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Contributory Factors for Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Spinal Disc Disease, and Osteoporosis
by
Charlie Skeen
In the United States diseases related to the bones, joints, spine, and immune system are escalating each year. Modern medicine has done very little to remedy these situations other than to perform surgeries, such as joint replacement, and administer drugs to reduce inflammation and pain. In the meantime, people continue to suffer and pay ever rising health care costs for treatments that offer no hope. These same treatments also increase the same health problems they are trying to reverse due to the negative effects of the drugs, and introduce other health problems.
Taking Care of Your
Car
Even though a person may not be a car mechanic he or she knows that
the car has to have the oil and filter changed regularly and the right
type of fuel, or the engine will become damaged and eventually break
down. People also know better than to put water or some other liquid
besides gasoline in the fuel tank or the engine will not run. Other
maintenance has to be performed as well, such as tune-ups and wheel
alignments, or your car will begin to run horribly and eventually just
fall apart.
The Human Machine
While the human body is made up of flesh, blood, and bone instead of
metal and other non-living material, it is similar to a car. It requires
the right type of fuel, clean healthy water and natural unadulterated
food, to keep it running smoothly and efficiently. When sufficient amounts
of the right type of fuel is lacking, and the body is subjected to water
contaminated with chemicals such as chlorine and sodium fluoride, and
other liquids such as coffee, alcohol, milk, sodas, soy products, and
sugary drinks, along with foods that are processed, full of chemical
additives, cooked excessively, or microwaved, the human machine will
be begin to run horribly and eventually breakdown. It also doesn’t help
when other health destroying factors, such as smoking, come into play.
And just like a car that runs better when driven regularly, the human
body needs a consistent schedule of the right types of exercise to keep
it running smoothly.
Taking Care of the
Human Machine
When we purchase a car it comes with an owner’s manual on how to properly
take care of it. While this article is not a manual it does provide
information that can assist you to understand some of the things that
can contribute to unhealthy bones, joints, spine, and immune system.
But please understand that your health can benefit in many other ways
as well such as improved cardiovascular health.
Contributory Factors
for Osteo and Rheumatoid Arthritis,
Spinal Disc Disease, and Osteoporosis
Milk and milk products
(See www.notmilk.com)
From my many years of experience I have learned that milk and other
dairy products are some of the worst foods you can consume. I have seen
many people’s health improve dramatically, including my own, when dairy
was eliminated from the diet. For in-depth details how bad dairy is
for the body go to the web site listed at the beginning of this paragraph.
Some details about dairy are
that it has too much phosphorous, protein, and fat. It blocks absorption
and activity of vitamin D. Is an excess mucus producer, blocks absorption
of nutrients in the digestive tract, and is allergy producing. Children
suffer from ear infections. I can’t begin to count the number of children
whose ear infections cleared up after the parents took them off of dairy.
There is an increased risk of milk alkali syndrome weakening the kidneys
and preventing conversion of vitamin D into calcitrol, the bioactive
form of D for calcium absorption and immune system health. Symptoms
include back and loin pain (related to kidney stones from calcium deposits),
excessive urination, and other problems that can result from kidney
failure. Some people advocate raw
milk but it has its drawbacks as well. And contrary to popular belief
cow’s milk is not a good source of calcium as the body does not utilize
it very well. It’s interesting to note that people around the world
that use the most dairy have the shortest life spans and suffer the
most from disease, including cancers. See Coral
Calcium What Are the Facts? Buyer Beware!
As a substitute for dairy do no use soy as it is not the health food
people think it is as the next paragraph highlights. Instead of drinking
soy milk you can use rice and almond milk. As for ice cream there is
the Imagine Foods Rice Dream made from rice with half the fat.
Unfermented soy foods
(See www.soyonlineservice.co.nz)
Soy contains phytoestrogens called isoflavones which suppress thyroid
function. Contain trypsin inhibitors that inhibit protein digestion
and affect pancreatic function. In test animals, diets high in trypsin
inhibitors led to stunted growth and pancreatic disorders. Soy increase
the body’s requirement for vitamin D. Phytic acid in soy foods results
in reduced bioavailability of iron and zinc required for healthy bones,
cartilage, and discs, healthy immune system, and DNA repair.
Limit intake of soy foods and only use small amounts of fermented soy
foods such as tempeh and miso. Instead of drinking soy milk you can
use rice and almond milk.
