Relieving the symptoms of arthrosis using micronutrient medicine

Arthrosis is the wear and tear of the joint which is commonly the result of overstraining or incorrectly straining the joint over many years. Those affected suffer from pain and a limited range of movement. The disease cannot be cured. The goal of the treatment is to reduce joint-related symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Vitamins and minerals help as a supplementary treatment with few side-effects. Find out here which nutrients can play a role in the treatment of arthrosis and how they can be correctly applied within the scope of micronutrient medicine.

Arthrosis (arthrosis deformans) is one of the most common types of diseases affecting the joints. Arthrosis begins with a loss of cartilage. The process initially affects only the cartilage, but later spreads to the entire joint. Bone and cartilage begin to deteriorate and begin to lose stability and structure. This leads to a gradual loss of joint function and the development of painful inflammation (arthritis or joint inflammation). On top of this, detached bone fragments trigger inflammation in the joint mucous membranes. In the final stage, the bones begin to rub against each other and cause severe pain.

Arthrosis is a degenerative condition which progresses slowly. Inflammation (arthritis) initially appears for episodes which over time tend to become chronic.  

In principal, arthrosis can affect any of the joints in the body. Knee joints (gonarthrosis), hip joints (coxarthrosis), and shoulder joints (omartrosis) are most commonly affected. But also jaw joints, wrist joints, arms, fingers (most commonly the thumb), toes, and small vertebrae in the spine can become affected.

The deterioration of the cartilage is initially not noticeable, only later do problems develop. A typical symptom is pain after a period of inactivity, like in the first movements in the morning, which later subsides. Exertion of the affected joint is usually followed by pain (activity-related pain). In the later stages of the condition, pain while resting may develop.

Signs of acute infection are reddening, swelling, and thickening around the joint. Joint stiffness also affects joint function and mobility. A grinding sounds can be heard when moving the joint.

An advanced case of arthrosis can be identified in x-ray images by the narrowing of the joint space (space between the bones) and a malformation of the bone in the joint. For example, subchondral cysts may develop. These are cavities which develop when the bone beneath cartilage defects has completed deteriorated. They are filled with residual connective tissue and fluid.

There is no cure for arthrosis, but it is often possible to stop or slow its progress. Common treatment methods are physiotherapy and sufficient light physical activity. If overweight, you should immediately try to lose weight. This relieves strain in the joints and reduces inflammation A diet that is low in fat but high in vitamins and dietary fibers is important.

As in the standard course of treatment, the aim of micronutrient medicine is to reduce pain and inflammation and improve joint mobility. The use of micronutrient supplements may reduce the need for medication, which often has side-effects. Also, the cartilage should have all necessary nutrients available to prevent further deterioration and to strengthen the remaining cartilage.

• Glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid and collagen are all components of joint cartilage.
• Omega-3 fatty acids and the plant substances curcumin help reduce inflammation in the joints.
• Antioxidants help protect the cartilage.
• Calcium, vitamin D and vitamin K help strengthen the bones.

Doctors tend to recommend taking a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: 1500 to 2000 milligrams of glucosamine sulfate and 800 to 1200 milligrams of chondroitin sulfate per day taken at mealtimes.

Make sure the supplement contains glucosamine sulfate: Glucosamine is available as a sulfate or hydrochloride. According to the study results, sulfate is better. Its effects have been studied more and overall it appears to more effective than glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine and chondroitin are often extracted from animal sources (crustaceans and animal cartilage). However, plant-based glucosamine is now available.

Due to the fact that our cartilage cells have very slow metabolisms, the supplements must be taken over a long period of time. Micronutritionists often recommend therapy intervals, for example, 8 to 10 weeks of supplement use followed by a 2 week pause.

It cannot be definitively ruled out that glucosamine has an influence on the blood sugar levels of diabetes patients or those with impaired sugar metabolism. Despite the fact that numerous studies have shown no negative effects, it is advisable to regularly monitor the blood sugar levels of diabetics who are taking a glucosamine supplement.

