BACKGROUND
Arthritis is a group of conditions where there is damage caused to the joints of the body. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in people over the age of 55. The most common form of arthritis, osteoarthritis (also known as degenerative joint disease) occurs following trauma to the joint, following an infection of the joint or simply as a result of aging. Furthermore, there is emerging evidence that abnormal anatomy may contribute to early development of osteoarthritis. Other forms of arthritis are rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis, which are autoimmune diseases in which the body seems to be attacking itself. Septic arthritis is caused by joint infection. Gouty arthritis is caused by deposition of uric acid crystals in the joint that results in subsequent inflammation.
Almost half the Canadian population older than 75 years has arthritis, and this illness is the third most common cause of disability in the country, costing some $4.8 billion each year. Treatment for the different forms of arthritis may differ, although this is not always the case. Ultimately the therapy is customized to the individual, depending on his or her overall health requirements.
Arthritis has been linked to reactions to food especially solanine plants such as potatoes, tomatoes and tobacco. (N.F. Childers, Ph.D.1,2, and M.S. Margoles, M.D.3 An Apparent Relation of Nightshades (Solanaceae) to Arthritis. Journal of Neurological and Orthopedic Medical Surgery (1993) 12:227-231.)
ORTHOMOLECULAR APPROACH
The orthomolecular approach examines both individual biochemistry and diet with a goal of creating the correct molecular balance. If it is suspected that food is the cause for your arthritis, your orthomolecular therapist will take a detailed history of your food consumption and may place you on an elimination diet.
Orthomolecular treatment of arthritis regularly includes niacinamide in large doses and could include the use of the following supplements:
Vitamin B3
Vitamin C
Vitamin B Complex
Vitamin B6
Zinc Citrate
Omega 3 Essential Fatty Acids
* A customized program must be developed by an orthomolecular practitioner
REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Articles and Resources
Saul AW. Taking the cure: The pioneering work of William Kaufman: Arthritis and ADHD. J Orthomolecular Med, 2003. Vol 18, No 1, p 29-32. http://www.doctoryourself.com/news/v3n16.txt
Riordan, M.D. H.D., Jackson, MT J.A., and Hunninghake, M.D R.E. "Case from the Center: Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Young Male." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 9.2 (1994)
Buckley, M.D. Robert E. "Case Report: Beneficial Response in Chronic Arthritis to D-L Phenylalanine." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine 1.1 (1987)
Nitsch,Alejandro M.D. and Nitsch, M.D. Fabiola. "The Clinical Use of Bovine Colostrum." Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine 13.2 (1998)
Hoffer, Dr. Abram. "The Megavitamin Revolution". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 7.1 (1995)
Kaufman, Dr. William. "Niacinamide improves mobility in degenerative joint disease". Abstract published in Program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science for its meeting in Philadelphia, May 24-30, 1986.
Kunin, Richard. "Principles That Identify Orthomolecular Medicine: A Unique Medical Specialty". Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. 4 (1987)
Murray, Michael T. Encyclopedia of Nutritional Supplements: The Essential Guide for Improving Your Health Naturally. Roseville, CA: Prima Publishing, 1996.
Pauling, Linus. How to Live Longer and Feel Better. Corvallis: First Oregon State University Press, 2006.
Hickey S and Saul AW. Vitamin C: The Real Story. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.
Hoffer A and Saul AW. Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone. Laguna Beach, CA: Basic Health Pub, 2008.