Rheumatoid Arthritis|Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms|Arthritis Treatment

There are so many methods out there for easing the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis, so why should you need another one? Well, imagine a gentle exercise routine that you will be much more motivated to keep up because it causes no pain, positively discourages any stress or discomfort, teaches you more about your illness, and actually feels wonderfully soothing! Read on...

If you have the type of arthritis that flares up, such as rheumatoid arthritis or reactive arthritis, it can be tremendously demoralizing and you just feel like getting into the most comfortable position and staying there to ride out the acute phase. Well, this may be a valid response for a while, but as soon as you can move without too much discomfort, it is very important to take gentle exercise to minimise joint damage and regain mobility and muscle tone.

Somatic movement education is absolutely designed for this!

I discovered somatics through my good friend, osteopath and somatic movement educator Brian Ingle, N.D., D.O., with whom I have teamed up on my website to make these systems more widely available. At first I doubted their effectiveness, as even to a committed old yoga freak like me, they still seemed too gentle to be of much use. How wrong I was.

When I started to practice somatics, I was amazed at how powerful these gentle movements are in balancing even the most locked-in of muscle and joint knots and imbalances. Then, recently, when I contracted reactive arthritis from a bout of some sort of stomach bug, and ended up with very swollen and painful ankles and one knee, somatics really revealed itself to me as a major godsend, playing a huge part in my recovery.

At those difficult times when even ordinary yoga or stretching just seems like too much, somatics may actually be the only system of movement that is truly comfortable. You never have to go beyond your comfort zone in any of the routines, and even with what might be very minimal movement possible in affected joints, you will find extraordinary relief.

Because somatics is mainly based on awareness during these gentle movements rather than forcing a stretch that the body is not yet ready for, it can also teach you a great deal about the progress of the disease, whether good or bad, and warn you of coming flare-ups, or encourage you that you are easing the stiffness and pain and going in the right direction.

Of course, diet has a great deal to do with managing arthritis, and finding your own personal triggers and food sensitivities will go a long way to warding off or at least minimizing attacks. Alkalising your diet will of course help greatly, as will many other systems, but to develop the intuition to put them all together in the most effective way for your own unique body type and imbalances, a knowledge of Ayurveda and its systems of body typing and diet is perhaps the best way to go.

With somatics and Ayurveda as your partners in the fight against this horrible disease, you will be in very good company and well on the right track to success. Good luck!

There are a number of diseases and conditions that can make it much more difficult for a person to be able to safely stand and sit. However, arthritis is one of the most common of these types of disorders. It is often thought that arthritis is only able to affect seniors, but this is not the case. People of all ages can be affected by arthritis, but there are several types of arthritis are inn deed much more common among the elderly.

The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, with rheumatoid arthritis coming in a close second. Both of these types of arthritis are characterized by joint inflammation and joint pain. Often this pain will be present in the morning and after having been immobile for an extended period of time, such as when sitting to watch some television or to take a nap. As a result, it is often incredibly difficult for those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis to come to a standing position on their own and without assistance.

Since it is often very difficult for a senior with arthritis to get out of a normal chair, many seniors and those with arthritis turn to lifting aids to make it easier to stand up. One of the most common and well recognized lifting aids is the lift chair. A lift chair offers a number of the same features as a recliner and in fact looks very similar to most high-end recliners. However, lift chairs actually contain a lifting system that raises the seated individual to a standing position. They also allow the individual to sit in a much safer and more controlled manner.

The lift chair offers a number of advantages over other types of lifting solutions, because not only can it be used independently, but it is also very safe. To use a lift chair, the individual merely pushes the up button on the chairs attached hand control and the entire chair, occupant and all, will slowly rise into the air. After it has completed the rising process, the senior or other individual can exit the chair upright and on their feet. When it is time to sit down, they can lean against the chair and press the down button to be lowered to a sitting position in a safe controlled manner.

While the lift chair does in fact raise into the air, it does so very slowly and does not dump the occupant out of the chair. Instead, the seat remains at an angle that allows the individual to exit the chair if desired, but does not force them to do so.

A lift chair provides a much safer alternative to using a walker or rollator to get out of a chair, which might slip under the weight and pressure of the person using it as a standing aid. It also is much more cost effective than relying on a paid nurse or putting the added strain on a loved one who must provide a helping hand.

Arthritis can be a very serious disease and there is no cure, however through proper treatment and using mobility assistant devices, such as the lift chair, much of the effects can be minimized.

Gout is characterized as a health condition that affects different joints in the body, more in particular the big toe. Gout is regarded as a certain type of arthritis which usually leads to pain and inflammation in the joints. The abrupt onset of soreness in the joints is because of the presence of abnormal high amounts of uric acid deposits in the blood.

Uric acid takes place in our body naturally. It is the by-product of the breakdown of proteins and purines. Purines are chemical compounds that are also naturally present in some types of foods. When the synthesis of uric acid increases considerably, the accumulation of uric acid crystals take place in the joints which can lead to pain and swelling.

Aside from taking some medications for gout, proper diet is also very essential in the management and the eradication of this form of arthritis. There are some foods to avoid with gout as these food items are known for prolonging the time of recovery. These foods to avoid with gout can actually aggravate the condition and lead to more discomfort among patients. Patients suffering from this form of arthritis should try to stay away from these particular foods.

Gout patients should know that some foods to avoid with gout can be foods high in protein. These certain food items are abundant in purine and they can actually worsen the symptoms of gout. Staying away from foods that are very rich in purine content is the key to stopping the excessive synthesis of uric acids. Having a diet which is low in purine content is important in lessening the inflammation in the joints. High protein foods to avoid with gout are given below:

1. eggs
2. meats such as beef, pork and lamb
3. organ meat, including brain, liver and kidney
4. types of fishes such as scallops, herring, mackerel and sardines

Another type of foods to avoid with gout is those that are abundant in fat. It has been noted that eating certain foods that are low in fats can actually lessen the risk of gout. For the successful management of this particular form of arthritis, you should always go for the low-fat dairy products such as low-fat cheese and yogurt as well as skimmed milk.

The above mentioned list of food items that a gout sufferer should avoid was created after conducting a detailed assessment of these foods by some experts. Trying to avoid meat and other food items that are abundant in purine will greatly aid in lessening the inflammation in the joints.

