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Newsletter & Health News
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (stiff and painful joints) affects over half the American adult population.
Regarding its causes and correction, hair analysis offers excellent information. While
anti-inflammatory drug therapy is the most common treatment, mineral patterns reveal many
correctable causes. Among the most common are glandular imbalance, deposition of toxic metals
and nutrient deficiencies. A pattern of tissue breakdown is another important contributor. Obesity
and exposure to chemicals are other factors to consider.
Slow Oxidation
Sluggish thyroid and adrenal activity are closely associated with arthritis. The adrenals produce
cortisone and cortisol, anti-inflammatory hormones. When the adrenals are weak, hormone
production decreases. Inflammation of the joints is often one result. This type of arthritic pain is
often worse in the morning. As the day goes on, the adrenals may function better and the pain
often lessens.
Also in slow oxidizers, deposits of calcium may form in the joints. High hair calcium often
indicates abnormal tissue deposition. Adequate sodium and potassium are needed to keep
calcium in solution. When these are low due to adrenal insufficiency, calcium leaves the blood
and precipitates into the tissues.
Toxic metal poisoning is also associated with slow oxidation. The body lacks the energy
needed to remove toxic metals. Deficient vital minerals are replaced by toxic substitutes. Metals
including copper and iron are well known to settle in the joints. Here they may cause pain and
inflammation.
The presence of toxic metals also destroy other nutrients. Vitamin C, for example, is
deactivated by an excess of copper. Vitamin C is required for regeneration of joint cartilage.
Thus toxic substances act as anti-nutrients, interfering with maintenance of vital body tissues.
Slow oxidizers often have deficient digestion. Even if they eat a good diet, absorption may be
impaired by low hydrochloric acid and often intestinal infections. The joints require many
nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids. Many, like zinc and sulfur, are deficient in average
diets.
Protein is also very important for joint regeneration. Joint cartilage is protein and must be
renewed continuously. A low hair phosphorus level often indicates impaired protein metabolism.
This may be due to dietary deficiency, zinc or copper imbalance or impaired digestion for
another reason such as a stressful lifestyle.
Energy production is often low in the slow oxidizer. Energy is needed to rebuild all tissues,
including of course the joints.
Fast Oxidation
Those with a fast oxidation rate are also prone to arthritic disease. It can be acute and very
painful. Their bodies often are slightly too acidic, contributing to the breakdown of joint tissue.
Often they require more copper, zinc and magnesium, nutrients needed for cartilage and to avoid
inflammation.
Many fast oxidizers have low sodium/potassium ratios. This pattern, called an inversion, is
associated with tissue catabolism. Cells do not regenerate as fast as they are lost. While it can
affect any body tissue, catabolism often affects the joints. Discs and cartilages may break down,
leading to serious disorders.
Fast oxidizers are also prone to tension and high stress. Calcium and magnesium, needed to
relax, are often deficient in these individuals. Excess tension may add stress to already weakened
joints.
Fast oxidizers often do not eat correctly. Their metabolism requires extra fats. Many live on
mostly carbohydrates, which further deplete their bodies. They also speed up an already
overheated metabolism. In addition, many are fortified with iron which can contribute to
inflammation.
Other fast oxidizers eat poor quality fats, such as margarine and refined vegetable oils. These
are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, which contributes to inflammation. The only good sources of
these important nutrients are cod liver oil, wild fish, grass-fed beef and flaxseed oil. Poor quality
food, so common in the markets, is an important contributor to all arthritis.
Stress, Obesity, Allergies and Exercise
Obesity can contribute to joint disease by placing more weight on the joints. Causes include
imbalanced body chemistry, diet and other stress factors. Poor quality food contributes, as it
does not satisfy the appetite. One eats more and more, attempting to get one's nutrients. Since
they have been removed, the unknowing eater just eats more.
Both fast and slow oxidizers are prone to obesity, though for different reasons. Sluggish
thyroids and adrenals can lead to weight gain. In fast oxidizers, water retention is common. High
insulin and cortisone also lead to fat deposition.
Food allergies, a contributor to obesity, can also directly affect the joints. Many people report
improvement when wheat and dairy or other allergic foods are removed from the diet.
Excessive activity and exercise is occasionally a cause. Running and high-impact activities may
in fact be harmful. Often one doesn't realize it until the damage is done. Especially if there are
structural misalignments, too much exercise can be detrimental.
Toxic Chemicals
Everyone in America is exposed to harmful chemicals. They are on the foods, in the water and
air, and in many products in contact with the body. We live with thousands of harmful chemicals,
from fluoride to pesticides. They affect the joints by a variety of mechanisms. Some are simply
stored in the joints, where they cause their damage.
Others act as anti-nutrients, producing deficiencies and imbalances. They may impair
digestion, absorption or utilization of vital elements needed for joint health. Often toxic chemicals
poison the thyroid and adrenals. This in turn leads to many health problems. Others affect the
immune system, allowing infections to remain. Along with avoidance of chemicals, the infrared
sauna is recommended for anyone suffering from arthritis.
Chronic Infections
More attention is being paid to the presence of chronic infections. The focus may be in the
mouth, in root canals and cavitations. Other common sites are the sinuses, bladder and
bronchials. Bacteria and fungi produce toxins that often affect the joints. It won't show up on
x-rays and you may have few other symptoms.
Sometimes a hair analysis will tip one off with a low sodium/potassium ratio. Most often,
however, the infections show up as one cleans up the diet and lifestyle and balancing body
chemistry. As adaptive energy builds, the body begins to fight the infections. Often a flare-up or
retracing occurs, in which the infection becomes acute. Usually it resolves itself without the need
for medical intervention.
The process can take a number of years. Often there are layers of infections one on top of
another. As one is healed, the next is exposed. This is why we say there is a time factor in
healing. With a scientific health building program, most cases of arthritis improve. Patience and
persistence may be required, but the results are well worth the effort.
Copyright © 2002
This material is for educational purposes only
The preceding statements have not been evaluated by the
Food and Drug Administration
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
