Arthritis toxins
Traditional Chinese Medicine refers to this as phlegm, or toxic invasion of heat, wind and/or cold, while in the Ayurvedic system from India, it is called AMA, created by incomplete combustion of food in the gastrointestinal tract. Both phlegm and AMA have been equated with the Western medical concept of toxicity due to endotoxins, food allergens and toxins from environmental sources, which lead to the creation of circulating immune complexes (CIC's). This theory itself is controversial since circulating immune complexes are felt to be a result of the body’s normal immune response to antigens of an unknown source. In many forms of arthritis (especially RA) pain and inflammation can be caused by an overabundance of circulating cmmune complexes (CIC’s). According to some theorists, CIC’s are formed in the body when larger than normal molecules escape from the gastrointestinal tract due to decreased integrity of the gut lining. Other antigens can be introduced as environmental pollutants that enter the body through various mechanisms. These molecules are recognized by the immune system as a foreign invader, which incites the formation of antibodies, which then couple with the antigen, forming the CIC. In a healthy person, CIC's are sequestered and neutralized, but in arthritis(and other diseases) they accumulate and begin to overburden the eliminative organs and initiate allergic and immune responses. When too many CIC's accumulate, the kidneys and liver become overburdened, and cannot break them down. The CIC's are often shunted to the connective tissue (including the joints) to be destroyed by the immune system. White blood cells are summoned by cytokines to destroy the CIC's. However, in this process, normal or 'innocent bystander’ tissue can be attacked and damaged. High levels of antioxidants should be standing ready to regulate and monitor this process, but in all cases of arthritis, regardless of the type, a deficiency of antioxidants is the rule. Pain, inflammation, and stiffness results from these repeated, unregulated attacks. Supplementation with antioxidants, such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and glutathione, may, in some case, decrease this inflammatory response. Alteratives are non-toxic herbs which assist the organs of detoxification and elimination (liver,bowels,kidneys,skin,lungs, and connective tissue), by removing deleterious substances such as environmental (xenobiotic) toxins as well as those generated internally (endobiotic toxins). Alteratives can be combined with regimes of cleansing or elimination diets, fasting, colon hydrotherapy, saunas, lymphatic drainage techniques and homeopathic detoxification and drainage remedies(detoxosodes) to further decrease the toxic load on the body, thus allowing the body to divert its energy into healing versus crisis management. Herbal alteratives include Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and Burdock (Arctium lappa). Milk thistle has been proven to have several mechanisms of action, including anti-inflammatory activities linked to inhibition of 5-lipooxygenase. , as well as influencing the hepatic cytochrome P-450 enzymes. The ancient folklore use of both burdock and dandelion for liver support have also been collaborated in modern scientific studies. Sulphur containing supplements such as MSM, SAMe, and the amino acids cysteine, methionine, glutathione and taurine support the hepatic cytochrome p450 enzymes and enable the liver to process the onslaught of toxins. Individuals suffering from joint and muscle pain due to autoimmune problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia, often have a condition known as “leaky gut syndrome.” This allows molecules that are usually too large to exit through the gastrointestinal lining to escape and enter the bloodstream, which leads to the formation of “circulating immune complexes”(CIC), implicated in the production of an inflammatory response resulting in joint and muscle pain. Furthermore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), the drugs usually prescribed for arthritic conditions, actually decreases intestinal integrity, which leads to a worsening of the overall disease process. Specific nutrients which coat and soothe the intestinal lining, thus helping to heal “leaky gut”, can help arthritis. These include the traditional demulcent, soothing herbs such as marshmallow root and okra, and L-glutamine, an amino which reestablishes gut integrity and helps to re-grow flattened “villi”- the tiny finger like protrusions that line the GI tract, and act as a surface for the absorption of nutrients. Gingko biloba, well known for its effects on brain function, acts to increase circulation to the small capillaries within the GI tract. It also acts as an anti-oxidant, which can help to strengthen the intestinal lining, and heal a “leaky-gut”. Research on the mechanism of action of this herb is proceeding at a prolific pace. One study showed that it significantly inhibited histamine release, which is part of the allergic component due to leaky gut syndrome. “Dysbiosis”, the proliferation of “unfriendly” microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, fungi and parasites, is not widely recognized by conventional medicine as a cause of arthritis. Yet, these organisms are present in a large majority of people who suffer from muscle and joint pains. “Molecular Mimicry” is an additional complication, which arises when organisms in the gut camouflage themselves to resemble human tissue to escape detection by the immune system. When the immune system eventually makes antibodies to the bacteria, it also begins to make antibodies to the similarly structured human tissue, leading to an autoimmune cascade. A variety of herbs act to discourage the growth of pathogenic organisms, while building and supporting the immune system: Barberry root