Arthritis Rheumatoid and Osteoarthritis

Symptoms

Arthritis means inflammation of the joint. Over one hundred different forms have currently been identified, among them gout and bacterial and viral joint infections resulting from surgery or from another disease, such as tuberculosis or Lyme disease. The most common forms of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Frequent joint cracking and stiffness, especially early in the morning, are common symptoms even during pain-free periods, and indicate the first signs of osteoarthritis. With continued wearing down of the joint, the pain becomes more constant and independent of activity. Deformation of the joint can develop over time. The joints most susceptible to osteoarthritis are the knees, hips, fingers and vertebrae.

Rheumatoid arthritis is a more destructive form of arthritis because the inflammation can cause crippling and deformation of joints at an early age. Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by early morning joint stiffness, and pain and inflammation in symmetrically located joints. The fingers and toes are usually the first to be affected, though it is not uncommon for pains to wander from joint to joint throughout the body. The wrists, ankles, knees and spine are other vulnerable areas. In addition to the joint symptoms, flare-ups can cause pronounced fatigue, low-grade fevers, poor appetite and weight loss. Over time, knots may appear on the joints.

Initial symptoms for rheumatoid arthritis are most common in women between the ages of twenty-five and fifty. However, it can affect anyone, including children, and degrees vary widely. In some cases, attacks disappear never to recur again. In others, flare-ups last a long time and recur frequently, causing a rapid destruction and crippling of the joints. Various organs, including the heart, lungs and eyes are also affected by this illness. Variations on rheumatoid arthritis include ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter’s syndrome and psoriatic arthritis, which is a combination of arthritis and psoriasis. Rheumatoid arthritis has also been known to occur with colitis.

Causes

The cause of osteoarthritis lies in a long process of joint deterioration due to mineral deficiencies or imbalances. Calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, silicon, boron, strontium and numerous other lesser known minerals are involved in bone synthesis, breakdown and repair. Given that the average North American diet has been shown to be deficient in these and other vital nutrients, it is easy to see why mineral deficiencies are part of the reason for the increasing incidence of osteoarthritis and other degenerative diseases.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are proven to worsen arthritis (e.g., Aspirin©, ibuprofen, indomethacin, piroxicam, diclofenac sodium and many others commonly prescribed for osteroarthritis). Hydrochloric acid deficiency may be present in up to forty percent of patients with osteoarthritis. Low levels of stomach acidity prevent complete protein digestion. The undigested polypeptides are absorbed eliciting allergic reactions leading to joint inflammation, as well as inflammation in other tissues and organs. Fluoride at levels as low as one part-per-million (ppm) in the drinking water give rise to an increase in the urine concentration of certain biological chemicals that signal the breakdown and the irregular formation of collagen in the body. Collagen is important; it makes up more than thirty percent of the body’s protein. It is the most abundant of all proteins in the body, and serves as the major structural component of skin, ligaments, tendons, muscles, cartilage, bones and teeth. Fluoride disruption of the body’s collagen results in premature wrinkling of the skin, weakening of ligaments, irreversible arthritis and stiffness of the joints.

Mechanical wearing down of the cartilage lining the joints leaves abrasive tissue in place of the once-smooth cartilage. The aging process also depletes glucosamine from the cartilage, causing it to thin and lead to arthritis. Injuries from a fall can cause osteoarthritis. Obesity also increases stress on weight-bearing joints. A change to a healthier diet is beneficial in reducing the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis is more complex than osteoarthritis, and its true cause is unknown. It belongs to a family of autoimmune diseases, in which the body attacks its own tissues as a result of a faulty immune system reaction. Emotional stress and viral infections are common triggers for an attack. The likelihood of developing this rheumatoid illness increases with a genetic tendency.

Many people have noticed the effects of diet on their arthritis. The typical North American diet, high in proteins and saturated fats, often aggravates the condition and individual sensitivities to certain foods should be established. A vegetarian diet is often beneficial for arthritis sufferers. Food allergies and a sensitivity to environmental toxins are problems in individual arthritis cases. For this reason, toxins of all kinds should be avoided, including alcohol, cigarettes and coffee.

Nutrition

As with all degenerative diseases, a nutritional approach to the treatment of arthritis cannot produce immediate results, but is the only road to a biological rebuilding of the body which goes beyond masking the symptoms with drugs.

