ÿþ<html> <title>Nutter's Bulk & Natural Foods - Article on Rheumatoid Arthritis</title> <meta name="description" content="Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disorder that may affect many tissues and organs, but prinipally attacks synovial joints."> <meta name="keywords" content="rheumatoid, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory, disorder, tissues, organs, synovial, joints, synovial joints, knees, elbows, hips, ankles, shoulders, synovial cavity, synovial fluid, fluid"> <STYLE> A:visited {text-decoration:none} A:active {text-decoration:none} </head> <center> <table width=800 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <td width=800 valign=top> </td></tr> <tr> <font face="Arial" size=4 color="#E0E0E0"> <a href="index.php"><font color=white>Home</a> | <a href="stores.html"><font color=white>Locate A Store</a> | <a href="wellbeing.html"><font color=white>Wellbeing Information</a> | <a href="recipes.html"><font color=white>Recipes</a> </table> <table width=800 cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0> <td width=800 valign=top> <a href="artsindex.html"><font face="Times New Roman" size=4" color=red> <br> <br> First, the word<i> chronic,</i> in layman's terms, means a condition has been present for an extended period; it's not a condition that comes and goes. The opposite of chronic is<i> acute </i>which means it comes on suddenly, sharply, and typically without warning. Chronic means you live with it every day and have adapted to living with it, which is not always the best idea. When a pain or an ache is with us every day, it's our body's way of telling us that there's an issue with this part of our body. Sometimes it can be dealt with; other times it will be a matter of maintenance and doing the best we can. But always, we should do a little investigation, starting with your primary health care provider. <br> The word<i> systemic </i>means that the condition has penetrated the whole system; it affects the body as a whole rather than individual parts. In the context of RA, this means is could show up anywhere on your body. The word<i> inflammatory</i> speaks for itself, and in medical terms, the word<i> disorder </i>means a disturbance of normal function in the body. Are you with me so far? <br> <i>Synovial joints </i>are a particularly interesting, well-engineered area of the body, typically located where we bend; elbows, knees, hips, ankles, shoulders, etc. These joints are so named because of the presence of a capsule <i>(synovial cavity) </i>which surrounds the surfaces of the joints that move <i>(articulate)</i>. This capsule is filled with synovial fluid which is rich in collagen and proteins and lubricates the joint as it moves. <br> And there you have it, the complete definition. Now, let's take a look at best practices for living with rheumatoid arthritis. <br> <b>RHEUMATIOD ARTHRITIS and LIFESTYLE</b><br> <u>Nutritional Choices</u><br> It's best to eliminate foods from your diet that can actually cause <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> Cold dulls the sensation of pain, has a numbing effect, and can decrease muscle spasms. However, many people can't tolerate having a cold pack on their body for long. <br> Heat helps ease pain and relaxes tense muscles. A bath, on the slightly warmer side, for 15 minutes is very soothing. Other options include bean bags which can be heated in the microwave, electric heating pads and electric blankets. Always be sure to NEVER apply heat directly to your skin. Any type of heated object should be wrapped in a soft towel to avoid burns and allow the object to remain heated longer. <br> Here's where the compromise comes in: many people with rheumatoid arthritis find relief by soaking their aching joints in warm water for four minutes and then in cool water for one minute. Repeating this cycle for 30 minutes, ending with the warm soak is very effective. <br> <u>Prescription Medications</u><br> There is no cure for RA, however medications can reduce inflammation in your joints in order to relieve pain and prevent or slow joint damage. <br> Typically, your health care provider will give you a choices of the following: <LI>NSAIDs -- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs relieve pain and reduce inflammation. <LI>DMARDs  Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs. These medications can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from permanent damage. Again, DMARDs have side effects. Ask your primary health care provider to discuss them with you. </UL> <br> <UL> <LI>Plant Oils  The seeds of Evening Primrose, Borage and Black Current contain a type of fatty acid that may help with RA pain and morning stiffness. <LI>Tai Chi  This movement therapy involves gentle exercises and stretches combined with deep breathing. Many people use tai chi to relieve stress in their lives. Tai Chi may relieve RA pain, so long as you don't overdo it and take on movements that actually cause you pain. <b>Nutter's Can Suggest&</b><br> <a href="oilthemachine.html"><img src="udo369.jpg" align=left hspace=12 vspace=12 border=0></a><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <font face="Times New Roman" size=3><i><b>Carol Roy is a Natural Health Practitioner, registered with Natural Health Practitioners Canada, who received her diploma from the Alternative Medicine College of Canada in Montreal, Quebec. With 10 years experience in her area of expertise, naturopathic medicine, Carol has also trained to become a fully qualified Reiki Master, Quantum Touch ® Practitioner and Reflexologist.</b></font></i> <center>The suggestions by Nutters Bulk & Natural Foods and the contents of this article<br>are recommendations only and not a substitute for any medical advice or a <br>replacement for any prescriptions. Seek medical advice for any health concerns.<br>Consult your health care provider before using any recommendations herein.</center><br> </table> <table width=800> <td width=800> </td></tr> <tr> <center><font face="Arial" size=2 color="#E0E0E0"> <a href="stores.html"><b><font color="#E0E0E0">Locate A Store</b></a><font size=2> </table> </body>