Arthritis now affects one in three U.S. adults, or 69.9 million people in all. That number is up 63 percent higher than in 1997 when one in five U.S. adults, or nearly 43 million, had arthritis and other chronic joint problems. "We just think that's alarming in terms of the number," said Tino Mantella, president of the Arthritis Foundation. That increase is an epidemic proportion.

The new survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reflects, in part, an increase in arthritis connected to the aging of the baby boomers, but the dramatic increase may also be related to increasing stress.

After adjusting for age, researchers of the study found that arthritis was more common among several groups not recognized consistently in previous studies: separated and divorced people, those out of work or unable to work, and current and former smokers. The survey confirmed previous studies that indicated arthritis tends to rise with age, is more common in those who are overweight or physically inactive, and that it is more common in women.

So, if you want to reduce your risk of arthritis, reduce your stress, or move to Hawaii. Perhaps the two are related. The survey found that arthritis affected only 17.8% of adults in Hawaii, but as many as 42.6% of adults in West Virginia. States in the central and northwestern parts of the country had the highest rates.

"The public has very little understanding about arthritis," said Dr. John Klippel, medical director for the Arthritis Foundation. "Many people associate arthritis with the process of aging, they assume aches and pains are an inevitable part of aging when in fact it is not a natural part of aging." Chronic stress depletes the body's natural anti-inflammatory production and causes oxidative damage to body tissues.

Last year, arthritis costs totaled $80 billion in medical care and lost work. You can reduce your risk of arthritis through moderate exercise, weight management, and a healthy diet rich in antioxidants. But if you can't move to Hawaii, or reduce you stress, you may want to add specific anti-stress nutrients to your daily routine. To protect or rebuild the joints Dr. Hansen recommends Grape Seed Extract, Glucosamine, Gotu kola and Horse Chestnut. To offset stress Dr. Hansen recommends Kava kava, Ginseng, and Bupleurum.

Reference: J Rheumatol 2002 Sep;29(9):1981-8