Sodium Fluoride
(See www.fluoridealert.org)
All of the research about fluoride for decay-prevention was actually
from calcium fluoride, not sodium fluoride. Depending
on the mineral content of the water source calcium fluoride can form
when there is an adequate amount of calcium present, and may be of some
benefit. It is interesting to note that research shows that fluoride,
whether calcium or sodium, is one of the major aging factors.
Sodium Fluoride -
Toxic Waste
The form of fluoride put into the drinking water and used by dentists
is sodium fluoride, a toxic poison from the aluminum and fertilizer
industries and was used primarily as a rat poison before city municipalities
were duped into thinking it was necessary to add to water supplies to
fight tooth decay. By having city municipalities buy their leftover
sodium fluoride to put into their water supplies the aluminum and fertilizer
industries not only do not have to pay to legally dispose of this toxic
waste but they also make money, especially since the price to purchase
it went up over 1,000%.
Sodium Fluoride Banned
and Not Used In Other Countries
Researchers in Europe who studied the effects of sodium fluoride on
humans found that it was not safe for consumption resulting in its ban
and illegal use in Denmark, Holland, Sweden, Belgium and Germany. However,
countries such as France and Norway never used sodium fluoride because
they never found a sound scientific reason to use it.
The Negative Effects
of Sodium Fluoride
In his book titled, “Fluoride, The Aging Factor”
written by Dr. John Yiamouyianni there is hard scientific information
he provides about the damaging effects of sodium fluoride.
| Brown
Decaying Teeth |
| Disrupts
and blocks cellular enzyme activity (required for metabolic processes) |
| DNA
Damage |
| Collagen
Destruction |
| Genetic
Damage |
| Immune
System Damage |
| Accelerated,
or premature aging |
| Serious
disorders - such as lupus, sclera derma, rheumatoid arthritis
and other forms of arthritis. |
| Cancer
and other degenerative conditions |
| Weakened
bones |
| Osteoporosis |
| Arthritic pain |
| Skeletal fluorosis - A condition where there is too much fluoride in the bone. |
Skeletal fluorosis
- 1st Stage - Symptoms can include pain in the bones and joints,
burning, pricking, and tingling in the limbs, muscle weakness, chronic
fatigue, reduced appetite and disorders of the digestive system. During
this stage x-rays can detect that the bone has a more prominent and
blurred structure and that there are changes in the pelvis and spinal
column.
Skeletal fluorosis - 2nd Stage - If left unchanged
the condition can worsen to where there is constant pain in the bones
and some of the ligaments start to calcify. The long bones, such as
in the legs, may become osteoporotic, or lose bone tissue, and osteosclerosis
( this is when the bones become more dense and develop an abnormal crystalline
structure that can more easily fracture and break) may be present. Bone
spurs may begin to appear around the arm and leg bones especially around
the knee, elbow, and on the surface of the tibia and ulna.
In 3rd Stage of Skeletal fluorosis, or extreme skeletal fluorosis, also referred to as crippling skeletal fluorosis, the arms and legs become weak and movement is difficult, while the vertebrae become fused together, crippling the individual.
Disrupts healthy thyroid
function
The thyroid gland is involved with many functions of the body
such as temperature control, basal metabolic rate (oxygen consumption),
carbohydrate/fat/protein metabolism, nervous system function, cardiovascular
system (normal functioning of the heart), muscular system, skeletal
system (promotes normal growth and maturation of the skeleton for developing
children and in adults assists in the demineralization of the skeleton),
gastrointestinal system (promotes healthy bowel tone, GI motility or
movement, and digestive enzymes), reproductive system (promotes normal
female reproductive ability and lactation), and promotes normal hydration
and secretory activity of the skin.
NOTE: One can see that if the thyroid is disrupted it can be difficult to maintain a healthy body weight and can explain one reason why so many people are gaining abnormal weight, especially fat, and having a difficult time in losing it. Many also feel that the sodium fluoride is contributing to the abnormal height of some people and to broad bottoms.
Sodium Fluoride is
A Poison
In his book “Fluoride, The Aging Factor” Dr.
John Yiamouyiannis warns "Fluoride is a poison!"
“The 1984 issue of Clinical Toxicology of Commercial Products lists
fluoride as more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous
than arsenic. It has been used as a pesticide for mice, rats and other
small pests. A 10-pound infant could be killed by 1/100 of an ounce
and a 100-pound adult could be killed by 1/10 of an ounce of fluoride.
The Akron Regional Poison Center indicates that a 7-ounce tube of toothpaste
contains 199 mg. of fluoride, more than enough to kill a 25-pound child."
Dr. John Yiamouyiannis also says in his book, "Fluoride interacts with the bonds which maintain the normal shape of proteins. With distorted protein, the immune system attacks it's own protein, the body's own tissue."
