ReverseArthritisandPainNaturally:AProvenApproachtoanAnti-Inflammatory,Pain-Free

LifebyGaryNull,Ph.D.

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Copyright©2013GaryNull,Ph.D.

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DISCLAIMER:Thenutritionalandhealthinformationprovidedinthisbookisintendedforeducationalpurposesonly.Nothinglistedormentionedinthisbookshouldbeconsideredasmedicaladviceorasubstituteformedicaladvicefordealingwithstressoranyothermedicalproblem.Consultyourhealth-careprofessionalforindividualguidanceonspecifichealthissuesandbeforefollowingthisoranyprogram.Personswithseriousmedicalconditionsshouldseekprofessionalcare.Theauthorandpublisherspecificallydisclaimanyliability,lossorrisk,personalorotherwise,whichisincurredasaconsequence,directlyorindirectly,oftheuseandapplicationofthecontentsofthisbook.

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Acknowledgments

Creatingabookofthismagnituderequiredtheuntiringsupportofseveralindividuals.IwouldliketoexpressmygratitudetoNancyAshleyforherdiligentresearchandeditorialinput.IthankJeremyStillmanforhisassistanceverifyingfactsandeditingtextonseveralsectionsofthemanuscript.I’dliketoalsothankLarryHubbellfordoingameticulousjobdocumentingourarthritisstudy.Finally,myspecialthanksgoestothetop-notchstaffatEssentialPublishing,ledbyinsightfulpublisherMorgeĩanÓConghalaigh,andhistalentedmanagingeditor,LynnKomlenic.Theirsteadfastdedicationandbrilliantcreativeinputwerecrucialinbringingthisprojecttofruition.

TableofContents

ForewordIntroductionSectionI–ThePathologyofArthritisandPainChapter1–ArthritisandPain:TheScopeoftheProblem

ACloserLookattheProblemALegacyofBadMedicineSubstanceUseandAbuseTheRiseinPowerofDrugCompaniesAnEarlier,HealthierTimeTheBrightSpotinAllofThis

Chapter2–WhatisArthritisOsteoarthritis

SignsandSymptomsCartilageStandardOsteoarthritisTreatment

JointReplacementRheumatoidArthritis

TheRheumatoidArthritis-OsteoporosisLinkStandardRheumatoidArthritisTreatment

GoutStandardGoutTreatment

Chapter3–TheCausesofArthritisInflammationOxidativeStressTheLinkbetweenEnvironmentalToxins&OxidativeStressAcidityandtheStandardAmericanDiet

MeatBoneLoss

WhyElseAreWeDevelopingArthritisatSuchanAlarmingRate?America’sObesityEpidemicTheDifficultyofImprovingOurToxicFoodLandscapeTheStandardAmericanDiet(SAD)FoodAddictionTheHighCostofCheapFoodStress

Chapter4–AddressingDiseasesofInflammationEnteringtheSystem

TheRouteofConventionalTreatmentTheRouteofNaturalTreatment

IsThereAnotherSolutiontoArthritis?TheMindsetofHealthTheImportanceofExercise

ANewParadigmBibliography,SectionISectionII–ClinicalStudyontheEffectsofNutrition

NutritionInterventionReversesArthritisSymptomsAbstractIntroductionDietaryInterventionMaterials&MethodsProtocolResultsArthritisTestimonials

SectionIII–ANaturalApproachtoArthritisIntroductionAnti-ArthritisSupplements

AntioxidantVitaminsMinerals

Anti-ArthritisHerbsandSpicesTheAnti-ArthritisDiet

VeganWholeFoodsTheImportanceofEatingOrganicFoodsAlkaline-FormingFoodsAntioxidant-RichFoodsFoodsRichinFolicAcidHealingFoods

FruitsVegetablesMoreHealingFoods

FoodstoAvoidOtherBeneficialAdditionstotheAnti-arthritisLifestyle

PureWaterExercise

LifestylePracticesthatPromoteEmotionalandPhysicalWell-beingAlternativeArthritisTherapiesEffectiveintheTreatmentofArthritis

AcupressureAcupunctureChelationTherapyChiropracticColonTherapyHomeopathyMagnets

AlternativeDiagnosticProceduresinSupportofaHealthyVegetarianLifestyleAllergyTestingforProblemFoods

EnvironmentalConsiderationsBibliography,SectionIIandIIISectionIV–21SampleRecipesfromtheAnti-Arthritis,Anti-InflammationCookbook

–HealingthroughNaturalFoods,byGaryNull,Ph.DSectionV–ExcerptfromDeathbyMedicineResourcesIndex

Foreword

Asaphysician,Ifrequentlyreadbooksandpublicationsfromboththeconventionalandalternativemedicalfields.IhavefoundoverthelastfewyearsthatDr.GaryNull’sbookscarryanexceptionaldepthofresearch,knowledgeandusableinformation,andReverseArthritisandPainNaturally–TheProvenApproachtoanAnti-inflammatoryandPain-freeLifeisnoexception.Theimportanceofthisnewpublicationcannotbeoverstatedgiventhefrequencyandseverityofcircumstancesassociatedwitharthritis,particularlyintheU.S.Thepain,disability,financialimplicationsandlossoffunctionassociatedwitharthritisaffectthehumanspiritandthequalityoflifeforcountlessindividuals,familiesandbusinessesinourcountryandaroundtheworld.

Whileconventionalmedicine,asweknowit,focusesonsymptom-basedstrategiesforreliefbypatchingthepainandinflammationwithcolorfulpillsandoftentimesineffectivesurgeriesthatlargelysupportthedegenerativerootsofarthritis,allowingittoslowlyprogress,thisvolumeshinesanextremelybrightlightonthehighlyeffectivealternative.ReverseArthritisandPainNaturallyengagesarthritissufferersinthenoteworthymissionofhealingthecellularandmolecularfactorsthatcausethiscripplingdisease.Mostimportantly,itemploysusinaprocessofquestioningandabandoningpreviouslyheldassumptionsaboutthisdiseaseasafaitaccompliofaging.

Asyouconsiderthevaluableinformationandtestimonialswithinthisbook,youwilldiscoverthatyoucannotonlyreverseyourarthritisandenjoyapain-freeexistence,butcanbeexperiencingunprecedentedhealthandvitality,substantiallyimprovingyouroddsofbeingfreefromchronicdiseasealtogetherthroughoutyourlife.NotonlydoesDr.Nullpostulatethatthegreaternumberofarthritisclassificationsareindeedrelatedto“lifestyle”choices(diet,exercise,relaxation,stress-management,emotions,etc.),butheprovidesoverwhelmingevidence–bothanecdotalandscientific–tothevalidityofthisargument,sharedbymanyphysicianswhoworkinthenaturalhealthworldthough,notsurprisingly,anunderwhelmingfewfromconventionalhealthcareindustries.Arthritisisanexceptionallylucrativebusiness–morethan$120billionannuallyflowsthroughasystemofindividualsaswellascorporateandgovernmentalentitieswhoaremoreinterestedinprotectingtheirstatusandwealththaninfindingandsupportingtrulyhealingsolutions,whichrequiresasincereinvestigationofthecausesofthecondition.

Dr.Nullbelievesthatunlesswebegintounderstandandtreattheveryrootsofthearthriticprocess,wewillneverbeabletoactuallyreverseitandattainfunctionalimprovement.Andheisright.Theabilityofmodernmedicinetoaddresssymptomsiswonderfullyeffectiveforemergencyandtraumasituations,butisdangerouslyineffectiveforlifestylediseases.Forthese,you’vegottolookwithinforthecausesbeforeapplyingtreatmentfromwithout,andthisbookisamajortoolandguidepostforeffectivetreatment.

Whatyouwillreadirrevocablysupportsanewwayofthinkingaboutarthritisaseradicableandpreventableinmanycases.Insupportofalreadyirrefutableevidencetothebenefitsof“cleanliving”intheavoidanceofarthritis,Dr.Nulltestedhisprotocolinafour-weekstudy–possiblythelargestnutritionalstudyrelatedtoarthritisyet–withoverwhelmingsuccess.Nearly80%ofarthritissufferersstayingreasonablyclosetotherecommendationsrealizedimprovements!Thisaloneshouldtellusthatsomethingsignificantismissinginmoderndayarthritistreatmentprograms.

ThereisareasonwhyDr.GaryNullhasbecomeoneoftheworld’sforemostauthoritiesinthefieldofpropernutritionandhowitpositivelyaffectshealthandhealing.Hisfindingsandresultantpublicationsareabeaconfortherestofus,andshouldberegardedwiththehighestesteem.

Beforeyoudiscardyourcanes,walkersandpainrelievers,however,itiswisetoreflectonthereal

problemrelatedtohealth–ourpersistenceashumanstoassignresponsibilityforourwell-beingtosomeoneorsomethingoutsideourselves.Inamatterofaveryshorttimespaninhumanexistence,wehaverenderedourselvesuselessinunderstandingandrelatingtothecausesofhealth.Ifthereisanythingthatcouldpreventyoufrombeingwell,itisthis.Consequently,themostimportantandprovocativequestioninthiseye-openingvolumeisrelatedtoourhumannatureratherthantoarthritisitself.Why,queriesDr.Null,withalloftheevidenceinsupportofhealthyeatingandlifestyles,dowecontinuetomakechoicesthatcauseuspain?

ReadingandstudyingReverseArthritisandPainNaturallyisarequiredstepforanyonewishingtounderstandandproperlytreatthehumanconditionrelatedtoillhealth,includingarthriticconditions.IfyoucontemplatewhatDr.Nullissayinghereandadopthisrecommendations,Iamconfidentthatyouwillfindincreasedenergyandvitalityforlife,andbewellonyourwaytohealing.

Dr.Null’sexplanationabouttheoxidativeandbiophysicalcoreofthedegenerativeprocess,andtheadversitiesbroughtaboutbyimpropersocialandculturalhabitssowidespreadnowadaysisparticularlyhelpful.FromthesideeffectsofNSAIDs(non-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrugs)totheadversitiesofunnecessarysurgery,thisbookaddressesandwarnspatientsaboutcommoncomplicationsofirresponsiblecare,andadvisesthemonhowtoregainone’sownstrength,powerandinfluenceinovercomingtheirailment.

Throughoutthesepages,Dr.Nullcorrectlyprovidescrucialinformationonanddirectivesforreducinginflammation–themaincauseoftissuedegenerationinthehumanbody.Heemphasizestheprocessofinflammation,oxidationandcellulardecline,andaccentuatestheimportanceofomega-3,polyphenolsandantioxidantsinthepreventionandrepairprocess.ReverseArthritisandPainNaturallyalsodrawsattentiontothefactthattheadverseeffectsoffreeradicalsandomega-6canneverbeoverstated,asthesearemajorplayersintheprocessofcellulardisruptionandtissuedestructionatthefoundationofarthritisandbonedeformity.

Morecritically,perhaps,isthatarthritisisjustoneoftheresultantillnesseslinkedtoinflammation.RecentdiscussionsinsomeofthemosthighlyrespectedmedicalcommunitiesintheU.S.arenowimplicatinginflammationinalldisease,infectiousandnon-infectiousalike,makingthisbookahighlymomentous,universalandwidelyrelevantvolume.

TheNutritionInterventionReversesArthritisSymptomschapterisoneofthehighlightsofthebookandoftremendousimportance,asisthechapterAnti-ArthritisSupplements–aterrificreferenceforpatients,therapists,alternativemedicinepractitionersandphysiciansalike.

Allinall,ReverseArthritisandPainNaturallyclearlyshowsthattreatingarthritiswithconventionalmedicinealoneisbothaflawedandhazardousapproach.Whatweknowinthemedicalfieldasalternativeorcomplementarytherapiesmustbeacceptedasviable,essentialandevenprimarycomponentsfortheeradicationandpreventionofanydiseaseorillness.Theevidenceisobviousandindisputable.Withoutthiscrucialviewpointandappropriateactions,expressedsothoroughlyanddistinctlybyDr.Null,weriskremainingvictimstothelimitationsofanincomplete,imperfectmedicalsystem,andtoourownignorance.

Iencourageyoutotakeheedoftheimportantcallswithinthistext,andknowthattheirfoundationisreal;Ihaveseenitinmyownpracticetimeandagain.Withthepropercombinationoftherapies,truehealingandreliefisavailabletojustaboutanyarthritissuffererwhowantsit.Equallyimportanttooursuccessineliminatingthisillnessisouracknowledgmentthatarthritisisnotpredestined;itispreventablewithamodicumofreadilyavailableeducation,properguidanceandcommittedaction.Thisissomethingtocelebrate!

Toyourhealth,

DanielNuchovich,MDMedicalDirector,JupiterGardensMedicalCenterJupiter,FloridaU.S.A.

Introduction

Thankyoufortakingthisimportantfirststepininformingyourselfaboutpreventingandreversingarthritisnaturally.Bydoingso,ittellsmethatyouarereadytoenhanceyourunderstandingandtoinquireintotheprocessesthatwillensureyouahappier,healthierlifefreefrompainandarthritis.Theguidelinesandpracticespresentedinthisbookwillassistyouandthosewithwhomyousharethesevaluableinsightsindramaticallyimprovingarthriticconditions,andinmanycases,incompletelyeliminatingthisdebilitatingdisease.Asyounowbegintoimplementtheseprovennaturalsolutions,youwillnotonlypreventdiseaseprogressionrelatedtoarthritis,butbeprovidingyourselfwithapowerfulprotectionagainstmanyotherillnessesaswell.

ThefirstthingIwantyoutoknowisthatIhaveseenfirsthandjusthowseriousanddifficultitistolivewithapainfulanddebilitatingillnesslikearthritis.IwrotethisbookbecauseIcareaboutyouandyourwell-beingandwanttoseeyouandmanyothersovercometheobstaclestohealing.Ialsoknowhowincrediblelifecanbewhenwereleaseourunhealthyhabitsandembracehealthasawayofliving.Icanassureyou,ifyoufollowtheguidelinesIhaveprovided,thatyouwillbegintoexperiencelifeinanewandpossiblyunimaginableway.Qualityinformationisonlypartofwhatisneededinthecreationoflastinghealth.InadditiontotheteamofexpertsthatIhavecalledupontofillthisvolumewithimportantinformationrelatedtoyourhealing,Ialsoneedoneadditionalexperttojoinyourteam–andthatisYOU!Asyoureadthevaluableinformationhereinfrommycolleaguesandmeaboutreversingandpreventingarthritis,letyourselffeelthetruthofthewordsonadeeplevel,andthenallowtheintelligencewithinyoutocomeforwardandguideyou.Bytakingthetimetoinformyourself,andthenchoosingtoactonwhatresonatesdeeplywithyou,youwillbecomeyourownhealthadvocate,whichisoneofthegreatestgiftsyoucangiveyourself.

Youmayfindfollowingthroughwiththeserecommendationstobechallengingattimes.However,onceyougaintheclarityaboutwhatisreallyatstake–thepossibilityofalong,healthy,vitalandcreativelife–youwill,likesomanythousandsofothers,findawaytopickupthesehealthyhabitsandcontinuetorunwiththem.Ultimately,youwillbetheexpertyou’vebeenwaitingfor,andanencouragingandsupportiveforceinhelpingothersaddresstheirhealthconcernspowerfully.Caringforandsharingwithothers,afterall,iswhatmakeslifetrulyrewardingandfulfilling.

ThefamousGreekscientistandphysicianHippocrates(bornin460BC),consideredbymanyasthefounderofmodernmedicine,said–“Itismoreimportanttoknowwhatsortofpersonhasadiseasethantoknowwhatsortofdiseaseapersonhas.”Hebelievedanddemonstratedthatthenaturalforceswithinusarethetruehealersofdisease,andspenthislifehelpingpeopleunderstandallofthefactors–physicalandotherwise–intheirlivesthatcouldbecausingtheirdis-ease.Alongwithimportantinformationonfortifyingthebodywithpropernutritionandexercise,hetaughtpeoplehowtocareforthemselvesbyprovidingcompassionate,lovingguidance,whichisanessentialaspectofhealthyliving.

Remember,asyoutaketheseimportantstepstocorrectthefactorsthatcausedyourdis-ease,dosowithaninspiringmixofgentlenessandfirmness.Bekindtoyourself,yetbeclearaboutwhatisneededforyoutoheal.Botharenecessaryforahappyandhealthylife.

IhavewrittenReversingArthritisandPainNaturallytogiveyoutheopportunitytoconsiderandlookmorecloselyatthecausesofarthritisandotherdiseasesthatyoumaybeexperiencing.Iencourageyoutoreflectupontheimportantdatacontainedhereinregardingtheefficacyofconventionalmedicalpracticesinthetreatmentofarthritisversusthoseassociatedwithnaturalarthritistreatmentprograms.Whenwedon’thavethecompletestory,wearevulnerabletoparticipatinginmethodsthatmaydofarmoreharmthangood.ThisiswhatI’minterestedinchangingwiththisbook,andwhyIamintroducing

youtoanewstandardinthetreatmentofarthritis.Afterall,whatistheuseofgettingasecondopinionifitcomesfromthesameparadigmasthefirst?

Havingtreatedthousandsofpatientsmyself,andworkedwithhundredsofthenation’sforemostphysiciansintheareasofarthritisandpaintreatment,letmeassureyouthatmoreharmisbeingdonerightnowthangoodwithtoday’smodernpractices.Inspiteofthis,Icanalsoconfirmthatifyouareintentionalandcommittedtolivingahealthylife,youwillfindyourway,andthisbookwillbeagreatassettoyouonyourjourneybacktoWellville.

SectionI

ThePathologyofArthritisandPain

-1-

ArthritisandPain:TheScopeoftheProblem

SurgeonsintheUnitedStatesarenowreplacing500,000kneesannuallyalongwith230,000hips,anditispredictedthat67millionadults–aquarterofouradultpopulation(anastonishing1outofevery4)willhavesomeformofarthritisbytheyear2030.

AccordingtotheCenterforDiseaseControl(CDC)andtheArthritisFoundation,thediseaseknownasarthritisisatthetopofthelistasthemostcommoncauseofdisabilityintheUnitedStates,limitingtheactivitiesofaremarkable50millionadults.1,2SurgeonsintheUnitedStatesarenowreplacing500,000kneesannuallyalongwith230,000hips,anditispredictedthat67millionadults–aquarterofouradultpopulation(anastonishing1outofevery4)willhavesomeformofarthritisbytheyear2030.3Globally,thepictureisn’tmuchbrighter;anabstractpublishedbytheNationalCenterforBiotechnologyInformation,reportsthat200millionpeoplesufferfromrheumatoidarthritisalone.4Arthritishasn’talwaysbeensoprolific.So,whatisfuelingthiscripplingepidemictoday?Mostimportantly,isitpossibletopreventorreverseanillnessthatsomanyphysiciansandtheirpatientsbelievetobeirreversible?Youmayfindtheanswerstothesequestionssurprising,andnotatallwhatyouanticipated.Youmayalsofinditastonishingtolearnthatcurrentlyacceptedpracticesoftreatmentmayactuallybeworseningyourarthritisandcausingotherequallydeleterioushealthchallenges.

Tounderstandthecomplexmatrixofthebodyandhowitcomestothestateofdis-easecalledarthritis,wemustalsounderstandtheintricatemixoffactorsoftheworldinwhichwearelivingtodayversusthetimeswhenarthritiswasn’tsoprevalent.Ultimately,ourhealthisnotseparatefromthatoftheenvironmentinwhichwelive,socomprehendingphysicaldisease–nomatterthetype–isasmuchabiologicalmatterasitisasociological,anthropological,psychologicalandecologicalone.

Conventionalwisdomholdsthatarthritisisoftentimessimplyapartofagingandoccursinmosthumansovertimeduetowearandtearonourjoints.Butaccordingtoa2005NationalHealthInterviewSurveyconductedbytheCDC,two-thirdsofpeoplewitharthritiswereundertheageof65,including300,000children.5Suchalarminglyhighratesofarthritisamongyoungergenerationscanbeattributedtooneunderlyingcause:ourconsumptionofexcessiveamountsofhighlyconcentratedcaloriesandfewviablehealthynutrients.Inshort,weareoverfedandundernourished.

Whataretheinflammatoryagentsthatarecausingarthritisandotherdegenerativediseasesinchildrenandteenagersinparticular?Simplyput,theAmericandietofhotdogs,Frenchfries,pizza,bacon,hamburgers,pastries,andsoftdrinksladenwithhighfructosecornsyrupandcaffeine.Ineffect,wehavecreated–andcontinuetocreate–massivebodypollutionandagenuinefive-alarmfireeverytimeweeatordrinkanythinglikethis.Asyouwillsee,thistypeofdietisextremelylowinantioxidantsandphytonutrients,aswellaschlorophyll,fiberandvegansourcesofaminoacids.Soitissimplyamatteroftimeuntilachildwhoeatsthiswaymanifestsadisease,andmerelyaflipofacoinintermsofwhatdiseaseitwillbe.Wecanbesureofthis:childrenaremanifestinglifestylediseases,includingarthritis,at

youngerandyoungerages(theresearchprovesit),andthiswon’tchangeuntilwechange.

Thefactisthatwearenotalldestinedtobecomearthriticwithadvancingage.

Exacerbatingtheproblemisthefactthatweasapopulationarebecomingincreasinglyresignedtochronicdiseaseasa“factoflife”–forourselvesandouroffspring.Whilethiscouldn’tbefartherfromthetruth,thiswayofthinkingisespeciallyaliveregardingarthritis.Millionsofmiddle-agedAmericanshaveresignedthemselvestoacquiringsomeformofarthritisintheirlifetime;and,infact,believethatthereisnothingthattheycandoaboutit.So,atthefirstsignsofpain,theytypicallyrespondbylimitingtheirphysicalactivities,takingnon-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrugs,andplanningforaneventualjointreplacementsurgery.

Butisthistheonlywaytoaddressarthritis?Moreimportantly,isthisthemostintelligentway?Bynomeans.Thefactisthatwearenotalldestinedtobecomearthriticwithadvancingage;intruthmostofuscanavoidarthritisandinmanycasesevenreverseitanditsdifficultandchallengingsymptoms.How,youask?Bysimplyfollowingtheguidelinesprovidedwithinthepagesofthisbook.

Arthritiscanbesaidtobeamongthemanylifestylediseasesplaguingtoday’sAmericans,alongwithcancer,diabetes,atherosclerosis,heartdisease,hypercholesterolemia,dementia,andhypertension.Thepathophysiologyforallthesediseasessharescertaincommonalities:weeatmore,moveless,andwedon’tconsumefoodsthatgiveusthenecessarymicroandmacronutrientsessentialforoptimalhealth.Thetollfromarthritisissignificant:mostarthritissufferersrefrainfromphysicallychallengingactivitiesandoneoutofthreearthritissufferersexperienceworklimitations.Infact,arthritisisamorefrequentcauseofactivitylimitationthanheartdisease,cancerordiabetes,contributingtotheskyrocketingcosts(bothdirectandindirect)associatedwiththisdisease–currentlyestimatedat$128billionintheU.S.eachyear.6,7Evenmoreshocking,reportstheCDC,isthatamongU.S.adultswitharthritis,47%alsohaveatleastoneotherseriousdiseaseorcondition,includingobesity,heartdiseaseanddiabetes.8

ResearchshowsnowthatonlyoneinfouradultsinAmericaengagesinanyphysicalactivityatall.

ACloserLookattheProblem…Aswehaveevolvedrapidlyintoaneverincreasinglyimmobilesociety–tetheredtocouches,

electronicsandmotorvehicles–ourbodieshavefollowed.Exceptinthecaseofarthritis,thetetherissomeformofstructuralsupportforbodiesthatnolongermove–acane,awalker,awheelchair,andinsomecasesevenanewjoint.Whyareweprogressingintoanationthatcannotwalkormovewell?Oneofthereasonsisthatthestructureofourlivingareasandbuildingshaschangedmarkedly.Buildingdesignsoftheearly1900sshowthatthemajorityofhouses,churches,movietheatresandschoolsofthetimehadstairs.ApartmentbuildingsinNewYorkCityfromtheearly1900sthatwerebuiltwithelevatorsneverthelesshadstepsoutsideleadingtothefrontentrance.Ranch-stylelivingonlybecamepopularinthe1950s,andtherewerenoelevatorstoaccesstheNewYorkCity’ssubwaysystemuntilthe1990s.The

evidenceisthatweusedtobeabletomoveourbodiessuccessfullyundermorechallengingcircumstances.

Furthermore,oursociety’stransitionfromanagriculturalandindustrialsocietytoatechnology-basedoneoverthelastfewdecadeshascontinuedtochangethewaywemoveandlive.Outsideofthecity,manyofourancestorsusedtofarm;evenifnotfarmingforcommerce,theyveryoftenhadafamilygarden.Two-hundredyearsago,90%ofthepopulationfarmed;today,itislessthan2%!9Notonlyweretheyraisinghealthy,freshfoodsfortheirfamilies,theyweregettingregulardailyexercisewhiledoingit.ResearchshowsnowthatonlyoneinfouradultsinAmericaengagesinanyphysicalactivityatall.Instead,wedriveourcarstothegrocerystore(ortothedrive-thruwindowofafast-foodrestaurant)topurchasefoodthathasoftenbeenshippedbyboatandbytruckforseveralweeksbeforearrivingonourtables.Typically,thesefoodsarepickedunripened,andarepreservedwithwaxesandotherpotentiallyharmfulchemicalsinordertowithstanddamagefromshipmentandlongertransporttimes,greatlydiminishingtheirnaturalvitalityandnutritionalvalue.Isitanywonderthatwearebreakingdown,growingweakerandmoresusceptibletothepainfulanddebilitatingsideeffectsthataccompanyillnesseslikearthritis?

Regrettably–andtomakemattersworse–thecurrentmedicalparadigmavoidsaddressingtherootcausesofarthritisandotherlifestylediseases,whichwouldnecessarilyrequireconsiderationoftheaforementionedsociologicalinfluences,amongothers,onourhealth.Physiciansrushintoapplythetherapiestheyaremostfamiliarwith–drugsandsurgeries–totheexclusionofmorenaturalapproachesforrelievingpainanditscauses.AsmycolleagueDanielNuchovich,M.D.,authorofThePalmBeachPainReliefSystemandDirectoroftheJupiterGardensMedicalCenter,andtheJupiterInstituteofHealth,says“Mostdoctorsrushintotreatingthesymptomsofarthritisbeforeevenunderstandingthecausesofit.”Thisissimplynotgoodmedicine–asentimentthatisechoedbyNormanJ.Marcus,M.D.,associateprofessorofanesthesiologyandpsychiatryattheNYULangoneSchoolofMedicine,andauthorofFreedomfromPain,andEndBackPainForever,whosays:“Reducingpainisnotenoughwitharthritis;wemustalsoworktoimprovefunction,whichrequiresadeeperunderstandingofallthemechanismsofpain.”

Asanexampleofthegrossoversightoftheeffectivenessoftraditional,commonsensetherapies,youwillseeevidenceinalatersectionofthisbookthatdietarytherapy,includingcleansingandfasting(usedconsistentlysinceancienttimesfordecreasingtheimpactofaccumulatedtoxins),isextremelyeffectiveinthereductionofarthritissymptoms,butalsointhepreventionanderadicationofthediseaseitself.Yet,fewAmericanmedicaldoctorsareembracingthisreality.It’strulyastounding,whenyouthinkaboutit:howcouldsuchasimpleandseeminglyobviousaspectofgoodhealthnotbeuniversallyacceptedandincludedasavalidtreatment?Thesamegoesforsleep,forexample.Asaculture,wesorelyunderestimatethevalueofhigh-qualitysleepinthepreventionofandrecoveryfromdisease,includingarthritis.AccordingtotheCDC,however,one-thirdofallAmericanworkersdon’tgetenoughsleep,andmanywhoaresleepingenoughhoursarenotgettingqualitysleep(tossing,turning,snoring,havingdisturbingdreamsandwakingupseveraltimesduringthenighttogotothebathroometc.).10Whenbasicphysiologicalandemotionalneedsarelacking,thelikelihoodofdevelopingdiseasessuchasheartproblems,depression,diabetes,andobesity(adirectcauseofarthritis)increases.Still,thesesimple,commonsensemattersareoftenoverlookedordiscountedasimmaterialbythemedicalcommunity,wheninfacttheyaredirectlyrelatedtodis-ease.

AsalwaysforusAmericans,theemphasisisalltoooftenfocusedonquick-fixstrategies,includingwonderdrugsthatcreateafalsehopeandexpectationthatwecanmiraculouslycontinuelivingourlivesexactlyaswehadbeenpriortotheillnessordisease.Insteadofapplyingathoughtful,intelligent,provenapproach–liketheonepresentedwithinthepagesofthisbook–thatincludespayingattentiontowhatwe

eatandmaintainingahealthyweightthroughregularactivityandexercise,weareofferedmedicationforinflammation,diabetes,highcholesterol,andhighbloodpressure,alongwithsurgicalinterventions,includingjointreplacementsurgery.Doanyofuswanttokeepourownbodypartsandlivewithoutcarryingaroundbagsfullofpills?Sadly,onlyaverysmallpercentage.Themajorityofuswantthesocalledmagicbullet–weareunawareofitsdangers,includingthefalsesenseofsecuritythatitprovides.Justtakethispillorremovethispartfromyourbodyandneutralizeyourpain,orsowearetold.Wecontinuetoagreetoexpensiveandlargelyineffectivemedicationsandsurgeries–inspiteoffeverishlyescalatinginsurancecosts–withoutthinkingthatweasindividualshaveanyabilitytoaffectwhatisoccurring.AsDr.Nuchovichsays,“Mostpeopletakeapassiveratherthanactiveattitudewiththeirdisease,andexpectthedoctortohealthem.Thisalmostcertainlypreventsthemfromactuallygettingwhattheywant,whichisrelieffromtheirpain.”Sothepersonthatisstilleatingaterriblediet,drinkingterriblebeverages,orboth,takesahandfulofpillsanddoesnotfeelthepain.Butisthecoreproblemaddressed?No!Butthenumberofpeoplelikeyouwhoarereachingoutforqualityinformationaboutyourarthritisandpain,andwillingtoinvestthatinvaluableandirreplaceablecommodity–yourtime–toensurethatyoujointheranksofthehealthyandvitalisrising.

Whileitistruethateachofushastheultimateresponsibilityforourhealth,andtheabilitytomakechangeswithproperinformationandsupport,wealsomustrecognizethepowerfulinfluenceofthemultiplebilliondollaradvertisingandmarketingindustries,ledby“mastersofspin,”onMadisonAvenue.Asagroup,wearemoresignificantlyinfluencedbythemthanwerealize.Thegoodnewsisthatwearealsoextremelyinfluencedbypain,andwilldomostanythingtobeoutofit.Inordertobreakthespellthatinonesensehasbeencastuponus,and–inanother–thatwehaveboughtinto,weneedtoaskourselvesafundamentalquestion,whichis:HowdoIwantmylifetobe?

Youranswertothisquestionwillguideyoutotakeactionsthatsupportwhatyouwishtoseeinyourworld.Europeancountries,forexample,donotpermitadvertisingforpharmaceuticaldrugsontelevision.Asagroup,theyrecognizetheabilityofadvertisingtoswayandmanipulatetheircitizens.Assuch,theystaytruetotheirconvictionsthattheseconversationsmustbeguidedbythemedicalcommunityratherthanbyprofiteeringdrugcompaniesthatwilldoanythingwithintheirpowertoselltheirproducts.Lamentably,theseorganizationshaveaproventrackrecordofmisleadingpeopletothepointofcausingveryseriousphysicalharmandevendeath.Thefactthatthesepredatorydrugcompanyexecutivesinvestrepeatedlyinpromotingtheirextremelyprofitableproductsasbeneficialwhilewithholdingempiricalevidencetothecontraryisperhapsoneofthegreatestethicalchallengesofourtime.

Inordertoresolveourcountry’senormousandcontinuouslygrowinghealthchallenges,includingthatofarthritis,wemustbegintoaddressourcollectiveignoranceaboutthecreationandmaintenanceofgoodhealth,includingthepsychologythatkeepsustrappedinbeliefsystemsvoidofcommonsense,considerationofnaturalorder,andfraughtwithaperilousconvictiontoscientificauthority.Tothedetrimentofatrulyenjoyable,fulfilling,pain-freeexistence,weprayforandallow“scientificadvances”suchassurgeryanddrugstosaveusfromthepainofpoorjudgment.Whetherweoverutilizetechnologybecauseofitsavailabilityorbecausewefeelentitledduetotheexorbitanthealthinsurancepremiumswearepaying,healthconditionsasseriousasarthritiswarrantanhonestlookatourinnerprocesses,andtheactionsthattheymotivate.

Ifyouhaveanydoubtthatweareonapathofself-destruction,itmaysurpriseyoutolearnthatareportbyMilliman&Robertson,Inc.in1995documentedthatupto60%ofsurgeriesperformedintheUSAwereunnecessary!11Whilethisstatisticisasomewhatdated,theissuecontinuestoraiseconcern.AnarticlethatappearedintheWashingtonPostinAugustof2012(thisyear)reportedthathealthpolicyresearchersattheUniversityofMichiganhadrecentlylookedatcardiologyproceduresdoneacrossthestateandfoundthat43%(nearlyhalf)shouldnothavehappenedifsurgeonshadfollowedmedical

guidelines.12PediatricSurgeonCatherineMusemechewroteanarticleaboutunnecessarysurgeries,appearingthispastAprilintheNewYorkTimes,inwhichsherelatedtochildrensufferingfromobesity:“Wearetakingoutmoregallbladdersinyoungerandyoungerpatients–bysomeestimates,morethanfourtimesthenumberofpediatricgallbladdersareremovednowthanin1990.”Shewentontosaythat“parentsprefertobookthequickfixofthescalpelinsteadoftheslow,butlessinvasive,routeoflifestylechange.”13

Indeedthenumberofsurgeriesisincreasing,especiallyinoutpatient,orambulatorysettings.ThenewsletterHealthCapitolTopicsreportedthatastatisticalbriefpublishedbytheAgencyforHealthcareResearchandQualityindicatedthatin1980,16percentofsurgicalprocedureswereperformedonanoutpatientbasis.Thisnumbergrewto57.7percentin2007.14Thereareanumberofreasonsforthegrowthinoutpatientprocedures,includinglowercostsaswellasimprovedtechnologiesandmedicaladvances;however,oneoftheprimaryreasonsforthegrowthinthenumberofsurgeriesistheamountofmoneythatcanbemadebytheindividuals–largelyphysicians–whoownthem.AccordingtoareportinRiskandInsuranceMagazine,therewere2,200AmbulatorySurgicalCenters(ASCs)nationwidein1996,andby2009therewere5,360,ofwhich83to88percentwereownedbyphysicians.15AnarticlepublishedbyJohnM.Hollingsworthetal.,intheApril2010issueofHealthAffairsindicatedthattherewasasignificantassociationbetweenphysicianownershipofASCsandhighersurgeryvolumeforselectedproceduresperformedinthosecentersbetween2003and2005;further,physicianswhoobtainedownershipofanASCexperiencedamuchhigherincreaseinsurgeryusebetweenpre-andpost-ownership,incomparisontophysicianswhoneverbecameowners.16

PhysicianswhoobtainedownershipofanASC[AmbulatorySurgicalCenter]experiencedamuchhigherincreaseinsurgeryusebetweenpre-andpost-ownership,incomparisontophysicianswhoneverbecameowners.

Thetrendisthesameinelectivesurgeriesrelatedtoarthritis.In2005,atthe73rdannuallymeetingoftheAmericanAcademyofOrthopedicSurgeons(AAOS),aresearchteamfromanengineeringandscientificconsultingfirmExponentInc.presentedapaperthatprojectedthenumberofproceduresforprimary(first-time)totalkneereplacementwouldjumpby673percent–fromjustover500,000currentlyto3.48million–in2030,withthenumberofprimarytotalhipreplacementstoincreaseby174percent–from325,000currentlyto572,000–in2030.Furthermore,accordingtotheauthors,thenumberofrevisionsurgerieswasestimatedtodoubleinthenextthreeyears,by2015,fortotalkneereplacementandby2026fortotalhipreplacement.17

Morerecently,TheHuffingtonPostreportedthatkneereplacementsurgerieshavedoubledoverthelastdecadeandmorethantripledinthe45to64agegroup.18Hipsaretrendingthatway,aswell.What’ssurprising,notesthearticle,isthatit’snotjustrelatedtoobesity,buttoourattempttostayfitandavoidextrapounds.Thesurgeonquotedinthearticleattributestheincreasingvolumetowhathecalls“fix-me-itis,”whichisthemindsetof“fixmeatanycost,turnbacktheclock.”Whilethearticlereportsthatkneereplacementscanlastupto20years,italsosaysthatbecauseoftherelativenewnessofthistherapythestatisticdoesnottakeintoaccountactiveyoungerbabyboomersandseniorswhoplanonrunningmarathons,skiingorplayingtennisintooldage.

Nonetheless,Iwantyoutostopandthinkaboutthisforjustamoment…Ifmanyoperationsare

unnecessary,thenhowisitthatwe(individualsandsurgeonsalike)arenotentertainingaconversationofpreventionversustheextremelypainfulanddebilitatingalternativeofhavingourfleshcutopen?Canyouseejusthowinsanethingshavegotten–wherethemajorityofuswillactuallyallowsomeonetoperformsurgeryratherthanembracealifestylechange?It’squitepossiblethatthisisthefirsttimethatyouhaveheardsuchalarmingstatistics.Nowthatyouareprivytotheprojectionsaswellastheobviousconflictofinterests,Iaskyoutoreflectonthisquestion:WhatamIgoingtodoaboutit?Anequallyimportantquestionis,Whatcausesanationtocontinuetoengagesoactivelyinobviouslydestructiveandunwarrantedactivities,andwhyarewenotconsideringthatwhatwearedoingmaynotbecorrect?Theanswerismulti-factorial,butincludesanunderstandingofhumannature,aswellastheprogrammingthatwearefed–andtendtobelieve–byinterestgroups(perhapsbetternamed“conflictofinterest”groups).

ALegacyofBadMedicineFormorethan50years,theAmericanMedicalAssociation(AMA)ruledoverallmedicalhealthcare

intheUnitedStates.TheAmericanpublicwasledbytheAMAandthemedicalestablishmenttobelievethatalldrugs,takenindividuallyorjointlyasinthecaseofmultipleprescriptions,whichgenerallyapplytomostseniors,couldbeconsumedsafely.Eachyearwhenthe20leadingcausesofdeathwerelisted,heartattack,stroke,cancer,diabetes,etc.appearedatthetop,withsomevariation.NowherewasitreportedthatAmericanmedicineitselfcontributedtodeathorinjuryuntilaHarvardprofessorbythenameofDr.LucianL.Leapetookthetimeandenergytodoananalysis.Whathefoundwasastounding:Americanmedicinewasthenumberonecauseofillness.Commencingsixyearsago,Iputtogetheraresearchteamofmedicaldoctorsandscientists,allofwhomhadextensiveacademicandresearchexperience,andwithmyself,wesetouttodeterminehowsevereaproblemthiswas.Todate,noonehadanalyzedandcompiledallthepublishedliteraturedealingwithinjuriesanddeathscausedbygovernment-protectedmedicine.Attheendoffiveyears,wehadamammothamountofresearchandwhatitrevealedwasshocking:thenumberonecauseofdeathandinjuryeveryyearforthepast15yearswasAmericanmedicine.Wesurmisedthatfrom550,000toashighas1millionpeopleintheUnitedStatesperyearhaddied,andmanymillionsmorewereinjured,asadirectresultofAmericanmedicalpractices.Causesofdeathrangedfromadversedrugreactions(ADRs)andimpropertransfusions,tosurgicalinjuriesandwrong-sitesurgery;therewerealsosuicides,restraint-relatedinjuriesordeath,falls,burns,pressureulcers,andmistakenpatientidentities.

“Whatourresearchrevealedwasshocking:thenumberonecauseofdeathandinjuryeveryyearforthepast15yearswasAmericanmedicine.”

–GaryNull,Ph.D.

