Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis

By Miriam E. Nelson, Lawrence Lindner, Kristin R. Baker, et al.

Book Overview

More than forty million Americans have arthritis, a disease of joint deterioration that costs people everything they take for granted. But with breakthrough research that she conducted with fellow Tufts scientists Kristin Baker and Ronenn Roubenoff, Miriam E. Nelson has developed a plan that people can use to actually reverse the pain and immobility that arthritis causes-right in their own homes. Those people with arthritis who participated in the groundbreaking Tufts study experienced a 43 percent reduction in pain, a 44 percent improvement in physical function, and a 71 percent improvement in strength. This book offers readers the exact same lifestyle "tools" that the Tufts team gave its subjects: * an exercise program designed specifically to protect the joints and ameliorate stiffness and soreness * an eating plan to reduce inflammation and pain * a guide to the latest medications and complementary therapies * strategies for overcoming arthiritis-related depression.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399148523
• ISBN13: 9780399148521
• Release Date: April 2002
• Publisher: Putnam Adult
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.3" x 1.1" x 6.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Grade 12 and higher

Customer Reviews

Excellent Book for those with arthritis

This is the 2nd copy of this book I've bought. The first was for myself and has been a great help with my rheumatoid arthritis over the years. Now that my daughter has been diagnosed with the same disease, I wanted her to have a copy for her own, not just my borrowed copy. Besides, I needed mine back! The idea that we can take charge of our disease and make informed decisions, and especially, improve our condition through strength training is an empowering concept. The book discusses everything from diet to drugs to alternative treatments, with detailed instructions and diagrams on stretching and strength exercises that can be done at home and really make a difference. I showed this book to my rheumatologist, and he was quite impressed. I'd recommend it for anyone with arthritis.

Strong Men and Women Beat Arthritis by Dr. Nelson

This is an excellent work on the alternative medicinal andconventional medicine protocols for arthritis. Dr. Nelsonmentions various Vit C dietary combinations utilizingorange juice, strawberries or grapefruit to provide Vit. C.Next, the authors cite important anti-inflammatory combos;such as, Omega 3 fish oil and flaxseed oil. Sunflower oilhas the requisite Omega 6 ingredients. Sulfasalazine andmethotrexate are important protocols for treating seronegativespondylarthropathies. In addition, the lungs, heart and eyesmay be impacted by ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases.For instance, Iritis may impact the eyes. Calcification ofthe heart valves and electronic problems with the heart havebeen noted. Decreased lung capacity is another importantresultant of ankylosing spondylitis.The authors point out that Chronic Juvenile Arthritis stuntsgrowth. In addition, the SED RATE (sedimentation rate) andrhematoid factor are the gold standard for blood tests todetect arthritis. In my own experience, the MOST- micro-oxidativestress test may be helpful in articulating the yeast componentas an aggravating factor in arthritic conditions.The authors provide an important series of exercises whichmay be helpful for arthritic patients. The physical therapytraining consists of moderate squatting, toe stand(standing erect on your toes), moderate push-ups by pressingthe wall, back extensions by facing the floor and raising thehead, modified sit-ups, knee extension flexing, full rangemotion employing light weights in torque motion, face flat onthe floor raising the back legs, the lunge stretch,cross-over hips, placing one knee on the chair and standingupright or erect, shoulder stretches and a host of others.Dr. Nelson indicates that excess joint fluid is a sign ofinflammation. In addition, surgical intervention can behelpful. For instance, an artificial joint may last 15-20 years.Acupuncture helps to stimulate endomorphins and change bloodflow patterns. There is evidence that acupuncture relievesarthritis, although there is less evidence for Chiropractic.This book is worth the price. It provides important alternativemedicinal protocols for arthritis as well as classic physicaltherapy exercises aimed at preserving joint mobility andelasticity. I would supplement the exercises with AlphaLipoic Acid to enhance bodily elasticity. In my own experience,Northern Polar magnets may be helpful if strategically placed.

Really seems to help!

I was recently diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, and I started following the nutritional suggestions in this book. I think it's already starting to help! Plus it tells you how to perform strengthening exercises for your aching joints. I am a big fan of Dr. Nelson's other works. I like how she explains the science and the applications. I plan to share this with my mom, who also has osteoarthritis.

exercise + diet = controlled arthritis...

...Extremely informative for all, regardless of your health. Miriam Nelson has done it again not only with her easy reading style, but with very educational and informative text. I'm going to send as a gift to a friend.