The visual and physical effects from prolonged exposure to fluoride include nausea, bloody vomit, faintness, stomach cramps, tremors, constipation, aching bones, stiffness, skin rash, weight loss and brown or black discoloration of the teeth.
Natural Fluorine in
Food
It is healthier, more efficient, and safer to get our fluorine from
foods rather than taking inorganic and chemically produced fluorides.
Obtaining organic fluorine from foods along with organic calcium form
foods and in combination with high quality calcium and other minerals
such as magnesium and zinc in supplements will assist the body in building
a strong healthy surface on the teeth and bones. Also, the natural fluorine
protects the body from germs and viruses.
Natural Sources of
Fluorine
Good sources of natural fluorine include foods such as avocado, garlic,
goat milk, goat cheese, and goat butter, greens, parsley, brown rice,
spinach, tomatoes, dates, cauliflower, cabbage, organic egg yolks, cod
liver oil, brussels sprouts, and black eye peas. It is best to eat organically
grown foods as much as possible.
Elimination of Sodium
Fluoride for Good Health
Obviously if we want to have healthy bones and joints, as well as good
overall health, we have to eliminate sodium fluoride from our drinking
water. And while natural fluorine in foods is easily removed as it evaporates
during cooking, water containing sodium fluoride does not. That being
the case we should not cook with water containing sodium fluoride in
addition to not drinking it. If you plan on using a filter for your
water, or are presently using one, make sure from the manufacturer that
it does remove sodium fluoride.
Chlorine
Chlorine is a powerful toxic chemical that
was used to kill soldiers in war. First used in United States in 1908
in New Jersey to kill bacteria in drinking water. Mixes with decaying
organic matter in ground and surface water producing chemicals called
trihalomethanes that are proven to cause cancer. Research has demonstrated
that it damages and destroys vitamin E, all of the B vitamins such as
folic acid (folate) and interferes with the function of zinc which in
turn will affect DNA repair, immune system function, and in general
cause every cell in the body to deteriorate more quickly causing pre-aging
and diseases such as arthritis, osteoporosis, diabetes, heart disease,
various cancers, depression and other mental disabilities, and autoimmune
diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Also, destroys the friendly bacteria
in the digestive tract affecting absorption of nutrients, causing immune
system problems (70% of immune system is in the small intestine), reduces
ability to protect the body from absorbing other pathogenic bacteria
and fight off parasites. Chlorine removes iodine from the thyroid disrupting
healthy thyroid function. Don’t drink chlorinated water, and use a shower
filter as a hot shower and bath increases the absorption of chlorine.
Also, try to find a swimming pool without chlorine.
Read article - Chlorine
-“Crippler and Killer”
Microwave Oven
It’s interesting to note that the microwave oven was developed
during World War II when Hilter in Nazi Germany was looking for a fast
method to cook food in the field for his soldiers. After the war when
Russia and the United States invaded and defeated Germany they found
the research on microwaves and brought it back to their respective countries.
Please note what others have discovered about the food cooked in microwave
ovens.
In Dr. Lita Lee's book, Health Effects of Microwave Radiation - Microwave Ovens, and in the March and September 1991 issues of Earthletter, she stated that every microwave oven leaks electro-magnetic radiation, harms food, and converts substances cooked in it to dangerous organ-toxic and cancer causing products. Further research summarized in this article reveal that microwave ovens are far more harmful than previously imagined.
Some of the findings in a Russian Study on foods that were cooked in a microwave published by the Atlantis Raising Educational Center in Portland, Oregon are:
• |
Microwaving
prepared meats sufficiently to insure sanitary ingestion caused
formation of d-Nitrosodienthanolamines, a well-known cancer producer. |
• |
Microwaving
milk and cereal grains converted some of their amino acids into
cancer causing chemicals. |
• |
Thawing
frozen fruits converted their glucoside and galactoside containing
fractions into cancer producing substances. |
• |
Extremely
short exposure of raw, cooked or frozen vegetables converted their
plant alkaloids into cancer producers. |
• |
Cancer
causing free radicals were formed in microwaved plants, especially
root vegetables. |
• |
All
of the food had decreased nutritional content. |
Russian researchers also reported a marked acceleration of structural degradation leading to a decreased food value of 60 to 90% in all foods tested. Among the changes observed were:
• |
Deceased
bio-availability of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, vitamin E, essential
minerals and lipotropic factors in all food tested. |
• |
Various
kinds of damage to many plant substances, such as alkaloids, glucosides,
galactosides and nitrilosides. |
• |
The
degradation of nucleo-proteins in meats. |
Don’t let convenience ruin your health. Avoid microwaving and use conventual ovens to bake or broil.
