ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS

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ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS

Eugene Zampieron, ND, Ellen Kamhi PhD RN

 

The World Health Organization has proclaimed the years 2000-2010 the

Decade of Joint Health, because joint health is such a widespread

public health concern.

 

Arthritis is a general term used to describe a large grouping of

health conditions, all of which manifest symptoms of pain and

stiffness.

 

Commonly diagnosed forms of arthritis include

osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (autoimmune involvement), gout,

psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia and

infectious arthritis (such as Lyme's Disease).

 

The most prevalent debilitating forms are rheumatoid arthritis(RA),

affecting 3 million people in the U.S., and the far more common

osteoarthritis(OA), with 16 million diagnosed cases. Some estimate

that as many as 40 million Americans suffer with osteoarthritis.

The most commonly recognized causes of arthritis are genetic

predisposition, advancing age, obesity, trauma and " wear and tear. "

 

However, the `wear and tear' theory is probably an

oversimplification, because many elderly people never develop

arthritis, after years of wear and tear.1 The degeneration of joints

in all types of arthritis involves ongoing biochemical processes

that negatively alter metabolism essential to maintaining healthy

joints.

 

Although conventional medical diagnostics attempt to assign patients

a differential diagnosis of one specific kind of arthritis, in

reality, many patients exhibit a continuum of symptoms. For example,

even those who are officially diagnosed with osteoarthritis often

have some degree of auto immune involvement.

 

Psychological and emotional factors also play a role in the

development of arthritis. However, in this article we will focus on

several physical parameters that we have seen in virtually all cases

of arthritis, and will offer suggestions about specific botanical

and nutritional interventions that are useful. For brevity's sake,

we will limit the discussion of glucosamine, since the use of this

supplement is quite well known to pharmacists.

 

In this two-part article, we will review several important factors

to consider in Arthritis:

 

1) buildup of toxic waste products in the tissues

2) a decrease in integrity of the lining of the gastrointestinal

tract

3) an overabundance of disease causing microorganisms

4) decreased circulation to painful areas

5) pain management

 

BUILDUP OF TOXIC WASTE PRODUCTS

In ancient systems of medicine throughout the globe, rheumatic

ailments are thought to

originate from the accumulation of toxins in the body. Traditional

refers to this as phlegm, or toxic invasion of

heat, wind and/or cold, while in the Ayurvedic system from India, it

is called AMA, created by incomplete combustion of food in the

gastrointestinal tract.

 

Both Phlegm and AMA have been equated with the Western medical

concept of toxicity due to endotoxins, food allergens and toxins

from environmental sources, which lead to the creation of

circulating immune complexes (CIC's).

 

In many forms of arthritis(especially RA) pain and inflammation can

be caused by an overabundance of Circulating Immune Complexes

(CIC's). CIC's are formed in the body when larger than normal

molecules escape from the gastrointestinal tract due to decreased

integrity of the gut lining. Other antigens can be introduced as

environmental pollutants that enter the body through various

mechanisms. These molecules are recognized by the immune system as a

foreign invader, which incites the formation of antibodies, which

then couple with the antigen, forming the CIC. In a healthy person,

CIC's are sequestered and neutralized, but in arthritis(and other

diseases) they accumulate and begin to overburden the eliminative

organs and initiate allergic and immune responses. When too many

CIC's accumulate, the kidneys and liver become overburdened, and

cannot break them down. The CIC's are often shunted to the

connective tissue (including the joints) to be destroyed by the

immune system. White blood cells are summoned by cytokines to

destroy the CIC's. However, in this process, normal or 'innocent

bystander' tissue can be attacked and damaged. High levels of

antioxidants should be standing ready to regulate and monitor this

process, but in all cases of arthritis, regardless of the type, a

deficiency of antioxidants is the rule. Pain, inflammation, and

stiffness results from these repeated, unregulated attacks.

 

Supplementation with antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and

glutathione, decreases this inflammatory response.

 

Alteratives are non-toxic herbs which assist the organs of

detoxification and elimination (liver,bowels,kidneys,skin,lungs, and

connective tissue), by removing deleterious substances such as

environmental (xenobiotic) toxins as well as those generated

internally (endobiotic toxins). Alteratives can be combined with

regimes of cleansing or elimination diets, fasting, colon

hydrotherapy, saunas, lymphatic drainage techniques and homeopathic

detoxification and drainage remedies(detoxosodes) to further

decrease the toxic load on the body, thus allowing the body to

divert its energy into healing versus crisis management .

