Role of Vitamin C in Gout

WASHINGTON: Men with a higher intake of vitamin C appear less likely to develop gout, a painful type of arthritis, according to a study.  "Gout is the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in men... The identification of risk factors for gout... is an important first step in the prevention and management of this common and excruciatingly painful condition," wrote the study's authors.  Hyon K Choi, then of University of British Columbia, Vancouver, and now of Boston University School of Medicine, and colleagues examined the relationship between vitamin C intake and gout in 46,994 men between 1986 and 2006.  Every four years, the men completed a dietary questionnaire, and their vitamin C intake through food and supplements was computed. Every two years, participants reported whether they had been diagnosed with or developed symptoms of gout.  During 20-year follow-up, 1,317 men developed gout. Compared with men who had a vitamin C intake of less than 250mg per day, the relative risk of gout was 17% lower for those with a daily intake of 500 to 999 mg, 34% lower for those with an intake of 1,000 to 1,499mg per day and 45% lower for those with an intake of 1,500mg per day or higher.  Vitamin C may affect re-absorption of uric acid by the kidneys, increase the speed at which the kidneys work or protect against INFLAMMATION, all of which may reduce gout risk, a Boston University statement quoted the authors as saying.  These findings were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Source: IANS, Jan. 10, 2009

Acupressure for Arthritis Pain

Although several points are listed that are beneficial, you do not have to use all these points; use l or 2 at your convenience.

1. (Li 4, Adjoining Valley) Li 4 helps relieve pain and inflammation in the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder and neck.

Caution: Pregnant women should not press this point. as it can stimulate uterine contractions.

2. (Lv 2, Moving Between) This point is located in the web margin between the big toe and second toe. Use medium pressure with your index fingers, pressing on both feet at the same time if that is comfortable, otherwise one at a time.

3. (Gb 41, Falling Tears) This point is on the top of the foot, in the channel between the little toe and the 4th toe, slightly less than halfway between the ankle bone and the web margin between the toes ( closer to the toes). The pain and discomfort of rheumatoid arthritis, and the emotional response to that pain, can constrict the circulation of chi. This point is effective in restoring the flow. Press with your index or middle finger, using firm pressure. Start with light pressure, build up, hold, and gradually release.

4. (Gb 34, Yang Hill Spring) At the lower border of the kneecap, slide your finger off the shinbone toward the outside (little toe side). Two bones come together here. Press in the soft tissue area between them, using your index or index and middle fingers together. This is a major point in Acupuncture and Acupressure for nourishing the tendons and joints. It also has a strong effect on promoting the smooth flow of chi throughout the body. Obstruction to the smooth flow of chi causes pain and discomfort.

The following points on the palm of your hand are excellent for joint pain in general, and are also specific for rheumatoid arthritis.

On your palm, locate the area about one thumb width above the wrist crease and about one finger width on either side of the midline of the palm. Find the points in this area that are the most tender. Press with the thumb or the knuckles of the opposite hand. Use strong pressure. If the pain is worse on the left side of your body, use the points on the right hand for relief, and vice versa.

Diet for Arthritis

Proper diet and nutrition are key elements in the prevention of all types of disease, including arthritis. An important first step in treating arthritis lies in achieving normal body weight. Excess weight puts increased stress on weight-bearing joints affected with arthritis.

Eat a diet that is high in fiber and that is not tainted with chemicals, which stress the body. Maximize your intake of fresh vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Avoid saturated fats, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils, rich fattv foods, fried foods, and refined sugar. These substances make the internal environment more acidic. Acid in the joints promotes inflammation, which worsens symptoms and increases pain.

Fatty meats, eggs, margarine, shortening, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, sugars and dairy products should be dramatically cut down or eliminated from the diet. 

About one-third of those who suffer from rheumatoid arthritis are sensitive to solanines, or nightshade plants, which include potatoes, peppers, eggplant, tomatoes, and tobacco. These should be eliminated from the diet.

Drink at least six to eight glasses of pure water daily. This will help to flush out toxins from your body. 

Foods to Eat: 

Green Vegetables such as Parsley, Celery, Okra/ Ladies finger; Carrots, Avocados, Soy Products, Whole Grains- Brown Rice, Millet, Oats, Wheat etc.

