Rheumatoid Arthritis - Prevention is Better Than Cure!!!!!

As we get older, the cartilage that cushions our bones and joint surfaces begins to slowly wear away and become rougher. This protective layer becomes thinner and thinner causing your bones to be exposed. Once this happens, your bones grind together sending jolts of pain throughout your entire body! The flare-ups can be extremely painful, but they can also signal a more serious permanent condition. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis can cause uncomfortable aches and pains in your joints. But be aware that what you might consider random flare-ups could result in permanent damage to your knees, hips, hands and feet!

During arthritis flare-ups, disease-fighting white blood cells mistakenly enter your joints. These white blood cells produce chemicals designed to destroy diseased microorganisms. The problem is, these disease particles aren't in your joints! This means healthy joint tissue suffers damage instead!

Over time, the tissue damage destroys your cartilage, or the cushioning between your joints. And the longer your flare-ups go on, the more damage is done. Doctors agree the best prevention is early detection. This can help protect you from permanent joint damage. Also, studies show that patients who consistently seek regular medical treatment several times a year fare better than those who do not.

As part of your joint protection plan-be sure to exercise and get plenty of rest. Your doctor can help you develop an exercise program to help ease your symptoms-and help you enjoy smooth, fluid movements again.

The Vitamins and Minerals useful for combating arthritis include Vitamin A and beta-carotene, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Calcium and Zinc.

Herbs useful in arthritis include wheatgrass, Commiphora mukul (Guggulu), Alfalfa, Celery, Turmeric, Stinging Nettle, Sesame Seeds, Red pepper, Cayenne pepper, Pineapple, Oregano, Mustard seeds, Licorice, Ginger, Ginseng, Boswellia serratia, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), etc.

Exercises that are useful for those suffering from arthritis include low impact exercises like dancing, brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and flexibility exercises like stretching, etc.

Some home remedies for those suffering from arthritis:

*Bath treatment: Add 1 cup of epsom salt or sea salt in a tub of hot water and soak your affected part for 20 minutes.

*Wheatgrass: Daily drink a glass of wheatgrass juice early in the morning on empty stomach.

*Alfalfa: Drink a cup of Alfa alfa tea every day.

*Raw juices: Drinking raw juices which are alkaline in nature like celery,beet,carrot,broccoli,etc are very useful.

*Spices: Eating raw garlic,raw ginger or powdered dry ginger provides a lot of relief due to their anti-inflammatory properties.Turmeric has also shown to be very beneficial.

*Fruits: Fruits like Bananas,papaya,grapefruits,kiwis,cranberries,cherries,blue berries,strawberries,indian gooseberry(amla) are very useful.

*Fruit juice: Drinking Pine apple juice is very effective in easing the symptoms.

*Oil massage:Heat up coconut oil or mustard oil with 3-4 pieces of camphor and apply it and massage it at site of pain ver gently. Applying paste of dry ginger or crushed raw ginger at the site of pain also helps.Consumption of Olive oil is also beneficial.

The following yogic program is known to be highly beneficial to those suffering from arthritis:

Exercises: Hand Clenching, Wrist Bending, Ankle Bending, Ankle Rotation, Single / Double Leg Raises, Shoulder Stretches, Neck Exercises

Asanas: Sukhasana (Easy Pose), Vajarasana (Thunderbolt Pose), Padmasana (Lotus Pose), Dhanurasana (Bow Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), Shavasana (Final Corpse Pose)

Pranayama (Yogic Breathing Exercise): Mild Kapalabhatti (Skull Cleansing), Anuloma-
Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Bhastrika (Bellows Breath)

Kriyas: Vaman Dhauti (Vomiting Water on empty stomach), Laghu Shankha Prakshalanam (Yogic Enema)