Natural approach to Arthritis

Dr. HingHau Tsang's Crusade on Nutrition

Newsletter #16 ------ Natural approach to Joint health

Avoid the use of NSAIDs (Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

Approximately 16,000 Americans died last year from bleeding stomach ulcers brought on by NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen and Aspirin. A study was reported in early April, 2005 from the American Association of Cancer Research in Anaheim, California. This study involved 908 smokers who are prone to develop heart disease and cancer. Some earlier research indicated that NSAIDs may reduce the risk of cancer. So, four hundred fifty four people who had developed oral cancer over twenty years were compared with 454 people who did not develop this cancer. Of these 908 people, 277 of them used NSAIDs daily for at least six months. It was found that there was a 2/3 lowered risk of developing oral cancer in those individuals who took NSAIDs. At first glance, that looks like good news. However, the overall death rate were not lower. When the researchers looked into the data more carefully, it was found that while NSAIDs taken on a regular basis for at least six months lowered oral cancer incidents, they also increased the risk of dying from a heart attack, stroke or other heart related problem by 200%. The risk appeared to be highest among ibuprofen (Advil) users where there was nearly three times greater risk of dying from cardiovascular disease than from non-NSAIDs users. Again, it is clear that there is much increased risk of cardiovascular disease, not only from the Cox-2 inhibitors (Vioxx, Bextra and Celebrex), but from these Cox-1 inhibitors as well.

Maintain optimal nutrition: Keep your vitamin and antioxidant level high to combat the destructive activities of free radicals which breakdown hyaluronic acid, reduce function of synovial (Joint) fluid, cause and worsen arthritis.

Exercise your pain away: With exercise, you will stretch, tone and strengthen your muscles, limber up your joints, improve your circulation, coordination and balance, get your lymph system flowing, bring greater alignment to your musculo-skeletal system, improve your posture, increase relaxation and become more aware of your body. Chronic pain is caused by both improper use of the muscles and spine as well as by muscles that aren't used and aren't toned. However, your should avoid overdoing it.

Eliminate arthritis flare-up factors: Avoid dietary allergens especially those of the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, egg-plant, bell peppers, hot peppers, tobacco). Avoid exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides. Avoid excessive estrogen caused by HRT (hormone replacement therapy). Avoid stress.

Helpful natural supplements for healthy joints:

Glucosamine/Chondroitin: a naturally occurring compound in the body that helps keep cartilage strong and flexible, can repair damaged cartilage and relieve symptoms from inflammed joints. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are synthesized by the body and are naturally found in cartilage. Glucosamine helps create new cartilage, while chondroitin slows cartilage destruction. Taken together, experts say, the combination offers a one-two punch against the wear-and-tear of osteoarthritis. NSAIDs, in contrast, primarily mask the symptoms. Last year (year 2000), a 6-month double-blind placebo-controlled study of combined glucosamine, chondroitin and manganese found evidence of significant improvement in the treated group. In November 1999 an impressive study was released at the meeting of the American College of Rheumatology. Researchers at the University of Liege, Belgium, divided 212 arthritis patients into two groups: half received glucosamine daily for three years, the others were given placebos. In this double-blind placebo-controlled trial, 212 individuals with osteoarthritis of the knee received either glucosamine at the dose of 1,500 mg daily, or placebo, for 3 years. The participants were evaluated throughout the study by x-ray. The results were dramatic. Individuals given placebo showed a gradual narrowing of the joint space, indicating loss of cartilage. In contrast, no narrowing occurred in the glucosamine group. Furthermore, individuals on placebo reported worsening in symptoms, as compared to some improvement in the glucosamine group. The joints of treated participants had been protected from damage! In scientific terms, this study indicates that glucosamine is a "disease-modifying drug," which means that it not only relieves symptoms but also affects the course of the illness. These supplements are considered far more important than mere symptomatic treatments with current available anti-arthritis drugs. Glucosamine/chondroitin take a while to work, perhaps 5-6 weeks, but eventually produce as much benefit as standard anti-inflammatory drugs. In addition, glucosamine and chondroitin are much safer than conventional arthritis medications, which can cause ulcers. This finding was upheld Jan 26, 2001 in "The Lancet" - a prestigious peer-review medical Journal. Click Here to read more scientific studies on both Glucosamine and Chondroitin.

Bromelain (from pineapple) is an enzyme extracted from the stems of pineapples. This enzyme is absorbed from the GI tract and is able to promote healing of tissues, speed up the removal of inflammatory waste products from the joint and so reduce the pain and swelling of the joint. It also help reducing the pain, swelling and bruising after injury, bursitis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and gout.

