Here is an excellent report given by a well know medical doctor on arthritis and solutions available.
Enjoy! Theresa LeGarie
The Arthritis Epidemic
By Terry S. Friedmann, M. D., A.B.H.M.
Arthritis refers to a group of illnesses, which include symptoms, such as pain in the joints, stiffness, and inflammation. It is claimed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that one third of all Americans suffer from some form of arthritis.
There are various types of joint diseases inflammatory and non-inflammatory. Inflammatory types include rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, Rieter’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma,
ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and colitis/enteritis-related arthritis.
The non-inflammatory arthritis types include osteoarthritis, traumatic arthritis, and osteochondromatosis.
The pathology seen at the joint level includes inflammation, fluid formation, and ultimately calcification, which may involve surrounding tissue, including cartilage, bone, ligaments, and tendons. In chronic conditions, the entire joint may be calcified or fibrosed and fixed or, as it is called medically, ankylosed.
Other lesions found in arthritis include small vessel inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, and disturbances of the skeletal muscle as well as the lymph nodes.
Consequently, it is clear that this disease represents a serious systemic problem affecting many parts of the body. The causative agents are: toxins, nutritional deficiencies, biomechanical stress, emotional factors, parasites, other infectious agents, and immune dysfunction. Also, a genetic predisposition plays a significant role as well.
Diagnosis Diagnosis is made by a thorough history and examination. However, x-rays may be valuable in confirming the diagnosis and the degree of joint involvement.
Occasionally, CT-scans and MRIs may be utilized. Laboratory findings are very valuable in diagnosing and monitoring the Progress of the disease. Measuring such parameters as sedimentation rate, IgM antibodies, latex fixation test, ANA titers, presence of uric acid crystals, and HLA-B27 antigens is important.
Two other very valuable and worthwhile tests for diagnosing and giving a key for the treatment of arthritis are stool analysis and synovial fluid examination. The synovial fluid is part of the synovium, which is made up of a thin layer of cells, that line and lubricate the joints.
In this article, I choose to focus on the most common forms of the arthridities, that are osteoarthritis, which has the effect of breaking down the cartilage in the joint, and rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by an auto-immune phenomena in which the body attacks and destroys the joints.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative disorder, is the most common form of arthritis. In fact, it is believed that today 20 million people in the United States suffer from this disease. However, if the current trend continues by the year 2020, the number will double to 40 million sufferers, usually between the ages of 40 and 50 years.
What specifically is the cause? Well, as I said, the cartilage between the joints is damaged. Think of the cartilage as a natural shock absorber, which cushions the internal portion of your joints. Not only that but the cartilage also acts like a sponge. As you put stress, pressure, or weight on the joint, the synovial fluid that it contains is squeezed out. It then absorbs minerals and other nutrients from the surrounding tissues, and when the pressure is taken off, the synovial fluid returns to the cartilage purified and nourished. However, by continuous and prolonged use, there is often a mechanical breakdown. This degeneration is, of course, accelerated by toxins, heavy metals, and microbes found in the fluid.
After destruction of the cartilage, we sometimes end up with bone on bone. Why has the disability been classified as an epidemic?
Years of jogging, high-impact aerobics, soccer, football, basketball, Racquetball and tennis, particularly with less than perfect form have created major joint damage. We are observing a large generation, the Baby Boomers, who have been guilty of this in the name of exercise and supposedly good health.
We also see problems with the joints when there is an overweight situation, which is only too common in the United States.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis, a debilitating auto-immune disease, which often leaves the joints severely deformed, and is commonly seen in the joints of the hands and feet. With the condition of rheumatoid arthritis, the bodies own defense system attacks the synovium layer, which lubricates the inner lining of the joints.
This clogs the synovium and releases normally good infection-fighting cells, which then release proteins called cytokines.
The cytokines raise havoc by causing a superfluous growth of new and erratic blood vessels and, consequently, the factor of inflammation and all the consequences thereof. This has the effect of creating not just cartilage damage but bony destruction as well. The second most common type of arthritis,
rheumatoid arthritis, last year affected 2.5 million Americans generally between the ages of 20 and 50, three times more common in women than men.
Treatment
Of course, since the etiology in each disease is distinct, the treatment will be different. Generally, however, there are treatments, which benefit both types.
I will begin first with what is generally recommended by your physician. The traditional treatment is with medicines, such as corticosteroids, Nsaids (non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs), which include aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, as well as, antibiotics, antiprotozoa drugs, COX-2 inhibitors, which suppresses cytokines, and methotrexate, a cancer drug. However, all of these drugs have side effects, some severe. Indeed, many researchers believe there is too much emphasis placed on drugs, and I fully agree.
Surgery is also recommended. This includes arthroscopy, bone fusion, tissue repair, particularly when there is muscle, tendon, and ligament tears or damage, and lastly, total joint replacement. However, I firmly believe that these practices should be reserved only for serious end stages of joint destruction.
