Arthritis
There are three major types of arthritis: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteo-Arthritis, and Gouty Arthritis. Anyone with symptoms of arthritis should be examined by a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Why? Some arthritis symptoms may be caused by another disease process such as Lupus, Lyme disease, Sjogren’s syndrome, Fibromyalgia, etc. There is a growing body of research examining the role of digestive enzymes, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation-causing foods in the development of arthritis. A specialist in this area can help you if you begin to experience chronic arthritic symptoms.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a crippling inflammatory joint disease in which the immune system attacks the synovial membranes of all the body’s joints. The synovial membranes produce the joint-lubricating fluids; their destruction reduces or eliminates lubrication, making the movement of joints very painful. When symptoms are ignored or left untreated early in the process, crippling or permanent damage to the joints may result. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis afflicts children under the age of 18 and should always be treated by a healthcare professional.
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis caused by degenerative changes in the joints. It differs from rheumatoid arthritis in that it involves the erosion of the cartilage where bones meet, especially in weight-bearing joints. This causes bone to hit bone with no padding in between, and the result is pain, inflammation, and joint stiffness. The symptoms become debilitating if the disease process is not stopped. This type of arthritis is common in athletes who incur severe or repetitive injury to joints.
Gouty arthritis is a disorder of purine metabolism that causes a buildup of uric acid in the body. Purines are found in meats, especially organ meats. The uric acid then forms crystals that are deposited in joint areas. Gouty arthritis has often times been referred to as “the rich man’s disease” because those who had wealth often developed this problem. The pain can develop rapidly after eating a rich, high-protein meal, especially when consuming alcohol with the meal. Correcting the body’s buildup of uric acid through diet, lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, and proper supplementation can alleviate symptoms in most individuals. However, in uncontrolled situations prescription medicine may be necessary.
Lifestyle Suggestions
- Obtain an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional
- Exercise regularly to keep the joints flexible and movable
- Eat a healthy diet high in fiber, fresh fruits, lots of vegetables, lean meats and poultry
- Eat seafood, especially those varieties high in omega-3 oils such as salmon, halibut, mackerel, and sardines
- Check for food allergies, including relations to nightshade plant such as tomatoes, white potatoes, peppers, and eggplant. Some food allergies can aggravate the symptoms of arthritis
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco products
- Limit sugars and sugary foods
- Drink plenty of filtered water and/or green tea. As a general rule: Drink one-half your body weight in ounces per day.
Daily Supplementation Plan for Arthritis
- Vitamin C with bioflavonoids, 1,000-3,000 mg, products should contain equal amounts of vitamin C and mixed bioflavonoids
- Vitamin E, 400-800 IU, helps with muscle repair and antioxidant properties
- Selenium, 100-200 mcg, also helps with muscle repair and antioxidant properties
- *Glucosamine sulfate 1,500 - 2,500 mg or *Glucosamine hydrochloride 750-1,500 mg, helps reduce pain and provides a key component help stabilize cartilage loss
- *Bromelain, 600-1,200 mg between meals helps reduce edema and inflammation.
- *Omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil 2-3 g or flaxseed oil 1 tablespoon. Begin with up to 6 g fish oil or 6 tablespoons flaxseed oil, then reduce to 2-3 g or 1 tablespoon after 30 days
- Calcium 1,000-1,500 mg, use one that is synergistic with magnesium
- Magnesium 400 -600 mg, use up to 1,000 mg for 30 days if recommended by your healthcare professional.
- *Boswellia, 35-50 mg helps with inflammation reduction, and reduces cartilage loss.
*These supplements can have anti-inflammatory properties and help with normalizing joint health. Which one or which combination of products works best depends on your specific condition. Always check with a healthcare professional before beginning any supplementation regimen - they can be of great assistance in monitoring progress and tailoring your program.
Long-term use of conventional medications to control arthritis may be necessary in extreme or unresponsive situations. The problem with most of these drugs, including OTC products like aspirin and NSAIDs like ibuprofen, is that they can cause stomach ulcerations or bleeding, and kidney or liver dysfunction, especially when taken over a long period of time.
April 28 2008 06:58 pm | Health