Published in Metro, November 30, 2004
By Du La, ND and Jonah Lusis, ND
Although there are many different types of arthritis, they have in common that they are painful conditions that often affect the ability of sufferers live full lives. It is estimated that seven million Americans are limited in their ability to carry out activities if daily living such as going to school or work and housekeeping.
Common features of the various arthritis-types are that they involve inflammation and destruction of the joints and possibly surrounding tissues as well.
There are a number of natural options that may be used as alternatives to corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs, for example aspirin or ibuprofen) to manage inflammation. Tumeric, which is available in capsule form has been shown in studies to be as effective an anti-inflammatory as the drug cortisone. It acts partially by enhancing the bodies own anti-inflammatory mechanisms, including stimulating release of the hormone cortisol, increasing sensitivity of cortisol receptor sites in tissue and preventing the breakdown of cortisol.
Ginger and bromelain both act as anti-inflammatories by blocking the formation of chemicals produced by the body that promote inflammation. They also contain an enzyme that breaks down fibrin (the scar-like tissue deposited at the site of inflammation that interferes with local blood flow) and allows for increased healing. Ginger in particular has been shown to be useful as an anti-inflammatory in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis patients for whom conventional drugs have not been effective.
Glucosamine sulfate has been heavily researched and has been shown to produce better long-term results than NSAIDs in the management of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulfate works by stimulating the body to produce glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), molecules which “hold“ water in the joint. The cartilage in joints is made up of a collagen “mesh” in which the water holding GAGs are deposited. Cartilage is what gives joints their cushioning quality. It is movement of the joint that contributes to the “sucking in” of the GAGs and water into the collagen mesh, which accounts for the importance of gentle movement or exercise (e.g., swimming, walking) in the treatment of joints in arthritis.
Although supplements can be used to manage the symptoms of arthritis, lifestyle changes are important and can go a long way towards prevention of arthritis. Gentle exercise, aside from drawing GAGs and water into the collagen “mesh” helps to develop the muscles surrounding the joint which further contributes to joint stability as well as maintenance of a healthy body weight. Excess weight puts extra stress on the joints. Weight loss of only 5 kg is associated with a 50% decrease in ones odds of developing severe knee osteoarthritis.
Taken together, a program which includes prevention, natural anti-inflammatories, and nourishing the joint with GAGs and water offers a safe, gentle approach to the management arthritis pain.
Du La and Jonah Lusis are both Naturopathic Doctors. They practice at Toronto-Centre Naturopathic Medicine located in downtown Toronto and can be reached at (416) 598-8898.