Insufficient weight
bearing exercise
Such things as walking, working in the garden or around the
house, and swimming are not sufficient to maintain strong bones and
joints. You need a planned targeted resistance training program done
a minimum of 1 hour three days a week. Start slowly, 10 to 15 minutes,
and build your way up. This can be accomplished with machines, free
weights, and resistance bands. Rotation
for Recuperation: How to Exercise Sensibly for Results
Over-weight
When a person carries excess body weight in the form of fat, even as
little as 20 pounds, it can put undue wear and tear on the joints, particularly
the hips and knees, causing them to wear out.
Smoking (cigarettes,
cigars, pipe)
Smoking produces too much carbonic acid robbing the body of oxygen and
creates an over-acid pH leaching minerals from the body. It destroys
vitamins like E, C and A, decreasing protection from free radicals which
damage cells and increase inflammation, pain, heart disease, and toxic
metal cadmium builds up increasing risk of high blood pressure. Also,
decreases collagen production weakening the skin (causing wrinkles and
pre-aging), bones, cartilage and support tissues such as tendons and
ligaments. Can increase inflammation,.
Alcohol
Alcohol is naturally acidic and dehydrates the body, and creates free
radicals that damage cells and uses up vitamins and minerals. If in
excess destroys vitamins and minerals required for healthy DNA and repair
of cells such as bone, cartilage and support tissues. Alcohol destroys
prostaglandin 1 (PGE1), a hormone-like substance, increasing the risks
of inflammation, arthritis, pain, heart disease, brain and immune dysfunctions.
Coffee
Coffee is a natural diuretic, acidic and dehydrates the body.
If in excess, more than two cups daily, can increase the acid pH causing
loss of minerals and vitamins required for healthy DNA, and healthy
bones and joints, increase inflammation, pain, and heart disease.
Sodas and other soft
drinks
Sodas and other soft drinks contain little to no nutrition,
are very acidic, and dehydrate the body. They contain too much phosphorus
leaching calcium from the body causing the loss of vitamins and other
minerals. Eliminate these foodless, nutrition sapping, dehydrating drinks
and use pure healthy chemical free water and teas containing natural
minerals.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is devoid of minerals making
it is very acidic to the body and leaches the chemicals in the plastic
bottles they are contained in. No culture on earth naturally drinks
distilled water, they drink water containing minerals. If you have a
distiller, or buy distilled water, you can put minerals back into the
water by adding natural minerals from Source
Naturals Ion Charge™ Ionic Minerals. Use about 1 to 2 teaspoons
per gallon.
Dehydration
Many people are dehydrated due to not drinking
enough water, and using too much coffee, sodas, milk, alcohol, and fruit
juices. As a result the spinal discs of the back shrink and lose their
support and cushioning effect creating pain. Also, the cartilage requires
water to maintain healthy synovial fluid production for lubrication.
The cartilage also needs water to maintain its shock absorbing qualities.
If dehydration becomes too severe it can cause the cartilage and spinal
discs to dry out and become brittle and damaged. 50% of back pain sufferers
were found to be dehydrated.
How to Calculate Your Daily Requirement
for Water
To calculate your water
requirements divide your body weight by 2. Example:
A 180 pound man divided by 2 equals 90 ounces, or 11 to12 glasses of
water.
Even more water is required for smokers, dieters, active people, people
living in high altitudes, hot/cold weather, seniors, pregnant women,
nursing mothers, babies and school age children, prescription drug users,
and drinkers of dehydrating beverages.
Salt
In particular table salt which is mined from land and lacks
trace minerals. Too much salt interferes with absorption of other nutrients
and removes calcium from the body. Americans average around 17,000 mg
a day, or 3 1/2 teaspoons of salt. whereas a safe level is 3,000 daily.
If you must use salt use natural sea salt or organic seaweeds which
contains around 60 trace minerals from the ocean.
Processed fats and
oils (margarine, fried foods, hydrogenated, or trans fatty
acids)
These unnatural processed oils and fats are used heavily in the fast
food industry and in processed foods in grocery stores. These fats will
destroy the body’s natural essential fatty acids. They cannot be used
by the body and will contribute to many diseases such as cancers, diabetes,
and promote inflammation which in turn will weaken the immune system
as well as contribute to heart disease, osteoporosis, and osteo and
rheumatoid arthritis as the immune system attacks the bone and joints
and produce pain. Natural healthy oils and fats include unrefined extra
virgin olive oil and sesame oil. Coconut oil is good as well. Also,
see information below on arachidonic acid. Never use extreme heat or
fry with these oils.
