Regardless of the type, arthritis has multiple causes influenced by diet, lifestyle, and heredity. In any preventive or therapeutic approach, one must consider all of the following factors:

Family history - exact mechanisms unclear.
Previous joint damage or injury - particularly true for osteoarthritis.
Wear and tear of aging - mainly true for osteoarthritis.

Hydrochloric Acid Deficiency- potential cause of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and most autoimmune diseases. May be present in up to 40 percent of patients with arthritis. Since a healthy level of stomach acidity is required for mineral absorption, low levels of hydrochloric acid may be responsible for malabsorption of minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese, calcium and magnesium. These minerals are important for healthy bone metabolism. A deficiency can make arthritis worse.

Vitamin D Deficiency- can lead to osteoarthritis. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Low vitamin D intake and blood levels are associated with an increased risk for the progression of osteoarthritis. Low blood levels of vitamin D are also related to loss of cartilage and the formation of degenerative bony spurs.

Fluoride - may cause osteoarthritis. At levels as low as one part per million in drinking water, fluoride gives rise to an increase in the urine concentration of certain biological chemicals that signal the breakdown of collagen as well as the irregular formation of collagen in the body. If you have any form of arthritis, avoid fluoride in toothpastes, mouth rinses, tap water and dental treatments of any kind.

Mineral Deficiencies- can either cause or worsen just about any type of arthritis. Calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, silicon, sulphur, boron and numerous other lesser-known minerals are involved in bone synthesis, breakdown and repair.

Food Allergies - may be a hidden or unsuspected cause of chronic joint inflammation leading to different types of arthritis, especially those associated with immune system dysfunction such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Leaky Gut Syndrome- caused by inflammation of the gut lining. Inflammation causes the spaces between cells to enlarge, allowing large protein molecules to be absorbed. The immune system starts making antibodies against the larger molecules because it recognizes these as foreign, invading substances. These food antibodies can get into various tissues and trigger an inflammatory reaction when the corresponding food is consumed. Autoantibodies are thus created, and inflammation can become chronic. If this inflammation occurs in a joint, autoimmune arthritis develops.

Mercury Fillings - leak mercury vapour into the body on a daily basis. In many cases of autoimmune disease, replacement of mercury with non-metal fillings is effective at reversing arthritis symptoms. Mercury may well be behind the immune system abnormalities leading to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Yeast, Fungi And Their Mycotoxins - linked by many experts to different forms of arthritis. Autoimmune diseases often respond to a low-carbohydrate, yeast-free diet and antifungal remedies such as oil of oregano, mild silver protein, garlic, probiotics (e.g. Lactobacillus acidophilus).

Parasites - compete with us for nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and amino acids, and secrete waste products into our gut and bloodstream that are capable of causing various allergic and autoimmune reactions. A high percentage of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis respond favourably to antiparasitic programs or cleanses.

Dangers Of Aspirin And NSAIDS

Drugs prescribed for arthritis may offer temporary pain relief, but they actually worsen arthritis because they inhibit cartilage repair. Long-term use of Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can also cause gastrointestinal ulcers and internal bleeding. People given corticosteroids to reduce inflammation can experience side-effects such as bruising, osteoporosis, hip fractures, cataracts, weight gain, susceptibility to infections, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Dr. Rona is the author of several best-selling books, including Osteoarthritis: Treat and Reverse Joint Pain Naturally, alive Natural Health Guide #16, available at your local health food store or by calling 1-800-663-6513. Visit Dr. Rona’s Web site at drzoltanrona.com.

Source: alive #239, September 2002

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