Arthritis is a serious health condition that affects millions of people. Fortunately, arthritis can be treated and in some cases prevented. In fact, many of the typical habits encouraged for a healthy lifestyle can play a role in the prevention of some types of arthritis. Besides eating right and maintaining a healthy weight regular exercise is helpful. Additionally, some vitamins and mineral supplements can play a role in the prevention of some types of arthritis and related conditions.
Significance
Arthritis results in damage to the joints which can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort to the individual. There are two main types of arthritis; rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is usually the result of the body's immune system attacking the joints. This can lead to swelling, redness, pain, and the eventual destruction of cartilage and bone within the joint. Osteoarthritis is a wearing down effect of the cartilage that can result in bone grinding on bone. This causes pain and restricted movement. In most cases osteoarthritis happens over a period of many years. The prevention or avoidance of arthritis allows an individual better range of motion and flexibility as well as the absence of pain.
Expert Insight
Pain specialist, Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D. Ph.D. shares practical arthritis prevention guidelines on the Healing Well website. Besides avoiding repetitive strain on muscles and joints he encourages a variety of exercises and light weight training. Yoga is recommended to help develop and maintain flexibility and eating right in order to maintain appropriate weight is suggested. Lawrence also mentions that certain nutrients are vital for joint health; these include vitamins C and D, boron, glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and MSM. The guidelines also encourage drinking plenty of water every day.
Vitamins and Minerals
Getting plenty of exercise that helps maintain flexibility, balance, muscle strength and body awareness will go a long way toward the prevention of arthritis. Eating right is another natural way to ward off this health condition. For instance, together vitamin D and calcium can help prevent osteoporosis and aid in weight loss. Magnesium works to strengthen bones and maintaining healthy levels of vitamins B-12, B-6 and folic acid may protect bones by keeping blood levels of the amino acid homosysteine from getting too high.
Supplements
There are five basic supplements that are touted as being arthritis fighters. The first is glucosamine. This supplement works by stimulating the manufacture of glucosamino-glycans, which is a natural lubricant and shock absorber for joints. The second supplement is chondroitin, which is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Boswellin has been used for centuries in India, North Africa and China, to combat joint and inflammation pain. Betaine is essential for rebuilding connective tissue and curcumin provides many health benefits, including the stimulation of the creation of cortisol which relieves inflammation.
Considerations
The medications used in the treatment of arthritis vary from over-the-counter analgesics and counter-irritants to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, biologics and corticosteroids to other treatment options. Sometimes physical therapy is used and in extreme cases surgery may be recommended. According to MayoClinic.com, there is little reliable evidence to support the use of many alternative remedies for arthritis. The ones with most potential for treatment or prevention of arthritis include glucosamine. This is a nutritional supplement that many experts recommend as a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis. Acupuncture has also been suggested as one of the more reliable ways to relieve pain caused by arthritis. Another alternative remedy being used for arthritis pain is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. It is advisable to consult with a physician before using any alternative remedies or supplements.
References
- Arthritis.org: Preventing Arthritis
- MayoClinic.com: Arthritis: Causes
- Healing Well: Learn to Prevent Arthritis Not Just Live With It; Ronald M. Lawrence, M.D.,Ph.D., and Martin Zucker
- Arthritis Today: Vitamin And Mineral Guide
- Arthritis Fighters: Gluscosamine, Chondroitin, Boswellin and Curcumin
- Arthritis: Alternative medicine
