Park Ridge
Cardiology
Park Ridge
Cardiology
| Osteoarthritis |
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Nutritional ARTHRITIS Remedies -32 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis
-12% of the U.S. Population -Osteoarthritis is second, only to heart disease in work related disability after the age of 50
from "Rust Out" by Dr. Royce Bailey, page 110Why does this cardiologist claim to know anything about arthritis? I have Crohn’s disease, for which there is no cure or known cause. So I have searched the literature for treatments that scientifically/physiologically might decrease my periodic flares of disease activity. Many of the same inflammatory markers (Interleukins, Leukotrienes, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Prostaglandin E2, Thromboxane B2, etc.), are present in arthritis, that are in heart disease and Crohn’s disease. VITAMINS FOR ARTHRITIS
Vitamin E
Soybean and avocado oils have been reported to ease arthritis pain by there potent anti-oxidant properties, including inhibition of interleukin-1(IL-1). Soy and avocado have a very high level of natural vitamin E. Cyclooxygenease-2 (COX-2) is an enzyme that causes synthesis of prostaglandin E2, an inflammatory causing chemical in the body. Prostaglandin E2 plays a key role in arthritis and muscle pain, vascular heart disease and cancer. In osteoarthritic joints, inflammatory chemicals, which are by products of COX-2, are overproduced and overstimulate cartilage destruction. Gamma-tocopherol (natural vitamin E, not synthetic d-alpha vitamin E) and its metabolites reduced prostaglandin synthesis in both macrophages (scavenger immune cells) and human epithelial cells.
COX 1 and 2
Millions of dollars each year are spent on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory-drugs (NSAIDs) that block COX-1 and 2 receptors, like over the counter Advil, Nuprin, Motrin, Ibuprofen or prescription arthritis meds. COX-1 receptor blockage, has been associated with bleeding ulcers and kidney failure. So the drug companies have come up with a selective COX-2 receptor blocker like: Celebrex, Vioxx and Bextra. Prostaglandin E2 promotes inflammatory pain in arthritis. Blocking the COX-2 enzyme is a crucial variable in arthritis therapy relief. Gamma-tocopherol vitamin E is a known COX-2 inhibitor.
Recommendation: I recommend Vitamin E in the "Mixed", "Natural," or AComplete@ form with a blend of d-alpha, d-beta, d-delta and d-gamma tocopherols and tocotrienols from palm oil, not rice bran; up to 400 IU a day, if you have arthritis. Add 1000 mg of vitamin C to your E, because Vitamin C is necessary to rejuvenate (recycle) vitamin E in the body. Don’t take vitamin E on an empty stomach; take it with your omega-3 supplement for 64% better absorption. Doses over 1000 IU (of alpha tocopherols-supermarket vitamin E, not mixed) have been shown to be pro-oxidant (promotes ’rusting’ out of the body) , not anti-oxidant (prevents ’rusting’). Thus, actually worsening the condition you thought you were helping. The best natural source of vitamin E is in sunflower seeds and sweet potatoes. Research strongly suggests that the full spectrum of vitamin E maximizes our chances of preventing and possibly treating many of the diseases of aging.
-Maheu,E.,@Arthritis and Rheumatism,@ 1998;41 :81-91.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K not only increases bone mineral density in osteoporotic (thin boned) people, but also reduces fracture rates. One in six Americans will suffer a fractured hip before their death. Vitamin K improves the balance between bone formation and resorption. Vitamin K is a co-factor in the carboxylation of osteocalcin, a protein essential for calcium binding to bone (bone building). Vitamin K and Your Bones
In a low estrogen group of athletic women, vitamin K supplement induced a 15-20% increase in bone formation markers and a parallel 20-25% decrease in bone resorption markers. Since 1995 in Japan, vitamin K is used as a drug to treat osteoporosis, because it promotes the deposition of calcium into the bone rather than the arterial wall. Vitamin K also protects against excess elevations of Interleukin-6 (IL-6). IL-6 stimulates the growth and differentiation of human B ’antibody-antigen’ cells, but when elevated is a toxic autoimmune cytokine. Vitamin K also suppresses Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-a) without side effects. Vitamin K is found in abundance in green veggies.
Recommendation: Vitamin K 10 mg a day or 8-10 veggies a day.
-Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Vitamins and Fine Chemicals Division. Human Nutrition & Health, Basel, Switzerland.
-The Departments of Gastroenterology and Hepatology and Cardiovascular Research Institute, University Hospital Maastricht, Netherlands.
-Circulation 2000; 102:380-385.
-J.Am Col. Cardiology, 2000;36(1):326-340.
-Hematol Oncol Clin N Am, 2000 Apr; 14(2):339-353.
-Int J Exp Pathol, 2000 Feb;81(1):51-6.
B-Complex Vitamins
Many B-complex vitamins are essential for normal nerve function, which helps to explain why they’ve been reported to have an analgesic (pain relief) benefit. Combinations of B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), folic acid and B12 (Cobalamin) reduce musculosketetal pain and enhanced the effects of NSAIDs, which means that you can take less drugs for your pain.
Recommendation: A daily high potency B-complex supplement with at least 25mg of vitamin B1, if you have arthritis. Current literature supports B12 2000 mcg sublingual (under the tongue) as an absorbed source of B12, bypassing the stomach intrinsic factor that is needed for B12 absorption by mouth and thus, the destroying acid in the stomach.
Vitamin C
This water soluble anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory nutrient also helps rebuild tissue to replace what has been injured. The body needs vitamin C to make collagen, a key protein-forming tissue, and to make cartilage, which makes up the pads at the end of your bones, cushioning your joints from impact. It is found in vegetables and fruits like: bell peppers, strawberries, and citrus. Low levels of vitamin C can result in fatigue and irritability. More severe long-term deficiencies can lead to easy bruising and rheumatic symptoms. You may have read about the test tube vitamin C study, that it can damage your DNA. There is no evidence that vitamin C behaves that way in your body (out of the test tube).
Recommendation: Vitamin C (with your vitamin B) 1000 mg a day if you have arthritis.
ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS FOR ARTHRITIS
OMEGA-3 (Alpha-linolenic Acid)
Few Americans obtain enough Omega-3 essential fatty acids and too many Omega-6 in their diets to prevent a wide range of degenerative diseases that directly correlate with essential fatty acids deficiency. Omega-6 essential fatty acid forms the basis for the hormone-like pro-inflammatory eicosanoids, which are high in most cooking oils, such as corn, safflower, peanut and soy oils and processed foods. In contrast, according to published research the benefits of Omega-3’s anti-inflammatory eicosanoids has been shown to: -Inhibits cytokines that are linked to rheumatoid arthritis, colitis, atherosclerosis and a host of auto-immune and age-related diseases (Thromboxane B2, Prostaglandin E2, Interleukin-1-beta (IL-1-b)). Omega-3 inhibits the activity of enzymes (aggrecanases) which break down joint cartilage.
-Reduce the risk of a second heart attack and stroke.
-Work fast, reducing the risk of a heart attack in weeks.
-Reduce the risk of colon cancer.
-Reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
-Reduce insulin resistance.
-Reduce hypertension and triglycerides (may not bring them to normal however).
-Inhibit cardiac arrhythmias and maintains cardiac cell energy output.
-Maintain youthful cell membrane structure.
-Inhibit abnormal arterial blood clotting (yet safe if you are on Coumadin).
-Lower breast cancer by 60% compared with woman who have low omega-3 breast levels.
Omega-3 is a direct precursor to Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) in the body (brain, eye, nerve and cell building material).
Recommendation: Avoid cooking oils, use cold olive oil only. No fried food if you want your arthritis to improve. 1000 mg twice a day in the form of Fish oil, Flax seed oil, Evening Prirnrose oil, Borage oil, Perilla oil capsules or Neuromins (vegetable source of DHA).
-"High Levels of Alpha-Linolenic Acid Lowers Breast Cancer Incidence,@ European Journal of Cancer, 2000;36:335-340.
CARTILAGE RECHARGED
GIucosamine/Chondroitin
Degeneration of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones, results in osteoarthritis pain. Dehydration of this cartilage is the major culprit of this joint destruction. Glucosamine/Chondroitin helps the joints and cartilage by attracting water for lubrication and nourishment for repairing or rebuilding. Our bodies as we age, lose the ability to make enough glucosarnine. This leads to drying out of the cartilage which makes the cartilage hardened and worsened wear. This then causes aching, stiffiness and sometimes deformities.
