Arthritis is a leading cause of disability among adult Americans.  It is a leading cause – second only to heart disease – of work disability and limits the day-to-day activities of millions.  If you or a loved one is among these millions, you may be interested in a way to help treat arthritis naturally with the healing food goji berries.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, arthritis has reached epidemic proportions in the United States.   The number of people who suffer from arthritis and chronic joint symptoms has doubled since 1985 with the result that one in three adults is affected.  Arthritis affects people in all age groups, but if you happen to be a baby boomer,  you want to pay special attention because you are at prime risk.

What Is Arthritis?

There are several types of arthritis, but the most common is a degenerative form called osteoarthritis (OA), which results from everyday wear and tear.  Osteoarthritis is seen most often in people over 60, which has led to the common perception that arthritis is an “old age” disease.

But osteoarthritis is only one of more than 100 conditions including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, schleroderma, and systemic lupus that are covered by the catchall “arthritis.” Arthritis in its many forms can strike at any age and affects over 70 million adults and 300,000 children just in the U.S.

Regardless of the type of arthritis, the common factor is inflammation of the joints, often with pain, stiffness, warmth, swelling, and restricted movement. There can also be damage to joint cartilage and surrounding tissues that can lead to weakened and destabilized joints.  As the condition progresses, even simple activities become painful ordeals.

The more severe systemic forms of arthritis can be even worse and affect everything from the heart and lungs to the kidneys, skin, and blood vessels.

In my opinion, even this small overview of arthritis is pretty grim, but I won’t leave you hanging for long.  Part 2 of Healing Foods for Arthritis will give you some information on how you may have developed the condition AND an easy natural option to help treat it.

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