IfoundthissoincrediblethatIturnedovertheresearchwehadcompletedtoanotherfriendwhohasaresearchbackgroundandwasengagedinscholarshipforfurtherreview.Afterthreemonthsofreviewingallthematerial,hesaidtheconclusionswearrivedatwereallaccurate.Wethendecidedtotakeafurtherstepandascertaintheareasofmedicinethatwerenotworkingeffectivelyorsafelybutratherwere

increasingthelikelihoodofanegativeoutcome.Weseparatedthedataintocategoriessuchascardiology,oncology,neurology,ophthalmology,urology,etc.Whatwefoundwasthatahighpercentageofmedicalproceduresformanyconditionshadneverbeenestablishedassafeandeffectivebyagoldstandardtest,whichconsistsofalong-term,double-blind,placebo-controlledinitiativewithcrossoverstudiesonhumanbeings(clinicaltrialsinwhichthestudyparticipantsreceivetreatmentsinarandomorder).Weareexpectedtoacceptonfaiththattheseproceduresaresafeandeffectivesimplybecausethedoctors“believe”thatthereisproof.

Notsurprisingly,weuncoveredthatbehindallofthiswasanextraordinarilypowerfulpharmaceutical-industrialcomplexthatexercisesenormousinfluenceovereveryaspectofthehealthcaresystem.Welearnedthattheyworkwiththeinsurancecompaniesandthefor-profithospitalsutilizingmassivelobbyingcampaignstocontrolvirtuallyallfederalregulatoryagenciesinvolvedinhealthcarepolicy,includingtheFoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)andtheNationalInstituteofHealth(NIH).WealsoinvestigatedthevarioustacticsemployedbythemtodominateourentireU.S.publichealthservice.Thetacticsincluded:placingtheirsupporters,policymakers,physiciansandscientistsintokeyregulatorypositions;controllingmedicalschoolcurriculathroughlavishgiftsandresearchgrants;andmakingdirectpaymentstophysicians.Theirpowerwasfurtherincreasedbyextensivemediacampaigns;theyarenow–andwerebackthen–oneofthelargestadvertisersontelevisionandradio,andinprintmedia.Assuch,thereisanenormousamountofself-censorship;noonefromthemediaisgoingtoexposethemandrisklosingtheirincomeflow.Theyalsoworktoshapepublicopinionbyfundingfrontgroups,thinktanksandfoundations.Well-knownscientistsandphysiciansgointothecommunityandspeakpositivelyaboutthem,butthepublicneverknowstheyarereallyjusthiredgunspanderingforBigPharma.

Ourreport,DeathByMedicine,isthemostcomprehensivereviewofthedarksideofAmericanmedicinetodate.19(SeetheDeathbyMedicineaddenduminthebackofthisbookformoreamorein-depthexplanationofthistopic.)Itisfullydocumentedandreferencedusingonlydatagatheredfrommainstreamsources.Wesentourreportto7,000individuals,includingeverymemberofCongress,everystatelegislatorandgovernor,hundredsofjournalistsintheAmericanmedia,morethanone-hundredscientificjournals,theNationalCancerInstitute,andtheLibraryofMedicine.Wewaitedandwaitedandwaited;andnotasingleagency,lawmaker,orjournalisttouchedtheissue.

WhenyourealizehowmanymillionsofAmericanshavediedorbeeninjuredduetoalackofmedicalsafety,oriatrogenesis(anyadverseconditioninapatientresultingfromtreatmentbyaphysicianorsurgeon),surelyyouwouldthinksomeonewoulddiscussit,orholdaforumonit.Butyou’dbewrong.Weofferseveralpagesofthisscientificarticleattheendofthisbookforyourreview,ifyouareinclined.

SubstanceUseandAbuse…Tranquilizersandantidepressantskeepyoufromfeelingthepainofyourlife–asdomarijuana,

alcohol,andeatinganentireboxofchocolateinonesitting.Itallworkstonumbthepaininthemoment–beitphysical,emotional,mentalorspiritual.Butaseveryonelearnseventually,compensatorybehaviors(astheyarecalledinpsychologycircles)provideonlytemporaryrelief.Noneofthesemomentarydistractionssustainrelieforresolvepain;andtheyalltypicallycausemoredamage.Asidefromthefactthatthesesubstancesaretoxic,theydon’tdirectlydealwiththeunderlyingissuesinourlivesthatmanyofusareavoiding.

Thiscouldn’tbetruerthanintheexampleofourprolificuseofandrelianceondrugsinthiscountry–prescribedorotherwise–tomanagepain.Tostart,theAmericanMedicalAssociationreportedin2011thattheannualcostsassociatedwiththemorethan116millionAmericanswhosufferwithpainwere

$635billion–justshyofour$711billionannualmilitaryexpenditures.20Thisisastaggeringstatisticwhenyoustopandthinkaboutit.AccordingtoDr.Marcus,itmaybesurprisingforyoutodiscoverthatstudiesnowindicatethatinspiteofthefactthatwehavemoretechnologyavailabletous,thenumberofpeopleinpainhasincreasedfrom37.9millionpeople,or15%oftotalUSpopulation,in1990toin50millionpeople,or22%ofthetotalUSpopulationin2009.

Regardingprescriptions,areportissuedbytheCentersforDiseaseControlin2004statedthathalfofallAmericanstookonepharmaceuticaldrug,withoneinsixpeopletakingthreeor

“…theJournaloftheAmericanMedicalAssociation(JAMA)reportedthatprescriptiondrugstakenasprescribedinhospitalsarethefourthleadingcauseofdeathintheU.S.andCanada…”

more;furthermore,fiveoutofsixpersons65andolderaretakingatleastonemedicationandalmosthalftheelderlytakethreeormore21.Thissamereport,issuedagainin2009,concludedthattheuseofthreeormoreprescriptiondrugsincreasedforallagegroupsofmalesandfemales,anditishappeningwithincreasinglydeleteriouseffects.22ArecentreportissuedintheJournaloftheAmericanMedicalAssociation(JAMA)notedthatprescriptiondrugstakenasprescribedinhospitalsarethefourthleadingcauseofdeathintheU.S.andCanada,afterheartdisease,cancerandstrokes,causingabout106,000deathsayearandovertwomillionseriousinjuriesintheU.S.23Evenordinaryaspirinandibupropfenaretakingtheirtollwithover15,000patientsdyinginNorthAmericaannually.24AreportbyABCNewsinAprilof2011abouttheuseofprescriptionpainkillershighlightedVicodin,themostpopularpainreliefdruginthecountryatthetime.IMSHealth,theindependentresearchandconsultingfirmwhoconductedtheresearchforitsannualsurveyofdrugsales,reportedthatVicodinprescriptionshadgrowndramaticallyfrom112milliondosesprescribedin2006,to131millionin2011.Thereportwentontosay:“Expertssaymostofthoseprescriptionsareunnecessary.”Italsostatedthisastonishingfact:TheUnitedStatesmakesuponly4.6percentoftheworld’spopulation,butconsumes80percentofitsopioids–and99percentoftheworld’shydrocodone,theopiatethatisinVicodin.InABCNewsinterviews,Dr.ThomasFrieden,directoroftheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention,pronounced“accidentaloverdosesfromVicodinandothernarcoticpainrelieverskillmorepeoplethancaraccidentsin17states”andnationaldrugczarGilKerlikowskedeclared,“thecurrentcultureofwritingnarcoticprescriptionsformoderatepain,whichbeganaboutadecadeago,needstobechangedanddoctorsneedtoberetrained.Intheamountofeducationandtrainingthatdoctorsget,therewasverylittletime,ifany,inmedicalschoolsandotherplacestobedevotedtounderstandingthis[thehighlyaddictivenatureofopiods].”25

Ourmountingdependenceonpharmaceuticaldrugsinthealleviationofdiseasesandtheirsymptoms,includingarthritisandpain,isarelativelynewphenomenonthathasitsrootsina4,000+year-oldtraditionofherbology–thestudyofherbsandplantsthataidincuringillnessesandpreventingdisease.Whilemanufacturersofpharmaceuticalssaytheirproductsare“plantderived,”whattheydon’ttellyouisthattheyaremostlycomprisedofsyntheticchemicals(ratherthanactualplants),whichaffectourbodiesinnumerousharmfulandstillundeterminedways.Moreover,ingestingmultiplepharmaceuticalscreatesanevenmoredangerouscocktailwithtrulyunknownsideeffects.Thisisespeciallypertinentgiventhatthemajorityofarthritissufferersareplaguedbyotherlife-threateningdiseaseslikediabetesandheartdisease,andaretakingadditionalmedications.

Whilemanufacturersarerequiredbylawtoinformusofthepotentialrisksandside-effectsoftheirparticulardrug,theyarenotrequired(andhencedonotseek)totestdrugcombinations.ThoseofourpopulationwhoaretakingmultipledrugsareessentiallywalkingPetridishes.Tocomplicatematters,inhistreatmentofpeoplewithpainandarthritis,JamesN.Dillard,M.D.,D.C.,L.Ac.,IntegrativePainManagementSpecialistandformerDirectoroftheRosenthalCenterforComplementary&AlternativeMedicineatColumbiaUniversityMedicalCenter,hasfoundanassociationbetweenhighlevelsofpainandhighlevelsofmercurytoxicity.Whatthismeansisthatpharmaceuticaldrugsarenotlikelytheonlytoxicsubstancesthatyourbodyisattemptingtodealwithifyouhavepainorarthritis.Heavymetaltoxicitycomeswithourworld’sunprecedentedlevelsofwaterandairpollution,contaminatedseafood,aswellasthewidespreaduseofdentalamalgamsandvaccinescontainingmercury.

Thereishardlyaplaceonthisplanetthatisnotaffectedbythedestructivewaysofhumans,andasindividualsweareallaffectedinsomeway.Whetherweareexposedtooutgassingfromnewcarpetsorfurniture,topesticidesandfungicidesinourfoodandwater,ortopollutantsinourair,weareatconstantrisk.Unfortunately,thereisplentyofresearchtoattesttoourchallenge.WhenBillMoyersfilmedhisspecialonchemicalscalledTradeSecrets,hevolunteeredtohavehistissuesbiopsied.Thetestrevealednearly84distincttoxins.26Onanothernote,recenttestingofmother’smilkfoundtraceamountsofjetfuel,andtestingofplacentasexposedover200orsochemicals.27Thetruthisweareontoxicoverloadsimplybyvirtueoftheerainwhichwelive.

Complicatingtheissueisthatthegovernmentbody(theU.S.FoodandDrugAdministration,commonlyknownastheFDA)formedtoprotectconsumersandoverseetheactivitiesofBigPharmahasfordecadesbeenrunbyaboardofdirectorscomprisedalmostentirelyofpastandpresentCEOsandboardmembersofthelargemultinationalconglomeratesitismeanttopolice.Sotheveryboardmembersthatareregulatingtheseorganizationsaredeeplyandincestuouslytiedtothem–aclassicexampleofinappropriategovernment/corporationcollusionindirectconflictwithconsumerinterest.

Today,withanestimated13,000pharmaceuticaldrugsonthemarketandamedicalcommunitybeholdentothechemicalgiantsthatproducethem–partlyduetotheastoundinglyhighcostsofamedicaleducation–weareunrestrainedinbothouruseofandbeliefinthesesubstancesas“cure-alls.”28Mostofushaveconvincedourselvesthatpharmaceuticalswillhelpwithjustabouteverything,whichcouldn’tbefartherfromthetruth.Inreality,only

Onlyone-halfoftheprescriptiondrugsusedactuallyworkforthepersonwhotakesit.

one-halfoftheprescriptiondrugsusedactuallyworkforthepersonwhotakesit.29Amongcancerpatients,therateofineffectivenessjumpsto75percent,andantidepressantsareeffectiveinonly62percentofthosewhotakethem.30Ifyou’rehavingtroubledigestingthefacts,justhearthewordsofDr.JamesN.Dillard,M.D.,D.C.,L.Ac.,“MOSTofthepatientsIseewitharthritisandpainareonthewrongmedications.”Thenumberofdrugsinproductionisevenmoreastonishingwhenweconsidertherelativeyouth(lessthan60years)oftheU.S.pharmaceuticalindustryanditsgoverningbody,theFoodandDrugAdministration(FDA).Thatittakesanaverageof12to15yearstobringanewmedicinefromthelaboratorytothepharmacyshelfatanaverage(andstaggering)costof$500millionpernewmedicationleadsustoarapidunderstandingofourcountry’sprioritiesintermsof“healthcare.”31

Bycontrast,theingestedmedicinesofthe“olddays”consistedalmostexclusivelyofplantsandherbs

–largelyinwholeform–andconcoctionsresultingfromnaturalprocessessuchasinfusion,distillation,andfermentationthatdidnotrequiretheuseofsyntheticchemicals.“Medicines”includedsubstanceslikealcoholandtobaccothataretoxictothehumanbodywhentakeninternally.However,withtheexceptionofthese,thelargerpercentageofourrecentancestors–eventwogenerationsago–didn’thaveaccesstothechemicallyalteringandaddictivesyntheticsubstancesthatareavailabletoday.Theylearnedtodealwithpain,diseaseandthestressesoflifewithoutthem.

TheRiseinPowerofDrugCompaniesHowdidthesehugemultinationalsbecomesopowerful,soquickly?Mostoftoday’smajor

pharmaceuticalcompanieswerefoundedinthelate19thandearly20thcenturies;itwasn’tuntilthe1920sand1930s,however,withthediscoveryofinsulinandpenicillin,thatpharmaceuticaldrugsbecamemassproducedandmorewidelydistributed.Toitscredit,penicillin–atthetimecalleda“miracledrug”–foreveralteredthetreatmentofbacterialinfections,andhassavedcountlessmillionsoflivesoverthedecades;thesamecanbesaidaboutinsulin.Fewdoubtedthebenefitsofdrugsatthistime;however,evenfewerrecognizedtheirdownsidesandpotentiallydestructivesideeffects.Thisisunderstandableinpartbecausetheearliestmass-produceddrugsweresoimpressivelydeath-defyingthattheyearnedpharmaceuticalstheirfalsereputationas“cure-alls”–substancesthataresafeandkeepussafe.Toourdetriment,wehaveyettoreleasethisbelief.

Eventually,however,welearnthatnotalldrugsarewhattheyarecrackeduptobe.Opiatesandamphetamines,asoneexample,wereusedprimarilyforthetreatmentofdepressionandpainintheearly1900sbutwerelargelyabandoned(becauseoftheiraddictivequalities)fortranquilizersandantidepressantsaroundthemiddleofthecentury.Ironically,theantipsychoticandantidepressantmedicationsonthemarkettodayareequallydevastatingandaddictive–ifnotmoreso–thanthepharmaceuticalsthatprecededthem.Therearemanymoreexamplesofthedestructivenatureofthesesubstances(theonesrelatedtoarthritisarenotedinthisbook);however,thecriticalpointisthatweasapopulousassumethatprogressionoftime(oftencalled“progress”)isrelatedtoquality,whichisnotnecessarilythecase.

Nonetheless,thediscoveryofinsulinandpenicillinfueledamassivefire(thatragesontothisday)withinustodiscovermorelife-savingsubstances.Italsospawnedourprevailingbeliefthathealth(andlifeitself)dependsondrugs.Sotheindustryandthepeopleitservesmarchonintrepidlywithoutconsideringtwoveryimportantquestions:Whydowefindourselvessoillinthefirstplace?And,whyhaveweallbutabandonednatural,commonsensepracticesusedsuccessfullyforcenturiesinestablishingandmaintaininghealth?Supportersofthepharmaceuticalmodelfortheeradicationandpreventionofdiseasestatethatexisting“miracledrugs”andthepotentialdiscoveryofothersarewhatmotivatetheirsteadfastalliance.However,therearemanymedicaldoctors,healthcareprofessionalsandjournaliststodaywhobelievethattheindustrywasandstillispropellednotbyabenevolentandaltruisticmotivationtohealhumanity,butbyignorance,greedandself-interestonthepartofcorporationsandindividuals.Wewillletyoubethejudgeafterconsideringallthatispresentedhere.

Aswithmostinitiatives,therewereproblemsearlyon;thepharmaceuticalindustryisnoexception.Itwasn’tuntilthe1950s,infact,thattheindustrydemonstrateditsrecognitionoftheneedforquality,consistencyandaccountabilityrelatedtomanufacturedsubstancesandadoptedstandardizedscientificapproachesinthecreationandproductionofpharmaceuticals.WhiletheFoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)wasinexistenceatthistime,itwasn’tuntilthepassageoftheKefauver-HarrisAmendmentin1962thattheFDAgainedanyrealstrengthoverconsumerproductsintheUnitedStates.This

revolutionaryamendment–enactedinresponsetothe1959thalidomidetragedy,whichresultedinbirthdeformitiesofthousandsofEuropeanbabies–required,amongotherthings,thatallnewdrugapplicationsdemonstrate“substantialevidence”ofadrug’sefficacyforamarketedindication,inadditiontotheexistingrequirementforpre-marketdemonstrationofsafety.32ItwasthebeginningofourmoderndayFDAapprovalprocess,butonethatalsohighlightsthedangerousrealitythathumanlivesareatriskintheseventures,andevenmoresowithoutproperregulation.SeemoreabouttherisksassociatedwiththecurrentFDAapprovalprocessintheDeathbyMedicineaddenduminthebackofthisbook.

WhyamIbelaboringthehistoryofpharmaceuticals,andwhatdoesthishavetodowitharthritis?Theanswerisquitesimple:Ifwedon’tunderstandtheassumptionsandprevailingbeliefsunderlyingourmodernmedicalsystem’slargelyfailingapproachtothepreventionanderadicationoflifestyleillnesseslikearthritis,wewillnotquestiontheseassumptionsandbeliefsandaddresstheirshortcomingstothedegreethatisnecessarytouncovertrulyeffectivesolutionsforwhatailsus.Itisespeciallyimportantthatweconfronttheerroneousbeliefthatpharmaceuticalsandsurgeriescan“cure”diseaseandillness(whichisfalse).

Itishelpfultoconsiderthesizeoftheproblem,includingthefactthattheprofitsofthe10pharmaceuticalcompaniesinFortune’sTop500aregreaterthanthecombinedprofitsoftheremaining490companiesonthelist.33Mostnaturopathicphysicianstodayalongwithaselectfewconventionalmedicaldoctorsarerealizingthisunpleasanttruth:conventionalmedicine(surgeriesanddrugs)isthepreferredtreatmentforarthritissufferers,butalonecannothealthedegenerationassociatedwiththedisease.Moreimportantly(becauseofitsattentiontosymptomsratherthancauses),conventionalpracticeswillmostoftenleadtofurtherdeterioration.Thisisespeciallythecasewithosteoarthritis–America’sleadingformofarthritis.AsmycolleagueDr.Nuchovichsays:“Ihaveseentimeandagainthatthejointdoesnothealwithconventionalmedicine;itgetsworse.Integrativemedicine,notallopathicmedicine,offersafuture–animprovementinfunction,adeclineinthepain,andthepossibilityofhealing.”Itisnosecretthatweasanationaresufferingtremendouslybyourdiseasesandbythetreatmentswearereceivinginourattempttoaddressthem.Thepharmaceuticaldrugsprescribednowingrandexcess,andpurportedto“prevent”and“treat”boththediseaseandtheirownside-effects,areespeciallyegregious.

Ifwearetofindandimplementsolutionsthattrulyhealdiseaseslikearthritis–ratherthansimplyeradicatingtheirsymptoms–wemustunderstandwhytheyhavecomeintoexistenceinthefirstplace,andlearnhowtodistinguishbetweenthecausesandeffects(i.e.symptoms).Arthritisisamulti-factorialdiseaseandunequivocallyrelatedtohowwelive;afewintelligentculturesaroundtheglobehaveknownthisovertime,andchosemorehealthfuloptions,includingdiet.Asaresult,theirculturesexperiencelessdiseasethanothers.TheSevenCountriesStudy,pioneeredbyresearcherAncelKeysinthelate1940s,studiedmorethan13,000menthrough1981.Itwasthefirststudytoexploreassociationsamongdietanddiseasessuchasheartdiseaseandstrokeincontrastingpopulations,anditbroughttolighttheadvantagesoftheMediterraneandiet.Thestudy,amongotherthings,concludedthatchangingfromahealthy,activelifestyleanddiettoalessactiveonesignificantlyincreasedtheriskofheartdisease–aleadinglifestyleillnesstoday.34

Recently,afteralongcareerinresearchandpolicy-makingrelatedtothepromotionofbetterhealththroughgreaterconsumptionofmeat,milkandeggs,T.ColinCampbell,Ph.D.publishedhissimilarfindingsinhisavidlyacclaimedbookTheChinaStudy.Thestudy,a20-yearpartnershipbetweenCornellUniversity,OxfordUniversity,andtheChineseAcademyofPreventiveMedicine,surveyeddiseaseandlifestylefactorsinruralChinaandTaiwan.Thefindingswere

“Peoplewhoatethemostanimal-basedfoodsgotthemostchronicdisease.Peoplewhoatethemostplant-basedfoodswerethehealthiestandtendedtoavoidchronicdisease.”

–TheChinaStudy

overwhelming:“Peoplewhoatethemostanimal-basedfoodsgotthemostchronicdisease.Peoplewhoatethemostplant-basedfoodswerethehealthiestandtendedtoavoidchronicdisease.”35Thereareotherexamplesofhealthierculturesinourworld:theHunzas,theBulgarians,andtheJapaneseoftheFarEasttonameafew.Predictably,eachoftheseculturesconsumesaprimarilyvegetariandiet.

Perhapsevenmorerelevanttothehealthofacultureiswhetheritisfocusedmoreonfunctionandhealth,thandisease.Withanemphasisonhealth,asociety’sformandsystemofmedicinewouldnecessarilyreflectactivitiesproventocreatehealth,includingsensiblemeasuresofprevention.Whatwecall“alternative”or“complementary”therapiesinAmerica,acupunctureandherbsforexample,aretraditional(orprimary)therapiesthathavebeeninplaceandworkedrelativelywellforavastmajorityofpeopleonthisplanetforthousandsofyears.Yettoourperil,ourmodernmedicalcommunitymostlyfailstoacknowledgetheimportanceoftheirroleinourpublichealth,anddeniestheseandothercontemporary“alternative”treatmentsasviableandcriticalelementsofatreatmentprogram.Whileourcollectiveawarenessisbeginningtoshift,themomentumisstillverymuchmoredirectedtodiseasemanagementinourcountrythantocreatingvitalitythroughnatural,healthyliving.Thechallengeassociatedwiththislineofthinkingisthatmanysufferingfromarthritiscometothesetherapiestoolateinthegame–afterthedamagehasbeendone.Whenevaluatingthedata(theamountofmoney,resourcesandtime,aswellasthesacrificeinqualityoflife)associatedwithourmoderntreatmentsforarthritis,fewwoulddisagreethatthesetreatments–ontheirown–havebeenanastoundingfailure.Whenwerecognizethis,andthenjuxtaposeitwiththeobviousandtime-testedbenefitsofnaturalandregenerativeapproachesforpreventingandalleviatingarthritis,anyonecurrentlyenrolledinaconventionaltreatmentprogramwouldbehard-pressednottoimmediatelyhaltandmakeanabrupt180-degreeturnintheirapproach.

AccordingtotheCDC,today’snewestgenerationsareexpectedtodieatayoungeragethantheirparents.

AnEarlier,HealthierTimeItwasamuchdifferenttimeeven100yearsago.Lifemayhavebeenconsideredbymanytobemore

challengingoverall,butitwaslikelyhealthierinmanyrespects.ManyofourparentsandgrandparentsareorwerefirstgenerationAmericans.Assuch,itwasnotuncommonforthemtobepreoccupiedinestablishingadecentlifeforthemselves.Manygrewandpreparedtheirownfoods,sewedtheirownclothing,walkedtoworkorchurch,choppedtheirownwood,andreliedontheircommunity.Whilepovertyandhardshipwascommonplace,andculturallytherewasfarmoreemphasisonandthreattosurvival,peopleweremoreactiveandtypicallyspentmuchmoretimeoutofdoorsandwithoneanother.

Lifestyleshavechangedradicallybecauseofso-calledmodernconveniencesandwearepayingtheprice.Asmembersofoneofthemostaffluentanddevelopedsocietiesinrecenthistory,weare,ironically,developinglifestylediseasesatalarmingrates.Haveyoueverstoppedtothinkaboutalltherichesandbenefitswehaveinthiscountrycomparedtoourrecentancestorsandpeopleinothercountries,andthenwonderedhowitispossiblethatwecouldbesoshockinglyunhealthy?

Lifestylediseaseslikearthritisareslowlyerodingourpersonalhealth,aswellasthehealthofourfamiliesandournation.Theyaremakingusmoresedentary,moresomnolent,morepronetoinfection,morelikelytomisswork,lesslikelytoparticipateinourcommunitiesandtovolunteer,andmuchlesslikelytoenjoyourlives,whichforthefirsttimeinrecenthistoryarebecomingbriefer.AccordingtotheCDC,today’snewestgenerationsareexpectedtodieatayoungeragethantheirparents.Insteadofachievingalongerlifespanthanourparents,wearenowextremelyunlikelytoliveaslongastheydid.36Othersofus,sadly,willliterallydiebeforeourparentsduetoourpoorstatesofhealth,affectedinlargepartbythedeclininghealthofourfood,airandwaterquality.This,indeed,shouldtellusthatsomethingisverywrongwiththewaywearethinkingabouthealth,andhowwearegoingaboutestablishingandmaintainingit.

Whilewehavesomuchmoretechnologyandinformationavailabletousthanourparents’generationdidduringtheirlives,wealsohaveever-increasinglevelsofenvironmentaltoxins,includingheavymetals,PCBsfromplastics,andPAHsfrompetroleumproductsthathaveinfiltratedeveryoneofus,affectingourchancesandthoseofouroffspringforhealthylongevity.Dowereallybelievethatwecansurvivethedamagesofourhighlyindustrialized,commercial,chemical-ladenworldwithoutappropriateandvigorousinterventions?

Asanation,wearenot,onthewhole,payingattentiontotell-talesignsofdeclininghealth,norhavewebecomeagroupthatiswillingtolookmoredeeplyforthecausesofthisdecline,andtakeresponsibilityforchangingitonawholesalelevel.Conservativelyspeaking(becausethenumbersaregrowingdaily),two-thirdsofallAmericansareoverweight.Globally,wehavethehighestratesofobesity(acommoncauseandeffectofarthritis)withmorethanone-thirdofU.S.adults(35.7%)andapproximately17%(or12.5million)ofchildrenandadolescentsaged2to19affected.37TheCDCreportsthatthefrequencyofobesityisawhopping54%higheramongpeoplewitharthritiscomparedtothosewithout.38Weareinfactdiggingourowngraveswithourforks,ourlargelysedentarylifestyles,andthestressofourcontinuousattemptstomaintainunsustainablestructuresandsystems;andwestilldonotunderstandthedegreeofimpactonourhealthofsocalledtechnologicalprogress.Whetheritistheknownandunknowneffectsofelectromagneticpollutionfromoureverydayuseofapplianceslikemicrowaves,mobilephones,smartmeters,I-padsandcomputers,orthedeathscausedbyradiationortextingwhiledriving,itisclearthatourtechnologiesarenotonlyharmingus,theyarekillingustoo.Technologicaladvances,almostuniversallyheraldedasthehallmarkofourgeneration,remaintobeseeniftheyare,indeed,forwardingusasasocietyandspecies,orsimplymovingusbackwards.Itisanimperativeinquiryaswebecomemoreandmoreisolatedfromoneanotherandthenaturalworld.Withdeclininghealth,longevityandnowhappiness–basedonrecentstudies–thereisnoclearevidenceyetthatweareindeedprogressing.39

“Myteamconductedafour-weekstudywithpeoplecurrentlysufferingwithandbeingtreatedforarthritis.Eightypercent(80%)ofparticipantsrealizedimprovementinarthriticconditions.”

–GaryNull,Ph.D.

TheBrightSpotinAllofThis…Thereisgoodnews,however,anditisthis:youcanmakeashift,youcanchangeyourlifeforthe

better,andyoucanpreventandreversearthritisandliveapotentiallypain-freelifewithoutdrugsandsurgeries.Formanydecadesnow,Ihaveworkedtoinfluencemillionsofpeopletoadoptthepracticesoutlinedinthisbook.Ihaveseenremarkabletransformationsinpeople,andcanattesttothebenefitsthatoccurwhenpeoplearenotonlywillingtotakeaction,butwhentheyactuallydotakeaction.Inpreparationforwritingthisbook,myteamconductedafour-weekstudywithpeoplecurrentlysufferingwithandbeingtreatedforarthritis.Eightypercent(80%)ofparticipantsrealizedimprovementinarthriticconditions–areductioninpainandswelling,andincreasedmobility–aswellaskeyhealth-relatedmarkerslikebettersleepandimprovedmentalclaritywithmyprotocol.Theseareastoundingresults,andIamhopefulthattheyareallyouneedtoheartoproceedwithincorporatingthehealthyprotocolsprovidedinthisbook.

Thisbooknotonlyprovidesyouwithamuchclearerunderstandingofthecausesofarthritis,includingitschiefinstigator–inflammation–butitdescribesthedeleteriouseffectsofrelyingsolelyonasystemofmedicinefoundedandentrenchedinpharmaceuticalandsurgicalinterventionstomanagethislargelylifestyledisorder.Wedescribethedifferences,afteryouhavebeendiagnosedwitharthritis,betweenenteringtreatmentfromtheallopathicversusthenaturopathicsideandtheprobableoutcomeswithboth.Youalsogainvaluableinsightsonthepreventionandreversalofarthritisusingancientaswellasultra-modern“alternative”therapiesproventoalleviatearthriticconditions.

Equallyimportantismydiscussionaboutreturningtoamorenaturalwayofliving,whichincludesfoodandsupplementguidelinesandrecipes,suggestionsforproperexerciseandmovement,theimportanceofpurewaterandhydration,recommendationsforreducingyourexposuretoenvironmentaltoxins,toolsforstressreduction,andtheexaminationofthemental,emotionalandspiritualaspectsofdisease.Whetheryousufferfromarthritiscurrentlyoraredeterminedtoavoidit,bythetimeyouhaveincorporatedthevaluableguidelinesinthisbook,youwillbewellonyourwaytowardsreversingyourarthritisandregainingyourhealth.

Perhapsofgreatestimportance,youwillknowthatyouarenotaloneinyourstruggle.Thousandsofotherslikeyouarechallengeddailybyarthritisbutaremakingthesevaluable,lastingchangesthatareimprovingtheirbodies,theirhealthandtheirlivesinunprecedentedways.Becauseweunderstandthechallengesassociatedwithchange,weoffersuggestionsonhowtoimplementandsustainyournewhabits.Asyouwillsee,ourmentalandemotionalprocesssurroundingdiseaseisakeydeterminantinwhetherweovercomediseasetoleadahealthylife.

Itisaradicalandsubversivenotiontotakeresponsibilityforyourhealthandyourlife.Itisalso,undoubtedly,animmenselypowerful,liberatingandintelligentonebecausewhenyouknowhowtohealyourself,youaretrulyfree.Then,youcanlivehappilyandhealthfullyforwhatevertimeyouhaveonthisextraordinaryplanet.Furthermore,whenyouundertaketheprocessofbecominghealthierandhappierinlife,youbecomeabeaconofinspirationforothersalongtheway,andquicklydiscoversomethingthatIhaveknownforquiteawhilenow:helpingourfellowhumanbeingsisoneofthemostsatisfyingendeavorsinlife.Yes,therewillbenaysayersandchallengesonyourroadtorecovery,buttheextraordinaryfeelingsandresultsyouwillexperienceafteronlyafewweeksonthisprogramwillserveasbothyourtestimonyandyourmotivationforadoptingthepracticesoutlinedhereasawayofliving.

Iamgratefulthatyouhavetakenthisdecisivestep,andwelcomeyouasapartofourglobalgroupdedicatedtoeradicatingarthritisandpain,butalsotoembracingthecrucialrediscoveryofhealthyliving.

-2-

WhatisArthritis?

Wearetoldthatarthritisistheresultoftheoveruseofjoints;thisisactuallynotcorrect.

Arthritisisagroupofconditionswhichaffectthejoints,causingstiffness,pain,andrestrictionofmovement.Literallytranslatedasjointinflammation,fromtheGreekword“arthron”(joint)andtheLatinword“itis”(inflammation),arthritisconsistsofessentially100differenttypesofconditions,themostcommonofwhichareosteoarthritis,rheumatoidarthritis,andgout.40Jointsarepossiblythemostcriticalpartofhumananatomyrelatedtophysicalmovement;itwouldbeimpossibleforustoperformeventhesimplestofmovementswithoutthem.

Brilliantlyconstructedofacomplex,synergisticmixoftissue,boneandfluids,jointsconnectandallowthemovementoftwobonesintandemwhilepreventingthemfromrubbingagainstoneanotherandcausingdamage.Thetasksliterallyweighingonourjointsfromdaytodayaretremendous.Notonlyarejointsessentialforbodymovement,theymustalsowithstandtheimmensecompressiveforces–includingbodyweight–thatoccurduringmovement.

Ourjointsgetalittlehelpfromourbones.Afibrouscapsulesurroundingtheendsofourbonescreatesaspacewhichallowsthejunctureofthebonestowithstandthesepotentiallylargeforces.However,thejointsmusthaveprotectionoftheirown.Tissueliningthejointcapsule,knownasthesynovialmembrane,secretessynovialfluidtonourishthecartilageinandaroundthejoint,andcushionitfromadjoiningbones.Wheneverthereisdamagetooneoranypartofthejointresultinginstiffness,pain,andalossofmovement,wecallitarthritis.

OsteoarthritisOsteoarthritis(OA)isthemostcommontypeofarthritisintheUnitedStatesand,inadditiontogout,

isdirectlycausedbypoorbodymechanicsandlifestylechoices.Achronicdegenerativejointdisease,osteoarthritiscurrentlyaffectssome27millionAmericans–anumberthatisincreasingindependentofouragingpopulation.41Beforeage55,agreaterpercentageofmenaretroubledbyosteoarthritis,butafterage55,mostosteoarthritissufferers–60percent–arewomen.42TherearetwotypesofOA–primaryandsecondary.Primaryosteoarthritisisgenerallyassociatedwithoverallweakeninganddegenerationofweight-bearingjoints.Secondaryosteoarthritisisaresultofaninjury,trauma,orsurgery,orthelongtermeffectsofobesity.Thejointsmostcommonlyaffectedareknees,hips,fingersandshoulders,althoughanyjointcandeveloparthritisinthecaseofinjuryorphysicalstress.43

Osteoarthritisinvolvesthelossofarticularcartilage,theformationofbonyspursatthejointmargin(osteophytes),inflammationofthesynovialmembrane,andchangestothesubchondralbone.Ascartilageinthejointbreaksdown,bonesstartrubbingagainstoneanother,initializinganirreparablecascadeof

structuralbreakdown.Thefrictionofboneonbonecausesfragmentsofboneandcartilagetobreakoffandrubagainstthebones,creatingfurtherirritationandpainduringmovement.Mobilitybecomesincreasinglyrestrictedandpainincreasinglyintense;thisusuallyleadstolessactivity,whichworsensthesituation,asalackofphysicalactivitycausesourmusclestoweakenanddecline.Overtime,osteoarthritiscanalsodamageligamentsandmeniscusmembranes,makingitdifficulttododailyactivitiesincludingwork,playsportsorevenjustwalkfromplacetoplacewithoutstruggleandpain.44,45

Onsetandprogressofarthritisisusuallyslow.Symptomsofpain,stiffness,andrestrictedfunctiondon’tusuallypresentthemselvesuntilafterage40,andbecomemoreprevalentwithadvancingage.Wearetoldthatarthritisistheresultoftheoveruseofjoints;thisisactuallynotcorrect.Inreality,thewearandtearassociatedwitharthriticconditionscomesfromusingonlyafractionofthejoint’sactualrangeofmotion;soitisliterallytheunderuseofjointsthatcausesarthritis.Letmeexplain.Activejointsaregenerallyhealthierthaninactivejoints;bututilizingajointimproperlycausesnumerousproblems.Movementthatistenseandusesthebodyinanunbalancedway,placesneedlessstressoncertainareasofthebody,includingjoints.Likewise,strongermusclescancompensateforweakorunderdevelopedmuscles,strainingsomeunnecessarilywhilepermittingotherstoatrophy.Thiscreatesatorqueeffectonjoints,damagingthejointaswellasthesurroundingmuscleswhilecausingareductioninthecirculationofjointfluid.Asthemusclescontinuetotighten,thecapacityofjointstousetheirfullrangeofmotioniscompromised.

Impropermovementcanalsodistortposture,whichcontributestoanunequaldistributionofweightandpressureonallpartsofajoint.Ifonlyasmallpartofajointisforcedtoabsorballofthepressureofimpact,theresultisdamagetothecartilage.46Ifwehabituallystandononeleg,carryaheavybagexclusivelyononeshoulder,sitwithourlegscrossed,performthesameexerciseroutineoverandover,andspendmuchofthedaysittinginaslouchedposition,wearecontributingtothelimitedmobilityofourjointsandthereforepredisposingourselvestoarthriticconditions.Infact,asyouwillsee,itisourownabuseofourbodiesthatleadstothebreakdownofourjoints,andtheonsetofarthritis.Onthepositiveside,therearenumerousformsofexerciseandtherapiestoassistuswithproperandbeneficialmovement.

SignsandSymptomsJointsaffectedbyosteoarthritisusuallyacheorbecomepainfulorstifffirstthinginthemorning,or

duringphysicalactivityorshortlythereafter.Theymayalsobestiffafterperiodsofinactivity.Therecanbealossofrangeofmotionthatmakescertainmovementsdifficultorimpossible.Forexample,someonewitharthritiscanlosetheabilitytokneelorgetupoffthefloor.Asmovementbecomesrestricted,balancetendstodiminishfromlackofuse.Thestiffnesscanoftenleadtojointswelling,whichincludespain.Withoutintervention,thesituationworsensandjointsbecomeincreasinglymoredysfunctionalandincapableofallowingthebodytomoveasitwasintended.

Whilemostlaboratorytestswillnotshowchangesthatresultfromosteoarthritis,researchershavefoundthattherewillbeanelevationinanenzymecalledC-reactiveprotein(CRP),whichisamarkerforinflammation.CRPlevelsinthebloodhavebeenshowntocorrelatewellwithCRPtakenfromthesynovialfluidinthejointfrompatientswithosteoarthritis,andthereisgrowingevidencethatelevatedCRPlevelsareassociatedwithseverityoftheclinicalcourse(medicaltreatment)ofosteoarthritis.47

CartilageCartilageisaflexibleconnectivetissueconsistingofthreetypes,hyaline,elastic,andfibrocartilage,

whicharefoundthroughoutthebody.Injoints,hyalinecartilagelinesthebones,providingacushioningeffecttothejoints,helpingtodistributeforcesduringrepetitivepoundingmovementslikerunningorjumping,andactinglikeashockabsorber.Ifanyaspectofthecomplexcartilagesystembreaksdown,itcanresultinthedegenerationoftheentirejoint.Becausecartilagelacksabloodsupply,itisarelativelyvulnerabletissue.Inarthritis,pressureoncartilagefrommovementandexcessiveweightbearing,alongwithchronicinflammation,canleadtothinninganddamage.

ResearchshowsthatsomeNSAIDs[suchasaspirin]actuallydamagecartilageandworsenjointfunction,evenwhilerelievingpain.

StandardOsteoarthritisTreatmentThemainstayofosteoarthritistreatmenthasbeenarelianceonnon-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrugs

orNSAIDs.Eachyearover70millionprescriptionsaregiventoarthritissufferersintheUnitedStatesforthesedrugs,notcountingthe30billionover-the-counterNSAIDssoldannually.ThemostcommonNSAIDsare:aspirin,celecoxib,diclofenac,etodolac,fenoprofen,ibuprofen,indomethacin,ketoprofen,ketorolac,nabumetone,andnaproxen.48Thesedrugsinterruptthenormalfunctionofanenzymeknownascyclooxygenase,andleadtoareductioninpainandswellingthatcangreatlyimprovemovement.However,theproblemliesinthefactthatnotonlyarethesedrugsnotbenign,butresearchshowsthatsomeNSAIDsactuallydamagecartilageandworsenjointfunction,evenwhilerelievingpain.TheuseofNSAIDshaltsonepartoftheinflammatoryprocessthatresultsinthebreakdownofcartilage,butitalsohaltsthecompanionpartoftheprocesswhichallowsforthereformationofnewcartilage.49Soifwefollowourdoctor’sadviceandtakeNSAIDsregularly,wecouldendupdamagingourjointsintheprocess.

