Statistics prove that nearly 300,000 children in America have a form of arthritis. The most common form is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, or JRA, and it affects nearly 50,000 children in the U.S.

The exact cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis remains a mystery. Many researchers believe it is an autoimmune disease -- a disease that causes the immune system to become hyperactive and start attacking normal tissue. When this occurs, the body overproduces cytokines, which leads to inflammation within the body. Cytokines are chemical signals used to allow one cell to communicate to another. They play an important role in immune system responses.

If cytokine production is controlled, the degeneration from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis may also be controlled. People who practice holistic healthcare believe that cytokine production control is related to one's diet.

Ingesting fruits high in vitamin C provides great benefit for children suffering from arthritis. These fruits, such as blackberries, raspberries, kiwis, strawberries, mango, apples, and cantaloupe melon, all have phytochemicals, which help fight inflammation.

Vegetables high in vitamins C and A also help fight body inflammation. Some vegetables included are collard greens, carrots, brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, kale, squash, spinach, and sweet potatoes.

It is also recommended to consume foods or dietary supplements rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. These include certain types of fish including: herring, mackerel, salmon, sardines, and trout. It is recommended to limit fish consumption to 3-ounce portions, consumed twice a week, for children under age 16. Whenever possible, seek out mercury-free fish to avoid potential health problems associated with mercury.

Normally, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis appears in children 6 months to 16 years, and the first signs are joint swelling and redness. There are three major types of JRA:

1. Polyarticular arthritis: low-grade fever, bumps on the body, and swelling or pain in five or more of the body's joints. 2. Pauciarticular arthritis: inflammation of the iris, and swelling or pain in four or fewer joints. 3. Systemic arthritis: includes the whole body, and may include a high fever; enlarged spleen and lymph nodes; sudden onset and disappearance of rash, and joint swelling, stiffness, and pain.

An early and accurate diagnosis of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is needed in order to effectively manage the disease. It's important to educate yourself and other family members about JRA symptoms and characteristics if your child is diagnosed. It's possible for yoru child to maintain an active lifestyle, but if any of the previously stated symptoms arise, contact your doctor immediately. Your doctor will need to learn detailed medical history, take blood for testing, and do a physical examination before diagnosing Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Health Products on our marketplace

Denise Smith shares information and resources on her website about Autism and Asperger's , and you can read more about Asperger Syndrome characteristics