Arthritis

What Is Arthritis?

Arthritis means joint inflammation, and it affects over 40 million Americans. It can cause redness, swelling, stiffness, and pain in the joints. But here's the good news: with the right knowledge and lifestyle, you can take control and feel better.

• Common types:

• Osteoarthritis (OA): Wear and tear of cartilage.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Autoimmune attack on joints.

• Gout: Uric acid crystal buildup in joints.

🩺 Diagnosis

• ESR (Sedimentation Rate): Measures inflammation.

  • Normal: 0-15 mm/hr (men), 0-20 mm/hr (women).

• Additional tests needed for specific arthritis type.

🔍 Types of Arthritis

1. Osteoarthritis (OA)

• Cause: Cartilage deterioration from aging, injury, or stress.

• Common areas: Spine, knees, hips, fingers.

• Symptoms: Pain with movement, stiffness, joint swelling, bony growths.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

• Cause: Autoimmune disorder attacking joint lining.

• Common areas: Fingers, wrists, knees (usually symmetrical).

• Symptoms: Morning stiffness, fatigue, fever, swollen joints, joint deformity.

3. Gout

• Cause: Uric acid crystal buildup from purine metabolism.

• Triggers: High-purine foods, kidney issues, alcohol.

• Common areas: Big toe, later other joints.

• Symptoms: Sudden intense pain, redness, swelling, fever.

⚠️ General Symptoms of Arthritis

• Joint pain, stiffness, swelling

• Morning stiffness

• Fatigue, fever

• Decreased urine (Gout)

• Poor circulation, dizziness, shortness of breath

🍽️ Diet Recommendations

🚫 Foods to Eliminate (All Types)

• Animal products (meat, fish, dairy, eggs)

• Fried & processed foods, free oils

• Sugar (refined), alcohol, caffeine, salt, nightshades (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplant)

• Wheat/gluten (for some cases)

• Soy (Gout-specific)

✅ Foods to Include

• High-fiber fruits and vegetables

• Gluten-free whole grains (brown rice, millet)

• Sulfur-rich foods (asparagus, garlic, onions)

• Anti-inflammatory fruits: pineapple, sour cherries, bananas

• Water: 8+ glasses/day (especially for Gout)

Specific Diets

• OA: Legumes, whole grains, leafy greens, molasses

• RA: Plant-based, raw fruits/veggies, nuts, avoid dairy & gluten

• Gout: Fruit-focused during attacks, avoid high-purine foods (organ meats, seafood, yeast), drink citrus juices

🏃 Lifestyle Recommendations

• Sleep before 10 PM, rest adequately

• Exercise: Walk daily, swim, avoid overexertion

• Maintain healthy weight

• Deep breathing; reduces stress

• Avoid high heels

• Keep joints warm, especially at night

🌿 Herbal & Natural Remedies

• Anti-inflammatories: Turmeric, Cat’s Claw, White Willow Bark, Pau D’Arco

• Bone/cartilage support: Horsetail, nettle, alfalfa, Tabishir

• Pain relief: Arnica tea, MSM, lemon treatment, hibiscus tea

• Gout-specific teas: Nettle juice, lemon juice

• Supplements:

• Flaxseed (omega-3)

• Pumpkin seeds (zinc)

• B12, D3, Kelp (iodine), and a good multivitamin like VM 100/B complex

· Your Wellness Journey Starts Now

You are not alone, and you are not powerless. With small, consistent steps, you can improve your quality of life. Let food be your medicine, movement be your therapy, and nature be your support. Start today, because every little change counts. Your joints will thank you!

👉 Book a consultation today and take the first step toward relief.