Herbal alteratives include Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum),

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and Burdock (Arctium lappa). Milk

thistle has been proven to have several mechanisms of action,

including anti-inflammatory activities linked to inhibition of 5-

lipooxygenase. , as well as influencing the hepatic cytochrome P-450

enzymes. The ancient folkloric use of both burdock and dandelion for

liver support have also been collaborated in modern scientific

studies. ,

 

Sulphur containing supplements such as MSM, SAMe, and the amino

acids cysteine, methionine, glutathione and taurine support the

hepatic cytochrome p450 enzymes and enable the liver to process the

onslaught of toxins.

 

DECREASED GUT INTEGRITY

Individuals suffering from joint and muscle pain due to autoimmune

problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia,

often have a condition known as " leaky gut syndrome. " This allows

molecules that are usually too large to exit through the

gastrointestinal lining to escape and enter the bloodstream, which

leads to the formation of " circulating immune complexes " (CIC),

implicated in the production of an inflammatory response resulting

in joint and muscle pain. Furthermore, non-steroidal anti-

inflammatory agents(NSAIDS), the pharmaceutical drugs usually

prescribed for arthritic conditions, actually decreases intestinal

integrity, which leads to a worsening of the overall disease process.

Specific nutrients which coat and soothe the intestinal lining, thus

helping to heal " leaky gut " , can help arthritis. These include the

traditional demulcent, soothing herbs such as marshmallow root and

okra, and L-glutamine, an amino which reestablishes gut integrity

and helps to re-grow flattened " villi " - the tiny finger like

protrusions that line the GI tract, and act as a surface for the

absorption of nutrients. Gingko biloba, well known for its effects

on brain function, acts to increase circulation to the small

capillaries within the GI tract. It also acts as an anti-oxidant,

which can help to strengthen the intestinal lining, and heal

a " leaky-gut " . Research on the mechanism of action of this herb is

proceeding at a prolific pace. One study showed that it

significantly inhibited histamine release, which is part of the

allergic component due to leaky gut syndrome.

 

OVERABUNDANCE OF MICROORGANISMS

" Dysbiosis " , the proliferation of " unfriendly " microorganisms,

including bacteria, yeast, fungi and parasites, is not widely

recognized by conventional medicine as a cause of arthritis. Yet,

these organisms are present in a large majority of people who suffer

from muscle and joint pains. " Molecular Mimicry " is an additional

complication, which arises when organisms in the gut camouflage

themselves to resemble human tissue to escape detection by the

immune system. When the immune system eventually makes antibodies to

the bacteria, it also begins to make antibodies to the similarly

structured human tissue, leading to an autoimmune cascade.

 

A variety of herbs act to discourage the growth of pathogenic

organisms, while building and supporting the immune system:

Barberry root contains berberine, the yellow compound that is also

found in Golden Seal Root. Berberine helps the liver filter out

bacteria, and can inhibit the growth of streptococci and other

microorganisms. It helps to kill parasites and tonifies the

intestinal tract. In addition berberine acts as a natural Cox II

inhibitor.

Citrus Seed Extract contains proanthocyanadins(OPC's), biologically

active flavonoids which help to heal irritations to the lining of

the intestines. Citrus Seed Extract has a very high level of

activity against micro-organisms.

Black Walnut Hulls is a time honored " vermifuge " (worm destroyer)

used traditionally in Western Herbal Medicine. It is high in tannic

acid which tonifies the digestive tract and helps rid the body of

parasites.

Oregano Leaf Oil has been investigated scientifically and found to

be an effective broad spectrum anti-microbial agent, with no known

negative effects.

It is also important to " re-inoculate " the gastro-intestinal tract

with `friendly' bacteria, such as Acidophilus( Lactobacilli

acidophilus). It promotes healthy immune function, and protects

against the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganism, as well as

providing an antiallergenic barrier. L. acidophilus generates lactic

acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide, which can interfere with

the proliferation of disease causing organisms.

 

POOR CIRCULATION

Poor circulation traps stagnant intracellular fluids in the joints

and decreases the availability of nutrients needed for repair and

growth of healthy tissues. This can be aided by stretching exercises

and massage, along with the topical application of medicinal herbs.

