Tagged with 'arthritis'

There are many natural, nutrition-related remedies to reduce bad inflammation, and here are some of our favorites.

Joints are amazing. Right now, no matter what you are doing, your joints are helping you to move, bend, or flex. Sitting down? Your knee joints are most likely bent. Typing at a computer? Your elbow, wrist, and finger joints are all at work. Striding down the street? Your hips, spine, knees, and ankles are all in play. There are over 400 joints in your body! 

For those with joint conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, joints can also be a source of pain, inflammation, swelling, and stiffness. An estimated 27 million adults in the US are living with osteoarthritis. This common type of arthritis occurs when cartilage breaks, usually later in life, affecting weight bearing joints like the knees. 

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are two very commonly used supplements for people with joint pain and osteoarthritis. Both of these natural substances are found in and around the cells of cartilage. But what other options are out there for joint pain sufferers?

Four Herbs to Naturally Support Joint Pain 

Green Tea

Green tea is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, and is a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols that have anti-inflammatory properties. Green tea is the leaves of the camilla sinensis plant. While legends differ regarding the discovery of this popular drink, experts agree that it has been enjoyed as a health promoting beverage for over 5,000 years. 

A study done at the University of Maryland and Rutgers University examined the effects of green tea polyphenols on rheumatoid arthritis in an animal study. The researchers found that green tea significantly reduced the severity of arthritis compared to a control group that only received water. 

Researchers suggest that the positive affects of green tea on rheumatoid arthritis may be caused by changes to arthritis-related immune responses; green tea suppresses an inflammatory substance known as cytokine IL-17, and antibodies to a disease-related antigen known as Bhsp65. Green tea also increases levels of an anti-inflammatory substance known as cytokine IL-10.

Their final recommendation? That green tea be further explored as a dietary therapy along with conventional treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. 

Stinging Nettle 

Stinging Nettle, Urtica dioica, was used as far back as medieval Europe as a remedy for joint pain, and as a diuretic. It is still used as a remedy for painful muscles and joints today. For this purpose, it is the leaves and stems of nettle that are typically found in a joint or muscle formula.

Studies on the affect of Stinging Nettle on joint pain have suggested that some people suffering from osteoarthritis experience pain relief from topical application to painful areas. Other studies demonstrated that an oral extract of stinging nettle allowed people to reduce their usage of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 

Turmeric

Turmeric, curcuma longa, has been used for over 4,000 years in both Indian Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine practices as an anti-inflammatory, to heal wonds, digestive problems, and more. Turmeric is a spice widely used today in currys, and in the bright yellow mustard found in most homes. Turmeric has made multiple appearances this month on our blog as we discuss joint health and inflammation, and for good reason! 

It is turmeric's possible anti-inflammatory properties, and not its legendary use in the kitchen, that might inspire you to keep some on hand. In a randomized placebo-controlled trial, 120 patients with knee osteoarthritis received either 500mg of turmeric extract twice daily, a placebo, or a combination of glucosamine and turmeric extract.

The results showed that the patients who received turmeric showed a significant decrease in severity of pain, a significant decrease in the use of rescue medication, and experienced clinical and subjective improvement compared to the placebo group. The study concluded that turmeric was a safe and effective treatment option for patients with primary, painful knee osteoarthritis.

Pomegranate 

Pomegranates, Punica granatum, have been cultivated since ancient times throughout the Mediterranean regions of Asia, Africa, and Europe. Pomegranate juice was used as a folk remedy for dispepsia and even leprosy. It was also used dysentary, bronchitis, and to relieve sore throats. Pomegranates had an almost magical, mythical reputation in various cultures, and were known as "the Fruit of Life".

A recent study on the affect of pomegranate extract in mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) demonstrated that pomegranate extract significantly reduced the incidence and severity of CIA. The arthritic joints in these subjects had less inflammation, and alleviated destruction of bone and cartilage after receiving pomegranate extract. The researchers concluded that the pomegranate extract selectively inhibited inflammatory cytokines critical to the development of inflammation.

While more research needs to be done, pomegranate shows promise as an effective and natural option for the prevention of arthritic joints. 

More Tips for Healthy Joints

A good diet full of whole foods with anti-inflammatory properties may help to prevent joint problems later in life. Be sure to include the following: 

• Foods high in vitamin D, like eggs, oysters, and cod liver oil, are important for people with osteoarthritis, as research shows that low levels of vitamin D can lead to more joint pain. 