contains berberine, the yellow compound that is also found in Golden Seal Root. Berberine helps the liver filter out bacteria, and can inhibit the growth of streptococci and other microorganisms. It helps to kill parasites and tonifies the intestinal tract. In addition berberine acts as a natural Cox II inhibitor. Citrus Seed Extract contains proanthocyanadins(OPC’s), biologically active flavonoids which help to heal irritations to the lining of the intestines. Citrus Seed Extract has a very high level of activity against micro-organisms. Black Walnut Hulls is a time honored “vermifuge” (worm destroyer) used traditionally in Western Herbal Medicine. It is high in tannic acid which tonifies the digestive tract and helps rid the body of parasites. Oregano Leaf Oil has been investigated scientifically and found to be an effective broad spectrum anti-microbial agent, with no known negative effects. It is also important to “re-inoculate” the gastro-intestinal tract with ‘friendly’ bacteria, such as Acidophilus( Lactobacilli acidophilus). It promotes healthy immune function, and protects against the overgrowth of pathogenic microorganism, as well as providing an antiallergenic barrier. L. acidophilus generates lactic acid, acetic acid, and hydrogen peroxide, which can interfere with the proliferation of disease causing organisms. Poor circulation traps stagnant intracellular fluids in the joints and decreases the availability of nutrients needed for repair and growth of healthy tissues. This can be aided by stretching exercises and massage, along with the topical application of medicinal herbs. Menthol is one of the principle essential oils derived from peppermint, and acts as a powerful analgesic when applied topically. Initially, it produces a cooling sensation to inflamed areas, followed by a profound cooling effect. Capsiacin is a resin found in many species of 'hot peppers'. Scientific studies have proven that Capsiacin depletes substance P, a chemical believed to be overabundant in the peripheral nerves of patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other painful syndromes. Substance P is released in response to injury or inflammation and pain. Camphor is a penetrating, medicinal oil derived from the tropical tree, Cinnamonium camphora. When rubbed into painful, stiff joints, ligaments and muscles, it provides soothing "camphor-ice" relief. One mechanism of action of camphor is that it specifically inhibits catecholamine secretion. Wintergreen(Gaultheria procumbens) is a low growing evergreen shrub found in the damp woods of the Eastern U.S. Oil of wintergreen has chemical properties similar to salicylic acid- an aspirin like compound with pain relieving properties. Cloves(Eugenia caryphylii) and Allspice(Pimenta diocia) contain the essential oil Eugenol , which acts as an excellent anesthetic (numbs pain). Folk healers in the Caribbean use these herbs as liniments to relieve the pain of arthritis and painful muscles. Boswellia (Boswellia seratta) Boswellia is a gum resin extracted from the bark and trunk from a tree in India. The tree is scraped and the resin is allowed to exude from the tree until it dries. It has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to treat chronic pain and inflammation. Modern research has disclosed one of the anti-inflammatory modes of action of this botanical to be the inhibition of leukotriene biosynthesis through the impairment of 5-lipoxgenase(5-LO). In natural medicine, the goal is to address the causative factors of illness through an examination of diet, lifestyle, allergies, toxic load, gut integrity, presence of microorganisms and psychological factors. While pharmaceutical drugs offer effective pain relief, their use long term is not desirable due a large number of secondary effects. NSAIDs, in particular, actually make the overall disease process of arthritis worse, by increasing ‘leaky gut’ and by depleting the very nutrients necessary for joint repair, including iron, folic acid and zinc. White Willow Bark (Salix alba) contains glycosides, which are converted in the body into active salicylates, similar to the chemicals found in Aspirin. Thus, it is often referred to as Nature's Aspirin. Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum) is used in the South Pacific to relax the mind and body, achieve a tranquil state, and ease pain and anxiety, which often exacerbates pain. Research on Kava reveals the active Kava pyrones to be a strong skeletal muscle relaxant, and was used by the Hawaiians for arthritis and for soothing tight and aching muscles. Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia spp.) was used historically as one of themost effective pain relievers by the Eclectic (M.D.) physician's at theturn of the century ,used for fibromyalgia, joint pain, and the pain associated withbone fractures. In the Amazon and Jamaican rainforests, the curanderos (healers) and 'Bush doctors' use the plant to treat migraines, joint pain,sprains, muscular aches and neuralgia. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis ambigua) has been used for thousands of years for its powerful analgesic properties. Research into the mechanism of action of Corydalis, in particular DHC(dehydrocorydaline) extracted from the root, suggests that Corydalis not only inhibits anti-body mediated allergic reactions, but also influences cell-mediated allergic reactions, through an inhibitory effect on antigen-induced histamine release from peritoneal mast cells. As we so often see in Natural Medicine, modern research collaborates what ancient healers have known for centuries! According to Ayurvedic medicine, arthritis is primarily a vata (air) disease which is due to accumulation of toxins in the joints and is known as amavata. This can be caused by poor digestion and a weakened colon, resulting in the accumulation of undigested food and the buildup of waste