So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for
the glory of God. (1 Coritnhians 10:31)
Anyone who uses food or drink in such a way as to harm her/his health
or damage the mental equipment needed for the fulfillment of her/his duties, is
guilty of the sin of gluttony. It is incontestable that to eat or drink for the
mere pleasure of the experience, which is also absolutely committing the sin of
gluttony. Thus, unbalanced diet occurs as a result herein.
In the United States, arthritis is a common health problem affecting more than 46 million people and resulting in disability for 19 million people. Among chronic diseases in the US, arthritis causes more disability than any other condition, including heart disease, diabetes, and back or spine problems. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is the third most common type of arthritis behind osteoarthritis (prevalence 26.9 million) and gout (prevalence 6.1million). RA affects approximately 1.3 million in the US.[1]
Conversely,
in the United Kingdom, around 10 million people have arthritis. It affects
people of all ages, including children.[2]
While
in the Philippines, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the leading causes of
significant burden among Filipinos, aside from asthma and cancer and about four
times as many women as men have this disease, based on National Nutrition & Health Survey.[3]
Arthritis
is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint
caused
by bad diet, excess body weight, previous injury, to name a few. The important
thing to remember is that, old or young, one must manage a safe and healthy
life to elude arthritis or be attentive at the leading signs and symptoms of
the disease so that the condition can be controlled in its most minimal stage
and quality of life is well-kept-up.[4]
Identifying
the cause of arthritis can be tough, because often numerous factors[5]
contribute to an individual developing this common problem, which include:
Hereditary
It
is not well recognized by studies as to how much heredity or genetics
contributes to the cause of arthritis. Nevertheless, there are probable genetic
variations that can contribute to the cause of this common problem.
Age
Factor
Cartilage
becomes more brittle with age and has less of a capacity to repair itself. As
people grow older they are more likely to develop arthritis. Nonetheless, it
can occur at any age as a result of an injury and this is true to me wherein my
arthritis started when I had an ankle sprain, or be associated with other joint-related
conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.
Excess
Body Weight
As
joint damage is partly dependent on the load the joint has to support, excess
body weight can lead to arthritis. This is specifically true of the hips and
knees that can be worn quickly in heavier patients.
Past
Injury
Joint
damage can bring about abnormalities in the normal smooth joint surface. Past
major injuries can be part of its cause. An example of an injury leading to
arthritis is a tibial plateau fracture, where the broken area of bone enters the cartilage of the knee joint.
Job-related
Vulnerabilities
Workers
in some particular professions seem to have a higher risk of developing
arthritis than other jobs, primarily the high demand jobs like assembly line
workers and heavy construction.
Certain
Prominent Sports
It
is hard to identify how much sports participation contributes to development of
arthritis but undoubtedly sports participation can lead to joint injury and
subsequent arthritis. Nevertheless, the benefits of activity likely prevail
over any risk of arthritis.
Ailment
or Infection
Individual
who experience a joint infection (septic joint, which occurs when a bacterial
infection occurs inside a joint space), multiple episodes of gout, or other medical conditions, can develop arthritis
of the joint.
Forms
of Arthritis[6]
1). Gout
It is a type of arthritis caused by too much uric acid in the body. This can be left in joints (usually affecting the big toe) but can develop in any joint. It causes intense pain, redness and swelling.
2). Osteoarthritis
It
most often develops in adults who are in their late 40s or older. It's also
more common in women and people with a family history of the condition.
However, it can occur at any age as a result of an injury or be associated with
other joint-related conditions, such as gout or rheumatoid arthritis.
It initially affects the smooth cartilage lining of the joint. This makes movement
more difficult than usual, leading to pain and stiffness.
Once
the cartilage lining starts to roughen and thin out, the tendons and ligaments
have to work harder. This can cause swelling and the formation of bony spurs,
called osteophytes.
Severe
loss of cartilage can lead to bone rubbing on bone, altering the shape of the
joint and forcing the bones out of their normal position.
The
most commonly affected joints are those in the:
- hands
- spine
- knees
- hips
3). Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 400,000 people in the United Kingdom. It often starts
when a person is between 40 and 50 years old. Women are three times more likely
to be affected than men.
