A shift in the paradigm of arthritis and degenerative joint diseases.
Background
Arthritis afflicts more than 50 millions Americans and over 300 million people worldwide.
So, it's safe to say that this is a big problem.
It is commonly accepted that arthritis is a degenerative or auto-immune disease so treatments for it have been focused on reducing inflammation and suppressing immune function with drugs.
I will refrain from soapboxing the stupidity of suppressing your immune function.
(Hmmm. I guess I didn't refrain from it, did I?) ;-)
But there is a shift happening in how scientists and some bold clinicians are looking at arthritis and it's cause.
.....
Science Alert!
Please forgive all the science but I will add screen shots so its a little easier for you to consume.
Historical model
Arthritis is broken up into two categories:
1. Osteoarthritis and
2. Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Osteoarthritis is defined as a "wear and tear" disease where harsh activities and demand causes break down of the joint cartilage and eventually bone on bone rubbing creates pain and restricted movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a disease where the bodies own immune system attacks the lining of the joint capsule and causes it to become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation eventually destroys cartilage and bone in the joint. Gross.
Treatment?
According to the Mayo Clinic treatment can be:
drugs of various types
surgery
sometimes physical therapy- exercise, braces, splints
So essentially you are screwed until it gets bad enough to have joint replacement surgery if that is an option.
Gross.
.....
A Paradigm Shift
Now there is a new way of thinking that will potentially change things for the millions dealing with arthritis.
In 2009, Austrian scientists published a paper in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, that outlined a different way to look at arthritis, specifically Rheumatoid arthritis. They proposed that the damage of the joint was the initial cause of the immune response that lead to inflammation, NOT the other way around.
This new models shows how joint damage occurs first and that damage is what causes the bodies immune system to respond. (Same would be true for osteoarthritis).
.....
But what would be responsible for the damage of the joints?
That's a great question and the answer will blow your mind.
SCURVY?!!
Like old pirates??!!
I know!!
Once thought to be a disease of ancient times, old sailors and pirates who didn't get enough fruits and vegetables, in particular, citrus fruits containing the all important vitamin C.
Not Ascorbic Acid.
Actual vitamin C.
It turns out can be the reason why people suffer from arthritis.
Crazy.
.....
What does vitamin C do for the joints?
Vitamin C is essential for the production of collagen.
All collagen.
Women all over the world know about collagen as it firms up wrinkles and fine lines but it is also the building block of all soft tissue and joint cartilage.
Starting to get the picture?
.....
What can we do to support vitamin C deficiency and collagen repair?
Well, first we can start to eat more vitamin C rich foods: Citrus fruits, peppers, kiwi, broccoli, etc.
Now you all know I am a big fan of quality supplements.
The reason being that I cannot get everything I need from my diet and I know that.
Also, I am lazy by nature so will tend to look for the easy way if it exists.
The supplements I recommend are pictured below.
Here is some interesting thoughts:
Doesn't bone tissue also begin as collagen? Yes! So poor collagen can lead to poor bone quality and density.
What about my teeth? If collagen is part of all bone, then aren't my teeth also potentially impacted? Yes! in fact, some research shows that gum disease is the first and early sign of vitamin C deficiency. Makes sense, right?
1. For improved bone health, I would use the same supplements.
I am constantly amazed how new knowledge continues to support "old" or ancient knowledge. That the basics of a healthy life and wellbeing are simple: Eat well, Rest and Move.
Links to supplements:
References
Comments