These nutrients help rebuild the joints, so are most important for preventing further degradation and re-building joint material.  They may take 4-6 weeks to show results as re-building takes time.  A typical product will include 1500 mg glucosamine and 1000 mg chondroitin, to be taken in divided does.  Glucosamine HCL should be used instead of glucosamine sulfate should be used in the case of a shellfish allergy.  It is cautioned not to use glucosamine in the case of diabetes or hyperlipidemia.  Chondroitin should not be used by those on Warfarin.
 
MSM-A natural anti-inflammatory that contains sulfur, an integral component of cartilage.  Also good for maintenance.  Found alone or in combination with glucosamine/chondroitin.  500mg, three times per day is the low end of the dosage range, and up to 8000 mg per day.  Consult a doctor for the higher end of the range.
 
Essential Fatty Acids (EFA's)-The EPA and DHA found in fish oils and flax are great anti-inflammatories.  Take at least 1200 mg per day for effect and up to 3000 mg.  These compounds are also blood thinners so caution should be exercised if you are on blood thinners.  Side benefits are lower cholesterol, better skin health, better memory, focus, and mood.
 
GLA (gamma-linoleic acid)-Another anti-inflammatory compound found in borage oil, black currant oil, and evening primrose oil.  Works on a different inflammation pathway than the EFA's, so combined with that can be a powerful anti-inflammatory.  Take 2000 to 3000 mg per day, divided.
 
SAMe (s-adenosylmethionine)-A derivative of amino acid metabolism that is in all body tissues & fluids.  It helps with joint pain and also improves depression and anxiety.  Useful if your pain is accompanied by these other symptoms.  May not be used with anti-depressants.  Use 200-400 mg 3 times each day.
 
Bromelain-An enzyme found in pineapple that can also be found in capsule form, it has anti-inflammatory properties.  Great also for inflammation in the sinuses or digestive tract.  Take 500 mg 3 times per day.
 
Sour cherries or their extract-Cherry fruit extract can be found in pill form, as a concentrated juice, or as whole dried sour cherries.  This nutrient is incredible for relieving pain because it removes uric acid from the body, a huge culprit in pain, particularly the gout.  A side benefit is that these cherries contain a good amount of melatonin, and therefore can help improve sleep as well.
 
Hyaluronic acid-This compound is part of the joint material.  It's absence is indicated by a crunching and grinding sound in the joint. It is a water magnet and therefore lubricates the joint when it is present.  An important component of joint material.  Often found in combination with other nutrients that are healthy for the joints.  Also great for skin maintenance due to its hydrating abilities.  Take 200 mg daily.
 
Pycnogenol-Also known as pine bark extract, this compound  inhibits COX-2 and LOX-5, is anti-inflammatory and counteracts the degradation of the protein matrix of the bones.  It is thought that degradation of the bones themselves can cause many of the symptoms of arthritis.  Also lowers CRP and is an antioxidant, giving the side benefit of improving cardiovascular health.  Do not use for rheumatoid arthritis as it may also have immune-stimulating effects.
 
Vitamin C-This vitamin is very important to repair in the body and the formation of connective tissue.  Take 1000-2000 mg 2-3 times daily, up to bowel tolerance.
 
Manganese-This trace mineral is needed in small amounts, but its often found to be deficient in people with arthritis.  It is found as a component of many combination formulas for arthritis.  Take 5 mg 2 times daily.
 
Devil's Claw-This herb is an anti-inflammatory and pain killing agent.  It stimulates circulation and carries inflammatory chemicals away from affected tissues.  Take 1-2 ml of tincture 2-3 times per day.  Good for use in acute situations.  May have anitplatelet effects, so is not to be taken with antiplatelet drugs. 
 
Turmeric-This common Indian herb is anti-inflammatory and analgesic.  Its active ingredient curcumin has been found to have many positive activities in the body.  It is thought to switch off the protein that triggers joint swelling and destruction and is a good antioxidant for the small joints especially.  Also good for inflammation in the bowel.  Take 400 to 600 mg daily. May have antiplatelet effects so not to be taken with antiplatelet drugs.

