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Arthritis affects more Canadian adults than cancer, heart disease, respiratory conditions and spinal cord trauma. (1) Osteoarthritis, the most common of all arthritic conditions strikes 1 in 10 Canadians and is among the most commonly diagnosed chronic condition in this country today. (2) Also known as Joint Degeneration Disease, Osteoarthritis can have a devastating impact on one’s quality of life, making simple tasks like buttoning a shirt or holding a pen too painful to complete.
Because of their strong and static nature bones are often thought of as lifeless and affixed, unchanging for most of our adult lives. But bone is a matrix of active, living tissues constantly changing in response to the pressures placed upon them. The process of bone “resorption” (the breakdown of bone tissue) is on-going as the body requires stored minerals, tissue repair or remodelling. Ideally, formation of new bone tissue keeps pace with resorption but as we age, the process of renewal can be slower than when we are younger, and bones lose density.
Joints are the junction where two or more bones meet. Joints can be held together by fibrous connective tissue, cartilage, or ligaments surrounded by a small amount of lubricating fluid called synovial fluid. Arthritis is the most common of all joint disorders (3).
Symptoms of Osteoarthritis can include joint pain, decreased mobility and range of motion, degeneration of joint cartilage, decrease in synovial fluid or thickening of synovial membranes, new bone spurs formed at the edge of the joint, disfiguration of the joint or calcifications of ligaments.
Some say Osteoarthritis is the result of simple wear and tear. The body’s ability to regenerate bone and connective tissue simply cannot keep up with demand and over time degeneration occurs. Although this may in part be true ‘the process contributing to osteoarthritis appears to be able to be stopped and even reversed’. (4,5) Furthermore, bone and joint degeneration are NOT an inevitable part of aging and there are measures that can be taken to safeguard your mobility for a lifetime.
Factors to Consider:
- Lifestyle factors such as excessive caffeine consumption, alcohol and smoking can contribute to the demineralization of bones by robbing the body of calcium, phosphate, magnesium and potassium. (6)
- Since two thirds of those affected with osteoarthritis are women some evidence suggests there is connection to the female hormone estrogen and its degenerative affects on joint cartilage.
- Since the rates of tissue rebuild and repair in the body is governed in part by the metabolism, a sluggish thyroid could impede your ability to normally manufacture joint cartilage. Studies have demonstrated an increased risk of Osteoarthritis in hypothyroid patients. (7)
- NSAIDS Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medications such as naproxen and ibuprofen, commonly prescribed drugs for pain management in arthritic patients, ‘may also accelerate cartilage destruction’.(8)
Address the Stress
- Just as lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol and smoking cigarettes can rob the body of important minerals needed for bone and joint health, so too can stress.
- When you experience stressful feelings, your internal environment, or pH becomes increasingly acidic. The body is constantly working to maintain an alkaline internal pH for the maintenance of health and wellness.
- Minerals are very alkalizing and so when your internal “chemical soup” starts to boil over, the body will draw minerals out of storage and use them to bring the internal pH back to baseline.
- Stressful feelings can place an excess burden on your bones and joints by robbing them of much needed nutrients. Poor dietary habits contribute to the body’s depletion.
Conventional Medical Diagnosis and Treatment
Many people rely on prescription medications to manage their arthritis. Unfortunately, many prescription drugs are associated with serious side effects such as GI tract upset, bleeding and ulcers. NSAIDs ‘may also accelerate cartilage destruction’. (8)
Drugs used to treat arthritis include -
NSAIDs. These drugs are most commonly prescribed in the conventional treatment of arthritis and address the inflammatory aspects of OA. On-going use of NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen are known to cause difficulties in the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach upset, ulcers and bleeding. A second generation of these drugs are said to offer effective pain relief without the harmful side effects. These drugs include rofecoxib, valdecoxib, and celecoxib, however all have been linked to increased risk of cardio and cerebralvascular events.
Narcotics. Narcotics such as codeine and morphine are sometimes used to control pain in acute flare-ups of Osteoarthritis. These drugs must be used in the short term because of the risk of dependency.
Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is a painkiller, as opposed to an anti-inflammatory. This drug is widely available over the counter. Long-term use of acetaminophen use can cause toxicity in the liver.
