Jul 11
18
Discover Natural Therapy for Arthritis Pain
For several million Americans, suffering with arthritis is a daily burden. I have even complained that they must be sealing jars tighter than they use to because I recently bought a “jar opener”!
The term Arthritis describes a set of symptoms and literally means inflammation (-itis) of the joint (arthro). There are different forms of arthritis with the three most common being osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and gout. Whereas rheumatoid arthritis is caused by a malfunction of the body’s immune system, osteoarthritis is the swelling, stiffness and pain in the joints by the wear and tear of the body tissues over decades.
It is commonly thought that there are no effective remedies to alleviate the persistent pain, let alone to correct the root cause of the disease. The standard medical treatment is the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These medications however can have side effects such as headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal problems. One of the side effects of NSAIDs, which is rarely mentioned, is that they inhibit the repair of the cartilage that, in turn, further aggravates the cartilage destruction and worsens the progression of the condition.
Briefly let’s look at what causes the inflammation we develop with arthritis. Cartilage in the joints is destroyed as the immune system turns on the body itself. Around the synovial, or the space between joints, is the so called synovial fluid, protected by synovial membranes, which essentially serves as a lubricant for the joints. One of the ways we develop arthritis is the immune system goes awry when specific types of immune cells penetrate the joint as invaders, migrate into the synovial membrane and attack the cartilage to destroy it. The invading cells produce a series of pro-inflammatory chemicals known as cytokines. These cytokines trigger a local inflammatory response and continue to fuel the fire as the symptoms progress and worsen. 
There are some exciting developments in the natural therapy field that have been shown to be as effective as NSAIDs without the side effects. One of these is enzyme therapy. There is good evidence that the depletion of enzymes leads to cartilage destruction. One of the major advantages of oral enzyme therapy is that it is well tolerated with few side effects. The types of enzymes used in this therapy are called “systemic enzymes” which include trypsin and chymotrypsin that are found naturally in the body. These systemic enzymes should be clearly differentiated from digestive enzymes, which are essentially responsible for aiding the digestive process. In contrast, systemic enzymes exert their beneficial effects at a cellular level replenishing the declining reservoir of the naturally occurring enzymes in cells that happens as we age.
These enzymes belong to a category of protein that are referred to as proteases; that is, enzymes which break down other proteins. These enzymes effectively reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. They inhibit the invasion of the synovial membrane by activated immune cells and essentially “block the highway” that allows the traffic of activated immune cells. Over time, systemic enzymes help to reduce local pain and regional swelling and gradually improve joint function.
Another wonderful natural anti-inflammatory substance is Ginger. Ginger is used by billions of people around the globe. Ginger also inhibits the production of immune-system cytokines. It also stimulates blood circulation. A three-year study of fifty-six people with rheumatoid arthritis found that about 75 percent of the subjects achieved relief from pain and swelling by taking a powdered ginger.
Another herb historically used in the treatment of osteoarthritis is Boswellia serrata, a tree native to India. Boswellic acid extracts have demonstrated anti-arthritic effects in a variety of animal models. There are several mechanisms of action, including inhibition of inflammatory mediators, prevention of decreased cartilage synthesis and improved blood supply to joint tissue. No side effects to taking boswellic acids have been reported.
Glucosamine Sulfate has recently become a mainstream natural supplement that is used for arthritic symptoms. Glucosamine promotes the incorporation of sulfur into cartilage and helps the body to produce glycosaminoglycans. The clinical benefits of glucosamine sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis have been impressive. By treating the root of the problem through the promotion of cartilage synthesis, glucosamine sulfate not only relieves the symptoms, it also helps the body repair damaged joints.
Many studies have shown the effectiveness of supplementation with Omega-3 fish oils in reducing the pain and tenderness of arthritis. These substances can be powerful anti-inflammatory agents and another tool in lowering overall inflammation in the body.
There are many vitamins and minerals that are important for the repair and maintenance of the joints such as Vitamin E, A, C, B6, Pantotheic acid, Zinc, Copper and Boron. A complex, multi-faceted nutritional supplement is important to lay the groundwork for repair and maintenance of the joints. 
Last but certainly not least is the role diet plays in the onset of arthritis. Some foods have been known to cause a “flare-up” of arthritic symptoms and these are from the night shade family. These should be eliminated from the diet. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers and tobacco. A diet rich in unprocessed complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and “good fats” is best.
With all that we now know about arthritis there are many natural therapy choices to choose from that may be helpful in calming down the symptoms and possibly even reversing the arthritis damage. It is important to work with a knowledgeable health practitioner that can aid you in putting together the best nutritional program for you.
As we age we will inevitably feel the “signs’ of aging in our joints but we now have some “tools” in our tool belt to help us!
Compiled by Christine McKee, CNC
References:
Murray, Michael, Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Prima Health (1998) 695-704
Bach, Phyllis, CNC, Prescription for Herbal Healing, Avery (2002), 70
Marz, Russell B., N.D., Medical Nutrition From Marz 2nd Edition, Omni Press (1999), 348,349
