Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and Rheumatoid (Poly) Arthritis
Arthritis
Arthritis affects 46.5% of all persons aged 65 and over (Fife, Bruce, The Detox Book, 1997, P. 30). Arthritis is not a localized problem, but a metabolic or chemical dysfunction of the entire body. In order to get lasting relief from arthritis, the entire body must be put back into chemical balance (Fife, Bruce, The Detox Book, 1997, P. 82).
May be caused by a deficiency of Vitamin B6
Osteoarthritis
"Wear-and-tear" arthritis - gradual wearing down of the protective cartilage between the joints with age. The resulting damage to the bone joints leads to inflammation, reduced movement, and deformity of the joint.
Rheumatoid (or poly) arthritis
Joint inflammation of varying severity that can affect the whole body, usually starting in the hands and feet and spreading to the rest of the body. It is an auto-immune disease, which means that the body turns against itself and attacks its own tissues. The main causes are widely thought to be diet, lifestyle, and inherited predisposition. In addition to affected joints, it produces a characteristically red and shiny skin, sufferers usually experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and often a slightly raised temperature.
Glucosamine Products
Glucosamine is very beneficial in the treatment for arthritis and is backed by numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In these studies, glucosamine has been shown to rehabilitate cartilage; reduce the progression of osteoarthritis; and significantly lessen pain from arthritis.
Glucosamine is believed to play a role in cartilage formation and repair, while chondroitin gives cartilage its elasticity. Glucosamine is extracted from crab, lobster, or shrimp shells; and chondroitin from shark or cattle cartilage (Arthritis Foundation. Herbs and other remedies: A–C. AF Web site. Available at: http://www.arthritis.org. Accessed November 6, 2001; D–F; Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Rovati LC, et al. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet. 2001;357:251–256).
Clinical trials indicate that glucosamine and chondroitin may benefit some people (McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Gulin JP, Felson DT. Glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2000;283:1469–1475).
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Source of Glucosamine Sulfate, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin. These ingredients have been shown in numerous studies to support the body as it rebuilds cartilage and resupplies synovial fluid.
Ingredients that Will Ease Your Arthritis Pain
For maximum relief in alleviating arthritis pain, you should be taking glucosamine, chondroitin, boswellin, bromelain, omega 3 & 6, yucca, manganese ascorbate, and vitamins A, C, and E.
When used together, studies show tremendous results are possible in managing arthritis. Unlike dangerous Cox-2 inhibitors and NSAIDs the below ingredients have no side effects, are natural and are safe.
Glucosamine is a natural sugar produced by the body and found in certain foods. It plays an important role in the production, maintenance, and repair of cartilage. It stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, two essential building blocks of cartilage.
Chondroitin sulfate reduces inflammation and assists the glucosamine in protecting against future cartilage degeneration.
Shark cartilage is a source of chondroitin sulfate. It drives the glucosamine and provides maximum absorption. Also, in many trials it has reduced the possibility of developing cancer. Bovine Trachea can also be used as a source of chondroitin, however, there is a risk of BSE with this. (Mad Cow Disease).
Bromelain cleans away the "debris" in the joints and restores proper fluid balance. In addition, it helps to inhibit inflammatory compounds and reduces pain and swelling.
Boswellin has been used for centuries in the Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine to maintain healthy joints. Boswellic acids improve blood supply to the joints and maintain the integrity of blood vessels. At least one study has indicated that they may open up collateral blood circulation to provide adequate blood supply to the joints. Boswellin has been known to reduce joint swelling, maintain blood supply to inflamed joints and mobility as well as reduce pain due to stiffness in the joints.
Manganese (Ascorbate) assists your body with processing the glucosamine. This is a very important ingredient and one that is missing in nearly every glucosamine product on the market today.
Yucca has a long history in easing stiff joints by blocking. The root is rich in saponins that elevate your body's ability to produce cortisone naturally.
The Omega 3 & 6 fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docasahexaenoic acid) are constituents of fish oils that act as anti-inflammatory agents. Usually, these products are sold separately in health food stores as salmon or fish oil.
Vitamin A (Beta carotene) is essential for growth and repair of body tissues and it aids in bone formation.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) produces a mobilization of your body's self-defense mechanisms, which assists your immune system to overcome disease.
