Cocoa Tickles™

Joint health and Rheumatism

Arthritis is characterized by of the inflammation of the joints of the body and resulting in discomfort, pain and weakening of the joints. Joint injury can be caused by trauma or simply by wear and tear

with age. With time our joint tissues begin to deteriorate, cartilage begins to wear down and eventually ends a very painful agitation of the bones rubbing against each other. Pain and swelling is the result and this decrease the mobility of the joints, especially those in the hands, fingers, hips, knees and toes. There are many factors that play part in the development of various grades of arthritis, one of these being the foods, vitamins and minerals that we are deprived of.

Arthritis is the general term for the agitations and diseases relation to the inflammation of the joints, the most common being osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic auto immune disease, where the body begins to attack its own tissues. It involves the attack of the lymphocytes from the body's immune system on the synovial membrane, articular structures and multiple joints which causes a thickening and release of substances like prostaglandins. The functions of the prostaglandins is hormone synthesis, blood vessel constriction, immune function and aids in the regulation of pain and inflammation in the body. This compromises the normal functioning of the joints and results in pain, discomfort, swelling, warmth and stiffness. Without treatment the joints begin to erode causing destruction of the synovial membrane and the articular surfaces and this could lead to deformities and eventually disabilities. The disease can manifest generally anytime from the age of 25 to 50 years and usually very suddenly.

In most cases the disease and discomfort is treated with prescription drugs including anti-inflammatories, which unfortunately has many other negative side effects like the injury of the gastro intestinal system creating more problems besides the existing rheumatoid arthritis.

However, there are investigations that prove that there is a more healthy and natural way of combating and preventing the deterioration of the membranes in the joints. One of these investigations is the importance of essential fatty acids; Omega 3, Omega 6 and other fatty acids. Your body needs these two essential acids and they can only be obtained by ingestion unlike saturated fats. The human body converts saturated or processed fats into PG2 which is a flammatory and will cause this exact effect on the body. In the meantime Omega 3 (PG3) and omega 6 (PG6) have the exact opposite effect and act as anti-inflammatories, reducing pain and excessive inflammation.

During investigation it was found that rheumatoid patients have a lower level of Omega 3 fatty acids in the body than people who did not suffer any type of arthritis or joint inflammation. This imbalance has been detected in the patients' blood and synovial fluids.

Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils and various seeds are often referred to as being anti inflammatory by nature therefore people with minor joint agitation should use Omega 3 as a preferred option and self medication ( as there is very little risk of any type of negative side effects). In cases that are further advanced it has been recommended that Omega 3 be taken as well as the anti prescribed pharmaceuticals as it could help to reduce the risk of gastro intestinal discomfort and probably improve the efficacy of the drugs. Omega 3 has also demonstrated that it reduces level of enzymes that are responsible for the destruction of the joints and the degradation of the cartilage. Most patients have found that they have reduced tenderness in their joints, less stiffness and less amount of joint affected by arthritis while supplementing Omega 3 into their diets. The recommended dosages may vary from 3 mg up to 9 mg per day and since these are macronutrients is necessary that they are consumed on a daily basis. There are no instant results as the body is adjusting to the nutrient intake, so it could take a few weeks up to months to reach its maximum benefit.

A healthy diet is always mentioned as being one of the major ways of ensuring a healthy and long future. This helps to reduce the body's inflammatory tendencies and will also prevent any age related problems, especially the joints and arthritic problems. Antioxidants (found in foods, wine and teas) are necessary to neutralize the free radicals and eliminate them. Cocoa contains more antioxidants than many other foods and drinks. It has also been recommended that chocolate with little additives and preservatives contains important amount of antioxidants that have positive effects on preventing blood clots and lowering blood pressure. Phenylethylamine, also an element of cocoa (especially chocolate) that stimulates our brains and release Seratonin helping to prevent depression and giving us and instant energy boost. A healthy diet makes all the difference and will in no doubt change the general well being of each and everyone of us, allowing us to live each day to the fullest.