Arthritis Natural
Remedies
The term arthritis comes from two
Greek words "athron," which means joints and "itis" meaning inflammation.
It is estimated that in the US alone over 45 million people suffer from one of the forms
of arthritis. It affects young and old, men and women, children and adults though around 70% are over 65 years old.
Furthermore it affects women more than men.
Arthritis Natural Remedies
Many people are turning to arthritis natural remedies as an alternative or in
addition to the standard synthetic drugs. One of the short comings of synthetic drugs is that they often provoke
side effects. In many cases anti-inflammatory drugs are
prescribed.
These could include ibuprofen, aspirin and naproxen
that are quite effective against inflammation and pain but they do run the risk of side effects for
example heart problems and bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract.
Arthritis natural remedies are a worthwhile
alternative as they are by definition less aggressive. Natural remedies are based on nature's bounties as
they appear in nature, or as extracts, herbal teas, and so on, without chemical processes. Additionally this
phrase "natural remedies" does include therapies that have been developed and could include exercise, Tai
Chi, cold or warm treatments, weight reduction to reduce the pressure on the joints (naturally, i.e. with a healthy
diet and gradually) and getting enough sleep.
The good news for those who
suffer from arthritis (remember there are over 150 different types of arthritis) is that over the last few years
there has been an awakening in everything relating to natural remedies, including arthritis relief. This has
made it possible to recover old and ancient practices as well as the development of new therapies. These
studies and medical knowledge are not only providing pain relief but are also in some cases some recovery
of the affected joints.
Arthritis, and
specifically Osteoarthris, has been on the rise over the last two decades so it is important whether you are
suffering from any one of the different types of arthritis or not (yet), to learn about alternative
arthritis remedies.
Two words of warning:
- Not all natural health practioners have your best
interests in mind so never just rush to the latest supplement.
- Always consult your doctor. It is important you follow
your doctors recommendations not only to be sure there are no contraindications with other medications, but
also the diagnosis identifying the type of arthritis you have is clearly understood.
Doctors today are becoming more and more knowledgeable and aware of natural alternatives. In
the final count the future looks as if we will have the benefit if both natural remedies and synthetic drugs.
Neither one is the only answer.
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