NSAIDsaresoubiquitousinourculturethatwereachforabottleattheleastsignofdiscomfortwithouteventhinkingthattheymightdousharm.ButNSAIDsfirstandforemostareextremelyharshonthegastrointestinaltractandcancauseGIbleeding,impairedcardiacfunction,asthmaandulceration.Ithasbeenestimatedthat15-20%ofpatientstakingNSAIDsregularlyforchronicdisorderssuchasrheumatoidorosteoarthritisexperienceadverseGIevents,and100,000Americansarehospitalizedeachyearforresultantgastrointestinalbleeding.Inelderlypatients,thisriskincreasestofivetimesthatofcontrolgroupsnottakingthesedrugs.WhilefewstudieshaveexaminedNSAID-relatedmortality,evidencesuggeststhatthereareatleast16,500deathsperyearduetocomplicationsfromNSAIDuseintheU.S.50

Moredeadlythangastrointestinalulcerationandperforation,however,arethecardiovasculareffectsofthenewerCOX-2inhibitorclassofNSAIDssuchasCelebrexandVioxx.ThesedrugsselectivelytargettheactivityofCOX-2,acyclooxygenaseenzymethatplaysacentralroleintheinflammatoryprocess.WhiletheyweredesignedtocauselessharmtotheGItractthantheoldergenerationofNSAIDS,COX-2medicationsaresignificantlymorelikelytocauseheartattack,stroke,andsuddendeath–aratherpoortradeoff.MostegregiousinthisclassofdrugsisthestoryofMerck’sVioxx,theblockbusterNSAIDthatsoldbillionsofdollars’worthofmedicationwhileincreasingtheriskofheartattackby500%.Itisestimatedthatinitsfiveyearsonthemarket,Vioxxkilled60,000peopleandcausedheartattacksinatleast100,000more.Infact,thedamagewasprobablymuchmoreseverethanthat.AfterVioxxwasremovedfromthemarketin2004,therewasasuddenandmarkeddropincardiovascularmortalityof50,000peoplewithinsixmonths.51,52

WhileMerckclearlyknew,evenpriortotheFDAapprovalofVioxx,thatitpresentedadangerouscardiovascularrisk,thispotentialwasminimizedduringtheapprovalprocess.Eventually,however,thesuddenandsubstantialincreaseinmortalityinarthritissuffererswhotookVioxxforcedMercktowithdrawtheproduct.DespitealltheevidencedemonstratingthedamagetoindividualscausedbyVioxx,Merck’sdeeppocketshaveallowedittofighteverylawsuitbroughtbyvictimsandtheirfamilies,andthusfartheyhavenotbeenforcedtopayretributionsformuchofthemulti-billiondollarprofittheymadefromtheblockbusteranti-inflammatory.53

SowhatabouttheotherCOX-2inhibitors,likethenumbertwoseller,Celebrex?In2004,astudyofthedrugfoundthat400mgadaymorethandoubledtheriskofheartattackandstroke,and800mgadayincreasedtheriskofheartattackandstrokebygreaterthan300%.54InApril2005,afteranextensivereviewofdata,theFDAconcludedthatitwaslikelythatthereisa“classeffect”(meaningalldrugsinacategoryexhibitingsimilarbehavior)forincreasedcardiovascularriskforallCOX-2NSAIDs,andrecommendedthatPfizerwithdrawBextra,anotherpopularCOX-2inhibitor.Furthermore,theyrecommendedthatallCOX-2prescriptionNSAIDsberevisedtocarryaboxwarninghighlightingthepotentialincreasedriskofseriousadversecardiovascularevents,inadditiontothewarningaboutlife-threateningGIbleedingwhichwasalreadyinboldonthebox.55Nevertheless,despitesafetyconcerns,thesedrugsremainonthemarketandarestillusedbyhundredsofthousandsofpeopleeachday.

Whilethereisnodrugthatcanrestorecartilage,nutraceuticalstrategieshaveshownsuccessinpreservingcartilageincasesofosteoarthritis.Mostnotably,glucosaminehasprovidedsymptomaticreliefandhasslowedlossofkneecartilageinnumerousstudies.56Althoughstillintheirinfancy,regenerativetherapiesareapotentialrisingstarinthequestfornon-invasivetherapies.Oneofthecurrenttechniquesshowingpromiseforthefutureallowscartilagecellstobeharvestedfromtheknee,growninaculture,andthenre-implanted,causingcartilagetoregenerate.AutologousChondrocyteImplantation(ACI),asitisknown,isperformedatsomeofthemajormedicalcentersthroughoutthecountry,andcanresultinareturntofunctionalitywithoutkneereplacementsurgery.57ArecentprospectivestudyonpatientswhounderwentACIafterhavingnosuccesswithconventionalcartilagetreatmentsfoundthat76%ofallthosesurveyedexperiencedclinicallysignificantimprovementsaftera2-yearfollowup.58

JointReplacement

Kneeandhipreplacementsurgeryhasbecomeanextremelypopulartreatmentalternativeforarthritissufferers,especiallyinthecaseofrheumatoidarthritis.Anastonishing25%ofallrheumatoidarthritissufferersundergototaljointreplacement,with25percentofthoserequiringanadditionalarthroplasty(surgicalrepairofjoint)withinoneyearandawhopping50percentwithinsevenyears.AsImentionedearlier,eachyearthenumbersofthesetypesofsurgeriesincrease,andtheyareofferedasamiraclecurefordegeneratingjoints.Therealityfallsabitshortofamiracle,however.Jointreplacementscurrentlylast12to25yearsbeforetheystopfunctioningwellandneedtobereplacedthemselves–notnearlythelifetimeofone’sownkneeorhip.59Additionally,thereisnodata,yet,onthesuccessofjointreplacementstrategiesforindividualswhoremainassertivelyactive(tennisandrunningforexample)intotheirlateryears;thedatadrawnsofarsimplyrelatestoolderindividualswithbelowaveragetoaverageactivitylevels.

Despitethefactthatnewtechnologiesaremakinglifeeasierforpatientswithartificialjoints,mechanicalimplantsoftenlimittheirabilitytorun,jump,orengageinotherhigh-impactactivitiesandcompetitivesports.Titaniumkneesaresignificantlyheavier

Anastonishing25%ofallrheumatoidarthritissufferersundergototaljointreplacement,with25percentofthoserequiringanadditionalarthroplasty(surgicalrepairofjoint)withinoneyearandawhopping50percentwithinsevenyears.

thanone’sownknee,andrangeofmotioncanbesignificantlycurtailed.Ahealthyfunctioningkneehasarangeofmotionof120degreesto150degreeswhileamechanicalkneetopsoutat110degrees,withonlyslightlymorethanhalfofpatientsreportingimprovementinstairclimbing.60

Thefailurerateinhipreplacementissignificantlyhigherthanthatinkneereplacement,mostrecentlysincetheadventofmetal-on-metalartificialhips.Metal-on-metalhipjointsarearecentinnovationdevelopedtoaddresstheneedsofyoungerarthritissuffererswhowantmorestrengthanddurabilityfromhipreplacement.Thoughttobemoresuitableforanactivelifestyle,theseimplantshaveturnedouttohavesignificantadverseeventspreviouslyunseenwiththeoriginalmetal-plastichipimplants.Concernsaboutthesafetyofmetal-on-metaldeviceswereraisedinApril2010,whenaBritishhealthagencypublishedareportaboutproblemswiththesedevices.Thejournalwarnedthatpatientswithametal-on-metalhipreplacementcouldexperiencedamagetothesofttissueatthesiteoftheimplantcausedbyloosemetalfragments,whichcouldcausepainorothersymptomsandrequireadditionalsurgery.61TheFDAfoundfurther,inMay2011,thatbecauseoftheloosemetalfragments,patientscouldexperienceproblemssuchasblindness,deafness,thyroidproblems,anemiaandkidneyfailureduetoelevatedlevelsofcobaltorchromiuminthebloodstream.TheFoodandDrugAdministrationasked21manufacturersofmetal-on-metalhipimplants–includingDePuyOrthopaedics,Stryker,Zimmer,BiometandWrightMedicalTechnology–toconductasafetyreviewoftheseproducts,andsomeofthemhavealreadybeenremovedfromthemarket.62,63

Thereareotherconcerns,ingeneral,regardinghipreplacements.TheNationalInstituteofMedicinereportedthatthemostcommonproblemtooccursoonaftersurgeryishipdislocation.64Sincetheartificialballandsocketaresmallerthanthebody’snormalballandsocket,theballmaybecomedislodgedifthehipisplacedincompromisingpositions.Artificialhipsarenotmeanttobendbeyond90degrees,soactivitiesthatwetakeforgrantedliketyingshoelacesmustbemodifiedpost-surgery.65Thereisalsotherisk,albeitlow,ofinfectionandbloodclottingjustaftersurgery,whichcanleadtodeath.Afterinitialrecovery,thetypicalcomplicationisaninflammatoryreactionintheareathatcausescellstoeatawaysomeofthebone,causingtheimplanttoloosen.Inthiscase,revisionbecomesnecessary.66

Additionally,thereareseveralmedicalconditionssuchassevereneurologic,emotional,ormentaldisorders,severeosteoporosis,andobesitythatcouldlimitthepossibilityandsuccessofreplacementsurgery.67Rehabilitationaftersurgeryiscriticalforallpatients,andtheabilityforandsuccessofrehabilitationiscloselyrelatedtootherhealthfactorssuchasmusclestrengthandadequatecirculation,whichinvolvesvascularandhearthealth.Withoutsignificanttherapy,manypatientsareworseoffafterthesurgerythantheyarepriortotheprocedure.

RheumatoidArthritisRheumatoidarthritis(RA)isanautoimmunedisorderwherebytheimmunesystem,whichisdesigned

toprotectourhealthbyattackingforeigncellssuchasvirusesandbacteria,insteadattacksthebody’s

ownhealthytissues,specificallythesynovium,thethinmembranethatlinesthejoints.Thisimmuneprocesscausesmembranesaroundthejointstobecomeinflamed,andreleaseenzymesthatcausethesurroundingcartilageandbonetowearaway.Scientistsestimatethatabout1.3millionpeopleintheUnitedStateshaverheumatoidarthritis,andthisnumberisontherise.68Furthermore,accordingtotheWorldHealthOrganization(WHO),RAaffects0.3–1.0%ofthegeneralpopulationglobally,andismoreprevalentindevelopedcountries.69Thediseaseoccursinallracialandethnicgroups,butaffectstwotothreetimesasmanywomenasmen.70Thisislargelyduetothefactthatwomengothroughperimenopause,menopauseandpostmenopause,allofwhichcausesubstantialalterationsinhormonelevelsthattaxtheimmunesystem,leavingwomenmorevulnerabletothisformofdisease.

Upto50%ofallrheumatoidarthritissufferersbecomeunabletowork,andhaveahighermortalityratethanthegeneralpopulation.Unlikewithosteoarthritis,rheumatoidarthritistypicallybeginsinmiddleage,oftenintheearly40’s.Childrenandyoungadults,however,canalsobeaffected.71Rheumatoidarthritisistypicallynotjustdiagnosedonphysicalsymptomsalone,butalsothroughbloodtesting,whichusuallyrevealsanelevatedrheumatoidfactoraswellasantinuclearantibodies,whicharespecialtypesofantibodieswhosepresencesuggestsapredispositiontoautoimmuneillness.

Individualswithrheumatoidarthritisoftenexperiencepain,swellingandstiffnessintheirjoints,especiallyinthehandsandfeet.Asasecondarysymptomtoinflammation,fluidbuildsupinthejoints,causingpainfulswellingthatcaneventuallyresultinboneerosionandjointdeformity.Earlyrheumatoidarthritistendstoaffectthesmallerjointsfirst–particularlythejointsthatattachfingerstohandsandtoestofeet.Periodsofincreaseddiseaseactivity,calledflares,alternatewithperiodsofrelativeremission,whentheswellingandpainfadeordisappear.Asthediseaseprogresses,symptomsoftenspreadtotheknees,ankles,elbows,andhips.72Inmostcases,symptomsoccurbilaterally,inthesamejointsonbothsidesofthebody.

Rheumatoidarthritiscanmakeactivitiesofdailylivingextremelydifficultasthehandsandfingersbecomeincreasinglycompromised,andanytypeofmovement–lifting,grabbing,openingandclosinglids,andcarryingitems–becomesdifficultandpainful.Persistentinflammation,jointswelling,andlimitedmobilityresultinstretchingoftendons,ligamentsandjointcapsuleswithsubsequentdevelopmentofjointinstability,decreaseinmusclemass,anddecreaseinstrengthandmobility.Rheumatoidarthritispatients,especiallythosethatsufferfromseverecases,runahigherriskofinfection,lungdisease,heartattackandheartfailure.73,74Progressivelossoffunctionstartstodevelopearlyinrheumatoidarthritis.Aboutone-quarterofthosewithrheumatoidarthritisdevelopnodules–calledHeberden’snodes–thatgrowundertheskin,usuallyclosetothejoints.Additionally,fatigue,anemia,neckpain,aswellasdryeyesanddrymouthcanalsooccurinindividualswiththedisease.Increasedcatabolism(metabolicbreakdown)causedbyrheumatoidarthritisraisesenergyexpenditures,whichleadstoweightloss(referredtoasrheumatoidcachexia).Eventually,rheumatoidarthritisresultsinseveredisabilityanddeathforitssufferers.75

Upto50%ofallrheumatoidarthritissufferersbecomeunabletowork,andhaveahighermortalityratethanthegeneralpopulation.

Whyisitthatsomeofthesymptomsofrheumatoidarthritisappearunrelatedtojointhealth?Theansweristhatinflammationinthebodyfromanysourceextendsthroughouttheentirebody,negativelyimpactingallcells.Itisacompletemyththataninflammatoryattackistissue-specificwhen,infact,the

contentsofyourbloodarereachingeverycellinyourbody.Forexample,thepro-inflammatorycytokinesproducedinthebodyaftereatingawell-donehamburgermaycauseaperson’skneestoswell.Eventhoughitappearsthatthekneesaretheonlyaffectedpart,thecytokinesarealso,forinstance,contributingtothebuildupoftoxicamyloidplaqueinthebrain,andimpairingnormalliverfunction.Bythesametoken,alackofkneeswellingaftereatingthehamburgerdoesn’tmeanthatsomeoneisn’tbeingaffectedbyinflammationonthefundamentallevel.Thisisthedangerousthingaboutinflammation.Let’ssayeverytimeyoueatahamburgeryourkneesdon’tswell.Doesthismeanthatyourjointsarenotbeingaffected,orthatyourbrainorliverarefine?Theansweris,“no.”Chronicinflammationisproblematicforeveryone,anditaffectseverybody;itjustmaytakeyearsorevendecadesuntilthedamageissoseverethatyou’vereachedyourtippingpoint.Unfortunately,bythistimeyouhaveaverifiable,diagnosablecondition,andyouarelongpastthemoderateresponsestage–youare,inreality,attheendstage,whichisdifferent,butyourdoctorcannottellyouso.Whatwedoknowisthatonepersonmayendupwitharthritisorfibromyalgia,andsomeoneelsewithdiabetesorcancer,allofwhicharediseasesofinflammation.

TheRheumatoidArthritis-OsteoporosisLinkOsteoporosistranslatesdirectlyfromGreekas“porousbones,”andisadiseaseofthebonesthat

leadstoanincreasedriskoffracture.Inosteoporosis,bonemineraldensity(BMD)isreduced,bonemicroarchitecturedeteriorates,andtheamountandvarietyofproteinsinbonearealtered.76Studieshavefoundanincreasedriskofbonelossandfractureinindividualswithrheumatoidarthritis,andhenceadirectlinktoosteoporosis.Theinflammatoryprocessassociatedwithrheumatoidarthritiscausesbonedestruction,particularlyinareasimmediatelysurroundingtheaffectedjoints.Thepainandlossofjointfunctioncausedbythediseaseoftenresultsininactivity,furtherincreasingthelikelihoodofosteoporosisfromlackofweight-bearingactivity.Likewise,theglucocorticoidmedicationscommonlyprescribedfortreatmentofrheumatoidarthritistriggersignificantboneloss.77Ofspecialconcern,aspreviouslymentioned,isthefactthatwomen,agroupthatistwotothreetimesmorelikelythanmentohaverheumatoidarthritis,arealsostatisticallyatincreasedriskforosteoporosis.

StandardRheumatoidArthritisTreatmentTherearemanystandardtreatmentsforrheumatoidarthritis,whicharemeanttohalttheimmune

responseandrelievepainandswelling,butunfortunatelynoneactuallycurethedisease,andallofthemcaninflictsignificantharm.TheseincludeNSAIDs,corticosteroids,anddiseasemodifyingantirheumaticdrugs(DMARDs).78Treatmentregimensvary,andcanincludeacombinationofnumerousdifferentdrugsdesignedtointerrupttheinflammatoryprocess.NSAIDs,aspreviouslydiscussed,carrytheriskofgastrointestinalulcerationandperforation,alongwithheartattackandstroke.Corticosteroidshavebeenlinkedtodiabetes,fattyliverdisease,Cushing’ssyndrome,osteoporosis,truncalobesity,andmusclewasting,thepartialorcompletewastingawayofmuscletissue.DMARDsincludeavarietyofchemotherapydrugs(methotrexate,azathioprine,cyclophosphamide,cyclosporine),sulfasalazine,gold,antimalarials,antibiotics,andthenewbiologicaldrugs(Humira,Enbrel,Remicade),whichcancostmorethan$2,800aweek.Thesedrugshaveawiderangeofsideeffectsthatcanresultinavarietyofseriousailments,suchasmalnutrition,osteoporosis,liverdamage,diabetes,increasedincidenceofinfection,andfurtherdegenerativediseases.79

Furthermore,inordertostaveofftheosteoporosisthatsooftenaccompaniesrheumatoidarthritis,manydoctorsareprescribingbisphosphonates,drugssuchasFosamaxandBoniva,whichinterferewith

thenaturally-occurringeliminationofbonetissuethroughaprocessknownasboneremodeling(breakdownandregeneration).80Thetheorybehindthesemedicationsisthatifbonesarepreventedfrombreakingdownasanormalcourseoftheirfunction,thentheycan’tlosebonemass.Thisisthefallacy–butit’salsothedangerrelatedtohumankind’signoranceandarrogancethatwecansomehowoutsmartnature.Infact,ifbonescannotfunctionastheyweredesigned,whichincludesboneremodeling,thenthey,infact,becomemorebrittleandaremorelikelytobreak.Bisphosphonateusehasbeenspecificallylinkedtothedeathofbonetissuethroughaprocessknownasavascularnecrosis,andtoneckfractures,esophagealcancerandatrialfibrillation.Womenarenowcautionednottostayonthesedrugsforgreaterthanfiveyears.81

OnehastoaskwhyneithertheFDAnorprescribingphysicianseverquestionedwhatcouldpossiblybethevalueofadrugthatcouldbetakenonlyforamaximumoffiveyearsbecauseofsafetyreasons.Inthemeantime,apatient’slifecouldundoubtedlybeworsenedthroughincreasedfractureandinfectionrates.Theonlyoneswhobenefitinthisdealarethepharmaceuticalcompanieswhohavealreadymadebillionsofdollarsfromthisshadyventure.ThereasonIamadvancingthesedifficultquestionsandreflectionsisthatitisnecessaryforyoutoknowaboutthedangerthatyoufaceinchoosingpharmaceuticalinterventionforinflammatoryconditionslikearthritis.Ifyouknowthedangers,youhavetheopportunitytochoosesafermethodologiesinthetreatmentofthesechallengingillnesses.

Asof2011,morethaneightmillionAmericanadultsarenowaffectedbygout;andthenumberisontherise.

GoutGout,alsocalledgoutyarthritis,usedtobeknownasthediseaseofkingsbecauseitwasmost

commonlyfoundinthosewhocouldaffordtoeatanopulentdietrichinmeat,fatandalcohol.Theafflictioniswidelyportrayedin18thcenturycaricaturesofenormouslyfat,well-to-dopeoplewithswollenfeetandankles.Goutseemedtohavealmostfadedintohistoryduringtheearlypartofthe20thcentury,butasAmericansarebecomingmoreoverweight,andascheapfoodhasmadelargequantitiesofmeatandfatavailabletothemasses,goutismakingastrongcomeback.Peopleliketothinkofgoutasaninheritedcondition;ifitisinourgenes,therereallyisnoreasontoconsiderchangingourlifestyles,theythink.Buttheincidencesofgouthavemorethandoubledoverthepasttwentyyears!Thisstunningincreasepointsmoredirectlytothefactoftheincreasinggirthofournation’spopulationthantoourgeneticpredispositiontoweakness.

Asof2011,morethaneightmillionAmericanadultsarenowaffectedbygout;andthenumberisontherise.Goutisthemostcommonformofinflammatoryarthritisinmen,affectingapproximately3.4millionmenasof2004.Interestingly,goutisnolongeraconditionthatstrikesmenalone.Recentstudieshaveshownthattheincidenceofgoutinwomenhasalsodoubledoverthelast20years,especiallyinthepost-menopausalagegroup.Belowage65,theratioofmaletofemalegoutsufferersis4:1,butafterage65theratiodropsto3:1.Thereissomesuggestionthatestrogenhelpsreducelevelsofuricacid,whichappearstoprotectyoungerwomen.82

Goutisatypeofinflammatoryarthritisthatiscausedbythebuildupofuricacidcrystalsfrommetabolismofexcessiveamountsofpurines.Whilepurinesareproducednaturallybythebodyandhavemanycrucialfunctions,includingtheconversionoffoodtoenergy,theyaredamaginginexcess.83When

purinesbreakdowntheyformuricacid,whichisnormallyeliminatedfromthebodythroughthekidneys.Forgoutsufferers,however,uricacidcannotbeeliminatedproperlyandbuildsupinthebloodstream.Whenuricacidreacheshighlevelsintheblood,itspillsoutintothetissues,forminguricacidcrystals,whichcauseirritationandinflammation,andcanresultinlossoffunction.Anaccumulationofcrystalsinthejointsandsofttissuescanbeexcruciatinglypainfulandincapacitating.Becausethismostcommonlyaffectsthebigtoe,foot,orankle,goutcansignificantlyinterferewithwalkingandmobilityingeneral.Chronicinflammationofgoutyarthritiscanalsocausefluidaccumulation,furtherhamperingmovementandcausingevenmorewidespreadpain.

Theevidencesuggeststhatgoutisstronglyassociatedwithmetabolicsyndrome–agroupofhealthconditionscharacterizedbycentralobesity,insulinresistance,highbloodpressure,andbloodlipidissuesthatalsohavebeencorrelatedwithdevelopmentofdiabetes,heartdisease,andprematuredeath.Whileresearchershavespeculatedthatgoutcontributestoobesityandhypertension,andthatanexcessofuricacidmaycontributetootherconditionssuchasheartattack,stroke,ordiabetes,itappearsmorelikelythatgoutisnotthecause,butratheranotherconsequenceofsignificantweightgainandincreasedwaistcircumference.84

StandardGoutTreatmentTreatmentforgoutincludestheuseofNSAIDsandcolchicinetoreducetheinflammationandhelp

withthepainofacuteattacks,alongwithdrugstoblocktheproductionofuricacidsuchasallopurinol.Since2009,newerdrugssuchasUloric,whichblockuricacidproduction,haveenteredthemarket.Moredrugsarenowinthepipelinesinceithasbeenrecognizedthatthepoolofgoutsufferersisontherise.

Thegoodnewsisthatgoutisactuallyoneofthemostpreventableandtreatableformsofarthritisbecausethecausativefactorsarepredominantlytiedtolifestyle.Althoughonecannotcontrolnaturally-occurringpurinesinthebody,goutcanbereversed(andprevented)firstandforemostbysimpledietarymodifications–avoidingthefoodsmostlinkedtothedevelopmentofuricacid.Highlevelsofmeatandseafoodconsumption,inadditiontoalcoholconsumption,areassociatedwithanincreasedriskofuricacidand,therefore,gout.Dietarychangesincludingtheeliminationofalcohol,andfoodswithhighconcentrationsofpurinessuchasmeatproducts,especiallyinternalorganssuchasliverandkidney,aswellasbeef,poultry,pork,lamb,fish,seafood,andmeatextractssuchasbouillonandgravy,areessential.Unfortunately,thisbasic,common-senserecommendationisfrequentlyomittedbyhealthcareprofessionalsinfavorofadvocatingpharmaceuticalintervention.Thisisdue,inpart,becauseofthesupposeddifficultyofrestrictingalcoholandcertainfoods,butalsobecausemanyhealthcareprofessionalserroneouslybelievethateliminatingvegetablesthatarehighinpurineswillhelp.Whileplantfoodscontainpurinesandsomeonlineresourcesandoutdateddietarysourcesadviseagainsteatinglimabeans,asparagus,beans,lentils,peas,andspinach,currentscientificevidencenotonlyshowsthattheconsumptionoftheseplantfoodsdoesnotleadtoanincreasedretentionofuricacidbutthatthesefoodsarethebestdefenseagainstdevelopinggoutandmaintaininganormalweight.

Allinall,thesingle-bestwaytoavoidorreversegoutistoadoptaprogramofdietaryexcellence.Thiswouldmeanadoptingaplant-basedvegandietthateliminatesallanimalfoods,processedfoods,andfoodshighinfat,andincludesfoodsrichinantioxidants,phytochemicals,andnaturalanti-inflammatoriessuchasomega-3fattyacids,ginger,andturmeric.Physicalactivityisalsoanimportantpartofavoidingorreversinggoutasislosingexcesspounds,especiallyaroundthewaistline.

-3-

TheCausesofArthritis

Ourimmunesystems…werenotmeanttobechronicallyundersiegeliketheyaretoday–bydietsthatarenolongerrichinanti-inflammatories,afloodofenvironmentalpollution,extremestress,lackofregularandsufficientexerciseandsleep,andpunishingoverweightandobeseconditions.

Whatcausesarthritis?Arthritisisamulti-factorialdisease,meaningthattherearemanycauses.Fewwouldarguethatthechiefculpritisinflammation;however,evenfewerofusunderstandthecausesofinflammation,whichwillbediscussedthoroughlyinthischapter.Onethingiscertain:inordertopreventoralleviatearthritis,wemustbeactivelyinvolvedincreatingandlivingananti-inflammatorylifestyle.

InflammationInflammationisanormaldefenseprocessofourimmunesystemthatprotectsusagainstinfection,

woundsandothertrauma.Itcausesinvadingpathogenstobekilledandinitiatestissuehealing.Formostofhumanhistorytheinflammatoryresponsehasbeentightlyregulatedbyourownimmunesystem,sothatitcanefficientlydestroyaninvaderwhilenotharmingthebody.Thisself-regulatoryprocessfunctionsvianegativefeedbackmechanismswherebyanti-inflammatorymediatorsaresecretedtoquellthenaturalinflammatoryprocess.Ourimmunesystems,however,werenotmeanttobechronicallyundersiegeliketheyaretoday–bydietsthatarenolongerrichinanti-inflammatories,afloodofenvironmentalpollution,extremestress,lackofregularandsufficientexerciseandsleep,andpunishingoverweightandobeseconditions.Today,inflammationisthecommonlinkinthevastmajorityoflifestylediseases.Ifsomethinghappenstocausetheinflammatoryprocesstobecomeexcessiveorchronic,regulatoryfeedbackcannotworksuccessfullyandseveredamagecanoccur.85Studieshaveshownthatchronicinflammationleadstoosteoarthritis,rheumatoidarthritisandgout,alongwithahostofotherdiseasesincludingmetabolicsyndrome,atherosclerosis,lupus,diabetes,asthma,multiplesclerosis,non-alcoholicfattyliversyndrome,andCrohn’sdisease,tonameafew.Andwhileosteoarthritisisoftencategorizedasadegenerativejointdisease,thereisampleevidencethatitsrootsalsoareininflammation.86

Sowhatisfuelingthisincreaseininflammation?Firstandforemostisourgreatlyincreasedconsumptionoffats–ofalltypes–overthepast40years:saturated,trans,polyunsaturatedandmonounsaturatedfatconsumptionisup63%since1970.87Fatsaren’tallbad,ofcourse,andthebodyrequiressometoworkproperly.Unfortunately,healthyfatssuchasthosefromavocado,nutsandseedstonameafewaretheleastlikelytobeconsumedintheStandardAmericanDiet(SAD),whichwewillbediscussinginmoredetaillaterinthebook.Inreality,wemustconsumethesehealthyfatstoformourcellmembranesandhormones,withoutwhichwecouldn’tlive.Butmostofthefatswerequiretolivecanbe

madebythebodyexceptfortwopolyunsaturatedfattyacids:theessentialfattyacidslinoleicacid(anomega-6fattyacid)andalpha-linolenicacid(anomega-3fattyacid).InSectionIII,wewilldiscusshealthysourcesforthesenutrients.Asidefromthesetwofats,wedon’trequireadditionalfatsinourdiets,andcertainlynotatourcurrentlevelsofconsumption.88

Polyunsaturatedfattyacids,suchasomega-6andomega-3,playavitalroleinthecompositionofallcellmembranes.Theymaintainhomeostasisforcorrectmembraneproteinfunctionandinfluencemembranefluidity,cellsignaling,andgeneexpression.Therearemanyotheromega-6andomega-3fattyacidsthatoccurinfatsasidefromthetwothatweneed,andthesefatsneedtobeinproperproportiontoeachotherforoptimalhealth.Theratioofomega-6fattyacidtoomega-3fattyacidshouldbeinarangeof1:1oratmost4:1.Duetoourdietarychangesoverthepastfourdecades,however,ourcurrentratiois10-20:1.Whyisthisaproblem?Researchershavediscoveredthatthecascadeofinflammatorymediatorsbeginswithsomethingcalledarachidonicacid,whichisintheomega-6family.Arachidonicacidisfoundinallanimal-basedfats;and,asitismetabolized,itisbrokendownintofactorswhichcauseinflammation,constrictionofthebloodvessels,andatendencyforbloodtoclot.Omega-3fattyacidsdotheoppositeandactuallyhelpcalmorhaltinflammation.Becausebothomega-6andomega-3fattyacidsarebrokendownbythesameenzymes;thereisacompetitionbetweenthetwo.Aslongastheratioofomega-6toomega-3is4:1orless,theenzymespreferentiallymetabolizeomega-3overomega-6,whichkeepsinflammationatbay.Ifadietishighinmeat,dairy,andotheranimal-basedfoods,however,thenproductionofomega-6takesover,andtheoverwhelmingresponsewillbetheproductionoffactorswhichcauseinflammation,whichisthecasewiththeStandardAmericanDiet.Inordertostaveoffinflammation,itisnecessarytoconsumeadiethighinomega-3fattyacids,whicharefoundinabundanceingreenleafyvegetables,chiaseeds,flaxseeds,andwalnuts.OurWesterndiet,withitsheavyemphasisonprocessedfoods,ishighinvegetableoils,animalproducts,andsaturatedfats,andlowongreenleafyvegetables,nutsandseeds.Thisleadstoprogressivelyhigherlevelsofomega-6fattyacids,whichcausethediseasesofinflammation:arthritis,cardiovasculardisease,obesity,diabetes,inflammatoryboweldisease,rheumatoidarthritisandcancer.89

Mostcommonlyusedmono-andpolyunsaturatedvegetableoilsarejustlikeanimalfats,andtheyarerichinharmfulomega-6fattyacids.

Overtheyears,ourfatintakehaschangedfromprimarilysaturatedanimalfatsourcestovegetableoils–theconsumptionofwhichhasincreased225%from1970to2004!90Althoughwethinkoftheseoilsasharmless,mostcommonlyusedmono-andpolyunsaturatedvegetableoilsarejustlikeanimalfats,andtheyarerichinharmfulomega-6fattyacids.Peanutoil,saffloweroil,sunfloweroil,cornoilandoliveoilallhaveomega-6:3ratiosofover13:1.91Abetterchoiceofplant-basedoil,withmoreabundantomega-3fattyacids,canbefoundinwalnutoilandflaxseedoil.Evenwiththebetteroils,however,inordertomaintaingoodhealth,wehavetostopusingthemasiftheywerewater.Alloils,nomatterwhatthetype,dohaveonethingincommon:120caloriespertablespoon.Sodrowningyourfoodinwalnutoilwillnotlowerinflammationandreducearthritisifyoubecomeobeseintheprocess.Considerotheromega-3sources:omega-3fattyacidscanalsobefoundinmostgreenleafyvegetables,grains,legumes,non-greenleafyvegetables,fruit,wild-caughtsalmonandoily,cold-waterfish,walnuts,flaxseeds,andchiaseeds.92Althoughfisharetoutedasanexcellentsourceofomega-3fattyacids(becausetheiroilcontainsthelongchainomega-3sEPAandDHA),fishdon’tsynthesizeomega-3fattyacidthemselves,obtainingitinsteadfromeatinggreenvegetation.Wearefullycapableofconvertingshortchainomega-3s

tolongchainomega-3sourselvesifwejustconsumeenoughofthem,andEPAandDHAcanalsobeobtaineddirectlyfrombluegreenalgae.Farmedfisharenotagoodalternativebecausetheydonothaveaccesstoanaturaldietand,therefore,tendtohaveoilshighinomega-6fattyacids,nottomentionalltheothertoxicrealitiesoffarmfishing.Whenfisharemaintainedinsmallconfinedspaces,unabletoeatanaturaldietorgetawayfromtheirownwasteproducts,diseaseresults.Theybecomeheavilyburdenedbyinfestationsofsealiceandinjuriesfromotherfish,anddevelopillnessesfromlivinginexcessivebacteria.Asaresult,theyaretreatedwithlargeamountsoftoxicchemicalstocombatliceandotherpathogens,aswellasantibioticstofightbacterialinfectionsandhormonestofostergrowth.Instarkcontrasttothepromotionoffishasahealthyinflammation-fightingfood,farmedfisharesoillandcontaminatedthattheycanonlycauseinflammationandshouldnotbeconsumedunderanycircumstances.

OxidativeStressOxidativestressisacomplicatedconcept.Thebodyproducesdefensivefactorsfromoxygen

moleculesthathavethecapacitytokillinvaderssuchasbacteria,viruses,andcancers.Thesedefensivefactorsarecalledreactiveoxygenspecies,andincludeperoxides,oxygenions,andfreeradicals.Problemscandevelopintheeliminationofthesereactiveoxygenspecies,especiallyiftheyremainactivepastthetimeneededtokilltheinvader.Inthiscase,theywillstarttodamagethebodyitself,whichisreferredtoasoxidativestress.Likeinflammation,oxidativestressistheresultofanormalbiologicaldefenseprocessdesignedtoprotectthebodyfromharm.Thereactiveoxygenspeciesareproducedtoattackandkillpathogens,butcancauseseveredamagetoproteins,lipids,DNA,andallcomponentsofthecell.Damagetothecellscanalsodisruptnormalcommunicationbetweenthecells,resultingindisease.Oxidativestresscaninitiateaninflammatoryresponse,whichinturnsetsthestageforchronicinflammationandthedevelopmentofarthritis.93

Themainantioxidantthatourbodyusestoeliminatefreeradicalsandotherreactiveoxygenspeciesoncetheyarenolongerneededisglutathione.Glutathioneisaproteinmoleculethatissynthesizedinthebodyfromthreeaminoacids:glycine,cysteine,andglutamate.Eventhoughwecanmakeglutathioneourselves,wedon’tnecessarilymakeitinsufficientquantitytoeliminateallthereactiveoxygenspeciesthatoccur.Whenglutathioneisdeficient,illnessandchronicdiseasecanresult.Studieshaveshownthatconsumingsyntheticglutathioneisnoteffectiveincorrectingadeficiency.Whatdoeswork,however,issupplementationwithfoodsthatcontainthebuildingblockstoassistthebodyinmakingglutathione.Foodssuchasbroccoli,Brusselssprouts,cabbage,cauliflower,garlic,onions,avocado,asparagus,andwalnutshaveproventobeeffective.Therearealsousefulsupplements,suchasN-acetylcysteineandSAMe(S-adenosylmethionine).94

TheLinkbetweenEnvironmentalToxins&OxidativeStressAkeycontributortooxidativestressanddiseaseisenvironmentaltoxicity.Weliveinadifferent

worldtodaythaneven50yearsago,soitisimperativethatweunderstandthisandchangeourthinkingabouthowtoremainhealthy.Inordertoovercomearthritis,wemustcarefullyconsiderotheraspectsofourenvironmentandmakeappropriatechanges.Fromergonomics,tobodymechanics,tothetoxinsthatweareexposedtoandingestonaregularbasis,wefaceanuphillbattleinclearingtheobstaclesthatleadtodegradationtorestoreandmaintainhealth.

Therearetoxinsnotonlyinourairandwater,butinourfoodsaswell.Theimportanceofconsuming

organicfoodisespeciallyclearforthosefacingarthritisandotherchronicdiseases.Thesimplefactsthatorganicfoodsarenotgeneticallymodified,anddonothavethelevelofpesticides,fungicides,herbicidesandotherdeleteriouschemicalsthatconventionalproducecontains,meanfromtheget-gothatyouarecreatinglessinflammationinyourbodybyconsumingthem.Additionally,heavymetalexposurefromsourcessuchasdentalamalgamscancausemanyproblemsinthebodyincludinglivertoxicity,lossofbrainfunctionandjointpain.

Itisalsoessentialnottounderestimatethechallengesassociatedwithfoodallergies.Allergicresponsestriggeraninflammatoryresponse;soregularconsumptionoffoodsconsideredtobehighlyallergictothehumanbody(corn,wheat,dairy,peanuts,etc.)canbeespeciallydamaging.Ifyouknowyousufferfromallergiesofanykind,itmaybehelpfultosecureanallergytesttodeterminethefullarrayofallergensthatmaybesensitiveto,andeliminatethoseallergensasbestaspossibletoreduceinflammation.

Cleansinganddetoxification,apracticeemployedbynumerousculturesovertime,isextremelyeffectiveforriddingthebodyofexcesstoxins,andforpreventinganderadicatingillness.WhilethepracticeisgaininginpopularityhereintheU.S.,itisarelativelyforeignconcepttomanyAmericans.Itis,however,anessentialconsiderationforanyonefacingachronicdisease.Thebodyismiraculous;ithasbuilt-inintelligencetocreatehomeostasis(balance),andthereforehealth;butwithsomanyassaults,fromsomanysources,itsabilitiesbecomecompromised.Itisuptoustohelpourbodiesasmuchaswecansothatitcandothejobitismeanttodo.Ifyoudesiretoundergoacleansinganddetoxificationprogram,itisrecommendedthatyouseekguidancefromanexperienced,reputableprofessional.

AcidityandtheStandardAmericanDietNotenoughcanbesaidabouttheimportanceofabalancedpH.Thebodyissuchaphenomenalthing,

operatingmostlyonitsownwithoutourknowing.Mostpeopledon’tknowthatoneofthebody’sprimaryfunctionsistomaintainabalancedpH;ourlife–infact–dependsonit.Unfortunately,becausetheStandardAmericanDietissoacidifying,itcreatesatremendousloadonourbodies,whichpredisposesustodiseaseandillness.Whilethistopicisvast,sufficeittosaythatitiscriticaltoobtainthemajorityofournutrientsfromalkalinizingfoodsourcessuchasfreshrawvegetablesandfruits.Youwillfindadditionalinformationaboutalkalinizingfoods,aswellaslistsofthemostalkaline-formingfoodsinSectionsIIandIII.

Ofalltheanimalproteins,meatmeritsspecialattentioninthepathogenesisofarthritisbecauseresearchhasshownthatgreatermeatconsumptionisassociatedwithahigherprevalenceofdegenerativearthritisinbothmenandwomen.

