Managing Arthritis With Nutrition

Methyl-sulfortyl-methane (MSM)

MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane, or dimethyl sulfone) is organic sulfur, a naturally occurring compound in the body. It is concentrated in the muscles, skin, bones, nails and hair, and is essential for the synthesis of collagen and connective tissue health.

The concentration of MSM in the body begins to decrease over time, so deficiencies may occur as part of the aging process.

Sulfur deficiencies are associated with, among other conditions, arthritis. MSM can help treat arthritis by virtue of its anti-inflammatory benefits, and by maintaining flexibility and elasticity of connective tissue.

Studies have shown that MSM helps improve joint flexibility, reduces stiffness, swelling and pain, breaks up calcium deposits that may be associated with arthritis, and helps to prevent cartilage degeneration.

Curcumin/Curcuminoids

Curcumin (diferuloylmethane) is the naturally occurring yellow pigment in turmeric and curry, isolated from the rhizomes of the plant Curcuma longa Linn.

It has been used for centuries in India as a treatment for arthritis, and is one of the oldest natural anti-inflammatory compounds used in Ayurvedic medicine.

In the body, curcumin has been found to have a similar action to that of aspirin and aspirin-like anti-inflammatory agents.

In one double-blind trial involving 49 patients who had been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin was given at a dose of 1200 mg./day for five to six weeks. The study found significant improvement in all patients, and an overall improvement in morning stiffness and physical endurance. The therapeutic effects were comparable to those obtained with phenylbutazone (a common NSAID).

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

It has been established that dietary fatty acids determine lipid composition in cell membranes, which influences the production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes that regulate inflammation.

Studies have found that omega-3 fatty acids - eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in fish oil - have the ability to suppress the production of inflammatory mediators and thereby influence the course of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

There is consistent evidence from clinical trials that dietary omega-3 fats from fish oil can have beneficial effects in rheumatoid arthritis. A meta-analysis of data showed that dietary fish oil supplementation for three months significantly reduced tender joints and morning stiffness, as compared with control oils.

Fish oil supplementation has also been shown to significantly decrease the use of NSAIDs.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA)

GLA (gamma-linolenic acid), a fatty acid found in evening primrose oil, borage oil and black currant seed oil, has been used to suppress chronic inflammation and joint tissue injury.

In one 24-week, double-blind, placebo controlled trial, patients received either GLA derived from borage oil or a placebo. Those receiving the borage oil experienced a 36 percent reduction in the number of tender joints, a 45 percent reduction in the tender joint score, a 41 percent reduction in the swollen joint score, and a 28 percent reduction in the swollen joint count. The placebo group showed no benefits.

Antioxidants

Oxidative stress or free radical damage is known to be a factor in the development of osteoarthritis and other chronic degenerative diseases.

There is also strong evidence that oxidative damage occurs in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Therefore, it is believed that antioxidants, which can neutralise free radicals, can help prevent and treat arthritis.

High doses of vitamin E and Vitamin C, powerful antioxidants, are reported to be important in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Cat’s Claw

Cat’s claw, also referred to as una de gato, is a vine found in the Peruvian rain forest. It is widely used in the medicinal system of the Ashaninka Indians to treat a wide range of health problems, particularly digestive complaints and arthritis.

Various alkaloids and phytochemicals (glycosides) in cat’s claw have been isolated and shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits.

In one study of animals with chronic intestinal inflammation, cat’s claw was found to protect cells against oxidative stress, and the study findings suggested that it is an effective anti-inflammatory agent.

As can be seen, there are numerous natural substances that have been shown to provide support for joints and that can provide some relief of the symptoms of various forms of arthritis.

Because of our aging population and the increase in people suffering with Arthritic conditions, research continues in this area with further substantiation that these agents can be used successfully in arthritis.