ARTHRITIS - ITS TIME TO DITCH OUR DRUG HABITS

Throughout human history the leading causes of death have been infection and trauma. Modern medicine has scored significant victories against both, and the major causes of ill health and death are now chronic degenerative diseases, such as coronary artery disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, Alzheimers, macular degeneration, cataract and cancer.

Drugs can alleviate symptoms of these diseases, but they do little to alter the underlying disease, which usually continues to degenerate.

This process of symptom amelioration with ongoing tissue and health deterioration can last for years by which time the overworked liver’s ability to metabolize the drug medications down to non-toxic metabolites is becoming compromised.

As a result of the tired liver’s inability to “keep up” the mild drug side effects experienced at the beginning of treatment are now becoming significant side effects for which more drugs are often prescribed.

This dog chasing its tail situation where more drugs are prescribed to alleviate the side effects of the last lot of drugs while giving rise to side effects of their own, is an on going process of crisis management that doesn’t cure the underlying disease, and by now new, multiple side effects are lowering the patients quality of life and often shortening it.

Such incapacitation wrought by the side effects of too many drugs per patient is a huge drain on the human capital of the nation and, via the pharmaceutical benefit scheme (PBS), a massive and unnecessary drain on the nations financial reserves soaking up government revenue that could be spent more beneficially elsewhere.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY
Arthritis for instance

Arthritis is a wide spread chronic degenerative condition that costs the nation a fortune via the PBS.

The drugs used to treat the symptoms of arthritis, in some cases, aggravate and perpetuate the disease process. Some by creating errors in metabolism that aggravate auto-immune attacks on the joints (methotrexate) and others by preventing the repair of damaged joint bone and cartilage (non-steroidal anti inflammatory - NSAIDS, eg aspirin)

These drugs wreak their havoc because they are designed to block a single step in the processes leading to the symptoms of arthritis while ignoring the underlying causes of the disease and all the other steps leading to it’s full manifestation.

Natural therapies achieve their impressive low cost (and “no cost’ in terms of quality of life) cures of arthritis by recognising and working in harmony with the laws of nature.

One law of nature is that all biological tissues are dynamic. Their apparent constancy disguises a state of flux, with the processes of decay and regeneration running in parallel. If the anabolic (building up) and catabolic (breaking down) processes are in balance, tissue remains intact and good health is sustained. But if the rate of decay is only a little faster than the rate of repair, there is a net loss of healthy tissue, a pre-illness, growing every day until clinical (with symptoms) illness finally emerges as a chronic degenerative disease such as arthritis.

Bones and cartilage are constantly being worn away and re-built as are the other joint tissues - ligaments, tendons and synovial membranes.

CAUSES:

There are a number of reasons for joint (indeed all) tissue decay.

Uncontrolled oxidation is the main one. Most joint decay is a result of rust. Our joints don’t wear out so much as that they rust out.

Free radical chemicals cause joints to rust.

Free radical chemicals are many and varied; they can be the chemical medicines we take, the pollutants from our air, water and food (chemical flavourings, colourings and preservatives),
or the endotoxins from bacterial or viral infections, or naturally occurring oxygen free radicals in the air we breathe.

Five percent of the oxygen we breathe in escapes the orderly process of the energy cycle and escapes off into the body to oxidize = inflame tissue. People who exercise hard and often, breathe in 20 times more oxygen than sedentary people, which is one reason their joints wear out faster if they don’t take supplementary antioxidants.

Errors of metabolism can produce powerful free radicals such as the toxic chemical homocysteine that is produced in greater quantity in vitamin B6, B12, and folic acid deficient people.

Homocysteine both attacks the joints directly and agitates the immune system to attack them as typical auto-immune reactions.

Low levels of the hormones oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone can cause a particular part of the immune system called Th1 cellular immunity to run wild. Increased Th1 activity is a major promoter of rheumatoid arthritis even in young women. Rheumatoid arthritis suffering women in their twenties and thirties often have trouble conceiving a pregnancy, their oestrogen and progesterone levels are so low.