MeatOfalltheanimalproteins,meatmeritsspecialattentioninthepathogenesisofarthritisbecause

researchhasshownthatgreatermeatconsumptionisassociatedwithahigherprevalenceofdegenerativearthritisinbothmenandwomen.Thereasonforthisappearstobetwofold.Allmeatisarichsourceofarachidonicacid,whichhasakeyroleinstartingtheinflammationcascade,whichleadstopain,

swelling,dysfunction,andeventualjointdestruction.AninterestingstudyoftheSeventhDayAdventistsinCaliforniashedssomelightonthisfinding.SeventhDayAdventistsarethegroupwiththelongestlifeexpectancyintheUnitedStates,andtheyexperiencesignificantlylessmorbidityandmortalityfromchronicdiseasescomparedtotherestofthepopulation.Thereligionemphasizesahealthylifestyle,includinghealthyeating.Assuch,theyencourageaplant-basedvegetariandietanddiscouragetheeatingofmeat,andtheuseofalcohol,drugsandcaffeine.Along-rangestudywasdoneontheincidenceofosteoarthritisintheAdventistcommunitiesamongvegetariansvs.thosewhoconsumedmeat,poultryandfish,wheresmokingandotherfactorswerecontrolledfor.TheresultsshowedsignificantlylessarthritisamongthoseAdventistswhomaintainedameatlessvegetariandiet.Morearthritiswasseeninthosewhoatemeatonlyonceaweekorlessthaninthosewhoabstainedcompletely,andthemostwasseeninregularmeateaters.95

Thesecondmajorreasonformeat’sroleinthedevelopmentofosteoarthritisisthatmeateaterstendtobeheavierthannon-meateaters.Ameta-analysisin2001of36studiesofwomenand24studiesofmenshowedthatvegetarianshadsignificantlylowerweight(−7.7kgformenand−3.3kgforwomen;P<0.0001andP=0.007,respectively),anda2-pointlowerBMIthantheirmeat-eatingcounterparts.96Afteradjustingforlifestyleanddietaryfactors,thedifferencesinBMIremainedsignificant,suggestingadirectcorrelationbetweenlowBMIandlowmeatconsumption.ThesefindingsweresupportedbythosefromtheEuropeanProspectiveInvestigationintoCancerandNutrition(EPIC)study,whichshowedthehighestBMIinthe“meat-eaters”groupandthelowestBMIamongvegans.Meatconsumption,therefore,appearstoleadtoweightgain,whichcanresultinarthritisduetoincreasedpressureonjoints.97

Countrieshavingthehighestdairyproductintakesalsohavethehighestfracturerates.

BoneLossOsteoporosis,whichwediscussedearlier,isapotentiallydisablingdiseaseinwhichthebones

deteriorateandeasilyfracture;anditcanexacerbatethedebilitatingeffectsofarthritis.Thediseaseaffects25millionAmericans,80percentofwhomarewomen.98Muchismadeinthenewsandadvertisingabouttherisksofosteoporosisandtheneedforwomentoincreasedietarycalciumthroughtheconsumptionofdairyproducts,butthisadvicerunscountertotheevidence.Infact,countrieshavingthehighestdairyproductintakesalsohavethehighestfracturerates.Studiesshowthatpercapitaconsumptionofanimalproteinisassociatedwithahigherriskofhipfractureinwomenover50yearsofage,andconsumptionofvegetableproteinisassociatedwithalowfracturerisk.99Eliminatinganimalproteinaltogetherandmaintainingadiethighinvegetablesbringstheriskdowntoanalmostimperceptiblelevel.OsteoporosisissignificantlymoreprevalentinWesternindustrializedcountries,wheretheingestionofdairyproductsisatitshighestcomparedtopartsoftheworldwherethereislittleornoaccesstodairy,orotheranimal,products.Thereasonforthisappearstobethehighlyacidicnatureofanimalprotein.Infact,inadditiontoprovidingaframeworkforourbodies,bonealsofunctionsasareservoirforcalciumwhenitisneededasabuffer.Animalproteinsuchasmeatordairyishighlyacidic,andingestingitcausesthebodytorespondquicklytoreestablishanormalpHthatisslightlyalkaline.Theprimaryalkalinebufferinthebodyiscalcium,anditcanbequicklyobtainedfromthebones.Thebody’sabilitytobuffertheacidcausedbystarvationorahighmeatdietprovidedasurvivaladvantageduringhunter-gatherertimes,becausetheconsequenceofacidosiswasrapiddeath.100Butnow,weareeatingso

muchanimalproteinthatourbonesareliterallydissolving.Experimentshavedemonstratedthatwhenthebodyischallengedwithadietaryacidloadfrommeatordairy,thekidneysexcretecalciumintheurine,andthereisadropintotalbonedensity.EvenasmalldropinpH(increaseinacidity)causesatremendousincreaseinboneresorption,whichistheprocessbywhichboneisbrokendownandmineralsarereleased,resultinginatransferofcalciumfrombonefluidtotheblood.Whileitiscriticaltokeeptheaciditylevelofthebodywithinanacceptablerange,thedownsideisthatwhencalciumisremovedfromthebonesforthispurposethebonesbecomelessstable.Withoutsomemethodtorebuildthebones,thiscalciumlossisaproblemthatbecomesprogressivelyworse,leadingtoosteopeniaandosteoporosis.Thisexcessivestimulationofboneturnoveralsocausesanunnaturalincreaseinboneremodeling,whichisthereplacementofoldbonecellswithnew.Whileremodelingisanaturalprocess,andoccursinadultsatarateofabout10%ayear,excessiveremodelingcanitselfweakenthebonesandleadtothedevelopmentofosteoporosis.101

Anothermajorcontributortoosteoporosisistheingestionofcarbonatedcoladrinks.Thesedrinkscontainahighlevelofphosphoricacid,resultinginapHofonly3.0forcola.ThepHofthebodyismaintainedat7.35to7.45,andthehumankidneyscanonlyexcreteurinewithapHof5orhigher,soitthenbecomesnecessarytopullcalciumfromthebonesinordertoneutralizeasinglecoladrink.102

WhyElseAreWeDevelopingArthritisatSuchanAlarmingRate?Thenumberonefactorcontributingtothedevelopmentofarthritistodayisobesity–54%ofarthritis

sufferersareobese,andrecentstudiesshowthatbotharthritisandobesityareincreasinginprevalenceintheU.S.In2003,38statesreported30%oftheirpopulationasobese,butintheensuingsixyears,by2009,thenumberofstatesreportingobesepopulationsof30%ormorehadrisento48!Almosteverystateinthenation!103AccordingtotheCDC,35.7%ofAmericanadultswereobeseasof2010,comparedto23%in2005andonly12%in1990.104Theriseinobesityhasledtoincreasedstressonalljoints,butthekneesareespeciallyaffectedbecausethesearethejointsthatcarrymostofthebody’sweight.Itisestimatedthateachextrapoundofweightactuallyaddsfouradditionalpoundsofpressuretothekneejoint.105A2008studyonlifetimeriskofkneeosteoarthritisshowedthatobeseparticipantshadalifetimeriskof60%comparedto30.2%innormalweightparticipants.106

In2003,38statesreported30%oftheirpopulationasobese,butintheensuingsixyears,by2009,thenumberofstatesreportingobesepopulationsof30%ormorehadrisento48!

America’sObesityEpidemicTherehavebeenalarmingheadlinenewsstoriesrecentlyabouttheobesitycrisisinAmerica.Weare

thefattestnationonearthandgettingfatter.StatisticsshowthattwothirdsofAmericansareoverweightand,conservativelyspeaking,attheveryleastone-thirdoftheAmericanpopulationisnowobese–definedasaBodyMassIndex(BMI)ofover30.AnadvocacygroupthatreliesongovernmentfiguresforitsprojectionsannouncedthisSeptemberthatitexpectsanalarming50%ormoreofthepopulationinthevastmajorityofstatestobeobeseby2030!107Thegroupalsoanticipatesassociatedmedicalcoststo

increase$48-$68billionovertheU.S.’scurrentcostsof$147-$210billionannually,andthatcostsfromlossofproductivitycouldrisefrom$390billionto$580billionyearly.

AccordingtoastudypublishedonMedscapeReference,approximately21-24%ofAmericanchildrenandadolescentsareoverweightwithanother16-18%obese.Theprevalenceofobesityishighestamongspecificethnicgroups,saidthereport,andTheNationalHealthandNutritionExaminationSurvey(NHANES)indicatedthatobesityisincreasinginallpediatricagegroups,inbothsexes,andinvariousethnicandracialgroups,includingwhites.Whiletherearemanyfactors,includinggenetics,environment,metabolism,lifestyle,andeatinghabitsthatarebelievedtoplayaroleinthedevelopmentofobesity,NHANESresearchersbelievethatlessthan10%areassociatedwithhormonalorgeneticcauses.108Moreover,aprovocativenewstudyjustpublishedintheJournaloftheAmericanMedicalAssociation(JAMA)reportsaconnectionbetweentheBisphenol-A(BPA)chemicalusedinplasticfoodpackagingandchildhoodobesity.109Bisphenol-A(BPA)isanorganiccompoundthatiswidelyfoundinavarietyofplastics,includingplasticcontainerslabeledwiththenumber7,plasticfoodwrap,cashregisterreceipts,andtheresinsthatcoatthemajorityofmetalcans.Itissoprevalentintoday’sproductsthatitiseveninrefrigeratorshelving,waterpipesandflooring.Since1991,scientistshaveknownthatBPAisanendocrinedisrupterthatmimicsthehormoneestrogen;theyalsoknowthatexposuretoenvironmentalestrogensduringcriticalperiodsofdevelopmentactuallyencodethebodyforobesityinthefuture.Thedamagingeffectsofthechemicalincludeweightgain,changestosexorgansandtheirfunctions,increasedtumorformation,hyperactivity,neurotoxineffects,andearlyonsetofpuberty.Becauseofthehealthriskstobabiesandyoungchildren,BPAhasbeenbannedintheproductionofbabybottles.TheJAMAstudyfoundthatchildrenwiththehighestlevelsofBPAchemicalsintheirurineweretwiceaslikelytobeobeseasthosewiththelowest.

Unsurprisingly,weevenhaveanewcategoryofobesity,whichisnowlargeenoughtomerititsownname:morbidlyobese.Thisgroup,withBMIsofover40,hasshownthemoststrikingincreasefrom1988-2008,andasof2011anestimated6.6%ofAmericanadultscanbeclassifiedasmorbidlyobese.110Manyofthepunditsareblamingthehighlevelsofcarbohydrateconsumptionlinkedtofastfoodswhiletheoppositecampisblaminghighlevelsoffat.Thedebateisprolonged,endlessandviewedbymanyhealthprofessionalsaspointless.Americanshaveallowedthemselvestobecomemindlessvictimsofthefoodindustry,aidedandabettedbythesurgical,pharmaceuticalandadvertisingindustriesasit

AprovocativenewstudyjustpublishedintheJournaloftheAmericanMedicalAssociation(JAMA)reportsaconnectionbetweentheBisphenol-A(BPA)chemicalusedinplasticfoodpackagingandchildhoodobesity.

relatestohealthinparticular.Asthefoodproductsweeatcontinuetoweakenourhealthandmakeussick,werunmoreandmoreforpharmaceuticalandsurgicalinterventions,keepingtheentiresysteminplace.Ifweeverrealizedthatthekeytomaintaininghealthiswithinus,theseindustrieswouldcrumblefromlackofbusiness.But,wefindourselvesinacomplex,immensemazeofunfoundedbeliefs,unsubstantiatedactionsandpsychologicaldeception(includingmisperceptionsofourowninherentinadequacyandpowerlessness)thatarepreventingusfromaskingtrulyintelligentquestionsandformulatingappropriateplans.Thesituationisliterallykillingus.Unfortunately,speakingthetruthinviteslawsuits,sofewintheknowarewillingtostatetheobvious.Whyisitthatonlyone-thirdofusarecapableofmaintaininganormalweight?Weareobesebecauseweconsumehighquantitiesofcalorie-densefoodproductsalldaylongandburnfewifanycaloriesinregularphysicalactivity.Itisall

answeredbysimplearithmetic:caloriesinaredwarfingcaloriesout.Thingsaresooutofcontrolthatstateandcitygovernmentsaregettinginvolved;most–ataminimum

–areconsideringataxincreaseonsugarysodas,candyandfastfoods;othersareshowingtheirconcernaboutgrowingobesityratesbytakingmoreaggressiveactions.Inadditiontoanalreadyadoptedbanontransfatsearlierthisyear,NewYorkCityMayorMichaelBloombergplansnowtobansugarydrinksandfattyfoodsfromNYChospitals,andtolimitsodasandothersugarydrinks,soldatrestaurants,delis,sportsarenas,foodcartsandmovietheatersregulatedbythecityhealthdepartment,to16ounces.Thisunprecedentedbuthighlycelebratedmovetocurbobesityisbeinglaudedbyotherhealth-seekinglawmakersacrossthenation.Lastsummer,LosAngeleslawmakersbannedfast-foodchainsfromopeningnewoutletsinSouthL.A.,whichhasthecity’shighestconcentrationoffast-foodrestaurantsanda30percenthigherrateofobesitythantherestofLosAngelesCounty.111Justrecently,thestateofWestVirginia–determinedtheunhealthieststateinthenation–passedlegislation(almostunanimously)tobandrive-thruwindowsatfast-foodrestaurants.112Andit’snotonlygovernmentthatispayingattention.Thispastsummer,DisneyCorporationbecameoneofthefirstcorporationstopubliclytakeastandagainstthisproblembybanningjunk-foodadsaimedatkidsonitstelevisionnetworks(includingABC,whichDisneyowns).113

Whatactuallystartedtheoverweightrevolution?Mostlikely,therootsofourcurrentsituationbeganinthe1970swhenournationalagriculturalpolicychangedfrompayingfarmerstogrowonlyessentialcropstoencouragingthemtogrowasmuchfoodastheycould.Newerfertilizers,pesticides,herbicides,irrigationtechniques,andimprovementsinthecapacityoffarmequipmentallowedfarmstobecomemuchmoreproductive.Ashugeamountsoffoodweregrown,thepricesplummeted,makingitpossibleforanarmyoffoodproducerstoturncertaincropsintogold–processedfoods.

Thenumberofcaloriesavailableperpersongrewby1000caloriesaday,andwestartedovereating.114Sincethattime,asanationwehaveobliteratedourlinkstoapastwhenpeopleatethreemealsaday,preparedfoodathome,andatetogetherasafamily.Ourmantraofeverythinginmoderationhasactuallycometomean:eatanythingthatstrikesyourfancy,wheneveryouareawake,nomatterthenutritionalcontent,andwithnoregardfortheconsequences.Wedon’teatbecausewearehungry;weeatbecausewearecravingsomething–whetheraspecifictaste,relieffromanuncomfortablefeeling,orjustbecausewearestarvedfornutrients.Yes,manyofus(eventhoughweareoverweight)arestarvedforgoodnutrition;soweovereatthenutritionallydeficientfoodsthinkingthiswillsatisfyus.Buttheyneverdo.Wedon’tbuyfood,webuyfoodproductsthatwereoriginallygrowninnaturebutarenowsohighlyprocessedthattheyhavelittlerelationtotheirnaturalorigins.Webuythingsincardboardboxes,plasticbags,plastictubs,shrink-wrappedincellophaneonaStyrofoam™plate–food-likeitemsthatlastformonthsandinmanycasesevenyearsonashelforinafreezer.

Webuildthemostmoderngourmetkitchens,butironicallymostofusdon’tcookanymore;andwhenwedocook,wethink

Wedon’teatbecausewearehungry;weeatbecausewearecravingsomething–whetheraspecifictaste,relieffromanuncomfortablefeeling,orjustbecausewearestarvedfornutrients.

that“nuking”acheeseburgerandfriesormacaroniandcheeseetc.inthemicrowaveprovidesacceptable,health-promotingnutrition.Evenmoredisturbing,wearen’tconvincedthatvegetablesandfruitsshouldbeconsumedonaregularbasisbecausetheyaren’tcomparativelyconvenient,unlessofcoursetheycome

inacanandareessentiallydevoidofanynutritionalbenefits.It’scomicaltosometoconsiderthattheymightactuallyhavetowash,peel,orcookavegetable.Moreover,wehavegrowndiscontentwithdrinkingwaterfrompublicfountains(whichisactuallyunderstandableononelevel);however,weareinsteaddemanding16,20and24oz.highlysweetenedbeveragesatourdisposal24hoursaday.Anddoesanyonerememberwhenitusedtobeconsideredimproper,andasignofpoormanners,toeatinpublic?Now,wecan’tgooutsidewithoutourfavoritefructose-saturatedsportsdrink,andwewalkanddrivearoundwithourhandsfullofcomestiblesmuchofthetime.

AstudypublishedinthejournalAppetitefoundthatthefoodindustryworksto“fundamentallychangechildren’stastepalatestoincreasetheirlikingofhighlyprocessedandlessnutritiousfoods.”

Foodpreparationisroutinelyoutsourcedsuchthatschools,hospitalsandnursinghomesrarelyofferanyfreshfood.Themealspurchasedbyschoolsforourchildrenarepreparedfarawayandfarinadvanceofconsumption.Schoolsareofparticularconcern,notonlybecauseourchildrenreceivearound50%oftheirdailycaloriesonschoolgrounds,butbecauseschoolsarewhereourchildrenlearn.Inthiscase,however,theyarelearninghabits,includingrelyingonvendingmachinesforfood,thatwillkeepthemobeseandunhealthyfortherestoftheirlives.115Whoisleadingthechargetopushindustrialfoodsonkidsratherthansupplyingwhatishealthy?MultinationalcorporationslikeConAgraandSchwan.Makingmattersworse,ourgovernmentrepresentatives–sodeeplyandincestuouslytiedtopoliticaldonations–havelostallcommonsenseregardingthematter.ItwasjustlastNovember(2011)thatCongressannouncedthatfrozenpizzaqualifiedasavegetable.NotonlydidtheyvotetorebukenewUSDAguidelinesforschoollunchesthatwouldhaveincreasedtheamountoffreshfruitandvegetablesinschoolcafeterias,theydeclaredthatthesugar-ladentomatopaste(onthenutritionallybankruptwhite-flourfrozenpizzadough)qualifiedasavegetable.116Havewegonecompletelyinsane?Canyoubeginnowtoseethedepthofthisinsanity,andhowitisaffectingournation’shealth?

ArecentarticleappearingintheHuffingtonPostnotedthebrillianceofthefoodindustry–notonlyforcreatingtheseindustrialfoods,butforconvincingusthatprocessedfoodisallthatchildrenwant,whichmaynowbetrue.117Sadly,theindustryspendsbillionsofdollarsonconcoctinghighlyaddictivetasteprofilesthatliterallychangechildren’spalates.Theauthornoted:

“…eatingsugary,saltyandfattyfoodproductsadjuststastepreferencetothepointthatsimple,realfoodstasteblandandunappealing…Whilethefoodindustryinsiststhatitonlyadvertisestochildren“toinfluencebrandpreference,”astudypublishedinthejournalAppetitefoundthatthefoodindustryworksto“fundamentallychangechildren’stastepalatestoincreasetheirlikingofhighlyprocessedandlessnutritiousfoods.”

Thisiscriminalinmyopinion,andIfeelsaddenedthatweasanationcontinuetofallpreytothedeceitandtrickeryofcorporationsthatcareaboutonethingalone:profits.ItisnosecretthatschoolsacrossAmericaarefinanciallystressed.Notonlyisitcommonforparentsandteachersnowtopayforschoolsupplies,ithasbecomenecessaryforschoolsystemstoentertainincomefromothersources–andthefoodindustryishappyto“help.”Traditionalschoollunchisnolongertheonlyoption.Nowchildrenarepresentedwithafoodcourtfullof“competitivefood”optionslikepizza,hotdogs,tatertots,Frenchfriesandsugarybeveragesincludingsodaatbreakfastandlunch.Schoolsviewfeedingchildrenasafinancialadvantage,andnecessarytotheirsurvival.Theyhaveplacedvendingmachinesinthehallways

andteacherloungessothatpackagedfoodsareavailablethroughouttheday.However,nowthatlocalandstategovernmentsaregettinginvolved(albeitslowly)inthebattle,appropriatechangesareoccurring–andworking.AreportintheNewYorkTimesHealth&SciencesectioninMayofthisyearspokeaboutCalifornia’ssuccessinthefightagainstobesityinouryouth.118Justfiveyearsaftertheybegancrackingdownonjunkfoodinschoolcafeterias,itwasstatedthathighschoolstudentsthereconsumefewercalories(approximately160caloriesperstudentperday)andlessfatandsugaratschoolthanstudentsinotherstates.ResearchersbelievethatCalifornia’swholesaleshiftishelping:theyhavenotonlyeliminatedsweetsandcandybars;theyhavebannedsoda,andlegislatednutritionalguidelinesforsocalled“competitivefoods.”

Theprobleminschoolsismagnifiedbythedismantlingofphysicaleducationprogramsoverthepast20years.AccordingtorecentresearchconductedbyaUniversityofGeorgiaprofessorandpublishedintheJournalofTeachinginPhysicalEducation,schoolsinall50statesareuniformlyfailingatimplementingstatemandatesforschool-basedphysicaleducation.119,120Theresultsfoundonlysixstatesmandatetheappropriateguidelines–150minuteseachweek–forelementaryschoolphysicaleducation,whichboilsdowntoonly30minutesaday.Moreover,onlytwostatesmandatetheappropriateamountformiddleschools,andnoneatthehighschoollevel–225minutesweeklyforboth.He

Schoolsinall50statesareuniformlyfailingatimplementingstatemandatesforschool-basedphysicaleducation.

–JournalofTeachinginPhysicalEducation

citesthelackofnationalmandatesandfederaljudicialsupportonstatemandatescoupledwithbudgetarychallengesastheprimaryreasonsforstatenoncompliance.Itdoesn’thelpthat“anestimated40percentofU.S.schooldistrictseitherhaveeliminatedrecessorareconsideringeliminatingit,”accordingtoanarticlepublishedbythePTA.121AnotherarticlepublishedrecentlyintheAtlanticsaid:“Evenmoreimportant,asplayandrecesshavedeclinedoverthepasthalf-century,anxiety,depression,suicide,feelingsofhelplessnessandnarcissismhaveincreased,suggestingaconnectionbetweenplayandchildren’slong-termmentalhealth.”122FindingsbytheCDCaresimilar;accordingtoa2010report:“…studiesfoundoneormorepositiveassociationsbetweenrecessandindicatorsofcognitiveskills,attitudes,andacademicbehavior.”123

Corporationsalsocontinuetoaddtotheproblemoutsideofschoolsbyofferingcleverlydisguised“reward”programsforicecreamandotherjunkfoodsinpartnershipwithorganizationsandinitiativesfocusedon,ofallthings,childsafety!BothMcDonaldsandDairyQueenareregularparticipantsinaprogramthatadvocateshelmetuseduringbicycling,wherelocal,on-dutypoliceofficersdistributecouponstoobedientchildren.Having,ofallpeople,policeofficers–naturalrolemodelswhoenjoyanextremelyhighsocialrankandauthorityinthemindsofyoungsters–distributethesecouponshasatremendouspsychologicalimpact,andfiscalonetoo.Afterall,whatchildwouldn’tfollowthroughonanofferextendedbyapoliceofficer,andcontinuetofrequentthesefastfoodoutletsthroughoutlifebecauseapoliceofficerencouragedthemtoataveryyoungage?Whatanincrediblycreative,insidiousandcost-effectiveway(usinggovernmentservicesfundedbytax-payers)forthesecorporationstopedaltheirunhealthyfaretobuddinglifelongcustomers.

Bombardedbyceaselessadvertisingfortheinterestofincreasingcorporateprofitsbywayoflifelongpatients,asinthecaseofarthritis,wehavebecomeanationoutofcontrol.Thefoodindustryspends$1.6

billionayearinpredatoryfoodadvertisingtoourchildrenalone.124Thereisrelentlesspeerpressuretoconsumetheseindustrialfoodsandbeverages,andthemediaandourhealthprofessionalsactasifallfooditemsarethesame:“therearenobadfoods,”weareoftentold.Soyouwon’teverhearwhat’swrongwithenergydrinks,bagels,oregg,sausageandcheesesandwichesonwhitebread.

Becauseobesityisbothacauseandresultofarthritis,weareobliged–asanationengagedinafull-fledgedhealthcrisis–toviewthetypeoffoodsbeingpromotedandpushedonourchildrenearlyintheirlife,andthelossandlackofphysicalexerciseasthedangerousanddeadlycombinationthatitis.Untilweaddresstherootcause–aculturallifestyleshifttoconsumingsignificantlyincreasedandnutritionallyvoidcalorieswithlittletonoexpenditureofenergy–wewillremainabsorbedinariskofmonumentalproportionsasopposedtotakingrealactionforrealchange.

Butwithouttheneededaction,wesimplyadjust.Aslongasthemealsarefullofprocessedfats,saltandsugars,andsatisfysomeinnercraving,wedon’tcomplain.Wedon’tworrywhenwestartputtingonweightanddevelopjointpainbecauseeveryoneelseisputtingonweighttoo.Wedon’tevenseemtoworrywhenourhealthdeteriorates–whennotonlywebutourchildrenhavehighbloodpressureanddiabetes.Andwearemoreworriedaboutpreventingadeclineinself-esteembecauseofouroverweightappearanceandourneedtoappearattractivethanweareaboutmakingchangestorestoreourhealth.Instead,welistentothoseindustryspokespeoplewhoarguethatyoucanbefatandhealthytoo.Justtakeapill.

Aswehaveseen,it’snotonlythecorporationsthatweknow–likeMcDonaldsandDairyQueen–behindtheadvertisingandmediafront,butthemeatanddairyfarmersandmanufacturers,processedfoodmanufacturers(includingchemicalandflavoringcompanies),thepharmaceuticalandmedicalindustries,andourgovernment.Wesimplydon’trecognizethatthesefactionsandthemediathattheyownarecomplicitinputtingusexactlywheretheywantus.WehavebeenconditionedlikePavloviandogs,anddon’tstoptoquestionwhywehavearthritis.Wealsoarenotquestioningwhatandhowmuchareweeating,andwhyourconsumptionismakingussick,andevenkillingus.

Themoreourbodiesbreakdown,themorewebecomebeholdentoBigPharmaaswellasthemedicalandsurgicalestablishmenttokeepusalive(butnothealthy)withmedicationsforthesechieflylifestylediseases.Wearepersuadedbytheconstantreinforcementofthepropagandamachinetobuyfooditemsthatwedon’tneed:subliminaladvertisingcreatesdesire.Therearefewrulesforadvertisingclaimsandnostandards:youcanmakevirtuallyanydeclarationaboutaprocessedfoodwithnoproof,aslongasthenutritionallabelonthereverseofthepackageprovidescertainrequiredinformation–albeitinsmallprint–andthefewrulesofthegameareadheredto.Anexampleoftheludicrousnessinfoodadvertisingisafat-freespray-onoilwheretheonlyingredientis100%fat!Otherprocessed“fat-free”foodsaresoladenwithsugarandchemicalsthattheyhavebeenidentifiedbymostnutritionistsasaserioushealthrisk.

Regrettably,it’snotjustproductsincardboardboxesthatweneedtobewaryof.Despiteoverwhelmingdissentfromconsumersandscientists,theFDAdeclaredin2008thatmeatanddairycompaniesdonotneedtoinformconsumerswhentheproductisaresultofcloning.While,theFDAhasissuedthreereportsconfirmingthesafetyoftheseproducts,theyremainquestionablebyconsumersandscientistsalike;and,asreportedinNewsweekMagazine,thereissomeevidencethatclonedanimalsshowahigherpropensityfordevelopmentalproblems.125Biologists–notoriouslyandrightlyskepticalofsuchsimplisticnotionsthatcopyingDNAfromaprizecowwillresultinaprizedcow–areparticularflummoxedbyproponents’overlyenthusiasticassessments.Andwhilesomescientifictestsmaysaythatclonedmeathasthesametechnicalcompositionasnon-clonedmeat,noneareconductingstudiesondifferencesinhowthemeatishandledbythehumanbody.Unfortunately,thisisjustanotherexampleofscientificstudyinaction–withtheAmericanpublicastheprimarytestsubject.Asasuffererofarthritis,

youwillwanttodoallyoucantoavoidindustrializedfoodsincludingclonedandgeneticallyengineeredfoodsandeatasmuchorganicplant-basedfoodaspossible,whichprotectsyoufromtheinjuriouseffectsof“foods”createdbyanoverzealousscientificandfoodindustrycommunity.

Withlimitedlabelinglegislationandlittleornoguidanceaboutwhatconstitutesahealthyfood,parentsarefrequentlytoooverwhelmedwiththeirworkandtheirchildren’sschoolandsocialactivitiestoplanandpreparenutritiousmeals.ThetruthisthatmostAmericanscananddoeatwhateverandwhenevertheywant,seeminglyundertheimpressionorbeliefthatnearlyallfoodsleadtogoodhealth–eventhoughthereisevidencetothecontraryrightinfrontofoureyesifwelook.Yetitdoesn’tpersuadeustoquestionthefoodoradvertisingindustries,themedicalestablishment,orourlegislators,includingourfoodregulatoryagencytheFDA.Perhapswhatisofmostconcernhereisthatunlessweareveryold,chancesarethatmostofusneverreallylearnedthebasicsofhealthyeating,andprobablywon’t.

TheDifficultyofImprovingOurToxicFoodLandscapeManyofyoumayrememberthebeefindustry’sresponsetoOprahWinfreyin1996whenshe

expressedheropiniononherpopulartelevisionshowaboutthedangersofeatingbeef.TramplingontheFirstAmendment(therighttofreedomofspeech),thebeefindustrytookhertocourt.HowwasitthattheywereabletosueOprah?Becausein1995,thestateofTexaspassedlegislationmakingitillegaltodisparageperishablefoodproducts.Intheend,afteralonganddrawn-outbattleoversixyears,Oprahtriumphed–butonlybecauseofhervastfinancialreserves,which

Ifyousufferfromarthritis,youarealsolikelysufferingfromtheinfluenceofthesepowerfulplayers,aswellasamedicalsystemthatbynatureofitsfocustoeradicatesymptomscanonlyfailyou.

allowedhertomountanadequatedefense.126Didshesayanythingthatwasinaccurateoruntrueaboutthedangersofbeef?No,butthetruthdoesn’tcountformuchinthisgame.Theevidenceisthatasindividualswearelargelypowerlesstofighttheinfluenceofthefoodindustry,supportedbyunethicallegislators,tobreakthestrangleholdithasonwhatisavailabletousasfoodinAmerica.

Indeedwearedealingwithamonstrous,intricatelywovensystemofcollusion.In2007,afewintrepidresearcherssetouttodoastudyonthehowfundingsourcesaffectthenutritionalinformationthatispublishedinscientificarticles.Theylookedatfundingsourcesoffourtypesofscientificstudiesdealingwithsoftdrinks,juice,andmilkpublishedbetween1999and2003.Whattheyfoundwasthatscientificarticlesabouttheseparticularbeveragesfundedbyindustrywerefourtoeighttimesmorelikelytobefavorabletothefinancialinterestsofthesponsors.Furthermore,noneoftheinterventionalstudiessupportedbythebeverageindustry,whichinvestigatedlikelihoodofcertainresponsestoconsumptionofcertainbeverages,suchasgainingweightordevelopingdiabetes,hadunfavorableconclusions.127

Beginningin2009,theInteragencyWorkingGroup(IWG)wasassembledtoexaminetheissueofjunkfoodmarketingtochildrenandtodevelopvoluntaryguidelinesrestrictingthispracticeinresponsetothecurrentandgrowingobesityepidemic.Thegroupdeterminedthattheirrecommendationsshouldsupporttwobasicgoals:first,thatfoodsmarketedtochildrenshouldprovidenutrientsfromhealthyfoodgroups,suchasfruits,vegetables,andwholegrains;andsecond,thatfoodsmarketedtochildrenshouldbemadewithminimalamountsofunhealthyingredientsincludingsaturatedfat,trans-fats,sugar,andsodium.128

Initially,theIWGseemedtohavebroadbasedbipartisansupport,andtheyreleasedtheirproposed

guidelinesinApril2011.Whilecommentsfromconsumersandpublichealthgroupsstronglysupportedtheproposedguidelines,thefoodindustryputpressureonlegislatorsthroughmonetarycontributionsandlobbyingfromfrontgroupsfalselyclaimingtorepresentconsumers.AneventualtsunamiofoutragepouredforthtowardtheIWGfromboththeRepublicanandDemocraticlegislatorscompensatedbythefoodindustry.TheyexpressedoutragethattheIWGintendedtodiscriminateagainstanindustrythat“hasmadeextensivevoluntarystrides”toreduceadvertisingtochildren.Intheend,foodindustrymoneyturnedthetide.Notonlywastheplanscrapped,buttheIWGwasprohibitedfromworkingontheguidelineswithoutcomplyingwithcertainstringentrequirementsintheomnibusspendingbillpassedinDecember2011.129

Therequirements,whichwouldhavetakenmanyyears’worthofanalysisandreports,effectivelyquashedtheefforttolimitjunkfoodmarketingtochildren.Theseeminglyhighpriceofthereported$37millionspentbythefoodindustrytoopposetheIWGrecommendationswasclearlywellworththeprice.130

Therelentlessadvertisingofunhealthyfoodproducts(includingthoseportendedtobehealthy)tochildrenandadultscontinuesbecausesellingproductsthatareacauseofobesityandchronicpoorhealthis,infact,agoldmineforthemultinationalcorporationsthatmanufacturethem,andforthemedicalsystemthatisassignedtofixtheproblemstheycreate.Ifyousufferfromarthritis,youarealsolikelysufferingfromtheinfluenceofthesepowerfulplayers,aswellasamedicalsystemthatbynatureofitsfocustoeradicatesymptomscanonlyfailyou.

Ouronlydefenseisanindividualone:notonlymustwearmourselveswithinformationtheindustrydoesnotwantustohave,butwemusttakeactionslikethoseoutlinedinthisbookthatareinalignmentwithcreatingahealthyexistencefreefromdisease-causingfactors.Equallyimportantissharingthisinformation,aswellastheknowledgeyougainbymakinghealthierchoices,withothers.Together,wecanmakestrides.

Inspiteofthedifficultyofachievingsuccessoverourseeminglyintractablesystem,itmaybeworthyofourattemptascitizenstoinvolveourselvesinwaysthatareappropriatetoourcircumstances,including“votingwithourdollars.”Tostart,considerpurchasingonlyorganicfoods,andfromlocalfarmers.Thisisawonderfulwayofsupportingthechangethatyouwishtosee.Also,getinvolvedinthelegislativeprocess–evenonalocalbasis.Askthedifficultquestions,andeducateothersaboutalternatives.Therearenumerousindividualswhothroughclass-actionlawsuitshavechampionedovercorporationsindefectiveproductlawsuits.

TheStandardAmericanDiet(SAD)SowhatisspecificallywrongwiththeAmericanwayofeating?Plenty!Weneedcertainnutrientsto

survive.Ourdailyintakeoffoodmustcontainprotein,starch,fat,vegetablesandfruitinenoughquantitytosupportgoodhealthwithoutcausingthedepositionofexcessfat.Becauseofitsrelianceonpackaged,processedfoodtheStandardAmericanDietcontainsfartoomuchfat,refinedcarbohydrate,sugar,saltandartificialingredients–andit’skillingus.Heartdisease,diabetes,cancer,Alzheimer’sandotherfataldiseasesareontheincrease,withnosignsofstopping.

Ingeneral,themajorityofthemodernmedicalcommunityremainsignorantofthecriticalroleofawhole-foodsdietinthecreationandmaintenanceofoptimalhealth.Physiciansintrainingarerequiredtotakefewcoursesonnutrition.Oncetheyareinpractice,theyarebarragedbypharmaceuticalcompanyrepswithconvincingmessagesofpowerfuldrugsclaimedtoalleviatesymptoms,whichis“goodenough”rightnow–inthesensethatyouaren’tactuallydying.MycolleagueDr.Dillardsaysitthisway:“Medicaldoctorsspendmostoftheireducationidentifyingandtreatingthingsthataregoingtokillus

quicklyasopposedtothethingsthatarekillingusslowly.Itsimplywouldbeconsidered“badform”foradoctortomisssomethingsoobviouslylifethreatening.”

Thereisnocomparisoninnutritionalvalueofapieceofchickenwhichhasnoantioxidantsorphytochemicalsandapieceofbroccoli,whichhasthousands!

Butwhatistheactualcauseofphysicaldisease?Howdowecreateandmaintainhealth?And,whyarewegettingsickinrecordnumbers?Intruth,withoutaregularsupplyofvitamins,minerals,phytochemicals(chemicalsinplantshavingbiologicalsignificancebutarenotestablishedasessentialnutrients),andothermicronutrients,wesimplycannotbehealthy.TheStandardAmericanDiet(SAD)isdehydrating,acid-producing(ratherthanalkalizing)andsuppressestheimmunesystem.Itispromotingobesityandchronicdiseaseatalarmingrates.Americanscurrentlyeat:

•2.5%wholegrains•10%unrefinedplantfoods:vegetables(includingdeep-friedwhitepotatoasinFrenchfries,ironicallythemost-consumed“vegetable”intheUS),fruit,beans,nutsandseeds

•25.5%meat,eggs,dairy,fish•62%processedfood:oil,sweets,refinedgrains131

Ingeneralourdietconsistsofincrediblytasty,addictive,calorie-densefooditemsthatcontainfewornonutrients.Thesefoodstendtobeeasytochewandcomeinquantitiesthatareeasytooverindulgein–likeabagofpotatochips,abucketofwings,aplateofnachos.Wealsodrinkourcalories:since1977,theconsumptionofsugar-sweetenedbeverageshasincreasedbyatleast135%!132

Whilewemaynotbestarvinginonesenseoftheword,thecellsinourbodiesarestarving–fornutrients(definedasasubstancethatprovidesnourishmentessentialforgrowthandthemaintenanceoflife).Ourimmunefunctionissupportedbyandthrivesontheconsumptionofantioxidantsandphytochemicalsfoundinunrefinedplantfoods,anditisweakenedanddamagedbyadiethighinprocessedfoods.MostAmericansaredramaticallydeficientinplantphytochemicalsduetoourlongstandingpracticeofconsumingadietofprocessedfoods.Neitherprocessedfoodsnoranimalproducts,whichmakeupthebulkoftheStandardAmericanDiet,containasignificantamountofantioxidantsorphytochemicals,theabsenceofwhichleadstochronicnutritionaldeficienciesanddisease.Thereisnocomparisoninnutritionalvalueofapieceofchickenwhichhasnoantioxidantsorphytochemicalsandapieceofbroccoli,whichhasthousands!

Furthermore,aninadequatedietstartinginchildhoodcancreatecellulardamageleadingtoseriousillnesses–besidesobesity–inadulthood,whichmaybeimpossibletocorrect.Withoutadietrichinantioxidantsandphytochemicals,wearesubjecttooxidativestressandcellulardamagefromfreeradicals,whichleadstoprematureaging,degenerativediseases,infection,andcancer.

AnothersignificantproblemlinkedtotheStandardAmericanDietisthatitisfast,asin“fastfood”–meaningweeatontherun,oftenwhilewearedoingotherthingsandwithoutattentiontosatiation.Closelytiedtothisisthenewlydevelopedculturalbehaviorof“grazing,”whichhasbecomeourprimaryapproachtofoodconsumption.Withoutdefinedmealtimesandlimitationsonthenumberofmealsinaday,ortheamountandqualityoffoodeaten,thereisnowayAmericanscouldbeanythingbutoverweight.Weclingtotheillusionthatweareeatingwhenwearehungryandstoppingwhenwearefull,butthishasn’tbeenthecasefortheaverageAmericanforthepast30years.Otherwise,wewouldn’tbe

experiencingourcurrentobesitycrisis.MostAmericansnolongerrecognizehungerbecausetheysorarelyexperienceit.Fullnowmeansovercapacity,almosttothepointofvomiting.Ourstomachsareflexibleandhaveatremendousabilitytostretchwithoutbursting.Unfortunately,manyabusethisonadailybasisandaresufferingtheconsequencesasaresult.

“Since1977,theconsumptionofsugar-sweetenedbeverageshasincreasedbyatleast135%”

FoodAddictionLittlediscussedinthepopularpress–andvehementlydeniedbythepurveyorsofjunkfood–isthe

factthatourstandarddietiscomposedofmanyprocessedfoodswhichare,infact,addictive.Scientistsinallthemajorfoodcompaniesworkhardtofindtherightcombinationofflavors(mostlyartificial)tomakeprocessedfoodirresistibleand,Iwillsaythisagain…addictive.Thesefoodschangeourpalatesandourbodychemistrysothatwewantmoreandmoreofthem.Whethertheendresultissweetorsalty,virtuallyallprocessedfoodshaveacombinationoffat,sugar,andsalt,sothatwebecomeentrainedtostrongandcertaintastes:icecream,pizza,cookies,cupcakes,doughnuts,Frenchfries,macaroniandcheese,Twinkies,etc.Noonerunstothestoreatoneo’clockinthemorningforapintofbroccoli,buthowmanypeoplebelievetheysimplyhavetosatisfyfoodcravingsregardlessofthehour?A2009studybyBrownellandGearhardtatYaleUniversityexaminedthesimilarityoffoodaddictionandsubstanceabuse.Theyfoundthatoutof350Yaleundergraduates,11%reported:

•lossofcontrolwheneating,•persistentdesireorefforttocutbackonintake,and•excessivefoodconsumptiondespitedeleteriousconsequences.

