Vitamin C: Arthritis Cure Or Not?

Vitamin c successfully forms a part of the supplementation plan for many people suffering from arthritis.

There is a lot of evidence from many sources proving that supplementing with vitamin c can benefit diseases involving inflammation. It is also known that vitamin c plays a role in collagen synthesis, the main protein that is found in the joints of the body. Collagen is the main component of tendons, ligaments, cartilage and many other structures of the body. Healthy collagen means healthy joints.

Does vitamin c supplementation benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis?

Vitamin c has been found to be low in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. This is because vitamin c is an anti-oxidant which is used up to detoxify free radicals- something you find in abundance in inflammatory diseases.

A large study conducted between 1993 and 1997 involving 23000 men and women showed some benefit in taking higher amounts of vitamin c through your diet. During the study, which was actually meant to study cancer, the participants had to keep track of what they ate in a diary.

During this period, 73 of the participants developed symptoms that were related to rheumatoid arthritis. Compared to the other participants, the ones who developed rheumatoid arthritis, actually consumed less fruit and vegetables in their daily diets. Of course, fruit and vegetables contain a lot of vitamin c. The participants that ate the least amount of fruit and vegetables had about double the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis.

How does it work? As we have noted, vitamin c is a major factor in the collagen synthesis, which is the main protein in joint tissue. Remember also, that rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overreaction by the immune system. Some sources say that vitamin c has a calming effect on the immune system, acting on specific molecules (tenascin-C molecules) that causes and sustains inflammation in the joints.

But, vitamin c is a powerful anti-oxidant and therefore has a role to play in treating cardiovascular disease and rheumatoid arthritis, because these diseases are affected by free radicals and enzymes causing inflammation. Free radicals are found in the synovial fluids of inflamed joints, which suggest that free radicals are involved with the inflammation of the joint. Also, low levels of all the anti-oxidants are found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Indirectly then, the suggestion is therefore that patients with rheumatoid arthritis can benefit from increased amounts of anti-oxidants like vitamin c in their diets.

How much do you need? If you suffer from an inflammatory disease, doses can be anything from 3-10g per day. That is a lot of vitamin c compared to typical recommended daily allowances.

Rheumatoid Arthritis Early Symptoms

The early symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis are not always the easiest ones to spot. Thousands of other conditions can cause joint pain and swelling, which is a common symptom of RA. Overdoing certain types of physical activity may cause these signs as well. However, when the pain seems to be intermittent and has no common cause, it might be a clue that he or she suffers from the condition.

A person can easily miss the early symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis, but the condition is treatable, even if it cannot be cured. As with all auto-immune conditions, the body mistakes needed tissue for a pathogen. The linings between the joints wear away, eventually causing damage to the joints.

Because the body's own immune system causes this condition, a person may suspect something unusual is going on if he experiences joint pain, swelling, and a periodic fever. Depending on the severity, the fever and ongoing pain may or may not cause a patient to schedule an appointment with a doctor.

Noticing the early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis does not mean that a doctor will always diagnose the condition correctly. Firm nodules underneath the arm or legs may confirm that a patient has this condition, although the nodules themselves occur fairly late in the progress of the disease.

The exact cause of RA is unknown, although a person is more likely to get the disease if his mother or father suffered from it. Unlike osteoarthritis, the disease can strike at any age. Rheumatoid Arthritis is sometimes known as childhood Arthritis for this reason. Catching the early warning signs means a doctor can manage it before the damage to the joints becomes extensive. Extreme cases cause swelling in the arms or legs. Many people do not see a doctor before they experience this excessive swelling.

Causes of Water Retention - 10 Common Reasons For Swelling of the Body

Water retention is a common health problem that greatly affects the day to day activities of the sufferers. Water retention - medically referred to as edema - is the accumulation of excess fluid that leaks into the body tissues. The leakage will lead to swelling in all over the body (generalized swelling) or more localized swelling, such as swelling in legs, feet and ankles or fluid retention in abdominal, the face, hands, arms, and around the lungs.

Although there are many different conditions and diseases associated with the term water retention or edema, there are several more prominent causes of water retention. And here is some of them:

1. Arthritis
Arthritis, which means "joint inflammation", is described as an inflammation of one or more joints that involves the mechanical failure of cartilage resulting in joint pain, swelling, and limited movement. It can affect any joints in the body from hip, heel, spine, shoulder, knee to the big toe.