The chemical makeup of glucosamine and chondroitin is similar to that of certain types of blood-thinning medications and can increase the effects of these medications. These include coumarin derivatives, especially Warfarin (for example Coumadin®) The blood coagulation values (INR) should be regularly monitored when using coumarin derivatives and glucosamine/chondroitin supplements.

Micronutritionists recommend between 50 and 100 milligrams of hyaluronic acid per day to help relieve arthrosis-related pain. A continuous intake of hyaluronic acid is important as it is rapidly broken down by the body. Ideally, capsules, tablets, or powder should be consumed at mealtimes.

Hyaluronic acid can be extracted from chicken combs or through fermentation with microorganisms. The advantages of the production via fermentation is that the hyaluronic acid is suitable for vegans and vegetarians and is hypoallergenic.

Micronutritionists recommend a daily dosage of either 40 milligrams of native collagen or 5000 to 10,000 milligrams of collagen hydrolysate taken at mealtimes.

Make sure your purchased supplement contains native type 2 collagen. This is the type found in the cartilage, whereas the skin contains more of types 1 and 3. Type 2 has been successfully used in studies to treat joint problems.

Arthrosis may be accompanied by inflammation of the membrane lining the joints (synovial membrane) which can in turn cause more damage to the cartilage. The body uses omega-3 fatty acids to produce anti-inflammatory messenger substances. This helps reduce inflammation in the joints. The most important omega-3 fatty acid in this case is eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It is a component of fish oil.

Patients who were found to have a high level of omega-3 in their blood showed less deterioration of the joint cartilage. Also, the use of fish oil for a period of eight weeks reduced knee joint pain and improved joint function when compared to the patients who were given a placebo. Omega-3 fatty acids in combination with glucosamine sulfate were found to be particularly effective.

It is recommended to consume between 1000 and 2000 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids per day with a high EPA level of between 400 and 800 milligrams. Omega-3 fatty acids should always be taken with a meal which contains fat. This enables them to be easily absorbed into the bloodstream.

You should pay special attention to the quality of the fish oil, and use only products with high levels of purity that are free from unwanted residual substances, such as heavy metals (like mercury) and pollutants

The omega-3 index is used to determine omega-3 levels in your blood. This test identifies the percentage of omega-3 fatty acids in the red cells. For patients with arthrosis, this test is recommended because low levels of omega-3 have been linked to more rapid progression of the disease.

On average, the omega-3 index is between five and eight percent. Ideally, it should be above eight percent.

Omega-3 fatty acids have blood-thinning properties and can increase the effects of blood-thinning medication starting at a dosage of 1000 milligrams. These include: Coumarin derivatives, such as (Marcumar®), acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin®), Heparin (Clexane®) as well as new anticoagulants, such as Apixaban (Eliquis®), Dabigatran (Pradaxa®), Edoxaban (Lixiana®) and Rivaroxaban (Xarelto®). Talk to your doctor before taking omega-3 supplements.

Before any planned surgery and if suffering from blood coagulation disorders, you should discuss with your physician if you can use omega-3 supplements because of their blood-thinning properties.

In the event of the sudden development of liver disease, acute pancreatic, or gallbladder inflammation, then the use of omega-3 supplements should be stopped.

Methylsulfonylmethane is one of the body's most important sources of sulfur. Sulfur provides nutrients to the cartilage and is one of the fundamental building blocks of collagen and chondroitin sulfate.

MSM also reduces inflammation and neutralizes free radicals. Free radicals and oxidative stress damage the cartilage and result in further deterioration.

Micronutritionists recommend MSM for chronic pain patients. It is suspected that a substance produced during the metabolism of MSM blocks the pain signals from being transferred to the nerves. The analysis of several studies has shown that 3000 milligrams of MSM per day can slightly reduce arthrosis-related pain. How this directly effects the mobility and the daily life of those effected is not yet fully clear.

For patients wanting to treat joint wear-and-tear, micronutritionists recommend between 1500 and 3000 milligrams of MSM per day. In combination with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates, a daily MSM dosage of 500 milligrams is sufficient. Consuming MSM capsules at mealtimes improves their tolerability.

