Arthritis Is Reversible
by author Zoltan Rona, MD

This B vitamin may enhance glucocorticoid secretion, a naturally produced anti-inflammatory adrenal hormone. If taking niacinamide, supplement with other B-complex vitamins to achieve a proper balance. In one clinical study on the use of niacinamide (vitamin B₃), 72 patients with osteoarthritis received either niacinamide or a placebo. Arthritis improved 29 percent in those taking niacinamide and worsened by 10 percent in the placebo subjects. Beneficial effects begin between one and three months. Maximum benefit can be reached in one to three years.

Dosage: 1,000 milligrams four times daily with meals.

Glucosamine Sulphate

Numerous double-blind studies in the 1980s concluded that supplementation with glucosamine sulphate reverses osteoarthritis. Other studies show it to be superior in pain relief to NSAIDS, improving joint function and helping to reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulphate actually works to repair the damage done by osteoarthritis, not just treat the symptoms. Its effectiveness in treating the damage results in effective pain relief as well.

Dosage: The usual effective dose for adults is 500 mg three times daily with meals.

Vitamin C

High doses of vitamin C have been proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect in osteoarthritis. In one study involving 640 participants, high doses of vitamin C reduced the progression of osteoarthritis by a factor of three. This related mostly to a reduced risk of cartilage loss. Those with high vitamin C intake also had a reduced risk of developing knee pain. A high intake of antioxidant nutrients, particularly vitamin C, may reduce the risk of cartilage loss and disease progression in people with osteoarthritis.

Dosage: 1,000 mg three times daily with meals, or to bowel tolerance (the point at which diarrhea from vitamin C occurs).

Vitamin E

At dosages of 800 IU daily, vitamin E may be a prostaglandin inhibitor similar to NSAIDS, but without the side-effects. Vitamin E decreases the blood levels of lipid (fat) peroxides and has been proven to be superior to placebo with respect to pain relief.

Dosage: 800 IU three times daily with meals.

Glutamine (or L-glutamine)

This amino acid supplement helps repair leaky gut syndrome, a phenomenon associated with most autoimmune forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Stress and inflammation increase the body’s demand for glutamine. Studies have shown that supplementing glutamine can prevent muscle wasting, weight loss and other common problems encountered with RA.

Dosage: 4,000 mg three times daily (best on empty stomach).

Vitamin D

Daily intake of vitamin D from cod or halibut liver oil is an effective osteoarthritis treatment, playing an essential role in calcium metabolism. This vitamin can also be obtained in adequate amounts from exposure to sunshine. After 20 minutes in the sun, a cholesterol derivative in the skin begins to manufacture vitamin D.

Dosage: 400 IU three times daily with meals.

Selenium

Daily supplementation with selenium helps elevate levels of glutathione peroxidase, a selenium-containing antioxidant enzyme that helps to detoxify the body and prevent cell damage.

Dosage: 200 micrograms daily with meals.

Zinc and Copper

Levels of these minerals are often low in those suffering from osteoarthritis. Hair mineral analysis is one way of assessing zinc and copper levels in the body. Copper bracelets have been used effectively for pain control for many years.

Dosage: Varies with individuals; consult with a health-care practitioner.

Manganese

This mineral is an important component of articular cartilage, and is helpful in treating osteoarthritis. Like iron, calcium, zinc and copper, manganese requires proper amounts of stomach acid for its absorption. It may be deficient in people with a low output of stomach hydrochloric acid.

Dosage: 15 to 30 mg daily with meals.

Chondroitin Sulphate

This supplement has been found to be effective for osteoarthritis sufferers. The healing effects of chondroitin sulphate were all studied with the injectable form. But although very poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, chondroitin sulphate taken orally appears to have a beneficial effect. When taken together, glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate work synergistically to decrease destruction of cartilage and stimulate its production.

Dosage: 500 mg three times daily with meals.

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)

This natural form of organic sulphur is a critical component of the amino acids methionine, cysteine and cystine, which are contained in the cellular proteins of all living organisms. Sulphur is needed for the proteins of hair, nails and skin, as well as for glutathione, one of the body’s most important antioxidants. A deficiency of MSM can result in fatigue and an increased susceptibility to arthritis. MSM is present in raw fruits, vegetables and some grains, but is commonly lost during cooking, food processing and storage.

Dosage: 3,000 mg three times daily with meals. It’s most effective when combined with vitamin C (three to six grams daily).

Quercetin

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