Reduce Inflammation To Heal Arthritis (Part 4)

By Dr. Paulette Roscoe

In my last column I talked about rheumatoid arthritis, an auto immune disease. I mentioned that rheumatoid arthritis is an excellent example of a multi-faceted disease involving digestion, genetics, infections, and food allergies.

When treating rheumatoid arthritis, it is very important to start with the diet. What we want is a diet rich in whole foods, vegetables, and fibre, and low in sugar, meat, refined carbohydrates, and saturated fats. Such a diet can help to prevent rheumatoid arthritis and can also be part of the treatment. Eliminating food allergies is a crucial step because food allergies often cause inflammation in the body. I recommend that you have your food sensitivities tested by an alternative practitioner.

One third of those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis have a reaction to the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers, and tobacco). Other common food allergens are wheat, corn, meat, and dairy products.

In order to heal your gut, you have to work on your digestion so that the food you eat is better metabolized and eliminated. Digestive enzymes can help. You can also increase the health of the flora in the GI tract by adding acidophilus to your daily health routine. Animal products can increase inflammatory compounds in your body so lower your intake of these products and replace them with essential fatty acids like flax oil, evening primrose oil, and fish oil.

Studies have shown that essential fatty acids do more than just decrease inflammation, they actually inhibit it. Several studies have shown that people with the lowest levels of antioxidants run the highest risk of contracting rheumatoid arthritis so adding anti-oxidants to your health regime is a good idea. Increase your intake of vitamin C to 3,000 mgs a day in divided doses. Other useful antioxidants are Vitamin E and selenium. Zinc is useful in regulating the immune system.

Herbs that can help reduce inflammation are curcumim, the yellow pigment in turmeric, and bromelin, the anti-inflammatory enzyme in pineapples. Both of these botanicals have been shown to have dramatic anti-inflammatory effects.

Another useful addition to your supplements may be glucosamine sulfate. This supplement will help ensure that the cartilage between the joint spaces is not decreasing. Licorice root and ginseng contain components that possess anti-inflammatory properties and have also been shown to increase the activity of the adrenal gland DHEA. A cream made of capsicum (cayenne pepper) can stimulate and then block the transmission of the pain impulses.

Physical therapy can improve your comfort and preserve joint and muscle function. Passive range of motion exercises are useful during acute flare-ups while active range of motion exercises are more appropriate as healing occurs. Massage therapy can also help to heal these tissues.

Many of these treatments will help eliminate symptoms of mild rheumatoid arthritis. In severe cases you may need a combination of natural therapies and drugs. My own clinical experience has shown me that natural therapies will reduce your need for drugs for a longer period of time. They can also help to reduce the necessary dosage.

But the most important message I want to get across is that things can be done to reduce your pain and discomfort. You don't have to put up with the pain.

If you liked this article, try these related links:
Arthritis Part 1 – Arthritis Symptoms can be Corrected
Arthritis Part 11 – Treatment for Arthritis Sufferers
Arthritis Part 111- Many Causes for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Dr. Paulette Roscoe is a naturopathic physician who practices in Nanaimo. She welcomes your calls at 754-1733.