Muscular-skeletal system
As well as its protective function provides the framework for the attachment of muscles. It is also the source of haemopoiesis and mineral storage, in particular calcium phosphate. One of the most common conditions of the bone is;
Osteoporosis
Loss of calcified bone tissue making the bone fragile and porous, and as a result more prone to fractures. Those at risk are individuals who take little exercise, smoke, meat eaters, and have a diet low in calcium, vitamin C and protein. They also have inadequate absorption of calcium due to being Vitamin D deficient. Post-menopausal osteoporosis is the type we are most familiar with when the protective aspect of oestrogen drops. Caffeine can interfere with the absorption of calcium as can a high alcohol intake, which reduces the conversion of vitamin D into its a active form. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestine and also maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone. Excess salt can also influence calcium loss through it being excreted in the urine. Increasing phytoestrogens can have a positive effect in that it mimics the actions of oestrogen.
Osteoporosis is different from Osteomalacia, which is the softening of the bone is due to a deficiency of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the synovial membrane of peripheral joints, resulting in pain and stiffness of the joints which are swollen and hot. It is an autoimmune response, probably triggered by a viral infection. As the disease progresses it can lead to damage to the lungs, eyes, spleen and pericardium. The episodes of inflammation are made worse by stress and cold damp conditions. Treatment to relieve the inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is not found in societies eating a primitive diet, one that is higher in plant than meat consumption, with very little sugar, red meat and refined carbohydrates, and high in antioxidants and omega 3 oils.
Osteoarthritis
Most commonly affects the hips and knees, but can impact other joints such as the fingers. Can be a result of daily wear and tear in which the cartilage becomes thinner and cracked. Inflammation leads to an altering of the shape of the surrounding bone which also thickens. Treatment to manage the inflammation and the pain. Supplements of Glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate may have positive effects on managing the condition.
Gout
Disorder of uric acid metabolism resulting in crystals of monosodium urate forming in joints and other tissues, causing inflammation, damage, and severe pain. This can develop into joint destruction and severe pain. The cause is the overproduction of uric acid which is produced from the breakdown of purines. Purines are natural substances found in all cells and is one of the components of DNA. They also play a critical role in energy production and chemical signaling within cells. Purines are found in many food sources. Foods such as liver, mincemeat, sardines, mussels, kidney, anchovies, mackerel, herring, sweetbreads, brains and other organ meats are particularly high in Purines. Alcohol will also increase uric acid production. In some conditions, for example; psoriasis, pernicious anaemia, and obesity there is an overproduction of uric acid, and while some of it it eliminated by the kidneys a greater quantity is reabsorbed. A diet high in purine content will increase the level of of uric acid. Treatment would involve loosing weight if that was a contributing factor, reducing consumption of foods high in Purine content, reducing alcohol intake, and consuming a more alkaline diet, that is, increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in the diet. Also an increase in water intake, if low, as water promotes the excretion of uric acid. Warming the affected area in hot water can help to dissolve the uric acid crystals, conversely getting the feet cold will exacerbate the condition.
As well as its protective function provides the framework for the attachment of muscles. It is also the source of haemopoiesis and mineral storage, in particular calcium phosphate. One of the most common conditions of the bone is;
Osteoporosis
Loss of calcified bone tissue making the bone fragile and porous, and as a result more prone to fractures. Those at risk are individuals who take little exercise, smoke, meat eaters, and have a diet low in calcium, vitamin C and protein. They also have inadequate absorption of calcium due to being Vitamin D deficient. Post-menopausal osteoporosis is the type we are most familiar with when the protective aspect of oestrogen drops. Caffeine can interfere with the absorption of calcium as can a high alcohol intake, which reduces the conversion of vitamin D into its a active form. Vitamin D promotes the absorption of calcium in the intestine and also maintains adequate serum calcium and phosphate concentrations to enable normal mineralization of bone. Excess salt can also influence calcium loss through it being excreted in the urine. Increasing phytoestrogens can have a positive effect in that it mimics the actions of oestrogen.
Osteoporosis is different from Osteomalacia, which is the softening of the bone is due to a deficiency of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D.
Rheumatoid arthritis
This is a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the synovial membrane of peripheral joints, resulting in pain and stiffness of the joints which are swollen and hot. It is an autoimmune response, probably triggered by a viral infection. As the disease progresses it can lead to damage to the lungs, eyes, spleen and pericardium. The episodes of inflammation are made worse by stress and cold damp conditions. Treatment to relieve the inflammation and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is not found in societies eating a primitive diet, one that is higher in plant than meat consumption, with very little sugar, red meat and refined carbohydrates, and high in antioxidants and omega 3 oils.
Osteoarthritis
Most commonly affects the hips and knees, but can impact other joints such as the fingers. Can be a result of daily wear and tear in which the cartilage becomes thinner and cracked. Inflammation leads to an altering of the shape of the surrounding bone which also thickens. Treatment to manage the inflammation and the pain. Supplements of Glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate may have positive effects on managing the condition.
Gout
Disorder of uric acid metabolism resulting in crystals of monosodium urate forming in joints and other tissues, causing inflammation, damage, and severe pain. This can develop into joint destruction and severe pain. The cause is the overproduction of uric acid which is produced from the breakdown of purines. Purines are natural substances found in all cells and is one of the components of DNA. They also play a critical role in energy production and chemical signaling within cells. Purines are found in many food sources. Foods such as liver, mincemeat, sardines, mussels, kidney, anchovies, mackerel, herring, sweetbreads, brains and other organ meats are particularly high in Purines. Alcohol will also increase uric acid production. In some conditions, for example; psoriasis, pernicious anaemia, and obesity there is an overproduction of uric acid, and while some of it it eliminated by the kidneys a greater quantity is reabsorbed. A diet high in purine content will increase the level of of uric acid. Treatment would involve loosing weight if that was a contributing factor, reducing consumption of foods high in Purine content, reducing alcohol intake, and consuming a more alkaline diet, that is, increasing the amount of fruit and vegetables in the diet. Also an increase in water intake, if low, as water promotes the excretion of uric acid. Warming the affected area in hot water can help to dissolve the uric acid crystals, conversely getting the feet cold will exacerbate the condition.
