Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, rarely develops before the age of 40 years, but affects a large percentage of the population over the age of 60 and almost everyone over the age of 80. Repeated stresses and strains on the joint, fractures, infections, physical inactivity, excess body weight, and genetics all play a roll in increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis.

Arthritis has been around for as long as mammals have existed. It has been found in the joints of Neanderthals and other prehistoric mammals. Joints affected by osteoarthritis make popping, clicking, and banging noises, while rheumatoid arthritic joints tend to sound like crinkling cellophane.

Osteoarthritis is the deterioration of the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones. Joints are where two or more bones join together. Ligaments tie bone to bone, while tendons attach muscle to bone. The bones have a nice coating over the tips that allows for easy gliding, much like ball bearings. Movement of that joint keeps the ball bearings smooth (the joints gliding smoothly like a an ice skate over the ice of the rink) because it causes synovial fluid, a smoothing liquid, to be released into the joint (oiling the bearings).

Too much heavy activity on the joint can cause the tips to become rough, causing friction, which leads to degeneration and inflammation. Too little activity around the joint, and it becomes dry, just like forgetting to grease the bearings. This again causes friction and the cycle begins. Some infections can also cause this inflammation of the joint. Research shows that there is a genetic component that may lead to early degeneration of the joint.

Lack of physical activity also allows the muscles around the joint to become weak and they can no longer hold the bones of the joint in their proper place, allowing for excess and irregular movement of the joints (suddenly the gears don't quite match up). Have you ever seen what happens to the bottom of a blender if the gears that turn the blades don't match up? That is pretty much exactly what happens to the joint that causes the osteoarthritis.

According to Phyllis A. Balch, author of the Prescription for Nutritional Healing (one of my favorite resource books), arthritis can be reversible, and in some cases, may even be cured with proper diet and lifestyle changes.

Although movement may trigger pain, it is imperative that you exercise your muscles around the joint for stability and lubrication. Use ice or heat packs post-exercise to reduce the pain. I suggest to keep the exercise moderate - three (3) sets of 15-20 reps. Too light, and you won't strengthen the soft tissue, too heavy, and you could cause more damage to the degenerating cartilage. Be sure the exercise is also low impact, such as swimming or biking.

As for the proper diet, it is pretty much the same thing you have heard all along, lots of fruits, veggies, fiber, and whole grains. However, arthritis suffers should avoid nightshade vegetables such as peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and white potatoes, as they contain a substance called solanine, which may cause pain and discomfort to those sensitive to the compound.

Following is a list of supplements that are essential for arthritis suffers, according to the Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition, by Phyllis A. Balch. Please refer to the book, which is found at most box stores and wholesale warehouses, for a list of the, "Very Important," and, "Helpful," supplements. It is suggested that an overabundance of iron in the bloodstream may cause pain, swelling, and joint destruction.

Many of these substances are found in Heal N Soothe , Super Joint Support, and the Super Bendy Formula that I am currently taking for my shoulder.

Essential Nutrients

Chondroitin Sulfate - strengthens soft tissue like ligaments and tendons - DO NOT TAKE WITH PRESCRIPTION BLOOD THINNERS (I was told by a bodybuilding friend of mine that his grandfather started taking a glucosamine & chondroitin supplement for his joints because it was what all his friends were doing. When he started bleeding from the eyes, his doctor told him it was from the chondroitin sulfate in the supplement combined with his prescription blood thinner. He said the glucosamine was fine, though.)
Glucosamine Sulfate - important for the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and synovial (joint) fluid
Methylsulfonyl-methane (MSM) - sulfur compound needed for reducing inflammation and for joint and tissue repair
SAMe - a deficiency results in the inability to maintain cartilage properly and aids in reducing pain and inflammation - DO NOT USE if you have manic-depressive disorder or take prescription antidepressants
Sea Cucumber - rich source of specific lubricating compounds found abundantly in all connective tissue
Silica - supplies silicon, which is important for the formation of a compound that is the primary constituent in bone
Super Oxide Dismutase - antioxidant that protects the fluid in joints from destruction by free radicals
Trimethylglycine (TMG) - reduces homocysteine levels
Vitamin E - powerful antioxidant

I also strongly suggest the book, "Living Well with Pain and Illness, the mindful way to free yourself from suffering," by Vidyamala Burch. It is like having one of my yoga classes in a book.

RESOURCES:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition by Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
http://www.arthritisresearchuk.org/
http://www.webmd.com/
http://www.ehealthmd.com/
http://www.ericcressey.com/