Is there a relationship between arthritis and nutrition. That is, does the foods we eat (or don't eat) affect whether the expression of arthritis in our bodies

Unfortunately, we are taught in our western civilization to take this potion, or put on that special lotion, and like jack and the magic beanstalk, we hope to go to bed, plant the magic seeds, or take a magic pill, and wake up, and puff, all our problems disappear over night.

Worse, the FDA has taken cox-2 inhibitor off the market that were medication for controlling the inflammation in the body, because of the increased risk for cardiovascular events like stroke and heart attacks

So, learning about the foods you eat and how they affect the expression of arthritis in the body can be really important if you happen to be an arthritis sufferer. More important, learning how the foods you eat can be making you suffer with pain and suffering. So let's start.

Arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic is defined as "inflammation to one or more of your joints" It's a rather vague definition truth be told, cause it really doesn't explain the WHY?

That is, "ok, inflammation to the joints is going on, but more important is WHY IS THERE INFLAMMATION TO THE JOINTS"?

MedlinePlus expands the definition a bit more and defines arthritis as: "inflammation to one or more of the joints which results in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement"

Ok, well that's a bit better, still not really answering the question as to WHY. So before we talk about the nutrition aspect to Arthritis, lets learn about the "WHY", before we answer the how.

Arthritis according to MedlinePlus has over 100 different types, so we are going to try and keep a vague generalization as to why we get "Arthritis". However, typically speaking, repetitive trauma, wear and tear, overuse, and just plain old-fashioned aging are terms that try to explain Arthritis.

For the most part, all are a pretty good picture to the genesis of arthritis. But Again, have you ever stopped to think WHY this happens. Or better yet, is arthritis something that you just have to accept as a forgone conclusion?

My simply answer to you is.........drum roll please.......NO. Arthritis is not a forgone conclusion. In fact there are many things that we can do to combat not only the why, but the how as well. That is, we can address the WHY: breaking down of the joints, wear and tear, limited and restricted movements, stiffness, repetitive trauma, and calcification.

It is true that was we get older, just based on pure chronological time, we have more life experiences. With these life experiences such as (injuries like slips, falls, or sports injuries) work stressors (standing or sitting all day, using the arms above the head repeatedly) and poor postural habits can lead to the development of wear and tear.

It is important to address what we can do to reduce these repetitive stressors and their effects on our body, such as muscle stiffness, joint wear and tear, muscular weakness and diminished energy. But for this article, Lets keep to controlling the inflammation with our diet.

When we experience mechanical stress on our body over and over and over, what happens? Joints breakdown, cartilage erodes, bones tend to rub, less lubrication is in the joints, pain fibers gets stimulated, and what happens after that????

INFLAMMATION

Looking back at both definitions I used for Arthritis, INFLAMMATION, was the common denominator with both. Osteoarthritis (OA), is the most common type of Arthritis. Osteoarthritis is also known as degenerative joint disease ( when present in the extremities) or degenerative disc disease (if in the spine).

But whether the arthritis is in the spine or in the extremities (or both), it classified as osteoarthritis when the cartilage in your joints "wear down" over time (mainly from overuse). This wearing down process will ultimately create the inflammation that in turn, causes a number of other biological changes including pain, stiffness, and limited movement (old age).

Thus inflammation results in painful swelling in the joint, stiffness and movement limitations (old age).
Eventually all of that leads to the joints in the body from functioning properly, which in turn, ultimately results in the breakdown in your joints.

So if we can control the inflammation, then we can control the swelling, stiffness, and movement limitations.
Controlling inflammation in the body, is much like a fireman who is putting out a ragging fire. IF the fire is burning like crazy, it's going to take more time, effort, and probably water pressure to put out the fire.

The easiest fires to control are the small tiny ones, or better yet....the one that didn't start yet. That's how to look at inflammation in the body. Ragging fires (Typically from acute trauma) are controlled with NSAID's.

However, nutrition is the way we ensure that inflammation doesn't start in the first place in the body. Consider proper nutrition like the fire alarm in the body, ensuring that no major catastrophes begin. So how do we do that?

Well, in a nut shell, the chemical mediators that are released by the cells through wear and tear or the breaking down process that I talked about earlier, are controlled by our diet. These chemical mediators are derived from either Omega-6's (n-6's) or Omega-3 (n-3's).

Humans are supposed to eat (ideally) a 1:1 ratio of n-6's to n-3's. However, on average, we currently eat about 10:1 to 30:1. Anything above 4:1 is considered to be pro-inflammatory.

Bad n-6:n-3 Ratios Screws Everything Up!

As mentioned earlier, we need not go through this dizzying vicious cycle. The foods we eat will either positively or negatively effect the healing or harm cycle.

If we eat the wrong foods, foods that have a high n-6's:n-3's ratio (greater than 4:1 is considered pro- inflammatory) the chronic inflammation cycle will be perpetuated. The foods that follow are the best foods to eat for Arthritis.

FOOD: ANTI- INFLAMMATORY
Food
N6: N3
Fruits Broccoli 1:3
Kale 1:1.3
Lettuce 1:2
White Potato 3:1
Sweet Potato 4:1
Grass-Fed
Meats 3-5:1
Wild Game 3:1
Fresh Fish 1:1
Farm-Raised
Salmon 1:1
Chicken Breast
(1grm of fat),
Bacon and
Dairy 4:1
Flax, Hemp,
Chia Seeds 3:1

All the foods in featured above have a 4:1 or less ratio of n-6's:n-3's, and are considered anti-inflammatory. Eat these foods to reduce the inflammation, that results in pain, swelling, stiffness, and limited movement associated with Arthritis. In my next article, I will cover What 6 Foods To Avoid That Accelerate Arthritis And Speed Up Your Biological Clock And What Foods Slows it Down. Until then, study the foods above, increase them in your own diet, and watch you pain go away.

Many people find that when they develop problems such as arthritis or back and muscle pain it becomes difficult to stand on their own. Elderly people, especially, can become seriously affected by arthritis. It can really make sitting down a problem because they may not be able to get back up without some help. In fact, just sitting can become a chore. Fortunately, there is now a solution to help with that problem, lift chairs.

Although lift chairs are specially designed chairs, they resemble the everyday recliners that can be seen in homes everywhere. They have the typical design with a backrest and footrest. The difference is that the backrest in these chairs is controlled by a motor inside the chair. In some cases the footrest is also controlled by a separate motor.