matter. Poor digestion allows toxins to accumulate in the body, and problems with the colon allow the toxins to reach the joints. The use of herbs is a time-honored approach to strengthening the body and treating disease. The following have been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis. In clinical trials, promising results were observed in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, chronic colitis, Crohn's disease. Researchers found that standardized Boswellia extract significantly reduced swelling and pain and usually reduced morning stiffness for people with rheumatoid arthritis. Also known as boswella, this herb is native to India, used for centuries by Ayurvedic physicians in arthritis herbal remedies. It has well proven anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects through the inhibition of inflammatory-causing substances, speeding up of cartilage formation, and improved blood supply to the joints. Ashwagandha is an Asian plant of the potato family. Its roots have long been used to treat "rheumatism," high blood pressure, immune dysfunctions, erection problems and also to ease inflammation. Because of all this, it's sometimes called the "Indian ginseng." Ginger (Zingiber officinale) Research suggests ginger root inhibits production of prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which are involved in pain and inflammation. In an uncontrolled 1992 Danish study, 56 patients who had either RA, OA or muscular discomfort took powdered ginger. All of those with musculoskeletal pain and three-fourths of those with OA or RA reported varying degrees of pain relief and no side effects, even among those who took the ginger for more than two years. Ayurveda attempts to remove the ama from the joint and bring it back to the colon, and then to eliminate it. To do this, we need to keep the colon clean. It is best to determine the type of arthritis and manage it for the remedies recommended for the specific type. The raw potato juice therapy is considered one of the most successful biological treatments for rheumatic and arthritic conditions. It has been used in folk medicine for centuries. The old method of preparing potato juice was to cut the potato into thin slices, without peeling the skin, and place them overnight in a large glass filled with cold water. The water should be drunk in the morning on an empty stomach. Fresh juice can also be extracted from potatoes and drunk diluted with water on 50:50 basis, first thing in the morning. Black gingerly seeds, soaked overnight in water, have been found to be effective in preventing frequent joint pains. The water in which the seeds are should also be taken along with the seeds the first thing in the morning. Drinking water kept overnight in a copper container also serves the same purpose. In severe cases, it will be advisable to put the patient on raw vegetable juice therapy for about a week. This ancient Indian practice is well known for its physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual benefits and is often recommended in the West to relieve musculoskeletal symptoms. Certain yoga "asanas" (postures) strengthen the quadriceps and emphasize stretching. People with arthritis should begin asanas slowly and they should be performed only after a warm up. It helps lessen pain, increases range of movement, reduces fatigue and helps you feel better overall. Yoga is best performed under the careful guidance of a reputable instructor. Relationship Between Rheumatoid Arthritis and Periodontitis
F.B. Mercado, R.I. Marshall, A.C. Klestov, and P.M. Bartold J Periodontol 2001;72:779-787. Abstract Background: Because of several similar features in the pathobiology of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis, in a previous study we proposed a possible relationship between the two diseases. Therefore, the aims of this study were to study a population of rheumatoid arthritis patients and determine the extent of their periodontal disease and correlate this with various indicators of rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Sixty-five consecutive patients attending a rheumatology clinic were examined for their levels of periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. A control group consisted of age- and gender-matched individuals without rheumatoid arthritis. Specific measures for periodontitis included probing depths, attachment loss, bleeding scores, plaque scores, and radiographic bone loss scores. Measures of rheumatoid arthritis included tender joint analysis, swollen joint analysis, pain index, physician's global assessment on a visual analogue scale, health assessment questionnaire, levels of C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The relationship between periodontal bone loss and rheumatological findings as well as the relationship between bone loss in the rheumatoid arthritis and control groups were analyzed. Results: No differences were noted for the plaque and bleeding indices between the control and rheumatoid arthritis groups. The rheumatoid arthritis group did, however, have more missing teeth than the control group and a higher percentage of these subjects had deeper pocketing. When the percentage of bone loss was compared with various indicators of rheumatoid arthritis disease activity, it was found that swollen joints, health assessment questionnaire scores, levels of C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were the principal parameters which could be associated with periodontal bone loss. Conclusions: The results of this study provide further evidence of a significant association between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. This association may be a reflection of a common underlying disregulation of the inflammatory response in these individuals. J Periodontol 2001;72:779-787.
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