TheyevencreatedtheYaleFoodAddictionScalewiththeintentiontostudythisphenomenoninwidergroups.133

A2001studyentitled“BrainDopamineandObesity”byG.WangandNoraVolkow,oftheBrookhavenNationalLaboratory,showedthatsciencesupportstheconceptthatthebrainistakenoverbycertainfoods,justlikewithparticulardrugs.134Thisgroundbreakingresearchshowedthatnotonlycanpeoplebecomeaddictedtohighlyprocessedfoods,butthatobesepeoplehavebrainMRIscanswhichresemblethoseofdrugaddictsratherthannon-addictedpeople.Dopamineisaneurotransmitter(achemicalreleasedbynervecellstosendsignalstoothernervecells)madeinthebrainthatcausesafeelingofwell-being.Notonlydoesthebodytendtoseekoutthosethingsthatraisethelevelofdopamine,butiftherearen’tmanyreceptorsinanindividual’sbrain,thenmoreofasubstanceoractivitytogeneratethatpleasurablefeelingisneeded.LowlevelsofdopamineD2receptorshavebeendemonstratedinthebrainsofpeopleaddictedtococaine,opiates,andalcohol.Dr.Volkow’sstudyshowedthatthereislikewisealowlevelofD2receptorsinobesepeopleandthattheamountofthesereceptorsisinverselycorrelatedwithBMI:theheaviertheperson,thefewerD2receptorspresentinthebrain.Furthermore,thelackofD2receptorsinobeseindividualsmayperpetuatepathologicaleatingbehavior.AccordingtoDr.Volkow,certainfoodscancommandeerthebraininwaysthatresembleaddictionstococaine,nicotineandotherdrugs.“Thedataissooverwhelmingthefieldhastoacceptit…Wearefindingtremendousoverlapbetweendrugsinthebrainandfoodinthebrain.”135

Obesepeoplehavesignificantlyfewerdopaminereceptorsinapartofthebraincalledthestriatum.

Withfewerreceptors,obesepeopleneedtoeatfarmorethananormal-weightpersontoexperiencethesame‘high’.136Also,afteramealofhighlyprocessedaddictivefood,oncethehighwearsoff,withdrawalissounpleasantthatpeoplewanttoeatmoretomakethemselvesfeelbetter.Thismakesbecomingoverweightinevitable.Ifwestopdigestingfood,evenforashorttime,ourbodiesbegintoexperiencesymptomsofdetoxificationorwithdrawalfromourunhealthfuldiet.Tocounterthis,wekeepourdigestivetrackoverfedtolessenthediscomfortofthisstressfulstyleofdiet.137

Itwouldbeextremelyraretofindsomeoneaddictedtoafoodgrowninnature–suchasbroccoliorapples–tothepointthattheywouldeatittoexcess.Butprocessedfoodsarecreatedusingscientificresearchthathasprovenwhatflavorsorsubstancescausecravinginordertosellasmuchproductaspossible.Studieshaveshownthatacombinationofsugar,fat,andsaltisirresistibletoalargenumberofpeople,sothesethreeappearincombinationinthevastmajorityofprocessedfoods:theendresultisovereating.

Reducingoverallcalories,adoptingahealthydiet,avoidingaddictive(processed)foods,andstartingaregularexerciseprogramcanincreasedopaminereceptors,whichwouldeventuallyallowapersontofeelwellmoreconsistently,andhaveabetterchanceatachievingandmaintaininganormalweight.

Thegoodnewsisthatthelossofdopaminereceptorsdoesnotappeartobeirreversible.Evidenceshowsthebrain’sabilitytoproducedopaminecanberepaired.Pharmacologicalstudiesindicatethatenhanceddopamineactivityisassociatedwithreducedfoodintake.Thekey,then,toovercomingfoodaddictionbeginswithacompletechangeindiet,whichwouldfacilitateweightloss.138Reducingoverallcalories,adoptingahealthydiet,avoidingaddictive(processed)foods,andstartingaregularexerciseprogramcanincreasedopaminereceptors,whichwouldeventuallyallowapersontofeelwellmoreconsistently,andhaveabetterchanceatachievingandmaintaininganormalweight.Longer,moderateintensityexerciseisbestforelevatingdopamine,aswellasotherpertinentmoodneurotransmitterssuchasserotoninandendorphins.Besidesthephysiologicalbenefitsofincreasedenergy,strengthandrelaxation(post-exercise),thepsychologicalbenefitsofexercise(andtherelatedincreaseindopaminelevels)arevastandcrucialforpeoplewithdebilitatingdiseasessuchasarthritis.Whenwehaveadisease,especiallyonewithpain,itcanbechallengingtobefocusedonpositivethoughtsandactions;exerciseisexcellentforthis.Inadditiontoreducinganxietyandstress,regularexerciseimprovesself-esteem,bodyimage,confidence,brainfunctionandmood,aswellasanoverallimprovementinfeelingsofwell-being.(ReadmoreaboutexerciseinSectionIIIofthisbook.)

Perhapsevenmoresothandietarytherapy,healthprofessionalsagreeontheimportanceofexercise.AscientificstatementfromtheCouncilonClinicalCardiologyandtheCouncilonNutrition,PhysicalActivity,andMetabolismendorsedandpublishedbytheAmericanHeartAssociationstated:“Theimportanceofphysicalactivityforhealthandtheuseofexercisetraininginmanagingselecteddiseasestatesshouldbeincorporatedintotheeducationofphysiciansandothermedicalprofessionals.Aphysicalactivityhistoryisanimportantcomponentofthehealthhistory,andhealthcareprovidersshouldincludethepatient’shabitualphysicalactivityaspartofthemedicalrecord.Healthcareprovidersshouldidentifyforpatientstheimportanceofphysicalactivityasprimaryoradjunctivetherapyforsuchmedicalconditionsashypertension,hypertriglyceridemia,glucoseintolerance,andobesity.”139Thefindingsareunanimousacrosstheboard:theNationalParkinsonFoundationsays“weknowthatpeoplewho

exerciseintensely,forexamplebydoingthingslikerunningorridingabicycle,havefewerchangesintheirbrainscausedbyaging;”andaccordingtoastudydonebyagroupofscientistsin1995,“rheumatoidarthritispatientsdie10to15yearsearlierthannon-afflictedindividuals.But,theresearchshowsapredictablyhighermortalityrateinRApatientswhoareinactive.”140

TheHighCostofCheapFoodOnthewhole,wearespendinglessonfoodthaneverbeforewhile,atthesametime,wearespending

moreonhealthcare.Valuemealsarenowthecornerstoneofthemainfastfoodestablishments.AtMcDonalds,BurgerKingandTacoBellyoucangetamealfor$1.00,andabagofpotatochipsinalow-incomeneighborhoodbodegacostsonly$0.25.

Whatcouldpossiblypropeltheselowerthanrealisticfoodcosts?Inpart,ourfarmpolicyisdrivingfarmerstooverproducecropsthatwearealreadyovereating,namelycornandsoy.Fastfoodgiants,whocandictatecropproduction,alsohavetremendousbuyingpower–becauseofthequantitiesoffoodtheypurchasetheypayfarlessforthesameproductthanmost.Thisiswhatallowsthemtogiveawaymealsforridiculouslylowprices;whattheydon’tmakeuponvolumefromincreasedmarketsharetheymakeupinextraproductsales.Thepointisthatwe’regettingabetterdealonprocessedfoodsthanifwewerepayingtherealcostofthemeal,butwearemortgagingourlongtermhealthandthecountry’seconomyintheprocess.Mostfarmersnolongerviewwhattheygrowasfoodbutasacommoditythatwillbecomelivestockfeedorhighfructosecornsyrupforsoftdrinksorcalorie-ladensnacks.Howdidweevergettothispoint–sofarawayfromnaturalfoods,andhumanscaringfarmoreabouttheirownwelfarethanthatoftheirfellowcitizens?The15billiondollarsayearwespendtogrowcornandsoybeans,whicharethenturnedintoprocessedfoods,actuallycostsushundredsofbillionsofdollarsannuallytotreatobesity-relatedillnesses.141

Thecostoffruitandvegetableshasrisenby117%sincethe1980swhilethecostofsoftdrinkshasgoneupbyonly20%.Partofthereasonforthisisthatwedon’tgrowenoughfruitsandvegetablesinthiscountrytomeetourowndietaryrecommendations.Asunbelievableandalarmingafactasthisis,lessthan3%ofU.S.farmlandisplantedwithfruitsandvegetables.142Evenmoreconfoundingisthattheeconomicincentivesofglobalizationforceustoacceptforeign-grownproduce,eveninareaswherethesecropsaregrowninourowncountry–likegrapesbeingimportedfromChileforuseinCalifornia.Ifthefarmsubsidywereeliminated,forexample,itcouldbecomemorecosteffectiveforfarmerstogrowfruitsandvegetables.

StressAstimegoeson,Ibelievethatalreadymountingevidenceaboutthedeleteriouseffectsofstressand

itsrelationshiptoillnesswillexpandsignificantly.Infact,mycolleagueJillR.Baron,M.D.,IntegrativeMedicinePhysicianandWeight-lossSpecialistbelievesthatmostillnessbeginsinthemind,andinthebrain,withstress.Shesays,“Whenyouhavestress,yourbodyandyourcellsdonotfunctionoptimally.Thisisespeciallythecasewithchronicstress.”Thisstatementhassupportfrommanyothers,andsomeleadersinthisfieldofstudy.IfirstinterviewedDr.HansSelye,thefamousHungarianendocrinologistinternationallyacknowledgedas“thefatherofthestressfield,”in1972.Selye,whowasnominatedfortheNobelPrizeasmanyas10times,coinedtheterm“distress”

Therearethousandsofstudiesinpeer-reviewedliteratureon

psychoneuroimmunology,showingthatwhatyouthink,youbecome.

therapy,suggestingthatitisnotstressperse,butwhathecalled“adversestress”thatcausesproblems.Afterall,whenyouaredoingsomethingthatmakesyouhappy,thatcreatesapositivestress.Goingtothetheater,abaseballgameorengaginginasport,forexample,isconstructive.Ontheotherhand,Selyeemphasizedthateverytimeyouthinkanegativethought,youcreateanegativebiochemistry.Cortisol,epinephrine,norepinephrine,catecholamines,andanelevationinbloodsugarallfollowdistress.Solowlevelanxietyandworry,asenseofforeboding(thetypeofgloomanddoomthatissocommontoday),evenapersonfearingtheirownmortalityastheyage,generallystartingatage40andincreasingwitheverydecadebeyond(meaningtheyhaveanincreasedawarenessoftheirexpirationdate),areallexamplesofthechroniclow-levelstressorsthatcanmakeusfeelunsettledinlife.

Today,inparticular,youcanaddinthefearoffinancialinsecurity,whichissoprevalentnowwithover100millionAmericansatthepovertylevel,andover15millionseniorcitizensnothavingenoughmoneytopaytheirbills.Moreover,financialstressfrequentlycausesrelationshipstress,whichmanifestsasongoingarguments.Then,theentirefabricofarelationshipcanbecomeunraveled.NothinginAmericaisperfectlystabletodayifyouaretheaverageperson;onlytherichandpowerfulknowwheretheirnextmealiscomingfrom.Thereisalsouncertaintyaboutwherewelive:16statesarenowinpermanentdrought,andqualityoflifetherehasbeencompromised.Thisisnottomentionpermanentdamagetotheareasinourcountryaffectedbyhurricanes,andotherdisasters–naturalormanmade.DailyconcernshaveexacerbatedtheproductionofstresshormonesinmanyAmericans.Thesesilenthormonescreateinflammatorybiochemicalsandincreaseoxidativestress.

Youcanseetheeffectsofstressbylookingatthephysicalsignsofaging(likegreyinghair)inapresidentafterjustfouryearsinoffice.Thedamageoccursintheinnercellsandtranslatestochangesintheouter(cellsthatwecansee).Andforsomanypeople,stresscancontributetoinflammationinmusculatureandjoints,causingpainandarthritis.Thisiswhyineverymeetingofouranti-arthritissupportgroupweemphasizepositivethinkingtocreatingpositivebiochemistry.Therearethousandsofstudiesinpeer-reviewedliteratureonpsychoneuroimmunology,showingthatwhatyouthink,youbecome.Thinkastressful,angry,negative,orforebodingthought,andyouhavejustturnedonthepro-inflammatorybiochemistry.Positivespiritualthoughtsturnonthehealingbiochemistry.

Asacountry,thereisnodoubtthatwecontinuetounderestimatetheroleofstressinourhealthcrises,andwewillcontinuetopaythepriceuntilitscausesareaddressed.AccordingtotheNationalHealthInterviewSurvey,75%ofthegeneralpopulationexperiencesatleast“somestress”everytwoweeks.143Additionally,worker’scompensationclaimsfor“mentalstress”inCaliforniarose200-700%inthe1980s(whereasallothercausesremainedstableordeclined.)TheNationalInstituteofMentalHealthsaysanestimated26.2percentofAmericansages18andolder–aboutoneinfouradults–sufferfromadiagnosablementaldisorderinagivenyear.144Whencombinedwith2004U.S.Censusinformation,thisfiguretranslatesto57.7millionpeople,andnearlyhalf(45percent)ofthosewithanydiagnosablementaldisordermeetcriteriafortwoormorementaldisorders.145

Thefrighteningthingaboutstressisthatitnotonlycausesdisease,itcausesustotakeactions–likedrink,smokeandovereat–thatcreatefurtherdiseaseandstress.Unfortunately,asaculturewehavenotyetdeveloped,onthewhole,ahealthyapproachtomanagingstress.Whileourawarenessisincreasing,andweareengagingmoreinactivitieslikeyoga,meditation,andregularexercise,themajorityofusarestillusingtranquilizers,antidepressants,andantianxietymedicationstohandleourstress,astheyaccountforonefourthofallprescriptionswrittenintheU.S.eachyear.146Wealsousefood,alcohol,work,violenceandsex(tonameafew)inexcessbecausewehavenotlearnedhowtomanageourfearsandthe

chaoscreatedbyourmindswiththechangingtidesinlife.Asyouwillseelaterinthebook,recoveryfromchronicillnesssuchasarthritisrequiresthe

cultivationofawareness–notonlyofwhatishappeninginourbody,butofwhatishappeninginourmindthatiseitherhelpingorharmingusinourquestforhealth.Ifyouhaveanydoubtaboutthepowerofyourmind,considereliminatingyourfavoriteunhealthyfood–theonethatyou“cannotlivewithout”–forjustoneweek.Whethercoffee(caffeine),tobacco,sugar,dairyoralcohol,youwillquicklyrealizehowdifficultthiscanbe–notjustphysically,butmentallyandemotionally.Themindisextremelypowerful,moresothanyoucanimagine,anditwillpreventyoufromdoingwhatyouknowisbestforyourbodyifyoucannotseehowitcreatesendlessreasonsandexcusestomeetthediscomfortsoflifeheadon.Afteryougetthroughthefirstweekorfewweeksofeliminatingthattoxicfood,however,youinevitablyfeelbetter.Youhavemoreenergy,mentalclarityandanoverallfeelingofincreasedvitality.

Simpleactslikebreathingconsciouslyanddeeplythroughouttheday,beingmindfulwhenweareeating,havingaspiritualpractice,forminglovingbondswithpeople,cultivatingarealisticandproperperspectiveaboutlife,andtakingtimeforrest,relaxation,enjoyment,andplayareallcriticalfactorsforhealth.Thereisnowaythatwecanbetrulyhealthywithoutmanagingourstressinhealthfulways.InSectionIIIofthisbook,wegiveyoualistofproventechniquesforreducingyourstress.

-4-

AddressingDiseasesofInflammation

Whenaddressinganydis-ease,itiscrucialforustofocusourattentiononrepairingthecausesofthedisease,ratherthanjustthesymptoms,otherwisethediseasewillremain.Whiletreatingthesymptomsmaycausetheircessation,itisonlytemporary.Theywillreturnsolongastheunderlyingfactorsarenotaddressed.

EnteringtheSystemWhenitcomestomostdiseases,includingarthritis,thereareessentiallytwowaysofentering

treatment–throughconventionalornaturalmedicine.Whileitispossibletocombinetheseapproaches,theprioritiesandmethodsassociatedwiththetreatmentprotocolsofeachvarygreatly.Iencourageasmanypeopleaspossibletoenterthesystemthroughanaturopathicoracupuncturephysician,especiallyifpreventionisyourkeyconcern.AsIcoveredinearlierchapters,conventionalmethodologiesdonotactuallytreattherootcauseofarthritisand,therefore,cannotofferanypossibilityofpreventionorreversal.Naturaltreatmentscanofferthisbecausetheyaddresstheunderlyingimbalancesthatcausetissuedegeneration.Whenyouenterthesystemfromthenaturalside,youhaveamuchbetterchanceofhandlingyourillnessthoroughlyandpermanentlywhilecreatingimprovedhealthinthelongrun.Perhapsthemostvaluablethingtokeepinmindonyourjourneywitharthritisistheimportanceofembracingnaturalmethodologiesassoonaspossible.Ifyouwaittoolong,youruntheriskofnotbeingabletoreversethediseasetoapointwhereyouregainenoughfunctionalitytoenjoylife.Iencourageyoutogetallthesupportthatyouneedtogetstartednow;therecommendationswithinthisbookwork,andtheywillhaveapositiveimpactonyouroverallhealthandwell-beingextremelyquickly.Thepowerisyours,asistheability,andyouwillbepleasantlysurprisedwiththeresults.

Conventionalmethodologiesdonotactuallytreattherootcauseofarthritisand,therefore,cannotofferanypossibilityofpreventionorreversal.

TheRouteofConventionalTreatmentPeoplewhobegintoexperiencestiffnessordiscomfortintheirkneesandhips,oralossofrangeof

motion,commonlyseeaphysicianforadvice.Inmanycases,x-raysaretakentoevaluatejointdegeneration,andsignsofaproblemareusuallyfound.Thistypicallyleadstoarapidsurgeoftreatmentsevenpriortotherealcauseoftheproblembeingidentified.MycolleagueDanielNuchovich,M.D.says“Manydoctorsrushinwithcolorfulpillsandrecommendationsforsurgerybeforethecauseisactuallydetermined;thispracticeisadisservicetoanyonewitharthritis.”

Theissuewithusingx-raysorMRIstodiagnosearthritisisthatstudiesshowaverypoorcorrelationbetweenradiographicevidenceofjointchangesandlossoffunction.PainspecialistDr.Dillardshared

withmethatthevastmajorityofhispatientswhoexhibitarthritisonradiographicimagesareactuallypainfree.Theresearchdemonstratesthatmanypeoplewithdegenerativejointdiseaseonx-raysdonotsufferfromanydisability,andlikewisemanywhocomplainofproblemshavenormalradiographs,butthisisrarelyexplainedtothepatient.147Instead,radiographic“proof”ofjointdiseaseusuallyleadstoimmediateprescriptionsforanti-inflammatorydrugs,andrecommendationsforpossiblesurgicalinterventionsdependingonthelevelofpain.Thedreadedpronouncementof“boneonbone,”ofcourse,sendsyourighttothesurgerysuite.Oneprescriptionmedicationisgenerallynottheend,othersaresoonadded.Somemedicationsmayagreewithyouwhileothersmaynot,andthereistypicallyatrialanderrorprocess.Worseisthatyoumaybeonothermedicationsforanotherdisease,suchasdiabetes,atherosclerosis,etc.Inthisevent,theintroductionofanadditionalpharmaceuticalcreatesanewbiochemicaldynamicthatcouldresultintheneedofyetanotherdrugtoaddressthesideeffectsfromtheinitialone.

Meanwhile,unlessstepsarebeingtakentoinstitutedietaryandexercisetherapy,thetissuescontinuetodegenerate,andthearthritisadvances.Theconventionalrouteisafrighteninganddangerousprospectthatleadstoanalmostcertaindemise,includingbecominganarthritispatientforlife.Becausewehearsomuchaboutarthritis,andarebombardedwithadvertisementsforarthritismedicationsandsurgicalcenters,weassumethatitisnotaquestionofifbutwhenwewillbecomeanarthritissufferer.Wenowknowthatitdoesn’thavetobethisway;livingahealthy,balancedlifeandmakingnaturalhealthprotocolsaprioritygoalongwayinpreventinganderadicatingarthritis.

TheRouteofNaturalTreatmentWhilecommonlymislabeledas“alternative”therapies,naturaltherapieshaveindeedexistedfor

manythousandsofyears–farlongerthanourmodernmedicaltechnologies.Intoday’smedicalcommunity,youwillhearthesetherapiescalled“complementary,”forthereasonthattheyserveasacomplementtomodernapplications.BothofthesenamespointtoanincorrectbeliefthatmodernWesternmedicineisthe“best”and“mostimportant”formofmedicine,andshouldbetheprimaryformforthediseasesthatailus.Thiscouldn’tbefartherfromthetruth.Infact,eatingnaturalfoods,utilizingnaturaltherapies,andlivingasnaturallyaspossible,freefromtoxicinfluences,aretheonlywaystoactually“cure”thelifestylediseasesthatplaguemostAmericansatthistime.

“Healthistheproperrelationshipbetweenmicrocosm,whichisman,andthemacrocosm,whichistheuniverse.Diseaseisadisruptionofthisrelationship.”

–Dr.YesheDondenDoctorofTibetanMedicineandformerphysiciantoHisHolinesstheDalaiLama

Naturaltherapiessuchasacupuncture,massage,anddietarytherapyarecustomsandtechniquesdeeplyrootedinancienthistory.Manyreportsindicatetheyareatleast4,000yearsold,andsomesaythatmassagehasbeenaroundsincethebeginningofmoderncivilization.Regardlessofthetimetheyhavebeeninplace,themainthingisthattheyberecognizedbyeveryoneinoursocietyasessentialforahealthy,long,pain-freelife.Withthisrecognition,thesetherapiescanassumetheirrightfulplaceinourcurrentlyailinghealthcaresystem.

Theterms“integrativehealth”and“integrativetherapies”aretwothatIwouldsuggestaremore

appropriateforevolvingahealthcaresystemwithtruepowerandintegrity–onethatrecognizestheobviouslimitationsofmodernmedicinebutrecognizesandadvocatesthetremendousvalueofnaturalmedicine.Asystemlikethiswouldpromoteahealthiersocietyoverallandwouldalsobesustainableforhumanity,ratherthanjustself-interestedcorporationsandsystems.Wearetalkingaboutthelivesofhumanbeingshere,anduntilwecollectivelyseehowfarwehavestrayedfromnature,andhowmuchitisharmingus,wewillnotchangeoursituation.Obviously,therearemoderninventionsthathaveproveninvaluableinhumanity’squestforanoptimallyhealthfullife;however,withoutatriedandtrueefforttounderstandallthefactorsinvolvedinourincreasinglydeterioratingstate,wewillremaintiedtomodernmedicine’sharmfulremediesandincompleteprotocolsofsymptomaticrelief,andmissthebiggeropportunity.

Speakingofwhich,whenembarkinguponanarthritistreatmentprogramthroughanaturalpractitionersuchasaNaturopathicphysician,aDoctorofAcupuncture,aDoctorofOsteopathy,orChiropractorthereisonethingthatisconsistentlythesameacrosstheboard.Nearlyallofthesepractitionersbegintheiranalysisandeventualtreatmentofyourillnesswithacomprehensivehealthandnutritionalprofile,includingappropriatetesting.Allofthesemedicalprofessionalsareinterestedintreatingthe“whole”person,notjustoneareaofthebody.Inadditiontounderstandingyourpriormedicaltreatmenthistory,theywillaskyouaboutcriticalfactorssuchashowmuchyousleep,whatsupplementsyoutake,howmuchexerciseyouget,howhappyyouareatyourjob,andtheprimarystressorsinyourlife.Thetrainingforalloftheseprofessionsisdeeplyrootedinthefoundationalconceptthataperson’sillnesscannotbeseparatefromthepersonitself,andthatillnessalmostalwaysresultsfrommental,emotional,spiritualandphysicaldisease.Infact,Dr.YesheDonden,world-renownedDoctorofTibetanMedicineandformerphysiciantoHisHolinesstheDalaiLamahassaid:“Healthistheproperrelationshipbetweenmicrocosm,whichisman,andthemacrocosm,whichistheuniverse.Diseaseisadisruptionofthisrelationship.”

Indeed,thisisthebeliefheldbynaturalmedicinepractitioners.MycolleagueChineseMedicineDoctorofAcupuncturePeterBongiorno,N.D.,L.Ac.says“Weneedtothinkaboutourspiritinthetreatmentofarthritisandpain.Whenwearedoingthethingswelove,followingourpassion,andourlivesarerelativelybalancedandnottoostressful,wearecreatingahealthyenvironmentforourbody.Whenwearenotfollowingthepaththatwebelieveweshould,itcausesalotofinternalstress.InChineseMedicine,theheartspiritaffectsalltheotherorgansystemsandstopsthingsfromworkingproperly,andthiscancreateissueslateronthatwearepre-disposedto,likearthritis.”Dr.Bongiornocontinued:“Ialwaysaskpeopleiftheyaredoingthethingsthattheylove,iftheirrelationshipsarehealthy,andifnot,whatstepscanbetakentochangethosesituations.Ifpeoplearenotfollowingtheirpassionsatwork,Iaskthemhowtheycangetinvolvedinthethingsthattheyarepassionateaboutoutsideofwork.Ibelieve–andhaveseenfrommyexperience–thatthebodytellsuswhenourspiritisn’tinalignmentwithhowweareliving;andwhenwetakestepstodowhatmakesourhearthappy,ourbodyresponds.”148

Thisisafardifferentintakeapproachthanontheallopathicside,whichismainlyconcernedwithpreviousillnesses,surgeriesandcurrentmedications.Canyouseethedifferencealready?AsurveyofdoctorsbyConsumerReports(reportedinNewsweekMagazine)saidthat70percentofdoctorsreportedthatthebondwiththeirpatientshaserodedsincetheybeganpracticingmedicine.149Attheheartoftheproblem,saydoctors,isthemanaged-carerevolutionofthe1980sand’90s,whichresultedinlowerreimbursementstodoctors,makingitnecessaryforthemtoslashtheamountoftimespentwithpatientsinordertoseemorepatientsinaday(andmakethesameamountofmoney).Becausedoctorsaretypicallypaidforthenumberofproceduresaswellasnumberofpatientstheysee–andnotforthetimethattheyspend–thereisaveryrealincentiveforthemtospendlesstime.Findingshaveestimatedthaton

average,patientscanexpecttospendnomorethan10to16minuteswiththeirdoctor,withanaveragearound7minutes!150,151Incontrast,mostnaturopathicphysiciansspendanywherefromonetotwohours(6-12timestheamountoftimespentwithanallopathicphysician)ontheinitialvisit,andone-halfhoureachonreturnvisits.152Thelongervisitsarenotonlyrelatedtomorein-depthquestioningonthedoctor’spartbutincludeeducatingapatientaboutthecausesofdiseaseandwellness.

Whatactuallycanbelearnedanddeterminedaboutapersonandtheirdiseasein7-15minutes?Ifthetreatmentofyourillness–and,therefore,yourqualityoflife–dependsonmultiplefactorsregardingmanyareasofyourlife,wouldn’tyoufeelmorecomfortablewithahealthprofessionalthatisschooledtolookforandassessthecausesofdis-ease,andthenaddresstheminthetreatmentprogram?Icannotstressthevalueofworkingwithhealthpractitionerswhowilllistentoyou,educateyouaboutwhatishappeninginyourbody,anddiscussyouroptionswithyou.I’veworkedwithnumerousnaturalpractitionersinmyyearsasapioneerinnutritionaleducation,andeveryoneofthemhastoldmethis:Youhavetotrulywanttobewellinordertobewellbecauseittakeseducationandconsistentapplication.ThisremindsmeofsomethingthatJohnKnowles,FormerPresidentoftheRockefellerFoundation,said:“ThenextmajoradvanceinthehealthoftheAmericanpeoplewillbedeterminedbywhattheindividualiswillingtodoforhimself.”

Intermsofeducation,manynaturaldoctorsandpractitionershaveabroadunderstandingofexerciseandplant-basednutritiontheirvalueinmaintaininghealth.Mosttaketrainingintheuse

Findingshaveestimatedthatonaverage,patientscanexpecttospendnomorethan10to16minuteswiththeirdoctor,withanaveragearound7minutes!

ofnutritionalsupplementsandcreateallianceswithcompaniesthatofferhigh-qualityproducts.Severalgiveclassesandtalksinthecommunityaboutstayinghealthy.Iftheydonotalreadyhaveothernaturalpractitionersonstaff,suchasmassagetherapistsandnutritionists(whichoftentheydo),toassisttheirpatients,theywillmakeappropriatereferralstocolleagueswithotherareasofexpertise,aswellasoffersuggestionsonbooksandotherresources.

Intermsofthetreatmentprogram,naturaldoctorswilltypicallydevelopaprotocol(includingbenchmarkgoalsforimprovement)aftertheinitialvisit.Theywilldiscusstheprotocolandsuggestactionsthatyoucantaketoimproveyourconditionatafollow-upvisit.Asmentionedbefore,bloodtestsandotherclinicaltestingmaybeorderedtoassessyouroverallcondition.Oneofthefirstthingsthatmanynaturopathswilldoinaddressingarthritisistomakecertainthatyourvitaminandminerallevelsarestrongandbalanced.Lowlevelsofnutrientsareafactorininflammationand,therefore,arthriticconditions,sotheymustbedealtwithasafirstcourseofaction.Ifyouaren’talreadyonamultivitaminandmulti-mineralsupplement,chancesarethiswillberecommended,alongwiththeinclusionofotherkeysupplementslikeomega-3s(fromalgaeorfishoil),glucosamine/chondroitin,andkeyantioxidants.(SeeSectionII&IIIofthisbookforamorein-depthexplanationofsupplements.)

Thereismuchmoreinterestandcare,overall,inhowyourlifeisimprovingwiththeprotocol,andnotjustyourarthritissymptoms.Naturalpractitionerswillrecommendtestingatbenchmarkperiodstoimprovetheeffectivenessoftheirtreatments,andwillmakereferralstoandworkwithconventionalmedicaldoctorsifnecessary.Ingeneral,naturalpractitionersareorientedtowardrestoringyourwellness,whichmeansstoppingtheprogressionofarthritis–andevenreversingit.Theiraimistogetyoutoapointthatyouareona“maintenance”programratherthananendless“treatment”program,asisoftenthecasewithconventionalmethods.Theywillencourageyourfullparticipationinthisendeavor,

andtellyouthatresultsdependonyouractionstoo.Iftheyareknowledgeableandskilled,theyhaveaclearunderstandingthatitisyourbodythatultimatelymusthealitself,andthattheirtherapy–whileincrediblyusefulforprovidingconditionsunderwhichthebodycanheal–cannotcureyou.Perhapsthebiggestdifferenceonthewholebetweennaturalandconventionaltherapiesisthatwhenperformedbycompetentandqualifiedprofessionals,naturaltherapieswillalmostalwayshelpandrarelyifeverhurtyourcondition.

IsThereAnotherSolutiontoArthritis?Ourcurrentarthritistreatmentparadigmislockedintoamodelthatcreatespatientsforlifeoutof

peoplesufferingfromarthritissymptoms.Itreliesexclusivelyonavarietyofexpensive,toxicmedicationstoeasepainandtemporarilyretardtissuedestruction,andevenmoreexpensivejointreplacementsurgerywhenpatientsbelievethereisnothingmorethatcanbedone.Arthritisisbigbusiness.NSAIDsaresomeofthetopsellingproductsforthepharmaceuticalcompanies,andtheindustryreliesheavilyonarthritissufferersforasteadyincomestream.Maintainingprofitsisapowerfulincentiveforthecompaniesandprofessionalsthatpreyontheunsuspecting,trustingpatientbyshamelesslyorunknowinglykeepingnaturaltreatmenttherapiesofftheradarforthosesufferingwithjointpainanddysfunction.

Thepopularnutraceuticalsglucosamineandchondroitinhavefinallybeenacceptedbymainstreamhealthcareprovidersandarecommonlyrecommendedasanadjuncttohelpmaintaincartilage.Manydoctors,inmyview,perceiveathreatandhaveconsequentlybeenhighlycriticalofothersuccessfulnaturalpreventionsandremedies.Althoughlargelyridiculedanddismissedbymodernmedicinealtogether,thereisagrowingbodyofnewevidence(eventhoughempiricalevidencehasexistedforcenturies)thataradicaldietchangealongwithexercisecanactuallyprovideasuperioralternativetounnecessaryandharmfuldrugs.Becausejointdestructionappearstobecausedprimarilybyinflammationandoxidativestress,antioxidantsandfoods(suchasfruitsandvegetables)thatlowerarachidonicacidcanbethekeytoturningoff–ormoretothepoint–preventingtheinflammatorycascade.Thisgoesalongwayinmaintainingcartilageandbonehealthsothatarthritisdoesn’tdevelop,ordoesn’tprogress.

Ourcurrentarthritistreatmentparadigmislockedintoamodelthatcreatespatientsforlifeoutofpeoplesufferingfromarthritissymptoms.

Thecommon“wisdom”holdsthatdiethasnoeffectonarthritis.Studiesfundedbyindustrycontinuetoconcludethatfoodsmakenodifferenceinalleviatingthesymptomsofanytypeofarthritis.TheArthritisFoundation,forexample,goessofarastosay,“Becausedietarymanagementofgoutissorestrictiveandoflimitedbenefit,medicationisthebestwaytotreatgout.”153Inactuality,quitetheoppositehasproventobetrueinthefewindependentstudiesthathaveexaminedthesubject:diethasbeenshowntobeofutmostimportanceincausing,halting,andreversingthedisease.Symptomsofosteoarthritis,rheumatoidarthritisandgoutcanbealleviatedandoftenreversedbyadoptingavegetarianorvegandietthatincorporateshighlevelsofanti-inflammatoryandantioxidant-richfoods.154Inthecaseofgout,andaswecoveredbefore,itiscriticaltoavoidhighpurinefoods,especiallymeats,fish,caffeine,andalcohol,aswellassugarinordertohalttheinflammatoryprocessinitiatedbyuricacid.Inrheumatoidarthritis,itislikewisecrucialtoavoidanimalproteinsandprocessedfoods,knownfor

incitingthedamagingimmuneprocessthatcausesthebodytodestroyitsownhealthytissue.155Therehasbeensignificantanecdotalevidenceovertheyearsthatavoidingmeat,dairy,eggsand

processedfoodscanbringenormousrelieftorheumatoidarthritissufferersand,infact,haltthediseaseandrestorefunctionality.Asfarbackas1973,Dr.ColinDong,aCaliforniaphysician,successfullycuredhisownarthritisbyadoptingwhathereferredtoasaChinesepeasantdiet.Hewrotetwobooksaboutthebenefitsofeatingrice,vegetables,nuts,seeds,andalittlefish,whileforbiddingmeat,dairy,softdrinks,alcohol,andalladditivesandchemicals.

Jointfunctionismaximizedwithadiethighinantioxidants,highinomega-3fattyacids,lowinomega-6fattyacids,andrichinnutrientssuppliedbygreens,grains,legumes,fruit,andotherwholeplantfoods.

Researchfromtheearly1990sshowedthatcertainoils,fish,andfreshvegetableswerecommonlyassociatedwithimprovementswhileredmeat,whiteflour,andsoftdrinksaggravatedsymptoms.Anumberofpromisingrecentstudiesshowthatadoptingalow-fatvegandietcanimmediatelyreducesymptomsofpain,swellingandlimitedrangeofmotion.OnegroupofresearchersfromNorwaydidacontrolledstudyinasupervisedsettingwherebyagroupofrheumatoidarthritissufferersbegantheprogramwitha7-to10-dayfast.Afterthefast,halfthegroupwasassignedtoavegetariandiet,andtheotherhalfresumedtheirnormaldiet.Theyfoundsignificantimprovementinthevegetariangroup,andespeciallyintheparticipantswhochosetocontinuethedietbeyondtheclinicalstudy.Therearemorestudiesindicatingthebenefitsofavegetarianlifestyle,includingfasting,relatedtothepreventionanderadicationofarthritis.JoelFuhrman,M.D.–aleadingproponentofthevegetariandiet–monitoredover500fastsinavarietyofclinicalconditions,followedbyavegandiet.HereportedinAlternativeTherapiesjournalthatfastingcanofferbothreductioninpainandlowerinflammatorymarkersinpatientswithautoimmuneillnesses,includingrheumatoidarthritis.Healsofoundthatifthefastingperiodisextendedlongenough,asubstantialnumberofpatientsactuallyexperiencetotalremissionofautoimmunesymptomsthatdonotreturninabouthalfofthecases.156JohnMcDougall,M.D.,awell-knownauthor,physicianandboardcertifiedinternistwhosephilosophyisthatdegenerativediseasecanbepreventedandtreatedwithaplant-baseddietofwhole,unprocessed,low-fatfoods,hashadnotablesuccessintreatingsufferersofrheumatoidarthritiswiththeMcDougalldiet,avegandietbasedinunprocessedplantfoodsandwholegrains.157-159Asmentionedearlier,theconclusionofT.ColinCampbell,Ph.D.’sChinaStudyisthatpeoplewhoateadietlowinanimalproteinswerethehealthiestandlivedthelongestlives.Correspondingly,in2002,therewasacomparativestudydonebetweenelderlyinChina–wheretheprevailingdietconsistsmostlyoffruitsandvegetables,riceandothergrains,andfish–andtheU.S.forhiposteoarthritis.TheconclusionofthestudywasthattheChineseexperiencedhiposteoarthritis80-90%lessfrequentlythanCaucasiansintheUnitedStates.160

ItshouldbeapparentbynowthattomaintainjointsitisnecessarytoavoidtheStandardAmericanDiet.Jointfunctionismaximizedwithadiethighinantioxidants,highinomega-3fattyacids,lowinomega-6fattyacids,andrichinnutrientssuppliedbygreens,grains,legumes,fruit,andotherwholeplantfoods.Likewise,itiscrucialtoavoidthosefoodsthatcauseinflammation,suchasmeat,dairy,eggs,highfructosecornsyrup,unhealthyfats,whiteflourandprocessedfoods.TheevidenceisoverwhelmingthattheweightgainassociatedwiththeStandardAmericanDietisarecipefordisaster:itisguaranteedtocauseaconditionofchronicinflammationinthebody,whichwillcertainlyleadtoillhealthandavarietyofthelifestylediseases,includingarthritis.

Yourmentalpositionaboutlifeandanyhealthchallengeispotentiallythemostessentialaspectindeterminingyourabilitytorecoverhealth.

TheMindsetofHealthWhilethequalityofwhatweputintoourbodiesalongwithproperandconsistentexerciseare

essentialforgoodhealth,thereisonethingthatcannotbemissingifwewanttrueandlastinghealth–apositivemindset,whichincludesanorientationtowardhealthratherthandisease.RalphWaldoEmersonsaid:“Nothinggreatwaseverachievedwithoutenthusiasm.”Alongthesesamelines,AbrahamLincolnsaid:“Determinethatthethingcanandshallbedone,andthenweshallfindtheway.”

Yourmentalpositionaboutlifeandanyhealthchallengeispotentiallythemostessentialaspectindeterminingyourabilitytorecoverhealth.MycolleagueLuannPennesi,R.N.,M.S.,DirectorofMetropolitanWellness,tellseachoneofherclients“Donotpersonalizedisease,whichmeansdonotloseyouridentitytoit.Diseasecanbetemporarywhenweunderstandwhatourbodyisaimingtotellus,andthen[wecan]takepositiveactionstogiveitwhatitneedstohealitself.”Positive,focusedthinking,indeed,iswhatwillenableyoutoembrace,aswellasdirectandsustainactionstowardanewandhealthylifestyle,liketheonesofferedinthisbook.Whatwearepresentinghereisnotjustawaytodealwithyourarthritisandotherdiseases,itisawayoflivingthatwillenableyoutoeradicatethesediseaseswhileminimizingyourriskoffutureillnessesforlife.Ifthisisofinteresttoyou,thenyouwilladoptan“Ican”attitude;anditwillguideyoutomakethechoicesthatareessentialforajoyful,fulfillinglifefreefromchronicdisease.

