John Arts Abundant Living www.johnarts.co.nz

In theory osteoarthritis, also known as OA, is one of the simplest diseases.

For years we thought cartilage in our joints just wore away over time. We now know OA is a complex disease where the processes that reduce cartilage are affected by genetics, past joint trauma and nutrition – especially levels of important antioxidants.

Cartilage is very different from other tissue types. It has no nerve or blood supply, and it appears as lifeless tissue. Cartilage is dynamic tissue. It is a matrix of proteins such as collagen and elastin; chondroitin sulphate; water; and living cells called chondrocytes.

Research shows the health of chondrocytes is central to development of OA. Each chondrocyte looks after a small patch of cartilage, repairing damage by secreting new cartilage matrix where needed. The problem is when chondrocytes are damaged or die. This means this cell can no longer maintain cartilage. Eventually the cartilage thins, leading to a painful bone-on-bone scenario.

One of the most annoying and painful arthritic joints are small hand joints. While nutritional therapy can really help, these are among the slowest joints to respond. It seems counter-intuitive, but big weight-bearing joints especially knees tend to respond faster.

I've been helping someone with OA in their base thumb joint at the wrist. Within three months the pain had reduced; now, after a year, the discomfort is minor only when under heavy use.

I use a two-pronged approach to support cartilage. Firstly, we add compounds, especially chondroitin, which can support and repair cartilage. Secondly, we add curcumin from turmeric and Omega 3 fish oil to reduce inflammation. Often inflammation causes more pain and mobility loss than the actual cartilage damage. Thirdly, we add antioxidants that protect chondrocyte cells from further damage.

For more information give me a call or email: john@abundant.co.nz Read my newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz

John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559.