Foods to Avoid: 

Calcium Inhibitors: Reduce or Eliminate Red Meat, Dairy, Eggs, Chicken, Alcohol, Coffee, Refined Sugar and Sweets, Excess Salt

Foods high in Oxalic Acid: Rhurb, Cranberries, Plums, Spinach

Nightshade Family of Foods: Tomatoes, Eggplant/ Brijal, Potatoes, Peppers, Tobacco

Foods which create Wind and Dampness: Dairy, Animal Fat, Oil-rich Seeds, Nut Butters

Cervical Spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is a disorder caused by abnormal wear on the cartilage and bones of the neck (cervical vertebrae) with degeneration and mineral deposits in the cushions between the vertebrae (cervical disc). This condition is also known as Cervical osteoarthritis or Neck arthritis.

At the other extreme, cervical spondylosis may compress one or more of the spinal nerves branching out of the cervical vertebrae - a condition called cervical radiculopathy. Bone spurs and other irregularities caused by cervical spondylosis also may reduce the diameter of the canal that houses the spinal cord, resulting in cervical myelopathy. Cervical radiculopathy and cervical myelopathy can lead to permanent disability. Fortunately, most adults with cervical spondylosis - nearly 90 percent - will not lose nerve function, even temporarily.

Symptoms

Neck and shoulder pain are the most common symptoms. Types of neck and shoulder pain include:

· Stiff neck, most often one of the very first signs. Neck stiffness tends to grow progressively worse over time.
· Radiating pain to the bottom of the skull (chronic sub-occipital headache) and/or to the shoulder and down the arm. This radiating pain may seem like a stabbing or a burning, or it might present itself as a dull ache.

Along with pain, cervical spondylosis can be accompanied by altered sensations and muscle weakness in the neck, shoulders, arms and hands, and a syndrome called “numb, clumsy hands”.

In cases of cervical spondylosis with myelopathy, the legs may be affected, leading to an interruption of stability while walking. Loss of balance might also occur. When myelopathy is present, incontinence may become a problem. Muscle wasting also accompanies cervical spondylosis with myelopathy.

Screening and Diagnosis

Your symptoms and history, along with an examination, may suggest that you have cervical spondylosis.

Neck flexibility assessment. Cervical spondylosis limits the range of motion in your neck. To observe this effect, your doctor may have you tilt your head toward each of your shoulders and rotate your neck from side to side.

Neurological exam. To find out if there's pressure on your spinal nerves or spinal cord, your doctor will test your reflexes and make sure you have sensation all along your arms and legs. He or she may watch you walk to see if spinal compression is affecting your gait.

Neck or spinal X-ray. An X-ray may show abnormalities, such as bone spurs, that indicate cervical spondylosis.

Computerized tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A CT scan of your spine uses X-ray technology, but produces a more detailed image than X-ray can. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves and can produce detailed, cross-sectional images of your spine. These tests may help your doctor determine the extent of damage to your cervical spine.

Myelogram. This test involves generating images using X-rays or CT scans after dye is injected into the spinal canal. The dye makes areas of your spine more visible.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Cervical spondylosis results from chronic degeneration of the cervical spine including the cushions between the neck vertebrae (cervical disks) and joints between the bones of the cervical spine. There may be abnormal growths or "spurs" on the vertebrae (the bones of the spine).

These accumulated changes caused by degeneration can gradually compress one or more of the nerve roots. This can lead to increasing pain in the neck and arm, weakness, and changes in sensation. In advanced cases, the spinal cord becomes involved. This can affect not just the arms, but the legs as well.

A previous neck injury (which may have occurred several years prior) can predispose to spondylosis, but the major risk factor is aging. By age 60, 70% of women and 85% of men show changes consistent with cervical spondylosis on x-ray.

Prevention

You may not be able to prevent cervical spondylosis. However, you may be able to reduce your risk by:

. Skipping high-impact activities, such as running, if you have any neck pain
. Doing exercises to maintain neck strength, flexibility and range of motion
. Taking breaks when driving, watching TV or working on a computer to keep from holding your head in the same position for long periods
. Practicing good posture, with your neck aligned over your shoulders
. Protecting your neck from injury by using a seat belt when in a car

Self Care

For mild neck pain or stiffness:

. Take a long, hot shower every day
. Use hot fomentation aound the neck and shoulder
. Wear a cervical collar during the day
. Regularly walk or engage in low-impact aerobic activity

Treatment

The goal of treatment is relief of pain and prevention of permanent spinal cord and nerve root injury.

Symptoms from mild cervical spondylosis usually stabilize or regress with simple therapy including a cervical collar (neck brace) to restrict motion and doing prescribed exercises to strengthen neck muscles and stretch the neck and shoulders. Low-impact aerobic exercise, such as walking or water aerobics, also may help. For acute cases, complete bedrest and traction for 1 or 2 weeks may be needed.

