What Is Arthritis? We tend to think of arthritis as an "old age" disease. Perhaps that's because the most common form of arthritis – the "wear and tear" degenerative condition known as osteoarthritis (OA) – is most often seen in people over 60. But OA is not the only form of arthritis. Although many of us refer to it as if it were a single disease, arthritis is actually a catchall term that covers more than 100 medical conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus, gout, and scleroderma. Arthritis can strike at any age, often without warning. In its various forms, arthritis affects more than 70 million adults and 300,000 children in America alone. Some Common Types Of Arthritis Osteoarthritis The most prevalent form of arthritis, it is marked by degeneration of the cartilage that covers the ends of bones. Cartilage loss results in pain and difficulty of movement as bone begins to rub against bone. Rheumatoid Arthritis An autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and attacks and inflames the joint lining. Rheumatoid arthritis affects mostly women, and can be severely disabling and disfiguring. Gout Usually results from a metabolic defect. Gout can be extremely painful, and most often attacks small joints, especially the big toe and ankle. Gout affects mostly men. Ankylosing Spondylitis A type of arthritis in which inflammation causes the bones of the spine to grow together. Juvenile Arthritis An umbrella term for all types of arthritis that occur in children. Most non-osteo forms of arthritis have been observed in children as well as adults. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus A serious inflammatory disorder that can attack and destroy joints and other connective tissues throughout the body. Scleroderma A connective tissue disease that can cause extreme hardening of the skin, resulting in deposition of scar-like patches. No matter what the source of arthritis, there is always the common factor of joint inflammation, often accompanied by pain, stiffness, restricted motion, warmth, swelling, and damage to the protective joint cartilage and surrounding tissues. This damage becomes progressively debilitating as joints become weakened and destabilized. Ultimately, arthritis can turn even the simplest daily tasks into a painful ordeal. For those diagnosed with systemic forms of arthritis, the situation can be far worse. Systemic arthritis can affect the whole body, wreaking havoc on the heart, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, and skin. Leading Causes Of Arthritis It has been estimated that there are more than 200 causes of the various forms of arthritis. And yet, there are some key risk factors. Cigarette Smoking Smoking has been proven over and over again to increase the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. A recent large-scale study published in the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases concluded that even moderate smokers (6 per day) could increase their risk by as much as 1500%! Obesity Obesity is another major cause of arthritis. According to an article in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, the single biggest risk factor for osteoarthritis in the hips and hands of people older than 60 is being overweight. Reducing the symptoms of this painful disease should be a great inspiration to drop those pounds. Goji – The Asian Weight Loss Secret In an Asian anti-obesity study, patients were given goji each morning and each afternoon. Results were excellent with most patients losing significant weight. In a 2002 study at Huazhong Agricultural University in China, it was shown that goji's master molecule polysaccharides enhanced the conversion of food into energy, and reduced body weight. Stress has been shown to be a major trigger in initiating a flare-up, therefore it is important to avoid it when possible and to consider the use of relaxation techniques...and goji juice. Beat Stress Naturally With Goji Goji provides the energy reserves to help you handle just about any difficulty. In Asia, it is said that constant consumption of goji brings a cheerful attitude, and nothing beats good cheer for overcoming stress! The Arthritis Epidemic The incidence of arthritis is increasing at an alarming rate. According to statistics published by the Arthritis Foundation, the number of Americans with arthritis or chronic joint symptoms has doubled since 1985, and now affects one in three adults. More facts from the Arthritis Foundation: Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation’s leading cause of disability among Americans over age 15. Arthritis is second only to heart disease as a cause of work disability. Arthritis limits everyday activities such as walking, dressing, and bathing for more than 7 million Americans. Arthritis results in 39 million physician visits and more than a half million hospitalizations. Costs to the U.S. economy total more than $86.2 billion annually. Arthritis affects people in all age groups including nearly 300,000 children. Baby boomers are now at prime risk. More than half those affected are under age 65. Rheumatoid Arthritis – An Immune System Gone Haywire Genetics and gender are the most common causes of rheumatoid types of arthritis. People with a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it themselves, and it is estimated that there are two to four female RA sufferers for every male. It has been suggested that RA may originate with a viral infection. In its efforts to thwart the virus, the immune system spirals out of control, attacking healthy joint cells as well as invading virus cells. Goji Normalizes Immune Function More than 40 years of research have revealed goji’s ability to regulate immunity. Acting as an adaptogen, it can help to increase low immune function. Goji can also help to quiet a hyperactive immune system, bringing it back to a more normal level. The Inflammatory Connection Whether instigated by tobacco smoke, obesity, genetics, stress, or other factors, all forms of arthritis are marked by chronic inflammation, which is caused by the body’s overproduction of inflammatory prostaglandins (such as PGE-2) and enzymes (such as COX-2). These dangerous body chemicals cause the generation of free radicals, which act like ‘mini-grenades’ that can detonate anywhere in the body, causing irreparable damage. The inflammatory free radical most often implicated in arthritis is known as superoxide. Under normal conditions, the body is able to keep superoxide in check by producing the enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) to intercept and neutralize it before it can cause pain, inflammation, and cell damage. Extensive scientific research over the past 20 years has shown that in acute and chronic inflammation, superoxide is produced at a rate that overwhelms the capacity of the body’s SOD enzyme defense system to remove it. Such an imbalance can only result in significant damage. Protective and beneficial roles of SOD have been clinically demonstrated in arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. These results prove the concept that superoxide has an important role in human disease, and that their removal by SOD does in fact result in beneficial outcomes. Goji Activates Arthritis-Fighting Enzyme An important study in China found that the ingestion of goji resulted in a remarkable 40 percent increase of superoxide dismutase (SOD), the body’s most powerful anti-inflammatory enzyme. Usual Dosage Level For all arthritic conditions, research suggests a maintenance usage of 2 ounces of premium quality standardized goji juice, two to three times per day at mealtime. During times of flare-ups, the serving size may be doubled.