Get moving! Keeping muscles strong and the body limber may help prevent future joint problems later in life. Eating right and getting daily exercise can also keep extra, unwanted pounds off the body that could lead to further stress on joints.

It's never too late to start exercising for joint relief.  In one study, osteoarthritis patients with an average age of 65 who practiced tai chi twice a week improved in scores of pain, physcial function, and physical quality of life. 

References

University of Maryland Medical Center; Turmeric; May 2013; http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/turmeric

PubMed; Safety and efficacy of Curcuma longa extract in the treatment of painful knee osteoarthritis; April 2013; http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23242572 

University of Maryland Medical Center; Stinging Nettle; May 2013; http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/stinging-nettle

WebMD; Supplements for Arthritis and Joint Pain; May 2012; http://www.webmd.com/diet/arthritis-guide

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Arthritis; http://nccam.nih.gov/health/arthritis

National Center for complementary and Alternative Medicine; Green Tea May Help to Protect Against Rheumatoid Arthritis; http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/120808.htm

National Center for complementary and Alternative Medicine; Pomegranate Extract May Be Helpful for Rheumatoid Arthritis; http://nccam.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/120508.htm?nav=gsa

WebMD; Osteoarthritis Health Center; Oct 2008; http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/news/20081024/tai-chi-may-ease-knee-pain

Cayenne is not just a hot and spicy chili pepper!  

Did you know?

Capsaicin is recognized as an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, chronic pain, psoriasis, postherpetic neuralgia and pain, and nerve pain caused by diabetic neuropathy.

• If you find the

  burning too much to cope with, go for the milder strength, which is 0.025%

  . With time, as the uncomfortable sensations decrease, you may be able to build back up to the stronger dose.

• If you don't get enough relief with the mid-strength, try the strongest dose, which is 0.25% -- but don't use that dose first.

• Wash your hands well after use.  Make absolutely sure the cream or fingers that have touched the cream do not touch your eyes, your genitals, or inside your nose – so as not to get hit with the same wild burning that would occur if you touched them after chopping up a hot pepper.

• Apply capsaicin after a work-out or shower rather than before.  Warm water or sweat hitting an area of your body where you have used capsaicin may cause a marked increase in burning sensation.

• Give capsaicin a full trial - three times daily for two weeks.  If you don't have an improvement by then, or if you feel worse at any time or just can't stand the burning, just stop using it.  However, if the lower dose doesn't work but you tolerate it, a higher dose (see above) may work.

As with any medication or herbal remedy, please consult with your health care provider prior to initiating a new treatment.

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RD

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

References:

1.  Theodore R. Fields, MD, FACP; Attending Physician, Hospital for Special Surgery, Professor of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College  http://www.hss.edu/conditions_capsaicin-pepper-creams-joint-pain.asp

2.  Natural Products Foundation:  Capsaicin

It's fairly common to experience some type of inflammation in some part of your body on a fairly regular basis, even if you don't realize it, such as what happens during exercise. As it turns out, there are some natural remedies for helping, and it may just take some small tweaks in your diet!

Osteoarthritis, Liver Cirrhosis, Depression…what do they all have in common??  It would seem, not much, but surprisingly there is something and it’s called S-Adenosyl Methionine, also known as SAMe. 

SAMe is a form of the amino acid methionine and most people get enough.  However, there are some instances, taking extra SAMe just may be your solution.

Liver Cirrhosis

For example, in the unfortunate situation you have or know someone with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, supplementing with large amounts of SAMe may improve survival and liver function.  

How?

SAMe has been shown to reverse the depletion of glutathione, an important antioxidant required for liver function¹.  It has also been shown to aid in the resolution of blocked bile flow (cholestasis), a common complication of liver cirrhosis^{2, 3}.

How much would you need to take?

Well, one double-blind trial found that 1,200 mg of SAMe per day for two years significantly decreased the overall death rate and the need for liver transplantation in people with alcoholic liver cirrhosis, particularly in those with less advanced liver disease⁴.

Osteoarthritis

Do you have achy, painful joints caused from osteoarthritis?  SAMe possesses anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and tissue-healing properties that may help protect the health of your joints^{5, 6}. 

How?

The primary way in which SAMe reduces osteoarthritis symptoms is not known but here are some interesting research findings: 

A very large, though uncontrolled, trial (meaning that there was no comparison with placebo) demonstrated “very good” or “good” clinical effect of SAMe in 71% of over 20,000 osteoarthritis sufferers⁷.  In addition to this preliminary research, many double-blind trials have shown SAMe reduces pain, stiffness, and swelling better than placebo and equal to drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen in people with osteoarthritis.^{8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15}.  A review of the clinical trials on SAMe concluded its efficacy against osteoarthritis was similar to that of conventional drugs but patients tolerated it better ¹⁶.