The motor inside the chair is electric and is controlled by a remote control that will normally be attached to the chair. The person can use the remote to make the chair rise up. This allows the individual to lie back against the chair, and then they can make the chair move back to a sitting position.

These chairs do come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This is to help accommodate different types of people. It is usually not very hard to find a style of chair with the right material to fit the desired room of the person's home where the chair will be placed.

The chair is very easy to use, and as already stated, is controlled by a device no different than a television controller - only simpler. This was styled in order to make it as simple as possible for elderly individuals to use. They should usually expect only a couple of buttons that are normally different colors and sizes to be distinctive.

There are four main types of lift chairs: two-position chairs, three-position chairs, infinity-position chairs, and zero-gravity chairs. Each of these has different positions that they are capable of obtaining. They each move to a standing and to a sitting or 45 degree position. After the two-position chairs, they have varying degrees that they can move even further.

For instance, the three-position chair can normally lie almost flat, but not completely. The infinity and zero-gravity chairs can each move to a 180 degree positions. These chairs also both have a second motor that will control the footrest. The zero-gravity chairs can actually move the footrest into a position above the headrest.

There are important reasons for purchasing a lift chair. Possibly one of the most important reasons is to allow the individual to sit and rise on their own. These chairs provide excellent comfort, and allow freedom that their pain may have been inhibiting.

Some of us are more misfortunate than others. A small percentage of them go through life and suffer no illnesses while many of us suffer from a variety of diseases. Some of these diseases can cause more severe problems with mobility than others.

ARTHRITIS IN THE HANDS
This is a very painful disease and can be very disabling. There are many products that help us to overcome some of these problems. When you can not close your fingers tightly enough to hold something, there are playing card holders which hold the cards the same way as you used to hold them.

There is a box topper with built up handles that allows you to open sealed boxes or a solo grip which helps you open things.

The big lamp switch is a three spoked knob that gives you leverage to allow you to turn on the lamps.

There is a holder which uses leverage to distribute the weight that allows us to pick up heated plates easily or maybe a key turner which has a large handle with two finger holes to turn the key.

MOVEMENT LIMITED BY ARTHRITIS
A lot of people with arthritis have a very limited movement which can cause many limitations. The handicapped toenail trimmer is designed for people with bad backs or limited motion and allows them to trim their toenails without problems.

An EZ reach pro enables a person to reach much higher and not have to use a chair. Then there is a two step stool with a railing to help you climb up. An ergonomic chair is available to allow you to sit when you work and has ample pneumatic height to keep you in a more comfortable position when you are doing your daily tasks.

ARTHRITIS IN HIPS, KNEES, AND FEET
There are walkers that can be equipped with trays and baskets to enable you to still carry things and use the walker at the same time. If a walker is not stable enough there is a rollator that has a seat that allows one to stop and sit down for a rest. It also has a basket to carry things when you go shopping. This rollator has brakes so it will not move when you are resting. You can get a cane sling seat but this has only a place to sit.

SEVERE ARTHRITIS IN HIPS AND OTHER JOINTS
There are numerous scooters that can vary in price from 1 to 3 thousand dollars. These can be driven indoor outdoor and have a range of about 15 miles. This enables the person to get around quite easily.

These are but a few of the aids that arthritic people can have to help them live a more normal life.

Gout relief is possible with lifestyle changes. A healthy diet and appropriate natural remedies to eliminate uric acid build-up from the body will help achieve this.

Gout is known to be the most excruciating type of arthritis there is. Symptoms such as soreness of joints, redness, and extreme pain are indicative of gout.

The intense pain and burning sensation experienced by gout sufferers is caused by inflammation in the affected areas. It is therefore important that steps are taken to initiate immediate relief from the symptoms.

Gout takes several forms. Each form is characterised by differing symptoms. Here are the common types of gout people should be aware of:

• Acute gout. This is often characterised by joint inflammation due to high levels of uric acid in the blood. Excruciating pain that causes throbbing may be experienced by the patient for some days. While the person's big toes are the most affected areas, gout infection may also spread to the surrounding areas.

• Chronic gout. This is probably one of the most perilous gout types. It is hazardous because it has the ability to permanently damage one's joints and kidneys. It may also affect areas such as one's ears, hands, knees, tendons, and other parts of the body. There is also the presence of pus on the person's skin.

• Recurrent gout. People who suffer from this kind of gout experience relief from the symptoms for a few months or years. While the joints may return to its original functioning, they may incur further, more serious damage when symptoms reoccur. Remember a recurrent bout can cause more dangerous symptoms than when they first took place.

• Hyperuricemia. This type of gout is characterised by high levels of uric acid in the body. Primary hyperuricemia is a type of gout that is inherited. Kidney dysfunction reduces the body's ability to remove the right amount of uric acid, thus causing a build-up in the blood. Another type of this gout is secondary hyperuricemia, which is caused by certain medications.

Immediate relief from gout can be achieved by medication, unfortunately with all drugs side effects are known. While medications are effective in treating gout, having a complete change of diet and lifestyle can make treatment easier and faster.

Taking in about 2-4 litres of water daily will help rid one's body of toxins. When toxins are flushed out of the system, there is an increased likelihood that gout can be reduced. Alcoholic drinks and foods with extremely high fat contents should be avoided. A lower consumption of meat, poultry, and fish can effectively relieve one of gout symptoms. Also, including cherries, strawberries, avocados, grapes, and blueberries in your diet is a good way of getting relief from gout pain. These are very helpful in reducing the body's uric acid levels.

Alternative treatments such as meditation and deep relaxation can help treat the severe pain experienced from gout. It is also important that one also has a daily intake of vitamin C to aid in the treatment of gout symptoms.

Gout relief is possible with a lifestyle change including some exercise, a healthier diet, and appropriate natural remedies treatment to eliminate the uric acid problems from the body. Follow this advice and you will remedy this condition, but you have to do it yourself. There aren't any magic pills to remove the problem so you can carry on abusing your body and get away with it. It is a time to be honest with yourself and put your health first. This is a test of your will power. You can be permanently free of gout if you decide to make the changes today!

Arthritis is one of the most common disorders that is responsible for troubling the older members of our society but young people may also suffer from it. Our body is very similar to a machine. It's over use will lead to break down of this machinery. Same happens with our human body. Due to over burdening (obesity) or due to various other reasons, wear and tear occurs disrupting the normal working of the body. It not only is painful but also restricts the body movements.