And finally, Vitamin E (Tocopheral) is an antioxidant, which acts to protect red blood cells and unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation damage. It also assists your body in maintaining healthy membrane tissue.
In addition, Vitamin A, C, and E all promote general health and protect against the harmful effect of free radicals.
The Arthritis Fighting Diet
While there are over 100 different types of arthritis, they all have one thing in common. One or more of the food items listed will be an "allergy food" for the arthritis sufferer.
The most common food culprits to avoid are: acid-producing foods (citrus and red meat), sugar, caffeine, salt, dairy products, additives, soft drinks, flour, alcohol, nightshades (eggplants, red peppers, tomatoes, white potatoes, tobacco). Reduced consumption of all animal fats and tea.
A study which used information from 25,000 people aged 45 to 75 found consuming high levels of red meat such as beef and lamb was an independent risk factor for inflammatory arthritis (Moss, Lyndsay, PA Health Correspondent, Article "Red Meat Linked to Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk, 12/3/04).
If you do eat any of these foods, pay attention to any reaction you might have in the next 24 hours. If you notice a reaction, you are indeed allergic to that food item.
Society Factors
If there are two major factors that we could examine in the past 50-60 years that has lead to an increase in the number of people who suffer from arthritis, it would be these:
1. Sugar has become a major part of our daily diets
2. The consumption of soda pop has become widespread
Every time you drink a (regular) soda, you are consuming 11-13 teaspoons of sugar. (Some of you may remember that old trick of putting a penny in a glass of soda. It corrodes that penny to the point of virtual destruction. In short, soda is not something that you should be drinking on a regular basis if you are concerned about arthritis.
For someone on an arthritis diet, remember, "if it can spoil eat it. If it cannot spoil, do not eat it." Also, stay away from additives and preservatives. Be sure to read the labels. Look at all the additives in ice cream, candy, and all the quick meals you pop in the microwave. They just are not good for your arthritis.
Most prepared meals have over 1200 mg of sodium in each serving and 60 mg of cholesterol. This is not just bad for your arthritis; it is bad for your health in general.
Recommended Treatment
Supplements: Super Cal: 2-3 capsules, 2 times daily
Super C: 3-4 tablets, 3 times daily
Mineral Essence: 2 droppers, 3 times daily
ArthroTune: 2-6 capsules, 3 times daily
ImmuneTune:2-3 capsules, 3 times daily
Exodus: 2-3 capsules, 2-3 times daily as needed.
Single Oils: Wintergreen/birch with helichrysum, Douglas fir, white fir, spruce, pine, cypress, peppermint, vetiver, marjoram, rosemary CT cineol , Eucalyptus citriodora, basil, oregano, lemongrass, Idaho tansy, black pepper, or elemi.
Blends: Aroma Siez, PanAway, Relieve It, Ortho Ease, Ortho Sport.
Companion personal care products: Regenolone
Gentle daily exercise is important (walking, swimming).
Aromatherapy: Use 2-3 drops of lavender and/or chamomile essential oils combined in a little carrier oil. Rosemary, eucalyptus, and cypress can added to a bath or massaged in.
Supporting Studies
Details on the NIH Glucosamine Study
An update of the progress of the National Institute of Health's glucosamine study scheduled to be completed in 2005.
Glucosamine Gives "Significant Reduction" in arthritis pain, helps cartilage rehabilitation
Washington University School of Medicine study that clearly shows users of glucosamine experienced "significant reduction" of pain and suffered less radiographic narrowing (cartiliage deterioration) of the knee.
A compilation of references on Glucosamine From Medline and Pubmed
A number of references on treating osteoarthritis and rehabilitating cartilage with glucosamine
The Research Backing Glucosamine
Results of five studies done on Glucosamine. From Harvard Medical School, the University of Utah, the University of Liege in Belgium, and the Assaf Harofeh Medical Center.
The Lancet Medical Journal Study on Glucosamine Sulfate
One of the breakthrough studies in the arthritis medical community. This was one of the first reporting on in the English Speaking world that verified the amazing results of taking glucosamine for those who suffer from osteoarthritis.
Is Glucosamine Effective in Treating Back Pain
A discussion on the scientific research that has been done on whether or not glucosamine is an effective treatment for back pain.
Glucosamine Sulphate Beneficial for Osteoarthritis
A study on glucosamine sulphate has shown that is is effective in treating the progression of osteoarthritis.