What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a disease that affects millions of people throughout the world. It is more prevalent among adults of ages 60-70 years, although, in some cases, children and young adults also experience this disease.
Arthritis is known as rheumatoid diseases that attack the joints. This disease causes different symptoms and affects a man’s ability to carry out his daily activities.
Many functions performed by the body are hindered because of the pain caused by this disease. Also, due to the pains it generates, it subsequently results in poor mental health.
There are different types of arthritis in which the most common type is osteoarthritis.

What are the Types of Arthritis?
Arthritis consists of different categories which are later divided into different types. The categories are:

Back Pain
Pains that affect the joints, nerves, bones, and muscles are known as back pain. Many other body organs also experience this pain.
Pains that affect the back may occur as a result of osteoporosis. Also, some could be as a result of the effect of osteoarthritis. Many back pains that occur in the spine is referred to as spondylitis.
This is one of the pains most individuals complain about. Many of this pain might not be as a result of arthritis but some are caused by this disease.

Soft Tissue Musculoskeletal Pain
Pains that occur as a result of injury either via sport or accident could be regarded as soft tissue musculoskeletal pain. This disease is experienced in the bones, tissues, and joints.

Connective Tissue Disease
There are different types of connective tissue diseases. These are:
Systemic sclerosis.
Lupus.
Dermatomyositis.
Joint Inflammation and pains in the body occur as a result of connective tissue disease. Some tissues in the body organs such as kidneys, skin, muscles, and lungs could experience this inflammation.
Some tissues such as the cartilage, tendons, and ligaments are joined together or separated with the help of connective tissues.

Infectious Arthritis
Infections such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses that invade the bones or joints could lead to inflammations in these body regions.
Some infections that affect bone marrows are also regarded as infectious arthritis. This infection causes severe pain in the body and could result in deformity.

Inflammatory Arthritis
There are different types of inflammatory arthritis. These are:
Ankylosing spondylitis.
Rheumatoid arthritis.
Reactive arthritis.
Arthritis associated with colitis.
In this type of arthritis, the joints are affected by the immune system and cause the joints to become inflamed.

Degenerative Arthritis
This category of arthritis affects about eight million individuals in the U.K. This type of arthritis is mostly called osteoarthritis.
The cartilage which surrounds the bones is affected by this type of arthritis. The cartilage, in this case, becomes very thin and rough. This infection hinders the cartilage from moving smoothly.
There are some other types of arthritis that usually affect people of all ages.

Dominant Types of Arthritis

Gout
Gout is an inflammatory condition and it is one of the major prevalent types of arthritis.
Gout is arthritis caused by the deposition of uric acid crystals. Uric acid is a constituent of urine and metabolic breakdown products of purine nucleotide. The uric acid is a weak acid that easily saturates as deprotonated urate anion which reacts with sodium ions to form monosodium urate.
The crystallization of monosodium urate placed in synovial fluid and tissues create a severe inflammatory reaction that is responsible for erythema, severe pain, and edema.
When there is an increased concentration of urate in the blood tissues responsible for the formation of monosodium urate crystals that are microscopically needle-like in shape which eventually deposited within the joints, connective tissues result in inflammation in the body.

Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is known as degenerative arthritis which is a constant condition that affects the joint. Osteoarthritis does not only attack the joint, but it also affects the knees, hips, lower back and neck, small joints (phalanges) of the palms, big toe and the bases of the thumb.
Cartilages that always cover the surface of all bones provide a smooth gliding surface for the easy movement of the bones.
When there is a problem or breakdown in the cartilage, there is a result of dislocation, pain, and swelling in the joints and bones.
The advanced state of osteoarthritis may result in bones damage and develop a state referred to spurs. Bits of bone or cartilage may probably remove and move within the joint.
When the problem of this disease continues for years, cytokines of a protein product and enzymes cause more damage to the cartilage. Cartilage becomes worn-out, bone moves over each other and causing chronic pain at the extreme stage of osteoarthritis.

What is the root cause of arthritis?
Arthritis is becoming the most widespread disease all over the world. Surprisingly, those who are suffering from arthritis is not narrowed to middle-aged and elderly people alone. Even children and young adults could also suffer from this condition.
Arthritis is basically an inflammation in the joints due mainly of high uric acid. When this acid is deposited in the muscles, the effect is called muscular arthritis. Just so you know, arthritis and rheumatism are both painful conditions, and if left untreated could get worse, leaving the patient with excruciating pain every moment.
When the acids collect between joints, you could just imagine the pain like being brutally stabbed. That is how painful it is. There are times when the joints get locked resulting to stiffness until there will be little to no movement at all.
Every joint in the body is said to be covered by a membrane secreting an oily substance enabling the joints to move freely. This is called the synovial fluid. However, when acid deposits form in between the joints, the synovial fluid wears out mainly due to the continuous movement on those hard surfaces. When this happens, arthritis cannot be reversed. This is why it is often reiterated that having the right diet and treatment can help dissolve the acid deposits in the body that would help prevent arthritis from ever occurring.
While the modern world would pump patients with drugs to cure the condition, natural practitioners believed that having arthritis is mainly due to faulty diet.