How much SAMe to take?

These double-blind trials all used 1,200 mg of SAMe per day.

Depression

Millions of people worldwide have some form of depression. Taking SAMe by mouth or by injection seems to reduce symptoms of depression.  

How?

 It appears to raise levels of dopamine, an important neurotransmitter in mood regulation. 

Interesting research findings: 

Several studies have shown SAMe can be beneficial and might be as effective as some prescription medications used for depression (tricyclic antidepressants).  Some research also shows taking SAMe might be helpful for people who don’t have a good response to a prescription antidepressant.  But keep in mind, SAMe should not be taken in combination with a prescription antidepressant without the monitoring of a health professional.

How much? 

Most trials used 1,600 mg of SAMe per day¹⁷.

Bottom Line:

SAMe shows some promising results for several devastating problems.  Ask your health care provider about using SAMe if it sounds like something you may benefit from.

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

References:

1.  Loguercio C, Nardi G, Argenzio F, et al. Effect of S-adenosyl-L-methionine administration on red blood cell cysteine and glutathione levels in alcoholic patients with and without liver disease.  Alcohol 1994;29:597–604.

2.  Frezza M, Centini G, Cammareri G, et al. S-adenosylmethionine for the treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. Results of a controlled clinical trial. Hepatogastroenterology 1990;37 Suppl 2:122–5.

3.  Frezza M, Surrenti C, Manzillo G, et al. Oral S-adenosylmethionine in the symptomatic treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis. A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Gastroenterology 1990;99:211–5.

4.  Mato JM, Camara J, Fernandez de Paz J, et al. S-adenosylmethionine in alcoholic liver cirrhosis: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter clinical trial. J Hepatol 1999;30:1081–9.

5.  Schumacher HR. Osteoarthritis: the clinical picture, pathogenesis, and management with studies on a new therapeutic agent, S-adenosylmethionine. Am J Med 1987;83(Suppl 5A):1–4 [review].

6.  Harmand MF, Vilamitjana J, Maloche E, et al. Effects of S-adenosylmethionine on human articular chondrocyte differentiation: an in vitro study. Am J Med 1987;83(Suppl 5A):48–54.

7.  Berger R, Nowak H. A new medical approach to the treatment of osteoarthritis. Report of an open phase IV study with ademetionine (Gumbaral). Am J Med 1987;83:84–8.

8. Domljan Z, Vrhovac B, Durrigl T, Pucar I. A double-blind trial of ademetionine vs naproxen in activated gonarthrosis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther Toxicol 1989;27:329–33.

9. Müller-Fassbender H. Double-blind clinical trial of S-adenosylmethionine in versus ibuprofen in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Am J Med 1987;83(Suppl 5A):81–3.

10. Vetter G. Double-blind comparative clinical trial with S-adenosylmethionine and indomethacin in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Am J Med 1987;83(Suppl 5A):78–80.

11. Maccagno A. Double-blind controlled clinical trial of oral S-adenosylmethionine versus piroxicam in knee osteoarthritis. Am J Med 1987;83(Suppl 5A):72–7.

12. Caruso I, Pietrogrande V. Italian double-blind multicenter study comparing S-adenosylmethionine, naproxen, and placebo in the treatment of degenerative joint disease. Am J Med 1987;83(Suppl 5A):66–71.

13. Marcolongo R, Giordano N, Colombo B, et al. Double-blind multicentre study of the activity of s-adenosyl-methionine in hip and knee osteoarthritis. Curr Ther Res 1985;37:82–94.

14. Glorioso S, Todesco S, Mazzi A, et al. Double-blind multicentre study of the activity of S-adenosylmethionine in hip and knee osteoarthritis. Int J Clin Pharmacol Res 1985;5:39–49.

15. Montrone F, Fumagalli M, Sarzi-Puttini P, et al. Double-blind study of S-adenosyl-methionine versus placebo in hip and knee arthrosis. Clin Rheumatol 1985;4:484–5.

16. Di Padova C. S-adenosylmethionine in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Review of the clinical studies. Am J Med 1987;83:60–5 [review].

17. Natural Products Foundation Vitamins and Herbs A-Z:  SAMe.