10/22/2025
Wise words from my sacred friend and trusted doctor of TCM, Ceanna Stermann. She has a stunning new clinic in Sundre!
If I had arthritis, here's EXACTLY what I'd do:
We've been told arthritis is due to old age, or genetics. This is only half of the story, epigenetics tell the whole truth, genes express themselves based on our environment, lifestyle and nutritional deficiencies. Epigenetics are true determining factors of whether we do or don't develop "genetic" disease.
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Have you heard about Vitamin K? Many people know the value of Vitamin D, but often overlook this fat soluble vitamin. Weston A. Price concluded beyond the known fat soluble vitamins A and D, there must be another factor needed to activate the body's ability to utilize minerals especially calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, teeth and proper facial growth. It's a CRITICAL nutrient for remineralization of bones, and bone integrity.
We've evolved to avoid ancient superfoods, due to the untrue claims saturated fats are bad for us.
Vitamin K rich foods include egg yolks, raw aged cheeses like parmesan, liver, organ meats and butter.
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Many people are encouraged to take calcium supplements for bone health and strength, however without necessary cofactors this can be counterproductive. We need to consider minerals work best in proper ratios to other vitamins and minerals. An excess of calcium can end up in the wrong places- contributing to calcification of joints and soft tissues. This can worsen pain, reduce mobility and contribute to joint stiffness. It's better to eat a diet we can source calcium and co-factors from, than over do it with supplements.
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The main two offenders include refined sugar, and polyunsaturated fats/ seed oils. Refined sugar heightens oxidative stress in nerve tissue, contributing to increased pain sensitivity, stiffening collagen and system inflammation. Seed oils (soybean, corn, canola, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower or grapeseed) are industrially processed. Seeds are crushed, heated, washed with a petroleum based solvent (hexane), bleached and deodorized to remove the rancid smell. Fats play a massive role in whether inflammatory processes in the body get turned on or off, omega 6 rich foods turn it on, omega 3 rich foods turn it off. The high omega 6 content amplifies synovial inflammation, cartilage degeneration, bone resorption, pain sensitization and reduced healing. Eat fats that existed before factories, and don't require chemical deodorizing.
Omega 3 rich fats to cook with : lard, tallow, butter, ghee, coconut oil, olive oil (high quality- single traceable source)
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Gelatin is a protein derived from collagen, the most abundant protein in your body that forms the structure of cartilage, ligaments and tendons, skin and the bone matrix.
These amino acids aren't found in a muscle meat rich diet, they are precisely what the body needs to rebuild cartilage and connective tissue damaged by arthritis. It increases cartilage density, stimulates collagen synthesis, improves joint comfort and flexibility and reduces activity- related pain. It's strongly anti-inflammatory, and supports synovial fluid which lubricates joints.
Gelatin gives your body the exact raw materials it needs to repair the joints, and calm inflammation from the inside out.
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If you've started on these points, and still need help, acupuncture is a well documented support for arthritis. It can help reduce pain, inflammation, and potentially increase mobility.
It all starts within, and taking responsibility for healing your joints. Believing that you shouldn't have to settle for pain, or discomfort.
I hope this information reaches you well, and helps you get inspired! Share this for those in your life struggling with arthritis.