Scienceaboundsinsupportofhowourthoughtsaffectourbiology.Aswehaveestablishedintheprevioussectiononstress,ifyouareworried,stressed,andfearfulmuchofthetime,yourbody’sfunctions,includingyourimmunesystem,arebeingcompromised.Notonlythis,butitmaydeterminewhetheryoumanifestanillnessrelatedtoageneticpredisposition.AstudyconductedbyMassachusettsGeneralHospitalandtheGenomicsCenteratBethIsraelDeaconessMedicalCentersfoundthatthemindcanactivelyturnonandturnoffgenes.“Nowwe’vefoundhowchangingtheactivityofthemindcanalterthewaybasicgeneticinstructionsareimplemented,”statedHarvardMedicalSchoolprofessorHerbertBenson,M.D.,co-seniorauthorofthereport.Thestudyreportedsignificantdifferencesintheexpressionsofmorethan2,200genesbetweenmeditatorsandnon-meditators.Someofthesegenesincludedthoseresponsibleforinflammation,thehandlingoffreeradicals,andprogrammedcelldeath,whichcankeepgeneticallyimpairedcellsfromturningintocancers.161Thisisanincrediblyvaluablefindingforpeoplesufferingfromanydisease,includingarthritis.Reportingonthesamestudy,theWashingtonPostnotedthatresearchersinvolvedinthestudysaid“they’vetakenasignificantstrideforwardinunderstandinghowrelaxationtechniquessuchasmeditation,prayerandyogaimprovehealth:bychangingpatternsofgeneactivitythataffecthowthebodyrespondstostress.”Thesemind-bodypracticesaswellasothershavebeenusedworldwideformillenniatoprevent

AstudyconductedbyMassachusettsGeneralHospitalandtheGenomicsCenteratBethIsraelDeaconessMedicalCentersfoundthatthemindcanactivelyturnonandturnoffgenes.

andtreatdisease,andtopromotewellness;thisstudyprovidesthefirstcompellingevidencethatthey

affectgeneexpressionchangesinpractitioners.162Chronicphysicalpainveryoftenleadstochronicanxietyanddepression,whichmeansthatyouwant

todoeverythinginyourpowertopreventorreversethisdisorder.Theemotionalpainofarthritisistremendous;itcancauseyoutowithdraw,losehopeandnotwanttolive,whichissofarfromhowwellwecanlivewiththepropercare.Tomakeandsustainchange,wemustfirstbecomeawareofthepossibilityoflivingafulfilledlife,whichisoneofthepurposesofthisbook.Then,wemustfeelourdesireenoughtomakethecommitmenttoadifferentreality.Thecommitmentisone

Ourunconsciousmindhastremendousinfluence(morethanweknow)overouractions.

ofheartandmind;ittakesboth.Butthemindisincrediblypowerful,andcanoftentimesoverrideourheart,sowemustfirstunderstandit,andthenlearnhowtodealwithitinordertosucceedincreatingchange.Simplyput,wehavetheconsciousmindandsubconsciousmind(typicallytermedthe“unconscious”inscientificcircles).Theconsciousmindisresponsibleforlogicandreasoningwhilethesubconsciousmind,accordingtoSigmundFreud,isarepositoryforsociallyunacceptableideas,wishesordesires,traumaticmemories,andpainfulemotions.Whilethesubconscioushaslargelybeenthoughtofasthereceptaclefornegativethoughtsandexperiencesputoutofmindbythemechanismofpsychologicalrepression,itscontentsdonotnecessarilyhavetobesolelynegative.163Thekeyrealization,however,isthatinthecommonpsychoanalyticview,theunconscious(comprisedofboththepersonalunconsciousnessandthecollectiveunconsciousness,definedastheunconsciousnessofhumanity)isaforcethatcanonlyberecognizedbyitseffects,orthesymptoms(orrealities)itproduces.

Whilethisisarudimentarydefinitionforanextremelycomplexfieldofunderstanding,weneedonlytoknowthis:Ourunconsciousmindhastremendousinfluence(morethanweknow)overouractions.When“sabotagepatterns,”forexample,surface,wecanusethepowerofourconsciousmindtomakethecorrectchoicesbasedonourcommitment.Howdowedothis?Byimaginingwhatlifewouldbelikeifwefallbackintooursame“old”patterns,andthenactuallyfeelingthepainfulfeelingsassociatedwiththeseoldways.Ifwespendjustenoughtimedoingthis,wewillnotwanttoengageinouroldbehaviors.Then,wecanengageourselvesinimagininghowmuchbetterlifeisandwillbeoncewearerelievedofthearthritissymptoms.Feelthepositivefeelingsassociatedwiththefreedomofhealthyliving;thesewillkeepyouontrack.Ifyouslipup,simplyrefocusandreconnecttoyourcommitment.Applyingthislevelofawarenessandconsciousnesstooureffortsincreatingahealthierexistencemakesitsignificantlyeasiertomakebetterchoicesinthemoment,whichisactuallyallthatisrequired.Wecreatehealthforthefuturebymakinggoodchoicesnow.

Muchofyoursuccesswillbedeterminedbyyourabilitytosupportyourselfmentallyandemotionally,whichmeansstructuringyourtimetosupportyournewhabits,eliminatingtoxichabitsandrelationships,doingmorethingsthatmakeyoutrulyhappy,lettinggoofbeliefsthatnolongerserveyou,andlearningtheartofself-love.AsIsaid,thisisacomplexlandscapetonavigate,butoneworthyofyourattentionandefforts.Considerseekingthehelpofcoaches,spiritualteachers,andsupportivefriendsandfamilytoprovideencouragementtoyouonthisimportantjourney.Also,visitSectionIIIofthisbookforotherrecommendedpractices.

TheImportanceofExercisePatientsarealmostneveradvisedtobuildupthemusclesaroundaproblemjoint,butevidenceshows

thatwhenastrengthtrainingprogramisinstitutedalongwithproperdietarychanges,oftensymptomsresolvewithnoneedformedicationorsurgery.TheCDCsaysthat“physicalactivitycanreducepainandimprovefunction,mobility,mood,andqualityoflifeformostadultswithmanytypesofarthritisincludingosteoarthritis,rheumatoidarthritis,fibromyalgia,andlupus.”Theyalsoreportthat“scientificstudieshaveshownthatparticipationinmoderate-intensity,low-impactphysicalactivityseveraltimesaweekimprovespain,function,mood,andqualityoflifewithoutworseningsymptomsordiseaseseverity.”164

Unfortunately,mostAmericanshaveasedentarylifestyle,andourleg,arm,backandstomachmusclesfrequentlybecomeweakfromlackofuse.Jointhealthisnotpossiblewithoutpropermuscularsupport;dietalonecannotrehabilitatejointsthathavebecomeimpaired.Allformsofexercise,includingaerobic,musclestrengthening(resistance),andmovementthatpromotesflexibility(suchasyogaorstretching),areallrelevantbecausetheykeepjointsfullymobilewhiletransportingnutrientsandwasteproductstoandfromthecartilagetoregulateandcontroljointswellingandpain.Strengtheningthesurroundingmusclesalsohelpsdecreasebonelossandincreasesbonedensity,whichsupportsthejointsinproperfunctioningbyprotectingthemfromthepressureofcarryingtheweightofthebody.

Notenoughthatcanbesaidabouttheoverridingvalueofexerciseincreatingandmaintainingahealthylife.Energyandstaminaareenhancedthroughexercise,whichalsodecreasesfatigueandimprovesthequalityofsleep,whichisanessentialcomponentofweightmanagement.Whenwearetiredandnotsleepingwell,weoftengravitatetowardfoodsthatgiveusquickenergy–typicallysugary,calorie-denseprocessedfoodswithdeleterioussideeffects.Regularexercisecombatsfatiguewhileregulatingourappetite,inspiringustomakehealthierfoodchoices.Forthesereasonsandmore,exercisehasbeenshowntoenhanceweightlossandpromotelong-termweightmanagement,especiallyinthosewitharthritiswhoareoverweight.Aswe’velearned,

“Physicalactivitycanreducepainandimprovefunction,mobility,mood,andqualityoflifeformostadultswithmanytypesofarthritisincludingosteoarthritis,rheumatoidarthritis,fibromyalgia,andlupus.”

–TheCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention

loweringbodyweightdecreasestheforcesonthejoints,whichisessentialforthosesufferingwitharthritis,andanyotherailmentforthatmatter.Thebottomlineisthatobesityshortenslife.Recentstudieshavelinkedevery10lbsofexcessbodyweightto1yearoffyourlifeexpectancy.165

Exercisemayofferadditionalbenefitstoimprovingormodifyingarthritis.Ithasbeenproventohelplowerthestressthatcausesustotightenmuscles,clenchourjaws,anddevelopdamagingmusclespasms.Strengtheningmuscles,whilealsodevelopingflexibilitythroughexercisessuchasswimming,powerwalking,dance,yogaorPilates,helpstoreducetension,allowingthejointstomovemorefreely.Ofcourse,swimmingisanexcellentformofexerciseforanyonesufferingfromarthritisandorobesity;itiseasyonthejointsandoffersexcellentcardiofitnesswhileincreasingmuscleandbonestrength.Whileexercisingarthriticjointsmayseemcounterintuitive,thereisnothingthatcanhelpmorethanpropermovement,alongwithahealthydiet.Youwillbeastonishedwiththeresultswhenmakingthesetwochangesalone.Ultimately,theonlywaytorestorelostfunctionistoprovidecircumstancesthatpromoteproperfunction,nottocoverupthesymptomswithdrugsthatarenotdesignedtoaddressthecauseofthelossoffunction.

Ifthereeverwasatimetotakeactiontobecomelighter;itisnow!Askyourself:CanIhonestlyaffordtowaittomakechangesthatcouldhelpmefeelbettertoday?Mostimportantly,makesuretochooseexercisethatispreferablynearyourhomeorworkplaceandthatyouenjoy;itiseasiertostickwithanexerciseprogramthatyoulike.Also,besuretoconsultqualifiedphysicaltrainersorprofessionalswithexpertisepriortobeginninganykindoftrainingprogram,especiallyweighttraining.Oneofthekeyaspectsofjointhealthiscorrectalignment,andunlesswereceiveinstructiononproperformintheperformanceofanyexerciseweruntheriskofdamagingourjointsratherthanhelpingthem.PleasemakesuretoreadthespecificeatingplanandexerciseguidelinesthatwehaveoutlinedforyouinSectionII&IIIofthisbook.Youwillfindthemhelpfulincreatingyourpersonalizedexerciseandeatingprogram.

ANewParadigmInmanyways,itisabundantlyclearthatforallintentsandpurposesthefoodcorporations,the

pharmaceuticalcompanies,andourlegislatorshavedeclaredwarontheAmericanpublic.Whethertheyareunconsciousoftheiractions,purposefullyindifferentorsimplyignorantofhowtocreatehealth,theycontinuetofighttoothandnailtokeepinsularstructuresandsystemsinplace–theveryactofwhichbrainwashesmostofusintobelievingthatwehavefew-to-nooptionsfordiseaseeradicationotherthanwhattheyarepresenting.Inparticular,itismostdisconcertingthatthemajorityofelectedandappointedgovernmentofficialswhoweentrust,charter,andpaywithourhard-earnedtaxdollarstoprotectusfromcorporateinterestsaredoingjusttheopposite,andprotecting–toourperil–theirpersonalinterestsinstead.Ourexpensiveandcostlymodernmedicalsystem,builtandrunbymainlypower-hungryindividualswhobydefinitionaremoreinterestedinprotectingtheirpositions(financialandotherwise)thanin“first,doingnoharm,”willnotproducethetypeofcareprovidersthatcaneffectrealchange.Norwillgovernmentofficialsassignedtoregulatethevariousfactionswithintheindustrybeeffectiveindealingwiththem,orthemedicalproblemsofourtime,whentheyarebeholdentothesegroupsfortheirownfinancialandpoliticalsecurityandgain.Money–aboveallelse–willkeepthismonstrousmechanisminplace,andhaveustetheredtothemedicalestablishmentforlife,unlessmoreofustakechargeofourhealth.

Addingtothechallengeofchangeisthefactthatthefoodindustrysimplydoesn’twantyoutomakehealthychanges.Billions,ifnottrillions,ofdollarsareatstake–approximately36to40billiondollarswouldbelostbythefoodindustryifeachofussimplyreducedourdailycaloricintakebyonly100calories.Thisisabout4potatochips,¼ofacandybar,and⅓ofasoda.That’salargefinancialimpactforaremarkablysmallshiftinonelifestylechoice.Itshouldbenowonderthenwhy“food”companiesforgeahead,keepingusfat,arthritic,inpainandaddictedratherthanleadingthewaytowardhealthiereating.166Butwecannolongerdenythatourdietisruiningourhealthandthatofourchildren,andthechanceforahealthyfuture,forus,ourcountryandourplanet.Wearealreadyseeingtheeffectsoftoxiclivinginusandaroundus.What

Ourexpensiveandcostlymodernmedicalsystem,builtandrunbymainlypower-hungryindividualswhobydefinitionaremoreinterestedinprotectingtheirpositions(financialandotherwise)thanin“first,doingnoharm,”willnotproducethetypeofcareprovidersthatcaneffectrealchange.

doesittakeforustopauseandlook?Forthefirsttimeinrecordedhumanhistory,childrenaresufferingfromlifestyle-basedillnessesthatarenotnecessarilyrelatedtopoverty.Yes,ourchildrenarenowsufferingfromarthritis,hypertension,heartdiseaseanddiabetesinrecordnumbers.Intruth,weallneedtochange,andwewillhavenofuture–unlesssomethingsignificantdoeschange.

Forthewisefewingovernmentandindustrythatfollowahighermoralcompass,andforthoseofyouwhowilltaketheinformationinthisbooktoheartanddowhateveryoucantocreateahealthierwayofliving,Ihonoryou.Onlythosewhoareabletotakeanhonestlookatwhatisnotworking,whoareabletoaskandreflectuponthedeeperquestions,andthentakeappropriateactionswillthrive.Whileitwon’tbeeasyattimes,Icanassureyouthatitwillbeworthit.Thesmilesthatweseeonpeople’sfaceswhentheymakethesechangesandreleasetheirneed,forexample,foracane,acupcakeorotherphysicaloremotionalsupportistrulyinspiring.

MycolleagueLuannePennesi,R.N.,M.Swhoassistedmewiththearthritisstudyyouwillreadaboutinthenextsectionsaid:“WhatIwitnessedafterfourweeksofpeopleintegratingthisprotocolintotheirliveswasnothingshortofmiraculous.Asaregisterednurse,trainedfor36yearstomakesurethatpatientsgottheirdrugs,IcouldnotbelievewhatIwaswitnessing.Somewerenolongerusingwalkersorcanes;Iwastrulyamazed!ThisiswhatshouldbeonthefrontpagesoftheNewYorkTimes,USAToday,TimemagazineandeverymedicaljournalinAmerica.”WhenIseetheresultsofthisprotocolinaction–asIhaverecently–it’shardformetobelievethatthemajorityofAmericanshavegivenupontheirprecioushealthforafewcandies,cookies,sodas,meatballsandwiches,hotdogsandpizzas.Arewetrulyunwillingtotakethenecessarystepstochange?Andwhydon’twemakebetterchoiceswithrespecttoourphysicalwell-being?Theshortansweristhatweperceivechangetobedifficultandpainful.Beforeyouacceptthisastrue,however,youmaywanttoconsiderthatachangemayactuallybelesspainful–andpotentiallyevenjoyful–towhatyouarecurrentlyexperiencing.Beginningonpage115,weshareresultsfromourstudyofnearly50peopleactivelyaffectedbyarthritiswhoparticipatedintheprotocolIamoutlininginthisbook.Youwillreadtestimoniesfrompeoplewhohaveembracedmylifestylerecommendationsand,asaresult,arenowlivinghappierlivesthantheycouldhaveimagined,andwithmuchlesspain.

AsIhaveshownyouhere,thereasonsforarthritisareasnumerousasitssymptoms:ourtoxicfoods,ourlackofphysicalmovement,ourjobs,televisions,computers,smartphonesandvideogamesallpromoteasedentarylifestyle.Wetravelbycarjusttogoafewblocks,werelyon“others”(doctorsandpharmaceuticals)tomakeuswellratherthanfindingoutandtakingstepstocreateahealthierlifeforourselves,andwehaven’tlearnedhowtomanagetheconstantmilieuofmental,emotionalandphysicalstress.Whilewedidn’tgetwherewearecompletelyonourown,itisentirelyuptouswhetherwedeveloparthritis,orwhetherourcurrentarthritisandpainworsens.Wehaveanotherchoice–todevelopthedeterminationtoseekoutenoughinformationandsupporttomakechangessothatwebecomeunflappableinthefaceoftemptations,corporateagendas,MadisonAvenuespin

Wehaveanotherchoice–todevelopthedeterminationtoseekoutenoughinformationandsupporttomakechangessothatwebecomeunflappableinthefaceoftemptations,corporateagendas,MadisonAvenuespinmasters,andtheill-informedphysiciansthatarecontributingtoournation’sbleakhealthstatus.

masters,andtheill-informedphysiciansthatarecontributingtoournation’sbleakhealthstatus.This

choiceisacommitmenttodoingsomethingdifferent,somethingtrulyempowering.Wehaveseenwhatconventionalmedicinehastoofferforjointdamage,andtheoverwhelmingevidenceisthatitwillworsenourcondition.

Ifyoubelieveinyourbody’snaturalcapacitytobestrongandself-repairing,andyoutrulywanttoridyourselffromthepainassociatedwithtissuedegeneration,thenyouwillfindthemotivationtodowhatyouneedtodo.I’veseenitathousandtimesover:peoplechangingtheirminds(first)andthentheirbodiesforthebetter.Assoonasenoughofusdothis,ourfamily,friendsandcommunitieswillfollow;andsowillothersaroundtheglobe.AsAmericanculturalanthropologistMargretMeadsaid:“Neverdoubtforamomentthatasmallgroupofpeoplecanchangetheworld,indeedtheyaretheonlyonesthateverdo.”

TrustmewhenItellyouthatthemiracleofahealthy,pain-freebodyisnotonlypossible,butprobableifyoufollowtheseguidelines.Asyoucontinuetoreadon,youwilllearnaboutsomeofthepeoplewhoareinspiringthemselves(andothers)toleadabetterlife.Iencourageyoutotakethetimetoreadwhathappenedforthesefolksinjustthreeshortweeks.Icanalsosharewithyouthatthereishardlyanythingmoreworthwhilethanbearingwitnesstothecompletetransformationofahumanbeingwhoatonepointintheirlifeisconstrainedbytheirillness,andthenshortlythereafterbecomesfreefromarthritisandpain,andlivesalifethattheylove.Thisisnotonlypossibleforyou,butprobable–ifyoufollowtherecommendationsinthisbook.Then,youwouldhavethedistinctionofbeingamemberofagrowinggroupofindividualswhoaretriumphingoverarthritisandpainforlife.Thisreallyissomethingtocelebrate!

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150TorreyT.WhyIsMyDoctorinSuchaHurry?WhyWon’tHeSpendEnoughTimewithMe?about.comNov14,2008;http://patients.about.com/od/followthemoney/f/FAQdoctortime.htm.Accessed10/5/2012.

151Reichenberg-UllmanJ.WhyNaturopathicMedicineisaBargain.healthy.nethttp://www.healthy.net/Health/Article/Why_Naturopathic_Medicine_is_a_Bargain/624.Accessed10/5/2012.

152ibid.

153SafeFoodsforGout.TheArthritisFoundationhttp://www.arthritis.org/foods-for-gout.php.Accessed5/4/2012.

154McCartyM.ALow-Fat,Whole-FoodVeganDiet,aswellasOtherStrategiesThatDown-RegulateIGF-1Activity,MaySlowtheHumanAgingProcess.MedicalHypothesis.2003;60(6):784-792.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12699704.Accessed5/4/2012.

155Kjeldsen-KraghJ.MediterraneanDietInterventioninRheumatoidArthritis.AnnalsofRheumaticDisease.2003;62:193-195.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1754473/.Accessed5/5/2012.

156SpotlightonReversingandPreventingArthritis.DrFuhrman.comhttp://www.drfuhrman.com/disease/arthritis.aspx.Accessed10/5/2012.

157LewensteinH.Diet&Arthritis–WhatYouEatandDon’tEatMayHelpEasetheAchesandPain.TheSeattleTimes.Feb21,1996.http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19960221&slug=2315124,.Accessed5/1/2012.

158Kjeldsen-KraghJ.MediterraneanDietInterventioninRheumatoidArthritisAnnalsofRheumaticDisease.2003;62:193-195.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1754473/.Accessed5/5/2012.

159McDougallJ,etal.EffectsofaVeryLow-Fat,VeganDietinSubjectswithRheumatoidArthritis.TheJournalofAlternativeandComplementaryMedicine.2002;8(1):71-75.http://www.vegsource.com/articles/McDougall_Arthritis.pdf.Accessed4/30/2012.

160NevittMC,XuL,ZhangY,etal.VerylowprevalenceofhiposteoarthritisamongChineseelderlyinBeijing,China,comparedwithwhitesintheUnitedStates:theBeijingosteoarthritisstudy.pubmed.com.2002;46(7):1773-1779.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12124860.Accessed10/5/2012.

161BlakeT.SomeSurprisingBenefitsofMeditation.Kajamahttp://www.kajama.com/index.php?file=articledetail&id=936FD18C-EB29-4BA7-B83E-1FE277B39305&PageNum=1Accessed11/20/2012.

162LittmanJ.Finally--ScientificProofthatOurThoughtsAffectOurHealth.(WeAlreadyKnewThat!).EmpowerNetworkOct15,2012.

163Subconscious.Wikipedia.Accessed10/5/2012.

164PhysicalActivityandArthritis.TheCentersforDiseaseControlandPreventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/pa_overview.htm.Accessed10/5/2012.

165SchneiderM,etal.TheHandbookofSelf-Healing.Penguin;1994.

166WeightoftheNation,PartIII:HBODocumentaryFilms;2012.

SectionII

ClinicalStudyontheEffectsofNutrition

AtGaryNullandAssociateswewererecentlyabletoputourtheoriesandresearchintopracticewithaclinicalstudyinwhichwerecruitedsubjectswithvaryingdegreesofosteoarthritissymptomstostudytheeffectsofnutritionalinterventionandlifestylechanges.Thefollowingsectiondemonstratesourresults…

NutritionInterventionReversesArthritisSymptomsByGaryNullPh.D.,MartinFeldmanM.D.,andLuannePennesiR.N.,M.S.

AbstractArthritisprevalenceintheU.S.issubstantialandpredictedtoincrease.Thisstudydocumentsan

interventionoflifestylechangesincludingdiet,dietarysupplementsandexercisetoaddressissuesofpainreliefandfunctionforbothrheumatoidandosteoarthritis.Avegan,gluten-freedietwithdailyexercisewastaughtwithinstructioninenvironmentalhygiene,stressreductionandexaminationofbeliefsandattitudesoveraperiodofthreeweeks.Atotalof43subjectsand57controlsubjectswereused.Basedondailydiariesandphysicalexaminationsthereportsshowastatisticallysignificantimprovementinalloftheindicesmeasured.

IntroductionFortheyears2007-2009,U.S.prevalenceofdoctordiagnosedarthritiswas49.9millionpersonsor

22.2%oftheadultpopulation.1Thisisasizeableincreasefrom37.9millionpeople,or15%ofthetotalU.S.population,in1990.2Bytheyear2030,thisfigureisexpectedtoincreaseto67million,or25%oftheadultpopulation.Atthattime,9.3%oftheadultpopulationor25millionAmericansarepredictedtohavearthritis-relatedactivitylimitations.Workingageadultsages45-64yearswillaccountforone-thirdofarthritiscases.3Arthritismedicationshavedangeroussideeffects,includinganestimated16,500annualU.S.deathsfromnon-steroidalanti-inflammatorymedicationsforarthritisalone.4Withtheseknowndangersandthewideprevalenceandassociatedpainandotherconsequencesofarthriticconditions,findinganeffectiveandsafealternativetreatmentwouldgreatlybenefitmany.

Muchoftheprotocolusedforthisstudyhashadextensivescientificresearchshowingpositiveoutcomesforarthriticandotherconditionsrelatedtoinflammationsuchasdiabetes,cancer,heartdiseaseandAlzheimer’sdisease.Thissectionwillreviewhistoricalinterventionsofexerciseanddietthathaveshownbenefitforbothosteoarthritis(OA)andrheumatoidarthritis(RA).ForkneeOA,overaperiodof18months,exerciseplusahealthydietfocusedonweightlossshowedimprovementoverbaselinevaluesinpain,function,physicalperformanceofa6-minutewalkandstair-climbtime,mobilityandweightloss.5

InotherstudiesonexercisewithkneeOA,exercisealoneshowedsignificantbenefitonpainandfunctionwithbothhome-basedexerciseandwalkingprogramsoverthecourseof3months.6Homestrengthtrainingforfourmonthsshowedpainandfunctionbenefits,togetherwithimprovementinperformance,self-efficacyandquality-of-lifeindicators.7Anotherstudycomparedaprogramofexercise(weighttrainingpluswalking)toexerciseplusaweightlossdietforsixmonths.Bothgroupsshowedimprovementinpain,function,performance,weightloss(morewithexerciseplusdiet),andjointhealthmarkerskeratansulfateandinflammatoryfactorinterleukin-1beta.Mostvariablesshowednosignificantdifferencesbetweengroups;however,thestudywassmallwithonly24subjects.8

AlsowithkneeOA,weightlossdietalonewasshowntoachieveweightloss,andtoimprovefunctionandperformanceof6-minutewalkandstair-climbtimeaswellasimprovementinweight,pain,performance,andquality-of-lifeindicators.Similareffectswereachievedinthisstudywiththedietpluselectrotherapy(electricalmusclestimulation)forpainrelief,butnosignificantimprovementswith

electrotherapyalone.9Forrheumatoidarthritis,aprogramofbicycletraining,exercisecircuits,andsportorgame,versus

standardphysicaltherapyshowedgreaterimprovementovertwoyearsingeneralmeasuresofpainandfunction,andinincreasedstrengthandaerobiccapacity.Noincreaseinradiographicdamageofthelargejointswasseen,exceptpossiblyinpatientswithconsiderablebaselinedamageofthelargejointsinbothgroups.10

Resistancetrainingpluscyclingwasaddedtousualphysicaltherapytotesteffectsofhighintensityexerciseon64RApatientsfor24weeksversusphysicaltherapyalone.Bothgroupsimprovedinameasureoftenderandswollenjointsandoverallhealth.Theintensiveexercisegroup’sphysicalfunctionimprovedsignificantly,andphysicalstrengthimprovedconsiderablymorethanforcontrolgroup.11

DietaryInterventionAMediterraneandiethasshownbenefitforRAatsixmonths.Italsohasresultedinadecreaseinpain

andstiffness,andimprovementforanindexofdisability,pain,medicationeffects,costsofcare,andmortality.12Inanotherstudy,for12weeksversuscontrol,theMediterraneandietprovidedsignificantimprovementinpain,swelling,functionandoverallhealth.13Ananti-inflammatorydietoffoodslowinarachidonicacidshowedsignificantimprovementinRAjointtendernessandstiffnesscomparedtocontrols,andlowerinflammationfactorsleukotrieneb4andthromboxane,especiallywhensupplementedwithfishoil.14

Onlythosepatientshavinghadnoimprovementinthepriortwoyearswereselectedtoparticipateinthisstudy.

Averylow-fatvegandietshowedimprovementinRApain,tenderness,stiffnessandfunctionaswellasweightlossandC-reactiveproteininjustfourweeks.15A7-10dayfast,followedbyagluten-freevegandietforthreeandahalfmonths,thenalactovegetariandietforninemonthsshowedimprovementinRApain,swelling,gripstrength,erythrocytesedimentationrate,C-reactiveprotein,whitebloodcellcount,andahealthassessmentquestionnairescoreafteronemonth,andagainayearlater.16

MaterialsandMethodsSubjects

SubjectsSubjectsweredrawnfromthegeneralpublic.Agroupof18menand25womencompletedthe

programwithfullcomplianceandadheredtotheprotocols.Allweregivendiariesandfilledoutextensivequestionnaireslistingtypeofarthritis,symptoms,typeoftreatment,typesofmedications,anddurationoftreatmentsandoutcomes.

Approximately100peopleenteredthestudy,ages35to79years,withanaverageageof61years.Toqualify,participantshadtohavesufferedfromarthritisforatleasttwoyearsandbeencurrentlyunderthecareofaphysician.Onlythosepatientshavinghadnoimprovementinthepriortwoyearswereselected

toparticipateinthisstudy.Uponexaminationofentrancequestionnaires,itwasrecognizedthatmanyoftheparticipantshadunremittingpainsymptomsforanaverageofseven,andaslongas20years.Anyonewhofoundtheycouldnotadheretotheprotocol,butwouldcontinuetocomeeachweektothemeetings,wouldbeusedasthecontrolgroup,andwouldcontinuetheirtraditionalmedicalprotocols.Subjectspresentedwithbothrheumatoidandosteoarthritisandotherpotentiallyrelateddisorders–temporomandibularjointdisorder,sciatica,spinalstenosis,Ankylosingspondylitis,andherniateddiscs.

StudyDesignThiswasalifestylemodificationstudyontheimpactoflifestyleanddietonindividualssuffering

frominflammatoryarthritisconditions.Thestudyconsistedofinstructiononthenecessarycomponentsofahealthylifestyle–properdiet,juicing,supplements,detoxificationexercise,de-stressing,environmentalhygiene,andexaminationofbeliefsandattitudes.Week1wasaneliminationweek,withafocusoneliminatingdairy,wheat,eggs,sugar,caffeine,artificialsweeteners,refinedcarbohydrates,cookies,cakes,candiesandbreadfromthediet.Week2wasadetoxificationweekwithheavyemphasisonjuicingmultipletimesadaywithgreenjuicesaswellasdailyexerciseintheformofpowerwalking,biking,ordeepwaterrunning.Week2wasalsothestartofthede-stressingphaseconsistingofjournalwriting,meditation,takingwalksinthepark,listeningtosoothingmusic,andwriting“forgivenessletters”tothosewhotheybelievedhadhurtthem,ortothosetheybelievedtheyhadhurtintheirlife.Theaimofweek3wastoincreasethedetoxifyingnutrientssuchasvitaminC,quercetin,vitaminE,glucosamineandchondroitinsulfate,theomega-3fattyacids,andashwagandha.Week4wasfocusedonincreasingdetoxificationbyboostingtheconsumptionofgreenjuicesandengaginginjournalwriting.

Informationontheprescribedinterventionwasgiveninweeklysessionslasting2½hourseach,overaperiodofthreeweeksfromtheinitialmeeting.Thisexecutedaninterventionof21daysinduration.100personsinitiallypresentedatthefirstmeeting;therewereatotalof57individualswhoattendedeverymeetingandobtainedtheinformationbutdidnotfollowtheprotocolandreportednoimprovement.Thisgroupwasusedasacontrolgroup.

Protocol

DietDietprescribedwasanalkalizinganti-inflammatoryvegandietwith75%raw,and25%lightly

cookedfoods.Itrequiredcompleteeliminationofcertainfoods,especiallypro-inflammatoryfoodsorfoodpreparations,includingrefinedcarbohydratesandanywheat,gluten,dairy,meat,poultryandshellfish.Nocaffeine,alcohol,refinedsugarorartificialsweetenersorchemicalssuchasadditives,preservatives,coloringagentsorflavoringswereallowed;andnocarbonatedbeverages,includingsodasandseltzerwereincluded.Noconventionaltablesalt,microwaved,deepfriedortoastedfoods,ornightshadevegetableswerepermitted.

Allowablewere:•Highqualityproteinfromvegetariansourcessuchaslegumes,nuts,seedsandgrains–brownrice,Essenebread,millet,amaranth,buckwheatandquinoa.Proteinintakeideallywas0.9g/kgofbodyweight(40–60ghighqualityproteinforwomenand60-80gpermen).Fiberintakewasatleast35-50

grams.•Beveragesincludedherbalteas,non-dairymilks–almond,rice,oroatmilk,bottledorfilteredwater,freshsqueezedorganicfruitandvegetablejuice,coconutmilkandcoconutwater.

•Sweetenersincludedrawhoney,molasses,brownricesyrup,rawpalmsugar,naturalfruitsweetenersandstevia.

•Oils–grapeseed,sesame,extravirginoliveoil,coconut,macadamiaandmustardseedoilsinmoderateamounts.Foodsweretobecookedatlowtemperatures.

•Nineto12servingsofnutrient-densefruitsandvegetables(preferablyorganic)perday.Additionallyoneservingofseavegetablesdaily.

•Fruitsforanti-inflammation–freshorfrozenberriesdaily,purpleorredgrapes,apple,melons,kiwi,citrus,starfruit,papaya,berriesandpomegranate.

•Herbsandspices–cayenne,curcumin,basil,rosemary,oregano,thyme,chilipeppers,anise,cinnamon,horseradish,wasabi,mustard,dillweed,fennelandspearmint.

•Proteinsmoothieforbreakfasttoincludeberries,20-25gramsofvegetableproteinfrompowder–pea,riceorhemp,1000-2000mgvitaminC,3oz.ofwalnuts,rice,almondoroatmilk,1teaspoonchiapowderorseeds,fennelseeds,and1teaspooncoconutoil.Juicing

Juicing•2juicesperdaythefirstweek,thenincreasedfrequencybyoneperday–3perdaythesecondweek,fourperdayinthethirdweek.

•16ounceglassesofacelery,cucumberandapplejuiceorawatermelon,grapefruitandlemonjuice.•Bokchoy,cabbage,cilantro,parsley,kale,collardgreens,carrots,beets,beetgreensandchardmaybeaddedtogreenjuices.

•Dilutegreenvegetablejuiceswithwater.•Appleseedsremoved,citruscanbejuicedwholewithskin.

SupplementsCanbetakenwithproteinshake,throughoutday,orwithfoodforpeoplewithsensitivities.Subjects

werenotrequiredtotakeallsupplementssuggested.

Week1:•Eliminationofallmeatsandfriedfoods•Boswellia,100mg•Cat’sclaw,200mg•Devil’sClaw,100mg•Curcumin,700mgwithbioperine•N-acetylglucosamine,700mg•Ginger,50mg•VitaminC3000mg,dividedintothreedosesthroughouttheday.•Chondroitinsulfate,1200mg•MSM,500mg•Hyaluronicacid,200mg

•1teaspooncoconutoil,canbeincooking

Week2,add:•Emulsifiedcodliveroil(orflaxseedoil),2tablespoonsonanemptystomachinAM•Laterindayomega-3essentialfattyacidsfromfishoil,2000mgEPAandDHAcombined(orflaxseedoil)

•Glassofjuiceoflemonandgrapefruitwithquercetin,500-1000mg,4x/day•VitaminCtoboweltolerance,500-1000mgevery3-4hours•Curcumin,1000mg5X/day,alwayswithbioperinetoincreasebioavailability•VitaminE,400i.u.mixedtocopherolswith100-200i.u.tocotrienols,2X/day•Quercetin,500mg,4X/day•Cayenne(highheatindex)–50mgcapsule,2X/day•Tartcherries,pomegranate,blueberries–fruitjuice,concentrate,orextract•Bromelain,3x/dayweachmealorasdirected,or3oz.ofjuicedpineapplecore•Addprobioticformulatobreakfastsmoothie

Week3,add:•3oz.ofjuicedpineapplecoreblendedwith½teaspooncinnamon,andaddedtoanyliquidtodrinkthroughoutthedayforanti-inflammation

•Blackcurrantoilat1000mgor1teaspoon•2oz.ofblackcuminseedoil

DetoxificationThisstepisaddressedonmultiplelevelsinallpartsoftheprotocol,avoidingpro-inflammatorydiet

items,useofjuicingandsupplementstoeliminatebodytoxins,environmentalhygienetoeliminateambienttoxins,andtheeliminationoftoxicbeliefs,attitudeorrelationships.

ExerciseTypicalprescribedexercisewasaerobicexercisesuchaspowerwalkingfivedaysperweek,and

threedaysperweekresistanceexercise.Additionalinstructionwasgivenfortypesofexercisesthatcouldbedoneinaseatedpositionforthosewithsignificantmobilitylimitations.

De-stressingExamplesdiscussedincludeddailyyoga,meditation,taichi,guidedimagery,andmindfulnessin

nature.

EnvironmentalHygiene•De-clutterlivingspace.•Cleanfloorsandsurfaceswithsafecleansers–canusehydrogenperoxideorrubbingalcohol.

•Removeindoorpollutionsources,includingoutgassingfurniture,carpet,andbuildingmaterials.•Usefilteredwater,andveggiewashorapplevinegartocleanproduce.•Avoidsecond-handsmoke.•Acquirehouseplantsorairfilterforoxygenpurification.

BeliefsandAttitudesforSelfActualization:Participantswereencouragedtoexaminecorevalues,lifepurpose,potentialforhelpingothers,andto

avoidconditionedresponsesandnegativeorself-limitingthinking.

OutcomeMeasuresOfthosecompletingthestudy,43writtenexitquestionnairesand25videotapedtestimonialswere

obtained.Questionnairesaskedforratingsofchangesacrossninecategories–stiffness,swellingifapplicable,pain,rangeofmotion,overalljointimprovement,andchangesinenergy,immunefunctionandsleep.Subjectsweretoanswerwhethereachcategorywasworse,notchanged,slightlyimproved,improved,ormuchimproved.Participantswereaskedtowriteinpertinentinformationaboutdiagnosesandmedications.Atthefirstandlastgroupmeetings,measurementsweremadeforbloodpressure,andforweightandimpedance,fromwhichbodyfatpercentageiscalculated,usingtheTanitaBodyCompositionAnalyzerTBF-300.Forvideotestimonialssubjectswereaskedtoidentifyconditionstheyhadandchangesinsymptomsoverthecourseofthestudy.

Thestudyshowedthat95%ofsubjectsreportedimprovementforstiffness,88%reportedimprovementforswellingwherepresent,95%forpain,89%forrangeofmotion,86%formuscleuse,and100%reportingoveralljointimprovement.

ResultsAsseenbyGraphs1-3,anoverwhelmingpercentageofparticipantsreportedimprovementin

symptomsinallcategories.Itwasshown95%ofsubjectsreportedimprovementforstiffness,88%reportedimprovementforswellingwherepresent,95%forpain,89%forrangeofmotion,86%formuscleuse,and100%reportingoveralljointimprovement.Inothercategories,93%ofsubjectsreportedimprovementinenergy,and65%inimmunefunction.Immunefunctionwasmeasuredbyaskingparticipantstoconsiderthefrequencyandseverityoftheircoldsandmissedsickdayscomparedtopreviousyearsafterfollowingtheprotocolforthreemonths.(Datawasmissinginsomequestionnairesinthatcategory,possiblyduetodifficultyinassessingitintheshortstudyduration.)Forsleep,95%ofsubjectsreportedimprovement.Positiveresultswerenotedforsubjectswithbothrheumatoidandosteoarthritis,andotherpotentiallyrelateddisorders–temporomandibularjointdisorder,sciatica,andAnkylosingspondylitis.

Weightlossandbloodpressurewereimportantinthisstudyassecondaryoutcomes.Tables1and2showpositiveresultsinbothareas.Averagesystolicbloodpressuredecreasedover10points,anddiastolicpressureover5points.WeightlosswasanalyzedforsubjectswithaBodyMassIndex(BMI)over27whocouldbenefitfromlosingweight.Averageweightlosswasnearlysevenpoundsoverthe

threeweekperiod,withproportionalreductioninBMI.Percentageofbodyfatshowsdecrease.TheseresultsareimportantforthetopicofthisstudyinthatCentersforDiseaseControl(CDC)datashowsthatprevalenceofarthritis,adjustedforage,increasedsignificantlywithBMIfortheyear’sstudied.17Bodyfatpercentagedecreased,butnotinproportiontoweightloss,anddecreasedmoreinmenthaninwomen.

The“ExceptionalResults”and“AdditionalResults”sectionweredrawnfromvideotapedtestimonialswithclarificationfromexitsurveyquestionnaires.Theexceptionalresultsillustratetheprofundityofsomeofthechangesreported,withoftenlong-enduredconditionsnoted.

GRAPH1*

GRAPH2*

*Sometotalsforpercentagesmaynotequalexactly100%duetoroundingoffofindividualfigures.

GRAPH3*

*Sometotalsforpercentagesmaynotequalexactly100%duetoroundingoffofindividualfigures

StudyGroupBloodPressureResults†

†Subjectsarethosewhoreturnedexitquestionnaires

StudyGroupAnthropometricsforSubjectsBeginningwithBMI>27‡

‡Allsubjectsreturnedexitquestionnaires

ExceptionalResults•Amaleage66,with33yearsarthritis,wasfreelyabletolookoverhisshoulder,whichhecouldnotdoatallbefore.