Bodily Conditions Related to Arthritis
Did you know that arthritis can be connected to other conditions such as kidney stones, cataract, gall stones, hernia, and a host of other ailments all directly related to an unhealthy diet?
Some of the food that leave a residue of toxic acids in the body are white bread, refined sugar, pork, and beef. Even cooking methods have destroyed alkaline mineral salts that is important in the neutralization of said acids. And when the acid is deposited in the joints, bones, and muscles, you are faced with a condition that could be the basis of many other major diseases.
How do you know if your body is starting to show signs of arthritis? If you are experiencing headaches, pain in the joints and muscles, cramps, pins and needles then you are a candidate for arthritis. The spine is often the sight of this condition as every area of the body is controlled by the nerves that run down the spinal column.
To give you an idea of the other areas of the body that are affected by the deposits of acid, give a careful look at the following:

Acid deposits in the cervical vertebrae may affect:
The blood supply to the head
The brain
Inner ear
Pituitary gland
Bones of the face
Sympathetic nervous system
The neck glands
Neck muscles
Tonsils shoulders
Thyroid gland
Pharynx
Bursae in the shoulders and elbows
The eyes or the optic nerves
Auditory nerve
Mouth
Vocal cords
Sinuses
Auditory nerve
Tongue, teeth, and nose

Acid deposits in the lumbar vertebrae may affect:
The 5 lumbar vertebrae found in the spinal column. Unfortunately, this is also the area that is most commonly affected by arthritis.
Some of the common complaints include backache, frequent or urination, and sciatica.

If you are suffering from arthritis in the lumbar region of the spine, this condition can give rise to the following:
Appendicitis
Acidosis
Bladder problems
Cramps
Constipation
Colitis
Diarrhea
Difficulty in breathing
Impotency
Varicose veins

Acid deposits in the dorsal vertebrae may affect:
The 12 dorsal vertebrae in the spinal column. This is a bit dangerous because misalignment may cause chest pains and heart conditions. Other at-risk parts include the lungs, coverings of the heart, bronchial tubes, and coronary arteries among others.
The gall bladder can also get affected resulting to jaundice and gallstones. This may also cause conditions such as low blood pressure and anemia.

Other parts of the body that are dependent on the dorsal vertebrae’s proper alignment are:
Diaphragm
Kidneys
Small intestines
Fallopian tubes
Uretha
Adrenals
You have seen the long list of affected organs in the body and bodily complaints that arthritis of the spine can set up in the body. But of course, the spine is not the only part of the body that can get affected by this condition. Some of the common body parts include the hands, feet, shoulders, and knees. In fact, every joint of the body is likely to be under attack by this condition.

What are some effective natural treatments for arthritis?
It is established that arthritis is mainly caused by a build-up of acids in the body usually derived from unhealthy eating and drinking habits. By recognizing this and treating the condition accordingly, you will eventually yield good, positive results.
In order to relieve and possibly cure a patient suffering from arthritis, the following must be done:
First, the patient should be willing to adopt a kind of treatment that will help eliminate toxic acids from the body.
Second, the sufferer must adhere to an acid-free diet in order to cure and stop further consumption of acid in the body.
Finally, the patient must work hard to restore all the nutrients deemed important in burning acids in the body.
Now, in the process of removing toxic acids, the following natural procedures can be done.

1. Combine one teaspoon of honey and one teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with hot water. Stir well. Take these 3 times a day.
So why is apple cider vinegar so effective, really? Because it helps regulate the body’s metabolic process through the quantities of minerals that contain it. Apple cider vinegar is made from mature old apples with a powerful combination of acetic acid, minerals, and organic matter. This has the power to dissolve acid deposits passing out naturally through the kidneys. When the apple cider vinegar fills the bloodstream, it gets directly between the joints and dissolves harmful uric acid deposits and eventually passing them away.
Some of the wonders of apple cider vinegar to the body include:
- Weight loss. This is because the cider vinegar is a natural diuretic acting to some extent, as a slimming agent.
- A known blood normalizer. If a person’s blood pressure is too high, the cider vinegar will help to lower it down. Likewise, if it is too low, it will help raise it.
- It encourages the body to make effective use of the calcium from food. The body is said to be lack of calcium when there is brittleness in the nails, dull hair, and frequent cramps, pins and needles. The cider vinegar can all correct these conditions.