Turmeric has been used for thousands of years in India as a traditional dietary healing herb for joint pain. It is a powerful anti-oxidant and appears to have significant benefits for reducing inflammation as well. Turmeric has been shown to reduce inflammation by lowering histamine levels, while possibly increasing the production of natural cortisone by the adrenal glands. Besides providing beneficial effects for joint health, turmeric may offer positive benefits against cell damage caused by free radicals that may lead to cancer and Alzheimer's.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin/Bromelain/Tumeric/Ginger is a combination of Glucosamine/Chondroitin, Bromelain, Turmeric and Ginger - an excellent supplement for arthritis.

Omega 3-fatty acids in Fish oil can be incredibly effective at reducing joint pain. Recommended dosage of Fish oil Omega 3 for chronic severe arthritis is 2000mg -3000mg/day (3 softgels daily). A study was presented recently at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons' Annual Meeting in New Orleans. Adult patients who were being treated for chronic neck or back pain were asked to supplement with two softgels daily of EPA, providing 1,200 mg of omega-3 essential fatty acids. After approximately 2 1/2 months, 60% of patients who took EPA reported a reduction in both overall pain and joint pain. So much so, that an astonishing 59% discontinued taking prescription pain medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, 80% of those patients taking the EPA were satisfied with the improvement they experienced with the supplementation.

Catalytic Formula with Rutin is a systemic oral enzyme used extensively in Europe and Germany to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is frequently a component of pain. Inflammation is associated with chronic health conditions and is the cause of pain in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, and fibromyalgia. Systemic enzymes help to dissolve circulating immune complexes and antibodies that cause severe inflammation. European enzyme researcher Rudolf Kunze has demonstrated that there were marked C-reactive protein reductions by administration of oral systemic enzyme. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation. Pain is reduced as inflammation is reduced.

GINGER ROOT Ginger Root 's effect on inflammation has been well documented in several studies. It has been shown in clinical trials to reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and fibromyalgia. It works by triple inhibition of prostaglandin (acute inflammation), leukotrine (chronic inflammation) and cytokine (joint discomfort), hormonelike substances that mediate inflammation - therefore it can alleviate headache, pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

Methylsufonylmethane (MSM): The ability of MSM to sustain cell flow through, allowing harmful substances (lactic acid, toxins) to flow out while permitting nutrients to flow in, thereby preventing pressure buildup in cells that causes inflammation in the joints. MSM can reduce or eliminate entirely muscle soreness, and leg and back cramps during the night and in athletes after high physical stress.

For maximum improvement in chronic severe multiple joints inflammation, combine all supplements described above.

Alpha Lipoic Acid: ALA increases glutathione peroxidase level which helps to inhibit the oxygenation of arachidonic acid to inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Hence it is very helpful for individuals with arthritis.

DHEA: Dehydroepiandrosterone is good for chronic joint inflammation.

Vitamin C: a key component of collagen that makes cartilage is necessary for prevention and treatment of arthritis.

Pregnenolone: a steroid hormone, can be very helpful in treating joint inflammation.

Gout and Rheumatism (Rheumatoid Arthritis) for detail, please read Newsletter #127 --- Natural approach to Gout

Cherry Fruit Extract

Vitamin C

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

Vitamin B6 deficiency is clearly involved in carpal tunnel syndrome. Low thyroid, birth control pills and estrogen excess aggravate CTS. We're living in a sea of xenoestrogens (environmental estrogens) from pesticides, plastics, soaps and hormone-treated meat. Even men are exposed to excessive amounts of estrogen. Tartrazine (yellow dye No.5), hydrazine, isoniazid, hydralazine, phenelzine, herbicide, PCBs and rancid unsaturated vegetable oils all aggravate CTS. Avoid them! Take B-100 complex Vitamin daily.

Glucosamine/Chondroitin/Bromelain/Tumeric and Methylsufonylmethane (MSM) to repair cartilage and tendons.

Ginkgo Biloba to improve blood supply to the affected area. Caution: Don't take Ginkgo Biloba if you are taking Coumadin (Warfarin) or Aspirin. This combination could cause excessive bleeding in the brain or retina.

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Disclaimer

Dr. Tsang wishes to share his knowledge & Opinion with the public regarding the importance of " Nutritional Supplements ". This is for your information only. He is not in any way try to replace your physician. Drugs have powerful effects on the body, so please don't abruptly stop taking any prescription medication. Always consult your physician or health care provider before you use any nutritional supplement or switch from drugs to natural health products.

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