Too much arachidonic
acid
Arachidonic acid (AA) is
an essential fatty acid that mainly comes from eating animal meats such
as steak, chicken, turkey and from dairy, eggs, and peanuts. When there
is an excess of AA it causes the body to produce too much of a prostaglandin
called PGE2 and modified forms of PGE2 called
leukotrienes, which increase pain and inflammation. Elevated AA, PGE2,
and leukotrienes are also involved with asthma, psoriasis, dermatitis
and other autoimmune diseases such as lupus, while AA and PGE2
stimulate cell division and growth and can be directly linked
to cancers and tumors.
To reduce AA and PGE2 reduce the intake of the foods listed above and eat more fish such as salmon, sardine, tuna, lake trout, anchovy, and pilchard which contain more omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. Make sure the fish are not fried. If you do not eat fish very often, or you do not eat it at all, you can supplement with fish oil capsules such as OmegaLogic™. A minimum of 1,000 mg each of EPA and DHA should be taken daily. Fish oil increases the production of PGE3 which reduces inflammation and pain.
Essential Fatty Acids
Alpha-Linolenic Acid and Linoleic acid
Besides omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA from fish you can also eat foods
such as chia, flax, pumpkin, and walnuts and dark greens containing
the essential fatty acid Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA). Another essential
fatty acid includes Linoleic acid (LA) from foods such as nuts, seeds,
grains, legumes, most vegetables, and fruit. Both ALA and LA help with
production of PGE3 which lower inflammation.
GLA Supplements Had
Negative Effects
Another essential fatty acid is Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA). However,
studies have demonstrated that those who had rheumatoid arthritis and
increased their intake of GLA by taking Evening Primrose Oil supplements
decreased EPA and increased their levels of arachidonic acid which contributes
to inflammation.
Reference:
1. J. Janti et al., “Evening Primrose Oil in Rheumatoid
Arthritis: Changes in Serum Lipids and Fatty acids, “ Ann
Rheum Dis (1989): 124-7
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
EPA and DHA from Fish Oil Offered Superior Results
In other studies omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil offered far better
results in reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. The patients
also had less morning stiffness and tender joints than the control group
that did not receive the fish oil, and they had favorable changes in
suppressing the production of inflammatory chemicals secreted by white
blood cells.
References:
1. J. Kremer et al., “Fish Oil Supplementation in Active
Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Double-Blinded Controlled Cross-Over Study,”
Ann Intern Med 106 (1987):497-502
2. R. Sperling et al., “Effects of Dietary Supplementation
with Marine Fish Oil on Leukocyte Lipid Mediator Generation and Function
in Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Arthritis Rheum
30 (1987):988-97
The Omega-3 fatty acids and the ALA produce the prostaglandin PGE3 and the essential fatty acid LA produce the prostaglandin PGE1 which are required for proper immune function, reduce and control inflammation and pain, regulate brain function, protect against heart disease including heart attack, stroke, blood pressure, and inhibits blood clots, often alleviates dry eye, regulates action of insulin to reduce damage to the heart, eyes, nerves, and kidneys in all forms of diabetes, maintains a healthy prostate, supports healthy metabolism for weight loss and obesity, PMS, Multiple Sclerosis, and hyperactivity in children.
Medications and Prescription
Drugs
Drugs such as cortisone, Advil, and other NSAIDs alleviate
the pain and inflammation by blocking the production of the prostaglandin
PGE2 and leukotrienes, but they also interfere with the production of
the prostaglandins PGE1and PGE3 which naturally reduce inflammation
and pain and are needed by the body to maintain healthy bone, cartilage,
synovial fluid, and a healthy cardiovascular system. Long term use of
these drugs will contribute to the destruction of the joints and bones.
Destruction of the
Digestive Tract and Immune System
The above listed medications and drugs also destroy the friendly bacteria
in the digestive tract reducing the ability to properly absorb nutrients
and eliminate waste, prevent parasites and the buildup and absorption
of toxins and pathogenic bacteria from the intestines, and create a
leaky gut which will induce food allergies and a negative immune system
response. Since 70% of the immune system is in the small intestine it
can become overwhelmed, weaken and lose its ability to recognize friendly
cells and begin to attack your own body such as the cells of the cartilage
and bone and blood vessels. If this situation is not corrected autoimmune
diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can result and inflammation
throughout the entire body will occur elsewhere such as the cardiovascular
system increasing the risks of heart attack and stroke.