There are many types of arthritis but generally three types are considered.

· Rheumatoid arthritis or RA - it is a disease that causes inflammation in the joints. It is an autoimmune disorder that attacks joint. It is a painful condition. It causes deformity in the joint.

· Osteoarthritis - it is degenerative disorder of the joint that occurs due to over usage. It is the condition that generally affects the older section of our society. In this the cartilaginous section of the joint converts in to the bonny part thus restricting the mobility of the joint.

· Gout - it is a disease that is more commonly known as riches diseases as rich people are commonly seen suffering from this ailment. It occurs due to the crystal formation of uric acid in the joints.

There are various herbal remedies that are very beneficial in treating arthritis.

· Guggul (Commiphora mukul) - a very famous herb that has been used since centuries as an analgesic agent that helps in relieving pain and reduces the inflammation in the body. Guggul is the part of many ayurvedic classical preparations due to its wonderful properties. Guggul is a black colored resin that is collected from a shrub of Commiphora mukul. It grows wild in Indian subcontinent but nowadays it is cultivated commercially owing to its huge demand due to its magical properties. Guggul not only suppresses pain but it is also very much helpful in controlling the cholesterol level in the body.

· Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) - another wonderful herb that is a gift ayurveda to whole world. It is one of the best fast acting herbal analgesics that are very often used as pain reliever in ayurvedic world. Rasna has become more popular with its quick action and also for sustainable results. It is small plant that can be found any where in warmer regions like Africa, South America and Indian subcontinent. It is the part of most precious pain killer maharasnadi quath that is the decoction of Rasna.

· Errand (ricinus comunis) - it is a bushy plant that can attain a height of 5 to 10 feet is found growing wild in the marshy areas and along the river banks. It has a very peculiar leaf structure which is just like a palm of the hand and hence is known as pamchangul (meaning 5 fingers) in Indian language. It is also a very effective pain reliever that will surely help you in reducing any kind of pain and is also is effective in suppressing any kind of swelling or inflammation in the body.

· Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) - it is another glory of ayurveda that is extremely useful in suppressing pain without causing any side effects. It has the properties very similar to that of a Guggul plant. It is highly effective in reducing pain of any kind in the body may it be the back pain or pain duet to arthritis. Shallaki is highly beneficial in treating them.

· Ashwgandha (withinia somnifera) - Ashwagandha is the herb that is equally effective in suppressing pain and also in acting as an excellent nervine tonic. A powerful pain reliever that is extremely helpful in suppressing pains especially caused due to arthritical changes. It not only relives pain but also suppresses inflammation occurring on the joint. It makes our nerves strong and has the capacity to act as a powerful nervine tonic.

· Arthcare oil - arthcare oil is one of the most powerful ayurvedic products that not only helps you in relieving from pain but also helps in curing the problem of athritis. Arthcare oil not only relieves from the acute pain but also starts acting on the root cause of the pain. Enriched by the fundamental of ayurveda, arthcare oil is the fruit of extensive research done by ayurvedic experts and scientist. Arthcare is the magic of ayurveda that is very fast in action. Arthcare is empowered with the herbs like Guggul, Ashwagandha, errand, Rasna and many more that are time tested herb to reverse the arthritical condition to give you relive.

Arthritis pain can come in a variety of different forms, including Osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative arthritis; or rheumatoid arthritis. Gout is also a type of arthritis. Most of the time when people start looking for joint pain relief due to arthritis (or other causes); they have some inflammation and stiffness in the area.

However, not all joint pain is caused by arthritis. I had finger pain which was not diagnosed as any type of arthritis at all. In fact, the doctors never did figure out what was going on and eventually I just quit going in for checkups for the "We just don't know" diagnosis.

Even though my pain was not caused by arthritis, it WAS in the joints and therefore I was prescribed glucosomine sulfate as a treatment. When that didn't work, I was moved on to Glucosamine Chondroitin. After taking the glucosamine chondroitin mixture for about two months, my whole body hurt and I thought I was surely going to die. I figured it was just the joint issue getting worse, so I continued to look for joint pain relief on my own.

That's when I started using an Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement. I actually started this supplement after watching Dr. Oz one day where he said that many people don't get enough Omega 3 in their body and a supplement like this was a good way to remain in overall good health. I figured it couldn't hurt any more than what the other supplements were doing to me; so I got off the glucosamine and just started taking the Omega 3 Fish Oil supplement.

And I'm happy to report that they worked - for me at least! Now remember that I just said that my diagnosis was not joint pain due to arthritis. I had all the tests done to rule out the major diseases before I started to self treat things. And what worked for me might not work for everyone, but I've always been one to try natural supplements before synthetic ones (although, glucosamine chondroitin is a natural combination).

Don't be afraid to test a few things when you need joint pain relief. And, if you start feeling worse, stop taking the joint pain supplements for a while to see if you are having side effects from the pills. I guess the body ache thing wasn't just something I experienced either! While chatting with my neighbor she told me the same thing happened to her, but MSM was what was working for her.

Some types of pain are caused by obvious problems; sprains, fractures and the like usually have a memorable moment that causes it. Other types may need the doctor to define. Rheumatoid arthritis often attacks small bones like those in the hands and wrists. While most of the treatments are similar, there may be some important differences.

Arthritis: There are several different types of arthritis, but the most common three are gout, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. All three can affect the hands and wrists. They also have three different causes and require some different steps to treat it.

Gout is caused by an uric acid crystals in the blood. When the crystals become too heavy, they get dropped off into joints. While the first attacks are usually centered in the feet, they can occur in any joints. Changes to the diet are one of the many steps to preventing frequent flare ups. Cherry juice and nonaspirin anti-inflammatory medications can also help.

Osteoarthritis is caused by injuries and general wear and tear. Topical pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications are often suggested to deal with this problem. Capsaicin is a good option, as it can turn off the pain signal going to your brain. An extraction of willow bark and gotu kola may also provide some relief. Those allergic to aspirin should avoid willow as they contain the same active ingredient.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder and is best treated by your doctor. Many home remedies can interact with either the disease itself or the medications for it.

Carpal Tunnel: Nerves to the hand run through the carpal bones in your wrist. Repetitive motions such as typing, checkers at the market and others who perform the same tasks over and over again for hours at a time are at risk for developing carpal tunnel syndrome. This translates to an inflammation of the nerves running through the bones.