 

Menthol is one of the principle essential oils derived from

peppermint, and acts as a powerful analgesic when applied topically.

Initially, it produces a cooling sensation to inflamed areas,

followed by a profound cooling effect.

 

Capsiacin is a resin found in many species of 'hot peppers'.

Scientific studies have proven that Capsiacin depletes substance P,

a chemical believed to be overabundant in the peripheral nerves of

patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other painful syndromes.

Substance P is released in response to injury or inflammation and

pain.

 

Camphor is a penetrating, medicinal oil derived from the tropical

tree, Cinnamonium camphora. When rubbed into painful, stiff joints,

ligaments and muscles, it provides soothing " camphor-ice " relief.

One mechanism of action of camphor is that it specifically inhibits

catecholamine secretion.

 

Wintergreen(Gaultheria procumbens) is a low growing evergreen shrub

found in the damp woods of the Eastern U.S. Oil of wintergreen has

chemical properties similar to salicylic acid- an aspirin like

compound with pain relieving properties.

 

Cloves(Eugenia caryphylii) and Allspice(Pimenta diocia) contain the

essential oil Eugenol , which acts as an excellent anesthetic (numbs

pain). Folk healers in the Caribbean use these herbs as liniments to

relieve the pain of arthritis and painful muscles.

..

Boswellia (Boswellia seratta) Boswellia is a gum resin extracted

from the bark and trunk from a tree in India. The tree is scraped

and the resin is allowed to exude from the tree until it dries. It

has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to treat chronic

pain and inflammation. Modern research has disclosed one of the anti-

inflammatory modes of action of this botanical to be the inhibition

of leukotriene biosynthesis through the impairment of 5-lipoxgenase

(5-LO).

 

Pain Management

In natural medicine, the goal is to address the causative factors of

illness through an examination of diet, lifestyle, allergies, toxic

load, gut integrity, presence of microorganisms and psychological

factors. Uncovering these factors, and making the behavioral changes

that will positively effect the disease process, ultimately will

lead to increased wellness. However, these steps take time, and the

issue of pain management

needs to be addressed immediately, while the body readjusts to be in

a less inflammatory state. While pharmaceutical drugs offer

effective pain relief, their use long term is not desirable due a

large number of secondary effects. NSAIDs, in particular, actually

make the overall disease process of arthritis worse, by

increasing `leaky gut' and by depleting the very nutrients necessary

for joint repair, including iron, folic acid and zinc. COX 2

inhibitors, introduced with a media blitz touting them as a much

safer drug therapy, is now known to also have serious side effects.

 

White Willow Bark (Salix alba) contains glycosides, which are

converted in the body into active salicylates, similar to the

chemicals

found in Aspirin. Thus, it is often referred to as Nature's Aspirin,

yet

does not cause gastrointestinal bleeding as does Aspirin.

 

Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum) is used in the South Pacific to relax

the mind and body, achieve a tranquil state, and ease pain and

anxiety,

which often exacerbates pain.

Research on Kava reveals the active Kava

pyrones to be a strong skeletal muscle relaxant, and was used by the

Hawaiians for arthritis and for soothing tight and aching muscles.

 

Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia spp.) was used historically as one of the

most effective pain relievers by the Eclectic (M.D.) physician's at

the

turn of the century ,used for fibromyalgia, joint pain, and the pain

associated with

bone fractures. In the Amazon and Jamaican rainforests, the

curanderos

(healers) and 'Bush doctors' use the plant to treat migraines, joint

pain,

sprains, muscular aches and neuralgia.

 

In Traditional , Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis ambigua) has

been used for thousands of years for its powerful analgesic

properties. Research into the mechanism of action of Corydalis, in

particular DHC(dehydrocorydaline) extracted from the root, suggests

that Corydalis not only inhibits anti-body mediated allergic

reactions, but also influences cell-mediated allergic reactions,

through an inhibitory effect on antigen-induced histamine release

from peritoneal mast cells. As we so often see in Natural Medicine,

modern research collaborates what ancient healers have known for

centuries!

 

 

Eugene Zampieron ND and Ellen Kamhi PhD RN are coauthors of

ARTHRITIS- The Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide, and designed

the ArthroNutrition Program® by NATURE'S ANSWER. 800-829-0918.

 

http://www.naturalnurse.com/