Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is implicated with the degeneration and destruction of cartilage within the joints, and is characterised by bony outgrowths around the joints. This process results in the reduction of the joint cavity and the surrounding bones, so that eventually the two surfaces come into contact, and is most common on weight-bearing joints such as ankles, knees, elbows and wrists.
It is a much discussed condition and information on osteoarthritis abounds, in particular regarding its treatment and its association with dietary intake. In conventional medicine, the popular approach is to use anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help relieve pain. However, a word of caution: prolonged use of such drugs has been associated with an increase in osteoarthritis, and reduction of the affected joints.
Foods high in sodium are known to be contributory factors to osteoarthritis, as these increase calcium loss from bones. Both the aging process and obesity are known to increase the risk and progression of osteoarthritis. Of particular importance to sufferers from osteoarthritis is the correct balance between acid- and alkali-forming foods.
The environment for bone growth and repair is dependant upon factors including the physical nutrients required for this function, together with a reduction of any toxic components that may be contributing to the loss of bone mineral density. It is also certain that several life style factors can be significant contributing factors.
Bone Health is also dependent upon a good protein framework and mineral strength of the bones. The proteins and minerals that make up our bones are constantly being deposited and removed through the body’s natural recycling process. It is therefore important to help support the deposition of new bone in balance with the removal of old bone.
Before you start, you may wish to consider our Detox Formula which will cleanse your body and aide your gut's ability to absorb the nutrients within the Osteoarthritis program. It will also help replenish the intestinal tract with healthy flora and enhance your overall health and wellbeing.
Dietary Recommendations
Positive Foods
Cereal grains oats, buckwheat, Rye, whole brown Rice, wild rice.
Vegetables fennel, cucumber, turnip carrots, parsnip, garlic, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, spinach, green beans, leaks, celery, water cress, green-leaf vegetables.
Fruits Pomegranate, bilberry, cherries, ripe bananas, ripe pineapple (including the stem) dates, pears, peaches, apples, raisins, prunes.
Legumes Alfalfa, lentils, split peas, miso, green pea, soya bean products (tofu).
Teas, Herbs & Spices ginger tea, green tea, turmeric and cumin seed tea, devils claw, rosemary Boswellia, arnica - gel applied topically.
Nuts & Seeds Flax seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, pecans, pine, hazelnuts, walnuts, coconut, almonds (no more than 10 per day).
Fungi Reishi & Karawatake mushrooms.
Fish haddock, tuna, prawns and oysters.
Meats very occasional Lamb and organic chicken, roasting, grilling or frying are not recommended. A modified vegetarian diet is suggested for 3-4 months at least!
Dairy live organic yoghurt.
Additional Foods flax seed oil.
Negative Foods
Refined carbohydrates, hydrogenated fats, battery chicken & hens’ eggs, white sugar (sucrose), excess garlic, artificial sweeteners, sulphates (preservative), tartrazine.
Reduce or eliminate dairy products (except live yoghurt) for up to 3 months, many people experience benefits after six to eight weeks excluding both dairy and flesh foods.
Acid forming foods to avoid as much as possible include liver, pickled foods, pork products, beef, kidneys, cod, chocolate, coffee, alcohol, cheese, salami and foods with high levels of additives. Reduce intake of proteins from red meat especially.
Avoid citrus fruits (except lemons), and especially orange and grapefruit in a temperate climate.
Additional Comment
Take plenty of fresh water. Good quality still mineral water from a glass container is the superior form; though a good tap filter is also satisfactory.
Take time to look for information regarding those foods that are acid forming and those foods that are alkali forming, the balance works better with osteoarthritis when these foods are sixty percent in favour of alkali forming foods.
A note regarding Calcium
It is sensible for us to remember that most calcium supplements are not in the form as we find in Natural foods; the majority of calcium supplements are presented to us in tablet form with what is termed a salt or in plain language another chemical associated with it.
The label may say calcium on the front but the ingredient list will actually tell us what form the calcium is in. These "salts" actually are important for us to remember as it is this additional chemical that helps determine how much of the actual calcium can be delivered into the body and used by bone.
There are about 25 differing "salts" and we need to understand these are not naturally found in foods with calcium. We need to consider that each of these salts has differing abilities to provide us with the calcium we are trying to obtain. One day manufacturers may have to inform the consumer how much calcium they may obtain from the choice of "salt" they have used to carry the calcium.
The supplements mentioned in this guide are not with salts they are in a similar structure as found in natural foods. The Food State Calcium does not use chemical salts, rather the naturally associated food components that are in foods such as protein, carbohydrate, beneficial fats, and many other nutrient co-factors.
The most abundant mineral in the formation of bone is calcium. The bones are however used as a reservoir for calcium requirements in the rest of the body, and calcium will be dissolved into the blood if needed. Therefore measures must be taken to reinforce calcium levels to keep blood levels sufficient.
When other bone disorders, such as arthritis are present and with any disorder of the nervous system, help is not as simple as just taking large doses of calcium as salts. Taking an inappropriate dietary supplement form may result in the body not being able to absorb this mineral. The inappropriate ingestion of calcium (as both supplements and fortified foods) may then be deposited;
- In joints causing stiffness.
- In the kidneys causing renal stones.
High Calcium (as salts) intake from inappropriate sources of this mineral can also result in undesirable outcome. Excess intracellular calcium can accelerate the aging process and contribute to hypertension and contribute to detrimental mood swings.
Calcium must therefore be taken either in the most natural way, which is in calcium rich foods or in a supplement that contains calcium in a food like form. It is advisable that professional advice is sought as it is known that some Calcium deficiencies can be the result of a mal-absorption and not appropriate calcium intake.
It is important to remind ourselves that although calcium is the predominant mineral associated with our bone structure, it is by no means the only mineral required for growth.
The sensible course for us is to ensure a good supply of associated nutrients into the body that contribute to support bone development. This includes not only the minerals that are physically present in the bone matrix, but also vitamins that assist in blood circulation (e.g. the B-complex) and formation of collagen, the ’glue’ that helps bind bone cells together (Vitamin C).
Additional Help & Support
Consulting a homeopath, massage, acupuncture and a good herbalist are all sensible considerations.
With osteoarthritis we need to consider the influence that toxic heavy metals and aluminium exposure can play with this condition. These and other toxic metals can disrupt bone formation and once it has established a route into the bone aluminium can accumulate undesirably in the bones.
Cadmium at high levels within the body interferes negatively with the formation of bone formation. Commercial Antacids can lead to decalcification of bone mineral density as they can cause a reduction of serum phosphorous.