These nerves have no place to swell, and produce a bevy of uncomfortable sensations. Symptoms may include pain, a tingling sensation (pins and needles) and difficulty moving the wrist and hands. Getting treatment as soon as possible is important if you want to avoid surgery. This could include wrist braces, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. Topical pain relievers may also be of benefit.

Injury: Sprains, strains and breaks are usually noticed when they occur. RICE is the most often recommended first step after diagnosis. This stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation. Topical pain relievers such as capsaicin and willow bark may be useful, and anti-inflammatory medications (including willow) will probably also be suggested.

Tendonitis: Tendons connect your muscles to your bones, and are found in every part of the body, including the hands. Like carpel tunnel, repetitive motion may cause the swelling, as can other types of injury. If you have this problem, you will need to rest your hand until the swelling goes down. Ice and medications to reduce the swelling are also a good idea.

You may need your doctor's help in figuring out exactly what is causing your pain. Be sure to tell the doctor what you've been doing that could be a problem, as well as any medications, supplements or herbs you are on. This way, harmful interactions can be prevented.

Conventional treatments for arthritis involving surgery, physical therapy and
medication have a poor success rate.The sufferer therefore would be well advised
to look for natural treatments which address the underlying cause of the problem
as opposed to merely treating the symptoms which are likely to reoccur.

A compelling case for opposing conventional treatments for arthritis is made by an
American lady, who between the ages of 20 and 50 (approx.) suffered from this disease.
She went through the full range of coventional treatments including gold therapy; all
the 12 doctors she had over these 30 years prescribed drugs to give her temporary
relief from the symptoms and told her to go home and learn to live with her condition.
She then heard about a doctor who was on a different wavelength to the others. On seeing
him, he immediately took her off drugs and brought in a strict diet, exercise and food
supplement regime which addressed the underlying cause of the problem. Within 3 weeks of
this approach, she had relief from the pain that had dogged her for 30 years; and within
just 3 months she had permanent relief from her condition !

Irrespective of which form of arthritis the patient has, serious consideration
should be given to the diet, if taking care of this condition by natural means. All
foods in the nightshade family ( which include potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant etc ) should be eliminated as they contain solinaise which inflames the fluid in the joints.

Arthritis is caused when your system becomes too alkaline. This state can be
corrected by changing your body to an acid state with the help of the following
foods: grains, nuts, natural cheese, lentils, organic meat, fish or poultry.

Food supplements are very useful in encouraging recovery in the joints. 1000mg of vitamin
C 3 times daily should be taken to rebuild collagen and make the body more acid. Shark
cartilage and sea cucumber should be taken as directed on the label. Omega 3 fish oil
should be taken twice daily. 500mg of Pantothene taken twice daily acts as an anti
inflammatory measure.

The following herbs can also help with arthritis. Yucca helps stimulate the adrenal
glands to produce the body's own cortisone. Black cohosh helps relieve pain and
inflammation. Hyranges acts like synthetic cortisone without the cost or the side
effects. Alfalfa increases vitality.

There are also certain adjunctive procedures that can help. The first is to employ
castor oil packs. Soak a piece of white flannel in warm castor oil, wring it out and
place it over the inflamed area. Cover with plastic and apply a heating pad. Do this
twice daily for an hour each time. The second is acupuncture,acupressure and massage
open energy pathhways on meridians leading to the organs that produce the body's own
healing power and stimulate the body's lymph system which cleanses the body of toxins.
Zostrex cream (red pepper extract) applied externally smooths inflamed joints.

About the author: Kierann Waldron is a researcher on health issues who is established as an Internet publisher. Further articles on arthritis can be seen at the following
website: www.arthritisstop.com [http://www.arthritisstop.com]

A cup of tea can help you get your morning started or aid in relaxation after a long and stressful day. You can warm up on a cold winter day with a steaming mug of your favorite tea, or you can cool down on a summer afternoon with a tall, refreshing, glass of iced tea. Not only does it taste great hot or cold, but it can also help you stay healthy.

With a variety of tea that seem to come in ever color of the rainbow and every flavor possible, walking down the tea aisle at your local grocery store can be a perplexing event. The truth of the matter is that there are basically four groups of tea and most of your favorite will fall into those categories.

• 
  Black Tea: The process of making Black tea is a long process that eventually results in the oxidation and fermentation of the tea leaves. This fermentation process results the darkening of the tea leaves to a deep red or black color. Black Tea is one of the more common flavored teas. Under the umbrella of black teas are some common flavors such as Darjeeling and an assortment of breakfast teas.
  
  Benefits: It is believed that black tea can help digestion, improve cholesterol, and possibly reduce tooth decay. While there is caffeine in black tea it's not as potent your morning cup of coffee and can often give you that needed boost without the jitters.



• 
  Green Tea: Green tea is made from leaves that do not go through oxidization. They are picked and then steamed or pan fried to prevent any fermentation. Although it doesn't sound extremely appetizing this popular tea is often described as tasting earthy like grass. It has a light and refreshing flavor and depending on the type, can range from sweet to a little bitter.
  
  Benefits:Green tea is credited with helping your body fight off cancer, some types of arthritis, and high cholesterol. It also can be a great boost to your immune system.



• 
  Oolong Tea: Oolong Tea is less oxidized than black tea but does go through some oxidation unlike green tea. Most tea drinkers describe oolong as having a earthy/grass taste similar to Green tea, however it's slightly stronger.
  
  Benefits: While it's not yet proven, there is some research being done into the impact oolong tea has on weight control. Besides that, oolong tea is credited with aiding digesting and cleansing the body from the inside out.



• 
  White Tea: White tea can be thought of the unripe fruit of the tea world. Made from young or immature leaves that have yet to undergo oxidation, white tea is probably the most expensive and rarest form of tea. Although it recently has become more available in the United States, it was originally hard to find anywhere else besides China. White tea is often said to have a smooth sweet flavor.
  
  Benefits: The flavor alone isn't a reason why white tea is becoming so popular in the US. This tea is credited with being the healthiest form of tea because it's so close to its natural state. Some of the benefits of white tea come from the high amount of cancer fighting anti-oxidants as well as its ability to aid your immune system in fighting off bacteria and viruses.

