OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is the term used to refer to degenerative changes within a joint including loss of cartilage and changes in bone mass. This “wear and tear” within the joint can result in a variety of symptoms including loss of joint mobility, pain, joint stiffness and inflammation.
Osteoarthritis develops slowly over time and is most common amongst older people, but it is also evident amongst young people – particularly those with a previous joint injuries or a long history of participating in high impact sports including running, basketball, football and netball. More than 9 million people in the UK have some form of arthritis.
Common Causes of arthritis:
• Damage to the joint from injury/trauma
• Wear and tear on the joint associated with aging.
• Excess strain caused by repetitive trauma or a muscle imbalance around the joint.
• A (often genetic) defect in the way cartilage is formed resulting in increased breakdown of cartilage or decreased formation of new cartilage.
• Contributing factors include: poor diet, obesity, hypothyroidism, hyperinsulin states, sedentary lifestyle, bowel toxicity and hormonal disorders.

Common symptoms of arthritis:
• Pain of the affected joints, which is made worse by activity and improved by rest.
• Inflammation of the joint.
• A bony enlargement, which appears as nodules on the fingers/thumb.
• Restriction of the normal range of movement of a joint.

Remedies:
Glucosamine is the most commonly used supplement for joint health because of its ability to repair the joint and improve functionality.
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring substance found in healthy joint tissue. It plays an important role in the production of cartilage and helps support the strengthening of tendons and ligaments. As we age our bodies struggle to produce the levels of nutrients we need to keep us active. Supplementation with glucosamine helps reduce cartilage wear in osteoarthritis and reduces the progressive deterioration of the joints.
The majority of clinical trials on glucosamine show that you require a dose of 1500mg of glucosamine daily to relieve osteoarthritis pain.
Early supplementation with Glucosamine based products can often prevent the onset of osteoarthritis and joint pain. Even if you find that your joints ache on an irregular basis, supplementing with glucosamine can reduce this discomfort. Protect your joints BEFORE they degenerate as prevention is always preferable.
Diet:
For sufferers of osteoarthritis there are some diet choices which can aid in reducing the pain and discomfort associated with this condition.
Avoid:
• Animal products and dairy as they can promote inflammation
• Vegetables from the nightshade family: tomatoes, green peppers, potato and eggplant. These foods can promote the pain and discomfort associated with OA.
• Tobacco, coffee, sugar, refined foods, fried foods and white flour products.
Include:
• Sesame seeds, artichokes, green beans, millet, celery, barley, almonds, turnip greens, cherries, pineapple, quince, watercress, blackberries, black currants, mustard greens, limes, lettuce and olive oil.
• As food sensitivities are associated with OA the ABO Blood Type Diet will provide you with optimal nutrition and minimal risk of irritation. Your practitioner can advise you on the best long term eating regime for you.
Ensuring you maintain a healthy weight will also ease the pressure on your joints as will partaking in muscle strengthening exercises as greater muscle tone offers greater support to the skeletal system.