In addition to these medications, physicians may recommend surgery for patients with severely damaged joints who have not responded to aggressive treatment. In this case, joint replacement may be recommended as a last resort. In Canada in 2000 / 2001 approximately 3,200 hip and knee replacements were preformed as a result of an arthritis diagnosis.(9)
Nutritional Guidelines : Dietary Recommendations
- Nightshades. In some genetically susceptible people, regular consumption of the nightshade family of food (including; tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tobacco) can worsen Osteoarthritis. (10) It is believed that the alkaloids in these foods promote inflammation and inhibit normal collagen repair in joints. Although not everyone has this genetic trait, it is worth removing all nightshades from your diet for a few weeks to observe the impact they may be having on your condition.
- Fruit. Flavonoid rich foods, particularly cherries and berries have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and help prevent oxidative damage to bones & joints. (11)
- Ginger. Recent scientific studies have confirmed that ginger has an ability to “inhibit the formation of inflammatory compounds, resulting in a direct anti-inflammatory effect.” (12, 13) Consume a ¼ inch thick piece of fresh ginger root (or 1/3 an ounce) daily for therapeutic benefits.
Supplement Recommendations
- Essential Fatty Acids. EFA’s are potent anti-inflammatory agents (14) also an element in the secretions that lubricate joints.
- Glucosamine (Glucosamine Sulfate). Many scientific studies on the efficacy of glucosamine in OA patients confirm that this is an excellent alternative to NSAIDs for pain management, without the unfavourable side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Although pain relief is not immediate (as it is with NSAIDs and Acetaminophen) glucosamine begins to offer relief 1 to 4 weeks after regular administration and may also protect joints from further degeneration. (15)
- Chondroitin (Chondroitin Sulfate, Shark Cartilage, Bovine Cartilage Extract, Sea Cucumber). Although numerous studies have demonstrated that Chondroitin provides similar benefits as Glucosamine in arthritic joints, absorption of this supplement tends to pale in comparison. In Europe, Chondroitin is injected directly into the affected joints. Results such as pain relief and cartilage protection are significantly better than when this supplement is ingested orally, as is the common practise in North America. (Zwell does NOT recommend you inject yourself under any circumstances.)
- SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine). In double-blind, placebo controlled studies of over 700 participants; SAMe appeared to be as beneficial to arthritic patients for pain management as the popular pharmaceutical drug Naproxin. (16) The full benefits of SAMe were not seen until 4 weeks into the study, where relief from Naproxin was seen within half the time, however SAMe does not produce the same harmful effect on the GI tract that long-term use of NSAIDs are known for.
- Co-Factors. Although most of us think calcium when we think of bone health, it is essential to understand that this vital mineral can only be utilized in the body when co-factor nutrients such as magnesium and vitamin D are present.
Herbal Remedies
Cat’s Claw Extract
Cat’s Claw is a large, woody vine that derives its name from hook-like thorns that grow along the vine that resemble the claws of a cat. It’s native to the Amazon Rainforest and is considered sacred by the local Indians. Ashaninka Indians have used both the bark and roots of the vine for generations to treat numerous health problems. More recent studies have proven that Cat’s Claw also contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Although Cat’s Claw is well documented as a very effective antioxidant, it’s believed that constituents in Cat’s Claw block the production of substances such as prostaglandins and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha, which are involved in inflammatory pathways. (Aliment Pharmacol Ther 12, 1279-1289).
One study showed it provided significant pain relief and increased joint mobility within a one week period. (Inflamm.res, 50 (2001) 442-448).
Maca Extract
Maca is a root vegetable that grows only in the Andean highlands zone of Peru, at altitudes of 4,250m. above sea level (approx 14,000 ft) Maca planting was domesticated about 2,000 years ago by the Incas and used ever since by the people as part of their daily diet. It has long been used as an adaptogenic herb to help restore vitality and increase sexual health by stimulating the body’s systems. Recent research has shed a light on how and why Maca has also been used as a treatment for arthritis.
One study showed Maca can activate the gene for Insulin Growth Factor -1 (IGF-1) in local tissues independent of other stimuli. Maca activates the repair process to restore joint function and architecture by activating the gene that turns on IGF-1. This gene is normally suppressed during inflammation. In turn, this causes new cartilage to regenerate and builds and strengthens supporting musculature.
