What is Arthritis
The word "arthritis" means "joint inflammation." Inflammation is one of the body's natural reactions to disease or injury, and includes swelling, pain, and stiffness. Sometimes this goes away - but sometimes, as in arthritis - the inflammation can last a very long time - or just keep coming back - and eventually it can lead to tissue damage.
A joint is where two or more bones come together, such as the hip or knee. The bones of a joint are covered with a smooth, spongy material called cartilage, which cushions the bones and allows the joint to move without pain. The joint is lined by a thin film of tissue called the synovium. The synovium's lining produces a slippery fluid called synovial fluid that nourishes the joint and helps reduce friction. Strong bands of tissue, called ligaments, connect the bones and help keep the joint stable. Muscles and tendons also support the joints and enable you to move.
With arthritis, an area in or around a joint becomes inflamed, causing pain, stiffness and, sometimes, difficulty moving. There are other types of arthritis that can affect other parts of the body, such as the skin and internal organs.
Arthritis is very common. It has been estimated that as many as 70 million Americans -- or about one in three -- have some form of arthritis or joint pain. It is a major cause of lost work time and serious disability for many people. Osteoarthritis, the most common form, affects more than 20 million Americans. Arthritis affects people of all ages, but is more common in older adults. There are, in fact, more than 100 different types of arthritis, however the most common are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Osteoarthritis. The cartilage covering the end of the bones gradually wears away. Without the protection of the cartilage, the bones begin to rub against each other and the resulting friction leads to pain and swelling. Osteoarthritis can occur in any joint, but most often affects the hands and weight-bearing joints such as the knee, hip and facet joints (which are in the spine). Osteoarthritis often occurs as the cartilage breaks down, or degenerates, with age or overuse. For this reason, osteoarthritis is sometimes called degenerative joint disease.
Rheumatoid arthritis. This is a long-lasting disease that can affect joints in any part of the body except the lower back and most commonly involves the hands, wrists, and knees. With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system -- the body's defense system against disease -- mistakenly attacks itself and causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues, and can eventually damage cartilage and bone. In extreme cases, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, eyes, lungs, and nerves.
What Causes Arthritis?
There are many different types of arthritis and the cause of most types is not well understood. It's likely that there are many different causes, including both genetics and lifestyle behaviors. However, although the exact cause of arthritis may not be known, there are several risk factors, including:
Age. The risk of developing arthritis, especially osteoarthritis, increases with age.
Gender. In general, arthritis occurs more frequently in women than in men.
Obesity. Being overweight puts extra stress on weight-bearing joints, increasing wear and tear, and increasing the risk of arthritis, especially osteoarthritis.
Work factors. Some jobs that require repetitive movements or heavy lifting can stress the joints and/or cause an injury, which can lead to arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis.
Can Arthritis be Prevented?
It may not be possible to prevent arthritis, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing the disease and to slow or prevent permanent joint damage.
Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight puts strain on your joints.
Exercising. Keeping your muscles strong can help protect and support your joints.
Using joint-protecting devices and techniques at work. Proper lifting and posture can help protect your muscles and joints.
Eating a healthy diet. A well balanced, nutritious diet can help strengthen your bones and muscles.
VitaMist's new & improved ARTHRIFLEX (Product Code: ART)
ArthriFlex is an amazing product that combines incredible bone and joint friendly nutrients.
Glucosamine sulfate is the main component of the new ArthriFlex. On January 21, 2001, MSNBC reported something that is now common knowledge - that the use of glucosamine had benefits for osteoarthritis. The original article appeared in The Lancet, and MSNBC summarized by saying "Previous studies had indicated that glucosamine could dull the pain of arthritis, but experts say the latest study shows for the first time that it could improve the structure of the joints."
This gave credibility and justification for the use of glucosamine for arthritis, leading to the current situation with 1000's of products on the market. But remember, there is no other spray glucosamine, and no other product with all the great benefits that VitaMist has to offer.
Glucosamine has the added benefit that it's completely safe; it's a natural, non-toxic compound; and now, there is mounting evidence that glucosamine not only helps ease joint discomfort but also may help improve the structure of joints.
ArthriFlex also contains chondroitin, which is another natural substance, that, just like glucosamine, is found in and around the cartilage. While glucosamine inhibits inflammation and stimulates cartilage cell growth, chondroitin provides cartilage with strength and resilience.
And now for the real improvement to the product - the addition of MSM! Also known by its full name, methylsulfonylmethane, MSM is, again, a naturally-occurring sulfur compound that is found in our bodies as well as in many common drinks and foods, including milk, coffee, tea and green vegetables. In its purified state,, it is an odorless, essentially tasteless, white, water soluble crystalline solid. It is one of the least toxic substances in known to man. MSM is known to help the proper functioning of various body processes, including helping to give healthy skin, nails and hair. But what makes MSM exceptional for ArthiFlex is its action as an anti-inflammatory, helping with allergies and asthma, digestive disorders, arthritis, muscle soreness and cramps. MSM may even play a role in diabetes, and mood disorders.
Studies have suggested that MSM helps improve joint flexibility, reduce stiffness and swelling, improves circulation, reduce pain associated with arthritis, reduces scar tissue and breaks up calcium deposits that may be associated with arthritis.
The New and Improved ARTHRIFLEX, two great products now combined into ONE Exceptional Product.
Sincerely,
Dr. Clive Spray
VitaMist Spray Vitamins