Multiple micronutrient (vitamin, mineral, essential fatty acid, mixed anti oxidants etc) deficiency is a major cause of joint tissue deterioration because:

a) these nutrients are needed to provide the raw materials for rapid joint cell replication and production of replacement bone, collagen, cartilage proteoglycan etc.
and
b) many of them are needed to double as protectors that mop up and neutralise free radical chemicals before they can inflame and destroy tissue .

The reality is that today we cannot get from our food the quantity of micro nutrients needed to keep the parallel processes of joint decay and regeneration in balance.

Space does not permit me to present even some of the scientific evidence to back that statement up. Though the evidence has not been missed by the American Medical Association AMA which has ratified it to the point of officially advising all Americans (see AMA journal – JAMA 2002; 287:3116-29) to take a multi vitamin and mineral supplement every day to help prevent chronic degenerative disease.

Our own AMA has not, as yet, followed their example, presumably because they have not yet read the Science.

VITAMINS B6, B12 AND FOLIC ACID

Although the synergistic action of the full spectrum of vitamins and minerals working together as a team is needed to prevent arthritis, the three most important are vitamin B6, B12 and Folic Acid.

These three maintain normal methionine metabolism preventing methionine from converting to the very toxic, arthritis causing, chemical ”homocysteine”, which is actively involved in the tissue inflammation and destruction in most cases of osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.

These three nutrients are also responsible for normal purine metabolism. They suppress the liver enzyme that converts purine to uric acid. A deficiency in these three vitamins sees blood uric acid levels rise and if kidney urate clearance is down, there is a build up of uric acid in the joints. This causes gouty arthritis.

Gouty arthritis complicates many cases of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid, and the various sero negative arthritis. It makes pain relief from drug medications difficult to achieve as the ever increasing number of urate crystals in the joint produces ever increasing levels of pain.

At least 2mg of folic acid, 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 100mcg of vitamin B12 are needed daily to suppress the liver’s production of uric acid. These levels are not attainable from diet alone. Only supplements will provide the required amount.

SAM-e

These supplemented levels of vitamin B6, B12 and Folic acid also ensure that methionine is not converted to homocysteine but is instead converted to the very salutary chemical s-adenosylmethionine SAM-e.

SAM-e has many important jobs to do in the body one of which is the maintaining of healthy joints.

SAM-e is a powerful anti-inflammatory antioxidant that not only protects joints but also repairs them when they have been damaged by any form of arthritis.

When B6, B12, and Folic acid intake is adequate the body is converting methionine to SAM-e and not to homocysteine, which is a double win for the body.

Taking SAM-e in supplemental form (400 to 1200 mg) reduces joint inflammation, pain and stiffness. It blocks auto-immune attacks on the joints, reduces elevated levels of homocysteine and relieves the depression caused by homocysteine brain poisoning.

It is even more effective when taken with Omega 3, and Omega 6 essential fatty acid supplements and the very concentrated marine lipid – Lyprinol.

OMEGA 3 AND OMEGA 6 FATTY ACIDS

The Omega 3 essential fatty acids found in fish oil, cod liver oil, and flaxseed oil, raise the blood levels of anti-inflammatory prostaglandin E1 and E3 while lowering the levels of pro-inflammatory prostaglandin E2.

The Omega 3s also inhibit other inflammatory actions of the immune system, reduce auto-immune damage and modify pain frequently enough to discard pain killers.

The Omega 6 essential fatty acids found in Evening Primrose and Flaxseed oils directly inhibit immune system attacks. (Tumour Necrosis factor – TNF) of cartilage, membranes and bone. Omega 6 also suppresses synovitis in rheumatoid conditions.

The amount of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids needed to achieve these results can only be found in supplements. 4-8 grams of Omega 3, 12-16 grams Omega 6.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin combine with vitamins, minerals, SAM-e, Omega 3, 6, and Lyprinol supplements to effectively repair arthritis damaged joint tissue, particularly the damaged collagen and glycosaminoglycan fibrils of the cartilage, synovial membrane and ligaments. It also helps to build up synovial fluid.

