Supplements 101
Michael Dworkin, P.D., M.S. Erika Dworkin, Dip. C.N. (Pend.)
The Nutritional Approach to Arthritis (Joint Inflammation)
Aging too often results in the breakdown of healthy joint function and structure. Increas- ing evidence points to destructive inflam- matory factors as culprits behind the joint problems humans encounter as they grow older. ~ Life Extension Foundation
W
ould you prefer to avoid the po- tential side effects of prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) anti-
inflammatory drugs for your aching joints? Learning about arthritis, and how to address it naturally, can be one of the best ways for you to become proactive in your healing process.
Definition & Causes
Arthritis is a term translated as “joint inflammation” and covers 100+ different conditions. In any joint, one bone moves on another. Ligaments, like elastic bands, keep the bones in place and muscles relax or con- tract to make the joint move. By covering the bone surfaces to stop them from rubbing directly against each other, cartilage allows the joint to work smoothly and painlessly. A capsule surrounds the joint, and synovial fluid fills the space within the joint, known as the joint cavity, to nourish the joint and cartilage.
When arthritis sets in, something goes wrong with the joint(s). One or a combina- tion of these or other factors can explain the pain attendant to the breakdown of cartilage, synovial fluid, or bone: (1) an autoimmune condition (e.g., Rheumatoid Arthritis/RA); (2) free radicals; (3) infections; (4) anatomical misalignment of joints, often resulting from traumatic injury; (5) atherosclerosis in carti- lage blood vessels; (6) cartilage calcification (deposit of calcium crystals in joints due to calcium deficiency); or (7) long-term use of FDA-approved anti-inflammatory drugs. As its translation indicates, whatever the cause of arthritis, inflammation is always present. Inflammation is an acute or chronic response to damage caused to the body.
24 Natural Nutmeg October 2012
Many factors contribute to the complex course of inflammatory reactions, and the pain associated with it results from the overworking of the body’s normal defense system. The release of the hormone-like prostaglandin PGE2 triggers inflammatory re- sponse. Certain cytokines, proteins secreted by immune cells that increase with aging, contribute to it, and the enzymes cyclooxy- genase (COX-2) and lipooxygenase (5-LOX) sustain it.
The Conventional Approach While a wide variety of prescription and
OTC drugs address the symptoms caused by inflammation, none actually prevent it and they all have potential side effects, includ- ing: (1) Corticosteroids (Cortisone, Predni- sone): long-term pain, glaucoma, cataracts, candidiasis, hypertension, weight gain, increased risk of infections, and high blood sugar; and (2) NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, Celebrex): kidney/liver failure, stom- ach ulcers, edema, prolonged bleeding, and serious cardiovascular risk (Celebrex). A physician may determine that anti- inflammatory drugs may be indicated in cer- tain cases where benefits outweigh the risks.
Key Alternative Approaches
Certain herbs, nutraceuticals, and an anti-inflammatory/weight control diet can help ease your joint pain. However, not all nutritional supplements are equal; quality and dosages impact results.
Curcumin
Curcumin has been used in traditional Indian medicine for more than 3000 years. According to studies, this potent antioxi- dant from the ginger family safely combats inflammation, bacteria (including H. pylori), and viruses, and thus arthritis. Curcumin inhibits the cytokine NF-kappaB, which acts like a switch to turn on the genes that
produce the body’s inflammatory responses. Gene expression of NF-kappaB increases in aging adults, thus causing numerous degenerative diseases, including arthritis. Curcumin also reduces inflammation by inhibiting other cytokines and COX-2 and 5-LOX activity.
Human clinical studies have shown that
a patented curcumin formulation (BCM-95) greatly enhances the bioavailability of this spice, which is generally difficult to absorb. This form not only delivers up to 7 times better absorption than ordinary 95% stan- dardized curcumin, but also remains in the bloodstream for 8-12 hours, almost twice as long as conventional supplements. Cur- cumin can cause diarrhea and mild nausea in those with sensitive digestive systems.
Fish Oil (EPA/DHA)
The Journal of the American College of Nutrition (2002) reported that EPA and DHA, two of the key omega-3 essential fatty acids (EFAs) in the oil of fatty fish, “may play an important role in the prevention and treat- ment of arthritis and other inflammatory and autoimmune disorders.” The imbalance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids causes inflammation, which is exacerbated by psychological stress. The correct doses of EPA and DHA help bal- ance the omega-6 fatty acids that are found mainly in vegetable oils and are the pre- dominant polyunsaturated fats in Western diets. Omega-3 fatty acids produce anti-in- flammatory, immune-supporting, hormone- like prostaglandins (PGE1 and PGE3). In this writer’s clinical practice, 1,000 mg/day of EPA has proven to be the effective baseline therapeutic dose. Most researchers have administered at least 3,000 mg/day of the total of EPA plus DHA in studying the impact of fish oil on humans with various health conditions.
GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid that
converts to the prostaglandin PGE1. Some authorities thus maintain that this EFA is a
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