Arthritis Treatment: Painkillers vs. nutrient therapy

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By Dr. Joyce Johnson

Many patients with arthritis ask me about natural options for dealing with pain. While "instant" relief may be experienced with potent over-the-counter pain medications, my clients are often concerned about medication side effects, build up of tolerance, drug toxicity or withdrawal. Natural approaches to pain are seldom instant, but they may be recommended because they are more likely to support the body's own pain management and repair processes, and address the causes of pain.

"Arthro" means joint and "itis" means inflammation. Inflammation is a natural and necessary bodily function, but it can get out of control. Reducing inflammation is a key to eliminating pain. The pain and discomfort of osteoarthritis provide a good example of how painkillers and natural remedies compare.

How drugs block pain

In general, pain medications reduce pain by inhibiting the body's production of prostaglandins, hormone-like chemical messengers. Prostaglandins have many roles, including activation of inflammation and production of pain and fevers. When tissue damage occurs white blood cells flood to the area to minimize damage and prostaglandins are produced.

Pain medications contain chemicals that block the production of enzymes needed for synthesis of prostaglandins. This can reduce inflammation, pain, and fever. However prostaglandins also protect the stomach and support healthy blood clotting. It has been found that continued use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause stomach ulcers and bleeding. Other common side effects of NSAIDs include constipation, headache, diarrhoea, nausea, rashes and prolonged bleeding after surgery.

Natural anti-inflammatory, anti-pain compounds

Omega-3s

A potent natural anti-inflammatory is found in omega-3 fish oils containing DHA. Molecularly distilled fish oils are an excellent daily supplement for pain control and omega-3s have many other health benefits including better heart and brain health.

Antioxidants

Free radicals are molecules with unpaired electrons that move around the body trying to steal electrons from other molecules. This process can damage cells and is called oxidation. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals and some antioxidants are excellent anti-inflammatories. Scientists have also found that combinations of certain antioxidants have greater effect than single antioxidants on certain types of inflammation. The best sources of antioxidants are colourful vegetables and fruits, as well as tea and wine. Blueberries are powerful antioxidants. Researchers believe that the phytochemicals in blueberries may reduce inflammatory processes in tissues by improving permeability of cell membranes so vital nutrients and signals can pass in and out of the cells more readily.

Turmeric, the deep yellow Indian spice, has an active ingredient called curcumin that has been shown to stop inflammation and to reduce risk for certain types of cancer. Curcumin is a natural source of the same enzyme inhibitors found in drugs such as Celebrex.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

These sulfates are among the most popular natural joint support supplements. Glucosamine occurs naturally in the body as a building block for cartilage and connective tissue. Alone or in combination with chondroitin, glucosamine helps stop cartilage deterioration while reducing or eliminating pain and improving joint flexibility.

MSM is an organic sulphur compound that may also have anti-inflammatory effects. It is found on its own or in joint supplement formulas.

Combination Formulas

While natural solutions may take longer to eliminate pain, scientific research is producing some potent natural combinations for arthritis and other pain. InflamEase is a recently developed nutritional compound containing seven antioxidant fruit concentrates, a standardized extract of the anti-inflammatory herb Boswellia, and turmeric extract, another potent anti-inflammatory. It is found in an Osteo Joint Ease formula with glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM and may be the most powerful nutritional combination ever developed to ease discomfort and promote joint healing.

Be sure to consult your physician and determine the source and cause of pain or inflammation before treatment.

Courtesy newscanada.com

Health and Fitness