Supplements of 2-8 mg per day of glucosamine and 0.5 – 2 grams of chondroitin are very effective.

HORMONES CAUSE AND CURE ARTHRITIS

Hormonal loss at menopause (by causing increased Th1 cellular immunity activity) is a direct cause of the higher incidence of arthritis in women.

Hormonal loss is exacerbated by nutrient deficiencies. If you don’t get a full complement of these and other essential nutrients every day, your hormones decline and your risk of arthritis increases.

Chromium deficiency reduces body levels of DHEA = oestrogen and testosterone deficiency.
Take 200-400 mg Chromium Picolinate per day.

Boron and zinc deficiency reduces oestrogen and testosterone levels. Take 3-4 mg Boron Picolinate and 30-40 mg Zinc Picolinate per day.

Potassium deficiency reduces testosterone levels. Take 100 mg Potassium Citrate or Sulfate per day.

Supplementation of the diet with these nutrients when accompanied by the synergistic action of a multi vitamin and mineral raises the oestrogen and testosterone levels in peri-menopausal women and some early stage menopausal women. A deficiency in the Omega 6 and Omega 3 essential fatty acids reduces the bioavailability of bodily oestrogen thereby promoting both arthritis and brain disorders.

In association with vitamin and mineral supplementation bodily oestrogen levels can be raised to arthritis inhibiting levels with such natural substances as:

Soy isoflavones (genestein and diadzein) supplements especially when combined with Ion exchange whey protein concentrate.

Supplementing the diet with the herbs:
a) Red clover
b) Chinese Angelica
c) Licorice
d) Chasteberry
e) Black Cohosh

Alleviates the symptoms of menopause by stimulating the oestrogen receptors on cells in the same way that oestrogen does.

Although there is no scientific evidence yet to show that these herbs give the same protection against arthritis that normal levels of the self produced hormone does it’s likely they do. The positive results that natural therapists witness in their clinical work suggest that they are contributing. The fact that women in more traditional societies on natural, (herb including), diets, reach menopause without experiencing osteoporosis and joint problems, also suggest that they do.

Unfortunately, usual, (doctor prescribed) hormone replacement therapy HRT utilises the wrong forms of oestrogen in too large a dose, together with synthetic progestins that don’t control the oestrogen properly.

These prescriptions of high synthetic oestrogen, while reducing the risk of rheumatoid arthritis, predispose the taker to lupus or fibromyalgia because synthetic progestins (not natural progesterone) are used.

If prescribed HRT is your choice of treatment, consult a doctor who is trained in the science of natural HRT. Natural oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone will be prescribed and made up by a compounding chemist who would also add the important hormone regulators of DHEA and Melatonin.

High saturated fat intake worsens rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatoid disorders by disrupting the metabolism of the Omega 3 and Omega 6 essential fatty acids, as do all foods containing hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated fats (trans fats), margarines and processed cooking oils. Science is not yet sure whether these fats are a direct cause/initiator of rheumatoid conditions.

Meats – especially red meat – are high in saturated fats and arachidonic acid. Arachidonic acid is a precursor to a naturally occurring (in all tissues of the body) pro inflammatory chemical called Prostaglandin E2. High intakes of red meat are likely to cause pro inflammatory conditions in all body tissues making it easier for definitive arthritis to take root.

Protein from Ion exchange whey powder and protein from fish is arachidonic acid free and has been shown to reduce inflammation in injury prone athletes = diminished joint and connective tissue problems. Controlled studies report similar results in rheumatoid arthritis sufferers.

However, fish species such as herrings, sardines, anchovies, fish roe, caviar, mussels, raise uric acid levels predisposing to gouty arthritis.