In combining the powerful anti-inflammatory properties of Cat’s Claw with Maca’s ability to restore joint health, these two plant extracts have yielded some significant research and clinical results for addressing joint pain and repair.
Zwell Lifestyle Recommendations
CRON – Consuming a diet rich in nutrients and restrictive of “empty” calories can help in providing the vitamins, minerals and co-factors essential to bone and joint health. But even more importantly, a CRON diet can help optimize body weight which is an essential factor in long-term mobility. Research has shown that a disproportionate number of Canadians with Osteoarthritis are overweight or obese. (17) According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, people who are obese are three times more likely to get hip or knee joint replacements, compared to people with an acceptable weight. People who are overweight are twice as likely to have a joint replacement. Achieving and maintaining your optimal weight will take undue stress off of bones and joints.
Hydrate – Water is an essential nutrient as important as protein, healthy fat and carbohydrate. Achieving optimal hydration will provide your body with one of the raw materials needed to create proper lubrication in the joints.
Sweat- In a 2009 poll commissioned by the Arthritis Society of Canada, almost two-thirds of Canadians living with arthritis reported that they believe physical activity poses the risk of aggravating their symptoms. Many remain sedentary in an attempt to keep their joints comfortable but this is a dangerous misconception. In fact, strengthening the muscles, ligaments and tissues surrounding affected joints can diminish pain, increase mobility, improve flexibility and promote long-term health. “The benefits of physical activity for people with arthritis are remarkable,” notes Dr. Joanne Homik, Chair of The Arthritis Society’s Medical Advisory Committee.
Connect- Decreased mobility can often lead to feelings of isolation and depression. But a diagnosis of Osteoarthritis does not need to be a life sentence. Use the strategies described above to manage and even reverse symptoms. Be active in every way; proactive, interactive and physically active. The end result will be a more productive and enjoyable life.
References :
- Arthritis Society of Canada Statistics, http://www.arthritis.ca/local%20programs/ontario/advocacy/prevalence/default.asp?s=1
- Arthritis Society of Canada Statistics, http://www.arthritis.ca/local%20programs/ontario/advocacy/prevalence/default.asp?s=1
- Memmler’s the Human Body in Health & Disease, 10th Edition, Barbara Jansen Cohen
- Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murray, ND and Joseph Pizzorono, ND Published by Three Rivers Press 1998
- JH Bland and SM Cooper, “Osteoarthritis: A review of the cell biology involved and evidence for reversibility: Management rationally related to known genesis and pathophysiology” Sem Arthr Rheum 14 (1984): 106-33
- Memmler’s the Human Body in Health & Disease, 10th Edition, Barbara Jansen Cohen
- JH Bland and SM Cooper, “Osteoarthritis: A review of the cell biology involved and evidence for reversibility: Management rationally related to known genesis and pathophysiology” Sem Arthr Rheum 14 (1984): 106-33
- MJ Sheild, “Anti-inflammatory drugs and their effects on Cartilage synthesis and renal function” Eur J Rheumatol Inflam 13 (1993): 7-16
- Arthritis Society of Canada, http://www.arthritis.ca/local%20programs/ontario/advocacy/prevalence/default.asp?s=1
- Childers, N.F., and M.S. Margoles. “An apparent relation of Nightshades (Solanaceae) to Arthritis. J Neurol Orthop Med Surg 1993; 14: 227-231.
- Blau, L.W. “Cherry Diet Control for Gout and Arthritis.” Tex Rep Biol Med 1950;8: 309-311
- Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine by Michael Murray, ND and Joseph Pizzorono, ND Published by Three Rivers Press 1998
- Srivastava, K.C. and T. Mustafa “Ginger in Rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders.” Med Hypothesis 1992; 39: 342-348
- The New Anti-Aging Revolution by Ronald Klatz & Robert Goldman Published by Basic Health Publications Inc., 1996
- Natural Health Bible by Steven Brattman MD Published by Three Rivers Press, 2000
- Natural Health Bible, by Steven Brattman MD Published by Three Rivers Press, 2000
- Arthritis Society of Canada, http://www.arthritis.ca/local%20programs/ontario/advocacy/prevalence/default.asp?s=1
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