The human skeleton is a living organism in which bone modulation and re-modulation takes place continuously. For example, if someone suddenly becomes bedridden, bone from the top is re-modulated to be rebuilt at the bottom, because now suddenly more weight has to be carried. This process takes place in our bodies using osteoclast and osteoblast cells. 

Bone is broken down by osteoclast cells that move over the bone and dissolve the bone surface – similar to a Kreepy Krauly moving over the bottom of a pool. 

The osteoclast cells then release calcium, magnesium, and collagen, which in turn are used by osteoblast cells to form new bone.

When your body’s pH level is too low, in other words too acidic, your body will use the calcium that is released by the osteoclast cells, to try and balance your pH level. For example, if 100 g of bone is broken down by the osteoclast cells, and your body uses calcium from that bone to balance your pH level, the osteoblast cells have only 80 g left to form the new bone. This process is the precursor to osteoporosis. 

Sometimes too much calcium is extracted, and that calcium is then stored in various places in your body, for example in your hands, toes, joints, etc. This process is the precursor to arthritis. 

All diseases therefore have a cause (or source) and symptoms. 

The cause is the beginning of the vicious cycle that usually leads to symptoms. It may be quicker and easier to just treat the symptoms, but you will never get lasting results if the cause is still present. 

Before we look at the treatment of diseases such as arthritis and osteoporosis, it is important to understand the difference between these diseases or ailments. 

What is arthritis? 

Arthritis is inflammation of one or more joints, which causes pain and stiffness – symptoms that get worse with age. Different types of arthritis occur, each with different causes.

 What is rheumatoid arthritis? 

With rheumatoid arthritis, the body’s immune system attacks its own tissue, including the tissue in the joints. In severe cases, it even attacks organs. Rheumatoid arthritis affects the lining of joints, causing painful swelling. The inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis can cause bone erosion and joint deformity over a long period of time.

 What is osteoarthritis?

 It is a type of arthritis that occurs when the flexible tissue at the tips of the bones (cartilage) is damaged. The damage to this protective tissue occurs gradually and worsens over time. Joint pain in the hands, neck, lower back, knees, or hips are the most common symptoms.

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones become weak and brittle due to bone loss, usually due to hormonal changes or a deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.

Various diseases and ailments are therefore associated with osteoporosis. Everyone has the same cause, but different symptoms. 

The biggest cause is when your body’s pH level is too low. If your body’s pH level is lower than 7.35, it will look for something alkaline to balance your acid level with. 

Unfortunately, the largest storage space for calcium is in your bones, and this calcium is then distributed throughout the body and stored elsewhere to alkalise and normalise the acid level. Your bone density is therefore weakened. 

The stored calcium hardens and forms crystals that settle in your joints and can then cause severe pain and discomfort. Your body treats the crystals as invaders from the outside and then sends chemicals and extra moisture to fight the invaders – hence the swelling and inflammation. 

Further risk factors for arthritis and osteoporosis: 

• Family history and blood type. Some types of arthritis occur in families – you will be more likely to develop arthritis if your parents or siblings have the disease. People with an A-blood group should choose fruits, vegetables, tofu, seafood, turkey, and whole grain foods, but rather avoid meat. For weight loss, seafood, vegetables, pineapples, olive oil and soy are best, while kidney beans, as well as dairy, wheat and maize products should be avoided.
• Age. Arthritis usually begins to develop from the age of 40.
• Gender. Women are more prone to arthritis than men.
• Previous joint injuries.
• Obesity. 

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