Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic disease of the weight-bearing joints due to damage to
cartilage, which leads to joint inflammation and pain. It is the most common joint disease characterized by pain, morning stiffness lasting less than 30 minutes, joint tenderness, joint swelling, decreased range of motion, and deformities in advanced cases.
It is also called “Degenerative Joint Disease” (DJD) and usually seen at age over 45 years old.
The potential risk factors are:
- Age.
- Ethnicity.
- Gender.
- Inflammation of the joint: Rheumatoid arthritis, and Paget`s disease.
- Obesity or excess weight.
- Abnormal joint stress in certain occupations: farmers, construction workers, jackhammer operators, and mill workers.
- Damage to nerve (neuropathy): as in diabetes.
- Deposition diseases: gout (deposition of uric acid), hemochromatosis (deposition of iron), and Wilson disease (deposition of copper).
- Biomechanical imbalances.
- Low function thyroid.
- Injuries to the joints.
Nutritional Supports:
Restricted Foods:
- Saturated fats.
- Trans-fats.
- Processed foods.
- Fried foods.
- Sugars and sweets. They aggravate inflammation.
- Foods high in solanine: potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Solanine is a poisonous plant alkaloid produced by the plants from nightshade family as a natural defense mechanism against external microorganisms. Solanine exacerbates inflammation.
- Foods high in Omega-6: soy, sunflower oil, safflower oil, corn oil, borage oil, sesame oil, and evening primrose oil. Omega-6, particularly Alpha-Lioleic Acid, is a pro-inflammatory.
- Inflammatory foods: red meats, eggs, and dairy products.
- Alcohol and coffee.
Recommended Foods:
- Plenty of water: at least 2 liters a day.
- Whole grains.
- Legumes.
- Cold water fish: salmon, and mackerel.
- Flaxseeds.
- Chia seeds.
- Hemp seeds.
- Fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Fruits high in flavonoids: berries, and red grapes.
- Vegetables high in sulfur: cabbage, asparagus, garlic and onions.
- Ginger.
- Cayenne pepper.
- Pineapples.
- Spices high in antioxidants: sumac, turmeric, and cinnamon.
Recommended Supplements:
- Glucosamine: 1000 – 2000 mg a day. It is a key component of the cartilage and also reduces pain and inflammation.
- Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): 3000 – 6000 mg a day. MSM is a good source of sulfur and reduces inflammation and pain as well. Glucosamine needs sulfur for cartilage repair.
- French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 200 – 300 mg a day. It improves blood circulation to the area and reduces inflammation.
- Grape Seed Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
- Curcumin: 1000 – 1500 mg a day. This potent antioxidant reduces pain and inflammation.
- Chondroitin Sulfate: 1200 – 1800 mg a day
- Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2- -3 grams a day.
- Bromelain: 1500 mg a day. It reduces inflammation.
- White Willow Bark: 400 – 800 mg a day. It contains salicin that reduces pain and inflammation.
- Boswellia extract: 1200 mg a day. It improves blood supply to the joint tissues and reduces inflammation as well.
- Vitamin B3: 1000 – 2000 mg a day.
- SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine): 600 – 1200 mg a day.
- Hyaluronic Acid: 100 – 200 mg a day. It may increase the production of synovial fluid, improving joint flexibility.
- L – Proline: 500 – 1000 mg a day. This amino acid improves collagen production.
- L – Lysine: 1000 – 1500 mg a day. This amino acid improves collagen production.
- Vitamin C: 2 – 3 grams a day. This vitamin is important in the conversion of proline and lysine to hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine, which are of the key constituents of collagen.
- Multivitamin – Multiminerals: A high potency product.
Miscellaneous Suggestions:
- Liver detoxification.
- Colon cleansing.
- Regular exercise.
- Therapeutic stretches.
- Acupuncture.
