What is The Arthritis Health System?
What is the Arthritis Health System?
The Arthritis Health System is an Internet resource, created by an arthritis sufferer for arthritis sufferers. The information and products have been provided to help you manage your chronic pain and discomfort from arthritis.
Nearly 100 million U.S. citizens suffer from arthritis ranging from joint pain and stiffness to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. After years of research, we have developed a simple, easy to follow program promoting good nutrition, exercise and 4 Core Products that round out our system. The Arthritis Health System will help change the way you feel and how you live your life!
We encourage a strategy that promotes the transition from the regular use of RX and OTC medications to consistent use of herbal and natural solutions: Ice, heat, proper nutrition, the right type of exercise and the regular use of supplements and natural products that are well known to reduce inflammation and pain associated with arthritis.
We also believe from time to time you may need to take RX or OTC medications to manage extreme pain or flare-ups. We hope with the integration of the above alternative solutions, you will be able to take these meds on an as-needed basis.
Our private label products are manufactured by the leading company in the natural products industry with over 50 years of experience. Our products have a variety of certifications; not all certifications are for all products.
Nutrition and Diet Modifications
A healthy diet can affect a myriad of health issues: Cardiovascular health, high blood pressure, allergies, arthritis and more. Certain foods aggravate arthritis and other foods can calm arthritis symptoms down.
Recommended Foods to Eat
Fatty Fish: Fatty fish varieties such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, and trout are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory effects. Fish is also a good source of vitamin D, which can help prevent deficiency. Multiple studies have found that rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with low levels of vitamin D, which could contribute to symptoms.
The American Heart Association recommends including at least two servings of fatty fish in your diet each week to take advantage of the beneficial anti-inflammatory properties.
Taking omega-3 supplements, such as our Ocean’s Finest Omega-3, should decrease joint pain intensity, morning stiffness and help patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Garlic: Garlic has numerous health benefits, one of which is an anti-inflammatory effect that may help decrease symptoms of arthritis.
Garlic reduces the risk of osteoarthritis, likely thanks to garlic’s strong anti-inflammatory properties. Adding garlic to your diet could benefit both arthritis symptoms and overall health.
Ginger may also help decrease the symptoms of osteoarthritis. Ginger and its components can block the production of substances that promote inflammation in the body.
Turmeric: The turmeric plant grows in India and Indonesia and is related to the ginger family (it is a common ingredient in curries). Curcumin is a key chemical in turmeric. It can reduce pain, inflammation, and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Taking supplements for joint pain, such as our Herbal Remedy Turmeric Curcumin should help reduce inflammation and joint pain associated with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Walnuts: Walnuts are nutrient-dense and loaded with compounds that may help reduce the inflammation associated with joint disease. Walnuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to decrease the symptoms of arthritis.
Berries: Berries have an abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals which contributes their ability to decrease inflammation. Additionally, berries are loaded with quercetin. Quercetin has been found to block some of the inflammatory processes associated with arthritis.
Spinach: Spinach is high in the antioxidant kaempferol, which has been shown to decrease the effects of the inflammatory agents associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
Grapes: Grapes are nutrient-dense, high in antioxidants and possess anti-inflammatory properties.
Olive Oil:Olive oil is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which may slow down the development of arthritis, reduce joint swelling, slow cartilage deterioration and decrease inflammation.
Extra virgin olive oil also contains high levels of oleocanthal, which may have similar properties to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Tart Cherry Juice: This potent juice offers a wide array of nutrients and health benefits, and may even help reduce the symptoms of arthritis. Choose the unsweetened variety of tart cherry juice to make sure you don’t consume excess added sugar.
The small sampling of foods listed above shows that diet can play a major role in decreasing joint pain associated with arthritis.
Foods to Avoid are Those That Include the Following:
Sugar: Processed sugars can prompt the release of cytokines, which act as inflammatory messengers in the body. The sugars that manufacturers add to sweetened beverages, including soda, sweet tea, flavored coffees, and some juice drinks, are the most likely to worsen inflammatory conditions.
Saturated Fat: Foods high in saturated fat, such as pizza and red meat, can cause inflammation.
Refined Carbohydrates:Refined carbs, such as white rice, potato chips, white bread accelerate the production of advanced glycation end (AGE) oxidants. This may stimulate inflammation in the body.
Corn Oil: Is a common ingredient in our food because it’s cheap. Corn oil contains omega-6 fatty acids, not the good omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-6 has been tied to weight gain and joint inflammation. Other oils with the same omega-6 problems are made from sunflowers, safflowers, and soybeans.
Salt: Is another no-no. Salt causes cells to retain water. Salt will inflate and enflame. Also, salt boosts blood pressure. Arthritis patients who are taking steroids for treatment find that salt stays longer in their bodies, increasing its impact on their health.
Alcohol: Can be dangerous when mixed with most prescription drugs. Also, alcohol is loaded with sugar. Try to minimize alcohol intake while you are trying to manage arthritis and joint pain.
Exercise and Arthritis. Your Best Options.
Before starting any exercise program, especially if you are deconditioned, it is best to check with your doctor for any recommendations or limitations.
Exercise helps ease arthritis pain and stiffness. Exercise is crucial for people with arthritis. It increases strength and flexibility, reduces joint pain, and helps combat fatigue. Even moderate exercise can help you ease your pain and also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Exercise can help you improve your health without doing more damage to your joints. Exercise can improve your balance, help you control your weight, help you maintain bone strength, strengthen the muscles around your joints, help you sleep better plus helps you become more active, improving the quality of your life!
Exercise won’t reverse the damage from arthritis that's already done. But it helps prevent arthritis from getting worse. A reason for exercising with arthritis pain is to build muscles. Muscles surround the joint, and when muscles are bigger and stronger, the joint is more protected.