One way to treat arthritis pain and provide stability is with the proper arthritis knee support. For many patients suffering from osteoarthritis in the knee, a knee support will give them the relief and support they need.

Types of Knee Braces

There are several different types of arthritis knee support braces to choose from. In order to get the best fit you should always discuss knee support devices with your doctor or health professional. Most physical therapists are well versed in the use of knee support and can also offer helpful and knowledgeable advice.

The type of knee brace you chose will depend primarily on the location of the affected area.

A medial arthritis knee support brace will support the inside of the knee joint. A lateral brace will give stability to the outside of the knee joint, and a patellofemoral brace stabilizes the area behind the kneecap.

These types of braces are usually recommended for patients who suffer osteoarthritis and cartilage loss of the knee joint.

Breaking It Down: Different Types of Knee Braces

Arthritis knee support devices can be broken down even more into specific types of braces. One popular type of brace is the single piece sleeve. This brace is made from durable neoprene and is the basic type of knee brace. To put on the brace you simply pull it on over the foot and up to the knee. This brace is for mild osteoarthritis only.

An unloader brace is made from molded materials such as plastic or foam. Inside the mold are metal bars that limit the range of motion of the knee joint. This type of brace is individually fit to each patient. It works by moving the pain from the affected area with pressure.

Other Treatments

Medication is also popular treatment for the early stages of the disease. Medication is usually used to control pain until such time that you can begin a treatment plan. During this time you will work with a physical therapist and also do exercises at home. The goal is to not have to take pain medications for life.

Some patients will benefit from a simple change of diet with exercise. Overweight people are prone to arthritis of knee because of the added pressure on the joints due to their weight. Dieting and exercise can help overweight people get control of their weight and relieve pressure on the joints.

Knee joint surgery and knee replacement surgery are usually reserved for those persons who have not had success with other treatment options. In some cases this is the only way to reverse the damage and ease the pain.

Joint replacement surgery is performed everyday and considered very safe and successful.

If you decide to try using an arthritis knee support device it is important to consider all of your options. As mentioned earlier, your doctor will know the best type of brace for your specific condition. The success of the arthritis knee support device depends on your dedication - wear it always.

Arthritis is generally referred to as the inflammation of the joints. There are many types of arthritis and the factors responsible for causing it are also innumerable. In some cases, the condition can be so severe that it might cripple a person for life. It interferes in the day to day activity of a person's life.

Some of the common types of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, gout etc. Rheumatoid arthritis commonly occurs on the hands, wrists and knees. When the inflammation occurs, it tends to affect not only the joist but also spreads the inflammation to the surrounding tissues. This might lead to permanent damage of the cartilage and the bones.

In order to overcome this condition, there are a number of treatments that are available. There are massages, surgeries and ointments available. Of all the types of surgeries that are available, THA is one of the most common types of surgery which is beneficial for the treatment of hip arthritis. The doctor concerned will take into account various factors before finally giving you the green signal for the surgery.

Massage therapy is another very effective method of easing the pain caused by arthritis. Since stress and anxiety also largely contributes to arthritis, a deep massage will allow you to relax and ease you from most of the tensions and pain. By helping your body to relax, it will let go the pain. Though it might not be a permanent solution but it sure does help in getting relief from arthritis to some extent.

Similar to the massage therapy is the heat therapy. This therapy also eases the body from the pain temporarily. Besides these treatments, there are also basic hinge joist and artificial knee joist to help your knees and joints function properly.

Dealing with arthritis joints and the pain that comes with them is difficult and frustrating. However, before you can find the best treatment option for your needs, it is very important that you are able to understand and recognize the type of pain that you are dealing with when it comes to your joints.

The type of pain you are having can make a huge difference in your treatment and even can make a difference in the health professional you choose to see. It's important that you see a professional to figure out the type of joint pain you have and to get a professional diagnosis of your problem.

How Arthritis is Diagnosed

There are a variety of ways that arthritis joints can be diagnosed. Usually this starts out with an examination of the joints that are affected and a close look at your medical history as well. Often X-rays are used to take a look at the damage the joints have sustained, if any, which can help with arthritis diagnosis. There are a variety of types of arthritis, and often blood tests are used to differentiate between certain types of arthritis. Some of the other procedures that can be used to help come up with a diagnosis include MRIs, CAT scans, and more. These option can be used together or independently to come up with a diagnosis for your arthritis joints.

Where to Get Help for Your Arthritis

Wondering where you can get help for your arthritis joints? Well, there are a variety of medical professionals out there that deal with arthritis treatment and diagnosis. Of course various professionals deal with different types of arthritis in many cases. However, here is a look at some of the medical professionals to turn to when you need help for arthritis pain.

- Rheumatologists - One type of medical professional that you can turn to when you are dealing with arthritis is a rheumatologist. These professionals treat arthritis and other types of rheumatic diseases out there that may affect skin, muscles, joints, bones, and more. They have special training in this field and are adequately equipped to deal with your arthritis problems.

- Orthopedic Surgeons - You'll find that often orthopedic surgeons end up treating arthritis patients, although this is usually an option for those dealing with advanced arthritis. They help to treat arthritis over the long term, offering non surgical as well as surgical arthritis treatments.

- Physical Therapists - Those who have arthritis joints often find help from physical therapists as well. They are able to provide quality treatments for those with arthritis, helping with rehab and physical medicine. Usually therapy, cold and hot treatment, traction, and even massage can be used to help treat arthritis. They may even help patients to get used to using canes, wheelchairs, crutches, or walkers to get around.

Getting help for your arthritis joints is very important. These are just a few of the people that can provide you with the help that you need. Remember, if you are dealing with joint pain, it is very important that you get medical help so you can be diagnosed and properly treated for the best results.

Arthritis is the general term given to a number of painful and debilitating conditions affecting the joints and bones. It is actually made up of two Greek words: athro - meaning joints; and itis - meaning inflammation. There are over 100 different types of arthritis. Although arthritis is normally associated with people in the "baby boomer" category and older, it can affect people at any age, even children. When this happens to children it is called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, although it is much less common than Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis. Gout is another rheumatic condition frequently associated with arthritis. There are some forms of arthritis are inherited, but most are not. By and far the most prevalent types of arthritis are Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Wherever our bones meet anatomically, there is also cartilage, an elastic, protective layer that ensures your joints bend smoothly, effortlessly and painlessly. But cartilage cannot do this tremendous job alone. A thin membrane called the "synovium" provides fluid that lubricates the moving parts of the joint. When the cartilage wears out due to constant inflammation, an overactive immune system, overuse or just repetitive motion over time, the synovium becomes inflamed; the result is generally a case of either "osteoarthritis" or "rheumatoid arthritis" the two most common types of arthritis.

