Most medical doctors believe that arthritis is incurable and that its symptoms can only be suppressed with drugs. Most medical doctors believe that arthritis is incurbale and that its symptoms can only be supressed with drugs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Arthritis of any kind can be arrested and, in many cases, reversed if one provides the body with an optimal diet and supplemental nutrients.

Milo, a 76-year-old bank manager who spends many hours each day sitting in front of his computer, is a case in point. He recently developed severe neck and shoulder pain, which an orthopedic doctor diagnosed as osteoarthritis of the neck. Milo was prescribed Vioxx, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, which he dutifully swallowed for three weeks prior to his visit to my office.

I placed Milo on a hypoallergenic diet free of dairy products, red meats, grains and nightshade foods (i.e., tomatoes and potatoes), and prescribed twice-weekly injections of vitamin B₁₂. I also advised a combination of bromelain, boswellia and turmeric. He discontinued the Vioxx.

Three days later, symptoms improved by at least 50 per cent. He was completely pain-free with a full range of motion in his head and neck on his follow-up visit three weeks later. Now six months later, he continues to follow his healthy diet and take a low maintenance dose of herbal anti-inflammatory supplements, with no side-effects.

Eliminating Pain

Coffee, regular tea and alcohol must be eliminated since their caffeine content promotes mineral loss. Eliminate sugar and refined carbohydrates in any form. Avoid dairy products and gluten-containing grains, especially wheat, rye, oats and barley. Nightshade foods (tomatoes, potatoes, peppers, eggplants) might have to be eliminated by those who have joint pains associated with their consumption. They contain solanine, which interferes with enzymatic action in the muscles, causing pain. Certain foods such as beef, pork and fried foods are allergens that may aggravate inflammation. If you’re not sure what foods or substances you might be allergic to, see a natural health-care provider.

Supplements

Arthritis reversal can be accelerated or further enhanced with a few natural remedies. Most of these compounds have been shown to be at least as effective as anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as Aspirin and ibuprofen for controlling or eliminating symptoms.

Following is a list, in order of importance, of natural remedies that can enhance the results of diet and lifestyle changes. We are all biochemically unique; no single regimen will work equally well for one and all. For some people, cod liver oil will be enough to do the trick, while others may need to use a combination of six or more supplements for optimal symptom control.

Consult with your health-care practitioner, then experiment until you find the combination that works best for you. If you have a history of liver disease, consult a physician before taking high doses of any nutritional supplement. As a general rule, take vitamins and minerals with meals and herbs on an empty stomach.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Long before supplements such as glucosamine sulphate became household names for reversing osteoarthritis, millions of people found great relief from joint pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion with daily cod liver oil.

Cod liver oil helps to reverse osteoarthritis naturally, and is the best first-line therapy for any inflammatory condition. Cod, halibut and shark liver oils all contain healthy fats that stimulate the body to manufacture anti-inflammatory hormones called prostaglandins. Good results can be anticipated in three to six months. When combined with niacinamide and glucosamine sulphate, osteoarthritis can be significantly improved within six weeks or less.

Dosage: Typical therapeutic dosages are nine to 12 grams daily of capsules, or two to three tablespoons of oil with meals.

Hemp Seed Oil

Another more palatable source of essential fatty acids is hemp seed oil, the production of which has recently been legalized in Canada. This oil contains nearly double the amount of anti-inflammatory essential fatty acids as other oils. It, too, is highly effective as an anti-inflammatory supplement.

Dosage: A typical dose is two to three tablespoons daily, taken straight or mixed with soups, salads or nut butters (almond, sesame).

Niacinamide

Dr. Rona is the author of several best-selling books, including Osteoarthritis: Treat and Reverse Joint Pain Naturally, alive Natural Health Guide #16, available at your local health food store or by calling 1-800-663-6513. Visit Dr. Rona’s Web site at drzoltanrona.com.

Source: alive #239, September 2002