Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory illness affecting the
joints. It is an autoimmune-disease, which means that it is caused by your immune cells attacking your own body tissue. White blood cells migrate into the synovial membranes that surround the joints and cause inflammation in these membranes. It is unkown what exactly triggers this autoimmune reaction. The inflammation causes certain proteins to be released leading to a thickening of the synnovial membrane over the course of many months or years. The protein deposition can gradually cause damage to other joint tissues, cartelidge, tendons and bones. The joint can gradually be deformed and destroyed.
Rheumatoid arthritis occurs in about 1-2% of people and is two to three times more common in women then in men. It can begin at any age but commonly first occurs
between the ages of 40 and 60.
Some people will have a mild form of rheumatoid arthritis. This may
require only intermittent treatment for minor symptoms and may not lead
to deformed joints. One in six affected people will have a more serious form that can cause painful, deformed
joints. Although it is a chronic disease and may last a lifetime, people often experience periods of remission when the disease subsides.
Remissions can last for short periods of time or, for several years.
There is no cure for rheumatoid arthritis, but advances in scientific
research mean people with rheumatoid arthritis can be assured of
effective treatment, resulting in much less pain and fewer disabilities.
Alternative medicine
The long term use of anti-inflammatory drugs, cortico-steroids and pain killers to
control symptoms may be harmful to your health, and
pharmaceutical drugs do not always help controlling symptoms
appropriately. Many doctors and naturopathic health practitioners
recommend nutritional approaches to help in the management of the condition.
ENZO Professional, often in combination with other
nutritional supplements like omega-3s, has been used by naturopathic practitioners to help people with rheumatoid arthritis manage to live more comfortable lives.
It is always the best idea to discuss treatment and lifestyle
approaches with your health practitioner to achieve the best results.
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Knowledge Links:
Arthritis New Zealand
NZ Rheumatology Association
Arthritis Australia
Arthritis Foundation, US
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, USA
MedlinePlus:
Rheumatiod arthritis
Mayo Clinc Lupus Info:
All about Rheumatoid arthritis
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