Natural and healthy ways to fight arthritis !

It drives me crazy when I see TV commercials offering drugs for curing everything from asthma to warts with a list of side effects the length of both my arms. When it comes to arthritis, you might find a drug that will ease your symptoms but it will not change the underlying causes. Some of these drugs can actually do damage to your cartilage not to mention other toxic side effects.

There are more than 250 drugs marketed to treat arthritis including 30 different types of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including aspirin and ibuprofen which can actually accelerate the breakdown of joint cartilage. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, complications from these over the counter drugs have lead to 7,500 bleeding ulcers, 103,000 hospitalizations and 16,500 deaths annually in the United States costing over $2 billion in medical expenses.

So are you ready for some alternatives? There are some natural supplements that actually provide the building blocks of cartilage – others stop inflammation or stimulate the re-building process.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Personally, I have been on this product for years and will never go off it. Glucosamine can actually increase cartilage in joints.  The usual recommended dosage is 1,500 mg. of glucosamine and 1,200 mg. of chondroitin.

Omega 3’S (fish oil)

Fish oil is well known for having anti-inflammatory properties, but it also helps to prevent the breakdown of cartilage plus reduce inflammation. Usual recommended dosage is 1,000-3,000 mg. daily.

SAMe – (S-Adenosyl-L-Methione)

It was originally given to patients to help with depression, however, doctors found that it helped depression PLUS osteoarthritis. There is a link between depression and osteoarthritis. SAMe helps the body make more cartilage as well as more neurotransmitters in the brain. Recommended dosage: a typical dosage is 440-1,600 mg. daily.

Hyaluronans

A natural lubricant formed from glucosamine and glucoronic acid that helps to cushion joints and cartilage. Many rheumatologists inject it directly into joints but it is available as a dietary supplement. It can help rebuild the structure of joint cartilage. Common forms are Biocell Collagen II or Kolla 2. Follow the label directions.

Vitamin D

Studies done a Boston University School of Medicine found that low blood levels of Vitamin D were strongly associated with a risk of developing osteoarthritis not to mention a thinning of bones. Vitamin D helps our bone structure and the stability of knee cartilage. Check your vitamin supplement – recommended dosage of Vitamin D is 400-800 IU daily.

Cetyl-Myristoleate

A supplement that has shown to improve knee flexibility after only 2 months and can reduce osteoarthritic symptoms. Follow label directions.

Ashwaganda

This Indian herb has been used by Ayurvedic doctors and herbalists as a potent anti-inflammatory. It functions very similar to SAMe because it provides the “methyl groups” that help construct new molecules. So many herbs are rich in antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties and many offer some benefit in osteoarthritis. Always follow label directions.
When it comes to diet, there are some anti-inflammatory foods that will offer some relief and insure your long-term success in staying pain-free.

A good first step is to avoid or limit your intake of inflammation-promoting fats like corn, safflower and soybean oils. Avoid all foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oils, which include trans fats found in many products in the center aisles of the grocery store. Trans fats interfere with the enzymes involved in the body’s production of anti-inflammatory compounds.

Some anti-inflammatory foods

• Fish – cold-water fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel are rich in Omega 3’s, which are anti-inflammatory. Shoot for 2 fish meals per week and stay away from fried foods because they promote inflammation.
   
• Vegetables - how many times do I have to say it? Did you eat something “green” today? Vegetables are rich in antioxidants which turn off several genes involved in inflammation. Choose leafy greens salads, broccoli, cauliflower and green beans. Remember, starchy foods boost insulin which boosts inflammation.
   
• Fruits - try berries or kiwi fruit
   
• Olive oil - is rich in oleic acid – an anti-inflammatory fat that enhances the effects of fish oil and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Extra-virgin olive is best because it is made from the first press of the olive rich in nutrients.
   
• Water - water - water - low-grade dehydration may reduce the natural sponginess of joint cartilage. Try adding a slice of lemon or lime to jazz it up a bit.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a different kind of ache that affects about 2 million people in the United States. It is an auto-immune disease that attacks the connective tissue around joints. It can be triggered by a viral infection, injury and long-term food and pollen allergies.

There are 2 types of treatments that are showing great success:

• Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA) - is a natural plant fat that is concentrated in evening primrose oil, borage and black current seed oils. It works by boosting the body’s production of anti-inflammatory properties. In one study, the number of tender joints decreased by 45% and swollen joints declined by 28%.
   
• Vitamin E - can reduce rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. In one study, they increased the dosage to 900 IU twice daily and patients had a faster and more significant reduction in pain compared to those taking only drugs.

It is important to note that chemical sensitivities and food allergies can cause symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Nightshade family plants including tomato, potato, peppers, eggplant and tobacco can cause or aggravate arthritic symptoms in many people. Also, LECTIN, a group of proteins found in legumes, wheat and rice might trigger rheumatoid arthritis symptoms.