Naturopathy- Alternate Hot and Cold Compress over the affected region, Infra-red heat application, Massage and soft- tissue manipulation, Neutral Spinal Bath and Warm Immersion Bath are specific treatments. Naturopathy treatment regimen however, starts with detoxification process where neutral temperature Enema, Hip Bath, Mud applications etc. with a diet consisting of mainly fresh fruits and vegetables and juices are given for first 2 weeks.

Treatment can be complemented with Physiotherapy (intermittent traction in mild cases), Magnet Therapy and Acupuncture (for pain-relief).

Yoga Therapy- Forward bending postures or exercises should be avoided. Backward bending postures like Bhujangasana, Shalabhasana, Dhanurasana, Supta Vajrasana, Gomukhasana, Ardha-Matsyendrasana, Ushtrasana, Matsyasana and Ardha-Chakrasana should be slowly and gradually introduced. Long and Deep breathing, Nadi Shuddhi and Ujjayi pranayama are helpful. Yoga Nidra should be practiced on a daily basis for deep relaxation.

Osteoarthritis

Like age, osteoarthritis can creep up on you. It starts out quietly, with some occasional stiffness. Then, you may begin to feel some occasional joint pain.

What’s going on is ordinary wear and tear for the most part. Inside your body, it’s the smooth, rubbery cushioning called cartilage that starts to erode. The gliding surface that normally acts as a shock absorber between your bones can become compressed and irregular. As the underlying cartilage and bone disintegrate, painful bone spurs can form in the joint. Ordinary movements can produce a grinding symphony of creaks and crackles.

While no one really knows what makes cartilage break down, heavy use of the joint seems to be a contributing factor. That’s why osteoarthritis typically strikes the knees, hips, back and even fingers. Moreover, a joint injured in the past tends to develop arthritis later in life.

Among most people over age 60, signs of osteoarthritis show up in x-rays. But only about a third show any of the typical symptoms of pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, or inflammation. That’s one of the puzzling things about osteoarthritis. There doesn’t seem to be a relationship between the amount of pain and the degree of joint damage. Some people never have more than a mild ache. Others develop crippling pain.

Aspirin and other similar drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) focus on nursing arthritis pain, but that pain relief isn’t in your long-term interest. While NSAIDs are easing the pain, they can actually speed up joint deterioration.

Natural measures attempt to slow the progression of the disease and preserve cartilage and bone.

Holistic Approach to Osteoarthritis Relief

Although modern medical science view osteoarthritis as an inevitable part of growing older, naturopathic medicine contends that it is a metabolic disorder brought on by the body’s inability to regenerate bone and cartilage. Taking a holistic approach to treating arthritis, a naturopathic doctor looks at imbalances that may be occurring in the whole body, then attempts to correct those imbalances.

Among the factors that play a part are diet, exercise, and regular bowel movements to eliminate inflammation-producing toxins from the body.

Exposure to Sun for at least 20 minutes daily either between 9-10.30 in the morning or 4-5.30 in the afternoon will also be helpful to get adequate amount of Vit. D production. Underneath degenerating cartilage, bone also deteriorates. Vitamin D, a necessary nutrient for absorption of calcium, can help preserve bone and slow the loss of cartilage.

. Weight Management

Maintain a healthy weight since people with osteoarthritis are more likely to be overweight. Research shows that losing weight can significantly reduce the risk of developing it.

. Diet

Dietary changes can provide the proper nutrients needed to repair damaged joint tissue and eliminate foods that can damage joint tissue.

Removing foods in the nightshade family (solanaceae) from the diet may also be beneficial. The nightshade family includes tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, peppers, and tobacco. They contain alkaloids (a plant constituent) that may interfere with joint repair and increase inflammation.

Eat- celery, turnips, sprouted items, whole grains and beans/ legumes, mustard greens, lettuce, millet, barley, almonds, figs, cherries, pineapple, blackberries, lemon, oranges, olive oil, carrots, papaya etc.

Avoid- sugar, dairy products, refined foods, fried foods, junk food, caffeine and the nightshade family.

Drink at least 4 litres of water a day.


