of arthritis. Of the many forms of arthritis, two forms currently stand out as the most common aggressors besieging the American population – osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It was reported that a staggering 15.8 million Americans are afflicted with osteoarthritis while 2.1 millions more are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Now, that’s quite a large number of people, isn’t it? It is also interesting to note that there are more women who are going through this painful experience – thrice as much for osteoarthritis and twice as much for rheumatoid arthritis cases. And if this doesn’t seem enough, even young people are not safe from this disease. In fact, it was recently reported that more than 70,000 American minors, are afflicted with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis! Being afflicted with arthritis might be downright debilitating and extremely discomforting at times, but you do not need to suffer like that indefinitely. You can do something to fight back and reclaim your life. And one of the most effective strategies in handling arthritis is through nutritional healing. By incorporating herbs, vitamins, minerals and other food supplements, you can definitely break from the chains that bind you with arthritis! Here are some nutritional healing strategies that you might find especially useful in handling the pain brought about by the many forms of arthritis: - Bring out the primrose oil. Taking 2 capsules of primrose oil two times a day can help control the pain and inflammation resulting from arthritis. You can also try salmon oil for this purpose – it exerts the same action as primrose oil.
- Ever heard of superoxide dismutase? Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a proven destroyer of free radicals. It can help in preventing the disease from getting worse.
- Take calcium and magnesium supplements - These minerals are required to prevent further bone loss. For best results, take 2,000 milligrams of calcium and 1,000 milligrams of magnesium daily. It would be advisable to use the chelate form of these supplements – they are by far the most effective.
- Coenzyme Q10 - This has been proven to increase tissue oxygenation and aids in repairing damaged connective tissues.
- Try the power of garlic - Taking 2 capsules of odorless garlic 3 times a day will greatly inhibit the formation of free radicals that wreaks havoc to your joints. A word of caution – take garlic capsules along with your meal to avoid any untoward side effects.
- Don’t forget your B vitamins! The B vitamins can be very good for you, especially now that you are suffering from arthritis. Vitamin B3 plus B6 dilates the small arteries thus increasing the blood flow to the affected joints to help reduce the swelling. Vitamin B12 plus folic acid, on the other hand, aids in the production of myelin (the protective covering of the nerves) and prevents nerve damage.
- Never underestimate the power of vitamin C! Vitamin C is one of the most powerful destroyers of free radicals. For best results, take 3,000 to 10,000 milligrams (in divided doses) daily.
- Take vitamin E - A daily supplementation using 400 IU of vitamin E can also bring you great rewards. Vitamin E is another powerful antioxidant that can take care of those damaging free radicals and it may also help in mobilizing your joints.
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Arthritis Article Source: EzineArticles.com |
