Specific nutritional approaches are highly effective to combat osteoarthritis, which affects 35 million Americans after mid-life. In fact, the Arthritis Foundation has declared some very effective. Here are the best nutritional products to use against osteo- and rheumatoid arthritis.

OSTEOARTHRITIS (OA)

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTS:
Both Glucosamine (derived from crustacean shells) and Chondroitin (derived from animal cartilage) relieve pain and improve knee function in OA patients and are extremely safe, according to a major new Belgian study. Glucosamine equals or surpasses conventional drugs – non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs, including aspirin – and can even reduce cartilage loss and slow the progression of OA, says John Klippel, M.D., medical director of the Arthritis Foundation. In another study, taking 1,500 milligrams of glucosamine daily for three years reduced arthritic knee pain and disability 20% to 25%. Glucosamine and chondroitin often are combined, but Klippel says there is no proof they are more effective together than alone.

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS:
Research increasingly finds that Vitamins and Anti-oxidants, especially Vitamin C, protect against OA, Klippel says. Losing weight dramatically cuts that risk of OA in the knees and hips. Overweight middle-aged women who lost 11 pounds over a 10-year period halved their risks of knee osteoarthritis.

RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS (RA)

RECOMMENDED SUPPLEMENTS:
Fish oil, a powerful anti-inflammatory, relieves pain, swelling and stiffness, studies have shown. Taking fish oil enables from 50% to 100% of RA patients to discontinue NSAIDs medications. Expect improvement after 12 weeks. The usual dose is 3,000 mg. of EPA/DHA (fish oil’s active omega 3 fatty acid ingredients) daily, taken under a doctor’s supervision because it can thin the blood and react with medications.

GLA (gamma-linolenic acid). This fatty acid is in evening primrose oil, black currant oil and borage oil. In one study of 56 RA patients, those taking GLA daily for six months had significantly less joint pain and stiffness and better grip strength. The usual dose is about 1,800 mg.
daily. Be sure to tell your doctor; like fish oil, GLA can thin the blood and react with drugs.

Vitamins and Minerals. A Mayo Clinic study found that older women who took Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Zinc were 30% - 60% less likely to develop RA.

DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS:
In a new Swedish study, RA patients who ate a Mediterranean diet (rich in olive oil, cereals, legumes, fish, fruits and vegetables; low in meat) for three months had less pain, better joint function and more vitality than did eaters of a typical Western diet. One reason: Olive oil, fish fat and produce have anti-inflammatory or antioxidant activity.

Recommended Full-Spectrum Supplement Program, With An Emphasis on Key Nutritional Factors For Arthritis:

MSM (Methyl sulfonylmethane) 1177 mg. (#641P) Tablets MSM-Chondroitin-Glucosamine (#4137T) Caplets Coral Calcium Complex (#4049U) Tablets Super Evening Primrose Oil - 1000 mg. (#279P) Softgels Glucosamine & Chondroitin Complex (#3137T) Capsules Ultra Multi 90 Plus (#1090P) Tablets Meg EPA Fish Oil Concentrate (#520P) Softgels Vitamin E 400 iu (#504R) Softgels Mega C-1000 mg. Complex (#1072R) Tablets Multiple Mineral Nutra Cap (#260U) Capsules
 

Too many of us drag through our days exhausted, worn out from the demands of work, family, home and other pressures.

The best energy-producing supplement is Ginseng, an adaptogen, a class of natural substances with a unique ability to restore equilibrium throughout the body. It takes a while for the full effects to kick in . . . But once they do, the benefits can be substantial. For over 2000 years, Ginseng has been used as a natural nutritional remedy to bolster vitality!

The problem of energy depletion is that too much stress blocks up our energy-producing machinery. Here’s how this process occurs: Cellular energy is generated in the mitochondria, tiny structures within each cell that turn nutrients into energy, which is stored in the form of the molecules adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP). But when we’re under stress, our bodies release a surge of hormones such as adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol. The stress response can damage the mitochondria and hampers cells’ ability to produce the ATP and CP they need – setting off a vicious cycle in which underfed cells become even more vulnerable to stress.

The adaptogenic nutritionals help by improving cells’ production of ATP and CP. They also improve the function of other systems that affect energy, enhancing the body’s own ability to deliver oxygen to cells and reducing oxidative damage that can harm the mitochondria.

Next time you’re feeling exhausted and in need of a pick-me-up, reach for this energy-booster . . . GINSENG

Ginseng (panax) has been most thoroughly researched of the adaptogenic nutritionals. Ginsenosides, a class of molecules it contains, are thought to keep cortisol and other stress hormones from surging out of control, thereby preventing chronic stress from draining energy. Ginseng also relaxes blood vessels, which should maximize oxygen delivery to cells throughout the body.

Recommended dosages about 100 to 700 milligrams a day, taken in divided doses twice a day (just don’t take it at night, as it may interfere with sleep). You’re more likely to get results at the higher doses. Ginseng acts slowly; expect to wait a few weeks to feel the full effects.
 

Heart Protection Nutritional Supplement Guide:

Following a heart-healthy diet can do a lot to reduce risk, but for many people, it’s not enough. Heart-protecting drugs usually come with troublesome side effects, such as fatigue and the possibility of liver disease. For some risk factors, like homocysteine and low-density lipoprotein prescriptive drugs are not available.

