Recently, glucosomine and chondroitin have been in the news for their relief and reversal of arthritis symptoms. These nutritional supplements are now widely available but they do not help with either the inflammation of arthritis or with rheumatoid arthritis. They do not reverse the damage to joints caused by inflammation; however, help is on the way from other natural substances.
Cod liver oil can reverse the destruction of joint cartilage according to recent research at the Cardiff University in Britain. Cod liver oil contains essential fatty acids and other omega-3, as well as Vitamin D. The research shows that the Vitamin D in the cod liver oil helps heal the inflammation and speed recovery to joints. Another reason that cod liver and other fish oil may have such an amazing affect is because of a molecule contained in many fish and shellfish species. Krill oil is also available, with the same advantages of fish oil.
The pathway researchers call “the 5-lipoxygenase pathway” acts like a pain highway, sending signals from inflamed joints to the brain. These signals are not turned off by glucosomine, as well as the minerals inside a green-lipped mussel from New Zealand. Known by Maori natives in New Zealand for centuries, the green-lipped mussel is a staple of their diet and thought to promote long life. In fact, the Maori rarely get arthritis, though they live well into their 80s and 90s. Researchers have found that the green-lipped mussel, or Perna canaliculus, contains proteins, polypeptides, naturally chelated minerals, long-chain fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins, as well as chondroitin sulfates, already known to aid in arthritis relief. A study on rats at Clemson University showed that the mussels, or Perna, were able not only to reverse arthritis, but also prevent it. This study also showed that the mussel has an immune modulating affect.
A study in Denmark tested people who ate four ounces of fish daily. They experienced significant decrease in morning stiffness and swollen joints after six months. A University of Washington study displayed similar results. Two or more servings a day of baked or broiled fish enabled a 40 percent decrease in the likelihood of developing arthritis.
Because people with arthritis are at risk for heart disease and stroke, five to thirteen servings of vegetables and fruit daily are advised. Apples are especially nutritious for arthritis suffers, because they contain magnesium, which has been shown to decrease fibromyalgia pain. Quercetin found in apples, also helps reduce the action of Mast cells that cause inflammation. Cherries contain anthocyanins, and studies have shown that cherries reduce inflammatory pain up to ten times better than aspirin or ibuprofen. Tomatoes, potatoes and eggplant have been sited as being bad for arthritis but new research shows these claims may be unfounded. In fact, the lycopene in tomatoes may even be beneficial. There is also no evidence that dairy food trigger arthritis. Inflammatory diseases require amino acids to repair tissue and keep it healthy. For that reason, an increase in the intake of protein is suggested for arthritis sufferers. Nuts provide the nutrient selenium, which helps limit oxidative damage. One ounce of Brazil nuts contains over 500 mcg of selenium.
Homeopathic remedies for arthritis pain include Rhus tox and Ruta. Rhus tox treats pains that are better with movement. This is a good remedy for people who are still when waking but better as the day goes on. Ruta is used as an overuse remedy, and the pains of Ruta are worse as the day goes on.
With over 16 million American suffering from debilitating arthritis, many researchers are looking for cures. Substances from nature have been aiding peoples around the globe for centuries. Science is now underway to prove the efficacy of these gifts from Mother Earth.
By: Melanie Grimes
Published: Friday, 27 February 2009
http://www.healthnews.com/blogs/melanie-grimes/natural-health/arthritis-cures-nature-2707.html
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