Complimentary Treatment The Good News!
Young Living Essential Oils has a plethora of great products designed to Prevent and cure the terrible consequences of the arthritic disease. Even better yet, Young Living is in the process of introducing a product that will actually reverse joint damage.
Let’s take a good look at what is available from Young Living. First, the Immune system, which is misbehaving, in rheumatoid arthritis is not just an overactive immune system, but it is a dysfunctional one. It consumes and destroys damaged tissue; but the problem is with discernment. In its enthusiasm to do its job, the immune system begins to attack and damage good, healthy tissue. So rather than retard its function, as is often recommended, so it no longer destroys as much good and as diseased tissue, we need to improve and upregulate the system.
So what does the job for increasing the efficiency and adequately regulating the immune system? Two powerful products is Berry Young Juice, and the product ImmuPro.
Berry Young Juice is an incredible product, which contains 18 amino acids, 21 different minerals and many antioxidants. Take one ounce orally twice daily for maximum benefit.
ImmuPro enhances our system with as many as 16 different ingredients. It is a very powerful blend of immune stimulating products. Take one chewable tablet daily. With these two products, you will begin to notice a major difference in your immune system’s performance.
Another great product for arthritis is the essential oil of Idaho Tansy. When applied neat directly over the joints, you will rapidly see its remarkable benefits. It stimulates the production of synovial fluid, which as I stated, lubricates the internal portion of your joints. I would apply it two to three times a day to the affected joints.
The new product just coming out of Young Living's Investigation and Development Department is a product called ArthroPro, formerly called CMG. It contains MSM, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and manganese.
YL's new product BLM (Bone, Ligament, Muscle-code #3234
* By now, most of you have heard of MSM. It is a product, which acts as a ground substance in the structure of your skin, nails, and hair along with other tissues and it creates an abundance of growth.
* With glucosamine, evidence suggests that this supplement helps to relieve arthritis pain possibly by encouraging cartilage growth.
* Chondroitin is believed to protect the cartilage from degeneration.
* Manganese acts as a co-factor that allows these products to work.
For the overall healing of joints and their surrounding structures, a combination of powder works miracles. Sulfurzyme, containing MSM, and Coral Sea containing calcium are the wonder products. Mix one teaspoon
of each in four ounces of water and take twice daily.
The great standby is PanAway, an oil blend. When applied diluted over the joints, it not only dissipates pain rapidly according to my clinical experience with patients, but supports healing as well. Those of you who are presently using the Young Living products on a regular basis should consider yourselves very fortunate indeed because of what you now have at your fingertips. In addition to these specific products, there are general things you can do to cure and reverse arthritis. You should all know these things, but I will just
give you a quick reminder.
Take control of your lifestyle. Practice a sensible diet and control your weight. Supplement this diet with good nutrients. Perform responsible exercise, such as walking, low-impact aerobics, and water workouts in a swimming pool. It is important to build muscle because that helps to support your joints, thereby reducing their stress. Detoxify the body through occasional fasting and liver cleansing programs. Do not forget to get plenty of rest. Much of the body's healing occurs during sleep. Lastly, always include a spiritual plan in your program by daily affirmations, meditation, and prayer. Give thanks for your blessings and see yourself perfect and whole in God's eyes.
I am certain that if you follow this program as I have set out, success is yours!
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Sulfurzyme combines Chinese wolfberry with MSM, an unusual source of nutritional sulfur that is one of the most important antioxidant minerals in the body. MSM supports nail and hair growth, normal immune function, metabolism, and liver function.
Capsule #3243 Dist. $56, Pref. Cust. $62
Powder#3241 Dist $43, Pref. Cust. $47
Coral Sea is a powdered calcium supplement containing organic sea coral. This coral source is mined from ancient inland coral deposits that are infused with 58 trace minerals. Coral Sea helps maintain and support normal joint and bone function.
Powder-#3207 Dist. $53, Pref. Cust. $59
ImmuPro is a great tasting chewable supplement packed with immune-supporting polysaccharides including beta glucan. This advanced formula is the ultimate in immune system support. It is the only immune supplement that includes the benefits of wolfberry polysaccharides.
#3213 Dist. $27, Pref. Cust. $30
Berry Young Juice is the world's most powerful antioxidant berry juice. It contains juices derived from fruits used by some of the longest-living people on earth. Berry Young Juice also contains essential oils rich in the powerful antioxidant d-limonene.
12 fl. Oz. #3299 Dist. 18, Pref. Cust. $20;
1 liter #3000 Dist. $50, Pref. Cust. $55
PanAway was created by Gary Young following an injury that severely tore the ligaments in his leg. PanAway is a blend including the essential oils of wintergreen, clove (which contains eugenol, used by dentists), peppermint (which is calming for nerves) and helichrysum. #3390
Dist. $58, Pref. Cust. $64
Idaho Tansy, tones the entire system and stimulates a positive attitude and general feeling of well-being.
#3656 Pref. Cust. $24