In rare cases, gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea, can develop. In this event, begin with a lower dosage (500 to 1000 milligrams) and then increase the dosage gradually.

Turmeric, the "yellow spice", has anti-inflammatory properties. The active substance contained in the root is called curcumin and it inhibits the production of inflammation-promoting substances in the body and in turn reduces joint pain.

Curcumin also has antioxidant properties. It neutralizes free radicals, which can develop during inflammatory processes. Free radicals damage cells and can cause further deterioration of the cartilage.

An analysis of various studies, with a total of 800 participants suffering from knee arthrosis, confirmed that curcumin reduced knee pain level and improved quality of life when compared to the group of patients who were given a placebo. However, when compared to the pain medication ibuprofen, curcumin was less effective, although it was also free of side-effects.

To reduce arthrosis-related pain levels, micronutritionists recommend up to 1000 milligrams of curcumin per day. Curcumin extract should be taken at mealtimes.

Generally, cucurmin is very poorly absorbed by the intestinal tract. However, there are options available to help improve the body's ability to absorb curcumin (increasing bioavailability). One available option is the use of piperine: This substance is extracted from pepper and prevents curcumin from being converted into ineffective substances by the liver and intestinal tract.

Unwanted interactions of curcumin with certain types of medications is possible. Curcumin can disrupt the function of the liver enzymes which are responsible for metabolizing medication. They may either reduce or increase the effects of the medication. If you are currently taking a dosage of medication, then discuss the use of curcumin supplements with your doctor.

Curcumin supplements should not be used if you are suffering from gallstones. Curcumin promotes the production of bile fluid. If a gallstone blocks the flow of bile fluid, this can result in biliary colic.

Too many free radicals in the body result in oxidative stress which can be harmful to cells. It is suspected that oxidative stress aids the progression of arthrosis. The body requires antioxidants to combat oxidative stress. The body can produce its own antioxidants (like enzymes) but they can also be consumed in our diet.

Vitamins A, C, and E are classified as antioxidants. Substances such as zinc, copper, or plant substances like curcumin, resveratrol and OPC can help neutralize harmful free radicals. A diet rich in antioxidants from fruit and vegetables is linked to a lower risk of cartilage damage.

Due to their beneficial properties, other types of antioxidants are recommended for the treatment of arthrosis:

• Vitamin C is required by the body for the production of collagen which helps with tissue stability, for example in the cartilage.
• Vitamin E helps relieve pain and reduces inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammation-promoting substances. Studies have shown that taking high dosages of vitamin E can help improve arthrosis-related symptoms.

Study findings relating to the use of antioxidants in the treatment of arthrosis have been varied, with some reporting positive and others negative results. Future larger and more extensive studies will show to what extent antioxidants are able to help with treatment. An antioxidant-rich diet has shown to improve overall health, so it is worth trying it to see if it benefits arthrosis patients.

Overall, if you are suffering from arthrosis, a diet rich in antioxidants from fruits and vegetables is recommended. Micronutritionists recommend a wide variety of antioxidant supplements - for example, 100 milligrams of vitamin C, up to 50 milligrams of vitamin E, and between 10 and 20 milligrams of zinc per day.

During vitamin E therapy a dosage of between 130 and 300 milligrams is recommended to treat the symptoms of arthrosis. In this case, a higher dosage of vitamin C is also recommended. When consuming 300 milligrams of vitamin E, the body should have access to 600 milligrams of vitamin C (ratio 1:2). For example, vitamin C is necessary for the body to allow vitamin E to regenerate itself after it has finished neutralizing free radicals.

Intake of high-dosage vitamin E supplements (more than 50 milligrams) should be discussed with a micronutritionist beforehand. Overdosing with vitamin E is possible.

High-dosage vitamin E supplementation can have unwanted interactions with blood-thinning medications: The intake of both substances can cause a delay in coagulation of the blood. The affected types of medications include vitamin K antagonists (products containing Phenprocoumon, e.g., Marcoumar®, Marcumar

Generally, between 1000 and 4000 international units per day of vitamin D are recommended. It is advisable to take a blood test to determine your vitamin D levels so any possible deficiency can be effectively treated. In the event of a severe deficiency, a high dosage may be necessary for a period of time.

