The Arthritis Equation

I am contacted regularly by those who continue to believe that aging alone is the most significant factor in the development of arthritis. Of course, those of you who are regular readers of the Arthritis Chronicle know that I disagree.

Apparently, the American Medical Association Committee on Aging agrees with that position. After all, arthritis affects both the young and old so we can't lay the blame there. What may be a more accurate description is that as the body ages, healthy cells in all of our vital organs are destroyed. Aging of cells begins at birth and progresses throughout our lifetime and unfortunately, it also affects the important cellular structures that cause arthritis. The question then is what can we do to stop that process?

Maintaining Healthier Cellular Structures

Although we have talked about some of these issues before, it is worth repeating. For example, anti-oxidants seem to preserve the integrity of the body's cells and protect us from destructive free radicals. Most particularly for arthritis sufferers, we are concerned about joint structures.

Restricting the intake of high-fat, high-sugar and high-calorie foods is essential. Instead, switch your diet to one that is high in fresh fruits, grains and vegetables to obtain the hundreds of carotenoids and flavonoids that are both anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory. Most of you will be amazed at what a difference it makes. It can be a little difficult to make this change but believe me, it is worth it.

Lifestyle and Supplements

While diet modifications and exercise are factors, I have always recommended the use of liquid glucosamine formulas and particularly those that contain certain ingredients. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) has been clinically proven to inhibit pain of (knee) arthritis; reduce cartilage loss; and, the progression of the disease (OA). Vitamin C is also an excellent anti-oxidant. (Dr. Timothy McClindon-Boston University Medical Center).

Forget the Aging Process

No matter what your age, arthritis is a medical condition that you can fight without having to resort to using prescription drugs. Aging, as defined by destruction of cells, (as opposed our own thoughts on this issue) makes sense. If we accept the fact that free radicals are destroying the cells that will assist us in fighting arthritis, all we have to do is work against that factor.

That is not to say that aging is going to stop. Cells will continue to be destroyed as we age and no amount of anti-oxidant therapy is going to halt that. What it will do is slow the destructive process in your body's cells and assist you in fighting arthritis.

No one is suggesting that you are going to get any younger. However, modifying your diet can and will help in removing the free-radical destruction that is hampering your fight against arthritis. Even the most moderate exercise is also a factor that can make an enormous difference. And finally, use a high-quality liquid glucosamine formula that includes Vitamin C and other ingredients that work synergistically to assist in fighting inflammation.

J.R. Rogers is the founder and President of Activex America, Inc. makers of Liquid Glucosamine Formula Syn-flex®