•Afemaleage73,with20yearsarthritis,previouslyunabletocloseherhand,coulddosoattheendofthestudy,andeliminated“excruciating”armpain.

•Amaleage64,withfivetosixyearsofOAinhipsandspine,decidedhedidn’tneedrecommendedsurgery,andstoppedmedicationforpainwhichhaddecreasedfromalevelof8-9,toalevel1-2.

•Afemale,age69reported50-70%improvementfora6-year-oldwristandthumbinjury,50-60%improvementforashoulderinjury,and70%improvementforaneckproblemof20yearsduration.

•Afemale,agenotgiven,whocouldonlywalkslowlywithtornmenisciofbothknees,bytheendofstudywaswalkingfast,andwalkedthreemilestothefinalmeeting.

•Amaleage53,withafflictionof10yearsduration,hadimprovementinfingersandknees.Previouslyunabletomakeafist,atendofthestudyhecoulddoso,tightly.

•Afemale,age60wasdancingforthefirsttimeinyears,withmuchreducedOApain,moreflexibility,andbetterwalkingdistance.

•Amaleage63,withOAfor12years,had50%lessswellingofhishands,knees,andfeet.Bytheendofthestudyhewasabletodopreviouslydifficultdeepkneebends,andhadjustcompletedafull2-hourZumbaexerciseclass.

DiscussionThisstudyoflifestyleinterventiononarthritishadhighlysignificantoutcomes.Evenmoreremarkable

wasthattheoutcomeswereobtainedinasshortaperiodas21days,withfollowupofthestudyatbothoneandtwomonthsshowingsubjectswereimprovingandsustainingtheresults.Theparticipantshadbeenunderconventionalmedicalcare,andwithoutexceptionhadenduredpoorresults,someaslongas20years.Theseinterventionsprovednotonlyeffectiveforarthritis,butalsoforprovidingtheadditionalbenefitsofimprovedenergy,sleep,immunity,loweringofbloodpressure,andweightloss.Muchoftheprotocol,especiallythesupplementportion,hashadextensivescientificresearchshowingpositiveoutcomesforarthriticandotherconditions.Thesupplementsoftheprotocolprovidedthefullspectrumofanti-inflammatorynutrientsandantioxidants.

LimitationThestudywasarelativelysmallgroup,withashortduration.

ConclusionGiventheincreasingnumberofindividualsafflictedwithpro-inflammatoryconditionssuchas

arthritis,aswellasthethousandsofthoseusingnon-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrugs,prescriptionandnon-prescription,thatdieeachyear,thislifestyleandbehaviormodificationprotocolshouldbeconsideredanimportantalternativeapproachtoconventionaltreatments.

ArthritisTestimonialsSusan(69yearsold)

BEFOREI’vehadneckpainforabout30years.I’vealsohadpaininmylowerandmiddleback.Recently,

myhipsandmyleftkneehavebeenstiff,andsinceIbrokemywristsixyearsago,I’vehadarthritisinmywristandmythumb.I’monnomedications.

AFTERMypainlevelhasgonedownabout50to70percentdependingonwhichpartofmybodywe’re

talkingabout.Mywristandmythumbareabout50percentbetter.Ihavehadasportsinjuryinmyshoulderforabout20yearsandthat’sprobablyabout50–60percentbetter.Myneck,whichhasbeenachronicproblemfordecades,isprobablyabout70percentbetter.So,generallyspeaking,everythingisgoingintherightdirection.

Jackie(55yearsold):

BEFOREIhavearthritisinmykneeandlotsofpain.Itwakesmeupatnight.It’sverydifficulttobend

myarthritickneeasfreelyastheotherandithasbeendifficultformetoclimbsteps.Also,Ihavementalfog.

Howlonghaveyouhadthesesymptoms?SinceIfelllastMarch.

Haveanymedicineshelpedyou?No.

Haveyouseenadoctoraboutanyofthis?Yes.

AFTERWhathaschangedisI’msleepingbetter.Ihavemoremobility.Lessbrainfog,lesspain,andmore

rangeofmotion.Withatornmeniscusinmyleftkneeandadvancedarthritis,climbingupanddownstepswasagreatchallenges;ithasnotbeenachallengethismonth,whichisbrandnew.MypantsandclothesarefittingdifferentlysoIseealossofweight.I’meliminatingonaregularbasis.Myattitudeisbetter.Thesearethemostnotablechanges.

Howlonghaveyouhadarthritis?ItwasdiagnosedlastMarch.

Sowouldyousayinthefourweeksyou’veseenamajorchange?Yes.I’veseenamajorchangeinthelastfourweekswiththearthritis–thepainandlackofmobility–

especiallyinmyleftknee.

Audrey(73yearsold)

BEFOREIhaveatornmeniscusonbothknees,andarthritisinboth.I’mpre-diabetic,andIhaveCandida

issues.

Howlonghaveyouhadarthritis?Probably20years.

Youhaditdiagnosed?Yes.

AFTERI’vebeendoingthisprogramforfourweeks,notcompletely,butgettingintoitmoreandmore.Ihave

hadsomehealingcrises,whichIrecognize.ThemajoranddramaticthingthathashappenedisthatIwasn’tabletoclosemyhandsfully.Sothere’slessswellingandI’mabletoclosemyhands.TheotherdramaticthingisthatIhavehadexcruciatingpaininmyrightarmforthelasttwomonths,andthatpainhasleft.Ihavemorerangeofmotion,andinspiteofastageIVtornmeniscusinmyrightknee,I’mfindingthatI’mabletowalkandclimbstairsbetter.AnotherdramaticchangeisthatIhavebeenconsistentlybloatedforthepast10years,andI’velosthalfofthebloatalready.Interestingly,afellowaroundtheageof40who’sanex-prosoccerplayeraskedmeforadate.SoIfiguredImustbelookinggreatbecauseI’mfeelingbetter!Andsincehewasn’taskingmyageIwasn’ttelling.

John(52yearsold)

BEFOREIhavearthritisinbothshoulders,bothkneesandthespine.Iwasdiagnosedmaybeayearanda

halfago.

Areyouonanymedications?No.

AFTERIwasdoingokay,andIdidn’tknowIhadarthritisbecauseIwasinvolvedinanotherquickprotocol

withjuicing.ButIhadanaccidentthistimelastyear,andthingswentdownhill,especiallythelastsixmonthswhenIhadmajorpainsinmyknees.Myjobisveryphysical,soIdependonthebeingmobile.Evensittingdownmykneeswouldbeinpain.Butinthelastweek,inparticular,Ihavenopaininmyknees.Ihavemuchmoremobility.Icangetbacktoridingmybikeandhiking,whichIcouldn’tdobefore.SoI’mfeelingmuchbetterandmoremobile.

Nick(77yearsold)

BEFOREIhaveamildformofarthritis,butIknowmymotherdiedfromarthritis.Shewentthroughtwo

canceroperations.Shesurvivedthemwithoutchemo,withoutradiation;butthearthritiswasthethingthatreallykilledher.Itookcareofherfor13years,24/7;andIsawwhatdoctorsdid.Nowmyprimarydoctorwantsmetogotoseethisrheumatologistwhousedtocometomyhouseeverymonthtotakecareofmymother,andIdon’twanttodothat.SoIwanttotrythisprogramtoseeifIcanbehelped.

AFTERWhenIfirststartedthiscoursefourweeksago,Iwalkeddown86thStreet,turnedoffatThird

Avenue,andwalkedacrossThirdAvenuetocomedown92ndStreet.BythetimeIreached92ndStreet,IrealizedthepainthatIhadinmyknees.Ittookmoreenergyformetokeepfromfallingforwardthanitdoesnow.Incomingheretoday,Itookthesamepath.NowIdon’thavepainlikeIhadthen.SoIknowI’mdoingbetterthatway.IjustwanttosaywithGary’shelpIcanseethedifference.

Larry(65yearsold)

BEFOREI’vehadarthritisinmyhipsforaslongasIcanremember,abouteightyears.Ididn’trealize.

WhenIfirstfeltthepain,IthoughtIpulledamuscle.Itstartedtoreallybothermeaboutfiveyearsago,whenIstarteddrivingprivatecharters–Ididnothaveadoctoratthetime.I’vebeeninpainsince,andjustgotadoctorinAprilbecauseofthepain.Theytoldmetheywanttoreplacethiship.IhadtostopworkingfulltimelastyearbecauseIcouldn’ttakethepainanymore.Somedays400or500miles–liftingsuitcasesandtravelingalot.

AFTERI’veonlybeenonthisacompletethreeweeks;thisismyfourthweekgoingintoit.I’velearnedso

muchhere.I’minthehospitalnowbecausetheywanttoreplacethisrighthip.Ithoughtitwasmylefthipthatneededreplacing.TheMRIalsoshowedthatIhavealittlearthritisonL3,L4andL5,andS1inmyspine.ButletmesayrightnowbeforeIgoanyfurther–theonlythingthat’sgoingtohappenistherighthip.Buttherewillbenosurgeryformylefthipandmyback.Icanguaranteeit.I’minPTtwiceaweek.Iusedtogoforanhourandcouldn’twaittogetoutofthere.ButnowI’mintheretwoandthreehours.Iwalkonthetreadmillfor15minutes;I’monthehorizontalbicyclefor15minutes;andwhenIgethomeIamnotthatsore.Thepainhassubsided,Istoppedtakingpills,Isleepbetter,andIamamagnificentexpressionofmyself!IthankGary,LuanneandDr.Feldman.Godblessthemall.

Keith(60yearsold)

BEFOREIhavearthritisinbothknees,andInevertakeanymedication,onlysupplements.

Howlonghaveyouhadthis?Iwouldsayaboutseventoeightyears.

AFTERForthefourweeksI’minthisprogram,I’veexperiencedamajorimprovementinmobility.The

heavinessinmykneesispracticallygoneandsoisthestiffness.Ibasedmyimprovementonasimpletest.WhenIfirstcametotheprogram,Ihadalittleproblemgettingupthesteps.NowIwalkupthesteps,forthepastweeks,withverylittlepainorstiffnessintheknees.OneotherthingI’mverymuchsurprisedaboutis–IneverbelievedIcouldhavegonewithoutmeatforthreeweeks,andIdid.Thatwasamajoraccomplishment.Myhealthisbetter.Ifeelbetter,andoverallIsaytheprogramisgreat.

Robert(53yearsold)

BEFOREIwasdiagnosedwithosteoarthritisinmyhandsandmyknees.SoI’mheretomakeadifference.

Howlonghaveyouhadthis?Inoticeithasbeenabouteightyearsnow.

AFTERArthritishasbeenadifficultchallengeforme.I’maprettyathleticyoungman;Idoalotofthings.But

Ihaven’tbeenabletodothethingsIusedtodowithmykids.WhatImustsayisoverthispastfourweeksIhavemadealotofprogress.I’mfeelingreallygoodaboutmyfingersandmyknees.Iwasactuallynotabletomakeafistwiththishandfourweeksagowithouthavingdifficultywithmyfingers.NowthisfistisastightasIcanpossiblymakeit,andit’sagoodfeeling.Ialsohaddifficultiesmovingmykneesbecauseofswellingandstiffness.Butthatisreducing.Thisisagreatfeeling.Thisisagreatdayforme.Withinthesefourweeks,Icanfeelagreat,greatimprovement–atleast50percent.Iammuchmorealert,andmybathroomvisitshavedefinitelybeenmorefrequent.I’mfeelingreallygood.

Andrea(53yearsold)

BEFOREAbouttwomonthsagoIwasdiagnosedwitharthritisinthejointsinmyfingers;and,ofcourse,

youknowtheywantyoutotakeCelebrex.ButIdon’treallywanttodothat.

Howlonghaveyouhadthatpain?Twomonths.

AFTERThedecreaseinpainisphenomenalandmyenergylevelisreallythroughtheroof.

Rosalind(54yearsold)

BEFOREIhavepaininmykneesandstiffnessinthejointsofmyfingers,andI’mnottakingany

medicationatthispoint.

Howlonghaveyouhadthatstiffness?Aboutfiveyears.

AFTEROverthepastfourweeks,I’vebeenabletosleepbetter.Ihavebetterelimination.I’mabletowalkup

anddownstairswithnoproblems.Mymoodsaremuchbetter.Idon’thavethedesireforsweets.Icanwalkpastthefastfoodrestaurantsandkeepgoing.Ihaveanewrelationshipwithfood.Iabsolutelylovevegetables!I’mbeginningtolearnwhatfoodtasteslikeandit’sfabulous.I’vehadaproblemwithpreparingfoodsinthatIgenerallyhavetohavemeatandseasoning.Idon’tneedthatanymore,andI’msogladtobeapartofthisprogram.

Althea(53yearsold)

BEFOREIhavebeendiagnosedwithTMJalittlemorethanayearago;Ialsohavepainandstiffnessin

myfingersandsometimesmyfeet.Ihavesports-relatedinjuriesaswell–Itoretheligamentsinmyleftknee,andsomeinbothshoulders.IgetacupunctureandItakeChineseherbsandsupplements.Ihaven’ttakenanydrugs.

Howlonghaveyouhadthis?Almosttwoyears.

AFTERWithinjustfourweeks,IfeelalotofimprovementinmyflexibilitybecauseI’mabletoexercise

more.I’malsofeelingoverallmorepositiveandjustfeelinggood.I’mnothavinganypaininmyshoulders,andwouldtypicallyhavemorestiffnessinmyshouldersandinmykneespriortothisprogram.

Ronald(56yearsold)

BEFOREIhavebadarthritisinmybothknees.Ihavetowearbracestosupportmyself.Ialsohaveabad

shoulder,myleftshoulder.I’vehadpaininmyjointsforabouttenyears,andhavebeentakingsupplementsforaboutfiveyears.ButI’veonlybeenabletoslowtheprogress;Ihaven’tbeenabletostopit.SoI’mhopingtodothathere.

AFTERWhenIstartedthisprogramIwasn’tabletostandformorethanfiveminuteswithoutmyknees

buckling.Andnowfourweekslater,Idon’tmindstandingatall.Asamatteroffact,Ilikestanding.AndI’mwalkingalotfurtherandalotstraighter.Mypainisabout50percentlessthanitwasandmyflexibilityisbetter.Overall,mylifestylehasimprovedtremendously.I’msleepingbetter,I’mfeelingbetter,andI’mmorecognitiveinthemorningwhenIwakeup.IhaveGarytothankforthis.Thankyouverymuch,GaryNull.

Donna(55yearsold)

BEFOREI’vehadarthritis;I’mnotexactlysureforhowlong,butIheardofficiallyapproximatelyfive

yearsagowhenIhadthemeniscusremovedinbothmyknees.Ilostsomeweightthen,andmykneesfeltbetter.Igainedtheweightback,somykneesdon’tfeelsogreatnow.I’vebeenwalkingveryslowly,andnotfardistances.I’mwalkingwith,youknow,thoseelasticizedthingsonmyknees,andwalkingisslow.Ialsohaveissueswithmythumbs–lotsofpainusingscissorsandopeningupjars.Thingsofthatnaturecanberealdifficult.

AFTERNowIamwalkingfardistances,andIcreditalotofit–wellallofittotheprogram;itisfantastic.

Firstofall,Ifeelincrediblyempowered,andIthinkthat’sreally,reallyimportantbecauseyoucandoanythingwhenyoufeelempowered.Iwalked59blocksatabriskpacetogetheretoday,andIfeelreallygoodaboutthat.

OneyearagoIwaswalkinginanairport,andIcouldhearthispersonbehindmesaying,“Gee,Iwonderifshedrivesasslowlyasshewalks.”

Well,threedaysagoIwaswalkingonacollegecampus.IwasrunningalittlelateforameetingandpassedayoungwomanwhoIlaterfoundoutwasanundergraduate,soIguessshewasbetweentheagesof19and22.AndasIpassedhershesaidtome,“Gee,IthoughtIwaswalkingreallyquickly,butyou’rereallywalking,andpassingme!”itfeltlikethatcommentnegatedtheonefromlastyear.Obviously,mykneesfeelalotbetter.Mythumbs,whichhavebeenaproblem,haveimproved.They’renotperfectyet,buthey,it’sonlyfourweeks.SoI’msurethey’regoingtocontinuetoimprove.Thankyouforeverything.

Barbara(60yearsold)

BEFOREIhavearthritisinmyknees,anklesandlowerback,andinmyelbowsandfingers.Ialsohave

highbloodpressure.

Howlonghaveyouhadit?I’dsayfrom’05andit’sterrible.It’sterriblebecauseIusedtorunanddoallsortsofathletic

things.

AFTERWiththearthritis,asofthistime,Idon’thaveanypain.Well,Ihavealittledependingontheweather

butthat’sslightcomparedtowhatitusedtobe.Myjointsareflexible;I’mabletowalkfartherandIhavenocomplicationsasofnow.Forme,arthritiswasforoldfolks,andIthoughtIwouldnevergetit,butIdid.Ilearnedhowtodealwithit.Recently,however,Iwenttoaparty,andIwasdancing.IshockedmyselfbecauseIwasn’tabletomovethatwellbefore.ButnowI’mabletomove.Ifeelgreat,andthisprotocolthatGaryputusonworks.Idon’thavemeat,soIhaven’thadmeatsinquiteawhile,plusnodairy,andnofoodsthatcauseinflammation.I’mdoingverywell.Plus,thejuicing–thegreenandredjuices–fantastic!

Maureen(56yearsold)

BEFOREIhavekneeproblems,andproblemswithmyfeetandhandswiththearthritis.I’mhopingthat

thiswillhelp.Howlonghaveyouhadthepain?

Thatwassince2002.Ifellanddidsomethingtomyknees.

AFTERI’vebeenonthisdietjustlikeGarysuggestedandmyarthritishasdefinitelyimproved.Ihavemore

flexibility,Icansleeplonger,I’mexercisingbetter.Iwakeupearly,brighterandhappier.It’shelpedmymood.It’sworkingforme,andIthinkthatit’sgoingtocontinuetowork,andI’mgoingtostaywiththediet.ThisisthebestIhavefeltforalongtime,andI’velostweight,whichisgood.

Jean(60yearsold)

BEFOREIhavearthritisinmyhips,bothmykneesandankles,andinmyneckandback.I’vehaditfor

about15to20years,andI’mwearingbraces.I’minalotofpain.

Areyouonanymedications?No.Theydon’twork.

AFTERSincebeingontheprogramforfourweeks,Icannowsleeponmyrightside.Icouldn’tdothatbefore.

I’velostabout14pounds.Everythingisfeelingalotbetter.Myfingersusedtolockupandwereinalotofpainwhentheygotcold,andtheydon’thurtasmuch.I’mgoingtocontinueontheprogram.

Doyoufeelthisprogramhasmadeadifference?Oh,yeah.AndIcangotothebathroomeasier,too.

Pat(53yearsold)

BEFOREIwasrecentlydiagnosedwithrheumatoidarthritis,aboutsixmonthsagoaftergoingthrough

HepatitisCtreatment.Ihavepaininallmyjoints,andinmyfeet.SometimesIcan’tstandorholdcups.

AFTERInthelastfourweekseverythinghasreallychanged.Myswellinghasgonedownandmyenergyhas

increased;Ifeelalmostnormalagain.Myclarityhasimproved,andmybrainfogisgone.Icanthinkbetter,andmyspeechhasgottenmuchbetter.Myspeechwasveryslurredbecauseofthepain.Everythingfeelsbetternow.Mydigestionisincredible.It’sjustamazing.

Whatwouldyoucallthelastfourweeks?Agrowingexperience.I’veheardofallofthis,butI’veneverreallyexperiencedit,andit’spretty

incredible.Ididn’tthinkthiswaspossible.IthoughtIwasgoingtobecrippledinthenextfewyears,butnowIdon’tbelievethat.

Maricela(35yearsold)

BEFOREIwasdiagnosedwithrheumatoidarthritisin2009.Mywristsandkneesareswollen,andsoismy

ankle.

Areyouonanymedications?No.I’mnottakingmedication.

AFTERIt’sbeenthreeyearssinceIwasdiagnosedwitharthritis.Inthelastfourweeks,mymovementhas

improvedandIhavemoreenergyandfeelbetterbecauseIcanwalk.Icanmove.Icouldn’tjumpbeforebutnowIcan.ItwasdifficultclimbingstepsbutnowIcandothisbetter.

Tom(57yearsold)

BEFOREIhaveosteoarthritisinmywrists.

Areyouonanymedications?No.Idon’ttakeanymedicine.

AFTERInthelastfourweeks,I’vehada50percentchangeintheosteoarthritisinmyhands–a50percent

improvementintheswellingandthepain.Besidesthat,I’vebecomeclearer;Ijustseemtobegettingmorethingsdone–thethingsthatI’vebeenprocrastinatingabout.Energylevelshavedefinitelyimproved,anddigestionhasbeengood.Aftertenyearsofpain,I’veseenimprovementinjustfourweeks.It’sprettyamazingactually.

Wilma(77yearsold)

BEFOREIhaveseveralconditions.Ihavelowthyroidandhighbloodpressure,butI’mhereforthe

arthritis.I’vehadarthritisfor25years.Ihavearthritisinmyhands,myneck,shoulder,andknees.TheonlywayIcancontrolmypainiswithchondroitinandglucosamine.Ididn’ttakeitforamonthbecauseIwasdoingsowell;Ifigured,ohnowIcangowithoutit.Andwithinthreeweeksmyhandsbecameclaws.Icouldhardlybuttonanything,andittookmeabouttwotothreemonthstogetbacktomovingmyhands.Idon’thavetoomuchpainrightnow;butstill,myjointsaredeformed.Myneck,though,isreallybotheringme.

AFTER

What’schangedinthelastfourweeks?Ihavealotmoreflexibilityinmyfingersnow,andIdon’thaveanypain.IknowI’maworkin

progress,butIdefinitelyhavemadeimprovements.Ialsohavelotsofenergy;Icanwalkforhours.Isleepwellandhavenoproblemssleeping.MydigestionisgoodandIfeelgreat.ThejuicesIthinkhavehelpedmealot,sohasgettingoffofanimalprotein.Thevegetariandiethasdefinitelyimprovedmywell-being.

Lindsey(63yearsold)

BEFOREIwasdiagnosedwithonsetosteoarthritisabout12yearsago.Basically,Ijusthavealittle

stiffnessandnotreallypainsomuch.I’mheretoseehowthingswillworkout.

AFTER

InoticedsinceI’vebeenontheprogramI’vehadabouta50percentdecreaseinswelling.Ihadswellinginmyhands,andalittlebitinmykneesandfoot.Ialsohadsomeslightdigestiveproblems.Now,I’mhavingmuchbettereliminationsandI’mfeelingbetteroverall.Icandodeepkneebendsagain,whichIhadtroublewithbefore.So,overall,thingsarebetter.Energyisup.Asamatteroffact,ItookmyfirstZumbaclassyesterday,andImadeitthroughthewholeclass.Ididn’tthinkIwasgoingtodoitbecauseitwasatwo-hourclass.Butitwentverywell.

Lou(56yearsold)

BEFOREInFebruaryof2002,mywifeandIwenttoRoselandBallroomtodance.Istartedmovingdown

tothefloor.Itwasokaythatday,butthenextafternoonIwasinseverepain.Ithenwenttothehospital,andwasdiagnosedwithosteoarthritisinbothknees.Thedoctorsetmeupforsurgeryforoneknee,whichIhadinNovemberof2002;heschedulemeforJanuary2003fortheother.IaskedthedoctorifIwouldgetmyfullrangeofmotionback;hetoldmethatwithintwoweeksitwouldbelikeIwasinmy20s.Fivemonthsafterthefirstknee,Iwasstillpullingmyselfupthesubwaystaircasewiththehandrail.SoIdidn’tlethimgettheother.

Threeyearslater,Ifellonamanholecoverandlandedonmybehindonmytailbone.IwenttotheosteopathwhosaidthatInowwasaLevel3(outof4)withmyarthritis,and“ontheothersideofthemountainnow.”Ididn’tknowtherewasanothersideofthemountain.Idon’tliketotakepillsbutpainwouldcomenowandthenandIwouldtakeAleve,Advil,Tylenol–whateverIcouldtake.AndIwouldalsotakesupplements.

I’malsohereforthepaininmyback;IhadintensepaininmybackwhenIwasworkingatacomputerjobin2003.

AFTERSofar,I’velostmorethannineandahalfpoundsinthisperiodoftime.Icanseemytoes!Awoman

whereIlivecommentedthatmyfacehadgottensmallerandshealsonoticedthatmygutwasgone.Iwasoutlastnightandmysonsaid,“Standup.No.Standup.”AndIstoodup.Hesaid,“Wow!Youdidthatinthreeweeks?”Isaid,“Yeah.”Hesaid,“Icouldn’tdothat.”

I’vealsogotalotofenergy,andcanwalk.ButImeanIcanwalkfaster.I’mawareofit.Istillhavesomeswelling,andcanfeelthekneethatwasoperatedon.Thepaincomesbackfromtimetotime;I’mbonetobonebecausemymeniscusistotallygonesothat’sprobablywhy.ButtheheavinessinmylegswhenIusedtowalkisgonenow.

Jim(79yearsold)

BEFOREI’mhereprimarilyformyosteoarthritis.It’sgettingprogressivelyworseandrestrictingmy

lifestyle.

Whereisitinyourbody?Kneesprimarily,alittleintheshoulders.

Howlonghaveyouhadit?Aboutthreeyears.

Areyouonanymedications?No.

AFTERMyprimarycomplaintisarthritisoftheknees.I’venoticedadrasticimprovementinflexibilityand

resiliency.WheneverIgotothegym,whichIdoeveryotherday,Icanincreaseorratchetupthetension.Heretofore,whenIwoulddosomethinglikethat,Iwouldgetjoltsofnervepainandhavetobackoff.ButnowIcanincreasegraduallywithoutsufferinganypainorilleffect.Mynutritionhasincreaseddramaticallyaswell.Iamprimarilyonajuicediet.Ithinkcarefullyaboutsolids–definitelynomeatsandnofish;strictlyveggiesandfruits.It’sbeenaremarkableimprovementbecauseithasallbeenupward.IthankGaryandtheprogramforwhatI’veachieved,andI’mlookingforwardtomuchmoreimprovementovertime.

SectionIII

ANaturalApproachtoArthritis

IntroductionJustasseveralgroupsinthemedicalcommunitysuggesterroneouslythatfoodhasnoimpacton

arthritisanditsaccompanyingpain,wehavebeentoldbymanywithinmainstreammedicinethatnutrientsalsodonotmakeadifferenceintreatingarthritis.Asapointoffact,anextensivebodyofscientificliteraturedemonstratesthattheydo.18,19Thetruthisthatarthritispatientscanbenefitsignificantlyfromtakingvitamins,mineralsandothersupplementsaswellasfollowingawholefoodsdietabundantinvitalnutrients.Whatfollowsisalistofthemostpowerfulsupplementsandfoodsthathavebeenscientificallyproventoaideintheprevention,treatmentandreversalofthisdiseaseandthepainfulsideeffectsthataccompanyit.

Thetruthisthatarthritispatientscanbenefitsignificantlyfromtakingvitamins,mineralsandothersupplementsaswellasfollowingawholefoodsdietabundantinvitalnutrients.

Pleasealsotakealookatthechartsfollowingthesesupplements.Ihaveprovidedguidelinestoconsiderintermsofthepriorityofthesesupplementsdependingonthestage(preventionvs.full-blownsymptoms)andtypeofarthritisthatyouaredealingwith.Whenindoubt,itisbesttoconsultanutritionist,naturopathicphysician,acupuncturistorothernaturalhealthpractitionerwithknowledgeonthesubject.

Lastly,itisveryimportantthatyouconsiderthequalityofthesesupplementscarefully.Naturalhealthcareprofessionalsoftencarryahigherstandardofproductthancanbefoundinhealthfoodstores.ThemajorityofthesupplementssoldintheUnitedStatestodayaremanufacturedinChinesefactoriesthatareseldominspectedbytheFDAoranyotherregulatorybody.20Furthermore,itisimportantthatyouasaconsumertaketimetolearnaboutsupplementsandtheirefficacy.Forexample,vitaminCismoreeffectivewhentakenwithbioflavonoidstoensuremaximumassimilationandideallyshouldbefromorganicallygrownwholefoodsources.

Anti-ArthritisSupplements

AntioxidantVitaminsSupplementationwithantioxidantvitaminsdirectlytargetstheinflammationandfreeradicaldamage

thatleadstochronicdiseasessuchasarthritis.Asageneralrule,antioxidantvitaminsareextremelyhelpfulincreatinghealth,andarerecommendedforeveryoneregardlessofcurrentmedicalconditions.Forarthritisinparticular,vitaminCisessentialformaintainingandrepairingbonesandcartilage.Atleast3,000mgofvitaminCshouldbetakenthroughoutthedayindividedamounts.Itsbeneficialeffectsareamplifiedwhenitistakenwithglucosamine.Additionally,taking400IUofvitaminEand50,000IUofvitaminAorbetacarotenedailymayhelptopreventandreducearthriticpain.

Supplementationwithantioxidantvitaminsdirectlytargetstheinflammation

andfreeradicaldamagethatleadstochronicdiseasessuchasarthritis.

Wehaveprovidedyouwithseventeenofthefinestnutrientsforhelpingreduceinflammation,swelling,andpain.Allofthesearebackedbyvoluminousscientificpeer-reviewedarticleswhichsupporttheirsafetyandefficacy.However,it’slogicalthatmanypeoplewouldbeabitoverwhelmedtryingtotakethismanysupplements.Thebestwaytotakethesesupplementsisbydividingtheminthreeseparatebatches.Beginbyselectingsixsupplementsandtakethemforthreemonths.Whenthreemonthsisover,addinthenextbatchofsixandafteranotherthreemonths,addintheremainingfivesupplements.

Itispreferabletostartatlowerdosesofagivennutrientandworkyourwayupslowly.Forexample,startwith500mgadayofvitaminC.Ifyoudon’texperienceanygastrointestinaldiscomfort,thengoto1,000mgdailyafteronemonth.Continueinthisfashionuntilyouworkyourwayuptothesuggesteddosage.Itisimportanttonotethatnoteveryonehasthesametolerancefornutrients,soifyoufindyouarehavingachallengewithagivennutrientyoucanisolateitandtakeitoutofyourregimen.Itisidealtotakethesesupplementsinthemorningmixedinasmoothiewithabanana,proteinpowderandnon-dairymilk.Thiswillhelpbufferanysensitivitytotakingthesenutrientsonanemptystomachandwillfacilitatetheirabsorption.

ChondroitinSulfateThissubstanceworkstoholdcartilagetogetheratamolecularlevel,allowingcollagenproteinsto

formtissue.Itstimulatesrepairandhelpstolimitdamagefromarthritis.Therecommendeddoseis1000mgdaily.

Gamma-LinolenicAcid(GLA)GLAishighinprostaglandinsthatturnoffinflammationandreducepain.Thiscompoundisfoundin

borage,eveningprimroseandblackcurrantoils.Take240mgofGLAdaily.

GlucosamineGlucosamineisaprimarynutrientforrepairingjointcartilageandtissuedamage.Sinceglucosamine

isnaturallymanufacturedbyeachcellinthebody,itisaperfectlysafesupplement.Therecommendeddosageis1500-2000mgdaily.

GrapeSeedExtractGrapeseedextractcontainspycnogenol,anantioxidantknowntostrengthencollagen.Other

inflammation-fightingantioxidantsfoundingrapeseedextractareproanthocyanidins.Researchsuggeststhesecompoundsbenefitarthritispatients.21Therecommendeddailyamountis100mg.

NiacinamideThisformofvitaminB3helpsbothosteoarthritisandrheumatoidarthritis.Itisadvisedtotake150-

250mgofniacinamidebeforemealtime,threeorfourtimesdaily.Effectsarenotimmediate,butresultinagradualreductionofsymptomsandimprovedrangeofmotionovertime.Niacinamideshouldnottobeconfusedwithniacin.

Omega-3FattyAcidsTheregularintakeoftheseanti-inflammatoryfatsisimportantforeveryone.Goodsourcesofomega-

3sincludefishoil,walnutoil,krilloilandflaxseedoil,aswellaschiaseeds,salmonandsardines.

Researchhasestablishedtheabilityofthesefatstorelievepainfromarthritis.22,23Thefindingsofonestudywhichexaminedtheeffectivenessofkrilloilintreatingarthriticpatientsdeterminedthatarelativelymodestdoseofjust300mgofoilloweredtheactivityofC-reactiveprotein–apro-inflammatorymarkerbyhalf.24Theresultsofanotherstudyindicatedthatsupplementationwithomega-3fattyacidsfromfishoilwasespeciallyefficaciousincurbingsymptomsofarthritiswhencombinedwitholiveoil.25Therecommendeddailyamountis2000mgandcontainsbothEPAandDHA.Onceagain,qualityisofthehighestimportancehereinordertoensurethatyouareavoidingproblemsassociatedwithfishoils,suchasrancidity.

VitaminBComplexTakeavitaminBcomplexcontainingapproximatelyand15-50mgofB1,50mgofB2,100mgofB5

and50mgofvitaminB6.Thesevitaminsregulatenervoussystemhealthandenhancetheutilizationofothernutrients.

MineralsMineralsplayanessentialroleinjointhealth.SincetheStandardAmericanDietdoesnotcontain

adequatequantitiesofthesenutrients,itisnosurprisethatarthritisissopervasive.Adequatesupplyandabsorptionofcalcium,phosphorus,boronandmagnesiumareessentialfortheformationofhealthybones,whilezincandseleniumareimportantfortheimmunesystem.Othervitalmineralsarepotassium,copperandmanganese.Eatingawhole-foodsdietrichinrawfruits,vegetables,freshjuices,nuts,seeds,andgrainsincombinationwithamultivitaminandmineralsupplementcanmakeapositivedifference.

Werecommendthatyourdailysupplementcontainallthesemineralsbutwedon’tofferdosagessincetheyshouldbedeterminedbyalicenseddietician,orphysician,basedonmultipleindividualfactorsincluding,weight,age,andexerciselevels.

BromelainBromelainisanenzymederivedfrompineapple,whichstudieshavefoundtoamelioratepainand

improvephysicalmobilityinarthritissufferers.26,27Onestudydeterminedthatindividualswithkneepaingivenbromelainimprovedinadose-dependentfashion;inotherwords,themorebromelainthatwastaken,themoreimprovementpatientsexperienced.28

DecursinolBelongingtotheclassofchemicalcompoundsknownascoumarins,thispain-relievingsupplementis

derivedfromatypeofrootnativetoAsia.Studieshaveobserveddecursinoltoprotectagainstoxidativestressandreducepainandinflammation.29,30,31Therecommendeddosageis200mgdaily.

HyaluronicAcid(HA)Thisisanaturallyoccurringsubstancefoundinabundanceinjointtissues.Hyaluronicacidactsasan

importantmediatorofinflammationandpropertissueformation.Supplementationwith200mgdailyisrecommendedforarthritissufferers.

Methylsulfonylmethane(MSM)Afterwaterandsodium,MSM–anaturalsulfur–isoneofthemostsignificantcomponentsinthe

body.Taking500mgdailyhelpssuppressinflammationrelatedtoarthritisandreducejointpain.

ProbioticsProbioticsreferstothebeneficialintestinalbacteriawhichplayakeyroleindigestionandimmunity.

Scientifictestingonanimalslinkssupplementationwiththesebacteriawithasignificantreductioninarthriticsymptoms.32,33Excellentfoodsourcesofprobioticsaresauerkraut,kimchi,miso,andsourpickles.Probioticsupplementsarewidelyavailable–takeatleast5billioncolony-formingunits(CFU)containingmultiplestrainsdaily.

QuercetinQuercetinisanaturallyoccurringflavonoidfoundinvariousfoodssuchasapples,onionsandtea.

Studieshaveobservedthiscompoundtoexhibitimmune-boosting,antioxidantactivity.34,35,36Onestudyfoundthatmendealingwithchronicpelvicpainsyndromeexperiencedconsiderablereliefaftersupplementingwithquercetinoverthecourseofonemonthwhencomparedtotheplacebogroup.37ThiscompoundworkssynergisticallytoamplifytheeffectsofvitaminC.Taking500mgeachdaymaybehelpful.

S-Adenosylmethionine(SAMe)Thisisanactivatedformofmethioninethatseemstorestorewhitebloodcellactivityinjointfluidby

reversingglutathionedepletion.SAMealsoservestoprotectandrebuildcartilage.Adailydoseof400mgisconsideredtherapeutic.

SuperoxideDismutase(SOD)Thisenzymeshouldbetakenwithwateronanemptystomach,aboutahalfhourbeforemeals.

SupplementationwithSODsuppressespainandinflammation.38ThebenefitsofSODarecompoundedwhenitistakenwithvitaminE.Taking2000mgdailymayofferrelieftoarthritispatients.

VitaminKResearchimplicatesthisvitaminasapotentanti-inflammatorythathelpsinthepreventionand

treatmentofarthritis.39,40TherecommendeddoseofvitaminKis2mgdaily.

Anti-ArthritisHerbsandSpicesAswithsupplements,theseherbsandspicesshouldbeincorporatedintoyourregimenafewatatime

overthecourseofmonths.Beginatalowdosageand,iftheyarewelltolerated,workyourwayuptotherecommendeddosage.

AloeVeraAstrongdetoxifieroftheintestines,aloeverajuicehelpscleansethebodyoftoxinsthatcancause

arthritis.Researchimplicatestheusefulnessofthisplanttakenorallyandtopicallyasanaturalpainkillerandanti-inflammatoryforindividualssufferingfromarthritis.41,42,43Drinktwofluidouncesofaloeverajuicetwicedailyonanemptystomach.

BoswelliaThehealingpropertiesoftheboswelliaherbhavebeenrecordedinAyurvedicmedicalliteraturefor

thousandsofyears.Boswelliaworkssimilartononsteroidalanti-inflammatorycompoundsbutwithoutthetoxicsideeffects.Studieshavedemonstratedtheefficacyofboswelliaintreatingarthritis.44,45,46,47The

recommendeddoseis100mgdaily.

CayenneDerivedfromcayennepeppers,capsaicinalleviatesarthritispainwhenappliedtopically.Research

hasshowncapsaicincreamtohelpmanagepainrelatedtobothrheumatoidarthritisandosteoarthritis.48,49,50Take50mgofhighheatintensitycayennetwicedaily.

Cat’sClawAplantnativetotheAmazon,cat’sclawstandsoutasananti-arthritissuperstar.Studiesdocumentthe

powerofthisherbtoprotectagainstinflammationandaidhealinginpatientssufferingfromosteoarthritis.51,52,53Thesuggesteddoseis200mg.

ComfreyResearchshowsthesuccessofcomfreyinreducingpainandimprovingmobilityinarthritis

patients.54,55,56Onestudyobservedthatanointmentformulatedfromcomfreyrootextracthada“remarkablypotentandclinicallyrelevanteffectinreducingacutebackpain.”57

Devil’sClawAshrubnativetosouthernAfrica,devil’sclawhasbeenusedforcenturiesasanaturalpain-relieving

remedy.Today,awealthofscientificevidencedemonstratestheamazinganti-arthritisandanalgesicpropertiesofdevil’sclaw.58,59,60,61Onestudywhichcomparedtheefficacyofdevil’sclawandthearthritisdrugdiacerheinintreatingosteoarthritisdeterminedthatthisherbisaseffectiveas,andsaferthan,pharmaceuticaldrugsintreatingthisdisease.62Takeupto100mgofthisherbdaily.

GinsengApopularrootutilizedinTraditionalChineseMedicine,ginsengisincreasinglyseeninWestern

medicineasaviablecomplementarytreatmentforarthritisandotherconditions.Recentfindingshaveshownthepromisinganti-inflammatoryeffectsofginsenginanimaltestsubjectswitharthritis,andinin-vitro,or“testtube”,studies.63,64Researchalsoindicatesthatginsenosides,theactivecomponentofPanaxginseng,limitinflammationinseveralways.65Inadditiontoactingasananti-inflammatory,Siberianginsenghasbeenobservedtostimulatetheimmunesystemandcombatcancer.66

NettlesNettleleavesdisplaynotablearthritis-fightingpropertiesinindividualswithosteoarthritis.67,68

Researchindicatesthatstingingnettleextractinhibitspro-inflammatoryfactorsassociatedwithrheumatoidarthritis.69Nettleleavescanbecrushedandmadeintoapoulticetodecreaserheumaticpain.