Aspirin robs the body of copper especially the stomach wall. Copper is needed with vitamin C to produce elastin and healthy collagen tissue to maintain a healthy stomach wall to protect it from acid during digestion. Over time the stomach will produce an ulcer. Copper is also needed to maintain healthy blood vessel walls and their elasticity, as well as for production of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase, an enzyme that protects the body from free radicals such as the superoxide and other peroxides which damage cells such as cartilage and bone..
Fosamax (Found
to cause jaw bone death. Osteonecrosis - Bone Death)
Researchers have found that while Fosamax does help to build denser
bone it has not prevented fractures. This is because instead of improving
bone health it actually makes them more brittle, which of course makes
them more prone to fractures, the exact opposite of what you want. Also,
it was found that even if people stopped taking Fosamax it can remain
in the body for up to ten years. Please note what one researcher Susan
Ott, MD, of the University of Washington wrote in a 2004 letter published
in the Annals of Internal Medicine, "Many
people believe that these drugs are 'bone builders,' but the evidence
shows they are actually bone hardeners." Natural healthy bone while
very sturdy and has more strength than steel the same size, is also
very flexible. If bone becomes too hard then it can more easily fracture
and break. Fosamax
- A Drug with Deadly Results
Processed Foods
Foods that have been processed, such as white flour and rice,
fried foods, frozen TV dinners, candy, boxed cereals, microwavable foods,
potato chips and other snack foods are loaded with excess salt, sugars,
and chemical additives. These types of foods are deficient in vitamins,
minerals, and enzymes and cannot nourish the body and in fact will rob
the body of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes as the body will use these
up in trying to digest these dead devitalized foods sapping your energy,
strength and health.
Unchelated Minerals
Most supplements use minerals that are not properly chelated
for absorption. They break down in the digestive system blocking absorption
and destroying other nutrients. Popular minerals used are gluconates,
carbonates, oxides, sulphates, fumarates, and chlorides. Minerals are
very important to the health of the bone, cartilage, spinal discs, cardiovascular
system, DNA repair and functions, and enzymes for myriads of metabolic
processes.
Hyaluronic Acid
To properly lubricate the joints the body must maintain a healthy
synovial fluid consistency and balance. If the synovial fluid drys out,
or becomes too thin, the joints will create too much friction from movement
and eventually will deteriorate and become inflamed causing pain and
stiffness. A mucopolysaccharide, called hyaluronic acid, binds protein,
water and other substances to form synovial fluid, and is required to
maintain its effectiveness.
Hyaluronidase Enzyme
and Lead (toxic heavy metal)
While most everyone has some level of lead in their body researchers
have found that around 38% of the people with arthritis have higher
levels. They have also found out that the higher level of lead activates
an enzyme called hyaluronidase which destroys hyaluronic acid and the
synovial fluid. The decomposed synovial fluid then spreads to the surrounding
lymphatic vessels of the joint causing inflammation and swelling.
Too Much Calcium
In people with arthritis they discovered that they had too much calcium
in their bodies and too little magnesium. Too much calcium prevents
magnesium from working preventing the calcium from being used properly
by the body as well. When the calcium and magnesium levels are properly
balanced they can prevent the lead from activating the hyaluronidase
enzyme no matter how elevated. Magnesium also helps to remove the lead.
Vitamin and Mineral
Deficiencies
Research has also demonstrated that sufficient amounts of vitamin E
inhibits the production of the hyaluronidase enzyme. The levels of vitamin
E as well as A, D, and the B-complex are usually lower in people with
arthritis. For the body to produce sufficient amounts of hyaluronic
acid the minerals magnesium, manganese, and cobalt found in B-12 are
required and are also usually found to be low in people with arthritis.
For proper absorption and utilization, including sublingual, the supplemental
B-12 should be in the form of methylcobalamin. Cyanacobalamin that most
supplements contain is inactive and has to be converted before it can
be used by the body.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is considered both a hormone, since
the body can produce it when the skin is exposed to
sunlight, and a vitamin. Scientists have found that vitamin D is needed
not only to promote absorption of calcium and phosphorous from the small
intestine and bone formation, but also works with the immune system
to keep it functioning normally and regulates the health and activity
of 20 different tissues including the brain and cell growth. Without
sufficient vitamin D certain immune cells would attack the bone tissue,
and when there is an adequate amount other immune cells help to build
bone. Research has found that people do not receive enough. They are
now requiring 800 IU daily or more with an upper safe limit of 2,500
IU daily. Vitamin D must be converted into the biologically active form,
calcitrol, for use through the liver and kidneys with enzymes. And these
enzymes cannot be produced and activated unless the minerals zinc, magnesium,
manganese, and boron are in sufficient supply.
