The Myth of Incurable Joints and Bones

Those who suffer from chronic joint and Back Pain for years have come to believe that their condition is due to an incurable defect in the structure of their bones and/or joint that can be ameliorated only through surgery.  Before glucosamine compounds came to be accepted by the mainstream health providers, physicians were convinced that damaged cartilage could not be rebuild.  Studies on glucosamine show that cartilage can be repaired and  relief from pain is obtained about four to eight weeks of daily intake.  Similarly, the body has bone regeneration capability.  Cartilage damage may have been incurable due to modern agricultural modalities that have eliminated much of the bitter component in plants, the sulfur, thus sulfur compounds such as glucosamine was unavailable in sufficient amounts in the body.  Organic sulfur (MSM),   is crucial to human metabolism. The MSM would be the first line of defense against joint pain and inflammation, as well as bone abnormality.

According to Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.(The MSM Miracle, Keats Publishing, 1997)   "One of the most significant application of organic sulfur, MSM, is its demonstrated ability to alleviate pain associated with systemic inflammatory disorders."  This is due to many aspects of the mineral's function, one of which being increased cell permeability.  The muscles, skin and bones are high in sulfur and this mineral is essential in the formation of connective tissue -- it is widely known that vitamin C is an important co-factor here.  Sulfur is also a precursor and component of many substances and two important vitamins needed in the synthesis of fatty acids, carbohydrates, anti-oxidants, and various amino acids.  For example, taurine, a sulfur amino Acid, mediates the transport of calcium, potassium and magnesium in and out of cells. These minerals are essential for proper Muscle and bone maintenance. Taurine is abundant in white blood cells, the Immunity cells, and it is also involved in fat metabolism and protection of fat-soluble vitamins. Sulfur itself is a component of insulin. Both fats and sugar are important factors in inflammation.  Mindell notes that drugs lowering histamines have significant side effects, including arrhythmia on the other hand, one can use MSM instead, which he contends flushes out allergens, accompanied by an increase in water and vitamin C intake. 

Assuming a sufficient intake of all the minerals necessary for bone repair and damage prevention, one still has to contend with the issue of proper metabolism.  When improperly metabolized, calcium deposits itself in the wrong places, such as arteries and connective tissues, and bones are depleted. Hormonal function, especially that of the thyroid,  is seminal in bone maintenance and repair.  

A low Thyroid Function for example leads to abnormal metabolism of mineral salts such as calcium and it is known to depress the immune system as well. The humble Kelp, containing Iodine, is said to support the thyroid and in the same time alkalinize the blood with its mineral salt content.  A predominantly alkaline blood is the normal blood in humans, while an Acid blood is considered by some to be one of the primary causes of joint inflammation.  Particles such as uric Acid, a by-product of metabolism, if excessive and not promptly eliminated, is deposited in the joints causing pain, stiffness and diminished range of motion.  A high intake of fruit and vegetables maintains normal blood acidity. Strawberries, celery, apples, apple cider are especially effective.  A few drops of the even more humble apple cider vinegar is also effective in alkalinizing the blood. The value of vinegar in the diet is supported empirically by observing that many cultures use it in the form of pickled vegetables with almost every major meal. 

It is also an antibacterial, thus aiding again the immune system.  Other particles, such as proteins resulting from the immune system's action against antigens also have been found to conglomerate in the connective tissue, a discovery that establishes a link between allergens and joint inflammation.  The complementary and alternative health literature contends that certain minerals and amino-acids that support thyroid functions are found in the following foods: molasses, egg yolks, parsley, apricots, dates, prunes, fish, and chicken.  However, metabolism is a web of two-way lanes and low calcium absorption, or intake for that matter,  may lead to thyroid deficiency and consequently low Immunity.  Several recent studies have demonstrated that calcium is in fact an anti-Cancer substance.
 
One of the not so widely acknowledged substances that regulates calcium metabolism and supports bone structure is Vitamin K, found in abundance in lettuce and other greens.  According to  Terry Mitchell (Vitamin K, Life Extension, February 2000) this vitamin not only stalls osteoporosis but also prevents deposition  of calcium in the wrong places, the calcification of tissue. 

Digestive Enzymes

 Modern diet is a constant focus of inflammation in the body.  Fats, carbohydrates, and protein often trigger allergic reactions in the ingesting host, or the host is incapable to metabolize them due to lack of enzymes.  Digestive enzymes used systemically, that is, away from meals, have successfully treated all kinds of joint degeneration and inflammatory conditions.  Besides their role in food absorption and digestion, enzymes are essential to a myriad of other metabolic processes. As we age, less enzymes are available to us, due to organ wear and tear. 

