Osteoarthritis
Arthritis, or osteoarthritis, is an inflammatory disease
that affects the joints and other tissues. Joints affected
are usually the larger joints such as knees, hips, and
spinal (thoracic and neck), however other joints can also
be affected.
Arthritis can be due to general wear and tear of the joint
and other factors such as improper healing, genetics, and
nutritional deficiencies. Obesity and high impact
activities are also predisposing factors.
Symptoms include
- Pain in joint especially upon prolonged use
- Worse for colder weather
- Older age (extremely common by age 70)
- Usually affects joint on left and right sides of body
- Usually involves one or only a few joints
- Stiffness
- Gradual onset
Nutrition & Lifestyle
- Anti-inflammatory diet: Exclude meat, poultry, dairy,
chemicals, sugar, eggs, nightshade family vegetables
(tomato, potato, peppers, eggplant), tea, coffee, alcohol,
and all processed foods. See us at The Modern Apothecary
for more information on the Anti-inflammatory diet.
- Increase consumption of cold water fish such as salmon,
sardines, mackerel, cod and tuna
- Weight loss if indicated
- Gentle exercise such as swimming, yoga, walking, aqua
aerobics, and Tai Chi. Exercise can help to decrease pain,
strengthen muscles and bones, improve circulation, reduce
joint stiffness, and improve energy levels. Avoid heavy
lifting.
- Increase water intake
Supplements
- Fish oils (EPA/DHA). 6000mg per day (6 capsules; 2
capsules three times daily).
- Glucosamine. 1500mg daily. Best taken as a combination
with chondroitin and MSM. For correct cartilage metabolism
and reduce degradation.
- Vitamin C & Bioflavonoids. 1000mg daily. Reduces
cartilage loss, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, strengthens
connective tissue & ligaments.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) 1000mg daily. Reduces pain associated
with arthritis, promotes regeneration.
- Vitamin E 600iu daily. Reduces pain, anti-inflammatory,
antioxidant.
- Blackmores Celloids PCIP. 1 tablet 3 times daily. For
inflammation.
- Blackmores Celloids SPMP. 1 tablet 3 times daily.
Alkalising.
Herbs
- Ginger: anti-inflammatory, analgesic
- Turmeric: anti-inflammatory, antioxidant
- Boswellia: anti-inflammatory, analgesic
- White willow bark: analgesic, anti-inflammatory
- Celery: diuretic, anti-inflammatory, clears acidic
metabolites
- Nettle: anti-inflammatory, diuretic, assists elimination,
alkalising
- Meadowsweet: analgesic, anti-inflammatory
- Devil’s Claw: anti-inflammatory, analgesic
- Licorice: anti-inflammatory, useful for side effects of
NSAID medication
The Modern Apothecary Herbal Teas
- Freedom tea (Meadowsweet, Ginger, Celery, Nettle,
Willowbark, Spearmint). Reduces aches and pains and acidic
build up. Improves circulation, cleanses the blood, and
reduces arthritic symptoms.
Disclaimer: This information is to be used as an
educational guide only. It is not intended to be used as a
substitute for the advice and treatment of a qualified
natural health care practitioner and does not intend to
diagnose any health condition. Please consult a
practitioner if you wish to receive more information, or
call The Modern Apothecary on (02) 9904 0084.