Dr M.T.Nenonen and colleagues at the University of Kuopio in Finland showed that a high vegetable diet significantly decreased arthritis, enabling patients to stop their medication (gold, methotrexate). When patients returned to their usual diet, the arthritis returned.

Vegetables augment the effect of the anti-arthritis supplements and speed the rate of recovery from arthritis. By staying on the anti-arthritis supplements a return to some (but not too much) meat, chicken and pro-arthritis foods is possible without the condition returning.

I find that stubborn cases of arthritis improve faster if the patient goes on a strict 6-9 week vegan diet comprising fruit, vegetables, nuts, seeds and a little soya protein only.

If loosing too much weight on this diet eat more nuts and seeds.

Only do this diet under supervision from a doctor, naturopath or other health case professional.

MEDICAL VS NATURAL THERAPY TREATMENT

Drug medications temporarily block pain and inflammation both of which quickly return when the effect of the drug wears off. The following side effects are but some of the many, listed, for each drug.

Medical Drug: Cortico steroids
Side effects: Osteoporosis, diabetes (long term use), fluid retention, fat accumulation on face and upper back, stretch marks, lowered resistance to infection, hairiness in females, bruising, peptic ulcers……

Medical Drug: Gold Salts
Side effects: Eczema, hair loss (alopecia), pharyngitis, vaginitis, sensitivity to light, thrombocytopenia, leucopenia, proteinuria, haematuria, nephrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, toxic hepatitis, peripheral neuritis, encephalitis, psychoses, fever……

Medical Drug: Hydroxychloroquine Plaquenil
Side effects: Many – including vertigo, tinnitus, headache, muscle weakness, nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, liver damage……

Medical Drug: Methotrexate
Side effects: Liver damage, kidney damage, folic acid deficiency, anaemia, mouth ulcers, diarrhoea, bone marrow depression, osteoporosis, diabetes, lowered resistance to infections……

Medical Drug: Celebrix
Side effects: Constipation, gastritis, angina, aggravated hypertension, cysts, fluid retention, fatigue, fever, hot flushes, herpes, leg cramps, migraine……

Medical Drug: Vioxx
Side effects: Fever, fluid retention, flushing, fungal infection, viral syndrome, pelvic pain, cysts, angina, irregular heart beat, acid reflux, constipation, blurred vision……

Both Celebrix and Vioxx can cause temporary infertility in women and with some blood pressure medications raise the risk of kidney disease.

Sources: Martindale (The extra Pharmacopoeia) 29th edition.

Australian prescription products guide 32nd edition.

Natural therapy supplements remove the cause of the pain and inflammation, repair damaged joint tissue and replenish synovial fluid. They raise energy levels and reduce muscle pain and the depression that often accompanies arthritis, without any side effects.

RECOMMENDED DAILY PROGRAM
for prevention and treatment of Arthritis

With breakfast:

A thick shake of non fat or Soya milk with 20-30 grams
of Ion exchange whey protein with soy isoflavones
2-4 teaspoons of flaxseed oil and fresh fruit to taste.

3-4 x 1000 mg evening primrose oil capsules
3-4 x 1000 mg cod-liver or fish oil capsules
2 x Lyprinol capsules
A high potency multivitamin and mineral tablet.
Add extra chromium, boron, and zinc picolinate if necessary.

1 x high potency mixed antioxidant tablet
1 x 400 mg SAM-e tablet
500 mg Chondroitin Sulfate ) joint and cartilage
2 grams Glucosamine Sulfate ) repair
1-2 mg Folic acid
100 mcg vitamin B12
25 mg vitamin B6

Through the day sip Chinese green tea, 4-5 cups for the mixed antioxidants.
No milk or sugar added.

With evening meal:
Repeat breakfast supplement regime minus the thick shake.
Have 6-8 oz of mixed steamed vegetables.
Eat chicken, turkey (organic) and ocean fish.
Keep red meat to a minimum. If suffering from arthritis have none until well.

Fibrous tissue overgrowth can cause residual pain in arthritic joints. See an osteopath for joint articulation treatment if fibrous tissue is hindering results. Overweight is pro-inflammatory.
Lose excess weight.