Exercises for Arthritis
Your Warm-Up
Apply heat. Heat can relax your joints and muscles and relieve any pain you have before you get started with your workout. Warm towels, hot packs or a warm shower for about 20 minutes should get you going.
Move slow and easy at to warm up. Begin with range-of-motion exercises for five to 10 minutes before you move on to strengthening or aerobic exercises.
Exercise with slow and easy movements. If you feel pain, take a break. Slow down if you notice swelling or redness in your joints.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
These exercises relieve stiffness and increase your ability to move your joints through their full range of motion. These exercises might include movements such as raising your arms over your head or rolling your shoulders forward and backward. This simple type of stretching/exercise can be done daily.
Strengthening Exercises
These exercises help you build strong muscles that help support and protect your joints. Weight training is an example of a strengthening exercise that can help you maintain or increase your muscle strength. Rest a day between your strength training workouts and take an extra day or two if your joints are painful.
When starting a strength-training program, a three-day-a-week program is suggested.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic type exercises help with your overall fitness. It’s good for the heart, helps control your weight and gives you more energy.
Some low-impact aerobic exercises that are easier on your joints include walking, bicycling, and swimming. Try to work your way up to 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week. You can split that time into 10-minute sessions if that's easier on your body.
Other Forms of Exercise
Yoga or Tai Chi classes can help you improve balance and coordination, good for stretching and flexibility, plus it helps you relax. Let your instructor know about your arthritis and avoid positions or movements that will cause you pain.
Amazon Prime has a variety of free Yoga and Tai Chi classes that can be streamed on your TV. It’s a great way to start to get accustomed to the movements.
Look for exercise programs in your area for people with arthritis. Some hospitals, YMCA’s, JCC’s, park and recreation departments and health clubs offer special programs for people with arthritis. It’s also a fun way to exercise and a way to meet new friends!
Ice Afterward. Apply ice to your joints for up to 20 minutes as needed after exercising, especially if you feel your joints are swelling.
The Arthritis Health System's 4 Core Products
THERAPEUTIC DEAD SEA SALT
Dead Sea Salts are known for their numerous natural therapeutic ways to treat and care for your body, based on the make-up of their minerals. Our Dead Sea Salts are gathered from the southern end of the Dead Sea in Israel, where the mineral content is at its highest. Our products are certified 100% authentic, pure & natural. Our Therapeutic Dead Sea salts include essential minerals such as magnesium, bromide, iodine, potassium, sulfur, calcium, sodium and zinc and many more.
1. For acute pain and flare-ups: Use 1 tablespoon of dead sea salt in a shallow bowl or soaking tub with warm water. Soak for 20 minutes 1-2 times per day until pain subsides. Then, soak 3-4 times per week as needed
2. For elbows and knees: Place 1 tablespoon in a medium size bowl. Cut 2.5 feet of a quality, rolled gauze and place in hot water/dead sea salt for 2-3 minutes. Have 2 small pieces of medical tape cut and ready. Slightly ring out the gauze and wrap the affected area with overlaps. Tape the beginning and end point. Leave on for 30 minutes. You can also wrap the gauze with an ACE bandage, loosely, and keep it on for 1-2 hours, for better results. You can reuse the gauze several times if you hang dry. Read all the safety notices on the packaging before starting any new treatment.
Restore Lotion for Natural Pain Relief
Restore Lotion for Natural Pain Relief
Liposome Technology for Enhanced Absorption Celadrin® Liposome Lotion contains clinically tested Celadrin®, a complex blend of special esterified fatty acids that are normally present in cellular membranes. This liposome lotion contains natural menthol for its fresh scent, as well as MSM, as a source of organic sulfur. Arnica, a plant native to Europe and North America, has been used by herbalists for centuries. Liposome technology is used to enhance topical absorption of active ingredients. This product is free of parabens.
Why Restore Lotion? Made with Liposome Technology (Liposome Technology works by utilizing liposomal micro spheres to deliver the ingredient, meaning directly into the cells within the body).
Herbal Remedy Turmeric Curcumin
Curcumin is the major bioactive component found in the roots of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a plant belonging to the ginger family. Turmeric has been used as a coloring and flavoring agent in South Asian cuisines for centuries, and it has also been recommended by traditional Ayurvedic herbalists for thousands of years. Curcumin has been extensively researched by modern scientists for its various biological activities.
Why Turmeric Curcumin Natural Remedy Formula?
Curcumin is a key natural substance in turmeric. Hundreds of articles and studies state that regular use of turmeric curcumin may reduce the pain, inflammation, and stiffness related to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis It works by blocking inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, including cyclooxygenase-2.
Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA and DHA), which block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. The body converts them into anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins.
Ocean's Finest Omega-3
This fish oil concentrate is manufactured under strict quality control standards. It is tested to be free of potentially harmful levels of contaminants such as PCBs, dioxins, mercury and other heavy metals. Those who experience nausea or reflux from other fish oils should find this enteric-coated, odor-controlled softgel easier to tolerate. Omega-3 is repeatedly rated as one of the top fish oils for arthritis inflammation management.
Also, From the FDA: "Supportive but not conclusive research shows that consumption of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease."
Why Ocean's Finest Omega-3
EPA and DHA
The two types of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The Internet has an abundance of research and papers written to support the claim that EPA and DHA are some of the best supplements for arthritis and can reduce inflammation, which causes swelling and pain. This makes fish oil potentially beneficial for people with arthritis. Ocean's Finest Omega-3 has 500 mg of EPA and 250 mg of DHA. Regular use may be enough to reduce joint pain and reduce the amount of anti-inflammatory medications (RX and OTC).
Our private label products are manufactured by the leading company in the natural products industry with over 50 years of experience. Our products have a variety of certifications; not all certifications are for all products.
