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 encourages 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

In addition to the above dietary and supplementation considerations, research reveals that certain herbal agents provide effective anti-inflammatory relief for arthritic patients and in individuals recovering from other muscle, tendon, and joint inflammatory conditions. These compounds work by blocking the synthesis of PG-2 and other inflammatory chemicals. Unlike conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, the following natural compounds have not been shown to damage the intestinal tract, the liver, or the kidneys and do not accelerate joint cartilage damage:

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).