Newsletters: September 2002

• Natural Alternatives to Anti-Inflammatory Drugs
• Backpack Safety
• Special Offer to Oceanside Youth Football players

NOTE: I am available for presentations, talks and/or workshops on a variety of topics suitable for any size group. Contact the office for more info and/or to make arrangements
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MANAGING ARTHRITIS AND INFLAMMATION NATURALLY

Clinical studies demonstrate that many forms of arthritis and joint inflammatory conditions can be managed effectively through specific dietary and supplementation practices, in conjunction with other natural treatments including chiropractic, massage, exercise, etc. Unfortunately, many people rely exclusively on anti-inflammatory drugs as their only approach to managing these problems, even though these drugs (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, known as NSAIDS) produce intestinal tract ulcers (with potential internal bleeding) in 10-30% of long term users and erosions of the stomach lining and intestinal tract in 30-50% of users (1). In the U.S., side effects from these drugs are associated with 10,000-20,000 deaths per year (2). Even the new COX-2 inhibitor drugs may only reduce intestinal tract damage by 50% (3). NSAIDS also encourage erosion of joint cartilage, which accelerates the arthritic process (4). They also cause liver and kidney damage with long-term use (4). Thus, every effort should be made to use these drugs sparingly to minimize risk of adverse side effects. This is where nutrition and supplementation can be of great value.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ESSENTIAL FATS AND VITAMINS

To a large degree, inflammation arises from the synthesis of a hormone-like substance known as prostaglandin series-two (PG-2). On the contrary, the synthesis of prostaglandin series-one and -three (PG-1, PG-3) exert anti-inflammatory effects, which greatly help to control the symptoms of arthritis naturally. In the body, prostaglandin hormones are produced from the different fats we eat. Unfortunately, fats from high-fat meat and dairy products promote the production of PG-2, (chicken, turkey and fish are better choices), whereas the Omega-3 fats from fish and the use of flaxseed oil provide the building blocks for anti-inflammatory PG-3. The fats from evening primrose, borage and black currant oils give rise to anti-inflammatory PG-1.

Also be aware that over-ingestion of corn oil, sunflower seed oil and safflower oil encourages the synthesis of PG-2, promoting inflammation and pain. Thus, these vegetable oils should be replaced with olive oil, canola oil, and, on occasion, peanut oil for use in salad dressings and food preparation. Many holistic practitioners further supplement their patients with flaxseed oil (or other medicinal oils) to help increase the production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. However, in order to convert essential fats into anti-inflammatory PG-1 and PG-3 hormones, certain vitamins and minerals are required to facilitate their synthesis. These include Vitamin B6, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, niacin, zinc, selenium and magnesium, (5,6,7). Thus, arthritic patients should supplement these nutrients as part of a high potency multiple vitamin and mineral product (enriched with extra antioxidant support and a B-50 complex), in conjunction with consuming the types of fats that are used to make anti-inflammatory prostaglandins - 1 and 3. In summary, arthritic patients should choose chicken, turkey and fish instead of high fat meat products, avoid high fat dairy products, use only olive oil, canola oil and peanut oil in food preparation, and supplement with 2,000-3,000 mg of flaxseed oil each day, as well as a high potency multi-vitamin and mineral. This strategy helps the body optimize its own anti-inflammatory hormone activity by blocking the synthesis of PG-2 and increasing the synthesis of PG-3 and PG-1.

EFFECTIVE ANTI-INFLAMMATORY HERBS

Curcumin -- is the active inflammatory agent found in the spice turmeric. It is a very powerful anti-inflammatory agent and has been shown to be as effective as the drug phenylbutazone in reducing pain, swelling and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis patients (a 95% std extract of curcumin derived from turmeric is recommended) (8,9,10,11).

Boswellia -- In clinical studies, the gum resin of the boswellia tree (yielding 70% boswellic acids) has been shown to improve symptoms in patients with osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Like Curcumin, its active ingredients block the production of inflammatory prostaglandin hormones and other inflammatory chemicals (12,13).

White Willow Bark Extract -- provides anti-inflammatory phenolic glycosides, which have been shown to be effective in the treatment of arthritis, back pain, and other joint conditions (std. to 15% salicin content is recommended). It also provides a natural pain relieving effect (14,15, 16).

Ginger Root Extract -- contains oleo-resins that have shown to be effective in the management of various arthritic and muscle inflammation problems (std to 5% gingerol content is recommended) (17,18).

Bromelain -- contains anti-inflammatory enzymes that have proven ability to suppress the inflammation and pain of many forms of arthritis, sports injuries, and joint conditions (19,20,21).

Quercetin -- a bioflavonoid compound that blocks the release of histamine and other anti-inflammatory agents at supplemented doses (minimum 100 mg per day) (22,23,24).

REPAIRING CARTILAGE WITH GLUCOSAMINE AND MSM

The recent confirmation that sulfur plays a key role in maintaining the structural integrity of our cartilage has also prompted the popular use of MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane). MSM is a sulfur-rich compound, which has been shown in clinical and experimental studies to greatly improve arthritic and other joint inflammatory conditions. Experimental evidence indicates that it may provide significant anti-inflammatory effects as well (31,32). As such, the use of glucosamine sulfate and MSM is a highly effective combination in the treatment of arthritis and other joint cartilage-related problems.

YOUR SUPPLEMENTATION STRATEGY

*References and additional information on this subject are available at: www.nutra-education.com.

• Make sure the backpack is sturdy and appropriately sized. Some manufacturers offer special child-sized versions for children ages 5-10. These packs weigh less than a pound and have shorter back lengths and widths so they do not slip around on the back.
• Consider more than looks when choosing a backpack. An ill-fitting pack can cause back pain, muscle strain, or nerve impingement. You want to have padded shoulder straps to avoid pressure on the nerves around the armpits. Some backpacks have waist straps designed to stabilize the load. These should be used whenever possible.
• The proper maximum weight for loaded backpacks should not exceed 15% of the child's body weight. For example, an 80 pound child should not carry more than 12 pounds in a pack. If the pack forces the carrier to bend forward, it is overloaded.
• In loading, it is obvoius that excessive backpack weight can cause problems. Prioritizing the pack's content is very important.
• Avoid loading unnecessary items. It is important to balance the weight of the contents or the body shifts into unnatural postures to compensate.
• Often ignored is the act of lifting and positioning the pack. Lifting 20 pounds improperly can cause damage. Follow these simple steps:
  
  
  • - Face the backpack before you lift it.
  • - Bend at the knees.
  • - Using both hands, check the weight of the pack.
  • - Lift with your legs, not your back.
  • - Carefully put one shoulder strap on at a time. Never sling the pack onto one shoulder.
  • - Use both shoulder straps. Make them snug but not too tight.
  • - Carrying the backpack on one shoulder, while fashionable, can cause long- term neck, shoulder, back and postural problems.
  • - Use the stabilizing waist strap around the waist.

ATTENTION ALL OYF PLAYERS

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Contact the office:
Dr. Larry Smith D.C., B.P.E.
Chiropractor

P.O. Box 307
255 Island Highway
Parksville, British Columbia
Canada V9P 2G5