Osteoarthritis (OA, Arthritis)
Safe, Natural Support For This Painful Condition
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a common occurrence in people over age fifty. Weight-bearing joints are most often affected. Early symptoms include pain and stiffness that are worse in the morning or after inactivity. With progression of the disease, movement causes aggravation of symptoms.
Osteoarthritis is caused by a combination of factors, including wear and tear of cartilage, free radical damage to joint material, lack of nutrients, dietary imbalances and dehydration. Drugs used to treat arthritis, NSAIDS, provide temporary symptom relief but accelerate the underlying disease process. They should be used only for short periods of time while corrective measures are being initiated.
Diet And Lifestyle Recommendations
- Eat cold water fish (salmon, mackerel, halibut) in preference to chicken, beef or pork; eat plenty of green vegetables.
- Avoid known food allergens. The nightshade family of vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potato) are specific allergens for many people with arthritis. Consider an elimination/challenge diet to evaluate.
- Achieve and maintain a normal weight. Excess weight puts extra wear and tear on joints.
- Exercise regularly. Studies have shown a decrease of painful symptoms and an increase in mobility in people who exercise regularly. See BACK PAIN for specific low back exercises.
- Drink 64 ounces of pure water daily.
- Do not smoke. Smoking generates high levels of free radicals.
Primary Support
- Maxi Multi: 3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal doses (not minimal doses) of vitamin A, C, E, B5, B6, niacin, pantothenic acid, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, boron and vanadium are especially important.
- Omega 3 fatty acids:
Flax seed meal, 2 teaspoons per day with food
OR
Flax seed capsules: 2-4 caps, 3 times per day (target dose range: 6-12 caps per day)
OR
Flax seed oil: 1 tablespoon per day
OR
Max EPA (Omega-3 rich fish oil): 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals (target dose: 3-6 caps per day).
- Glucosamine Sulfate: (750mg, pharmaceutical grade): 2 caps, 2 times per day for 6 weeks, then 1 cap, 2 times per day after that. (target dose: 3,000 mg for 8 weeks [until significant improvement is noted] then 1,500 mg per day for maintenance).
- Grape Seed extract (PCO's): 50-100 mg, 3 times per day. (Target dose: 150-300 mg per day).
Additional Support
- MSM (fundamental sulfur): 1,000 mg, 2-3 times per day with meals.
AND
- Turmeric: 1 cap, 2-3 times per day between meals, OR Feverfew: 1 cap, 1-2 times per day.
For acute symptoms (While waiting for Glucosamine Sulfate to take effect)
- Bromelain: 2 caps, 3 times per day between meals for 4 weeks, then 1 cap, 3 times daily thereafter.
Dr. Myatt's Comment
If self-help measures fail to give improvement in three months, please consult an holistic physician. This is one condition that can be greatly helped and even cured through natural medicine. I am available for telephone consultations.
