October 2002 Out of Joint: Easing Arthritis Pain Natural remedies for joint inflammation and pain When the joint is jumping but your joints won't, you may have the first signs of arthritis. According to the Arthritis Society of Canada, approximately four million Canadians suffer from this condition. Arthritis is a general term for over 100 diseases and syndromes. One type, Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects approximately 1 in 100 Canadians. It is especially debilitating, often leaving sufferers wheelchair-bound. RA is an autoimmune disease whereby the immune system produces antibodies that destroy the synovial membranes, which cushion joint movements. Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system begins to attack the body. If you have RA it is essential to correct this abnormality. “Putting the immune system into balance is key when someone suffers from an autoimmune disorder” says Lorna Vanderhaeghe, author of Healthy Immunity, Scientifically Proven Natural Treatments for Conditions from A-Z. “Now research is showing that stress reduction, the avoidance and detoxification of poisons, and key nutritional supplements may be able to balance the immune system”. A blend of plant sterols and sterolins called Moducare™, perform the balancing act very effectively. Professor Patrick Bouic, Head of Immunology at Stellenbosch University in Cape Town, South Africa, has shown in his research that plant sterols and sterolins, which are found in all fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts, are effective at enhancing an under active immune system and/or decreasing an overactive one. Moducare™ works by modulating the immune system. A study conducted on RA sufferers showed that Moducare™ dramatically reduced pain and swelling of affected joints. RA is a debilitating illness. Until recently, only limited treatments were available and many of those had side effects almost as bad as the diseases themselves. Conventional medications for the treatment of autoimmune diseases keep the immune system suppressed thus increasing the risk of viral and bacterial infections and osteoporosis. With sterols and sterolins, as the symptoms of RA and many other autoimmune disorders subside, sufferers find their joy of life returns and they can again take part in their normal daily activities.