Arthritis- Alternative Treatment

Many arthritis sufferers have tried unusual and rather nasty
‘

cures’ for their disease like enduring bee-stings or covering
themselves in cow-manure. The benefits must have been rather less
spectacular than the cures or else everyone else would have done
the same.

One arthritis cure suggests that half a glass of raw potato juice
followed by chewing two or three juniper berries will do the
trick! While this may be so, many doctors and scientists
researching arthritis have studied the benefits of taking
nutritional substances like vitamins. In fact, studies have shown
that people with arthritis are mostly deficient in the B group of
vitamins, though whether this is due to the disease, or to the
fact that taking aspirin depletes the bodies stores of this
vitamin is not clear.

Vitamin C, E and beta-carotenes are powerful antioxidants that
help to neutralize free radicals. These oxygen-reactive free
radical molecules are thought to contribute significantly to
disease and tissue damage. It has been found that cells from
damaged knee cartilage can release great amounts of free
radicals. In fact, studies have shown that those who have a high
Vitamin C intake have a two-thirds reduction in the risk of
further damage to their knees. Well-known scientist Dr. Linus
Pauling recommends 18 grams of V-C per day as an arthritis
preventative measure.

Osteoarthritis can cause thinning of the bones, and so can
prednisone, often given to treat it. It makes sense then to
increase the amount of Vitamin D and calcium, both of which are
bone-builders. As far back as 1974, British scientists found that
lack of vitamin D contributed to bone fractures in the elderly
with arthritis. Lack of sunlight and an unhealthy diet both
contributed to the lack. The recommended daily dose of Vitamin D
is 400 IU or 600 IU if for those over the age of 60. A daily dose
of 1200 IU is the limit as this vitamin is toxic if too much is
taken.

Vitamin E is also an antioxidant, working in a similar way to
vitamin C. Studies in Germany have proven that it can help to
reduce pain. Good sources of this vitamin can be found in wheat
germ, sunflower seed, corn oil, legumes and whole grains.

While some people swear by the arthritis cure that their copper
bracelet brought, there is no scientific link to copper as being
an aid to arthritis. In fact the opposite is true. Those with RA
often have higher levels of copper in their blood. Too much
copper can make you sick.

Selenium deficiency can cause a particular type of arthritis
called Kashin-Bek disease, but it is more common where the soil
is deficient in selenium, though sufferers of RA have less in
their blood than others. Fish, organ meats, whole grains, nuts
and beans will provide selenium.

Zinc may help reduce pain, stiffness and swelling. Some trials
showed this was true, though others gave conflicting results.
Oysters, cheese and tofu are all good sources of zinc.

The pain of arthritis can also be relieved by hot-packs,
deliberately focussing on something else like pleasant music,
humor, gentle exercise and losing weight.

See Article: Foods That May Help Arthritis

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