"Arthritis is a painful condition that affects the joints, and it impacts adults as well as children. I can help alleviate the pain and help manage the condition with a dietary plan and whole food supplements designed to nourish and strengthen stressed areas in the body and bring about lasting reduced inflammation and pain relief."
-Juliana Mazzeo, MS, CDN, Director
Nutrition Wellness Center of Nassau County
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis describes joint pain, generally caused by inflammation or joint disease. In fact, there are more than 50 types of arthritis and arthritis-related conditions. Joint pain and joint disease affects all races, genders, and ages and is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. Severe arthritis can cause intense pain and make it difficult to walk, climb stairs, and carry out everyday activities. Joint disease can result in permanent joint damage, which is commonly only visible by X-ray; however, sometimes it can cause knobby finger joints. Some types of arthritis can also affect the heart, lungs, kidneys and other organs.
Common Symptoms of Arthritis
Arthritis symptoms range from mild, moderate, to severe and may come and go. They may last for some years but worsen or progress over time and tend to be worse in the morning. Some common arthritis symptoms include:
Common Causes of Arthritis
Obesity and being overweight is a common cause of osteoarthritis (OA), the most common type of joint disease. Osteoarthritis is when the cartilage found at the end of the joints and bones breaks down. The more weight that is put on the joints, the more stressed it becomes, and the more likely it will become worn or damaged. Normal wear and tear is also an underlying cause of osteoarthritis. An injury or infection can speed the natural breakdown of cartilage and increase your risk of developing the disease. Family history can play a role in the development of arthritis.
Another common cause of arthritis is when the immune system attacks the tissues of the body, also known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This form of arthritis attacks the soft tissue in the joints that produces the fluid that lubricates and nourishes the joints. RA can destroy the joint and eventually damage the bone and cartilage inside the joint. Genes and environmental factors, such as smoking, can increase your risk of developing RA. High levels of uric acid, or gout, can also cause arthritis. When the body produces too much uric acid or is unable to remove it fast enough, it can build up in the blood and cause painful joint swelling and inflammation. Fibromyalgia has also been known to cause joint pain and swelling.
Traditional arthritis treatment includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, analgesics such as hydrocodone or acetaminophen, menthol creams, and DMARDs. The problem with most traditional treatments is that they only mask symptoms, but they don't treat the cause of inflammation, which only provides temporary relief. Not to mention, when taken long-term, these medications can weaken your immune system and cause serious side effects including skin rash, nausea, hair loss, and an increased risk of infection.
Because the body is designed to heal itself, providing the necessary nutrition can treat the cause of your arthritis and bring about long-term relief. Nutrition Response Testing, which includes reflex testing, gradual diet planning, and Standard Process whole food supplements, has been proven effective when all other alternatives and traditional treatments fail, and can be used to address just about any illness, including both acute and chronic conditions.
Dietary intake has not been shown to cause arthritis; however, it can make arthritis symptoms worse. Processed foods, trans fat, excess salt, sugar, and alcohol have all been shown to increase inflammation in arthritis sufferers. Your lifestyle can also put you at greater risk of developing arthritis. For instance, if you work a demanding job that requires heavy repetitive motions, it puts you at an increased danger of developing OA. A virus, bacterium, or fungus can also cause temporary arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis.
Nutrition Response Testing is a holistic modality that helps us identify chemical imbalances in your body. Often, these imbalances lead to organ dysfunction, which has a direct effect on your overall health and well-being. If you body is reacting to something you are eating, it can also contribute to your inflammation and arthritic pain. Treatment options included diet modification and supplements derived from whole foods.
Left untreated some forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be potentially hazardous. Persistent inflammation can lead to osteoporosis, cause joint erosion and deformity, cause a loss of joint function, damage internal organs and other parts of the body, and in some cases, lead to premature death.
Juliana Mazzeo, Director of the Nutrition Wellness Center, has helped thousands of people lose weight and keep it off. Whether you have an increased risk of developing arthritis because of your weight, or another underlying issues. Diet modification is important for the treatment and prevention of many illnesses, including Arthritis. Contact us for a free consultation, to eliminate your arthritic pain and inflammation.
Please contact us today.