Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) or spondyloarthritis is arthritis involving the spine. It is a form of chronic inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joints. The sacroiliac joints are located in the low back where the sacrum (the bone directly above the tailbone) meets the iliac bones (bones on either side of the upper buttocks). Chronic inflammation in these areas causes pain and stiffness in and around the spine. Over time, chronic spinal inflammation (spondylitis) leads to a complete cementing together (fusion) of the vertebrae, a process referred to as ankylosis. Ankylosis leads to loss of mobility of spine.
Signs and symptoms : Fatigue is a common symptom associated with active inflammation in Ankylosing spondilitis. Inflammation of the spine causes pain and stiffness in the low back, upper buttock area, neck and the remainder of spine. Onset of pain and stiffness is usually gradual and progressively worsens over months. Occasionally, the onset is rapid and intense. Symptoms of pain and stiffness are often worse in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity. The pain and stiffness are often eased by motion, heat and a warm shower in the morning. Pain and tenderness in ribs, shoulder blades, hips, thighs, shins, heels and along bony parts of spine are experienced. Other areas of body affected by ankylosing spondylitis include eyes, heart and kidneys.
Cause : The cause of AS is not known, but all of the spondylarthropathies share a common genetic marker, called HLA-B27, in most affected individuals. In some cases, the disease occurs in these predisposed people after exposure to bowel or urinary tract infections.
Role of Noni in Ankylosing Spondylitis
A vegan and fat free diet is advisable to ankylosing spondilitis patients. Meat and dairy products contain arachidonic acid a fatty acid which contributes to the inflammation experienced in rheumatism and arthritis because it is converted into inflammatory prostaglandin and leukotrienes.
The essential fatty acids that Divine Noni contains acts like an anti-inflammatory agent and helps to patients suffering from ankylosing spondilitis. Divine Noni contains Vitamin C and it maintains healthy connective tissues. Divine Noni is rich with many micronutrients and phytochemicals that help to nourish and restore the cartilage. Abnormal bowel function is one of the "triggers" that causes rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Divine Noni improves the condition of gastrointestinal system, maintains an optimum balance of all digestive enzymes and keeps the bacterial flora intact and thus it relieves symptoms of ankylosing spondilitis in a better way as to maintain a healthy bowel and digestive system.
Vitamin E is now recognized as an important nutrient in arthritic disorders, helping to reduce inflammation in the tissues. One research paper found Vitamin E to be beneficial for patients suffering from Ankylosing Spondylitis by reducing inflammatory process. Divine Noni is rich in antioxidant vitamin E.
Xeronine present in Noni modifies or corrects the damage of fibrous layers of vertebral disc made up of collagen fibers. The fibrosus layers of the disc are composed of collagen fibers. Collagen fibers act as main cushioning role of disc in vertebra to external pressure load and also offer great resistance to any pulling force. Collagen fibers are fairly simple proteins and are made up of chains of amino acids. Amino acids are delivered from circulation to the cell called fibrocytes that manufacture collagen. The three important amino acids required for formation of collagen fibres are glycine, hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine present in Divine Noni. Besides that Noni contains 17 out of total 20 amino acids.
COX Enzyme and Divine Noni : Pain, redness, heat and swelling, which are the markers of inflammation follow the release of prostaglandins. Aspirin and similar non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) reduce prostaglandins by blocking an enzyme which helps to produce them, called cyclo oxygenase (COX). There are two COX enzymes in the body; COX-1 and COX-2. Cycloxygenase-1 (COX-1) is an enzyme normally present in a variety of areas of body including sites of inflammation and stomach. The COX-1 enzyme of stomach produces chemical messengers (called prostaglandins) that ensures natural mucus lining which protects inner stomach.
Another enzyme, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), also produces chemical messenger molecules, but the COX-2 enzyme is located specifically in areas of body responsible for inflammation and not in the stomach.
Common anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin or ibuprofen, block function of COX-1 enzyme along with COX-2 . With these traditional anti-inflammatory drugs, inflammation is reduced by blocking Cox-2, but the protective mucus lining of stomach is also reduced because Cox-1 is blocked, which can cause stomach upset, ulceration and bleeding from the stomach and intestines. When the COX-2 enzyme is blocked, inflammation is reduced. The COX-2 enzyme does not play a role in the normal function of stomach.
Any drug or pain relieving medication, if blocking COX 2 only, will be beneficial both for pain relieving and keeping inner lining of stomach healthy too. Divine Noni is a selective COX-2 inhibitor. It reduces pain of arthritis and ankylosing spondilitis to a great extent by keeping stomach lining healthy.
Another reason for Noni's pain fighting qualities may stem from several of its constituents. Noni contains Scopoletin, which has anti inflammatory effects. Scopoletin is needed in the body for smooth joint movement. It also produces anti-histamine effects. A laboratory in France conducted a study and showed mice, given a liquid form of Noni, increased pain tolerance as reflected by its reaction time in a hot plate. The researchers concluded that Noni helped the mice better deal with the pain from hot plate.
Testimonials
Testimonials from two persons suffering from pain.
I am 52 years old and was suffering from spinal disorder (Back pain) for 13 years. I took treatment but finally doctor said I have to undergo surgery. In surgery also, guarantee was only 25% to be successful. I was completely bed ridden and doing my daily chores in bed. I was not able to stand without support.
My family doctor Mr. S N Venkatesh adviced me to take Divine Noni and he explained me about Divine Noni's benefit for my health. I started using Noni, within 7 days I was able to walk and do my daily chores without others support. Within 15 days I went to masjid to pray. Now my back pain is totally gone. I go to Okala for my business. I drive my motor cycle independently. I am using Noni regularly. I am very happy and energetic. Divine Noni is my life partner. It gave me a new life. God has come in the form of Divine Noni. It has saved me.
Mohammed Laig Qureshi, New Delhi
For the past 3½ years, I am suffering from severe backache and cold. Deepak R.Jadhav and Ms. Manjula Deepak Jadhav, friends of mine explained the amazing health benefits of Divine Noni. In a few months of consuming Divine Noni, I saw a good change in my health condition. Now I feel very comfortable and my problems are solved. My backache has totally disappeared and my cold problem also solved. Thanks to my friends and Divine Noni. Divine Noni is truly nature's gift. Malika Benuinda Coutinho, Goa.
Recommended Dosage
Divine Noni Concentrate
5ml morning and 5ml evening for 3 days. Then
10ml morning and 10ml evening for next 3 days. Then
15ml morning and 15ml evening for next 8 months.