Free Radicals and
Chemical Damage
Our bodies are constantly attacked by free radicals that have
unpaired electrons that seek out other healthy cells and rob them of
their electrons, and by chemicals which can damage them. If enough cells
are damaged, such as cartilage, bone, and synovial fluid, there will
be inflammation and pain. And the damage can be so severe that it can
cause serious health problems such as arthritis and heart disease. Free
radicals come from many sources such as the oxygen we breathe, the chemicals
in the air, water, and foods that are fried or burned, and we even make
free radicals when we digest our foods and exercise.
Protection From Free
Radicals
Protection from these free radicals and chemicals come from antioxidants
such as vitamins A, beta carotene, C, E, and the mineral selenium. With
enough vitamin C and adequate B vitamin riboflavin-5-phosphate the body
can produce the amino acid L-glutathione for protection from free radicals,
and with selenium it can produce L-glutathione peroxidase to protect
us from free radicals and chemicals. Free radicals such as the superoxide
can overtime, if left unchecked, destroy the synovial fluid and cartilage
while all the time producing inflammation and making it painful to move.
When the minerals zinc, copper, and manganese are in plentiful supply
the body can produce a very powerful antioxidant called superoxide dismutase
which neutralizes this free radical.
Too Much Protein or
Too Little Protein (Essential amino acids)
If too much protein is eaten, especially animal, the body can become
too acidic and leach minerals causing bone loss, or if too little protein
there would not be enough essential amino acids to build tissues such
as bone and muscles, maintain a healthy immune and gland and organ systems.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C maintains a protein called collagen which is essential
for the formation of connective tissue in skin, ligaments, tendons,
cartilage, and bones. It works with certain enzymes in the body to form
the amino acid L-proline from two other amino acids, L-glutamate or
L-ornithine. In turn, proline is used by the body to form another amino
acid called hydroxyproline. Vitamin C also is needed to act as a coenzyme
to convert lysine to hydoxylysine. Hydoxylysine and hydroxyproline are
essential in maintaining a very stable collagen structure, which is
likened to glue that holds the body tissues together.
Increased Need for
Vitamin C
The need for vitamin C increases with age because of the need to regenerate
collagen. Studies have shown that vitamin C protects and enhances cartilage
formation while research has proven that excess vitamin C is crucial
to maintaining healthy cartilage cells. Among the elderly, insufficient
intake of vitamin C is quite common. This has resulted in altered cartilage
production and compromised cartilage repair.
Research has proven that vitamin C is critical to the production and protection of healthy cartilage cells. Vitamin C also assists in converting the inactive form of folic acid into the bioactive form, folinic acid, which is required for the conversion of the toxic amino acid homocysteine into cystanthionine. Elevated homocysteine levels are known to break down the collagen in the bone and artery wall weakening these structures.
Recommended sources of vitamin C should be either in an ascorbate form or Ester-C as they are non-acid. Since vitamin C is quickly used up due to physiological, psychological, emotional, and chemical stress, a minimum of 1,000 milligrams three times daily, or 3,000 mg, should be used, or more. At least half or equal amounts of bioflavonoids should be taken as well as they assist its absorption and activity.
Folate Deficiency
Ongoing research is discovering that only 200 to 400 mcg of synthetic
folic acid found in most supplements can be converted by the body into
the bioactive form. After that it seems that unconverted folic acid
fills the blood and cells of the body and prevents the bioactive folates
such as tetrahydrofolate, folinic acid and L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
from entering. Also, about 25% of the population have a mutated gene
that will not allow them to produce an enzyme required to convert folic
acid into a bioactive form. In addition to taking in synthetic folic
acid from supplements it has also been added to prepared foods since
1998 as mandated by Federal Law.
Medications Interfere
and Destroy Natural Folates
Medications such as aspirin, cholesterol lowering drugs, cortisone,
cough syrups, oral contraceptives, phenobarbital, tetracyclines, anticonvulsants
also interfere with the absorption and action of folates.
Synthetic Folic Acid
Researchers are discovering that the excessive intake of synthetic folic
acid from supplements and prepared foods with its poor conversion rate,
and for some no conversion at all, is preventing the bioactive forms
of folates from being used by the body to maintain healthy homocysteine
levels. Excessive levels interfere with healthy bone formation and damage
blood vessels contributing to heart attacks and strokes. These bioactive
folates are also involved in the repair and maintenance of DNA. Without
healthy DNA, cells such as bone and cartilage, will gradually weaken
contributing to bone loss and joint problems, as well as other health
issues.
