There
are two types of arthritis: Osteo-Arthritis and Rheumatoid-Arthritis.
Osteo-Arthritis is caused by a pH imbalance, whereby your bodies pH
is to acid. This causes the body to leach the buffering minerals out
to buffer the acids, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium and chloride.
What happens is the calcium, etc. becomes bio-unavailable and percipitates
into the soft tissue causing calcium build-up in the joint and soft
tissue (muscles and connective tissue). Chloride is needed to make
hydrocloride (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 and the heart beats to rapidly.
The
most common type of arthritis, osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative
joint disease) strikes over 16 million Americans, and is a major
cause of disability among older individuals. Typically osteoarthritis
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 osteoarthritis than men, and
other risk factors include heredity, excess weight, joint injury,
and hormonal imbalances.1
Although
many people associate osteoarthritis 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 osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis
and Bone Resorption: Two collagen crosslinks measured in the
urine assess the impact of osteoarthritis upon bone tissue.
Insulin-like
growth factor (IGF-1) is crucial for maintaining the structural
integrity of bone cartilage.
Osteoarthritis
and Menopause: Many researchers believe that osteoarthritis
in women is triggered by hormonal imbalances in the period following
menopause.
Osteoarthritis
and Oxidative Stress: Free radicals often mediate the destruction
of joint tissue characteristic of osteoarthritis.
Osteoarthritis
and Fatty Acids: Inflammatory processes in osteoarthritis can
be severely exacerbated by fatty acid imbalances.
Osteoarthritis
and Cardiovascular Health: Osteoarthritis places individuals
at greater risk for heart disease. A new biomarker, C-reactive protein,
serves as an early warning marker for both osteoarthritis and heart
disease.
Osteoarthritis
and Amino Acids: The building blocks of protein, amino acids
are crucial for optimal health of the musculoskeletal system.
Osteoarthritis
and Gastrointestinal Health: Chronic use of NSAIDS to treat
osteoarthritis can severely damage the gastrointestinal mucosa.
References:
1 Brandt K, Doherty M, Lohmander L, eds. Osteoarthritis. 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.
For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit
our web site www.completehealthinstitute.com go to lab tests and
click on appropriate test for information.
Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a
clinical practice for over 20 years.
Her programs work because she is so
thorough in testing and providing
a nutritional approach. Remember that
the body can heal itself if given
the proper nutrients.
The information herein is not intended
as diagnosis, treatment or a cure.
Should you have a medical condition
please seek the advice of your medical
doctor. |
hCG