Excess weight, which puts undue strain on the joints, must be reduced first. Emphasize raw fruits and vegetables for a diet low in protein and calories, and rich in the nutrients needed for rebuilding. Limit protein consumption to plant sources, such as legumes, soy beans and potatoes. An overload of protein, especially animal protein, causes painful uric acid deposits in the joints. Incompletely digested proteins can act as allergens which trigger arthritic pain. Digestive enzymes, found in raw food, break down proteins into amino acids. Drink a glass of papaya or pineapple juice before meals for the pancreatic enzymes papain or bromelain. Vegetables and fruits also help heal arthritis because they produce an alkaline environment in the body. (Animal products and grains burn to acid ash.) Cherries, raspberries and chestnuts are particularly good sources of alkali minerals. Trace amounts of boron, found in cereals, pears and apples, promote healthy bones. Dark green, leafy vegetables provide vitamins E and C which work together to maintain and build cartilage. These vitamins also act as antioxidants, which limit free-radical reactions partly responsible for arthritic inflammation. The silica found in alfalfa sprouts, lettuce and cabbage has been shown to help alleviate arthritis.

The beneficial effects of unrefined, cold-pressed vegetable oils such as flax seed, pumpkin seed and walnut oil cannot be overemphasized. The essential omega-3 alpha-linolenic and omega-6 linoleic fatty acids contain these oils, which lubricate the joints, and help generate and deposit bone material. Also, they prevent the absorption of toxins and food allergens into the body, an important underlying cause of arthritis, by stimulating digestion.

Ginger has been found helpful in the treatment of arthritis because of its enzyme content. Avoiding vegetables of the nightshade family, for instance green peppers, eggplants, potatoes and tomatoes relieves arthritic suffering. They contain solanine which interferes with enzymatic action in the muscles, causing pain.

Nutritional Supplements

Nutritional supplements should combat inflammation and ensure that all nutrients are in ample supply, as dietary insufficiency can aggravate the condition. Since individual susceptibility varies, try a variety of supplements for a period of several months, and then alter to suit individual needs.

Evening primrose oil has helped many arthritis sufferers, as it provides the body with essential fatty acids, like gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which have anti-inflammatory properties. For full effect, evening primrose oil should be taken for at least three months.

If the inflammation is at its height, enzymes such as bromelain act quickly and naturally to reduce pain and swelling without the side-effects of prescription anti-inflammatories.

Glucosamine sulphate is a nutrient combining glucose, nitrogen and hydrogen that is found naturally in the body, but can be supplemented to work against joint inflammation and actually help rebuild cartilage. This nutrient causes no side-effects and can be taken as a long-term treatment.

Antioxidant vitamins and minerals should be added to the regime. They function to protect the joints from free-radical damage. The antioxidants vitamin C and selenium are often found to be low in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers, but are helpful in all types of joint inflammation and provide nutrients important for cartilage renewal. Vitamin C is a vital nutrient, improving flexibility, reducing inflammation and providing the immune system with extra support. Bioflavonoids act similarly to fight rheumatoid arthritis and improve the health of connective tissues surrounding the joints. They also support vitamin C function. Vitamin E is equally important as a powerful antioxidant. B vitamin supplements are also beneficial.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily

Bromelain, 500 mg three times daily, only on an empty stomach

Glucosamine sulphate, 500 mg three times daily for four months. Most patients experience relief only after the first six weeks.

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily

Helpful

Selenium, 200 mcg

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU once or twice daily

Vitamin B complex, 300 mg

Herbal Remedies

Many herbal remedies and therapeutic courses are useful for arthritic sufferers. Depending on the patient’s condition, and the availability of herbal products, some remedies might be more suitable than others. Fresh juices are more easily absorbed by the body and capture the whole synergistic complex of healing ingredients locked in the plant. Find the one that works best for you.

Rheumatoid arthritis:

Devil’s claw root has proven effective in reducing the inflammation of connective tissues, as it dispels uric acid. Take three 400 mg extract tablets every day for four to six weeks, or simmer 1 tsp. of devil’s claw root in 1 cup of water for fifteen minutes. Drink three times daily.

Dandelion also dispels uric acid. Take 3 capsules daily, 1 tbsp. juice or 1 cup tea, twice daily for four to six weeks to reduce the frequency and intensity of pain, and to strengthen the connective tissue.

One tbsp. of birch leaf juice acts as a diuretic without irritating the kidney when taken three times daily.

Parsley juice is also effective in combating and flushing out uric acid from the tissue, which eases painful limbs and joints. Take 1 tsp. of parsley juice three times daily for six weeks. Wait three weeks before taking again.

Celery seeds help clear uric acid from the joints of gout and arthritis sufferers. Boil 1 tsp. of seeds in 1 cup of water for fifteen minutes, strain and sip.

