Arthritis
CONDITION: Arthritis
OVERVIEW: Arthritis is defined as inflammation in one or more joints. It affects over 54 million people and is the number one cause of disability in America. There are over 100 different types of arthritis, but the most common types are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
SYMPTOMS:
- Joint pain
- Reduced range of motion
- Swollen joints
- Pain
- Joint stiffness
- Redness
CAUSES: The causes of the arthritis are heavily dependent on the type, although predispositions include previous injuries, repetitive motions, genetics, and history of autoimmune diseases.
WHAT MAKES IT WORSE:
- Changes in weather
- Stress
- Smoking
- Overexertion
- Highly-processed foods
COMMON THERAPIES: Countering arthritis depends on the type but often includes pain relief medications and corticosteroids. If the type of the arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, then medications known as disease-modifying anti-reheumatic drugs (DMARDS), including methotrexate and hydroxychloroquine, and biologic-response-modifying drugs, like etanercept or infliximab, might be used. Although conventional medication can be highly effective, most come with some pretty hefty side effects, including immune suppression and stomach irritation.
NATURAL INGREDIENTS WE USE:
Chamomile Flower Extract: Calms and reduces inflammation
Lavender Essential Oil: Reduces pain sensitivity
Lemongrass Essential Oil: Reduces inflammation & eases anxiety
Menthol: Reduces pain sensation
Plant-based MSM: Deeply penetrates to reduce inflammation
Vitamin A: Has restorative properties
Vitamin C: Supports cartilage production
Vitamin E: Works as a potent antioxidant
LIFESTYLE GUIDE:
- Use stress reduction techniques as a mind-body approach to reduce anxiety.
- Do qigong exercises to promote wellness and improve joint range of motion.
- Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet by eliminating or foods with sugar, trans fats, and refined carbohydrates while increasing leafy greens, omega-3's, and spices like curcumin.
- Apply our Ultra Relief Cream at the first sign of discomfort to ease symptoms.
Resources
“Sources of Arthritis Pain.” Www.arthritis.org, www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/understanding/types-of-pain.php.
“Arthritis.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Mar. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772.
Marks, Ray. “Qigong Exercise and Arthritis.” Medicines, vol. 4, no. 4, 2017, p. 71., doi:10.3390/medicines4040071.