Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease. It can come on suddenly or gradually and effects more women than men. The usual age of onset is 30-60 years. Rheumatoid Arthritis causes joint stiffness, tenderness and pain.

A study published in The American Journal of Epidemiology 2003 Feb 15; 157(4):345-54. Found that an increased intake of certain antioxidant micro nutrients, and supplemental zinc, and possibly diets high in fruits and cruciferous vegetables, may be protective against the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

A diet designed to lower the inflammatory effect of Arthritis makes good sense, particularly addressing the kinds of fat eaten. While some fats increase levels of inflammation in the body, omega-3s actually work to decrease inflammation by suppressing the production of cytokines and enzymes that erode cartilage. More than a dozen studies have demonstrated that omega-3 fish oils can reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. The anti-inflammatory effects of omega-3s are so potent that we recommend an omega-3 rich diet to all our clients with arthritis.

Nutrition

The most common allergic foods are wheat, corn, and dairy. Elimination diets may identify whether these foods constitute a problem.  Work with a nutritionist to avoid foods completely for two weeks, then reintroduce the foods one at a time, every three days, and note symptoms.

Citrus, chocolate, alcohol, red meat, flour products, spices, and carbonated drinks may also aggravate your arthritis.

A diet high in antioxidants may provide relief from the symptoms. This diet has high amounts of flavonoids (green tea [Camellia sinensis], berries and low amounts of saturated fats.

A small percentage of people respond dramatically to a diet free of nightshades. Nightshades include peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and white potatoes.

Selenium levels are low in people who have arthritis. One clinical study demonstrated that selenium combined with vitamin E reduces symptoms.

Dose is 50 to 75 mcg/day of selenium and 400 to 800 IU of vitamin E.

Omega-3 fatty acids suppress the production of inflammatory compounds produced by white blood cells. Dose is 1,000 to 1,500 IU/day.

Bromelain is a proteolytic enzyme that when taken away from food is an anti-inflammatory (when taken with meals, it acts as a digestive enzyme).

Quercetin stabilizes cells, found in increased numbers in the synovial membranes of affected joints. Dose is 250 to 500 mg tid away from food.

If you are suffering from joint pain and stiffness follow our nutritional guidelines

1. Ensure you eat plenty of fibrous vegetables, especially the green variety.

2. Drink adequate water every day

3. Keep as active as you can.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

5. Supplement with a good quality multi-vitamin, ensure it has a good amount of zinc,selenium and iodine.

6. Use omega 3 fish oils, they have an anti-inflammatory effect.

7. Extra Vitamin C can help, as well as Glucosamine.

If you don't know what you should be eating, or would like to learn more contact our nutrition coach.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and frequently affects hands knees, hips, and spine. Osteoarthritis is characterised as primary if there is no apparent predisposing cause or secondary if it is associated with an underlying medical condition. Osteoarthritis can be localised to one or two joints or generalised to and more than 20 million people in the United States have Osteoarthritis.

Treatment

Drug Therapies such as Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs —e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, diclofenac, etodolac, etc. to reduce pain and inflammation. Approximately 30% of peptic ulcer disease cases in the elderly (>65) can be attributed to NSAID use. Although still controversial, there is some evidence that NSAIDs may accelerate the progression of arthritis because they appear to inhibit cartilage repair
Non-pharmacologic management should be the mainstay of treatment for arthritis. Palliative use of analgesics and anti-inflammatories are used adjunctively. In light of reactions to drug therapies, lifestyle approaches and many alternative medical therapies offering safe and effective options are being used. Various surveys conducted in 1997 showed that anywhere from 26% to 100% of patients with rheumatologic disorders had tried some form of CAM (Ernst and Chrubasik 2000). Several natural agents are at least as effective for symptom relief, and some show evidence of disease modification (Gaby 1999).

Some of the most promising non-pharmacologic treatments are as follows:

• Measures that reduce the load on the joint, such as posture modification and weight loss in obese individuals
• Glucosamine and/or chondroitin sulfates - In a large study those receiving Glucosamine sulfate had a 20% to 25% improvement in symptoms (as measured by WOMAC) compared to (a slight worsening in the placebo group).
• Antioxidants. (Vitamin C acts as a collagen donor and helps re synthesis of cartilage)
• Omega 3 fatty acids are anti –inflammatory.
• Weight reduction; in obese individuals, loss of 5 kg was associated with a 50% reduction in the odds of developing OA

The information herein on our website is general information provided for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional care. It is not intended nor should it be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Persons who have or suspect they may have an illness or medical condition should seek the guidance of a qualified health professional.