Symptoms:
Body stiffness and pain in joints, especially during damp weather, in the morning, or after strenuous activity. There may be a sharp burning or grinding pain or it may feel like a toothache. There may be stiffness and/or pain when moving a joint.


Cause:
Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints. The word, "arthritis," covers a number of disorders, some of which are covered in this present article, which deals the most completely with the problem.

The most common forms are osteoarthritis (this article), rheumatoid arthritis (which see), gout (which see), and ankylosing spondylitis (which see). Other diseases which also infect the joints include lupus, Lyme disease (which see), psoriatic arthritis, Sjogren's syndrome (which see), and Reiter's syndrome.

The various types of arthritis affect the synovial (movable) joints, which are the fingers, toes, wrists, elbows, hips, and knees. There are also joints between the bones of the spine. Each joint has cartilage covering over the end of the bone and is bathed continually in synovial fluid, in a capsule.

Osteoarthritis: Cartilage is a smooth, soft, pearly tissue. Among other places, it is found on the ends of the long bones, and provides a smooth surface for the bones in the joints to slide against.

As a result of years of wear and improper diet, this cartilage becomes pitted, thin, and may even disappear. There is pain and stiffness. Older people experience this most often, and it generally occurs in the weight-bearing joints (hips and knees).

The connecting ligaments and muscles, which hold the joint together, become weaker. The joint may become deformed. There may be pain, but usually no swelling. Later, bony outgrowths may develop.

Osteoarthritis rarely occurs before 40, but affects most people after 60. Sometimes it is so mild as to be unnoticed. Women have it three times as often as men.

For information on rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and gout, see their respective articles.

Here is a brief comparative overview:

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage at the end of bones wears down and produces rough, hard, edges of bone which cause trouble. This generally begins after 40, and 16 million in the U.S. have it.

In rheumatoid arthritis (which see), the cartilage at the end of bones is destroyed, and is replaced with scar tissue. Then swelling occurs, and the joints may eventually fuse together. While osteoarthritis only affects individual joints, rheumatoid arthritis ultimately affects all synovial joints in a person's body. This problem usually begins between 25 and 50, and 3 million in the U.S. are afflicted with it.

Gout (which see) produces extreme pain, usually starting in a big toe (or other smaller toe or finger joint). This generally does not begin until 40 or after, and 1.5 million experience it. Over 90% are men.

The spondyloarthropathies affect the spine, causing pain, stiffness, joint fusion, and changes in posture. The most common is ankylosing spondylitis (which see). These difficulties generally start between 20 and 40, and afflict a total of 2.5 million. Men have it over twice often.

Infectious arthritis is the result of viral, bacterial, or fungal infection within a joint (most frequently bacteria or fungi, especially from candida [which see]). The infection can come from injury, surgery, or disease. There are body aches, chills, and fever, along with throbbing pain in the affected joint. The pain and infection may spread to other joints. It may strike at any age, and 100,000 in the U.S. have it.

The following suggestions will help one deal with a variety of arthritic conditions:

Treatment:
• Arthritis is the result of a complex of nutritional deficiencies.

• A dietary calcium/phosphorous ratio of 2:1 is ideal, yet can only be attained by taking calcium supplements (see "Bones, Strengthening"). Meat is especially bad; it has a ratio of 1:12 (organ meats, such as liver and kidney) is 1:44. So the more meat you eat, the more calcium you need. It is as simple as that.

• In addition, there is all the acid purines and uric acid in meat. Eventually this hodgepodge of acids collects in the joints, to such a degree that the bone is eaten away, the bursa becomes inflamed, etc.

• The sulfur-containing foods (asparagus, eggs, garlic, and onions) helps repair bone, cartilage, and connective tissue, and aids in the absorption of calcium.

• Eat green leafy vegetables, whole grains, oatmeal, and brown rice. These supply vitamin K,

• Eat fresh pineapple frequently. The bromelain in it is good for reducing inflammation. It must be fresh, since freezing or canning destroys the enzyme.

• The most beneficial vegetables include celery, parsley, potatoes, alfalfa, wheat grass, garlic, comfrey, and endive.

• The most beneficial fruits include bananas, pineapples, sour apples, and sour cherries.

• Foods containing the amino acid, histidine, include wheat, rye, and rice. Histidine helps remove metals, and many arthritics have high levels of copper and iron in their bodies.

• Eat some form of fiber, such as oat bran, rice bran, flaxseed, etc.

• Vegetable juice therapy is especially helpful for arthritics, and especially for those with rheumatoid arthritis.

• Repeated juice fasts of 4-6 weeks are recommended, along with about 2 months of an extremely nourishing diet. The alkaline action of raw juices and vegetable broth dissolves the accumulation of deposits around the joints and in other tissues.

• Green juice, mixed with carrot, celery, red beet juice, and vegetable broths daily, are specifics for arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.

• Drink raw potato juice. Slice a potato, with the skin on, cut it into thin slices and place in a large glass. Fill the glass with cold water and let it stand overnight. Drink the water the next morning on an empty stomach.

• Potato juice can also be made in an electric juicer. Make it fresh, dilute it 50-50 with water, and drink first thing in the morning.

• Milk, wheat, eggs, corn, and pork have been shown to produce arthritic symptoms.

• Vitamin C is necessary, to prevent the capillary walls in the joints from breaking down and causing bleeding, swelling, and pain. Vitamin C is vital to joint health.

• Folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron in food help treat the anemia which frequently accompanies arthritis.

• A British research study revealed that arthritic patients had a low pantothenic acid level in their blood. This important B vitamin should be included in the diet.

• Take 6-8 bromelain tablets a day or, better yet, eat part of a fresh pineapple each day. This helps reduce or eliminate swelling and inflammation in the soft tissues and the joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis.

• Helpful herbs include black cohosh, parsley, slippery elm, alfalfa, peppermint, buckthorn bark, ragwort, burdock root, and chaparral.

• To summarize part of this nutritional data, treatment of arthritis should include calcium (2000 mg per day; assuming no meat is eaten); vitamin C, to bowel tolerance; B6 (100 mg, twice a day); B3 (450 mg, twice a day); vitamin E (1000 IU daily); copper (2mg per day); selenium (300 mcg per day); and zinc (50 mg, three times a day).

• DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) is by-product of the wood industry. It can be applied to the skin above the affected area—to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and promote healing. Only obtain it from a health food store.

• Reduce the amount of fat in your diet. Avoid dairy products and fatty foods.

• Do not eat meat. The purines and uric acid in it inflame arthritic conditions.

• Avoid salt, caffeine, tobacco, paprika, and citrus fruits.

• Do not eat anything with added sugar.

• A high-protein diet induced arthritis in research on pigs. The first symptoms occurred within a week.

• Some arthritics are sensitive to foods in the nightshade (solanaceous) family. This includes eggplant, white potato, bell pepper, tomato, and tobacco. They have solanine, which interferes with muscle activity. In one research study, 85% of arthritics were benefited when they stopped using those foods. These foods are sometimes included in other foods as "natural ingredients."

• Chocolate, tea, coffee, and cortisone injections may also cause problems.

• Do not use iron supplements or vitamin/mineral supplements that contain iron. Get your iron from food (blackstrap molasses, broccoli, etc.)

• Take a free-form amino acid complex regularly, to help repair tissue damage.

• Arthritic patients frequently have liver disorders. This can deter the conversion of carotene into vitamin A. So additional carotene-rich foods should be eaten.

• Kombucha tea has nutrients needed to strengthen connective tissue; so it tends to relieve pain, increase energy, and improve mobility in arthritics.

• Exercise is very important in both preventing and treating arthritis. Joints which are not used tend to stiffen. Practice bending all your joints (not merely the affected ones) in different positions, 5-10 times twice a day.

• If you are unable to exercise your joints because the pain is too great, carry out an exercise program in a tub of warm water (93o-98o F.).

• Good posture is also important. Poor posture does not distribute weight evenly and can intensify the problem.

• Sleeping in a sleeping bag often reduces stiffness and pain in the morning. An electric blanket may also help. Keeping the body evenly warm at night is important.

• If the blood is too acidic, the cartilage in the joints can dissolve.

• Place cold gel packs on inflamed joints, to relieve pain. Alternate with applications of heat.

• Charcoal poultices may be applied to affected joints.

• Hot packs applied to stiff joints tend to decrease morning stiffness.

• Hot tubs and baths also provide relief.

• In the morning, take a hot shower, to help relieve morning stiffness.

• Hot castor oil packs are very useful. Heat castor oil in a pan, but do not boil it. Dip white cotton cloth into it, till saturated. Apply it to the affected area, and cover with a piece of plastic which is larger than the cloth. Place a heating pad over the area and keep it warm for 1½ to 2 hours.

• An arthritis liniment may be made in this way: Mix 1 pint alcohol, 1/4 ounce menthol, and ½ ounce camphor. Rub it on the affected joints, twice a day.

• A 50-50 mix of mineral oil and alcohol is another formula. You can add a tbsp. of wintergreen oil to the mixture, if you wish.

• The following poultice has been used with good results on swollen joints: Take 3 tbsp. of granulated slippery elm bark, 1 tbsp. of lobelia, 2 tbsp. of mullein, 1 spoonful of cayenne, and mix in a bowl. Add hot water to make a paste. Spread it on a cloth and cover the swollen joints. Over it, wrap a plastic sheet and then a dry towel. Leave it on for ½ to 1 hour or less, if burning sensation becomes unbearable.

• Mix eucalyptus oil with water, and rub on the affected area. Wrap the joint in plastic wrap, and apply moist heat with hot towels.

• Reduce stress in your life. Worry, anger, and similar emotions weakens your body and helps induce arthritic problems.

• Chlamydia (which see) has been linked to a form of arthritis that affects young women. In one study, half the women with unexplained arthritis were found to have chlamydia.

• Overweight increases strain on the joints. Arthritics should try to keep their weight slightly below average.

• Avoid immunizations. Various immunizations have brought on arthritis.

• Food allergies can cause neck and shoulder pain, imitative of arthritis.

• Silicone gel breast implants can cause arthritis-like symptoms, and induce lupus and scleroderma. Antibodies develop which attack collagen.