Wed Dec 09, 2009 4:39 pm   Reply with quote      

What supplements are helpful for osteoarthritis?

Wed Dec 09, 2009 4:43 pm   Reply with quote      

Osteoarthritis (OA) develops when the linings of joints degenerate, leading to pain, and decreased mobility. The free-radical theory is the most accepted theory of the cause of joint deterioration. A free radical is an unstable molecule that causes damage to cells, tissues, and organs. Free-radicals – the same radicals responsible for aging, cancer and heart disease - roam around the body attacking and destroying healthy tissues, including the tissue found in joints. The overall goal is to eliminate what is triggering the tissue degeneration, provide the nutrients the body needs to function optimally, rebuild the damage, and protect the system to avoid future pain (with antioxidant nutrients, whole foods, and avoidance of causative chemicals.). The most important dietary foundation is to focus on the choice of simple, natural, clean, whole foods. Eating plenty of organic colorful fruits and vegetables is one way to insure intake of antioxidants.

There are three supplements that I recommend: a high-potency multivitamin mineral to insure against any nutritional deficiencies; omega 3 fish oils to modulate inflammation; and a glucosamine complex to provide raw materials the body needs to regenerate cartilage. Glucosamine Cartilage Complex by Natural Grocers or Glucosamine Chondroitin Complex by Pioneer are suggested supplements to consider. Both products contain additional pain-relieving herbs.

I also recommend proteolytic enzymes (e.g. bromelain) which calm inflammation by supporting and quickening the healing process, not by stopping or blocking it. Use proteolytic enzymes between meals.

The attached documents give further information on the above mentioned nutrients.

Download Osteoarthritis$.REPR.0603.pdf
203.95 KB   Downloaded: 35 Time(s)

Download Osteoarthritis--Foods$.TSJA.pdf
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Download Enzymes$.JA.1206.pdf
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