The pancreas, primarily responsible for the production of enzymes, is often compromised on account of high fats and sugars in the diet.  Its toll is further augmented as most foods we ingest are cooked, a process that destroys enzymes.   A lack of certain minerals and vitamins also results in reduced production of enzymes.  The health literature abounds with studies involving benefits of digestive enzymes and purport that Wobenzym is the most prescribed pill for inflammation and Arthritis in Germany. There are many brands of enzymes manufactured in this country that contain the same enzymes or more, and which are less expensive than the German brand. The  basic requirements are to be taken away from food, and that the pill be coated to protect the enzymes from stomach Acid.
 One enzyme that was found particularly of great antiinflammatory value is bromelain, which is extracted from  pineapple, notably, the hard core of the fruit.  Bromelain resists the stomach Acid and it helps metabolize protein.

Muscle Power

A damaged connective tissue has no time to heal if the bones are not supported by muscles. This is especially important in joints which are continuously strained.  Often the Muscle itself is strained and inflamed.  Expert advise moderate exercise and stretches.   Richard Kunin, M.D., who popularized the use of L-Carnitine for Muscle support, coined the term fibromyalgia, to denote a state of carnitine deficiency. Most carnitine in the diet comes from meat. The muscles strive better in normal levels of the mineral magnesium, which is said to be low in the diet of most Americans. A diet high in vegetables and fruits and containing moderate amounts of seeds and nuts affords an increased magnesium intake.

A Few Anti-inflammatory Nutrients and Herbs

Omega 3 Fatty acids.  Now marketed as the 'good fats,' the Omega 3 have a long track record of antiinflammatory action. The EPA and DHA fatty acids from fish, Flax seeds, purslane are antiinflammatory inasmuch as their intake is high enough to counteract the presence of the Omega 6 fatty acids, present in most other vegetable oils.  One can protect oneself against contaminants in fish by adding selenium to the diet.

DMG - N,N-Dimethylglycine, an extract from grains, has been around for more than half a century and researched extensively in the former Soviet Union.  American researcher  Ernst T. Krebs, contended it was a vitamin and called it vitamin B17, however the FDA disagreed. Over decades, DMG has been found to be a powerful immune modulator and hence a valuable antiinflammatory. Like MSM, Omega-3 fatty acids, and Taurine, it works as an anti-oxidant and active in many systems,  having been found to help metabolize carbohydrates, protect the heart, the brain, the eyes, and the nervous system.  More recently it was even found of benefit in autism. The FDA recognizes its ability to eliminate lactic Acid, a toxic by-product of metabolism.  The DMG in pure form is easily destroyed by the stomach Acid but it is absorbed quickly when taken sublingually.

L-Glutamine

- the most abundant amino Acid in the body, has long been considered a supporter of the immune system.  According to Michael Lam, Md, M.P.H. and Maria Sulindro M.D. (Academy of Anti-Aging Research)  a sufficient presence of glutamine in the body enhances the synthesis of the anti-aging Growth Hormone, hGH.  A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrates that hGH is capable of restoring lost bone mass from the spine and also of reversing the ratio of Muscle to fat which decreases with age.

SAMe

- is a natural substance in the body that is said to enhance methylation, a process by which, very simply put, molecules react with each other in the body.  Those who propound its use tout its effectiveness in three areas: depression, Arthritis and liver disease. Several studies confirm its effectiveness in all these areas.  In a study of 22 000 patients reported by Newsweek, SAMe demonstrated relief for Arthritis and inflammation equal to NSAID’s without the side effects, and, unlike  NSAID’s  that speed the process of cartilage damage, SAMe may restore it, as its biological path includes the creation of a sulfate molecule group ( Newsweek, July 1999).  (A note of caution: reports on DMG also claim that this compound enhances methylation - most probably there are no studies which examine the concomitant use of these two substances)

Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Through its action of facilitating carbohydrate metabolism the ALA is seminal in diminishing inflammation as it enhances the immune system by lowering the insulin levels, it relents the process of oxidation, and allows for an increase in the rate of cell repair.  The alpha lipoid Acid should be taken together with biotin, a sulfur compound B vitamin needed for protein and carbohydrate metabolism.  

Pycnogenol, Proanthocyanidin, a bioflavonoid complex known shortly as PCO, popularly known as Pycnogenol, an extract from the bark of the maritime pine tree, has cell protection, anti-oxidant and an anti-histamine action. According to Rick Remington, a chemist and spokesperson for Hauser, Inc., the  PCO, through its ability to strengthen the cell membrane of certain immune cells, has been successfully used to safely combat the inflammatory effect of allergies.  The compound is also found in grapes, blueberries, cherries and plums, most abundantly in the skin and seeds.

