In The Arthritis Cure (New York: St. Martin's Press, 1997) by Jason Theodosakis, M.D., and colleagues, it is said that "there are more than 100 diseases that so affect the joints, the most common of which is osteoarthritis."
Osteoarthritis - what it is. In joints afflicted with osteoarthritis, the cartilage that covers and pads the ends of bones - called articular cartilage - breaks down, allowing bones to rub against each other, causing pain ranging from bothersome to excruciating.
The traditional approach. Working under the underlying assumption that osteoarthritis is unstoppable and incurable, standard treatment in this country has been to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin.
Unfortunately, there are three big problems with that approach: 1) research suggests that natural compounds, such as chondroitin sulfate, can halt or reverse the progression of osteoarthritis and can help rebuild cartilage; 2) there are many damaging side-effects that go along with these NSAIDs, including "stomach ulcers, intestinal bleeding, kidney failure, high blood pressure, and aggravation of immune system disorders like asthma, psoriasis, and colitis" (The Four Pillars of Healing, New York: Random House, 1997); and 3) some research actually suggests that these medications cause certain features of osteoarthritis to get worse, and more rapidly than they would have without the anti-inflammatory pain-killers.
Since little is known as to why certain people get osteoarthritis (aside from specific risk factors, such as obesity and traumatic injury), it "will be more important to design preventive strategies for the early detection of impairment and implementation of interventions to halt, slow, or reverse progression of the disease," said Masayuki Shinmei echoing E.C. Hardley in a 1995 issue of the Journal of Rheumatology. Which brings us back to: 1) why is cartilage so important?; and 2) what can we add to our diet to help preserve cartilage or restore it?
Cartilage - a closer look. Cartilage is 65 to 85 percent water, the rest made up of collagen and proteoglycans, the compounds that give cartilage its stretchability and shock-absorption capability. Together, water, collagen, and proteoglycans make up what's referred to as the "cartilage matrix."
Collagen is a crucial structural protein in cartilage that holds in the proteoglycans, which, in turn, trap water in the tissue. Proteoglycans are monster molecules (macromolecules) composed of protein and sugars. The cells which actually form new cartilage are called chondrocytes; these mini power-plants produce new collagen and proteoglycan molecules. Also important is hyaluron, the component that makes joint-fluid viscous, providing lubrication between the synovial membrane and cartilage.
Enter chondroitin sulfate. A long chain of repeating sugars, chondroitin: 1) protects the cartilage we have from premature breakdown or "nutrient starvation" by making it difficult for certain enzymes (such as N-acetylglucosaminadase) to get too ambitious; 2) stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (of which chondroitin sulfate is one), proteoglycans, and collagen, cartilage matrix molecules which serve as building blocks for new cartilage; 3) sweeps nutrients into the cartilage, which is important, since articular cartilage has no blood supply; 4) decreases pain and improves function; and 5) works hand-in-hand (synergistically) with glucosamine sulfate.
The diet. We do get small amounts of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates from our food. For example, "chondroitins are found in most animal tissues, especially in the 'gristle' around joints," according to The Arthritis Cure. Nevertheless, we will not likely get what we need from food sources, particularly if we are vegetarian.
Our joint-friendly diet should be rich in fruits and vegetables. Theodosakis asks us to ensure that we're getting optimal daily levels of: vitamin A (e.g., 5,000 IU); vitamin C (e.g., 500 to 4,000 mg); vitamin E (e.g., 100 to 400 IU); selenium (e.g., 55 to 200 mcg); and boron (e.g., 3 mg). We should look for whole-foods such as green tea, berries, onions, and citrus fruits and supplements containing: citrus bioflavonoids; rutin; quercetin; hesperidin; catechins; ginkgo biloba; milk thistle; oligomeric proanthocyanidins (OPC's); and evening primrose oil.
He also recommends the following as an effective osteoarthritris prevention program: 1) eat a healthful, joint-preserving diet; 2) maintain your ideal weight; 3) exercise regularly; 4) prevent injuries; 5) ensure proper recovery if you are injured; 6) optimize your biomechanics to counteract stress to your joints; and 7) consider use of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates, especially after injury. BN
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