Some people believe that arthritis is a minor condition and only results in slight aches and pains. This is one of the myths. Arthritis can, indeed, start with minor aches and pains, but left undiagnosed and untreated, could become a major health problem.

Not only does it affect the joints; arthritis can also affect muscles and connective tissues of the body including the skin and internal organs. Daily activities often become limited. Driving, bathing, and working can all become difficult and painful to accomplish. This can lead to psychological problems due to the daily pain endured causing one to be tense, angry and tired. Oftentimes this leads into depression and can put a strain on family relationships and friendships. This disease can and does go far beyond simple aches and pains; it can be life altering.

Common belief also seems to be, among many, that nothing can be done about arthritis. This is another myth. There are a variety of medications that have been introduced to the market within the last year to treat various types of arthritis. It is critical that one gets an early and accurate diagnosis to minimize the affects of arthritis due to the fact that the majority of joint damage occurs within the first two years of disease onset.

As stated earlier, it is not known how one can prevent arthritis but those who do have the affliction can take part in a treatment plan tailored to meet their individual needs. The first step is to make sure you've gotten a proper and correct diagnosis. A doctor can diagnose arthritis based on the overall pattern of symptoms, medical history, physical exam, x-rays and lab tests.

Arthritis causes anxiety and weakness; for this there are a variety of techniques people can use to reduce the impact. Relaxation exercises done on a regular basis are key elements, as is taking part in some exercise daily. One must find a balance of rest and activity. If you like swimming, water exercise is an extremely beneficial way to exercise the joints and muscles. The water supports the joints to encourage free movement while providing resistance to help build muscle strength. Water massage therapy is beneficial for many suffering from arthritis: jet nozzles release warm water and air, massaging the body and helping to relax tight muscles.

In addition to balancing rest and activity, there are other techniques used to manage arthritis. These include planning ahead making work easier, maintaining proper body posture and practicing joint protection techniques.

The Nutritional Aspects

Patients treated for heart disease have been found to have a reduction in the severity of pain and swelling in their arthritic joints due to the nutritional therapy given to them to treat their heart disease. This observation led to further review of nutrition and arthritis and how to use nutrition to reduce the symptoms. As a result, a nutrition plan was laid out with eating guidelines and nutritional supplementation designed specifically to ease the pain and inflammation of arthritic joints. They are the exact same strategies designed to help reduce the risk of heart disease! You can "kill two birds with one stone", so to speak. Try the following tips for eight weeks to see if it helps reduce symptoms, or share it with someone you know and love who is afflicted with arthritis.

Raise blood pH.
Lower blood pH promotes formation of crystals in joints, which leads to arthritis. Every day, have a glass of carrot, wheat grass or cherry juice: the alkalizing effect on the blood helps to raise your blood pH. Avoid orange juice, grapefruit juice and other citrus juices as well as tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant - these acidifying foods lower blood pH.

Eat chlorophyll.
Chlorophyll helps remove excess heavy metals from the joints. Heavy metal atoms cause accumulation of free radicals, highly reactive compounds that damage the joints. Be sure to drink a glass of green barley, chlorella or frozen wheat grass every day because each is rich in green pigment.

Eat cayenne and garlic.
Garlic stimulates the immune system, which supports healing. Garlic also contains the antioxidant mineral selenium, and it helps control free radical buildup. Both herbs have an anti-inflammatory effect, helping to reduce swelling and pain. You can take a daily cayenne capsule, but some people get an upset stomach from this. Try it with bread or crackers. If it still bothers you, or you fear it will, do not take it. But do try to use garlic!

Eat omega-3 oils.
Omega-3 is primarily in flaxseed and fish oil and inhibits the production of leukotrienes, natural compounds that stimulate inflammation. Experts recommend 1,000-mg. flaxseed oil capsule after each meal; the capsules can be found in any health food store. Another way to boost your omega-3 intake is to eat at least one, preferably two, helpings of fresh fish per week, but not fried!

Drink ginger tea.
In addition to being soothing to the stomach, ginger is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. One cup of ginger tea a day is recommended.

Eat Certo.
Available in any supermarket, this pectin-containing gelatin powder is very effective at reducing swelling in joints. It is unclear, however, just why Certo relieves arthritis, but it is known to. Each day, try to consume one tablespoon (mix it with apple juice or another alkalizing fruit juice to form a soupy gelatin).

Take multivitamin supplements.
A combination of antioxidant nutrients is the best way to fight free radicals. Fresh fruit and vegetables are rich in antioxidants but to ensure you get enough, it is best to supplement your diet with multivitamins. Be sure to select an iron-free supplement because too much iron has been linked to an elevated risk of heart disease. Chose a supplement with no more than 1 mg of copper (half the government's recommended daily allowance). Your supplement should also include folic acid, vitamin B-6, vitamin D, zinc and calcium as any deficiencies in any of these nutrients can worsen arthritis. Also, the supplement should contain selenium and vitamin E - both nutrients are especially good for morning stiffness.

Take coenzyme Q-10 and quercetin.
Both of these supplements are available in a health food store. Coenzyme Q-10 is a remarkable substance that works to stabilize the membrane of every cell in your body. That prevents cell breakdown in your joints. Quercetin blocks the release of histamines (inflammation-producing checmicals) into the bloodstream. 30mg of coenzyme Q-10 is recommended taken after each meal and 100mg to 500mg of quercetin once a day.

Avoid caffeinated beverages.
Caffeine acts as a diuretic in your body resulting in washing out nutrients, thereby undermining your efforts to eat a healthful, nutrient -rich diet. Coffee, tea and soda, as well as chocolate are to be avoided. Drink de-caffeinated forms and avoid chocolate.

Some of the above mentioned products may not appeal to you. I can surely understand that and would suggest you follow what you think you will be comfortable with. Anything you do to help yourself is something and who knows, as we are all uniquely created, one thing or another may give you some relief whereas others may not. Experiment, do what you can and follow your doctor's orders at all times! In fact, it wouldn't be a bad idea to present this diet to him or her to be sure it is suitable and healthy for you. Make sure to discuss the supplements with your doctor, also. Normally I am not a strong advocate of supplement taking, but there are times when they are very beneficial. The best judge will be your body! The diet was written and created by a highly respected and revered doctor in his field and is given as a guideline to help you work with your body and its nutrition to reach optimum performance and relief of your arthritic symptoms. I am not qualified to endorse it or disapprove of it, only to share it in hopes you will find some relief.

Source: Stephen Sinatra, MD, director of medical education at Manchester Hospital and a cardiologist in private practice.

To your health!