Chondroitin attracts fluid and acts like a carrier of liquid nutrients to the joints. Chondroitin helps to stimulate the production of cartilage and this protects the joint from breakdown due to wear and tear. Shark cartilage, sea cucumber, and mussel shells are the source of commerical chondroitin/proteoglycans. Proteoglycan compounds are responsible for building and strengthening the foundation substrate of your cartilage.
Glucosamine sulfate (commerically derived from shells of crab, lobster and shrimp) actually increase the thickness of the joint cartilage. In various trials it took three to four weeks to provide benefits equal to or better than Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) in relieving symptoms.
Recommendation: 1500 mg, taken in two doses (2000 mg if you are over 200 pounds) or two packets of Knox’s gelatin a day with water or juice, if you have arthritis. An equally good results, and preferred by me, is a vegetarian source: EME’s gelatin (plain) two Tbsp/day with water or juice.
Glucosamine may spur your development of insulin resistance, worsening type 2 diabetes or diabetes related risk factors such as obesity and high blood pressure.
-McCarty,M.F.,"Sulfated Glycoaminoglycans And Glucosamine May Synergize In Promoting Synovial Hyaluronic Acid Synthesis,@ Med Hypothesis, 2000;54(5):798-802.-Menzel,E.J,@Polymeric Chondroitin Sulfate vs. Monomeric G1ucosamine For The Treatment of Osteoarthritis,@ Wien Med Wochenschr, 2000;15(5):57-90.-McA1indon,T.E.,@Glucosamine And Chondroitin For Treatment Of Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Quality Assessment An Meta-Analysis,@ JAMA, 2000;15;283(11):1469-1475.-Furnald,G.,@Glucosamine Safety Alert,"www.Naturalhealthmag.corn; Oct. 2000:25. CMO (Cerasoma1-cis-9-ceytmyristoleate or Cetyl Myristoleate)
CMO has been isolated from a strain of non-arthritic white mice (the gray mouse was missing this compound) by Harry Diehl, M.D. Studies have shown that CMO works in treating arthritis in humans up to 75% of the time, with the except of gouty arthritis. It works by lubricating the joints and helps promote joint function, as well as decreasing the inflammatory reaction in most auto-immune diseases.
Recommendation: three 385 mg capsules (or two 550mg caps), morning and night if you have arthritis.
-Diehl,H.W.,@Cetyl Myristoleate Isolated From Swiss Albino Mice: An Apparent Protective Agent Against Adjuvant Arthritis,@ J Pharm Sci;1994;83:296-299.
-Cicchran,C.,@Cetyl Myristoleate-A Unique Natural Compound Valuable in Arthritis Condtions,@Townsend Letter for Doctors & Parents,
July 1997;168:70-74.
-Siemandi,H.@The effect Of Cis~9-Cety1 Myristoleate (CMO) And Adjunctive Therapy On The Course Of Arthritis Episodes In Patients With
Various Auto-Immune Diseases Characterized By The Common Terminology >Arthritis’ and >Psoriasis=,@ Let’s Live, Nov. 1998:36.
MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
MSM is a stable source of sulfur, which is deprived from raw unprocessed plants. Research suggests that sulfur is the active ingredient in glucosamine sulfate. MSM is the major metabolite of DMSO (Dimethyl Sulfoxide) and MSM is 34% elemental sulfur. Its benefits include nutrition for the skin, hair and nails; reduction in allergies; support for gastrointestinal health and relief from migraines, sports pain and arthritis. Its strongest effect is its ability to relieve muscle pain by reducing inflammation, by increasing the effectiveness of cortisol, which is the body’s own natural inflammation fighter. MSM has vitamin-like effects that promote normal growth and repair of damaged mechanisms in the body.
Two studies have shown pain relief at dosages of 2250 mg/day and 6000 mg/day. With the later studies, pain relief being just as effective as 600 mg of Ibuprofen (Motrin) three times a day. Up to 20,000 mg have been tried in athletics without side-effects.
Recommendation: Start with 750-1000 mg a day in divided doses, working up to 1500 mg with meals twice a day, if you have arthritis. Add vitamin C 1000 mg a day to improve your benefits. A larger initial dose of MSM may lead to too rapid a rate of detoxification. Benefits usually become evident in 2 to 28 days.
