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Arthritis

Arthritis is a general term for a group of more than 100 diseases. The word "arthritis" means "joint inflammation." Arthritis inflames the area in or around a joint, causing pain, stiffness and difficulty moving. Some types of arthritis also affect other parts of the body, such as the skin and internal organs.

According to The Cleveland Clinic Department of Rheumatic and Immunologic Diseases, the three most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout.

• Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis among older people. Osteoarthritis occurs when cartilage, the tissue that cushions the ends of the bones within the joints, deteriorates and wears away. In some cases, the cartilage may wear away completely, causing the bones to rub against each other directly. Before age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in men, but after age 45, osteoarthritis is more common in women. By age 65, more than half of the population has osteoarthritis in at least one joint.
  
• Rheumatoid arthritis can affect joints in any part of the body but it usually occurs in the hands, wrist and knees. With rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system mistakenly causes the joint lining to swell. The inflammation then spreads to the surrounding tissues and can eventually damage cartilage and bone. In more severe cases, rheumatoid arthritis can affect other areas of the body, such as the skin, eyes and nerves. About two to three times more women than men have the disease.
  
• Gout is a painful condition that occurs when the body cannot eliminate naturally-occurring uric acid. The excess uric acid forms needle-like crystals in the joints, causing swelling and severe pain. Gout most often affects the big toe, knee and wrist joints. Adult men aged 40 to 50 are more likely to develop gout than women. Women rarely develop the disease before menstruation ends.

Treatment: The goal of arthritis treatment is to provide pain relief and increase joint mobility and strength. Treatment options include medication, exercise, hot/cold compresses, use of joint protection and surgery.

Prevention: Although it may not be possible to prevent arthritis, there are steps which can reduce your risk of developing the disease and slow or prevent permanent joint damage.

• Maintaining a healthy weight. Excess weight puts strain on your joints.
• Exercising. Keeping your muscles strong can help protect and support your joints.
• Using joint-protecting devices and techniques at work. Proper lifting and posture can help protect your muscles and joints.
• Eating a healthy diet. A well balanced, nutritious diet can help strengthen your bones and muscles.

HerbaCall Arthritis testimonials

• In an HerbaCall testimonial, Gary Zeiger tells us that a 70 year old customer with arthritis "reported less pain and increased movement after taking Herbalife Joint Support."
• Bryan Goble writes, "Herbalife weight loss products plus Joint Support took away a customer's arthritis pain."
• Esteban Lopez told HerbaCall that "Mom's arthritis pain used to keep her in bed for 1-2 weeks at a time, but Herbalife Ultimate Green, Xtra-Cal and Joint Support made her pain free!"
• Fulvia Grant writes that she "was very overweight and crippled with rheumatoid arthritis. After losing weight with Herbalifeline, her arthritis is in remission and she's no longer crippled."

Get greater mobility and less joint pain with fish oil

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers studied how fish oil affects a molecule called tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), which is known to trigger inflammation. The study found that fish oil might act as an anti-inflammatory substance by suppressing the body's ability to make TNF. Herbalifeline is rich in fish oils, and provides even more support for joints when combined with Joint Support-Glucosamine with Herbs.

Lose weight and reduce the stress on your joints

If you can lower your weight, you will reduce the stress and strain on your painful, arthritic joints. The ShapeWorks Weight-Management Program is an effective, convenient way to lose weight and give your body the nutrition it needs. You can reduce your weight and may be able to stop your arthritis pain with the Herbalife Advanced Program and Herbalifeline.

Want more information on arthritis and more Herbalife arthritis testimonials?

Visit the HerbaCall Arthritis Resource Center for more detailed information on arthritis, news, research links and testimonials. Herbalife products can make a huge difference to people with arthritis!