Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis: Cutting-Edge Strategies for the Relief of Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis

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

Book Overview

The New York Times bestselling author of Strong Women Eat Well and fellow Tufts University scientists present a simple plan that has been proven to reduce the pain and immobility caused by arthritis... Strong Women and Men Beat Arthritis shows the direct connection between a strength-training program you can do at home and the reduction--and even prevention--of arthritis symptoms. No other research study using an exercise program has ever showed the results that the Tufts study achieved: a 43% reduction in pain, a 44% improvement in physical function, and a 71% improvement in strength. This book offers all the tools you need--and more: - An exercise program designed specifically to protect the joints and relieve stiffness and soreness - A scientifically based eating plan to reduce inflammation and pain - A hands-on guide to the latest medications - The real story on complementary therapies--which ones work? Which ones don't? - ...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399528563
• ISBN13: 9780399528569
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.82 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.0" x 9.0"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary 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.