Updated: 10:59 a.m. ET Aug. 10, 2005
Nearly 70 million people suffer
from arthritis or some form of chronic joint pain. But with
proper diet, you may be able to reduce and even possibly
prevent join inflammation, stiffness and discomfort.
Nutritionist Joy Bauer was invited on the “Today” show to
share some suggestions that will hopefully ease the pain.
The word arthritis actually means
joint inflammation. The term arthritis is used to describe
more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect
joints, the tissues which surround the joint and other
connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of
symptoms can vary depending on the specific form of the
disease. Typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized
by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints. The
symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain
rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and
various internal organs of the body.
Types of arthritis
Osteoarthritis
Is a degenerative joint disease in which the cartilage that
covers the ends of bones in the joint deteriorates, causing
pain and loss of movement as bone begins to rub against
bone. It is the most prevalent form of arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis
An autoimmune disease in which the joint lining becomes
inflamed as part of the body's immune system activity.
Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most serious and
disabling types, affecting mostly women.
Gout
This condition mostly affects mostly men. It is usually
the result of a defect in body chemistry. This painful
condition most often attacks small joints, especially the
big toe. Fortunately, gout almost always can be completely
controlled with medication and changes in diet.
Ankylosing spondylitis
A type of arthritis that affects the spine. As a result of
inflammation, the bones of the spine grow together.
Juvenile arthritis
A general term for all types of arthritis that occur in
children. Children may develop juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
or childhood forms of lupus, ankylosing spondylitis or other
types of arthritis.
Systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)
A serious disorder that can inflame and damage joints and
other connective tissues throughout the body.
Scleroderma
A disease of the body's connective tissue that causes a
thickening and hardening of the skin.
Fibromyalgia
Widespread pain affects the muscles and attachments to the
bone. It affects mostly women.
Foods that help prevent
or manage arthritis
Omega-3 fats
EPA and DHA — the two fatty acids within Omega 3 fats —
can be converted into natural anti-inflammatory substances
called prostaglandins and leukotrienes, compounds that help
decrease inflammation and pain.
In numerous studies over the years, participants with
inflammatory diseases have reported less joint stiffness,
swelling, tenderness, and overall fatigue when taking
Omega-3s. In 1998, an exciting review of well-designed,
randomized clinical trials reported that omega-3 fatty acids
were more successful than a placebo ("dummy drug") in
improving the condition of people with rheumatoid arthritis.
The research also showed that getting more omega-3 fatty
acids enabled some participants to reduce their use of
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols — powerful antioxidants
that may fight inflammation. The leaf boasts the presence of
a superstar antioxidant called EGCG (epigallocatechin-gallate)
as well as other notable healing substances, including
fluoride, catechins, and tannins.
Antioxidants in green tea may
prevent and reduce the severity of osteoarthritis. Studies
have shown that if you consume approximately four cups of
green tea a day you may be able to protect yourself from
developing arthritis, and if you already have arthritis,
consuming green tea can help to diminish the inflammation it
causes.
Three to four cups a day can help
protect you against developing arthritis and if you have it,
green tea can help diminish inflammation caused by arthritis
Chili Peppers
Capsaicin is the phytochemical substance that gives hot
peppers their fiery taste. It's located in the soft,
seed-bearing ribs inside chili peppers.
Chili peppers contain a substance
called capsaicin, which gives peppers their characteristic
pungence, producing mild to intense spice when eaten.
Capsaicin is a potent inhibitor of substance P, a
neuropeptide associated with inflammatory processes. The
hotter the chili pepper, the more capsaicin it contains. The
hottest varieties include habañero and Scotch bonnet
peppers. Jalapeños are next in their heat and capsaicin
content, followed by the milder varieties, including Spanish
pimentos, and Anaheim and Hungarian cherry peppers.
Capsaicin is being studied as an
effective treatment for sensory nerve fiber disorders,
including pain associated with arthritis, psoriasis, and
diabetic neuropathy. When animals injected with a substance
that causes inflammatory arthritis were fed a diet that
contained capsaicin, they had delayed onset of arthritis,
and also significantly reduced paw inflammation.
Topical capsaicin is now a
recognized treatment option for osteoarthritis pain. Several
review studies of pain management for diabetic neuropathy
have listed the benefits of topical capsaicin to alleviate
disabling pain associated with this condition.
