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Last edition I mentioned that I’m regularly contacted by people with severe osteoarthritis. This is often farmers who’ve become restricted by knee osteoarthritis. The pain and discomfort results in loss of mobility with joint replacement the only option. This lack of mobility can cause a downward spiral of reduced exercise, weight gain and general lack of fitness.
Severe osteoarthritis needs intensive nutritional therapy. If medications and circumstances allow, I usually start people on a 12-week intensive programme involving three supplements. These combined give initial doses of chondroitin 1600mg, 100% water soluble (pepper-free) curcumin 1200mg, EPA from fish oils 1000mg and glucosamine 1600mg. While chondroitin is the most important, adding a 100% water soluble curcumin (from turmeric) extract is very helpful due to its potent anti-inflammatory capacity.
For those living with severe osteoarthritis, regular supplementation with curcumin has been associated with reduced joint pain, improved function, and less morning stiffness. Most curcumin extracts need black pepper to be absorbed. Unfortunately, this causes digestive upsets such reflux. I previously used such an extract and had many having to cease curcumin despite being helpful.
A few years ago, I became aware of a new generation curcumin complex that’s 100% water soluble. This means it is gentle on the stomach and absorbed better than standard curcumin because it does not need pepper extract.
I have many clients with severe osteoarthritis that are now more comfortable. While the arthritis remains, reducing inflammation and improving joint repair processes can make a real difference.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice, contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz