Originally published July 24 2005
New arthritis therapy explored
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Given the recent warnings about heart risk associated with anti-inflammatory drugs, many arthritis patients are finding total-body cures more helpful.
For the millions of people struggling with the chronic pain, stiffness and joint swelling of Arthritis, recent warnings about heart risk associated with anti-inflammatory drugs have called into question some of the medical therapies to help manage Arthritis.
With warnings attached to some drugs and others pulled from the pharmacy shelves entirely, many arthritis sufferers are turning to complementary medicine, taking a more holistic approach to their condition, as well as to general health and well-being.
"It's much more complicated than just one pill or just one shot," said David Rakel, MD, adding that what works for one person might not work for another.
Adjusting one's diet can be particularly beneficial in reducing the inflammation that aggravates chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Over the past century, the evolution of the American diet has actually promoted such inflammation through increased consumption of more animal products, including meat and dairy as well as oils rich in trans-fatty acids, says Dr. Rakel.
So, with "good intentions," the food industry developed new oils and food preservation techniques that allowed for longer shelf lives for many baked products, Dr. Rakel said.
But with these new oils - in the form of "trans-fatty" acids and partially hydrogenated oils, Americans began consuming high levels of omega-6 fatty acids.
Several types of cold-water fish have shown anti-inflammatory benefits, including salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring - due to their high content of the more beneficial omega-3 fatty acids.
* Eating more cold-water fish is one way to boost omega-3s in your diet.
But there are also several non-meat sources, including flax seeds or oil, walnuts and green, leafy vegetables.
Porter is an enthusiastic participant in arthritis classes held in the 92-degree warm water pool at the aquatic center at UW Health's Research Park Clinic.
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