-Muravlev,I.,@Effect Of Dimethyl Sulfoxide And Dimethyl Sulfone On A Destructive Process In The Joints Of Mice With Spontaneous Arthritis,@ Patol Fiziol Eskp Ter, Mar 1991;2:37-39.
-Webb,D.,@MSM:Natural Cure For Pain?@ Prevention, Aug 1999:52-53.
-Challem,J.,"The Power Of MSM,@ LetsLiveOnLine.com, Jan 2001:56-57.
TRACE MINERALS FOR ARTHRITIS
Boron
Boron improves calcium, phosphorus and magnesium metabolism and reduces the loss of these minerals in the urine. Boron plays a role in the synthesizing of estrogen, vitamin D and other steroidal hormones and protects these hormones from rapid breakdown. This is why boron helps with ’Hot Flashes.’ Both epidemiological and clinical evidence shows that this trace mineral reduces the incidence of osteoarthritis and improves those who already have developed it. Boron has been shown to improve thin bones (osteopenia/osteoporosis). Men with the highest boron intake (raisins, peanuts, apples, pears, oranges and grapes) are 65% less likely to develop prostate cancer. Recommendation: 3 mg with each meal for arthritis suffers. Also helps in hot-flashes.
-Gotthardt,M,@The AntiCancer Diet,@ www.rnenshealth.corn Jul/Aug 2001 129.
-Newnham,R.E.,@The Role of Boron In Human Nutrition,@J Applied Nutr 1994;46:81~85.
-Neilson,F.R, "Effect Of Dietary Boron On Mineral, Estrogen, and Testosterone Metabolism In Postmenopausal Women,@ FASEB J 1987 Nov;394-397.
Manganese
Manganese (not to be confused with magnesium) activates numerous enzymes necessary for the utilization of biotin, thiamine and ascorbic acid. It is a catalyst in the synthesis of fatty acids and cholesterol, and it plays a part in protein, carbohydrate and fat production. Manganese is necessary for normal skeletal development and maintenance of connective structural tissue and cellular integrity. It influences the synthesis of mucopolysaccharides and is a cofactor in the detoxification of ammonia to urea. Best food source-whole grains.
Recommendation: 5 mg a day of Manganese Citrate (safe upper limit 10 mg/day) for arthritis.
-Bolze,MS., AInfluence Of Manganese On Growth, Somatomedin And Glycoaminoglycan Metabolism,@J Nutr, 1985 Mar;115(3):352-358.
Silica (Orthosilicic acid from HorsetaiI-Equistum Arvense)
Horsetail or Shave Grass is the richest source of silica (SiO2) in the plant kingdom. It is the most abundant element in the earth’s crust, next to oxygen. 60% of all rocks are made of silica. Silica or silicon is valuable for nourishment and growth of healthy skin, bones, hair, nails and teeth. This trace mineral helps bind protein molecules together in the blood vessels and connective tissues. It is the material of which collagen is made. It is in low concentration in the brains of those with high aluminium content, ie, Alzheimer’s and Amyotophic Lateral Sclerosis. One reason for wrinkles is the loss of skin silicon which causes the loss of interstitial water and decreased collagen formation. Silicon can act like a diuretic for mild edema.
Recommendation: Standardized 1 % natural bioactive silica 500 mg a day if you have arthritis.
-Abraham,G.E., "The Importance Of Bioactive Silicates In Human Health," Optimox Corp., Torrance CA, Optimox Research Info #Si-01:1-12.
Zinc
Zinc is required for protein synthesis, collagen formation and wound healing, while promoting a healthy defense immune system. It’s related to the normal absorption and action of the B vitamins. It promotes healthy eyes, skin and prostates.
Zinc is essential for the normal storage and regulation of insulin. Zinc binds to insulin and enhances its activity. When low, zinc can cause hypoglycemia and increased hunger cravings which can cause you to eat too many osteoarthritic, acidic causing foods.
Recommendation: Add 15 milligrams (mg.) or more a day to your diet if you have arthritis. Best natural source-Whole grains and seeds.