. Exercise

Exercise is another essential. Low-impact activities like brisk walking, swimming, and biking are best at strengthening muscles and are easy on your joints. Stronger muscles help protect the joints by providing support and added stability.Exercise also helps the joints absorb fluid and needed nutrients. Unlike muscle or bone, cartilage doesn’t get its nutrients from blood. It soaks them up like a sponge from the fluid surrounding the joint. The more you exercise, the more you force fluid in and out of the joint.

. Hydrotherapy

Cold Sitz bath. A sitz bath is taken in just enough water to cover the buttocks, upper thighs, and lower abdomen. It powerfully affects the pelvic and abdominal organs. Very good to relieve constipation and balance functions of the internal organs and systems.

Heating Compress on the affected areas. The heating compress is an application of a cold compress to an area that is initially cooled by the water and then warmed by the influx of blood to the area. In three layers- first a wet cotton cloth, second a dry cotton cloth is applied and then covered with woolen blanket material to preserve the heat. Application is left to work for at least 40 minutes or till wet cloth goes dry.

Local Hot Fomentation is applied to reduce pain.

Molecules on the Bestseller List

Glucosamine is a word that’s pasted together from two words that may be familiar from biology or chemistry—glucose and amine. Glucose is just blood sugar, the 'energy food' that our body uses in its cells. As for amine—in chemistry it means that nitrogen and hydrogen are glued together in the same molecule. Put it all together, and you have a word that describes a simple molecule that combines the stuff of blood sugar, nitrogen, and hydrogen.

One theory holds that osteoarthritis results from the body’s inability as we age to make enough glycosaminoglycans, the major molecules that give cartilage its ability to bear weight. The second substance that may play a role, chondroitin sulfate, is actually built up from glucosamine. Chondroitin sulfate is a long chain of glucosamine molecules. It helps promote water retention in the cartilage, which is necessary for shock absorption. There’s a big difference in the way your body absorbs chondroitin sulfate, however. Studies show that if you take a supplement of chondroitin, your body absorbs less than 8 percent of it. By comparison, you absorb about 90 percent of glucosamine sulfate from a supplement.

Glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetylglucosamine and Glucosamine Sulfate are the common forms available in the stores. Most naturopathic physicians in USA typically recommend taking glucosamine sulfate because it is the type that has been tested most thoroughly in clinical trials. 500 mg of Glucosamine Sulfate twice a day is the recommended dose.

Antioxidant Relief

Antioxidants—especially vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene—are another means of preventing your cartilage from wearing away.

Arthritis is known to be caused by increased free radical production, so your need for antioxidant nutrients increases. Those free radicals are free-roaming, unstable molecules that can set off a chain reaction in the body, aging cells prematurely and sometimes harming the genetic material. While the healing powers of antioxidants may seem somewhat mysterious, the process is crucial when it comes to protecting your joints.If you have arthritis, antioxidants can protect joints from damage caused by oxidative stress, a process that speeds up cartilage breakdown. Joints damaged by osteoarthritis release the unstable free radical molecules that are missing an electron. These highly reactive compounds look for a place from which to snatch an electron in order to stabilize themselves. They usually attack the nearest healthy molecule, which then becomes a free radical itself.

Antioxidants help break this chain reaction and stop cell damage by offering up their own extra electrons. No one is sure exactly how this process occurs in the joints, but research has shown that diets high in antioxidants help reduce pain and cartilage deterioration.

The benefits of vitamins C and E extend beyond their antioxidant properties. Together, they enhance the stability of components called proteoglycans that help to protect your cartilage. Vitamin C helps to form the structural protein known as collagen, the single most important protein in connective tissues. Vitamin E offers relief from Inflammation.

To protect your cartilage and quell those aches and pains, 1,000 milligrams of buffered vitamin C three times a day is recommended. Include 600 IU of vitamin E and 10,000 IU of beta-carotene once a day in your daily antioxidant regimen.

Turn Off Inflammation

The word arthritis, derived from Greek, literally means "inflammation of the joint." While this definition certainly applies to another kind of arthritis—rheumatoid arthritis—the term is somewhat contradictory in referring to osteoarthritis. People with osteoarthritis generally have very little inflammation. Nevertheless, allopathic doctors do recommend anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen for pain relief. Are they effective?

Try increasing the intake of readily available herbs in our kitchen- Garlic, Ginger and Turmeric in your diet. They also relieve pain when applied warm on the joints and help repair the damage.


Just taking pills will not make someone healthy. It’s same as going into a really dirty house and just hanging a few pictures to try to make it look better. You’ve got to clean the house. What is suggested is to start with a low-fat diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates and drinking at least eight full glasses of water a day.