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of arthritis are pain, inflammation and stiffness in particular joints. For Rheumatoid Arthritis, this is most commonly noticed upon arising in the morning. Osteoarthritis is usually noticed later in the day, and some stiffness can be alleviated by simply moving the joint through a smooth range of motion. There may also be some restrictive movement of the affected joints along with some swelling and redness over the joints in many cases. It can become tender to the touch and should be handled with care until you begin a course of treatment. The specific symptoms again will depend upon what type of arthritis you're actually suffering from although the vast majority of types of arthritis all include problems created by the pain, inflammation and swelling of joints.

Common Causes

The exact cause of arthritis is not fully known at this point, however, we are well aware of the factors which may contribute to arthritis: stress, obesity and jobs which require repetitive movements of a particular joint socket. This includes clerical workers, computer programmers, warehouse people, and sports people. For example football players tend to develop arthritis in their knees and ankles as a consequence of injuries sustained to these parts. There is evidence however, that suggests that physically active people who are not injured have a lower risk of arthritis. Some studies have suggested that gout may sometimes be a contributing factor to causing arthritis.s.

Arthritis is often thought to be a disease of old people but it is not so. It can affect very young people as well. It is quite commonly considered to be a single disease but arthritis is a term given to a collection of over 100 medical conditions together affecting the musculoskeletal system and in particular the joints. The different forms of arthritis are capable of affecting not only the muscles and joints but the whole body, sometimes including organs like the kidneys, lungs, heart, etc. To date there are over 125 types of arthritis identified. The two most common types are Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis. The others are Ankylosing spondylitis, Gout, Juvenile arthritis, Fibromyalgia and Scleroderma just to name a few.

People who suffer from arthritis will generally experience inflammation of the joints with swelling, tenderness and soreness for more than two weeks and may also have muscle ache, tiredness, be unable to sleep and depressed and find it very painful when moving around, thus leading to disability in some instances.

It is not known what causes arthritis and still the cure for it is unknown. People who get arthritis will probably suffer with it for the rest of their lives, but there are various treatments such as oral medication, diet, exercise, weight control and even surgery that are available to make life easier and bearable. If you develop a pain especially in your joints, which lasts over a couple of weeks together with fever and swelling in your joints then you should consult your physician to see if you have developed arthritis. Based on x-rays and blood tests your physician should be able to tell if you have arthritis and how acute it is and prescribe which treatment is best suited to your condition. With age, joints degenerate naturally and for most people over the age of 50 some signs of the disease are evident.

Some common myths about arthritis.

Myth: Arthritis is a negligible health condition.

This is not true. Arthritis is the most widespread health condition in America leading to disability in most people, causing major setbacks in their lives, in terms of employment and also day to day living.

Myth: Arthritis is about aches and pains.

It is a common misconception that arthritis is the name given to the aches and pains of older people. Firstly, as mentioned earlier, it is not a disease of the old; even young children are able to get it. It however is more common among the elderly.

Myth: Nothing much can be done to lessen disability and pain

To date there are no known cures for arthritis, but in today's day and age with such advancement in science, there is much that can be done to lessen the disability and pain. Exercise programs, weight control programs and even surgery are some of the measures used today.

Some points to keep in mind about arthritis.

If you suffer from arthritis, you and your physician should work hand in hand in treating this disease. The patient's cooperation is essential to successful treatment.

It should always be kept in mind that the condition for a person suffering with arthritis can be improved.

As important as the x-rays and blood tests are, it is also very important that you furnish all your observations about your condition to your physician, which in turn will enable him to treat you better.

Each type of arthritis is unique. None is better or worse than the other.

Based on your kind of arthritis your physician will give you what he thinks is the best course of treatment. However, since each person may react or respond differently to different treatments there is no such thing as an ideal treatment for an individual.

The main concern in the treatment of arthritis is the relief of pain and improving joint mobility.

When it comes to joint pain, arthritis is undeniably one of the biggest culprits, but we should not let that cloud our judgment. Yes, arthritis can cause severe elbow joint pain, but surprisingly enough, this is less frequent than what many people believe.

One common cause of elbow pain is a condition known as tennis elbow, and no, it does not only affect tennis players. Approximately 50% of people who participate regularly in a racquet sport will get tennis elbow at some point, but even so, the vast majority of cases involve people who do not play any type of racquet sport. Anyone with a job that is demanding on their forearm muscles is particularly at risk. Plumbers, electricians, painters, and even butchers are prime candidates.

Conventional treatment usually involves physiotherapy and pain relief medication, and sufferers are instructed to avoid using their elbow or elbows excessively. In more severe cases, patients may receive corticosteroid injections which are administered into the immediate area. Having said all that, many people are reluctant to have these injections, and many also can not afford to pay for physiotherapy. Instead, they tend to opt for natural remedies such as fish oil supplements and supplements containing New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel extract.

Nerve entrapment is another very common cause of elbow pain, but fortunately it is relatively easy to determine whether or not this is the cause of your elbow pain. In most cases of nerve entrapment, a person will also experience a tingling sensation in their little finger and their ring finger. If there is enough pressure being applied to the nerve which is trapped, the tingling can be replaced with near total numbness.

Nerve entrapment is usually self-correcting. In other words, with enough rest, the pain should eventually go away, although there are cases where surgical intervention is required so that the ulnar nerve can be repositioned.

Bone tumors can also cause a significant amount of pain in one's elbow, but in truth, this is actually very rare. As with bone tumors, septic arthritis is yet another disease which can certainly cause severe elbow joint pain, but it too is very uncommon. Additionally, it is more often than not easily treated with antibiotics, although surgery may be necessary in very severe cases.

While joint pain is often caused by medical conditions such as some of those I have discussed above, it can also quite often be caused by nothing more than a nutrient deficiency. Joints are generally high maintenance body parts, and as such, they are dependent on a healthy diet. If you know your diet is not providing you with all the vitamins and minerals your body needs, you really should try to make a few changes, or alternatively, you should consider supplementing your diet.

