The 'itis' in Arthritis

(Please read our disclaimer)
Osteoarthritis affects the wear and tear of cartilage over a bone where it meets a joint. Approximately 33 million Americans suffer the aches and pains of osteoarthritis. And another 1.3 million Americans suffer from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that affects the synovial membranes that line the joints. In RA, not only are joints swollen and painful, but they are also "red" and "hot".

Early diagnosis and treatment can help relieve pain and reduce further disability. The Melaleuca Wellness Guide tells us that the best long term treatment is the one that targets the cause. The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown but osteoarthritis often targets the joints most used in work and play.

The "itis" part of arthritis refers to inflammation, so it makes sense that reducing inflammation helps reduce pain and further damage. Maintaining a healthy weight is important, not only because excess weight is hard on knees and hips, but also because doctors now know that some forms of fat cells promote inflammation. Avoid inflammation-causing saturated fats, trans fats, and processed foods, all of which tend to be high in omega-6 oils. A recent PubMed abstract tells us that omega 3 alleviates the progression of osteoarthritis and has exciting potential for preventing cartilage degradation that comes with joint inflammation. Consuming fatty acids helps decrease the need for NSAIDS drugs. Coldwater Omega-3 contains recommended fatty acids.

Another PubMed abstract looked at grape-seed extract to suppress bone destruction commonly seen in rheumatoid arthritis. The results suggest that grape-seed extract may be beneficial for the treatment of inflammation associated bone destruction.

ProvexCV and Provex- Plus are concentrated super antioxidants and sources of grape-seed extract. ProvexCV in particular has the flavonoid power of nearly ten thousand grapes in every bottle. Flavonoids are known to be powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals that damage tissue.

Patented Replenex and Replenex Extra Strength help rebuild, cushion, and strengthen joint cartilage. Besides 1,500 mg of research-recommended glucosamine HCI, the Replenex formula also contains ginger, green tea, and bromelain, which promote healthy joint function. Replenex Extra Strength contains chondroitin, MSM, and a patent pending A.I. Blend for comfort.

Another important tip to reduce the pain and inflammation of arthritis is exercise. Movement is needed for a joint to receive lubrication. Exercise pumps nutrients in and wastes out of healthy cartilage. Some people who have complained of painful hands have found relief by taking up an exercise that pumps the hand joints: knitting! WebMd tells us that the old slogan "Move it or lose it" goes double or triple for people with osteoarthritis.

In review: Eat colorful, whole foods. Avoid inflammation-causing fats and processed foods. Take your supplements including Coldwater Omega-3, ProvexCV or Provex- Plus, and Replenex or Replenex Extra Strength. Keep moving. And, if you find it hard to take those first steps, rub in Pain-A-Trate for soothing relief.

~ Richard M Barry

Arthritis Success Stories

I have found anything with the ending "itis" can be helped with two Melaleuca products. The Provex Plus and Replenex. I have used products costing $150 or more a month and not gotten as good of results as I do with Replenex. The high proanthocyanidins in the Provex products make a difference also. Other grapeseed products don't give the results I've gotten with the Provex products. The anti inflammatory formula along with the high quality glucosamine and chondroitin in the Replenex outperforms anything I have tried. I have gone from needing a walker at times to being able to walk without it. The Coldwater Omega-3 is an important part of keeping inflammation at bay. Diet makes a difference also. Staying away from sugar or processed foods, and eating a more anti inflammatory diet is a must for long terms benefits.

~ Debi

My mother suffered with arthritis in her thumbs, and I never understood just how painful it was until I entered my sixties and started having the same problem.

Two years ago I finally went to a hand specialist just to be sure that it really was arthritis. He confirmed it and suggested surgery to remove a bone. I kept putting it off but the pain was increasing, even keeping me awake some nights. I couldn't shake hands or high five, and even some everyday activities had become very difficult.

When Melaleuca introduced Attain GC Control I started using it once a day because I have diabetes on both sides of my family. Besides having more energy and sleeping better, I started to notice that the pain in my hands was decreasing measurably, even in the cold winter. Now I still know the arthritis is there, but it is so mild that I wouldn't even consider surgery.

I remember when I was researching help for my mother I kept seeing cinnamon as a natural remedy for arthritis. I can only suppose that it is the high quality of cinnamon bark extract that is making the difference. It is the only thing I have changed. I have been taking the Vitality Total for years.

~ Diana

I have taught 9th grade Physical Education and basketball for forty-five years. This last year the arthritis in my shoulders and right wrist really started to act up, especially bothering me while trying to get to sleep. It is hard to relax when the pain takes over and gets into your mind. I need a good night's rest ...I have to be able to keep up with those fast 9th graders!

My wife gave me Extra Strength Replenex and she applied Pain-A-Trate on my shoulders before bedtime (which helped me fall asleep much quicker!). After only five days of taking Replenex, I was able to sleep through the night without getting up due to pain! I will never stop taking that stuff because it made such a difference in my life. I've only got three years until retirement and looks like I'll make it now. Besides that, this sixty-three year old teacher isn't going to let those 9th graders think he is old. I'm playing the Melaleuca Madness Game now!!!

~ Coach Lytton

I have moderate to severe arthritis in my spine, hips, knees, and hands. Since taking the Vitality Total I've noticed significant improvements in inflammation, as well as pain levels. However, sometimes the simplest events can trigger a huge increase in pain. Recently my weaker leg was causing me pain and I had some difficulty with the range of motion of my knee. I decided to try some of the Replenex Extra Strength DRINK. I was surprised how quickly, much more so than the tablet form, my pain levels began falling!

Now I drink Replenex anytime my joints are giving me more trouble than usual, and the quick results continue! Since I began taking Replenex there has been ongoing increase in mobility and decrease in pain! I am no longer taking any prescription medications for arthritis, nor using any of the over-the counter products one might buy in a regular or health-food store. I will only buy such products from Melaleuca since they work so much better, and are safer, than anything else out there!

~ Andee

I went to bed one night in the summer of 2010 feeling well and woke up the next morning hardly able to get out of bed. I couldn't close my hands, and my wrists, knees, hips, and shoulders were painful to move. The only way I could get through the day was by taking Ibuprofen. After four months and three doctors, I was told it was osteoarthritis. The doctor shrugged his shoulders when I asked what could be done. I started taking Replenex. I have been almost pain free for two years now with no ibuprofen. I walk two miles a day and lift weights three times a week with no problems.

~ Jane

Every day for breakfast in my Vanilla Attain CraveBlocker Shake, I add organic ginger, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, and frozen fruit. It makes a fabulous smoothie. It has soothed my foot, knee, and thumb arthritis. I also rub Extra-Strength Pain-A-Trate where the arthritis has settled. The spices in the shake warm up the body too. A great way to keep arthritis at bay, it's better than a DQ shake.

~ Gail

I have had arthritis for fourteen years. At first I went to the doctor and was given anti-inflammatories, but they had unwanted side-effects and didn't take away all the pain. Then I began using natural supplements and finally found one which took the pain away during the day, but at night I would wake up with stiff, sore fingers. Then I was introduced to Melaleuca. I have taken the Vitality Total for the past two years and find that I am pain-free most of the time and can do activities now that I used to be afraid to do when my joints were hurting. I now have the ability to enjoy life again! Thanks to Melaleuca!!

~ Heather