Natural Remedies for Arthritis

The natural remedies for arthritis portion of my site is designed in levels because there is a lot of information here. On this level, I'll discuss natural remedies in general. Things like supplements (glucosamine, omega-3 fatty acids, and hyaluronic acid) and arthritis cream that can be rubbed on are here, as are specifics for certain types of arthritis (gouty arthritis is helped by cherries, for example). Within the text you'll see certain words are linked. If you click on those, you'll be taken to another page where that item or topic is discussed in detail.

I've also got links here to other resources or companies that have products or information that can help you.

HealingWell.com is one great resource on lots of conditions - not just arthritis. I particularly like their bookstore. Click this button to check it out.

Let's start with supplements

The ones most commonly taken as natural remedies for arthritis are Glucosamine sulfate, Chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid, calcium, MCHC (Microcrystalline Hydroxyapetite Concentrate) and Omega-3 fatty acids. Glucosamine and Chondroitin come in different forms, like Glucosamine HCl, but for simplicity's sake I'm only going to use the term Glucosamine. It's found naturally in high concentrations in the joints, and it appears to help rebuild cartilage.

The problem with using anti-inflammatory medications long term is that many of them get pulled off the market because the side effects are so dangerous (remember the Vioxx debacle?). So when it comes to something like Glucosamine (or other natural remedies for arthritis) I think they're worth a try. There are relatively no side effects, they won't cost you thousands of dollars, and there's a great chance you'll get some relief.

There are two supplements I offer as natural remedies for arthritis in my practice. The first is called Severe Arthritis Formula and it's for people with serious arthritis symptoms and inflammation. It goes beyond the common combination of glucosamine and MSM with the addition of Green Lipid Mussels, Hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin C and Manganese. It helps:

Supports Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Reduces Joint Swelling
Maintains Healthy Collagen
Promotes Healthy Bone Growth and Development

The Green Lipped Mussels (GLM) provide glycosaminoglycans, the main component of cartilage and synovial fluid and also has a fatty acid that reduces the swelling in your joint.

In a randomized trial, GLM reduced symptoms in up to 76% of people with joint inflammation and deterioration. (Gibson SLM, Gibson RG. The treatment of arthritis with a lipid extract of Perna canaliculus; a randomized trial. Comp TherMed 1998;6:122-6. [URL:www.truestarhealth.com Accessed 16 July 04])

In a similar trial people with joint conditions had 50% and 67% pain reduction after using GLM for three months. (Gibson RG, Gibson SL. Green-lipped mussel extract in arthritis. Lancet 1981;1:439.)

Hyaluronic Acid is found in synovial fluid (inside the joint) and has both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Vitamin C is a main part of collagen and is used in every step of it's formation. This means that it gets used up in the process of making collagen and as vitamin C levels go down, joint inflammation appears to go up. Manganese helps with the growth and development of normal bone.

As you can see, Severe Arthritis Formula is a complete formula to help you feel better. As with most natural remedies for arthritis, you may notice a difference within a couple of weeks, or it may take up to 3 months.

Typical dosage of Glucosamine is 1500 mg a day, in 3 doses of 500 mg each. This appears to be the level at which it's best absorbed and used.

Chondroitin sulfate was first extracted in the 1960's and appears to have slightly more evidence showing it helps with arthritis symptoms. It's a bigger chemical than glucosamine, so there's some belief that it isn't absorbed as easily. It's often found together with glucosamine in many natural remedies for arthritis.

Dosage of chondroitin is 1200 mg a day in divided doses of 400 mg three times a day or 600 mg twice a day.

Goji Berries and Natural Remedies for Arthritis

One of the culprits behind chronic diseases like arthritis is acidity in your system. Diets high in processed foods and protein can cause blood acidity to go up, which makes you feel bad. There is a lot of info out there on pH balance and I'm not going to go into too much detail here, but the goji berry has alkalizing properties. I've used goji berry juice in my practice with arthritis patients with great results. Natural remedies for arthritis generally work to reduce inflammation and/or acidity. The goji berry may have properties that do both.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are found in cold water fish like salmon, herring, and sardines and also in some nuts or seeds, like flax seeds. They are called "essential" fatty acids because we need them, but our bodies cannot make them on our own, so they must be gotten from food. Because they decrease inflammation, they're great natural remedies for arthritis.

There are 3 types of omega-3 fatty acids, and I'm not going to go into the biochemistry of them here. The ones that are best used by your body are EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). They're important because there's extensive research showing that they reduce inflammation the risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis.

Now here's the problem with the typical American diet... omega-3's should make up about 1/4 to 1/2 of our fat intake; but most American's eat only a fraction of that and use mostly omega-6 fatty acids as their primary source (these come from safflower, sunflower, corn, sesame, walnut, and primrose oils). Omega-6's are also essential, but they tend to promote inflammation if eaten too much. In the proper ratio, omega-3's can help decrease inflammation in the body. The easiest way to do this is to take a pure, pharmaceutical grade omega-3 supplement with the right ratio of EPA and DHA in it.

Doses of omega-3's for adults (from fish oils) would be between 1-3 grams daily of EPA and DHA. It may take 2 - 3 weeks for benefits of fish oil supplements to be seen. You'll need to read the label closely to make sure you're looking at the right information. Here's an example:

Your Natural Marine Lipid is a total of 1 gram per softgel, and that breaks down to 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. For an adult looking at omega-3's as a natural remedy for arthritis, I'd recommend 2-3 softgels per day. It may take a few weeks for noticeable results. If you're taking a blood thinner, check with your doctor for specific dosing of fish oils.

And now for something completely different

Some people with arthritis have elemental mineral deficiencies. Easy natural remedies for arthritis include wearing bracelets of known elements that can help cure those aches and pains. They work naturally and with absolutely NO drugs.

Copper activates the enzymes which kick start certain biochemical reactions. Without copper, these enzymes remain inactive and this permits certain diseases to gain hold.

For arthritis sufferers, the most important enzyme affected by lack of copper may be lysyl oxidase. Lysyl Oxidase is involved in the synthesis and maintenance of bone and connective tissue. If this enzyme is compromised or inactive then maintenance breaks down. We believe that copper is essential to the activation of lysyl oxidase and supports both elastin and collagen (the building blocks of your joints).

Copper has a positive influence on blood circulation and metabolism. It aids in detoxifying the body - relieving arthritis and rheumatism. It aids exhaustion. It's a strong conductor of energy. Please note: Coppers' therapeutic properties will draw toxins from the system through the skin at areas where copper is worn.

The only copper bracelet I recommend is from Dealon Bracelets. Patricia prides herself on this home remedy from her native country, Ireland, and her quality is top notch. You can find out more information by going to Dealon Bracelets.

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any illness.