Arthritis affects not only humans but also animals. Our pets can be vulnerable to this kind of joint disease and it is imperative that we recognize symptoms of arthritis so treatment can be administered as early as possible. So how is this disease manifested?

When your pet, be it a dog or a cat, appears to have difficulty walking, climbing up the stairs, and would rather stay in one place than go run and jump, it may have arthritis. Don't immediately attribute this seeming lethargy to old age, for they may be suffering inside and might need urgent attention. Pay particular attention when your pet exhibit difficulty standing up, is limping, and becomes cross when touched.

There are several kinds of arthritis that can occur in pets. Traumatic arthritis can occur after an injury to one or more parts of your pet. This can develop over time and may be manifested in limping and changes in gait. Your pet may have difficulty catching up with you during walks and exhibit character changes.

The gait of your pet may also change when it has shoulder degeneration, caused by infection or injury. This will result in slowing down of movements and your previously gregarious pet may just prefer to sit or lie down most of the time.

Osteochondrosis is attributed to genetics as well as nutrition. This is a painful condition, so you may notice your dog whimpering or lethargy in your cat, and subsequent limping.

Osteoarthritis, ;like osteochondrosis, is a painful condition. The bone joints now grind against each other due to damage to the cartilage. When your pet has this condition, the joints are inflamed and are sore to touch. Your pet may limp, and exhibit inability to run or even walk. The pain also worsens as the day progresses, and may become unbearable at nighttime.

Infectious arthritis occurs when a previously injured joint becomes inflamed due to bacterial infection. You will observe reduction in the movements of your pets, and in time, this can cause lameness.

Hip dysplasia is an osteoarthritic condition affecting the hip joints. There is a remarked change in the gait of your pet, and may progress to limping. Lameness can also occur are the disease spread to other joints of the body.

One of the most common types of arthritis in pets is the degenerative joint disease. There is an inflammation to the joints that is painful to touch. Because of the pain, your pet may become grouchy and irritable. It may appear to get better for some time but this condition never completely goes away. Your pet may limp or whine in pain when inflammation resurges.

Autoimmune arthritis occurs when your pet's auto immune system attacks the joints. Since this condition affects more than one joint at the same time, your pet may find it difficult to walk or even to stand for some time, and may just prefer to just lie in a corner.

Acute traumatic arthritis occurs immediately after an injury or trauma to a joint. The affected part will swell and be sore to touch. Your pet may become distinctly uncomfortable and may refuse even to sit or stand up.

Generally, arthritis in cats are exhibit in stiffness in joints, and your cat may have difficulty moving, especially after being in a lying position for some time, as in sleeping. Things to watch out for are reduced movement, limping, fever, decrease in appetite, inability to jump or climb stairs, and the lymph nodes are swollen. The fever, though can be alleviated, is recurring and does not go away over time.

Horses also developed arthritis, especially since they spent most of their lifetime standing up. As horses grow older, their joints become increasingly inflexible, and cartilages become damaged due to wear and tear. Symptoms start with puffiness and slight swelling of the joints, progressing to changes in gait and refusal to do running and jumping routines. Left unchecked, your horse may ultimately become lame.

Consulting a Vet for treatment for any these conditions is important and treatments range from pain medication to surgery. One of the most effective treatments by many is a simple, safe, and natural one in the form of glucosamine. Syn-flex Liquid Glucosamine is easy to administer and contains synergistic ingredients to help with inflammation. Syn-flex for Pets has proven itself a leader in this field and the customer testimonials and recommendations by Veterinarians have been outstanding. Synflex uses a pharmaceutical quality glucosamine and is loaded with additional minerals and vitamins that go to the heart of the problem.

The high incidence of juvenile arthritis - also referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis - in technologically advanced countries should not come as a surprise. When you take into account the abnormally high percentage of acid foods and beverages our children consume daily, as they mimic the unhealthy dietary habits of adults and their peers, it is little wonder that they are frequently smitten with what used to be considered a disease of the elderly.

You are probably aware of the symptoms of this disorder and it's a good bet you know a child or two stricken with it. Swelling and tenderness of joints, pain and stiffness, sour stomach and excess flatulence. These are the telltale signs that arthritis may have set up camp in a child's young body. Are we dealing with a rogue bacterial or viral strain that causes juvenile arthritis? Could it instead be the inheritance of a poor genetic structure? Perhaps if we drill a bit deeper we may discover the real cause and what I know to be on point - poor dietary habits since childbirth. This may not be the case for every child under the age of sixteen stricken with juvenile arthritis, but it certainly holds true for the great majority of children who are handicapped with this terrible rheumatic ailment.

The unhealthy physiological condition that allows for the development of juvenile arthritis usually begins to take root back when the mother started feeding carbohydrates and solid food to the child before the first set of teeth came in. This can be anywhere from twelve to twenty-four months. Those cute and sensitive little teeth are nature's seal of approval that the baby is ready to begin eating solid food - carbohydrates in particular.

The current fad of foregoing breast-feeding during this critical period of a child's development and substituting it with incompatible baby formulas, solid food and acidic juices wreaks havoc with a child's intestinal flora - a.k.a. friendly bacteria. Combine this with the child's inability to digest carbohydrates efficiently due to a conspicuous lack of enzymes for that important function, and you have the makings of a fertile and highly acidic breeding ground for arthritis to develop and flourish. When a child starts down a path that will inevitably lead to rheumatic disease states, such as arthritis, the one certain measure that I have seen stop and reverse a child's forward motion is a healthy diet.

Quite a number of health professionals feel strongly that inherited genetic tendencies play a major role in the development of rheumatic disorders. My research and experience reveal that although these inherited genetic tendencies cannot be lightly dismissed, they are nothing more than tendencies that need not see the light of day.

A sensible diet should form the basis of any intelligent protocol engineered to arrest, control and begin the process of reversing and recovering from juvenile arthritis. Such a diet should frequently consist of liquid or powdered whole food-derived vitamin, mineral and protein supplements; chlorella; raw sub-acid fruit; raw salad-type vegetables; steamed vegetables; raw seed and nut milks; raw vegetable juice; fresh raw milk and clabbered or soured milk products, like kefir, yogurt and cottage cheese. Add one whole grain food item and one major serving of protein daily and you will soon notice a marked difference, for the better, in the child's physical health, behavior, emotional life and general wellbeing.