There are more than 100 different types of arthritis but the three most common types are: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Different types of arthritis show different symptoms. Common symptoms of arthritis include: persistent joint pain, fever, tenderness, joint swelling, stiffness, redness, joint malformation, inflexibility of joint and unexplained weight loss.

2. Kidney disorders
Certain form of kidney disorders such as kidney failure and glomerular disease will lead to swelling throughout the body as well as localized swelling in the abdominal, ankle, feet and leg swelling. This occurs because the kidneys have lost its normal functions including to efficiently removing salt and water out of the body. This will in turn cause the body to retain fluid and over time, get accumulated in the body tissues.

3. Chronic lung disease
Chronic lung disease is a general term of persistent lung disorders that damage the function of the lungs. Severe chronic lung disease will cause water retention in the body include fluid retention in lungs (pulmonary edema), ascites, neck, face, ankle and feet swelling. Chronic lung disease such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), smoke inhalation injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), lung cancer, mesothelioma, etc. may lead to pulmonary edema, abdominal edema / ascites, fluid retention in the neck and face, swelling in the ankles and feet.

4. Cirrhosis of the liver
Cirrhosis of the liver usually causes abdominal fluid retention. It also causes low protein albumin synthesis by the liver and results in legs and abdominal fluid retention.

5. Congestive heart failure, cardiomyopathy disease and heart valve disease
Congestive heart failure obstructs the normal circulation of the blood and often leads to water retention. Two most common causes of water retention in congestive heart failure patient are: (1) the blood flow to the heart backups and leaks into the lung and vein; (2) the kidney retain fluid due to the insufficient amount of blood flow. Both cardiomyopathy and heart valve disease are a variety of heart disease and lead to heart failure.

6. Excess sodium intake
In people who are more sensitive to sodium, excess sodium intake will raise the blood pressure and lead to water retention especially in the lower extremities such as swelling in the ankles and feet.

7. Gravity
Standing or sitting too long in one position because of occupation necessity or after long trips may cause fluid retention in legs. This is usually worsened in high temperatures.

8. Pregnancy
In some cases, the developing uterus in pregnant women may press the vena cava leading to fluid retention in the legs. Hormone imbalances and increased amount of blood flow also responsible for water retention during pregnancy. The most affected areas of swelling during pregnancy are in the lower extremities especially the ankles and feet.

9. Side effects of certain medication
Certain medication such as anabolic steroid, calcium channel blockers, levitra, methadone, etc. may affect the normal functions of the body and lead to swelling particularly in the legs, feet and ankles.

10. Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is a disturbance of the blood flow in the leg veins because of the damage of the veins itself or the valves causing the fluid to backup and leak into the surrounding tissues. This disorder is one of the most common causes of water retention in legs.

Look over the list of water retention causes and decide if you are indeed experiencing one or more. Remember, many diseases take years to appear after the symptom does. Thus, you should speak to your doctor if you have any questions regarding water retention in any parts of your body. Your doctor is the one who can tell you just what exactly the cause of your swelling and what treatment options will work best for you.

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis and Joint Pain Problem

Arthritis signs and symptoms vary with individuals. Here we will emphasize on some of the major signs and symptoms of arthritis and joint pain problem.

1. Pain is the first and foremost sign and symptom of arthritis. All arthritis patients suffer from excruciating joint pain. Pain due to arthritis is also termed as arthralgia. The word comes from Greek 'artho' meaning joint and 'algos' meaning pain. The root cause of the pain lies in the destructive and degenerative process involved in arthritis. In other words the cartilage degeneration and bone friction causes acute pain, as in case of osteoarthritis. Also inflammation of tissues around joints leads to pain as in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. Accumulation of fluids and uric acid crystals in between the joints also lead to pain.

2. Swelling is another sign and symptom of arthritis. At times it is also the primary symptom of arthritis. Little amount of fluid is always present in our joints under normal conditions. In a joint attacked by arthritis, the amount of fluid increases to abnormal proportions making the joint look swollen. This excess fluid is discharged by the soft tissues lining the joint. The tissues come under the effect of arthritis and produce large amount of fluids.

