Arthritis

As a Nutritionist in the province of British Columbia I am not allowed to diagnose or treat disease.  I am, however, allowed to pass on as much written information about a disease as I want.  My job is to promote health in people.  I believe the more you know about the cause, the easier it is to cure.

Several of my older family members suffer from the affects of Arthritis.

Arthritis means joint inflammation.  This can cause pain, stiffness and swelling.  If left undiagnosed or untreated, arthritis can cause irreversible damage to the joints.

Osteoarthritis involves the deterioration of the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones.  This can be caused by an injury or just wear and tear of aging, diet, and lifestyle.  The body attempts to immobilize the joint by causing swelling and adding fluid to help the joint to function more smoothly.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system inaccurately identifies the synovial membrane as foreign.  Eventual destruction of the cartilage ensues.  Damaged tissue is replaced by scar tissue and bones fuse together.

Arthritis can also be caused by bacterial, viral or fungal infection of a joint from an infection somewhere else in the body.

Gout is also a form of arthritis as are many other types that I haven't named.

Proper diet and lifestyle changes can reverse and sometimes cure arthritis.

The key to healing involves foods that have anti-inflammitory properties and that help to strengthen joints, ligaments, tendons, cartilage and synovial fluid.

Eat:

Eat asparagus, eggs, garlic, and onions.  The sulfur in them helps repair bone, cartilage and connective tissue and helps the absorption of calcium.

Eat fresh leafy green vegetables.  The vitamin K in them helps deposit minerals into the bone matrix.

Eat fresh pineapple, whole grains, oatmeal, brown rice, fish and avocados.

Twenty tart red cherries a day can relieve pain and inflammation.

Eliminate:

Reduce the amount of fat in your diet.

Do not consume dairy products, red meat, caffeine, salt, tobacco and sugar.  These cause inflammation and also deplete the immune system.

Supplements:

Vitamin A (10,000 IU) - repairs tissues and cartilage

Vitamin C (3,000-10,000 mg in divided doses) - Free radical destroyer and anti-inflammatory

Vitamin E (200 IU) - an antioxidant that protects the joints from damage by free radicals

Selenium (200 mcg) - antioxidant

Zinc Picolinate (50 mg) - for bone growth

Calcium Chelate (2,000 mg) - to prevent bone loss

Magnesium (1,000 mg) - to balance with calcium

Copper (3 mg) - strengthens connective tissue and bone formation

Vitamin D3 (800 IU) - for calcium uptake and bone formation