Health Concerns Arthritis

Inflammatory Chemicals

The first group of chemicals, histamine, leukotriens, and pro-inflammatory hormones (prostaglandins), cause the blood vessels to dilate or expand. The dilation of the blood vessels causes the area to become hot, red and swollen. The healthy tissue surrounding the damaged area releases anti-inflammatory prostaglandins (PG1 and PG3) to combat the inflammatory prostaglandins (PG2). Certain chemicals (proteolytic enzymes) are responsible for telling the white blood cells that their job is done. These chemicals sound the alarm for the white blood cells to stop attacking and digesting cells and tissues.

Proteolytic enzymes are manufactured to squelch the white blood cells from continuing to eat up cellular debris. As the damaged cells and tissues are removed, less of the pro-inflammatory chemicals and more of the anti-inflammatory chemicals are released. Once the inflammation process is finished, the body begins to repair itself. The balance between inflammation, destruction, and repair is an ongoing process. Normally, this process is kept in check. When the process becomes unbalanced, chronic inflammation takes over. Inflammation is largely regulated by the prostaglandin hormones.

Prostaglandins

There are several different groups of prostaglandins, but inflammation is largely controlled by prostaglandin 1 (PG-1), prostaglandin 2 (PG-2), and prostaglandin 3 (PG-3).

Prostaglandins are a group of regulatory hormones produced in the body from fatty acids. Essential fatty acids are essential for our existence. They can not be manufactured by the body but must be obtained from the foods we eat. Essential fatty acids are made up of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).

PUFAs are divided into two families of essential fatty acids (EFAs)

1. Omega 3 oils, including alpha linolenic acid (ALA), are found in flax seed, soybean, walnut, and chestnut oils, as well as some dark green leafy vegetables. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) are omega 3 derivatives and are found in most cold water fish. These fish include salmon, tuna, and mackerel.

2. Omega 6 is found in pure vegetable oils, including sunflower, safflower, and corn oil. Some individuals are genetically unable to convert linoleic acid (LA) into its derivative, gamma linolenic acid (GLA). This can be overcome by taking primrose or borage oil; both are high in GLA.

Anti-Inflammatory Hormones

PG-1 and PG-3 are anti-inflammatory hormones. They help reduce and eliminate inflammation and pain. The best source for PG-1 and PG-3 is fish oil supplements or a diet high in cold water fish.

Arachidonic Acid (AA) PG-2

The pro-inflammatory (causes inflammation) hormone PG-2 is made from arachidonic acid (AA). AA is found in corn and corn oil products. Corn products are used as the prominent foodstuff in westernized livestock. Read meat and pork products have a high AA content.

Arachidonic acid is derived from the consumption of land-animal foods (meats, cheese, eggs, etc.). Arachidonic acid stimulates the production of inflammatory chemicals including leukotriens (notorious in causing allergic reactions), thromboxanes, and prostacylins. Several research articles have demonstrated that the more animal fats a human eats, the more arachidonic acid they have in their blood and cell membranes and the more likely to have inflammation. Conversely, a diet high in fish oils promotes less inflammation and a lower level of inflammatory chemicals.

The average AA/EPA of Americans is approximately 11:1. In patients with inflammatory conditions and neurological disorders, the AA/EPA ratio is 20:1 or more. An AA/EPA ratio of 1.5:1 is considered ideal. This is the ratio found in Japanese populations, which have the highest life expectancy and the lowest rate of cardiovascular disease.

Our inflammatory reactions and their chemicals are therefore largely determined by what foods (fatty acids) we eat. Since most Americans are carrying around at least 10󈞀 pounds of excess fat, it is no wonder that arthritis and other inflammatory diseases are out of control in our country.

Reduce Red Meat, Dairy, and Vegetable oils
Since all grains, vegetable and seed oils, and corn-fed livestock have high AA levels, I suggest patients reduce these products. I recommend you reduce or avoid red meat, dairy and all vegetable and seed oil products. An increase in omega-6 fatty results in an increased risk of rheumatoid and other inflammatory-related illnessess.

