Herbal therapy and supplements ofr arthritis

1. Integrative Approach
for Inflammation and Arthritis
Immune system is our defense system and protects us from day to
day threats such as infections and fights against serious cancers.
Unfortunately, in some cases our body is exposed to unwanted
environmental triggers and infections which can activate our
immune system. This activation process can become
uncontrolled if the person has prolonged active infection or has
persistent exposure to culprit agents.
This activated immune
response leads to changes in
our defense cells and the
start producing chemicals
called cytokines, which are
part of the
p a t h o l o g i c i m m u n e
response. These cytokines
lead to unwanted
inflammation and damage
in our body tissues. These
markers of inflammation can
be testes in blood of patients
with autoimmune disorders
such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. CRP and
ESR are common tests done to identify inflammation in the body.
Over the last decade, extensive research has concluded that
many chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease and
dementia also have inflammation in the background as
contributor factor for the origin and high activity of these diseases.
Over the last few years it has also become evident that
environmental and nutritional factor play a major role
inflammation and its effects on our genes. Studies have also found
out that there are natural solutions available to slow the
inflammatory process occurring in our body.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune arthritis
affecting 1% population. Rheumatoid factor and anti CCP are
antibodies help in confirming diagnosis. Integrative therapy has
very promising role in controlling inflammation seen in
rheumatoid arthritis and similar autoimmune conditions such as
psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus
erythematosis.
Integrative approaches can help us become stronger and keep
inflammation at minimum. Introducing anti-inflammatory
nutrition and healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone for stopping
inflammation. Incorporating nutritional supplements can also help
reduce inflammation and stabilize immune system through
regulation of immune system.
Exercise and dietary changes are now considered the most
important game changers to control chronic inflammation. A study
in England revealed that middle aged men and women who
increased their exercise were able to lower their levels
inflammatory markers, CRP and IL-6. Another study looked at 10
year follow up of more than 4000 men and those with at least 2.5
hours a week of moderate to vigorous exercise routine had
siginificantly lower levels of both CRP and IL-6.
Coffee and smoking: High consumption of coffee is linked to
rheumatoid arthritis. Cessation of tobacco use is been found
helpful in reducing RA disease activity.
The following nutritional agents are found helpful in rheumatoid
arthritis.
Omega 3 FA: There is been an increasing amount of scientific data
supporting use of omega-3 fatty acids obtained from cold-water
fish such as salmon and also sardines. Tree nuts such as walnuts
and almonds are also rich in omega 3 FA, plant source of omega 3
included flaxseeds. Dose is up to 2-3 g a day or GLA 1.5-3 g/day,
Conjugated linoleic acid does 2-3 g daily
Antioxidants: Vitamin E 100 units as mixed tocopherols, Vitamin C
250 mg twice daily, Selenium 400 mcg daily
Botanicals and Herbs: Green tea
extract (EGCG), curcumin (turmeric), quercetin, ginger, white
willow bark, boswellia. Most commonly Ginger dose is 1 g 2-3
times a day, Turmeric 500 mg to 1000 mg 2-3 times daily.
Mineral and Vitamins: Calcium 1000-1200 mg daily, Magnesium
400-750 mg daily, Vitamin D 2000 international units daily.
For a personlized advice for arthritis and inflammation related
conditions contact us at Dr Farhan Tahir MD,FACR ; Rheumatology
Care Consultants 267-685-6070 See Display Ad on page 16.
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