Arthritis
Imagine being unable to get out of bed in the morning, or move or walk about without pain. For some with arthritis, this is a daily reality.
Many who live with arthritis find themselves reliant upon nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or prescription drugs such as COX-2 inhibitors. While these drugs help to manage pain, they can also result in serious, negative side effects that affect overall and long-term health.
Fortunately, a number of excellent natural remedies exist that can help to alleviate arthritic conditions. In fact, unlike their pharmaceutical counterparts, many of them go beyond providing only symptomatic relief and can actually aid in repairing and healing damaged joints.
Understanding Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, or simply “arthritis” as it’s most commonly called, is a chronic inflammatory, progressively degenerative joint condition characterized by pain (which can reach agonizing levels), swelling, joint stiffness, limited mobility and, in its later stages, deformity. It is the most common of all joint disorders and affects up to 80 percent of people over the age of 50.
There are two main types of osteoarthritis: primary and secondary. Primary arthritis, the most common form, results from joint wear-and-tear due to aging and excessive use. Secondary osteoarthritis is associated with underlying factors that can predispose the joint to degenerative changes, such as congenital or acquired joint misalignments, infection, or structural trauma. Other factors including diet, exercise and excess weight can also influence the development of both types of osteoarthritis. A comprehensive program for managing this condition would consider all of these factors.
Understanding Joint Degeneration
A normal, healthy joint consists of an articular surface made up of a thick layer of cartilage that covers the inner joint surfaces. This cartilage prevents bone-on-bone contact. The joint capsule is lined with a synovial membrane, a very thin structure that produces synovial fluid. This fluid is a nutrient-rich substance that lubricates and cushions the joints. Ligaments attach bones to one another, and tendons attach muscle to bone. Bursae are small structures that facilitate free movement of the skin and subcutaneous tissue over the joint.
When joints degenerate, joint structure begins to lose water; cartilage thickens and eventually softens due to loss of fluid; and small clefts begin to develop in the cartilage layer, eventually extending down to the bone. Proliferation of bone and cartilage may also occur, leading to bone spurs (osteophytes) that cause further joint deformity. Inflammation of the synovial membrane leads to loss of normal range of motion. With joint degeneration, the muscles surrounding the joint become weaker, leading to greater instability and increasing pain.
Botanical Support for Arthritis
Herbal medicine has much to offer in the management of chronic conditions, including arthritis and inflammation. Three of the most time-honoured herbs for managing arthritis include turmeric, devil’s claw, and yucca.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric, the spice we associate with the yellow colour of South Asian curries, is one of our most powerful anti-inflammatory herbs. A November 2006 study in Arthritis & Rheumatism confirmed that turmeric effectively reduces joint inflammation. Curcumin, one of the thousands of constituents in turmeric, has been shown to inhibit the COX-2 activity associated with inflammation, as well as provide a host of other benefits including liver protection and the prevention of tumour metastasis.
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens)
Native to Africa, devil’s claw has a long tradition of use in the treatment of arthritic conditions. Though its name is derived from the appearance of its barbed, claw-shaped fruit, it is the underground tuber that is used medicinally. The tuber contains resin-like constituents called harpagosides that exhibit an anti-inflammatory effect. Devil’s claw has proven to be as effective as NSAIDs, and research has demonstrated its ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory COX-2-mediated prostaglandin and leukotriene release, as well as mediators of cartilage degradation. Devil’s claw also serves as an excellent digestive stimulant due to its bitter properties. This quality contributes to its overall therapeutic value, as many degenerative conditions are also associated with poor digestive function.
Yucca (Yucca spp.)
The root of the desert-loving yucca plant contains constituents collectively referred to as saponins. Structurally, these resemble steroidal hormones such as cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory hormone produced by our adrenal glands. Through their ability to bind to cortisol-receptor sites in the body, it is theorized that saponins may evoke a similar anti-inflammatory response as cortisol. The saponins of yucca also limit the absorption of bacterial breakdown products (endotoxins) in the intestine. These toxins are released from the cell walls of dying bacteria and have been shown to inhibit the repair of damaged joints by interfering with the synthesis of joint cartilage. Because intestinal health plays a significant role in many chronic conditions, it is important to ensure that one’s normal bacterial flora is balanced in both quantity and type of organisms.
Additional botanicals for the natural treatment of arthritis include ginger, boswellia, celery seed, barberry, black cohosh, willow and meadowsweet.
Important Supplements for Arthritis
Vitamin C
One of the most important supplements to consider for arthritis, and good health in general, is vitamin C.
By definition, vitamin C is “essential”: the body cannot produce it and we must, therefore, obtain it from our diet or by supplementation. Vitamin C is integral for the production of collagen, the most abundant protein in the body. Collagen is found in all of our connective tissue, including the ligaments, tendons, and cartilage of joint structures.
