Articles of Interest   The Difference Between Getting Older and Feeling Older By Cathy Oats   Although it appeals to common sense that the human body simply wears out, no wear-and-tear theory of aging has ever held up to close scrutiny. Those bones and joints only seem to wear out like overworked pieces of machinery. Unlike machines, however, which wear out after too much use, the human body is capable of getting better the more it is used. For example, a well-exercised bicep doesn't deteriorate; it gets stronger. Leg bones gain mass in proportion to how much weight is put on them. Moreover, if wearing out were the true cause of our aging and all our aches and pains, we'd be better off to just stay in bed all our life. Well, not really, since studies show that bed rest has disastrous effects on the human body, with patients losing one percent of bone density a week!   So, any purely physical theory of aging cannot help but be incomplete. Consider arthritis, one of the most common symptoms of age. In medical schools, doctors were taught common arthritis (or osteoporosis) was a degenerative disorder. Its cause: simple wear and tear. After a lifetime of use, the cartilage which forms a cushion between each of the joints hardens or wastes away, and so instead of having a cushion and lubrication between each of the bones, bone rubs bone, which then causes pain and inflammation. Eventually, as this process continues, the joint will crumble and in many cases result in total immobility. Commonly believed to be incurable, the standard medical response has been to prescribe pain killers and anti-inflammatory medicine to reduce the symptoms.   As to the cause of arthritis, simple wear and tear may appeal to our common sense, but it fails to explain several things. Some people never become arthritic, even though they subject their joints to extreme stress. And other people develop arthritis after a lifetime of sedentary desk work.   Diet and Nutrition For decades, medical researchers, including those with the Arthritis Foundation itself, refused to acknowledge that diet, nutrition and food allergies could play a role in immune function and arthritis. Today, however, that has changed, and proper diet and nutritional supplementation are believed to be key elements in the prevention of all types of disease, including arthritis.   It has now been established that the rheumatoid and arthritic diseases, and indeed many other diseases such as cancer, are in fact problems which involve deficiencies and malfunctions of the immune system. Arthritis occurs when the immune system makes a mistake and attacks the body's normal tissues, damaging the cells in the joint membranes, and degrading the joint lubricating fluids. That's why it is important to take notice of recurring joint pain because it could be the start of something happening which will take a long time to develop. Waiting for the joint to be worn sufficiently for replacement is not the answer: attention to its early stresses is the way forward. And by improving the immune system with the right nutrients, substantial evidence shows that the pain and disability caused by arthritis can be alleviated and even prevented.   Nutritional Supplementation Many researchers believe a proper balance of vitamins and minerals is essential in the treatment of arthritis. Dr. Peter Stephan of the Stephan Clinic in London, England, recommended vitamins A, B1, B6, E and B3 (which helps to improve joint flexibility) to treat and prevent arthritis.   He recommended that these nutrients should be combined with others that have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects important for arthritis prevention and treatment, such as: boron (beneficial in the prevention of post-menopausal osteoporosis), zinc, selenium (which helps with the management of arthritis), manganese, pantothenic acid, methionine, flavanoids, phenylalanine and sulfur (cysteine). Calcium is also recommended as a vital nutrient in the fight against arthritis as well as bee pollen, which helps regenerate the body generally and is especially beneficial in alleviating arthritis symptoms (particularly rheumatoid arthritis).   Apart from the other important elements of nutrition, Dr. Stephan believed ribonucleic acid (RNA) was as essential to the balanced approach as was adenosine triphosphate (ATP), used to regenerate the cells of this area of the body.   Prevention is Better than Cure Remember, we are all living longer now, so the only way to ensure that those years will be happy is to pay attention to your body and your health. The rewards, when they come, will be far greater than any stock market gain or windfall.   References: 1. Chopra, D. Ageless Body, Timeless Mind. New York, NY: Harmony Books, 1993. 2. di Fabio, A. Treatment and Prevention of Osteoporosis, Parts I and II. Franklin, TN: The Rheumatoid Disease Foundation, 1989. 3. Pearson, D. and Shaw, S. Life Extension. New York, NY: Warner Books, 1983. 4. Peat, R.F. "Hormone Balancing: Natural Treatment." The Journal of the Rheumatoid Disease Medical Association 1, no. 1 (1986). 5. Pizzomo, J.E. and Murray, M. T. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1991. 6. Stephan, P.M. More Life to Your Years, More Years to Your Life. Great Britain: Immunotechnology Publications, 1988. 7. Stephan, P.M. Total Wellness. Santon, Isle of Man: National House, 1993.   Main Article Index click here Our copyright and Privacy statements / Medical Disclaimer © 2002, Makena Werks, Int'l, All Rights Reserved.