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November/December 2004 Alternative Health
Osteoarthritis and Nutrition

by Catherine Warner

Thousands of Americans suffer daily from osteoarthritis and while there are a multitude of drugs available both over the counter and prescription, the over all public is unaware of diet and lifestyle changes that can have a huge affect on all arthritic conditions. The affects of nutritional changes can be slight to extreme particularly if there is a build up of acids and calcium deposits around the joints. Osteoarthritis is defined as a result of continuous wearing away of the cartilage in the joint. Cartilage is smooth, soft tissue that provides a cushion for the joints to slide across. As we age, or due to injury, this cartilage becomes thin and starts wearing away and the bones rub together causing pain and stiffness. It usually affects the weight bearing joints such as the hips and knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different in that it causes fatigue, weight loss, burning sensation in the joints, and has symptoms that come and go. Although as I have said ALL arthritic conditions can be greatly improved with nutrition, my focus is in this article is osteoarthritis. Both types of arthritis should be treated as soon as possible as osteoarthritis can lead to permanent damage, and rheumatoid arthritis can damage the heart and lungs.

Weight reduction is essential for osteoarthritis. (If you have weight issues, please do not go on a diet! Start eating!! Small healthy frequent meals through out the day will boost your metabolism, and give you lots of energy.) The diet should be alkaline, which includes vegetables and fruits with only small amounts of grain and dairy products. It is best to avoid meats as they are high in uric acid, salt and sugar. Try to avoid processed food altogether, cook your vegetables fresh and eat lot of fresh fruits and salads. Fish with high levels of omega fatty acids such as salmon and tuna are helpful. Olive oil, flaxseed, nuts and avocados are all good sources of fatty acids.

Foods rich in folic acid are helpful such as lentils, split peas, barley, alfalfa, soy and oats.
The sulfur content of onions and garlic are helpful for inflammation. Raw vegetable juices and potassium broth are particularly effective for alkalizing body tissues and dissolving deposits around joints. Try pineapple juice (high in bromelain), potato juice, cabbage mixed with carrot, and wheat grass. Food and substance allergies can exacerbate arthritis and should be identified and avoided. Common food allergies are milk, beef, corn and wheat. Common substance allergies are mold, dust and pollen.

Raw potato juice has been very successful. Prepare potato juice in an electric juicer and drink fresh diluted (half and half) juice first thing in the morning. Or a thinly sliced potato can be left to stand in water overnight and then drunk the following morning before breakfast. Alfalfa is particularly useful. Try alfalfa sprouts, alfalfa tea, and alfalfa powder sprinkled on food.

If you have been on cortisone and aspirin drugs, you should not necessarily stop these treatments, but if you insist on coming off of any medications please consult with your physician and come off of any medication gradually. Please be aware that cortisone inhibits the action of vitamin A and C and aspirin destroys vitamin C.

The following herbs contain salicylic acid that is the basis of aspirin, birch bark, black haw bark, meadow sweet, white willow bark, and wintergreen leaves. All of these can be effective for pain reduction.
And please remember, an illness or discomfort can be an awakening. Love yourself enough to treat your body with the absolute precious sacredness that envelops your spirit.

All My Relations

When I studied the Native American Medicine Path, I learned a term often used after praying, "Mitakuye Oyasin". This means All My Relations, from the smallest ant to the largest eagle. This is a term of respect for all parts of Divine Creation with the realization that we are all one, no greater than, no less than, but all a part of the life force. I consider the herbs and plants my relatives; they are the sacred and divine gifts from Creator, given to us for the healing of our body, minds, and spirits. We, as people must learn to recognize the wonder and magic around us, we seem to have forgotten that WE are a part of the sacred life force that needs to be recognized once again. It is with great love and respect that I use this term....)