DIET CHANGES FOR ARTHRITIS RELIEF
Try A Vegan Diet Free Of Gluten
66 patients with active Rheumatoid Arthritis were enrolled in a one year study. 40.5% of the vegan group improved with a significant reduction in IgG anti-gliadin (wheat) and anti-beta-lactoglobulin (dairy) antibodies; compared with no joint improvement and no change in the antibodies of the well-balanced non-vegan diet. This suggests that gut immunity can influence joint inflammation by reducing food antigens that are immune triggers that worsen arthritis. -Hafstrom,I.,@A Vegan Diet Free of Gluten Improves the Signs and Synptoms Of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Effects On Arthritis Correlate With A Reduction in Antibodies To Food Antigens,@ Rheumatology 2001;40:1175-1179.
Elimination Diet
I have found many of my patients have food sensitivities, causing an allergy reaction from the antigen protein in their diets. Eliminate foods, one by one, to see if this could be causing the arthritis, skin rash, headaches, etc. This can improve digestion and gut epithelial function and can pay huge dividends. I’ve seen great improvement in people in as little as 30 days. Most offensive foods, in order are: milk, chocolate, wheat and nuts. I’ve had patients cut out sweets and their arthritis disappear!
Bio-FIavonoids
Antioxidant plant pigment flavonoids, found in fruits and vegetables, are among nature’s best anti-inflamatory nutrients. Flavonoids have been known since the 1930s to strengthen blood-vessel walls and prevent bruising, and they are synergistic with vitamin C. Flavonoids assist vitamin C in keeping collagen, the intercellular Acement,@ in healthy condition. Flavonoids are the highest in apples, onions and grapes, then cherries, black and blue berries, kiwifruit, raspberries and citrus. In one study drinking 5 ounces of purple grape juice twice a day reduced the tendency to form blood clots by 60% through ’Resveratrol.’ That was 50% better than aspirin!
Finnish researchers found that men and women who ate the most apples were 58% less likely to develop lung
cancer. The protective ingredient in apples and citrus fruit is ’Quercetin’ which inhibits the activity of ’adhesion molecules,’ which enable the inflammation-producing white blood cells to stick to other cells in the body.
Research has shown that Pycnogenol (OPCs), soy Isoflavonoids, Rutin, Hesperidin and Grape-seed extract (proanthocyanidin) also is vital in their ability to increase the strength of the capillaries (blood vessels), to regulate their permeability and they possess anti-inflammatory properties.
A deficiency in these bio-flavonoids may result in a tendency to bruise and bleed easily.
Recommendation: At least 50% of your diet should be raw. 8 servings of fresh fruits and/or veggies a day. Avoid processed foods. There is more nutrition in the cardboard-box, than itscontents.
-Tucker, L.,@Design YourOwn Healing Diet,@ Prevention, Dec 1995.96-105.
Water
To prevent joint dehydration you must drink plenty of H2O. Drink your weight in kilograms=ounces each day. A kilogram is 2.2 pounds. So if you weigh 200 pounds, that would be 91 kilograms or 91 ounces (oz) of water a day. That’s a lot more than the 64 oz or eight-8 oz glasses a day mininium. No, tea, milk, juice, soda or coffee doesn’t count. Just plain water! But, if you do drink a caffeinated beverage, you must replace that same amount of fluid drunk with an equal amount of water, plus your regular calculated ounces of water.
Drinking high levels of water reduces the risk of fatal stroke and heart attacks.
-Chan,J.,"Water, Other Fluids, And Fatal Coronary Heart Disease,@Am J Epidemiology Apr 2002.(155),9.
Avoid Sugar and Chocolate
Sugar intake usually correlates with my patient’s flare of arthritis pain. Avoid the sweets and chocolate and your joints will feel better-honest!
NATURE’S ANTI-INFLAMMATORIES
Please consult with your health care provider before starting any of these treatments. Avoid them if you are pregnant or nursing your baby.
FIVE DONT’s
-Don’t buy supplements through the mail or over the internet, unless you know the vendor.
-Don’t ask the advice of the health food store employee. In most cases, they have little information beyond what the manufacturers claim.
-Don’t buy products by testimonial only. You want a supplement that has been scientifically studied or proven.
-Don’t buy any product that promises to do too much. If it sound too good to be true, it probably is.
-Don’t buy any product that claims ’secret’ ingredients or doesn’t list ALL the ingredients.
SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine)
Pronounced ’Sammy’, this amino acid byproduct of protein metabolism is the body’s most active contributor of sulfur to at least 35 of the body’s metabolic reactions as a "methyl donor." Its function ranges from gene expression to regulation of neuro-transmitters, like serotonin and dopamine. SAMe plays a central role in building molecules involved in curbing inflammation and pain.