3. Stiffness or inflexibility at the joint is a symptom associated with swelling. Muscle tightness, inflammation of joint lining and calcification at the joints are triggering factors causing stiffness. In case of patients with much stiffness, the joints may become non-functional with time. Therefore stiffness if not checked may even lead to disability. The stiffness usually increases if the ailing joint is kept idle for a long time. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by severe stiffness early in the morning just after waking up. The stiffness comes down gradually as one gets in to activities.

4. Crepitus or a crunching or grating sound while moving an ailing joint is a common symptom of arthritis, noticeable in many. The word is derived from a Latin word meaning 'a rattle or crackling sound'. Crepitus is an indication of wearing out of cartilages in a joint. When crepitus occurs, along with the crunching sound, one feels some sensation in the affected joint. Crepitus is usually painless.

5. Deformity at joint is another arthritis symptom. It is common in case of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Bony outgrowths, swan neck deformity or bending of finger base, boutonniere deformity or flexion of PIP joint in the finger are common types of deformities caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Basal joint deformity or thumb carpometacarpal hyperextension deformity causes the thumb to stretch out and bend backward. This type is seen in patients with osteoarthritis.

6. Redness of skin around the affected joint is one sign and symptom. When some damage occurs at any part of the body, the immune system runs to destroy or eliminate the cause of damage. The same is true in case of joint damage as well. When the battle goes on, the result is redness in the external skin.

7. Arthritis patients also suffer from constipation or colitis.

Herbal Remedies for Arthritis: An Option To Consider

Many now are willing to consider herbal remedies for arthritis as they wish to reduce their reliance on using drugs. Herbal remedies for arthritis have been highly recommended by natural health experts.

Some of the herbs which are said to be effective for reducing inflammation and for pain relief include Chinese Thunder God Vine, feverfew, cat's claw, willow bark extract,and stinging nettle.

Reports also show that ginger and willow bark extract are effective herbal remedies for arthritis. Their only drawback is that they contain chemicals that are similar to conventional NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-Inflammatory compounds). The NSAIDs as drug compunds produce a few side effects. For example, they may cause inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines. If you ingest a substantial amount, they can also interfere with blood clotting or cause fluid retention.

Because of these reasons, they are considered harmful for those with high blood pressure or with heart diseases. In comparison to ginger and willow bark extract, Chinese Thunder God Vine seems to be better herbal remedies for arthritis as they can also relieve pain and joint inflammation quite well. However, it is best that they are not used over a prolonged period. Consuming too much may lead to osteoporosis.

Herbal remedies for arthritis can be brewed in the form of cleansing teas or soups. For the herbs, you can get them at a herbal store. Ask the herbalist to mix a concoction for you. Herbs come in different grades. You should always choose the best quality ones for your arthritis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine or Ayurveda Medicine also recommends boiling herbal remedies for arthritis to serve as a tonic soup or drink. You will need to consult a practitioner as he can then examine you and prescribe a preparation based on your specific condition. You will need to consume herbal remedies for arthritis over a period of time before you can feel any positive effects from them.

Herbal remedies for arthritis can also be consumed as a supplement. Just visit any vitamin supplement store to get them. Do ensure that you stick to recommended dosage instructions.

Herbal remedies for arthritis are worth considering especially if you wish to explore alternative methods to finding pain relief. Do ensure that your herbs do not interfere with drugs that you are taking for other medical conditions as well. Be sure to check with your doctor first.

Ayurvedic Remedies For Arthritis

HERBS USED IN THE TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIS

Herbs can be very effectively used in the treatment of arthritis. Some of the most commonly used herbs in the treatment of arthritis are,
1. Cayenne pepper.
2. Licorice
3. Alfalfa
4. Ginger
5. Buchu
6. Chaparral.

Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin, the active ingredient which helps to relieving pain by inhibiting the transmission of pain signals from nerves in the muscles and joints when applied to the skin. Topical application of cayenne pepper four times daily on the affected area can give effective result. Prepare the mixture of cayenne pepper by adding 1 oz of cayenne pepper to the 1 quart of rubbing alcohol. Allow the mixture to infuse for three weeks, agitating the bottle each day. Apply this infusion in to affected area for 10 to 20 minutes and wipe away after use.

Licorice: Licorice offers significant anti-inflammatory effect by blocking the inflammation receptors. It has been used effectively in the treatment of arthritis, allergies and other inflammatory disease that put excess stress on the adrenal gland. Long time use of licorice can cause hypertension in some people. Taking two capsules of licorice is recommended in the treatment of arthritis.

