By David E. Allen MD
1. Fruits and Vegetables
Recommended dosage - 5 portions a day of a variety of fruits
and vegetables decrease the risk of arthritis by 1/2 compared to those who
ate few fruits and vegetables.
Mechanism - possible related to the antioxidants in the items that
prevent joint cartilage oxidative damage.
References - Internal Medicine News, May 15, 2003, page 1+2
2. Omega 3 Oils
Recommended dosage - 1 Tablespoon of Flax seed oil (must be fresh and
refrigerated) or 2 Tablespoons of ground flax seeds. English walnut
and cold water fish oil are other sources.
Mechanism -Blocks the release of the Prostaglandin PG2. PG2 promotes
inflammation.
Evidence.- Many conclusive studies
References- Semin Arthritis Rheum 1998 Jun;27(6):366-70
3. Avoid Beef, Pork and Lamb
Mechanism -These contain Arachidonic acid which produces Prostiglandin P2
which promotes inflammation.
Evidence - Multiple studies mainly epidemiological.
Reference- Hawaii Med J 1999 May;58(5):126-31
4. Vitamin D
Dosage - 400IU daily
Mechanism - Vit. D is frequently deficient in the diet. Especial in the
northern climate or those with inadequate sun exposure.
Evidence - Well done studies confirm the relation between low serum
levels of 25-vitamin D levels and Osteoarthritis.
Reference- Arthritis Rheum 1999 May;42(5):854-60
5. Vitamin C
Dosage - 1000mg daily
Mechanism - Reduction in free radical damage in joint space.
Evidence - Animal experimental studies and human studies. One of the
human studies was the Framingham Osteoarthritis Cohort Study.
Reference - Arthritis Rheum 1996 Apr;39(4):648-56 . and Arch Orthop
Trauma Surg. 1999;119(3-4):121-6.
6. Water
Dosage - 8 to 10 glass daily, or 2 to 3 quarts, or 4 to 6 liters.
Mechanism - Reduced fluid in cartilage, vertebral disc and joint space
causes inflammation and wear. Adequate hydration prevents this inflammation.
Evidence - Clinical experience
Reference - Your Body's Many Cries For Water by F
Batmanghelidj, MD
7. Exercise
Dosage - Variable depending on age and location of arthritis but
important to keep joint strong and mobile
Mechanism - Strong muscle stabilizes joints and prevents damage..
Evidence- Clinical Studies
Reference -Rheum Dis Clin North Am 1999 May;25(2):283-98
8. Glucosamine Sulfate
Recommended dosage 1500 mg per day (in divided dosage).
Mechanism- Nutritional factor for joint cartilage.
Evidence - 3 year randomized, Placebo-controlled trial
Reference - Internal Medicine News. Dec.15, 1999
Additional
Advice from Dr. McDougall