In over 22,000 patients it has been shown to be as effective as NSAIDs (like Motrin) for relieving osteoarthritis pain, without the upset stomach. It also stimulates tissue repair and growth. It prompts the production of GAGs (glycosaminoglycans), these molecules help to form cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
Other Uses:
-It is also used to treat mild depression, at higher doses, if the patient has low serotonin and dopamine levels and high histamine levels, but patients with low histamine levels get worse on SAMe.
-It stabilizes the norepinephrine neuro-transrnitter system.
-It lowers homocysteine levels, which is an important risk factor for heart attacks and strokes. It inhibiys lipid peroxidation by 55%, decreased free radical activity by 46%, and increased anti-oxidant glutathione levels by 50%.
-SAMe has been used to augment the effects of L-dopa in treating Parkinsonism.
-It is helpful in Alzheimer’s Disease.
-It has been shown to help repair liver damage from alcoholic hepatitis, by increasing non-oxidized glutathione.
-It soothes symptoms in fibromyalgia.
Recommendation: Start with 200 rng before each meal twice a day if you have arthritis. If you are no better in two weeks work up to 400mg before each meal (total 1200 mg/day). Take SAMe with a B-complex vitamins and avoid taking it at night. It may keep you up. There are no gastric side-effects and SAMe is costly, but cheaper than a COX-2 Inhibitor (like Celebrex).
-Cowley,G.,@The >Sammy= Solution,@ Newsweek, Mar 22, 1999.
-Howard, B.,@Nature’s Sweetest Antidepressant,@ American Health, Jul/Aug 1999:47-48.
-Boschert,S.,@SAMe Eases Arthritis Pain, Cripples Pocketbook,@ Internal Medicine News, Oct 1, 1999:6. -ASAMe and Liver Disease,@ Scand J Gastro1989;24:407-414.
Skullcap
Skullcap (Scullcap) is a North American perennial plant used by several American Indian tribes to reduce muscle and joint swelling, so common in arthritis. It is considered a mild nerve sedative through a volatile oil, scutellarin. Thus, it is good for spasms, restlessness, neuralgias and insomnia. It has a checkered history for pain relief.
In one study Skullcap was demonstrated to stabilize and normalize blood pressure. If taken after a fatty meal, it lowers cholesterol too.
Recommendation: Two 500 mg capsules twice a day, if you have arthritis.
-Chem &Pharma Bulletin, 29:2308,32:2724.
Boswellia (Indian Frankincense or Boswellia serrata)
Boswellic Acids are from the natural gums and resins of the large branching Boswellia trees found in the hilly country of India. Boswellia will shrink inflammatory swelling, thus reducing arthritis pain, by inhibiting pro-inflammatory mediators in the body. It improves local blood supplies and promotes repair of blood vessels by blocking inflammation. It has been shown to be effective in both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, blocking leukotrienes, without causing stomach irritation.
Recommendation: Take 500 mg with meals three times a day, if you have arthritis. It has been shown to be as good as NSAIDs, but will take three to four weeks for full effect.
-Zucker,M.,@Ayurvedic Herbs,@ Let’s Live, June 1998:41-43.
Guggul (Commiphora mukul)
Guggul resin is from a small thorny tree native to India. It is known to decrease pain, swelling and restore energy in arthritis suffers.
It also has been approved for the use in lowering cholesterol since 1986 by the Indian Government. It balances blood lipid levels by lowering cholesterol, LDL (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides and raising HDL (good cholesterol), thus preventing atherosclerosis. It stimulates the liver’s ability to metabolize cholesterol, enhancing the ability to break down and eliminate the fatty substance.
Recommendation: Combine with Bioperine for better adsorption. Take 1000 mg standardized 2.5% guggulsterones three times a day with meals or 1000 mg extended release once a day, if you have arthritis. Not recommended for long-term use.
-Vukovic,L.,@Guard Your Heart,@Natural Health, Oct 2000;105-107,157.
Ashwagandha (Winter cherr or Withania Somnifera)
Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic East Indian nightshade herb, has been shown to reduce pain and swelling in arthritis. It has been used as a de-stressor, generating energy and vitality, improving cognitive deficits and memory, and induces a natural sleep.
