By Roni DeLuz ND, RN, PH. D

Millions of Americans suffer from arthritis every year, experiencing chronic pain, stemming from inflammation. Literally, the word arthritis means “inflammation of joints.”

There are two main types of arthritic conditions:

First, is osteoarthritis, which is a common joint disease, more appropriately described as “arthrosis” (degenerative joint disease) because it does not involve inflammation, as the “itis” suffix suggests. For reasons still not clear to science, this joint disease involves the degeneration of the rubbery, gel-like substance (cartilage) found at the ends of bones, pain is its hallmark.

Next, is rheumatoid arthritis, which is where the immune system attacks the lining of the bone called, the synovial membrane. Eventually, the lining will deteriorate and then the cartilage of the joint will also begin to wear down.

Common Symptoms of Arthritis

The most consistent and common symptom of arthritis is pain at the sight of the body part being attacked. Usually, in the knees, fingers, toes, back and heels. One might experience heat, redness and swelling, which can be short- or long-term pain.

Causes of Arthritis

Arthritis usually occurs after the age of 45, mostly effecting the weight-bearing joints of the body; although it is found in other joints, this is typically a result of joint overload or when unhealthy joints are forced to carry unreasonable weight loads. Other causes may also include age, autoimmune disease, genetics, inflammation and obesity.

What Can I Do to Heal Arthritis?

Eat a PEVY diet to heal arthritis!

PEVY stands for Protein, Essential fatty acids, Vegetables, and Your custom supplements. A PEVY diet will lower inflammation and reduce arthritic flare ups.

1. PEVY proteins include grass fed beef, fresh fish rich in fatty acids, and free-range eggs.

2. Foods that contain omega 3 essential acids are salmon, walnuts, chia seeds, flax seeds, and cod liver oil.

3. PEVY vegetables include spinach, kale, collards, cauliflower, sauerkraut, coleslaw, sautéed cabbage, garlic, cooked onions, and asparagus, which contains higher amounts of the minerals known to reduce inflammation.

4. Supplements like turmeric (taken daily can significantly reduce inflammation), flax seed oil, and glucosamine.

Foods to avoid

Certain foods can increase inflammation, joint stiffness and pain. These foods above are triggers for arthritis because they are nightshade vegetables. These foods are high in Lectins, a form of protein that causes the cells to clump so that it’s hard to absorbed nutrients which also causes more inflammation.

5 groups of food that cause Inflammation

1. Nightshade vegetables which include tomatoes, eggplant, potatoes, and peppers
2. Processed sugars and hidden sugars, like corn syrup
3. MSG (monosodium glutamate), found in many foods as a hidden ingredient
4. Gluten, mainly found in processed grains made with white flour
5. Omega 6 oils like canola, cottonseed, corn oil, including hydrogenated oils like vegetable shortening.

3 Helpful Tips to Heal Arthritis

Targeted exercise and walking help to increase heart action and blood flow to the damaged areas. It helps with flexibility and stiffness by increasing your range of motion. A physical therapist or trainer can customize a program for you.

Seaweed body wraps help to draw toxins out of the body to heal inflamed joints.

Essential oils and a heating pad work well for chronic arthritis because they deliver anti-inflammatory supplements and essential oils to the area of pain to increase circulation. You can apply oils such as ginger and basil on the inflamed areas. Be careful to only add 10 drops of each essential oil in 2 ounces of a carrier oil (coconut oil).

For obtaining long term health benefits, you should incorporate a healthy detox or cleanse first. Many people have overcome Arthritis with diet, exercise and decreased stress. For more information visit: https://drronideluz.com/