Rheumatoid
and osteoarthritis are two dissimilar conditions. The former occurs
when the body's immune system targets affected joints, leading to pain and
swelling.
The
outer covering (synovium) of the joint is the first place affected. This can
later spread across the joint, which leads to further swelling and a change in the
joint's shape. It may bring about the bone and cartilage to break down.
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis can also develop problems with other tissues and
organs in their body.
4). Ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
It is a long-term inflammatory condition that mainly affects the bones,
muscles and ligaments of the spine, leading to stiffness and joints fusing
together. Other problems can include the swelling of tendons, eyes and large
joints.
5). Cervical spondylosis
5). Fibromyalgia
It causes pain in the body's muscles, ligaments and tendons.
6). Lupus
7). Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA)
8). Psoriatic Arthritis
9). Enteropathic Arthritis
10). Reactive Arthritis
Secondary
arthritis – is a type of arthritis develops after a joint injury and
sometimes occurs many years afterwards.
11). Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Symptoms of arthritis
The
symptoms of arthritis that one experiences will vary depending on the type
she/he has.
Hence,
it's important to have an accurate
diagnosis if an individual has:
Symptoms
- Joint aching, tenderness, swelling, soreness, or warmth
- Early morning stiffness
- Lowered ability on movement of the joints
- Mysterious weight loss, fever, or weakness related with joint pains.
- Inflammation in and around the joints
- Warm, red skin over the affected joint
- weakness and muscle wasting
Arthritis
and children
Arthritis
is often linked with older people, but can also affect children.
Most
types of childhood arthritis are known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). It causes pain and inflammation in one or more joints for at least six (6) weeks.
Although
the exact cause of JIA is unknown, the symptoms often improve as a child gets
older, which means that they can lead a normal life.
Different types of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Oligo-articular
JIA - is the most common type of JIA, which affects fewer than five joints in the
body, most commonly in the knees, ankles and wrists. It has good recovery rates and long-term effects are uncommon. Nevertheless, there's a danger that children with the condition may develop eye problems, so regular eye
tests with an ophthalmologist (eye care specialist) are recommended.
Polyarticular
JIA (polyarthritis) - It affects five or more joints, which can develop at any age
during childhood. Its symptoms are similar to adult rheumatoid
arthritis. The condition is often associated by a rash and a high temperature
of 38C (100.4F) or beyond.
Systemic
onset JIA - it begins with symptoms such as a fever, rash, lethargy (a lack of
energy) and enlarged glands. Subsequently, joints can become swollen and inflamed. Like
polyarticular JIA, it can affect children of any age.
Enthesitis-related
arthritis - is a type of juvenile arthritis that affects older boys or teenagers.
It can cause pain in the soles of the feet and around the knee and hip joints,
where the ligaments attach to the bone.
Treating
arthritis
There's
no cure for this condition, but there are many treatments that can help slow down
the condition. For
osteoarthritis, medications are often prescribed, including:
- painkillers
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- corticosteroids
In
severe cases, the following surgical procedures may be recommended:
- arthroplasty (joint replacement)
- arthodesis (joint fusion)
- osteotomy (where a bone is cut and re-aligned)
Treatment
for rheumatoid arthritis seeks to hold up the condition's progress and
minimize joint inflammation or swelling. This is an attempt and prevention of damage to
the joints. Recommended treatments include:
- analgesics (painkillers)
- disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – a combination of treatments is often recommended
- physiotherapy
- regular exercise
Excellent Foods For Arthritis
While there is no diet treatment for arthritis, particular foods
have been shown to fight inflammation, strengthen bones and boost the immune
system. Adding the following foods to a balanced diet may help ease the
symptoms of arthritis.
- Fish
As particular types of fish are packed with inflammation-fighting
omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, tuna, mackerel and herring, it is recommended at least 3 to 4 ounces of
fish, twice a week.
- Soy
Soybeans (tofu or edamame)is heart-healthy, which are also low in
fat, high in protein and fiber and an all-around good food.
- Oils
Extra virgin olive oil is loaded with heart-healthy fats and
oleocanthal, which has properties similar to non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory
drugs. Avocado and safflower oils have cholesterol-lowering properties, whereas
walnut oil has 10 times the omega-3s that olive oil has.