Recommendation: Take two 300 mg capsules of standardized 1% Withanolides, three times a day with meals for arthritis relief.
-Kane,E.,@Boost Immunity, Stay Well; Herbs For Health,@ LetsLiveOnLine.com, Dec 2000:68-73.
Tumuric (Curcuma Longa Rhizome)
Researched benefits of this spice, which gives Indian foods its yellow color and boosts flavor, show turmuric/curcumin:
-Reduces histamine levels which reduce the puffiness and soreness of irritated tissue.
-Suppresses Nuclear Factor Kappa-Beta (NF-kb), which cancer cells often over express and use as a growth vehicle to escape cell regulatory control.
-Blocks the same cellular doorway - used by estrogen and estrogen~mimcking chemicals that promote cell mutation and proliferation of cancer growth. Curcumin was found to block uptake of paraquat (weed killer), nitrosamines in cooked and lunch meats, and carbon tetrachloride (solvent used in vanish). -Blocks COX-l and 2 and LOX (Lipoxygenase) enzymes that enhances inflammation in the joints and in the development and progression of squamous cell carcinoma and colon cancer.
-Acts as a powerful antioxidant protecting against free radicals that promote cancer by damaging our DNA.
-Shown to stimulate both localized and generalized immunity including CD4+ T-helper cells and B type immune cells.
-Blocks angiogenesis (a process by which certain enzymes enable tumors to create their own blood supply) by stopping
the enzyme AP-1.
Curcumin is poorly assimilated into the blood stream and causes over half the people heartburn (it is a spice). Find a
brand that has piperine in it to enhance absorption.
Recommendation: Turmuric/Curcumin (standardized 95% curcumin) 900 mg with meals twice a day, if you have arthritis.
-"Curcumin, A Powerful And Natural Cancer-Fighting Substance,@ www.lef.org, Aug 2002;(8),8.1.
-"Heart Healthy Supplements,@ LetsLiveOnLine.com, Feb 2001:41-43.
Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum Procumbens)
Devil’s claw (also called wood spider and grapple plant) from a South African root, cleanses the joints of irritating wastes, helps joint pain and improves vitality of the joints, ligaments and tendons. A German study in 1976 showed anti-inflammatory activity equal to the anti-arthritis drug phenylbutazone. Devil’s claw has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties from its active ingredients, Harpogoside and Beta-sitosterol.
Recommendation: 1000 mg with each meal three times a day, if you have arthritis. Devil’s Claw has been used in doses of 10,000 mg a day for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It may upset the stomach, cause diarrhea and may interfere with antacids, cardiac and diabetes medications. Choose products made solely from the root of Harpagophytum Procumbens. It will take 2-3 months for full effect.
Cat’s Claw or Una de Gato (Uncaria Tomentosa)
Not to be confused with Devil’s Claw, this wild Peruvian Rainforest vine has been used for a centuries by the native Ashanica Indians for treatment of a number of illnesses including arthritis and rheumatism. The usefulness of Cat’s Claw stems from the plant steroids Beta-sitosterol, stigmasterol, campesterol, and oxindole alkaloids like Isopteropodine, and several polyphenols and triterpines. This can explain the herb’s anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties. The active level of ingredients varies greatly depending on when the plant was harvested.
Be aware that another species of Uncaria is available, Uncaria Guianensis, which lacks Isopteropodine, thus being less effective for the immune system and control of your arthritis.
Recommendation: 500 mg to1000 mg three times a day, if you have arthritis.
-Steinberg, P., ACat’s Claw, A Wondrous Herb From The Peruvian Rainforest," Back to the Garden, 1601 Robie Ave, Mt Dora, Fl 32757.
Stinging Nettle Leaf Extract (Utica Dioica)
Nettle leaf is a common weed, which has been an arthritis treatment in Germany for years. I remember being stung by its leaves growing up. Nettle leaf suppresses high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-a). Inone study of 152 patients, after three weeks, 70% had improved degenerative, rheumatic symptoms on 1,500 mg of nettle whole plant extract a day. It boosts the effect of the NSAIDs, helping you to taper the NSAID dosage. Nettle has been used for allergies, allergic skin rashes, hay fever and seasonal rhinitis.
Recommendation: 500 mg with each meal, three times a day if you have arthrtis (avoid products made from the nettle root).
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