For healthy bones, daily calcium intake should be at least 1000 milligrams. Vitamin K is advisable at a dosage of at least 100 micrograms.

To be able to effectively treat a deficiency, it is necessary to first determine the levels of Vitamin D in the blood. The doctor will take a blood sample and send it to a laboratory where the levels of the circulating form of vitamin D (25(OH)-Vitamin D) will be determined. The ideal level in the blood is between 40 and 60 nanograms per milliliter.

Vitamin K should not be taken in combination with coumarin derivative blood-thinning medications (for example, Marcoumar®, Marcumar® and Falithrom®). It can inhibit the effects of the medication.

Thiazide diuretic medications reduce the amount of calcium being removed from the body by the kidneys. This means that the calcium remains in the blood. Because vitamin D also increases calcium levels in the blood, it should only be taken in combination with thiazide diuretics when the calcium levels are subject to regular monitoring. These include medications containing hydrochlorothiazide (Apo-Hydro®, Aquazide®).

Those with kidney diseases should discuss the use of calcium and vitamin D supplements with their doctor beforehand. Reduced kidney function can cause calcium to accumulate in the blood which in turn can cause vascular calcification. A doctor will carry out blood tests.

The use of non-steroidal antirheumatic medication (NSAR) can disrupt the body's ability to absorb and utilize certain types of vitamins. For example, the active pharmaceutical ingredient acetylsalicylic acid (ASA, Aspirin®) can reduce vitamin C levels in the gastric mucous membrane (lining of the stomach). Vitamin C is the most important antioxidant in the stomach and protects it against damage. The typical side-effects of acetylsalicylic acid are gastrointestinal complaints, such as stomach ache. Supplementation with vitamin C improves the stomach's tolerance to pain medication. To reduce damage to the lining of the stomach, micronutritionists recommend that you consume up to 1000 milligrams of vitamin C per day.

B vitamins improve the effects of non-steroidal antirheumatic medications - especially those with the active pharmaceutical ingredients Diclofenac, when both are injected directly into the affected area. Several studies have shown that Diclofenac in combination with B vitamins is more effective in relieving symptoms than Diclofenac alone. The studies did not focus solely on arthrosis, but also postoperative, bone fracture, and back pain levels.

To ensure Diclofenac (for example Voltaren®, Cataflam® and Zipsor®) is effective when taken in tablet form, you should ensure a sufficient intake of B vitamins - especially vitamin B1 (50 to 100 milligrams), vitamin B6 (50 to 100 milligrams), vitamin B12 (250 to 1000 micrograms) and folic acid (400 to 1000 micrograms). There are also study findings which suggest that B vitamins taken as capsules can also improve the effects of the medication.

Arthrosis (joint wear and tear) is a disease which cannot be cured and is accompanied by joint pain and reduced range of movement. Cartilage and bone can be further damaged by overloading or incorrect straining of the joint. The goal of the treatment is to reduce the joint-related symptoms and slow the rate of cartilage deterioration.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfates are commonly the first-choice supplements in the treatment of arthrosis. They have been shown to reduce pain levels and inhibit inflammation. Their effects are amplified by the effect of omega-3 fatty acids: They intervene in the inflammatory process because the body uses them to produce anti-inflammatory messenger substances. Arthrosis is characterized by recurring inflammatory episodes triggered by small fragments of detached cartilage.

Hyaluronic acid acts as a lubricant for the joints: It helps bind water and protects against shocks. Collagen increases the stability of the cartilage, whereas sulfur (for example, MSM) is an important component of the makeup of the cartilage. Antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E, or plant substances (e.g., curcumin and resveratrol) protect the cartilage, and defend against the harmful effects of free radicals. The body requires calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin K for strong bones.

Arthrosis patients often use pain medication. Especially when pain medications are used regularly over a long period of time, certain types can cause micronutrient deficiencies - for example, acetylsalicylic acid can cause vitamin C deficiency. B vitamins increase the effects of Diclofenac. The combination of the substances can cause a targeted increase in the effects.