- Cherries
Cherries help reduce the frequency of gout attacks. The
anthocyanins found in cherries have an anti-inflammatory effect. Anthocyanins
can also be found in other red and purple fruits like strawberries,
raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.
- Dairy
Low-fat dairy products, like milk, yogurt and cheese are packed
with calcium and vitamin D, both found to increase bone strength. Vitamin D is
essential for calcium absorption, which improves the immune system. Go for
other calcium and vitamin D-rich foods like leafy green vegetables if dairy is
not a choice.
- Broccoli
Not only rich in vitamins K and C, but also contains a compound
called sulforaphane, which prevents or slows the development of osteoarthritis
(OA). It is also rich in calcium, which is known for its bone-building
benefits.
- Green (Tea)
It is loaded with polyphenols, antioxidants which are
believed to reduce inflammation and slow cartilage damage. Another antioxidant
in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) prevents the production
of molecules that cause joint damage for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis
(RA).
- Citrus
Citrus fruits (like oranges, grapefruits and limes) are rich in
vitamin C which prevents inflammatory arthritis and maintaining healthy joints
with osteoarthritis (OA), when getting the right amount of its vitamins.
- Grain
Whole grains reduce levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the
blood. CRP is a indicator of inflammation related with heart disease, diabetes
and rheumatoid arthritis. Oatmeal, brown rice and whole-grain cereals are
outstanding sources of whole grains.
- Beans
Beans are packed with fiber, a nutrient that reduces CRP. It is
also an excellent and easy on the pocket source of protein, significant for
muscle health. Some beans like red beans, kidney beans and pinto beans are rich
in folic acid, magnesium, iron, zinc and potassium, all known for their heart
and immune system benefits.
- Garlic
Individuals who regularly ate foods from the allium family like
garlic, onions and leeks have fewer signs of early osteoarthritis (OA). The
compound diallyl disulphine found in garlic may control cartilage-damaging
enzymes in human cells.
- Nuts
Nuts are rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, zinc, vitamin E and
immune-boosting alpha linolenic acid (ALA), as well as filling protein and
fiber. They are heart-healthy and beneficial for weight loss. Try walnuts, pine
nuts, pistachios and almonds.
Respect for Health (Catechism of the
Catholic Church)
|
Life and physical health are precious gifts entrusted to us by God. We must
take reasonable care of them, taking into account the needs of others and the
common good. (CCC 2288)
Concern for the
health of its citizens requires that society help in the attainment of
living-conditions that allow them to grow and reach maturity: food and
clothing, housing, health care, basic education, employment, and social
assistance.
If morality requires respect for the life of the body, it does not make it an
absolute value. It rejects a neo-pagan notion that tends to promote the cult
of the body, to sacrifice everything for its sake, to idolize physical
perfection and success at sports. By its selective preference of the strong
over the weak, such a conception can lead to the perversion of human
relationships. (CCC 2289)
The virtue of temperance disposes us to avoid every kind of excess: the abuse
of food, alcohol, tobacco, or medicine. Those incur grave guilt who, by
drunkenness or a love of speed, endanger their own and others' safety on the
road, at sea, or in the air. (CCC 2290)
The
use of drugs inflicts very grave damage on human health and life. Their use,
except on strictly therapeutic grounds, is a grave offense. Clandestine
production of and trafficking in drugs are scandalous practices. They
constitute direct co-operation in evil, since they encourage people to
practices gravely contrary to the moral law. (CCC 2291)
|
[2] Arthritis, National
Health Service, England,
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Arthritis/Pages/introduction.aspx
[3] Frost & Sullivan,
Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics in Philippines,
https://www.frost.com/prod/servlet/press-release.pag?docid=165360079
[4] Phil Rheuma, IS ARTHRITIS JUST AN OLD MAN’S SCOURGE?
Posted on August 31, 2014, https://rheumatology.org.ph/2014/08/31/theres-more-to-arthritis-than-being-an-old-mans-scourge/#more-65
[5] Jonathan Cluett, MD - Reviewed by a board-certified physician.
Updated July 20, 2016, What Are The Causes of Arthritis?,
https://www.verywell.com/does-sports-participation-cause-arthritis-2549246
[6] Arthritis,
http://www.thefilipinodoctor.com/condition-details.php?name=Arthritis&id=156
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