Supplements that contain the bioactive folates are MultiFuel™ Iron Free Multiple, B-Logic™ B Complex, and MethylFolate 1 mg 60 Vcaps™.
Food Sources of Folates
Natural forms of folates are found in high concentrations in green leafy
vegetables such as kale, spinach, beet greens, and chard. Also, foods
such as legumes, asparagus, broccoli, cabbages, ripened oranges, root
vegetables, whole grains, and some nuts such as almonds, filberts. It
is very sensitive to heat and light and easily destroyed by cooking.
For further details on natural folates read Folate and Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease
B-12 Deficiency
B-12 is also required as well to maintain healthy homocysteine levels.
Excessively high levels of homocysteine increases the risks of cardiovascular
disease, vascular disease, coronary heart disease, heart attacks, strokes,
alzheimer's disease, kidney disease, psoriasis, breast cancer, acute
lymphoblastic leukemia, neural tube defects in babies, and osteoporosis.
Also, a deficiency of B-12 over time will lead to severe and permanent
nerve damage. One of the symptoms of B-12 deficiency is a pins and needles
feeling and burning sensations in the hands and feet, and other surfaces
of the body.
B-12 - Bioactive Form
It is recommended that supplemental B-12 be in the bioactive form of
methylcobalamin. The inactive form, cyanacobalamin, has poorer absorption
and has to be converted in the liver before it can be used. Many people,
especially the elderly, those with illnesses, nutrient deficiencies,
excessive stress, liver problems, genetic abnormalities have a difficult
time doing this. Also, many of the same medications that interfere with
the natural folates affect B-12 as well.
Supplements that contain the bioactive form of B-12 are MultiFuel™ Iron Free Multiple and B-Logic™ B Complex along with B-6, another B vitamin that works in conjunction with the bioactive forms of folates and B-12 in maintaining a healthy homocysteine level.
Maintaining Homeostasis for Promoting Good Health and Prevention of Disease
Balance is Required
for Optimal Health
To have good health we must maintain homeostasis, or balance, of all
the required elements such as vitamins, minerals, other antioxidants
from plant sources, protein (amino acids), carbohydrates, fats, enzymes,
water, soluble and insoluble fiber, and probiotics, or friendly bacteria.
Too Little or Too
Much Can Upset the Balance
We are only as strong as our weakest link. If we do not get enough of
just one of the elements listed above we break homeostasis, or balance,
which weakens the cells that make up the body systems such as the cardiovascular,
respiratory, immune, and nervous systems. This also includes the bones,
joints, glands, organs, and skin. And the same holds true if we take
in too much of something such as calcium which will prevent magnesium
from working causing bone loss and disrupt the entire body as it is
required for the manufacture of over 300 enzymes. And some of these
enzymes are needed to process fats, carbohydrates, proteins, energy
production, maintain a healthy heart beat and blood pressure, and repair
the DNA to maintain healthy cell function.
Reduce Your Exposure
to Health Destroying Influences
We also have to eliminate as much as possible things that can damage
the body such as smoking, alcohol, drugs and medications, processed
foods, fried foods, microwaved foods, chlorine and sodium fluoride,
sodas and other non-nutritious drinks, chemicals and pollutants, sugars,
unfermented soy foods, dairy, bad fats, and other forms of irritants
and oxidants, over-eating, excess body fat and weight.
Use It or Lose It
The body is meant to be used. Exercise improves our energy, blood flow
and oxygen uptake, strengthens bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments,
improves digestion and elimination, reduces stress and depression and
improves the mood, and maintains a healthy metabolism for proper body
weight, prevents muscle loss., and helps us to keep our stamina and
balance as we age. A regular program of exercise, aerobically and anaerobically
(resistance training) should be performed weekly.
There Is No Magic
Bullet
Once an individual learns what is required to overcome disease and maintain
good health throughout their life it must be put into action. There
is no magic bullet or special drug, herb, supplement, or food. If you
want to improve your health and keep it that way you must improve in
all areas of your life, eat fresh healthy food, drink clean unpolluted
water, exercise regularly, get proper sleep and rest, have a healthy
positive mental attitude, use high quality science based supplements,
and eliminate bad habits and lifestyles that damage the body.
DISCLAIMER:
The information in this article is for educational purposes
only, and is not intended to provide medical advice which should
always be obtained from a qualified health practitioner, and has
not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. |