HEART HEALTH FACTORS TO BE AWARE OF:

I. Total Cholesterol: Desirable cholesterol is below 200; borderline high is between 200 and 239; high is 240 and above.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements:

Plant sterols. Beta-sitosterol and other plant sterols have a chemical structure similar to that of cholesterol, which enables them to reduce the absorption of cholesterol from the intestine. Several studies have found that plant sterols can lower cholesterol levels by an average of 6 to 8 percent. Take sterol supplements 2 to 3 times a day, products labeled plant sterols, phytosterols, or beta-sitosterol.

Niacin: This form of vitamin B-3 has been known since the 1950's to reduce cholesterol levels. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration for lowering cholesterol, it is sold both by prescription and over the counter.
As effective as niacin is, it triggers the release of histamine, which often will turn the skin beet red and tingly for about an hour. If you keep taking niacin, the intense flushing episodes should eventually ease. Start at 100 mg. once or twice a day and work up to 500 to 1,000 mg. three times a day.

Coenzyme Q10: People who must take statin drugs should also take 100 to 200 mg. of CoQ10 a day because statins can deplete the body’s natural supply.

II. Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol: Small, dense LDL globules are far more likely to cause blood clots than are larger, less dense ones.
And when a person’s antioxidant intake is low, LDL oxidation increases, which appears to be a key step in the development of heart disease. If total LDL is high, it may be wise to have an additional blood test to find out which type predominates.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements: Plant sterols can lower LDL levels by an impressive 8 to 14 percent. Take sterol supplements 2 to 3 times a day, products labeled plant sterols, phytosterols, or beta-sitosterol.

Vitamin E: Won’t lower LDL, but will curb its tendency to promote heart disease. Contrary to common thinking, LDL is not entirely bad – it’s needed to transport fat-soluble nutrients, such as vitamin E and coenzyme Q10, throughout the bloodstream. Vitamin E and other fat soluble antioxidants prevent LDL oxidation. Take 400 to 800 IU of natural-source vitamin E.

Dietary Options: To lower LDL, reduce your intake of saturated fat (in fatty meats and dairy products) and avoid processed foods containing trans fats such as most shortenings, partially hydrogenated oils, and most cookies and crackers on the market.

III. High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol: HDL is widely considered the “good” form of cholesterol, mainly because it helps transport the LDL or bad cholesterol to the liver where the LDL is then processed for excretion.
The higher your HDL levels, the lower your risk of heart disease.

Ideal HDL levels are 55 mg./dL or higher for women and 45 mg/dL or higher for men.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements:

L-carnitine: A component of protein, is highly recommended.

Fish Oil “Omega 3" Supplements: Contain eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) – both essential dietary fats that boost HDL.
They’re also potent blood thinners so they prevent clotting, and they help to regulate heart rhythm.

Niacin: A form of vitamin B-3, will raise HDL levels. You may experience an intense one-hour flushing sensation after your take it. Aim for 500 to 1,000 mg. three times daily.

Dietary Options: To boost HDL, don’t skimp too much on fats, particularly heart-healthy fish oils and olive oil. Low-fat diets, long recommended to reduce the risk of heart disease, actually lower HDL levels. Cut back on refined carbs, which can decrease HDL.

IV. Triglycerides: Triglycerides actually account for most fat found in the blood and in body fat. A higher ratio of triglycerides to HDL has been associated with a significant increase in heart attack risk.

Anything under 150 mg./dL is considered normal. Aim for 100 mg. or less.
Levels of 150 to 199 mg. are borderline high, and 200 mg. and above are considered high.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements:

Fish Oil Supplements: Can lead to impressive reductions in triglyceride levels. In some studies, plant sterols have also been shown to reduce triglycerides.

Dietary Options: Triglyceride levels are directly related to the quantity of refined carbohydrates you eat, so reduce your intake of table sugar, white bread, cookies and other sweets, refined pasta, and bagels, and focus instead on whole grains.

Homocysteine: Homocysteine is normally a short-lived byproduct of protein metabolism – it’s only when levels become elevated that they cause trouble.
If you eat lots of veggies, particularly those that contain folic acid such as spinach, romaine lettuce, and other greens, there’s a good chance your homocysteine is at healthy levels.

The American Heart Association considers normal levels to be from 5 to 15 micromoles per liter of blood. Ideal levels are under 7.

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements:

Three B Vitamins are particularly helpful in breaking down homocysteine:
folic acid (1,000 to 5,000 mcg. daily), vitamin B-6 (25 to 50 mg. daily), and vitamin B-12 (2,000 mcg. daily.)

Dietary Options: Load up on leafy greens: spinach, romaine lettuce.

V. Glucose Tolerance

Beneficial Nutritional Supplements: Many supplements can help lower and stabilize glucose and insulin levels, but if you already take glucose-regulating drugs, be sure to work with your physician to adjust their dosage.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid: An antioxidant, is widely used in Germany to treat peripheral neuropathy, a nerve disease caused by diabetes. Studies have found that it can lower both glucose and insulin levels. Take 100 to 300 mg. daily.

Chromium Picolinate: An essential mineral, has been shown to lower glucose and cholesterol levels. Take 400 to 1,000 mcg. daily.

Cinnamon: Can lower fasting glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride levels.

Ginseng Supplements: 1 to 3 grams of American ginseng (Panax quinqufolius
L.) significantly reduced the rise in blood sugar.

Silymarin: The antioxidant-rich extract of milk thistle, is well known for increasing liver activity. Italian researchers found that 600 mg. of silymarin daily reduced several key measures of glucose tolerance, including fasting glucose and insulin, over the course of a year.