Nutritional Factsheet

Creaky joints, rheumatism, arthritis or a touch of lumbago – whatever you call it, there’s one thing you know for sure – it hurts!

A pill to cure what ails you would indeed be a miracle and there are plenty of painkillers that can help ease the pain, but surely it is to the causes we should look in order to understand the root of the problem.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of this disease. It is seen mainly, but not exclusively, in the elderly – surveys show that 80 per cent of people over the age of 50 have osteoarthritis and it is ten times more common in women that in men.

The weight bearing joints and the hands are the most affected areas resulting in pain and deformity. Osteoarthritis is most commonly the result of wear-and-tear.

Rheumatoid arthritis, however, is an inflammatory condition that affects the entire body; it is much more rare, affecting just 1 to 2 per cent of the population. It is an autoimmune reaction where antibodies develop against joint tissues – its cause is unknown.

So what can you do to help yourself? Why not look to natural preparations and a modification of your diet to help your condition, rather than simply taking painkillers to mask the problem.

Nutritionists all over the world have been investigating natural ways to help with rheumatoid and osteo-arthritis, but because osteoarthritis is by far the most common form, the simple self-help programme on this sheet is devised with this condition in mind. As with all self-help programmes it is always wise to consult your health professional.

Avoid these foods

Tomatoes Wheat (in excess)
Peppers Dairy products
Potatoes Eggs (in excess)
Aubergine Citrus fruit
Red meat Shellfish
Fried foods

Avoid these stimulants

Coffee Sugar
Tea Tobacco
Chocolate Alcohol

Supplement Programme

Antioxidant combination
(1 tablet twice a day)
Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C and E, beta-carotene and zinc, protect the cartilage from being destroyed and help with the production of new cartilage. Deficiencies of these nutrients are often found in arthritis patients

Quercetin 200-250mg
(2 capsules twice a day on empty stomach)
Quercetin, a non-citrus bioflavanoid, displays a powerful effect in the treatment and relief of arthritis pain and swelling.

Glucosamine 500-1000mg
(1 tablet 2-3 times per day)
This amino sugar has been successful in many clinical studies in the treatment of arthritis and its symptoms. Glucosamine is produced in the body and is a major factor in the production of the joint lubricating synovial fluid as well as cartilage.
 
Boswellia
Inhibits oedema
Anti- inflammatory: reduces damage caused by long-term inflammation.
Improves integrity of the blood vessels around the joint so improving the supply of nutrients to the area. May also be able to open up new blood vessels to by-pass those badly damaged.

Turmeric
Anti – inflammatory
Anti-oxidant against free radicals implicated in arthritis.
Supports liver function and detoxifies compounds from the digestive tract, which exacerbate arthritis.