Natural Arthritis Treatment

May 18, 10:23 PMCharlotte Alternative Medicine ExaminerDelialah Falcon

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Arthritis, a degenerative disease that causes inflammation of the joints and surrounding tendons, ligaments and cartilage, can affect just about every part of the body. Arthritis can be categorized into 3 types: Osteoarthritis - caused by joint degeneration of the large, weight bearing joints, Rheumatoid Arthritis - a result of the immune system attacking the small joints (an auto-immune condition) resulting in swollen, tender joints and Gout - a result of uric acic (found in high amounts in animal meat) build up in the body. Individuals can suffer from varying degrees of one or a combination of all 3 types of arthritis.

The pain and inflammation of arthritis can be debilitating, which has led to an overabundance of anti-inflammatory medication usage. Unfortunately, these drugs have long term side effects and may even lead to a worsening of the arthritic condition itself. Anti-inflammatory drugs work by interfering with the production of prostaglandins (hormone-like compunds). In a healthy individual, anti-inflammatory prostaglandins are produced when a diet is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in flaxseed or fish oil. Omega-3's have been scientifically proven to have powerful anti-inflammatory effects on the body. While arthritis is known to be caused by a variety of factors, both internal and environmental, more and more evidence supports the theory that an Omega-3 deficiency is a major culprit.

Both anti-inflammatory medications and Omega-3 oils will interfere with the prostaglandin inflammatory response. The difference is that the latter will do so without the common side effects associated with both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Additionally, a $12 bottle of flax seed oil will last for a month and is much less expensive than anti-inflammatory drugs. Omega-3 supplements come in both pill and capsule form as well as the liquid oil form, and are available at your local health food store. Healthy Home Market, formerly known as Home Economist, has several Omega-3 supplements to choose from in a variety of flavors.

Email your alternative health questions to Delialah at dfalconsch@hotmail.com