Conventional medicine has little to offer people suffering from arthritis pain. Anti-inflammatory drugs may relieve the symptoms, but they don't slow the rate of joint destruction. Furthermore, these drugs can cause bleeding peptic ulcers and may occasionally cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Fortunately, natural medicine has a number of different effective nutritional treatments to offer.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis or degenerative joint disease, is the most common form of arthritis, and it affects more than 16 million Americans. It becomes more common with advancing age. The joints most often involved are the fingers, knees, hips, and the cervical or lumbar spine.
The cause of osteoarthritis is unknown. Although inflammation is present to some extent, it does not appear to be the main cause of joint damage. Although cartilage damage is one of the hallmarks of osteoarthritis, heavy use of the joints does not necessarily cause problems. In fact, many former long-distance runners have perfectly normal hips and knees, while their more sedentary friends become plagued with degenerating joints.
Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 which can not only decrease arthritis pain but also improve depression and re-activate a lost sense of humor. Although it is unknown exactly how niacinamide works, it is thought to somehow improve the metabolism of joint cartilage. Niacinamide is available from a number of sources, including health-food stores. The effects of taking two 500 milligram niacinamide capsules (two to three times a day) on arthritis pain (and depression) are generally noticeable after about three weeks of regular usage. Of course, whenever taking fractionalized vitamins, it's always a good idea to take the whole complex periodically to assure you are not depleting your biological stores.
In addition to niacinamide, glucosamine is one of the building blocks of joint cartilage and has also been shown to prevent the degeneration of joint tissue. Cod-liver oil, natural vitamin E, and selenium, also have anti-inflammatory effects. Taking these supplements along with the niacinamide, can be a good synergy of nutrients to repair damaged cartilage.
Individuals with osteoarthritis should be tested for food allergies and sensitivities. Although food allergies and sensitivities aren't as important in osteoarthritis as in the rheumatoid type, they can still cause considerable trouble.
Nightshade sensitivity is a special category of food sensitivity which can be extremely important in a minority of osteoarthritis sufferers. Nightshade vegetables are potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, and tobacco. Presently, there is no test for this sensitivity. It can only be diagnosed if arthritis symptoms lessen or disappear after several weeks of total elimination of nightshade vegetables and tobacco.
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