Osteoarthritis - Not Just Wear and Tear

An interesting study out of the University of Edinburgh in the U.K. demonstrates this principle quite clearly. Researchers performed a double blind placebo controlled study of patients scheduled for knee replacement. Half the patients received a tablespoon of high potency cod liver oil each day and the remainder received a placebo. As the original knees were removed, they were analyzed for enzymatic markers indicating pain and inflammation. The results were quite striking. The markers for both pain and inflammation were significantly reduced in the active group compared to the placebo group. In their published research, they indicated their belief that even this single measure could significantly reduce the incidence of knee replacements. Since joints can normally only be replaced twice and don't last all that long, delaying or preventing the need is critically important for long term health and quality of life.

Other research has demonstrated that some people are sensitive to the Nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes and peppers). Proteins in these vegetables have an affinity for joint tissue and since many suffer some degree of leaky gut syndrome, some of these foreign proteins pass undigested into the blood stream and bond to joint tissues. The immune system attacks the foreign proteins and inadvertently causes collateral damage to the tough but delicate and all important cartilage lining the ball and socket of each joint. Milk and gluten too, can wreak havoc on the joints of those who are sensitive.

Given the role of inflammation in Osteoarthritis, there are three approaches which may bring significant improvement or relief.

1) Use nutrient agents which many have reported to be effective in reducing inflammation and/or helping heal leaky gut syndrome, such as curcumin, Omega 3s, Equilib nutrient and Arthrimend.

2) Do a simple test of strictly eliminating suspected foods for at least three weeks to see if symptoms improve. This means carefully examining all mixed herbs and spices and prepared foods for eliminated substances.

3) Start doing consistent gentle but regular exercises and work up to full range of motion for joints.

This is beneficial for two reasons

a) Muscles should be taking up most of the strain on joints, so weak muscles = increased risk of joint pain and/or injury

b) When joints are taken to their full range of motion, it stimulates synovial fluid production. This is the lubricant which is critical in preventing cartilaginous damage between the ball and socket of joints.

One final word for Caucasian men and post menopausal women: Should you begin to experience unexplained hip pain and/or pain in the end knuckles of your middle three fingers, request your physician to order a serum ferritin test. If this blood test shows elevated ferritin levels, you may have Hemochromatosis (one of the most common genetic errors seen in Caucasians). If left untreated, the ongoing accumulation of iron will have serious brain/body health effects including substantially increased risk of liver cancer and dementia. For many, simply donating blood regularly will keep iron levels in the optimum range and helps save lives.

I personally use all of the above tools to very good effect.