Ginger-This herb inhibits the production of cytokines, which promote a tendency toward inflammation.  It also stimulates circulation.  Ginger improves sluggish digestion and is anti-tussive and antiviral, as side benefits.  Take 1-2 grams of powder 2-3 times daily or 1-2 ml of tincture 3 times a day.  Ginger also makes a delicious tea.  May have antiplatelet effects, so not to be taken with antiplatelet drugs.
 
Boswellia-The boswellic acids in this herb deactivate hormonal triggers for inflammation.  It shrinks inflamed tissue by stimulating the growth of cartilage.  Take 1200-1500 mg 2-3 times per day.
 
Combination formulas-Several companies make formulas that combine many of the above nutrients, herbs, or both.  Zyflammend is an herbal combination that is excellent for inhibiting the inflammatory response.  Flexcin combines fatty acids, glucosamine/chondroitin, vitamin C, collagen, bromelain and other nutrients to support healthy joints.  Hyaluronic Joint Complex combines collagen, hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and other nutrients for joint support.  Collagen JS is a similar formula.  Traumeel and Zeel, homeopathic combo formulas that can be taken internally, are also available topically.
                  

Newer Supplements for Arthritis
 
Eggshell membrane-A company called Membrell has recently come out with a product that uses eggshell membrane.  The company takes eggshells that would otherwise end up in landfills and makes a joint supplement from them.  Eggshell membrane naturally contains chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen, all important joint building material.  Some clinical studies have been done showing that pain was reduced and flexibility increased in just 10 days.  Take 500 mg per day.  Also available in a formula that adds turmeric, boswellia, grape seed extract and pycnogenol.  We should have this product in within the week.
 
ASU (avocado-soybean unsaponifiable)-A fat taken from soybean and avocados, it works by beneficially modifying bone cells that are undergoing arthritic changes.  ASU is bound to plant fibers called lignans.  It must be mechanically removed from these in order to be readily absorbed by the body, which is why just eating the food doesn't work.  Take 300 mg once per day.  We can order this supplement but do not as yet stock it.
 
Shea triterpines-These come from the pit of the fruit of the karite tree, the same tree that shea butter comes from.  They are included in a formula called FlexNow, which claims to reduce the breakdown of type II collagen, the most abundant part of cartilage.  It also eases pain and inflammation in the joints.  We are waiting to get more information on this supplement before we stock it.

 

By way of illustration, I will go through a couple of typical remedies:

 

Arnica--this remedy is classic for inflammation and is one of the few remedies that can be used for the same purpose by many different people

 

Bryonia--this remedy is typical for acute attacks and is characterized by stitching pain with inflammation and hot, swollen joints.  The person would feel worse upon initial movement, irritable, and better with heat, rest and pressure.  There may be an actual dread of movement.

 

Rhus Tox--this remedy is more typical for chronic issues and is characterized by heaviness, numbness, or weakness in the joint.  There is a drawing, tearing pain, accompanied by stiffness and restlessness.  The person feels worse at night and better from stretching, applying heat, and on initial movement.

 

To find a correct remedy, you need to ask yourself detailed questions about how you feel:

 

How would you describe the pain?
Do you have any fears around your illness?
What is your mental or emotional state?
What makes you feel better?
What makes you feel worse?
Do you feel worse at certain times of the day than others?

Two very popular homeopathic combination formulas for arthritis are Zeel and Traumeel.  These can be taken orally or as a topical cream.

 

 

Topical Help for Arthritis

 

Topical creams or gels can be found that can give significant relief of pain.  If you are on prescription drugs for arthritis and are happy with the results and the lack of side effects, topical medicines can be a great way to get some support for flare-ups.  Homeopathic creams or gels include Zeel, Traumeel or Arnica and all can be helpful for reducing inflammation and mending tissue.  Herbal creams such as Peaceful Mountain's Joint Rescue or Arnica Plus are also useful.  Cayenne cream is also recommended, however we would have to order that for you.