An optimal daily preventative level is 10 – 15 grams (10,000 – 15,000 mg) per day, for adults. It is best taken in divided doses of between 1,000 – 2,000 mg per dose, and it is preferable to increase the frequency of dosing, rather than the amount per dose. During times of stress including illness and chronic inflammation, our body’s need for vitamin C can increase many times over. With serious health conditions, it may be helpful to augment with intravenous vitamin C therapy.
Along with quantity, the form of vitamin C that you choose is very important. Ascorbic acid often causes diarrhea before enough can get into the system to be of much benefit. Buffered forms are, therefore, preferable; amongst the buffered varieties available, sodium ascorbate has a faster rate of absorption into the bloodstream (from the intestinal tract) than either calcium or other mineral ascorbates. This provides enhanced delivery to the tissues and results in higher concentrations within the body’s cells.
Essential Fatty Acids
Another essential supplement for management of inflammation, and overall good health, are the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These are derived from cold-water fish including sardines, mackerel, anchovies and cod liver, and are also found in certain algae such as chlorella, spirulina and schizochytrium.
Recommended Daily Dosage for Omega-3 EPA and DHA:
- Adults: daily 500 mg EPA+DHA (combined)
220 mg EPA (minimum) and 220 mg DHA (minimum)
With arthritis, consider increasing your daily intake until your condition improves. Consult with your healthcare provider for appropriate dosages.
Ensure that your omega-3 fish oil supplement is both high quality and potency, molecularly-distilled (free of heavy metals, PCBs, dioxins and other environmental contaminants) and made up of 100 percent wild fish oil. Sustainable harvesting is an equally important factor to be considered. Avoid ethyl ester omega-3 oils, which are of inferior quality and effectiveness. Ensure that your fish oil supplement is in its natural triglyceride form.
EPA and DHA, the two main omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, are essential for growth and development throughout the human life cycle. EPA especially has been shown to be an important anti-inflammatory mediator, as well as being beneficial for cardiovascular health.
For vegetarians and vegans, algae-derived omega-3 fatty acids from chlorella, spirulina and schizochytrium are an excellent alternative to fish oil. As these algae are commercially grown and harvested, it’s important to verify that they are free of environmental contaminants and toxins. Chia seeds also contain omega-3s and can be either ground up or sprinkled whole on yogurt, cereals and salads.
Generally, I do not recommend flax seed oil as a source of plant-based omega-3 EFAs. Conversion of its primary omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), to the biologically-active metabolites EPA and DHA, is nominal-to-none in our body. Flax seed oil is also subject to rapid rancidity upon exposure to light and oxygen; a rancid oil will contribute to inflammation and disease rather than providing the desired, opposite effect.
Fresh ground flax seeds, however, contain beneficial compounds including lignans which have anticarcinogenic and cholesterol-supportive effects. Grind flax seeds just prior to consuming to ensure freshness of oils, and enjoy them in salads, cereals, yogurt, pasta sauces and more.
Glucosamine
N-acetyl-D-glucosamine is a major component of hyaluronan, a substance that functions as a lubricant in joints. It is also important in the growth and repair of joint cartilage. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine has been shown to repair joint damage in experimental models of osteoarthritis. It has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties in vitro. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine has been administered to children in amounts up to 6 grams per day for up to 2 years without any reported adverse effects.
Minerals
Like vitamin C and EPA/DHA, minerals are “essential,” meaning the body cannot manufacture them so they must be obtained from the diet and/or from a quality supplement. Minerals compose the very matrix of the bones, teeth, joints, ligaments and other tissues that make up our body – without them, we would literally fall apart!
Amongst their many crucial roles in the body, they serve as co-factors in thousands of enzymatic processes, assist in pH (acid-base) regulation, and ensure proper nerve transmission. Their importance in good health cannot be overstated. Use a wide-spectrum mineral supplement (containing macro and trace minerals), preferably in chelated form.
Enzymes
Bromelain, the enzyme derived from the stem of pineapple, is a powerful anti-inflammatory and also enhances the absorption of curcumin (turmeric). Bromelain is often combined with curcumin (from turmeric) for this purpose. Serrapeptidase, from the micro-organism Serratia E15, is an enzyme that breaks down fibrin deposits and reduces inflammation and swelling.
Essential Oils
The therapeutic benefits of essential oils are often underutilized in the treatment of arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions. Essential oils of birch and wintergreen provide a natural source of methyl salicylate, a powerful anodyne (topical analgesic). Ginger, juniper, and black pepper help to improve circulation at the site of injury or inflammation, thereby removing toxic wastes such as lactic acid and improving delivery of healing nutrients and oxygen. Lavender, cypress, and helichrysum provide soothing, pain relieving, and regenerative properties. Tamanu oil, arnica infused oil, and St. John’s wort infused oil are excellent carrier oils for blending essential oils into for massage. They are particularly useful with conditions such as arthritis as they provide additional anti-inflammatory and therapeutic benefits of their own.
If you are struggling with arthritis, consider supportive natural remedies such as Supreme Tonics™ Joint Tonic to help improve joint health and reduce pain and inflammation.
