There
are two types of arthritis: Osteo-Arthritis and Rheumatoid-Arthritis.
Osteo-Arthritis is caused by a pH imbalance,
especially when your body's pH is to acid. This
causes the body to leach out the buffering
minerals which buffer the acids; such
as calcium, magnesium, potassium and
chloride. What happens is the calcium,
etc. becomes bio-unavailable and precipitates
into the soft tissue causing calcium
build-up in the joint and soft tissue
(muscles and connective tissue). Chloride
is needed to make hydrochloride (stomach
acid). So digestion is hampered and no
matter how much calcium and other minerals
you take, if your HCL is low you will
not be able to digest them. Potassium
and magnesium are needed for relaxation
of muscles, without the proper balance
the body become stiff, you may get leg cramps or the heart beats
to rapidly.
The
most common type of arthritis, osteo arthritis (also known
as degenerative joint disease) strikes over 16 million
Americans, and is a major cause of disability among older
individuals. Typically osteo arthritis presents as pain,
stiffness, or swelling in joints such as the hip, hand,
and knee or spine, but it may affect other joints as well.
Women run a higher risk of developing osteo arthritis than
men, and other risk factors include heredity, excess weight,
joint injury, and hormonal imbalances.1
Although
many people associate osteo arthritis
with the "natural"
wear and tear of joint cartilage, there are actually a variety of
physiological factors that play an important role in the prevention,
monitoring, and treatment of this condition. Recently, investigators
have strongly emphasized the importance of working to undo actual
degenerative mechanisms in the body rather than simply treating
symptoms with anti-inflammatory drugs or analgesics.
The
following Genova Diagnostics assessments
offer important clinical insight
into the dysfunctional mechanisms
underlying the development and progression
of osteo arthritis.
Osteo
arthritis
and Bone Resorption: Two
collagen cross links measured in the
urine assess the impact of osteo arthritis
upon bone tissue.
Insulin-like
growth factor (IGF-1) is crucial for maintaining the structural
integrity of bone cartilage.
Osteo
arthritis
and Menopause: Many researchers
believe that osteo arthritis in women
is triggered by hormonal imbalances
in the period following menopause.
Osteo
arthritis
and Oxidative Stress: Free
radicals often mediate the destruction
of joint tissue characteristic of osteo
arthritis.
Osteo
arthritis
and Fatty Acids: Inflammatory
processes in osteo arthritis can be
severely exacerbated by fatty acid
imbalances.
Osteo
arthritis
and Cardiovascular Health: Osteo
arthritis places individuals at greater
risk for heart disease. A new bio marker,
C-reactive protein, serves as an early
warning marker for both osteo arthritis
and heart disease.
Osteo
arthritis
and Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, amino acids
are crucial for optimal health of the musculoskeletal system.
Osteo
arthritis
and Gastrointestinal Health: Chronic
use of NSAIDS to treat osteo arthritis
can severely damage the gastrointestinal
mucosa.
References:
1 Brandt K, Doherty M, Lohmander L,
eds. Osteo arthritis. Oxford: Oxford
University Press, 1998.
Call
to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed
and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification
and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing
this disorder.
Teresa
Rispoli has her Ph.D. in Nutrition,
is a licensed Acupuncturist and
clinical researcher. She has been
in practice for well over 25 years.
It is through her clinical practice
that she has gained insights into
chronic health conditions. If
you are suffering from unexplained
symptoms that come and go you owe
it to yourself to find out why.
Find out today call for a Nutritional
Consultation with Dr. Rispoli.
Your
happiness is a reflection of
your health call today For
an appointment, contact her office
at (800) 956-7083 or (818) 707-3125.
We also offer Functional Laboratory
tests that can be done through
the mail in the privacy of your
home to help determine why you
are having these symptoms. For
more information on these click
on lab tests. |