A Look at Natural Help for Arthritis

by Carrie A. Corson, from the December 1999 Newsletter

Since osteoarthritis is the number one cause of physical disability in the United States, it is no surprise that one of the most frequent questions people ask me is, "Is there any natural help for arthritis?" The answer is yes, there are actually a number of options. Three helpful supplements that we carry here at the Co-op are glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin, and MSM. All are a form of sulfur, a necessary ingredient in the regeneration of cartilage. This is an important component in arthritis relief.

Osteoarthritis is sometimes called the "wear and tear" disease. It is the result of deterioration of that cartilage around our joints which is supposed to prevent bone-on-bone contact. Many factors contribute to this deterioration: injury, stress on joints, aging, poor nutrition, and genetic predisposition (though not an overriding factor) all play a role.

Glucosamine is a natural substance found abundantly in our bodies. It plays an important role in the health and resiliency of our cartilage. It helps provide that cushion that keeps our bones from grinding together. As we age, we begin to lose some of the glucosamine and other substances in our cartilage. This can lead to a thinning of the cartilage and to the onset and progression of osteoarthritis. Supplementing with glucosamine can help regenerate the deteriorating cartilage, thereby relieving the symptoms associated with osteoarthritis. All of the forms of supplemental glucosamine that we carry are made from the shells of shrimp or crab.

Chondroitin is another component of cartilage. There have not been as many studies done on the use of chondroitin as there have on glucosamine. However, preliminary research has shown that chondroitin sulfate interferes with enzymes that break cartilage down, has anti-inflammatory properties, and supplies the material for the production of new cartilage. The chondroitin carried at the Co-op is derived from bovine cartilage. Both chondroitin and glucosamine can be taken individually. There is some recognition that there is a definite synergy that occurs when they are taken together. However, chondroitin is significantly more expensive than glucosamine, so many people start with glucosamine and add chondroitin if they are not obtaining desired results.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a naturally-occurring sulfur compound that is found in small quantities in the body and in food. It is the main healing ingredient of DMSO. However, MSM is odorless and does not result in any of the adverse reactions shown by DMSO. Stanley W. Jacob, M.D., of the Oregon Health Sciences University in Portland, and author of The Miracle of MSM–The Natural Solution for Pain, says that MSM can often provide significant relief, even for severe cases.

"People report less pain, less stiffness and greater mobility." There is some evidence that taking MSM with glucosamine can enhance the health benefits of glucosamine. The MSM that we carry at the Co-op is derived from algae.

Keep in mind that these are nutritional supplements that work differently than other treatments for arthritis. Because they are meant to begin regenerating cartilage, it may take several weeks before you notice improvement. MSM, glucosamine and chondroitin are all considered safe nutritional supplements. However, it is still recommended that you consult with a health care professional before using them. Next month, in part two of this article, I will discuss other helpful herbal and vitamin supplements as well as the importance of a holistic approach in dealing with osteoarthritis.

Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. and Michael Murray, N.D., authors of Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, promote proper nutrition as one of the best things you can do for yourself if you are feeling the aches and pain of arthritis. Proper nutrition can help keep cartilage healthy, thereby slowing degeneration.

There is some evidence that eating foods that contain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an omega-3 oil, may help reduce inflammation. ALA is found in foods including flaxseed oil, fruits, vegetables and legumes, as well as sardines and other oily fish. Another nutrient that some tests indicate is beneficial is gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an omega 6 oil. This oil is much harder to get in our diets because it does not occur in common foods. It is however, present in supplements such as black currant oil, evening primrose oil, borage oil and fish oil. Eliminating caffeine, simple, processed and concentrated carbohydrates and decreasing consumption of animal fats can also be helpful. Emphasis should be placed on complex-carbohydrates and high-fiber foods.

Some arthritis sufferers have also found that eliminating nightshade-family vegetables including tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and tobacco has made a dramatic difference. This diet was developed by Norman Childers, a horticulturist, while treating his own osteoarthritis. His theory is that genetically-susceptible individuals might develop osteoarthritis from long-term, low-level consumption of the alkaloids found in nightshades. Presumably the alkaloids inhibit normal collagen repair in the joints or promote inflammatory degeneration of the joint. This theory is unproven, but the diet has been beneficial for some people. Murray and Pizzorno contend that it is certainly worth a try as it is one of the least complicated diets to try to determine whether food allergies or trigger foods worsen your symptoms.

Eating foods containing vitamins E and C (or supplementing your diet with these antioxidants), is also suspected to be important to maintain cartilage health. Vitamins A, B1, B6, and niacinamide have also been indicated to be effective in the treatment and prevention of arthritis.

Large amounts of niacinamide in combination with glucosamine sulfate, according to some studies, seem to be the most beneficial. However, this should be used under the supervision of a qualified health care provider as large amounts of niacinamide can result in significant side effects (e.g. glucose intolerance and liver damage). Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties such as ginger, boswellia and feverfew can help relieve symptoms. A topical treatment containing cayenne can help reduce pain in the affected area.

In our holistic approach to healing, it is important to remember that there are many factors that help. Change of diet and nourishing our bodies with supplements is a good start. But there are other factors to consider. Exercise goes a long way toward overall health and well being. Low impact aerobics can be very helpful in reducing the pain associated with arthritis. But it also helps in reducing stress. Stress is one of the factors that seem to exacerbate arthritis. When we think of ourselves as a whole, composed of a complex set of physical, mental-emotional, spiritual and social factors, we can see the importance of bringing all of those factors into play when trying to heal our bodies. Then we can help ourselves become part of the cure.

In addition, I'm really looking forward to the coming year. I think we have some exciting changes coming up. One of them will be that the Moscow Food Co-op will be co-sponsoring a series of natural health workshops with Cindy Carlson, of Holistic Counseling Services of Moscow. Plans are now in progress. Watch for inserts and fliers detailing upcoming events.

For further reading:
Adderly, Brenda M.H.A., Want Healthy Joints? The key is in the cartilage. Better Nutrition Magazine, October 1999.
Dennison, Margaret, MA All About MSM. Avery Publishing, 1999.
Goldberg, Burton, Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide, Future Medicine Publishing, 1993, 1999
Pizzorno, Joseph, N.D. and Murray, Michael, N.D. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine, Revised addition, Prima Publishing, 1998.
Sahelian, Ray M.D., All About Glucosamine & Chondroitin. Avery Publishing 1998.
Zucker, Martin, MSM: The Natural Solution for Arthritis Pain. Better Nutrition Magazine, September 1999.

Copyright: Copyright on articles and recipes are jointly held by the Moscow Food Co-op and the respective authors, except were otherwise noted.

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