2. Honey: there are two kinds of sugar present in honey: fructose and glucose. These two are considered good sugars as they are pre-digested and can immediately be used by the body as energy source. What is the difference between other sugars? An ordinary sugar takes longer time to be used due to the delay while in the process of digestion.
Some of the natural vitamins and minerals contained in honey include:
- Calcium
- Protein
- Iron
- Magnesium
- Chlorine
- Potassium
- Sulfur
- Sodium
- Phosphorous
- Manganese
- Dextrin

Darker honey is said to contain more honey weigh against the light-colored ones. B complex vitamins are also found in honey, same as Vitamin C. Sadly, the body cannot store vitamin C, so there is a need to keep a daily supply of it. It is hard to know how much vitamin C one gets from the food you consume. For example, a freshly squeezed lemon left in the refrigerator for days will eventually lose significant amounts of vitamin C content, defeating the purpose of getting enough of the said nutrient. And so, what better source than natural pure honey.

3. Take Epsom salt baths 3 times a week.
It is said that the best way to eliminate acids from the body is through the skin. The use of Epsom salts is one good way to relax the joints and muscles after a long tiring day. All you have to do is dissolve 3 teaspoons of Epsom salt in hot water. You may choose to add more and keep the water hot for as long as you can bear it. However, take note that if you have high blood pressure or heart problems, hot water is not recommended.
Do not add oils, bath cubes, or soap as these will minimize the effects of Epsom salt because of the products’ alkalinity. Take the Epsom bath for 10 minutes, damp yourself dry, and cover yourself with warm towel. It is important that you get straight to bed to keep the pores open all night. As much as possible, cover yourself with a blanket so as to encourage acid elimination through sweating.
Word of caution: On no account should the body be exposed to cold temperature after taking the Epsom salt bath. Why? This could lead to muscle and nerves tension that will cause more pain to the arthritic.
Now, if a bath is not possible, you can just at least bathe the hands and feet. This can be done three times daily. Soak your hands and feet in a cupful of Epsom salt for 10 minutes. Exercise the joints while doing so. You will notice how quickly the movement is regained in locked joints.

4. Take one teaspoon of black molasses 3 times a day
So what is the right dosage? One teaspoon of molasses dissolved in four ounces of water is just right. Molasses can be taken on toast or on porridge.
The benefits of molasses? It is an excellent internal and external healer, blood-cleanser, rich source of iron, and relieves depression as it is also a good source of B vitamins. It is rich in magnesium, copper, phosphoric acid, and potassium.
Did you know that high blood pressure and heart ailments respond well to molasses treatment? Molasses proves valuable in these cases as the salt containing it re-establishes muscle tone.

5. Exercise your joints and muscles on a regular basis. Stretching, walking, and running are your go-to activities.
It is important that you take plenty of regular exercise if you have the chance because it is considered as one of the best forms of relaxation. Therefore, always make time for exercise no matter how busy your schedule is.

6. Take multivitamins to help burn up acids in the body and replace lost nutrition.
- Ask your health care provider for a multivitamin and mineral tablet.
- If you often suffer from cramps pins and needles all the time, it is best to have calcium in tablet form.
- There must also be vitamin B complex as this helps soothe tired nerves.
- Vitamin C supplement is also important.

What are the symptoms of Arthritis and what are its complications?
Both men and women with arthritis tend to notice intense joint pain. Sometimes the manifestation of pain has a sharp outbreak, then calms down and even alternate with a period of no symptoms.
The symptom that characterizes arthritis most is joint inflammation, which can cause a mild to severe inability to mobilize the joints.
Mild to intense pain may be felt in one or more joints: neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, back, hips, knees or ankles. Usually the pain is accompanied with stiffness, which is more intense when you wake up after several hours of rest.
Therefore, it is advisable to take a shower or hot bath in the morning and do some exercises with gentle movements, to move the joints.
Another symptom of arthritis is localized heat around the affected joint, as if the temperature in that area exceeds the normal human body temperature. This joint usually appears red and very sensitive to any stimulus.
Also, arthritis can lead to febrile episodes, especially if it is septic or infectious arthritis. Also, the person affected by arthritis can lose weight without intending to. Or you may notice an intense skin rash.
The doctor can diagnose arthritis by observing the affected area and listening to the description of the symptoms. The corroboration of diagnosis is usually made with a laboratory analysis of blood and radiography of the affected area.
A laboratory analysis of the synovial fluid can also be performed. If oral or injectable medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation and relieve pain, it is very possible that in the short
term the symptoms of arthritis will lead to symptoms of other diseases caused by the adverse effects of these medications.

What should I eat to fight arthritis?
Read this excellent guide on best foods for arthritis on Foodglad.