Consult a naturopath, doctor or other health professional to have this regime supervised, especially if on herbs, natural hormone replacement or the vegan diet.

If not responding quickly enough, consult a practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for herbs and acupuncture. TCM is needed for stubborn conditions.

THE WAY FORWARD

Market forces will continue to drive the already pronounced swing towards the natural therapy treatments of all chronic degenerative diseases, including arthritis, all the way to a significant swing. But only if true freedom of information is allowed by the policy makers of the Therapeutic Goods Administration – TGA.

TGA advertising codes, at present, are preventing the dissemination of important facts about the why and how of natural therapy products.

The TGA advertising code states that it is illegal to say by way of advertising that:

“Normal health may be affected by not taking vitamin, mineral and other micronutrient (antioxidant etc) supplements.”

This view certainly doesn’t accord with the view of the American Medical Association whose members recognise that normal health doesn’t necessarily mean good health.

The American AMA recognizes that many people experiencing normal health are, in fact, pre-ill, with a slowly developing chronic degenerative disease, the symptoms of which won’t manifest until the end stage of that disease.

They know that taking micro nutrient supplementation in the pre-ill stage will bring the parallel processes of tissue decay and regeneration back into balance, and that if sufficient micronutrient supplementation is taken, for long enough, existing tissue decay can be reversed.

If the nation is to move forward to better health, higher energy levels, greater productivity, less depression and better quality of life, the policy makers at the TGA will have to start keeping up with the developing science of natural therapies.

They can do this by:
1. Liaising with natural therapists or
2. Having natural therapists on decision making boards or
3. Taking courses in, and become qualified as, natural therapists

It’s strange that people making policy on natural therapies and natural therapy products, are trained only in medicine, pharmacology, the humanities, and not in natural therapies.

Given that the consumers first contact with natural therapies results overwhelmingly from a visit to the health food store (not the naturopath) it’s imperative that s/he has access to advertising material that gives all the relevant scientific facts and details explaining the long latency period of slowly developing chronic diseases – the all important – pre-ill – stage, before symptoms appear.

And how vitamin, mineral, antioxidant and other micro nutrient supplements can halt and reverse the pre-ill stage.

Armed with the knowledge gleaned from such advertising consumers can start making informed decisions and choices as to how they want their condition treated. Consumers are entitled to know the difference between normal health and good health and that normal health may be affected – improved, by taking vitamin, mineral, antioxidant, and other micronutrient supplements.

For their part the manufacturers of natural therapy products need to simplify the process of choice and decision making by taking the complexity out of product presentation at the retail level.

A first visit to a health food store can be a confronting experience. With so many products on the shelves a first timer can be so overwhelmed as to give up on natural therapies before s/he has started. Working out what they need is just too difficult.

This problem can be overcome if manufacturers collect a number of relevant products together – in a box labelled “Arthritis prevention package”- with a little booklet enclosed explaining arthritis and the why and how of the treatment protocol outlined and the products included.

For the more advanced sufferers an “Arthritis treatment package” could be available – different products with an explanatory booklet.

This same procedure can be repeated for:

Prostate problems = “Prostate prevention package” and for the more advanced sufferers
“Prostate treatment package”.

Diabetes, hardening of arteries, high cholesterol are all amendable to this marketing technique.

By selling as a package, prices of individual products can come down. This enables the consumer to take them for longer which gives the manufacturer better profits and the consumer better results.

Product price is the main reason patients drop out of treatment.

By brand naming products as part of a specific prevention and treatment package word of mouth consumer referral of the product to others is easier and because of its specificity and clear and factual explanations consumers are more likely to stay the course of treatment.

Manufacturers would make better profits in the long run by keeping prices down, consumers would get a good result and refer others on to the particular prevention or treatment pack that gave them that good result, government revenues would be freed up. Everyone wins.
Posted: 29 Mar 2006

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