Fish Oils Research
Some studies have shown that supplementing with fish oils results in a dramatic reduction in a person’s leukotriens (one of the chemicals implicated in asthma and other allergic reactions) by 65%. This correlates with a 75% decrease in their clinical symptoms. Another fish oil study, involving rheumatoid arthritis sufferers (often treated with incredibly toxic and life threatening prescription drugs) who took 1.8 grams of EPA fish oil and reduced their saturated fats (land animal foods), showed significant improvement over and above a placebo.

Sixty percent of the US population is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.

S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe)
Several studies involving SAMe and fibromyalgia patients yielded substantial improvement in over all pain levels (as well as depression). Dosage is up to 1,200 mg. daily on an empty stomach. I also recommend SAMe when other therapies fail.

S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) ) comes from the amino acid methionine and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory and blocks pain without the side effects associated with NSAIDs. SAMe helps boost serotonin and epinephrine levels. It also helps increase the production of endorphins. Endorphins are the bodies natural pain blocking chemicals and are more powerful than morphine. SAMe helps manufacture and repair cartilage components. A study of osteoarthritis patients compared SAMe with NSAID drugs in its ability to reduce pain. One double-blind study showed SAMe was superior to ibuprofen in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

DL-Phenylalanine
DL-Phenylalanine is a combination of the D and L form of the amino acid phenylalanine. This form of phenylalanine acts as a natural pain-reliever. DL-phenylalanine blocks the enzymes responsible for the breakdown of endorphins and enkephlins, substances within the body that help relieve pain. Endorphins are actually far more powerful than the drug morphine. Small cells throughout the nervous system, brain, spinal cord, and nerve endings are able to produce these morphine-like proteins that act as an appetite suppressant and mild stimulant.

Although caution is advised for individuals with high blood pressure, DL-phenylalanine is an effective supplement in treating musculoskeletal pains, including those associated with arthritis and FMS. Many of my fibromyalgia and chronic pain patients have benefited from DL-phenylalanine. A clinical study shows subjects taking DL-phenylalanine had a remarkable improvement in their condition. Improvements were seen in 73% of low back pain suffers, 67% with migraines, 81% with osteoarthritis, and 81% with RA. For pain control, or as an antidepressant, take 1,000𔃂,000 mg. twice a day on an empty stomach. Phenylalanine can elevate blood pressure, and very high doses can cause rapid heart beat. Start with a low dose and increase to higher doses only as needed—and only if no side effects are noticed.

Avoid Instant Coffee
Instant coffee contains substances that block the receptor sites for endorphins (natural pain blocking chemicals).

Rheumatoid Arthritis
Over 50 million Americans suffer from arthritis. It is associated with pain, stiffness, inflammation, and decreased range of motion. There are over 100 different forms of arthritis, with osteoarthritis the most common. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the body actually attacks itself and antibodies develop in joint tissues and cause pain. Women are three times more likely to develop this arthritis than men.

What Causes It?
The definitive cause of rheumatoid arthritis is not known. It appears to result from a dysfunction in the autoimmune system.

Symptoms
Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects the knuckles, wrists, elbows, and shoulders with painful, warm, red swelling. Unlike osteoarthritis, which tends to be unilateral (one sided), rheumatoid attacks joints bilaterally (both sides).

Traditional Arthritis Treatments

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and analgesics such as aspirin, Tylenol, indocin, sulindac, tolectin, ibuprofen, Daypro, naprosyn, Celebrex, and Vioxx can cause intestinal permeability. They cover up the symptoms but do not address the cause, and they can actually cause further joint destruction.

• Corticosteroids are strong hormonal drugs that can have serious side effects: peptic ulcer, osteoporosis, diabetes, glaucoma, depression, acne, water retention and weight gain, insomnia, facial hair growth, hypertension, and depressed immunity.
• Methotrexate is an immune-suppressing drug used to treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, adult and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, and Reiter’s syndrome. It is a toxic therapy that can cause kidney failure and severe liver damage.
• Gold injections can cause serious side effects: damage to the liver and kidneys, stomach disorders, anemia, headache, neuritis, and ulcerations of the mouth and gums.