Alfalfa: This is a nutrient rich remedy useful in the treatment of arthritis symptoms, nourishes joints and alleviates the inflammation. It is better to use alfalfa tea rather than powder or capsules because it is the pure form and more easily assimilated to the body. Prepare the tea by placing 1oz of alfalfa in a pot and cover with 1 quart of water. Boil the decoction for 30 minutes. Strain and consume the decoction throughout the day. Use the remedy for approximately three weeks and suspend for one week and begin the regimen again as needed.

Ginger: Ginger is primarily known as culinary herb. It contains gingerol the active ingredient can relive the muscle and connective tissue inflammation associated with the arthritis. Sometimes ginger can cause heartburn.

Buchu: This is a herb native of south Africa, Africans are used the leaves of this herb for the treatment of water retention and in kidney problems. The oil contained in the buchu leaves can reduces the pain and inflammation of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. This herb may lower the potassium, a mineral that helps maintain muscles tone and strength.

Chaparral: This is also known as stink weeds. This herbs contain chemicals that offer anti-inflammatory benefits, reduces the pain and stiffness. However the scientific studies are only done in the animals so there is no evidence that chaparral helps relieve arthritis symptoms in human.

What Holistic Treatment Can Do For Arthritis

With more than fifty million Americans live with one of the more than one hundred forms of arthritis asking yourself what holistic treatment can do for arthritis is a valid question. More than twenty million people suffer from such intense arthritis symptoms that they find themselves under the care of a physican. With a name that literally means an inflammation of the joints, the onset of arthritis typically stems from four causes including genetics, injury, infection, or just normal wear and tear. There's even a form of arthritis associated with presence of sexually transmitted diseases and infections.

Although arthritis is not just one single disease, many forms of the disorder work in cooperation with pain, inflammation, swelling, redness, limited motion, and catastrophic damage to the joints. Some of the most common forms of arthritis are:

Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is the most common form of the disease in the United States.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: Often plague on women over the age of forty, rheumatoid arthritis has the potential to cause a fiery sensation in the joints as well as other organs like the eyes, lungs, heart, and skin.

Gout Arthritis: Frequently occurring in men forty years old and older, gout arthritis is caused by elevated blood levels of uric acid that forms crystals in the joints.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and systemic infectious arthritis are other forms of the disease.

What Holistic Treatment Can Do For Arthritis?

Alternative treatments like massage therapy and ancient Chinese acupuncture have a lot of influence on alleviating the symptoms of arthritis. Over the years a number of complementary remedies have presented themselves in hopes of providing an answer for what holistic treatment can do for arthritis. Just take a look at what holistic treatment can do for arthritis pain relief:

Accupressure: Daily accupressure treatments can improve blood circulation in arthritis sufferers.

Acupuncture: Each pain inflicted area of the body has a connected acupuncture pressure point. Daily acupuncture treatments can be helpful for acute arthritis. Chronic sufferers may require treatments just a few times a month.

Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy treatments can relieve pain by helping the body learn to heal itself. Aromatherapy includes oils like rosemary, lavender, ginger, juniper, chamomile, and eucalyptus. Therapy oils can be applied in numerous ways including mixing with bath water, wearing as a perfume, inhaling the vapors, or mixing the oils for a full body massage.

Bodywork: Bodywork is another holistic treatment for arthritis that is used to restore more natural posture. A rigorous course of body massage and movement reeducation, bodywork has displayed evidence of recapturing some of the physical limitations brought on by arthritis. Bodywork also features lots of compassionate massaging, which is complimented for providing a big boost to the self-confidence of arthritis patients.

Juice Therapy: It's no wonder Mom was always telling you finish all of your orange juice. For people with many forms of arthritis, lots of fruits juices that are rich in beta-carotene have demonstrated positive results of what holistic treatment can do for arthritis pain relief. Black cherry juice, in particular, is a solid choice for alleviating arthritis pain. Juices that promote positive results for arthritis are:

Carrot Juice

Potato Juice

Lemon Juice (just before bed)

Radish

Beet Juice

As you can see there are various forms of holistic treatments for arthritis that can provide those that suffer from arthritis symptoms and pain some much welcomed relief.