Osteoarthritis - Diet Therapy Etc.

Osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage, a highly specialized tissue that helps to provide painless joint function. Deterioration of this cartilage and the resulting abnormalities in the surrounding bone cause the stiffness, pain and crackling sounds and often swelling of the joints that are the hallmarks of osteoarthritis (OA). This is the wear and tear type arthritis that affects millions of Americans.

From a nutrition perspective the number one recommendation for people with OA is to maintain a healthy weight. Although there may be other contributing factors, excess weight across the joint most likely induces cartilage breakdown on the basis of excess force- therefore weight loss is recommended to prevent further deterioration in people with osteoarthritis and excess weight.

The usual treatment for OA is the use of anti-inflammatory drugs combined with muscle strengthening activities and judicious exercise. However rebuilding of the cartilage has long been the aim of orthopedics and rheumatology.

Glucosamine-chonroitin is a combination therapy that has been studied extensively in Europe as early as 1996 and shown to be efficacious. Newer studies in the US agree that this combination might indeed do what was intended- structurally improve damaged cartilage, relieve pain and improve function.

Independently- glucosamine stimulates cartilage cells to make proteoglycan- a principle component of cartilage. It also has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. Chondroitin also plays a critical role in the basic structure and function of cartilage and inhibits the breakdown of cartilage.

Some things to keep in mind when using this combination: (they work better together)

• They are not recommended for people with rheumatoid arthritis, gout. Nor should pregnant women or children take these supplements.
• They seem to have a sulfa component, therefore should not be taken by people with a sulfa allergy
• Chondroitin sulfate is a blood thinner and should not be taken with coumadin. When taken with or other blood thinning agents such as aspirin, omega 3, vitamin E gingko biloba, ginger, garlic, ginseng or feverfew do so with this in mind.
• People with diabetes need to carefully monitor blood glucose levels while taking glucosamine
• Side effects minimal- heartburn, nausea and diarrhea

From most of the reports it takes several weeks to 3 months before you might see results. They are not likely to be effective in severe advanced disease when bones already rub bones.

To make sure you get what you pay for visit the website www.consumerlabs.com where they have evaluated the glucosamine-chondroitin supplements on the market to ensure that the consumer gets what is labeled on the package. This website speaks to the consumer on dietary supplements.

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Donna Tinnerello, MS, RD, CD/N is a registered dietitian, living in Manhattan, with more than 10 years experience in HIV and nutrition. Her subspecialties are cardiovascular, renal, gastrointestinal disease, diabetes and weight management.
Donna is available for private consultation by referral only. Ms.Tinnerello has donated time and articles to our web site at always your choice and we sincerely appreciate her contributions.