StemCell Therapy

The word arthritis literally means inflammation of the joints. Joints in the body occur where bones meet. Bone ends are covered by cartilage and are encased in a fluid-filled synovial membrane used to lubricate the joint. Common symptoms are generally pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced function/mobility. However, the root causes are not always the same. There are distinctive differences between Osteo Arthritis (OA: wear & tear/degenerative joint disease) and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA: auto-immune/inflammatory disease). Lets explore.

Who

OA: Affects both men and women. Process can begin after the age of 40 and symptoms are often present by age of 65.

RA: More common in women and can affect anyone, at any age.

When & How

OA: Gradual onset & increase in severity. Characterized by deterioration of and decreased ability to turn over (replace) cartilage tissue. This can be due to altered enzyme activity, building block deficiency and repetitive use/damage. This results in painful friction of exposed joints rubbing together, leading to inflammation of joint lining. After much cartilage is worn away, bone spurs may develop in joint spaces.

RA: Rapid onset. Characterized by an auto-immune response that leads to a self-attack on synovial membrane, which in turn leads to its inflammation, thickening, cartilage destruction and scar tissue formation.

Number & Types of Joins Affected

OA: 1-2 joints, Asymmetrical (Not even on both sides usually one side acts up first). Affects the weight-bearing joints (i.e. knees & hips).

RA: Multiple joints, Symmetrical (Affects both sides of the body the same way). Affects the synovial joints (i.e. hands & feet) but can progress to larger joints.

Non-Joint Involvement

OA: Absent.

RA: Commonly affects other tissues throughout the body. Other symptoms include fever, depression, fatigue, etc.

Types & Causes

OA: 2 Types Primary & Secondary.

Primary Potential causes include age, obesity, high impact sports, excessive use/exercise, free radical damage, poor nutrition, dehydration.

Secondary Results from a pre-disposing factor/condition such as joint or ligament damage/abnormality, infection, previous inflammation, loss of blood supply.

RA: Single Type.

Auto-immune response (when your body breaks itself down/attacks its own tissues). Potential underlying causes include poor digestion/diet (nutrition deficiencies, imbalance of gut bacteria, leaky gut, and food sensitivities), stress, chronic inflammation, heredity/genetics, imbalanced immune system, smoking/toxins and infections or overgrowth (i.e. candida).

Did you know 56% of patients with inflammatory arthritis have an imbalance of gut bacteria?

Suggestions?

1. Symptom Relief:

2. Tissue Protection: Look for Antioxidants (Quercetin, Zinc, Pycnogenol, Selenium, Vitamin E, Grape Seed Extract)

3. Repair Nutrients:

4. Topical Ingredients: Capsaicin, MSM, Arnica, Celadrin, Menthol, Peppermint, Eucalyptus.

5. Diet Tips: Avoid nightshades (i.e. tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant, peppers and paprika), citrus, red meat, dairy, sugar, tobacco and any potential food sensitivities as they may aggravate pain & inflammation. Drink plenty of water. Eat mineral-rich and green foods to detox & alkalize. Eat more sulfur-containing foods such as garlic, onions, asparagus, etc.

6. Lifestyle Suggestions: Attain a healthy weight, manage stress and blood sugars, do light, non-weight bearing exercises (i.e. swimming). Consider wearing Cirulating Clothing!

7. Improve Gut Health: Ensure daily Probiotics and consider supplemental L-Glutamine, Enzymes/HCL, Fibre & VITAMIN D3.

8. Modulate Immunity: Consider ingredients such as Plant Sterols, Medicinal Mushrooms or Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

9. Fight Infection (if necessary): Oregano, Silver, Garlic, Grapefruit Seed Extract

Go here to read the rest:
All About Arthritis - mySteinbach.ca (blog)

This entry was posted on April 28, 2017 at 3:41 pm and is filed under Arthritis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |