Arthritis: Holistic Treatments: Information, Research, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner ... Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
The incidence of arthritis has steadily risen ever since processed foods, such as packaged crackers, cereals, bread and snack foods, began to dominate the American diet. Most of these foods actually promote inflammation, which can cause joint and cartilage damage and aggravate arthritis pain.
According to the Arthritis Foundation:
Arthritis is the most common chronic health problem in the U.S.
It is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. - affecting 1 in 6 Americans
Nearly 3 out of 5 people with arthritis are younger than age 65
By 2020, an estimated 60 million people are expected to have arthritis
It is often assumed to be a normal part of aging -- however; more than 250,000 children are diagnosed with this disease - and half of older adults never get arthritis.
Food Intolerance and Rheumatoid Arthritis:
In a report by the British Medical Research Council in 2001, it was found that there is evidence that an individual diet, in which offending foods are removed, can lead to an improvement of rheumatoid arthritis.
Dr. Gail Darlington's Study (1986)
Rheumatologist Dr. Gail Darlington conducted a controlled, 6-week study on this subject that was published in 1986. For the first week 53 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients were only allowed to eat food items that were not known to cause allergies. Other foods were then introduced, one at a time, to see whether any symptoms were produced. The offending foods were then eliminated from the patient's diet.
Result: The scientists found that there were significant improvements in the exclusion diet group compared to placebo diet group.
Top 5 Foods Most Likely to Cause Intolerance (1993 Study):
CornWheatBacon/PorkOrangesMilk
Dealing with Pain & Sores:
Massage & Acupuncture
Well-known for their pain-relieving actions are both acupuncture and massages. Not everybody likes the idea of acupuncture or has the funds for regular professional massages. However, there are a wide range of home-use massage tools and devices that replicate the healing action of acupuncture and give you access to a healing massage whenever you need relief in the comfort of your home.
Please click here for information on the benefits of massage.
Aloe Vera Treatment
Many arthritis sufferers have found that their aches and pains respond well to an oral regimen of 4 tablespoons of Aloe Vera gel daily. Massaging the painful joints with aloe juice also helps reduce the pain.
The Cinnamon Cure
Copenhagen University Study Results:
In a study conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon of Honey and half teaspoon cinnamon powder before breakfast:
Infected Pressure Sores & Swellings
May require antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories to bring down the swelling and relieve the arthritis. Dexamethasone is sometimes prescribed, but this medication is not recommended for long-term use as it is a steroid.
Open Sores
Various medicated ointments / lotions are available.