Curcumin, from the spice turmeric (curcuma longa)  has also been found to successfully diminish joint inflammation and pain.  Turmeric is also a very powerful anti-oxidant, it warms up the body, and possibly has the property of preventing blood clots. This quality of preventing the aggregation of platelets in the blood (anticoagulant)  is shared by other anti-inflammatory nutrients and foods, including fish oil and alpha lipoic Acid, therefore caution is required when several of these are being used together.

Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) was found effective in inflammation caused by rheumatoid Arthritis and acts in the same way as some NSAID’s, by inhibiting prostaglandins.  However this herb who had been used since ancient times, apparently causes 'minimal side effects.' (source: Feverfew, An Effective Herbal Treatment for Migraine, Arthritis and other Inflammatory Conditions - Cardiovascular Research, Ltd.)

Devil's Claw extract (Harpagophytum procumbens). Several studies performed in the 1990's in China found that this plant affords a very high rate of relief of symptoms (67 to 86 percent) in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid Arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis (reported by Michael T. Murray in Let's Live, June 1996).

Boswellia Serrata appears to be a very promising herb if only considering that Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center is doing research on it. Its major therapeutic constituent, boswellic Acid, was found beneficial in arthritic inflammation as well as in malignant glioma, leukemia and ulcerative Colitis (www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html).

Wild Yam (Dioscorea oppositae) has been used as a food and as an anti-inflammatory agent in Arthritis and rheumatic conditions for centuries in Latin  American continent and in Asia as well,  under the names of Huang Yao Tzu or Shu Yu. It is a systemic medicinal that supports many important organs, including the kidneys and is helpful in conditions such as gall bladder inflammation, high cholesterol, and neuralgia. Its steroidal glycoside, diosgenin, is a precursor to progesterone, a hormone that counteracts the effects of Estrogen. (www.rain-tree.com/dioscorea.htm -  Raintree Nutrition, Inc.)  By that account alone, the Wild Yam should be an anti-Cancer compound, as progesterone was found to modulate favorably the gene responsible for apoptosis in Cancer. 

Homeopathy is being used with success in systemic conditions which are generally lumped under Arthritis. They are inexpensive and accepted as harmless even by the FDA  and do not interfere with any other treatment. 
Regarding joint inflammation, one may try one or more of the following: Aurum muriaticum, Mercurium corrosivus, Colchicum or even better, one may go directly to a homeopathy diagnostic site and select the exact item, according to one's own specific symptoms.

The inflammation is either an appropriate and necessary action of a normal immune system, or an aberration, an expression of a defective Immunity.  In 'treating' it, we have three approaches: suppress all or some of the processes involved, rev up/support/regulate  the system, and/or attack the underlying problem.  The alternative medicine offers a huge arsenal to all of these ends that includes diet, life-style, nutritional supplements, herbs, electromagnetic therapy, kinetic therapies, homeopathy.  We have only scratched the surface here in mentioning some of the choices available from the vast alternative health literature.

 
From the modern arsenal of pharmaceutical companies, we have the synthetic corticosteroids, many of them more powerful than those ever produced in the human body. They work by suppressing  the immune system in general. Other products are more selective.  Antihistamines block the release of histamines which have been associated with the inflammatory reaction of the immune system. Aspirin (coated or not) partially suppresses Immunity by inhibiting the enzyme cyclooxigenase an enzyme involved in the formation of prostaglandins, key components of the immune system. (Kit Ming Yeung, M.ED., M.L.S. George W. Havey, Ph.d. and Lawrence B. Yeung, M.D.  Asprin and the Immune System - Pan Pacific Institute). The so called Non-Steroidal anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAID's) are substances which interrupt one or other specialized activity of the immune system.  There are dozens of NSAID's on the market, some sold over the counter, and many more on prescription. Many of these are prescribed to elderly and to children.  The FDA itself admits on its own site that acetaminophen, the active component of many NSAID's, including Tylenol, is a major cause of liver failure in the United States.

In September last year, Merck has withdrawn one of its major selling NSAID's, Vioxx (a so called Cox-2 selective) off the market due to its link to cardiovascular (CV) disease and death. Earlier this year the FDA has asked Pfizer, Inc. to remove Bextra, also a  Cox-2 selective NSAID, from the market.  In the same time the FDA publicized that it has made new "recommended proposed labeling" to all NSAID's sponsors. (www.fda.gov/cder/drug). Thus by a diplomatic coup, the FDA, appearing concerned and protective of consumers, has prevented the fall of the NSAID's sales after the Vioxx withdrawal. While kicking a competitor off the market, it continues to allow dozens of dangerous drugs to be sold with impunity. 
Ultimately it is up to the consumer to make informed decision regarding his/her own health choices.