potent anti-inflammatory. In fact, there is solid evidence of the value of treating RA with omega-6 EFAs. Though the optimal intake of GLA is unknown, researchers often use 270-540 mg/day in studying its efficacy as a treatment for numerous chronic inflam- matory conditions.


Glucosamine & Chondroitin Sulfates (GS & CS) & MSM


GS, which naturally occurs in the


body, builds soft tissue, including cartilage, through four potential processes. Numer- ous studies have shown 1500 mg/day of GS to be the relatively high effective dose, and 4-10 weeks to be the timeframe in which one can expect to see results. According to research studies, CS, constituents of shark cartilage, inhibit free radicals that degrade joint cartilage and collagen. By improving blood circulation to joints, CS also enables antioxidants and GS to enter inflamed joints to stimulate the repair process required for the regression of osteoarthritis.


MSM is a naturally occurring, organic sulfur compound found in food, which then naturally occurs in the human body by virtue of its consumption (in the collagen of skin, joints, blood vessels, and the keratin of hair/ nails). Animal and human studies, respec- tively, have proven MSM to reduce joint degeneration and pain.


Oral Collagen Type II


Collagen is the protein building block found in connective tissue (skin, ligaments, tendons, bone, cartilage, blood vessels). Type II collagen, the most abundant in the human body and found in all joints, has been shown in preliminary studies to allevi- ate the pain and swelling in both RA and OA.


Oral Liquid Hyaluronic Acid (HA) HA, which attracts 1000 times its weight


in water, is a carbohydrate that is abundant in the synovial fluid of joints, where it is chiefly responsible for lubrication and shock absorption. It is also abundant in the articu- lar cartilage, where it forms the infrastructure to which the rest of the joint’s structural components attach. Joint inflammation oc- curs when the body’s HA breaks down with aging. Both intra-articular HA injections and oral liquid HA have been clinically shown to be effective.


NaturalNutmeg.com 25


Based on his clinical trial, Douglas W.


Kiburz, M.D., sufficient quantities of HA are important to getting the maximum benefit from GS and CS because HA is required for them to form correctly.


Herbal Anti-Inflammatory Combination


An herbal anti-inflammatory combina- tion of holy basil, turmeric, ginger, green tea extract, boswellin, bromelain, skullcap, resveratrol, and berberine, has been shown to be particularly effective as a COX-2 and 5-LOX inhibitor.


Vitamin D, Calcium+


Calcium deficiency, resulting in low calcium in the blood, causes the parathy- roid to pull this mineral from the bones into the blood. Joint calcification results when this calcium subsequently is deposited in the joints. High-dose Vitamin D, the right dose of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and Vitamin K2, can prevent or reverse this process.


Anti-Inflammatory/ Weight Control Diet


While anti-inflammatory nutritional sup- plements are useful in the treatment of dis- ease, a diet consisting of pro-inflammatory, high-caloric foods hinders their full impact. It is thus critical to wellness to maintain an anti-inflammatory diet that promotes weight control.


Conclusion It is best to seek the advice of an expert


in alternative medicine when attempting to change the course of any type of arthri- tis. Do your own research regarding drug interaction before mixing natural remedies with any medications, and advise your doc- tor of your desire to incorporate alternative medicine into your health program.


Submitted by Michael Dworkin, P.D.,M.S., a Registered Pharmacist and Connecticut Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CT Cert 232), with J. Erika Dworkin, Certified Lifestyle Educator, Dip.C.N./Board Cert. Holistic Nu- trition (pending).Owner of the Manchester Parkade Health Shoppe (860.646.8178, 378 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester), Phar- macist Dworkin has been guiding patients since 1956 and is available for consultation by appointment. Erika is available to speak to groups. References are available upon request. The statements in this article have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The natural remedies dis- cussed herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. See ad on page 7.


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