Dong quai is good for relieving fleeting muscle and joint pains, especially if they are worse in damp conditions. Take 1 tbsp. of dried root juice three times daily.

Licorice acts in the body like cortisone, without the harmful side-effects. Take 2 capsules daily.

Several times a day, rub the painful areas with juniper oil to reduce inflammation.

Take a hot, half-hour bath with hayseed, juniper berries or rosemary infusion or add 5 drops of essential oil from each of the three herbs.

Dilute 10 drops of St. John’s wort oil in 1 tbsp. of almond or olive oil and massage painful joints with a brush. Rest afterwards for one hour in bed.

Osteoarthritis:

Devil’s claw root reduces inflammation due to osteoarthritis and degenerative conditions. Dissolve 1 tsp. devil’s claw powder in a glass of warm water and drink three times daily.

Apply angelica root compress or add 5 drops of angelica oil to a hot bath to reduce spasms.

Take 3 capsules of horsetail daily for two weeks each month to help rebuild bones.

Acute joint inflammation

(for acute flare-up):

In the acute, inflamed stage, slowly start with movement exercises and hot, moist fenugreek packs on the painful areas. Take 1 tbsp. fenugreek seeds internally three times daily.

For internal 10-day cleansing and to reduce inflammation, drink willow bark tea. Add 1 tsp. willow bark to 1 cup boiling water, steep for ten minutes, strain and drink unsweetened twice daily.

Take a hayflower bath. Combine wild yam with celery seeds or willow leaves and make an infusion, strain and add to bath water.

Homeopathy

Use the 6c strength, 2 tablets under the tongue three times daily, until improvement is noticeable, or for up to two weeks.

Rhus toxicodendron is a popular arthritis remedy, when a great deal of stiffness occurs upon first rising. During motion, the pain is less and restlessness and constant movement are typical. Cold, wet weather aggravates an attack, while heat improves the pain.

In just the opposite instance, Bryonia should be used. The pain is worst with the least motion and can only be relieved by absolute rest and applying cold packs. The joint is very tender to touch, and the person is typically irritable on account of the pain.

Apis is to be considered if the affected joints are quite swollen, red and hot, and better from cold wraps.

Use Dulcamara when the marked pain and stiffness are brought on by cold, damp weather or after getting wet and chilled.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue three times daily, or hourly if the pain is acute.

Use Ferr phos in the beginning stage or when the inflammation is at its height. Pain on movement is accompanied by stiffness and possibly fever.

Nat phos will restore balance if the body is too acidic, noticeable if perspiration is sour or if the tongue is coated a creamy yellow.

Kali sulph is more likely to help a wandering arthritis. Symptoms tend to be worse in warm, stuffy rooms.

Calc phos is useful when fatigue is present and the joints feel cold and numb. Drafts, motion and weather changes adversely affect the joints.

Calc fluor helps with gouty enlargements of the finger joints.

External/Physical Therapies

Both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis usually have periods of inflammation and intervals of improvement. When pain, swelling and stiffness occur, the joint is inflamed and should be rested for it to heal more easily and completely. Once the joint is healed, circulation and exercise will improve its health, but remember that overexertion will cause a flare-up. Joint abuse often results from overambitious attempts to get into shape too quickly, especially if the individual lives an otherwise sedentary lifestyle. Warm up before exercising. Swimming and water exercises are excellent sports because the water lends support to the joints during exercise.

Massaging around the painful area will improve circulation and reduce swelling and pain. Use a little calendula cream or St. John’s wort oil and lightly stroke the muscles and flesh around the joints in the direction of the heart, using fingertips. Use a tennis ball if you cannot use your hands.

Wash painful areas with apple cider vinegar water. Mix 1 part apple cider vinegar to 6 parts water.

Spread quark on the painful area and cover with gauze.

To retain heat for longer periods:

Heat coarse salt in a frying pan (no oil), put in cotton cloth and place warm on the painful area.

Mix three boiled potatoes (in skin) with 2 tbsp. bran. Place on joints for fifteen minutes.

Cornmeal porridge is excellent as a poultice since it remains hot for a long time. Apply as hot as you can bear it.

Mix clay with hot water to make a thick paste and place on the painful area for thirty minutes.

Fill a soap dish with water, and place in the freezer to make an ice-block to rub on painful areas.

With osteoarthritis, do gentle exercises to strengthen muscles to hold joints in place.

Acupressure (for arthritic pain in the hips and lower back)

Roll onto your side. Place a tennis ball beneath the side of your buttock to press the point in the center of the buttock for relieving sciatica-like pains. It should create a good pain. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for a few minutes. Apply deep thumb pressure on other points, as illustrated. Find the points that are most painful and massage for one minute.

