by
Margaret Durst
The Green House

Previously
by Margaret Durst: Vision
– See Better!

Arthritis affects
one in 7 people in America. Glucosamine, chondroitins and MSM are
the most common natural remedies used to manage pain and to supply
building materials for joint repair. While these are very helpful,
particularly with osteoarthritis, I would like to mention some other
natural remedies for arthritis.

One of the
best and cheapest remedies is diet. Some basic arthritis causing/aggravating
foods are peanuts, nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and
peppers), soy, wheat, coffee and oranges. Food sensitivities can
result in hidden inflammation – as in the kind that is in your
joints and causes arthritis over time. Blood type diets are really
helpful in identifying foods you should avoid to help your joints
hurt less. Diet changes can be as remarkable as any drug or supplement
in eliminating joint pain and inflammation throughout the body.

Mineral deficiencies
and imbalances contribute to arthritis as does an overly acid body
pH. It is easy to test pH with litmus paper strips for urine. Any
body that is overly acid will have mineral imbalances that will
start coming into balance when pH is balanced.

Some of my
favorite arthritis remedies are herbal. I like devils claw and yucca
which are anti-inflammatory and cleansing to the joints. The cleansing
action is particularly useful in gouty arthritis. Hydrangea is another
favorite of mine. It helps break down abnormal calcification. A
little hydrangea goes a long way – it is best in combination
with other herbs.

Another favorite
of mine is boswellia (also known as frankincense). It is excellent
as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. I use the essential oil
topically for lower back pain – especially after exercise.
One of our best selling pain relievers contains boswellia, devils
claw and willow bark – customers report that it relieves their
chronic pain.

There are other
natural anti-inflammatory herbs known as COX-2 inhibitors –
in reference to a specific enzyme that causes inflammation in the
body. Much research has been done to identify natural COX-2 inhibitors
which do not have the side effects of the prescription drugs such
as Celebrex and Vioxx. Well known COX-2 inhibiting herbs include
ginger, rosemary, turmeric and boswellia – my favorite combination
is called Zyflamend.

Another arthritis
remedy is Celadrin. It is an ester of a fatty acid that acts as
a lubricant, an immune system modulator and an anti-inflammatory.
Clinical trials show phenomenal results. It is thought that Celadrin
resets the immune system such that it does not attack and tear down
the joints. Several customers have switched to a glucosamine / celadrin
formula with very favorable results.

The last natural
tidbit for those of you with arthritis is to be careful about using
NSAIDÂ’s. Non-steriodal anti-inflammatories such as aspirin,
acetominophen and ibuprofen interrupt the cartilage repair cycle
and do not slow progression of arthritis as some of the natural
remedies mentioned above do.

February 26, 2013

Margaret
Durst owns The
Green House, a vitamin, herb and health food store in Mason,
Texas.

Copyright
© 2013 Margaret
Durst

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