Arthritis Relieve Tips

"Arthritis" literally means inflammation of a joint. It is broadly used to cover over 100 different conditions. The word "Rheumatism" is a vague term, used primarily in Great Britain, to cover a great number of aches and pains.

Because of the vast numbers of sufferers and the extend of misinformation about arthritis, food faddism and other forms of quackery often prey upon these victims.

Special phony diets, far-out foods, gadgets and gimmicks are created to fleece the sick who are in desperate need of help and reach for any promise.

False remedies not only waste the arthritic's money but valuable time is lost in obtaining the needed care of a qualified doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can often prevent later severe and crippling effects of arthritis.

I wish I could tell you that there is a diet to help arthritis, but there is not. The best advice is to keep your weight normal to avoid unnecessary pressure on inflamed joints. Any degree of overweight will cause increased pain for arthritic patients.

Be certain that you eat wisely to include the highest possible degree of nutrition, because the better your general health is the less toll arthritis will take.

Choose each day from the basic four food groups:

1. Meat, fish and fowl,

2. Fruit and vegetables,

3. Breads and cereals,

4. Milk and dairy products.

Add polyunsaturated fats and oils instead of butter, and eat three meals every day. Drink a lot of water.

The gouty arthritic should avoid glandular meats because of the high purine levels, which increases the undesirable uric acid in the body. Liver, kidneys and heart are unacceptable to the gout sufferer.

Any gain in weight will have an adverse effect beinging added pressure to the tender joints. A simple medication, prescribed by a physician, is often enough to keep flareups under control.

There are no special vitamins, minerals or combinations thereof that are of value in the treatment of arthritis. Nor are there any "magic" foods or supplements that have curative powers.

Arthritis is a chronic disease, which means that once you have it, changes are you are probably stuck with it for life. It usually comes on slowly, gets worse slowly and gets better slowly. One characteristic of the disease is its surprising "spontaneous remission." It sometimes auddenly disappears to return later. ''.

Charlatans are quick to step in at-this point and claim a "cure." It is the nature of the disease to provide the temporary blessing of symptom remission.

Arthritis is a serious and chronic disease that affects all age groups. The importance of an early and accurate diagnosis by a qualified physician is the prime factor in the control of and prevention of crippling.