Reflexology

Work the whole foot and especially the reflexes of the kidneys, as illustrated, and the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal glands and solar plexus.

Other Suggestions

At night use a linen comforter (duvet) cover filled with equal parts of dried thyme, hyssop, sage and rue.

Persons suffering from arthritic conditions should not sleep in feather beds. Feathers do not breathe, and retain dampness. Sheep fleece is excellent to line the mattress and sheep wool is recommended for comforters. Wear fleece-lined (sheepskin) slippers to fend off dampness.

Copper bracelets have also been effective against rheumatoid arthritis.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Glucosamine Sulfate (Albi)

Super Bromelain (Albi)

Ascorbate / Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Bio-Berry OPC-85 Grape Seed Extract plus (Flora)

Efamol Evening Primrose Oil 1000 mg Capsules (Flora)

Efamol Evening Primrose Oil 500 mg Capsules (Flora)

Efamol Evening Primrose Oil 30 ml Liquid (Flora)

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

Multi Element Buffered C

(Klaire Laboratories)

Pure E (Klaire Laboratories)

Seleno Met (Klaire Laboratories)

Bene Fin Shark Cartilage (Lane Labs/Purity Life)

GLS (Naka)

Beta Carotene (Natural Factors)

Beta Green (Natural Factors)

Bromelain Extra Strength (Natural Factors)

C Extra (Natural Factors)

Calcium and Magnesium Citrate (Natural Factors)

Coenzyme Q10 (Natural Factors)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Ester C (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Glucosamine Sulfate (Natural Factors)

Grape Seed Extract (Natural Factors)

Shark Cartilage (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus / Hi Potency Multi / Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil (Natural Factors)

Vitamin A (Natural Factors)

Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)

Pro-Optibol (Next Nutrition)

Kelp Alfalfa Trace Minerals (Nutra Research Int’l)

Flax Oil (Omega Nutrition)

OsteoPlus Glucosamine (Platinum)

Ocean Formula (Scandinavian Naturals)

Glucosamine Sulfate plus Shark Cartilage (Sisu)

Advanced Glucosamine Sulfate (Quest Vitamins)

N-A-G (N-Acetyl Glucosamine) (Quest Vitamins)

Natural Ratio Vitamin E (Quest Vitamins)

Osteo Formula (Quest Vitamins)

Premium Chondroitin and Glucosamine Sulfate (Quest Vitamins)

Super Once A Day (Quest Vitamins)

Other Nutritional Supplements

Bee Health Propolis Capsules (Inno-Vite)

Herbal Remedies

Dr. Dunner Pagosid Devil’s Claw Root 410 (Flora)

Flor-Essence (Flora)

Flora-Vision Bilberry Extract plus Blueberries (Flora)

FloraSil (Flora)

Horsetail Leaves (Flora)

Medicinal Tea: Rheumadix (Flora)

Schoenenberger Dandelion Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)

Green Magma (Green Foods)

Green Kamut (Green Kamut)

Greens+ (Greens+)

Cat’s Claw (Inno-Vite)

ART-R (Naka)

Enriching Green Factors (Natural Factors)

Joint Ease (Natural Factors)

Muscle and Joint (Natural Factors)

Natural Pain Ease (Natural Factors)

Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer Extract (Natural Factors)

St. John’s Wort Extract (Natural Factors)

ArthPlus (Nature’s Herbs)

Cat’s Claw (Nature’s Herbs)

Dandelion Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Devil’s Claw Extract (Nature’s Herbs)

Dong Quai-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginger Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Inflam-Aid (Nature’s Herbs)

Licorice Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)

Reishi Mushroom (Nature’s Herbs)

Shiitake Mushroom (Nature’s Herbs)

Silica-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

St. John’s-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

White Willow (Nature’s Herbs)

Nu-Source WearGard (Nu-Life)

Spirulina Pacifica (Nutrex Inc.)

Rheuma Arthrite (Platinum)

Devil’s Claw 5:1 Extract (Prairie Naturals)

Green Tea (Uncle Lee’s)

Homeopathy

Apis (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Arthritis (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Bryonia (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Rhus Tox (Nelsons Homeopathy)

External Therapies

Glucosamine Cream + Roll-On w/ Capsaicin (Born Again)

Devil’s Claw Ointment (Flora)

Glucosamine / Chondroitin Topical Gel (Inno-Vite)

Cajeput Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Cypress Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Fennel Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Juniper Berry (Karooch Essential Oils)

Lemon Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Niaouli Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)