In a double-blind placebo
controlled trial, nearly 200 patients with psoriasis were
given topical preparations containing either capsaicin or
placebo. Patients who were given capsaicin reported
significant improvement based on a severity score which
traced symptoms associated with psoriasis. The side effect
reported with topical capsaicin cream is a burning sensation
at the area of application.
Cayenne, habañero, chipotle,
jalapeño, Anaheim and ancho are just some of the popular
varieties available. Ground chili peppers are used to make
chili powder, cayenne powder and paprika. Chili peppers are
used as a food and seasoning and revered for their medicinal
qualities.
Inflammation control
Inflammation — the body's natural response to
danger or damage — must always be carefully regulated to
prevent over activation of the immune system and unwanted
immune response. Many types of cells involved with the
immune system - have been shown to alter their behavior in
the presence of flavonoids. Prevention of excessive
inflammation appears to be a key role played by many
different chemical categories of flavonoids.
It is instrumental in keeping
collagen, ligaments and tendons strong. Vitamin C also can
block the effect of inflammatory substances. As vitamin C
inhibits the breakdown of cartilage, it may be of help to
those suffering from arthritis whose cartilage is often
adversely affected. Although, avoid supplemental doses of
Vitamin C since a recent study out of Duke University
Medical Center suggests high doses of Vitamin C worsened
osteoarthritis in the knee.
Spices that help prevent
or manage arthritis
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa)
Been used as a medicine since 600 BC for arthritis,
digestive and skin disorders - it's one of five spices used
in curry and has definitive ant-inflammatory capabilities.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)
Ginger has been used for thousands of years as a cure
in Auyruvedic and Chinese medicine for stomachaches, nausea,
rheumatism, and toothaches. It contains over 477 compounds
with pharmacologic activity. Fresh ginger is used for common
cold symptoms: nasal congestion, runny nose, low-grade
temperature, and aches. Dried ginger is used for sluggish
digestion, nausea and vomiting, poor circulation and
arthritis.
Rosemary (Rosmarinus
Officinalis)
Rosmarinic acid has potent anti-inflammatory and
antioxidant activity. You can also find it in peppermint,
sage, thyme, oregano, basil and lemon balm.
Oregano (Origanum Vulgare)
Studies are accumulating that the pizza herb, oregano, is a
powerful antioxidant. Like other antioxidants contained in
fruits and vegetables, the compounds in oregano may help
prevent the cell damage caused by free radicals - highly
unstable oxygen molecules that steal electrons from other
molecules they encounter. Free radical reactions are
probably involved in inflammation, degenerative arthritis
and the aging process in general. And evidence is
accumulating that antioxidants may help relieve osteo and
rheumatoid arthritis.
In a test of nearly 100 plants in
the mint family, of which oregano is a member, the pizza
herb was the one that had the greatest total antioxidant
activity. Research has shown the antioxidant activity of
oregano and other medicinal mints is due in large part to
rosmarinic acid, a compound with antibacterial,
anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antiviral properties.
Considering how highly it ranks for this kind of protection,
oregano is definitely worth adding to your pizza, or any
other food, if you have arthritis.
Fiery Nectarine Chutney
Makes 3 cups
This sweet and spicy chutney goes
great with just about anything! Jalapenos and ginger possess
anti-inflammatory properties which help alleviate aches and
pains associated with arthritis. The nectarines, red pepper,
orange and lime juice provide disease-fighting antioxidants
and Vitamin C. Serve as a dip with crudités and baked
tortilla chips, or spoon a few tablespoons on top of grilled
fish, poultry, turkey sausages and veggie burgers.
2 large, ripened nectarines (about
1 pound), finely chopped with skin
1 large red bell pepper, cut and chopped
1/2 cup finely chopped red onion
4 teaspoons minced, fresh jalapeño pepper (use more if you
can take the heat!)
2 to 3 teaspoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon allspice
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons orange juice
In medium bowl, stir together
nectarines, bell pepper, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, orange
juice, sugar, salt, ginger, and allspice. Refrigerate until
serving time.
Nutrition (per ¼ cup serving)
Calories: 19, Protein: 0, Carb: 5g, Fat: 0g, Sat Fat:
0g, Fiber: 1g, Sodium: 49 mg, Vitamin C: 23 mg