TurmericThepowerfulhealth-boostingpropertiesofturmeric,anditsmainconstituent,curcumin,havebeenthe

focusofrecentscientificresearch.Studiesconcludethatcurcuminisanoutstandingnaturalanti-inflammatorythatreducesjointpainandstiffnessandincreasesmobility.70,71,72,73Onestudynotedtheremarkablecapacityforcurcumintomodulatethemetabolismofarachidonicacid–aprocessthatdirectlycontributestoarthritisprogression.74Combiningturmericwithablackpepper,whichcontainsthechemicalpiperine,increasesthebioavailabilityofcurcumin.

WhiteWillowBark

Sometimesreferredtoas“nature’saspirin”,whitewillowbarkexertspowerfulanalgesiceffectsinpeoplesufferingfromjointpain.75,76,77Therecommendeddoseis400mg.

TheAnti-ArthritisDiet

VeganWholeFoodsAveganwholefoodsdietconsistsoforganic,unprocessedfreshfruitsandvegetablesaswellas

wholegrains,beans,nutsandseeds.Thisdieteliminatesallmeat,poultry,fish,seafood,dairyandeggs.Researchhasdemonstratedthatadheringtoaplant-baseddiethelpsinthepreventionandtreatmentofnumerousailments,includingarthritis.78,79,80,81Theregularconsumptionoffruitsandvegetablesintheformoffreshjuicesandnutrient-densepowdersgreatlyenhancesthebody’sabilitytocombatarthritis.Followingawholefoodsregimenmeanseatingfoodsthatarenaturallyhighindietaryfiber.Ahighfiberdietiscrucialinprotectingagainstdegenerativediseaseandmaintainingoverallhealth.Twoofmycolleagues,Dr.NuchovichandJillBarron,adviseto“eatthecolorsoftherainbow,”whichmeansincludeasmanycolorfulfruitandvegetablesaspossiblethroughouttheweek.Itisalsoadvisableto“eatlocally”wheneverpossibleandwhenthefoodisinseasonintheUnitedStates.Allofthisinformationiswidelyavailableontheinternet.

“Contrarytowhatmostpeoplebelieve,“organic”doesnotautomaticallymean“pesticide-free”or“chemical-free.”

–BerkeleyUniversity

TheImportanceofEatingOrganicFoodsBecauseorganicfoodscontainasignificantlyloweramountofpesticidesandchemicalsthan

conventionalproduce,eatingorganicfoodsautomaticallydecreasesthepossibilityofinflammation.Chemicalsaretoxins,andassuchcanaffectourbody’shealth;thisiswhyitisimportanttolimitthenumberofchemicalsweexposeourselvestothroughourfoodandotherproducts.AccordingtotheBerkeleyUniversitysite–“Contrarytowhatmostpeoplebelieve,“organic”doesnotautomaticallymean“pesticide-free”or“chemical-free.”Infact,underthelawsofmoststates,organicfarmersareallowedtouseawidevarietyofchemicalspraysandpowdersontheircrops.Sowhatdoesorganicmean?Itmeansthatthesepesticides,ifused,mustbederivedfromnaturalsources,notsyntheticallymanufactured.Also,thesepesticidesmustbeappliedusingequipmentthathasnotbeenusedtoapplyanysyntheticmaterialsforthepastthreeyears,andthelandbeingplantedcannothavebeentreatedwithsyntheticmaterialsforthatperiodeither.Mostorganicfarmers(andevensomeconventionalfarmers,too)employmechanicalandculturaltoolstohelpcontrolpests.Theseincludeinsecttraps,carefulcropselection(thereareagrowingnumberofdisease-resistantvarieties),andbiologicalcontrols(suchaspredatorinsectsandbeneficialmicroorganisms).”82

Belowisalistofthemosthighlysprayedfruitsandvegetables.Inthesecases,itisabsolutelyessentialtopurchaseorganic,ifyouwishtolimitthedegenerativeeffectsofthesetoxinsonyourbody.Mostsprayed:

Thegroupalsoliststhe“Clean15,”orthosethatranklowestinpesticideresidues.Theseare:

Alkaline-FormingFoodsTheStandardAmericanDietincludesanexcessofacid-formingfoodssuchasmeat,dairy,refined

sugarandflour.ConsumingthesefoodscausesthebloodpHlevelstodropbelowitsidealrangeof7.2-7.4,andresultsinanoverlyacidicstate.Tocompensatefortheacidenvironment,vitalalkalinemineralssuchascalciumandmagnesiumareleechedfrombonesanddepositedintothebloodstreaminaprocessthatweakensbonesandjointsandpromotesarthritis.ResearchshowsastrongconnectionbetweenanacidpHandpoorbonehealth.83,84Furthermore,alower-thannormalpHsuppressestheimmunesystemandcontributestothedevelopmentofmanyotherchronicillnesses.Tooptimizepreventionandhealingofchronicdiseasessuchasarthritis,thedietshouldconsistof80%alkaline-formingfoods.

Lower-thannormalpHsuppressestheimmunesystemandcontributestothedevelopmentofmanyotherchronicillnesses.

Somecommonalkaline-formingfoodsare:

Fruitsapples,apricots,avocados,bananas,berries,currants,dates,figs,grapefruit,grapes,kiwis,lemons,

limes,mangoes,melons,nectarines,olives,oranges,papayas,peaches,pears,persimmons,pineapple,quince,raisins,raspberries,strawberries,tangerinesandwatermelon.(Themostalkaline-formingfoodsarelemonsandmelons.)

Vegetablesartichoke,asparagus,sprouts,beetsandbeetgreens,bellpeppers,broccoli,Brusselssprouts,

cabbage,carrots,cauliflower,celery,chardgreens,collards,corn,cucumbers,dandelions,eggplant,endive,garlic,ginger,horseradish,kale,lettuce,mushrooms,mustardgreens,okra,onions,parsley,potatoes,pumpkin,radishes,spinach,sprouts,squash,tomatoes,watercress,wheatgrass,wildgreensandyams.Note–eliminatenightshadevegetablesifyouaresensitivetothem.(Seep.169forinformationrelatedtonightshadesensitivity.)

SeaVegetablesarame,bladderwrack,dulse,hijiki,kelp,kombu,nori,seapalm,wakame

WholeGrainsamaranth,buckwheat,millet,quinoa,teff

Beans/Legumeslimabeans,peas,greenbeans,soybeans,spoutedbeans,tempeh(fermented),tofu(fermented)

NutsandSeedsalmonds,Brazilnuts,chestnuts,coconuts,alfalfa,chia,radishandsesame

Nuts,seeds,legumesandbeansarealsogoodsourcesofantioxidants.

Antioxidant-richFoodsFruits,vegetables,herbsandspicescontainthehighestconcentrationsoftheseessential,freeradical

scavengingcompounds.Nuts,seeds,legumesandbeansarealsogoodsourcesofantioxidants.Antioxidantcontentismeasuredintermsofoxygenradicalabsorbancecapacity(ORAC).Aparticularfood’sORACisdeterminedthroughlaboratorytesting.Manyhealthresearchers,scientistsandphysicianstheorizethatthehigherafood’sORACscoreis,thegreateritsabilitytoneutralizefreeradicalsandcurbinflammation.Researchdemonstratestheimportanceofincorporatingantioxidant-richfoodsintothediettoprotectagainsttheprogressionofarthritis.85,86,87Areviewofdatacollectedinstudiesfrom1948-2011showedevidencethatdietaryantioxidantsareprotectiveagainstinflammatorypolyarthritis(arthritisthataffectsfiveormorejoints)andrheumatoidarthritis.88ResearchrecentlycarriedoutinJapanassociatedhighvaluesofantioxidantsinthebloodwithalowerincidenceofarthritis.89ThefindingsofanotherrecentstudysuggestthatahigherintakeoffreshfruitsandvitaminChelpsdelaytheonsetofkneeosteoarthritis.90

FoodsRichinFolicAcidResearchhasestablishedalinkbetweenfolicaciddeficiencyandrheumatoidarthritis.91,92Arthritis

patientsmaybenefitfromaddingfolate-richfoodssuchasasparagus,garbanzobeans,lentils,alfalfa,soyandoatstotheirdiet.

WholeGrainsGrainssuchaskamutandspelt,aswellasgrainsubstituteslikequinoa,milletandamaranth,provide

fiberandanarrayofvaluablenutrientsthathavebeenshowntosteminflammationandsupportoverallhealth.Kamuthashighlevelsofpotassium,whichplaysanimportantpartinbonehealth.Speltandamarantharegreatsourcesofmanganese,amineralthathasbeenfoundtoreducepaininosteoarthritispatients.93,94Quinoaisnotableforcontainingalltheaminoacidsandhasespeciallyhighconcentrationsoflysine,whichisessentialtothemaintenanceofbones,tendonsandcartilageandtheformationofcollagen.Researchhaslinkedlysinesupplementationwithimprovementinpatientswithrheumatoidarthritis.95Sproutinggrainsaswellasnuts,seedsandbeansmakesthemmoredigestibleandbolsters

theirnutritionalprofileconsiderably.

HealingFoods

FRUITS

AcaiBerryAsoneofthemostantioxidantrichfruits,theacaiberryholdsgreatpromiseasananti-arthritisfood.

Studieshaveobservedthisberry’sexceptionalcapacitytoprotectagainstoxidativestress.96,97Researchalsoconnectstheintakeofacaiberryjuicewithsignificantimprovementsinpatientssufferingfromjointpainandalimitedrangeofmotion.98

AcerolaAsmallfruitnativetotheAmericantropics,acerolaisanoutstandingantioxidantfoodcontainingvery

highlevelsbioflavonoidsandvitaminC.Byweight,thevitaminCcontentofacerolais10-50timesgreaterthanthatofanorange.Studieshaveobservedtheabilityofthisfruitanditschemicalcomponentstoreduceinflammation.99,100,101

AroniaMelanocarpaAlsoreferredtoasthechokeberry,aroniamelanocarpacontainshighconcentrationsofpolyphenols

andotherantioxidantsthathavepotentanti-inflammatorycharacteristics.102Thisberryhasbeenshowntoinhibittheexpressionofalteredcelladhesionmolecules,whichhavebeendiscoveredtoplayaroleininflammation.103AstudypublishedintheBritishJournalofNutritiondeterminedthatchokeberryextracthelpedcontrolinflammationmarkersinratsfedadiethighinsugar.104

BilberryAcloserelativeoftheblueberry,thebilberryfruitisgainingpopularityasahighlybeneficial

antioxidant-richsuperfood.Bilberriesarenotablefortheirhighlevelsofatypeofantioxidantknownasanthocyanosides.Studieshaveshownthatsupplementationwithbilberrieshelpstomodulateoxidativestressandinflammation,stabilizetendons,ligamentsandcartilageandimproveeyehealth.105,106,107,108

BlackCurrantPackedwithvitaminCandotherbeneficialphytonutrients,blackcurrantsandblackcurrantoilhave

beenobservedinstudiestoexertafavorableeffectoninflammatoryandoxidativemarkers.109,110,111,112

BlackberriesThedarkcolorofblackberriesisindicativeofitshighantioxidantcontentmadeupofcompounds

suchaspolyphenolsandcarotenoids.113,114,115InastudypublishedintheTheAmericanJournalofMedicalNutrition,blackraspberrieswerefoundtohavethehighestantioxidantactivityoutof1,113differentfoodstested.116Theseberriesarealsoagreatsourceofoneoftheprimeanti-inflammatorynutrients,vitaminC.

BlueberryThevariousphytochemicalconstituentsofblueberrieshavebeenshowntocounteractoxidativestress

anddecreasefactorsrelatedtoinflammation.117,118,119Wildblueberriesarethoughttocontainevenhigherantioxidantcontentthanconventionallygrownvarieties.120Arecentstudyfoundthatratsconsumingadiet

of10%freeze-driedblueberrypowderhadsignificantlymorebonemassthantheanimalsinthecontrolgroup.121

CamuCamuNativetotheAmazon,thevitaminC-richcamucamufruitoffersarangeofhealthbenefits.122,123The

resultsofa2008studypublishedintheJournalofCardiologymeasuredthefruit’spotencycomparedtovitaminCtablets.Intheirconclusiontheauthorsremarkedthat“camucamujuicemayhavepowerfulanti-oxidativeandanti-inflammatoryproperties,comparedtovitaminCtabletscontainingequivalentvitaminCcontent.”124

CherriesCherryconsumptionhasbeenassociatedwithlowerlevelsofuricacid,thecompoundthatcontributes

togoutandotherformsofarthritis.125ResearchpublishedinTheJournalofNutritionin2006concludedthatindividualswhoconsumedBingcherriesoverthecourseofamonthshowedsignificantimprovementininflammatorymarkers.126Astudyofindividualswithosteoarthritistakingtartcherrypillsfor8weeksfoundthatmorethanhalfofthepeopleexperiencedimprovementinpainandmobility.127

CranberryNumerousstudieshaveestablishedtheconsiderableanti-inflammatorypropertiesof

cranberries.128,129,130,131Cranberriesarepackedwithantioxidantsincludingproanthocyanidins,phenols,triterpenoidswhichgivethisfruitahighORACvalue.

ElderberryLongrecognizedforitsimmune-boostingproperties,researchindicatesthatelderberryhasdiverse

medicinalqualitiesthatmayextendtotreatingarthritis.132,133Thisfruitishighinanthocyaninsandseveralothercompoundswhichhavebeenshowntoscavengefreeradicalsandfightoffinflammation.134

GuavaAnexcellentsourceofpowerfulantioxidantsincludinglycopeneandvitaminC,guavahasbeen

reportedtohaverealpotentialtoprovidesignificantrelieftopatientssufferingfrominflammatorydiseases.135,136OneguavafruitcontainsthreetofourtimesasmuchvitaminCasanorange.

GojiBerryAgrowingbodyofresearchhasidentifiedtheHimalayangojiberryasaverypromisinganti-arthritis

foodduetoitshighlevelsofantioxidantactivityandimpressivearrayofnutrients.137,138,139,140,141Largequantitiesofpowerfulcarotenioidssuchasbeta-caroteneandzeaxanthinmakegojiberriesananti-inflammatorysuperstar.

KiwiNumerousstudieshaveestablishedthisfruitasanexcellentsourceofantioxidantsthatworkto

effectivelyprotectfromDNAfromoxidativestress.142,143,144Kiwiseedscontainalpha-linolenicacid(ALA),atypeofomega-3fattyacidfoundtohelparthritissufferers.145

MangoTheanalgesicandantioxidativeeffectsofmangoextracthavebeendocumentedinrecent

studies.146,147Mangoescontainhighamountsofaphenolknownasmangiferin;researchconductedon

arthriticmicesuggeststhatthiscompoundinhibitspro-inflammatoryproteinsandbooststhecapacityofanti-inflammatoryagents.148

MangosteenStudiesonmangosteenrevealthisfruit’simpressiveanti-arthritisproperties.149,150Researchsuggests

thatmangosteeninhibitsthearthritis-causingeffectsofarachidonicacid.151Mangosteenisrichinaclassofantioxidantsknownasxanthones,whicharethoughttocontributetoitsanti-inflammatoryeffects.152

MaquiBerryNativetothePatagoniaregionofChileandArgentina,thelittle-knownmaquiberryisquicklygaining

areputationasasuperfood.Amongfruits,themaquiberryisbelievedtohavethehighestconcentrationsofantioxidants,makingitapowerfulprotectoragainstfreeradicaldamageandinflammation.153,154Maquiberryisrifewithatypeofanthocyanincalleddelphinidins,whichstudieshavefoundtosuppressinflammatorysignalingassociatedwithrheumatoidarthritisandotherconditions.155,156

NoniPreliminaryresearchpointstothenonifruitasahighlybeneficialfoodforarthritissufferers.One

studyevaluatingindividualswithosteoarthritissupplementingwithnonijuicenotedreductionsinpainandtensionlevelsaswellasincreasedmobility.157Nonihasextensiveantioxidantactivityandhasbeenshowntoinhibitdamagingproteinoxidation.158,159,160Astudyfrom2010observedthefruit’sabilitytolessenpainsensitivityinanimaltestsubjects.161

PomegranatePomegranatescontainhighamountsofpolyphenolsincludingellagicacid,tanninsandanthocyanins,

whichpromotehealinganddecreaseinflammation.Studieshavedemonstratedthecapacityofpomegranatetocurbinflammatorycellsignalingandreduceoxidativestress.162,163Thefindingsofrecentstudiessuggestthatpomegranateextractimprovesjointpaininpatientswithrheumatoidarthritisandmodulatesinflammationrelatedtoosteoarthritisatamolecularlevel.164,165

OrangesWellknownfortheirimmune-boostingphytonutrientcontent,orangesareawidelyavailableanti-

inflammatoryfood.Researchhasdocumentedaninverserelationshipbetweenorangeconsumptionandrheumatoidarthritis.166Onestudynotedsignificantimprovementinratswithadjuvantarthritisthatweretreatedwithflavonoidsfromorangepeel.167Orangescarrylargeamountsofaflavonoidknownashesperidinwhichpossessesanti-inflammatoryandanalgesicproperties.168

PapayaThemixofcarotenoids,vitaminC,anduniqueenzymesmakespapayaaterrificfoodforeasing

inflammationandpromotingoverallhealth.169,170Thisfruithasbeenusedformanyyearstotreatarthritisindifferentpartsoftheworld.Researchindicatesthatpapayamodulatesinflammationassociatedwiththeagingprocess.171

PassionFruitPassionfruitoffersasizeabledoseofvitaminA,vitaminC,flavonoids,andmineralssuchascopper,

phosphorusandiron.Researchhaslinkedpassionfruitwiththeinhibitionofpro-inflammatorycytokinesandmediators.172Onestudyinwhichpassionfruitpeelextractwasgiventofemalessufferingfromknee

osteoarthritisnotedsubstantialimprovementinpain,stiffnessaswellasphysicalfunctionwhencomparedtotheplacebogroup,whichactuallyregressedinallcategories.173Recentanalyseshaveexploredthebenefitsofacompoundfoundinpassionfruitcalledpiceatannol,whichexhibitspotentfreeradicalscavengingactivity.174

PineappleThepineapplecontainsabundantquantitiesofbromelain,atypeofenzymethathasbeenshownto

protectagainstavarietyofchronicdiseases.Researchindicatesthatbromelainsuppressesinflammationandmoderatesjointpaininarthritispatients.175,176,177,178OnestudydeterminedthatbromelaininhibitedtheproductionofTGF-beta,aproteinthat–whenoverproduced–hasbeenassociatedwiththeonsetofrheumatoidarthritis.179

PrunePrunescontainanabundanceofpolyphenolsandvitaminK,bothofwhichhavebeenfoundtoreduce

oxidativestress.180,181Thehighfibercontentofprunesaidsdigestionanddetoxification.

PumpkinThebrightorangecolorofpumpkinisindicativeofitshighantioxidantcontent.Loadedwithvitamin

Aandcarotenoidssuchaluteinandzeaxanthin,pumpkinsstorevariousphytonutrientsknowntolimitdamagefromoxidativestressandsuppressinflammationrelatedtorheumatoidarthritis.182,183,184Onestudyonratsdiscoveredthattheintakeofpumpkinseedoilcausedaremarkabledecreaseinmarkersofarthritis.185

RaspberryRaspberriescontainhighconcentrationsoftheellagicacidandanthocyanins,twoantioxidantswhich

havebeenshowntolimitinflammationandproduceanalgesic(pain-relieving)effects.186,187,188ArecentstudycarriedoutbyresearchersattheUniversityofRhodeIslandconcludedthatthepolyphenolsinraspberriesmayprotectcartilageandlimittheseverityofarthritis.189

StrawberryStrawberriescontainanabundanceofantioxidantsincludingflavonols,anthocyaninsand

hydroxybenzoicacidswhicheaseinflammationandmaybehelpfulcurbingarthritis.190,191,192,193Likeotherfruitsandvegetables,itistheorizedthattheuniqueblendofmicronutrientsinstrawberriesworksynergisticallytofightinflammation.

WatermelonWatermelonsarepackedwithseveraltherapeuticphytonutrientsincludingbetacarotene,lycopeneand

vitaminC.194Sciencehasdemonstratedtheabilityofthesenutrientstoreduceoxidativestressandinflammatorymarkers.195Researchhasconnectedlowerbloodplasmalevelsoflycopenewithrheumatoidarthritis.196Arecentanalysisofover14,000patientsshowedaninverserelationshipbetweenbetacarotenelevelsinbloodanduricacid,whichisknowntocontributetogout.197

VEGETABLES

AlfalfaAlfalfaisanutrient-densefoodfromwhicharthritispatientsmaybenefitinanumberofways.The

highquantitiesofchlorophyllfoundinalfalfarelievejointpainbyloweringlevelsofuricacid.Researchsuggeststhatalfalfainhibitstheproductionofpro-inflammatorycytokinesandimplicatesBiochanin-A–anisoflavoneinalfalfa–asaneffectiveanti-inflammatoryagent.198,199

ArugulaAtypeofcruciferousvegetable,arugulacontainsseveralanti-inflammatorycompoundsincluding

glucosinolatesandvitaminK.StudieshaveassociatedlowplasmalevelsofvitaminKwithanincreasedincidenceofosteoarthritis.200,201

AsparagusTheuniquephytonutrientsfoundinasparagusmakeitanotableanti-inflammatoryfood.Thescientific

literatureshowstheabilityofasparagustoboostimmunityandreduceinflammation.202,203Onestudyassociatedthetannins,saponinsandflavonoidsinasparagustoreductionsinpainandinflammationinmice.204

BarleyGrassWidelytoutedforitsnumeroushealingproperties,barleygrassisanexcellentfoodtoincorporateinto

theanti-arthritisdiet.Thisfoodisabundantinpolyphenolsandothernutrientssuchascalcium,vitaminC,andpotassium.Studiessuggestthatbarleygrassprotectscellsfromoxidativestressandreducesthesymptomsofrheumatoidarthritis.205,206Thechlorophyllinbarleygrassworksasastrongdetoxifierandantioxidant,speedingupthehealingprocess.207

BroccoliStudiesshowthatsulforaphane,anorganosulfurcompoundabundantinbroccoli,mayholdgreat

promiseasatreatmentforarthritispatients.InarecentanalysispublishedinArthritisandRheumatism,sulforaphanewasfoundtoreduceseveralmarkersassociatedwiththeonsetofrheumatoidarthritis.208Itwasalsorecentlydiscoveredthatsulforaphaneinhibitstheactivityofenzymesthatcausejointdamageinosteoarthritis.209Further,broccolicontainsaclassofcompoundsknownasgalactolipids,whichstudiesindicatemaybehelpfulinhealingarthritis.210

CabbageLikecauliflowerandothercruciferousvegetables,cabbagecontainsarthritisfightingindole-3-

carbinol(I3C).Recentstudiesonthisvegetable’santi-inflammatorycapacityhavefocusedonacompoundknownasphenethylisothiocyanate,orPEITC.TestsshowthatPEITCeffectivelyinhibitsvariousformsofinflammationthroughoutthebody.211,212

CarrotsThecombinationofcarotenoids,vitaminA,potassiumandamultitudeofothervitalnutrientsin

carrotsandcarrotjuicecanprovideimportantnutritionalsupportforindividualssufferingfromchronicdiseasessuchasarthritis.213,214,215

CauliflowerContainingawidevarietyofmicronutrientssuchasbetacarotene,cinnamicacid,quercetin,

kaempferolandsulforaphane,cauliflowerisafantasticsourceofanti-inflammatorynutrition.216,217Thisvegetablealsocontainsindole-3-carbinol(I3C),acompoundwhichisconvertedtodiindolylmethane(DIM)inthebody.ResearchhasfoundDIMtopossessanti-arthritisproperties.218

CeleryCeleryhaslargequantitiesofpotassium,vitaminKandvitaminC,makingitabeneficialadditionto

ananti-arthritisprotocol.Celeryseedhasbeenusedtotreatarthritisforcenturies,andtoday,studieshaveestablisheditsmedicinalvalue.219

CollardGreensLargeamountsofantioxidantnutrientslikebetacarotene,vitaminCandmanganeseaswellasanti-

inflammatoryindole-3-carbinolarefoundincollardgreens.Thescientificliteraturehasconsistentlyshownthesecompoundstodecreaseoxidativestressandinflammation.220,221,222

FennelThetherapeuticvalueoffennelhasbeenrecognizedforcenturies.Fenneliscomposedofnumerous

anti-inflammatorycompoundssuchasquercetin,rutinandkaempferolglycosides.Researchsuggestsfennelhasgreatpotentialasapain-relievingnutraceuticalduetoitshighantioxidantactivity.223,224Fennelalsocontainsanethole,aconstituentthatblocksinflammationandsuppressescancergrowth.225

KaleResearchpointstokaleasapowerfulnutraceutical.Thispowerhouseofthebrassicafamilyisarich

sourceofantioxidantsincludingvitaminK,vitaminA,carotenoidsandflavonoids.Additionally,kalecontainsmetabolitescalledglucosinolates,whichareconvertedinthebodytodetoxifyingcompoundsknownasisothiocyanates(ITCs).Kale’sbeneficialchemicalconstituentshavebeenprovenhelpfulfornumeroushealthconditions,andinfightingoffinflammation.226,227,228,229

OnionRichinflavonoidssuchasquercetin,onionsareaninexpensiveadditiontoanyanti-arthritisregimen.

Studiesconfirmthepotencyofonionsinreducingoxidativestressandinflammation.230,231,232,233Redonionsaregenerallyhigherinflavonoidsthanyellowonions.234

ParsleyParsleycontainshighlevelsofantioxidantsthatmayoffersignificantrelieftoindividualssuffering

frominflammation-relateddisorders.Researchhasestablishedtheabilityofparsleyanditscompoundstocounteractoxidativestressandinflammation.235,236,237

RadishRadishesareagoodsourceoffreeradical-scavengingnutrientssuchasvitaminCandanthocynanins.

Thesecompoundshavebeenfoundtomodulateinflammatorymarkersandpromotehealing.238,239,240

SpinachVolumesofevidenceimplicatespinachasaphytonutrientpowerhousethatcanaidarthritissufferers

inmanyways.SpinachisanexcellentsourceofvitaminK,anutrientthatiscriticaltobonehealth.241,242Studiesconfirmthattheantioxidantscontainedinspinachleaveshaveimpressiveanti-inflammatorycapabilities.243,244ItalsoprovidessignificantamountsofvitaminD,whichisnecessaryforstrongbones.245

MoreHealingFoods

ChiaSeedChiaseedsareasuperiorsourceofomega-3fattyacidssuchasalpha-linolenicacid(ALA).Studies

reflectthecapacityofomega-3stofightarthritis-relatedinflammation.246,247Researchershavefoundthatcompoundsfoundinthesefatsknownasresolvinsareremarkablyeffectiveatreducingpainassociatedwitharthritis.248

ChlorellaChlorellaisatypeofalgaepackedwithadiversesetofdetoxifyingagents,vitamins,mineralsand

aminoacids.ChlorellahasbeenobservedinstudiestoreduceoxidativeDNAdamageandvariousformsofinflammation.249,250,251Thescientificevidencepointstochlorellaasahelpfulnutraceuticalinthepreventionandtreatmentofarthritis.252

CoconutOilAnaturalformofsaturatedfat,coconutoilsupportscardiovascularhealthandboostsimmunity.

Studiesindicatethatvirgincoconutoilhasanti-inflammatoryandanalgesicpropertiesaswell.253,254Likeallhealthyfats,itshouldbetakeninmoderation.

FlaxSeedThehighlevelsomega-3fattyacidsinflaxseedshelptostrengthenjointsbyproducinginflammation-

fightingmoleculescalledseries1andseries3prostaglandins.255,256,257Animportanttypeofomega-3presentinflaxseedsisalpha-linolenicacid,whichisknowntosupportbonehealth.258Arecentmeta-analysisbyresearchersinCanadadeterminedthatsupplementationwithomega-3smaybean“attractiveadjunctivetreatmentforjointpainassociatedwithrheumatoidarthritis”andotherdisorders.259

GarlicGarlicoffersmanyhealthbenefitsandindividualslookingtopreventandtreatchronicdiseasessuch

asarthritisareadvised

Garlicoffersmanyhealthbenefitsandindividualslookingtopreventandtreatchronicdiseasessuchasarthritisareadvisedtoincorporatethissuperfoodintotheirdiet.

toincorporatethissuperfoodintotheirdiet.Garlicisabundantinanti-inflammatorysulfurcompoundssuchasdiallylsulfide(DAS)andthiacremonone,whichhavebeenshowntofightarthritis.260,261,262Onestudyontheeffectsofgarlicsupplementationinrheumatoidarthritispatientsdeterminedthat86.5%ofallpatientsexperiencedagoodorpartialresponse.263Consumingrawgarlicprovidesthemostbenefit.

GingerRootThebenefitsofgingeronarthritispatientshavebeenwelldocumentedfordecades.264,265,266Agroup

ofpowerfulantioxidantsuniquetoginger,calledgingerols,arearelativeofcapsaicinandpiperine,thecompoundsthatareresponsiblefortherespectivespicinessofchilipeppersandblackpepper.Researchusingthesechemicalcomponentstotreatrheumatoidarthritisinanimaltestsubjectshasyieldedhighlypositiveresults.267

GreenTeaWidelyhailedforitsmedicinalqualities,greenteapossessesnumerouscompoundsthatpromotejoint

healthandmitigatetheimpactofvarioustypesofarthritis.268,269,270,271.Oneprincipalantioxidantfoundingreenteaisatypeofcatechincalledepigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG).StudieshaveobservedEGCGtosuppressosteoclastformationassociatedwithrheumatoidarthritis.272Onlyusedecaffeinated.

SpirulinaAlsoknownasblue-greenalgae,spirulinaholdsgreatpromiseasanaturalmeansofcurbingarthritis

andpromotinghealingthroughoutthebody.273,274Intestsonmice,spirulinawasfoundtosignificantlydecreaseinflammationrelatedtoarthritis.275Theauthorsofonestudyobservedthatmicewitharthritisgivenoraldosesofspirulinarecoveredto“nearnormalconditions.”276

FoodstoAvoidHigh-AcidFoods

Theconsumptionofhigh-acidfoodssuchasrefinedsugarandflour,dairy,meat,seafood,softdrinksandalcoholisstronglyassociatedwiththesymptomsofarthritis.277,278,279,280,281Porkisespeciallydeleterious,whetheritisintheformofham,bacon,orfoodscookedinlard.Theintakeofcoffeeisalsoassociatedwiththisdisease.282Inadditiontotheirdamagingsugarcontent,carbonatedsoftdrinkscontainhighamountsofphosphates,whichalterthemineralbalanceinthebody.283Topromoteandoptimizehealing,thesepro-inflammatorystaplesoftheStandardAmericanDietshouldberemoved.Note–ifyouaregoingtoconsumeanimalflesh,modestamountsofwildandorganicfish(notfarm-raised)arebest.

ProcessedandArtificialFoodsDeep-fried,overcookedandprocessedfoodsshouldnotbeeatenastheyareoftentoxicand

nutritionallydeficient.Itisalsoimportanttostayawayfromartificialfoodsincludingtransfats(partiallyhydrogenatedoils)andallsyntheticsweetenersincludingSplenda,NutraSweetandEqual.Othersubstancestoavoidareartificialcolors,foodadditivesandpreservatives.GeneticallyModified(GM)foodsareincreasinglyprevalentinourfoodsupplyinproductscontainingcorn,soy,andcanolaoil.Agrowingbodyofevidencelinksgenetically-engineeredcropswithamultitudeofhealthcomplicationsincludingarthritis.284

SmokingStrongscientificevidenceconnectssmokingwiththeprogressionofarthritis.285,286,287,288Dropping

thishabitiscrucialtopreventingandtreatingthisdisease.

ConventionalMedicationsWhilearthritismedicationssuchasnon-steroidalanti-inflammatorydrugs(NSAIDs)mayappear

helpfulinitially,inthelongtermtheyaredamagingtooverallhealth.

NightshadeVegetablesAminorityofarthritispatientsbenefitfromavoidingnightshade–vegetablesincludingtomatoes,

potatoes,eggplant,bellpeppers,paprika,andcayennepeppers.Nightshadescontainasubstancecalledalkaloids,whichcanincreaseinflammationandcompromisejointfunction.Youcanfindoutifnightshadesexacerbatejointpainbyeliminatingthemfromthedietfor30daysandtheneatingallofthem

inoneday.Ifyoudonotfeelanyworseafterchallengingyourselfinthisway,thenyoudonotneedtoworry.Ifsymptomsbecomemorepronounced,avoidthesefoods.

OtherBeneficialAdditionstotheAnti-arthritisLifestyle

PureWaterManyarthritispatientssufferfromdehydrationwithoutknowingit.Waterisnecessaryforjointsto

functionproperlyandstayinghydratedthroughoutthedayisvitallyimportant.WaterpurityisalargeconsiderationsincemanylocalwatersystemsintheUnitedStatesarecontaminatedbytoxinsincludingbacteria,parasites,heavymetalsandchemicals.Itisthereforeimperativetouseahigh-qualityfiltrationsystemtominimizehazardousmaterialsfromyourdrinkingsupply.

Waterisnecessaryforjointstofunctionproperlyandstayinghydratedthroughoutthedayisvitallyimportant.

ExerciseResearchclearlyshowsthatregularexerciseisindispensableforarthritispatients.289,290,291,292

Engaginginbothaerobicandanaerobicexerciseiscrucialforrestoringmobilityandfunctionaswellasmaintainingandbuildingmusclemass,asareexercisesthatpromoteflexibility.Itisimportanttonotethatlow-impactexercisesarebestforjointhealthandthatpeopleshouldnotpushthemselvesbeyondtheirlimits.Notonlyshouldexercisebeappropriateforyourleveloffitness,butalsoforyourbodymass.Stressyourmusclesinareasonablefashion,butpainisawarningsigntoslowdown.Peopleshouldalsowaituntiltheyarecomfortableenoughtoengageinactivities.Ifyouareconsideringtakingupanewsportortryinganewpieceofequipmentatthegym,pleasegetguidance.Fornewsports,itisadvised–unlessyouareinexcellentphysicalcondition–thatyoupracticethemovementsoftheexercisethatyouanticipatedoingpriortoactuallydoingthesport;thiswillhelpyoudetermineyourbody’sreadinessforthatparticularsport.Ifthereisanypainortightnesswhenperformingthesemovements,engageinalternativeexercisesfirstthatcanhelpyouprepareyourbodyforthenewsport.Inthegym,alwaysgethelponnewequipment,andmakeyourfirstworkoutonthenewequipmentslightlylighterthanyoumightwanttojusttoseehowyourbodyrespondstothenewactivity.Havenodoubtthatthewrongkindofexercisecanworsenarthriticconditions.

Additionally,youwillwanttochooseexercisesthatyouenjoy,andthatrecreatethemind.Oneofthemostsignificantbenefitsofexerciseisthatitgivesyourmindabreakfromitsconstantchatter.Bothenduranceandresistanceexercisesareencouraged,andsweatingisafantasticdetoxifier.Moderate-intensity,low-impactenduranceexercisehasbeenshowntobeidealforpeoplesufferingfromarthritis.Moderate-intensityexercise,whereyoukeepyourheartrateat60–70%ofitsmaximum,isidealalsoforfatburning,especiallyforlongerworkoutsof45minutesormore.Resistanceexerciseslikeweightliftingandyogaareessentialforincreasingmuscularstrength,whichaidsinstructuralstabilityandjointhealth,andformaintaininggoodbonedensity,whichisespeciallycrucialinavoidingosteoporosis.

Walkingisexcellentforthetotalbodyandagoodwayforthenovicetobegin.Itcanimprovecirculationinthehands,knees,shouldersandfingers,areascommonlyaffectedbyarthritis.Engagingin

swimmingandwaterwalkingoffersagoodworkoutwithoutcausingexcessivestressorpaininthejoints.Ialsorecommendellipticalmachinesforarthritissufferers,theROMmachineisoneexampleofthis.Thesemachinesresultinlessstrainonthejointsoverall,andaremoresupportiveifyouarecarryingextraweight.Minitrampolinescalled“rebounders”areexcellentforbuildingstrengthandforimprovingfitnesslevelswhileassistingwithdetoxification–thegravitationalforcehelpstocleanthelymphsystem.Itispossibletoruninplaceonthesetrampolinesandgetyourheartrateup;however,itisamuchlowerimpactexercisethanrunningonpavement.Rebounderscomewithstabilizingbarsforpeoplewithbalanceissues.

Yogaisanotherbeneficialpracticeforpeopleofallages.Slowstretcheslubricatejointsandincreaseflexibilitywhilespecialbreathingtechniquesexpeltoxinsinthejointsandmuscles,anddecreasementalandemotionalstress.Therearemanydifferenttypesofyoga,includingtherapeuticyoga,andtheycanvarygreatly.Itisbesttospeaktoaprofessionalpriortodecidingwhichclassesarebestforyourcurrentlevelofphysicalconditioning.Someyogastylescanbeanextremelyrigorousandinappropriateforbeginners,andmovementsmustbedoneproperlytoavoidinjury.Ifyouareabeginnerorsufferingfromphysicalchallenges,letyourteacherknowpriortoclass.

Yogaisanotherbeneficialpracticeforpeopleofallages.

Therearealsonumeroustechniquesthatpromotepropermusculoskeletal(andthereforejoint)alignmentthatfallunderthecategoryofexerciseratherthantherapy.SomeexamplesofthesemovementexercisesarePilates,MuscleActivationTechnique(M.A.T.),YamunaBodyRolling,Gyrotonic®andGyrokinesis®,andAlexanderTechnique.Theseexercisesincreaseourbodyawareness,andpromoteimprovedmuscularperformancebecausetheyworktocorrectposturalalignmentandimprovebodymechanics,amongotherthings.Themistakethatsomepeoplemakeinevaluatingandtreatingmuscularpainisthattheyworktorehabilitatethemusclesthatareinpain(typicallytheonesthatareovercompensating)withoutaddressingthecorestructuralproblemthatcausedtheimbalanceinthefirstplace.Whenwehaveastructuralimbalance–whetherfrombirth,accident,orchronicrepetitivemovements–somemusclesbecomeweakandothersworkhardertoovercompensate;thiscancausetightnessandchronicpain.Ifthecorestructuralproblemisnotaddressed,andmusclesarestimulatedintoinappropriateaction,painaswellasjointstresswilloccur.Itiswise,then,whetheryouareaimingtopreventoralleviatearthritisthatyouattendtobodymechanicsinadditiontoexercisesthatimprovelungandheartfunction.

Ifyourcurrentphysicalconditiondoesnotpermityoutobeupandaround,thenconsideralternativeformsofexercise.ThereareDVDsavailableforpeoplewhocannotmovetheirbodies;“SitandBeFit”isjustoneofthevideosthatwillgetyoustartedonthepathtomovement.Therearealso“chair”yogavideosthatcanbeusedformultiplebenefits,aswellaswholebodyvibrationtechnology.

LifestylePracticesthatPromoteEmotionalandPhysicalWell-beingTheaveragecitizen,letaloneapersonsufferingfromarthritis,isprobablynotawareoftheextensive

amountofstudies(totalingintothethousands)thathaveestablishedthedirectrelationshipbetweenwhatwethinkaboutandwhatmanifestsinourbody,otherwiseknownaspsychoneuroimmunology.Asaresult,themajorityofarthritissufferersdon’treapthebenefitsofthenumerouslifestylepracticeswhichhave

beenshowntobesafeandeffectiveatimprovingqualityoflife.Thesetherapiesinclude

PracticessuchasTaiChi,yoga,andmeditationhaveproventoprovidenumerousphysical,mentalandemotionalbenefits.

energybalancingmethodssuchasChiGong,anancientChinesetechniqueofchannelingenergyintoanareaofthebodytoopenupenergypathways,allowinghealingtooccur.

PracticessuchasTaiChi,yoga,andmeditationhaveproventoprovidenumerousphysical,mentalandemotionalbenefits.Otherphysicaltherapieslikehydrotherapy–thealternatinguseofcoldandhotwateronthebody–havehelpedindividualsimprovecirculationandeasethemusculaturesincethetimesofantiquityinplaceslikeMesopotamiaandGreece.Relaxationpracticeslikedeepbreathing,mindfulnessmeditationandlisteningtosoothingmusic,areallunderutilizedinoursociety,butareenormouslyhelpfulfordiminishingstressandaidinginrebalancinghormones.Further,itismyexperiencethatbyfocusinguponpositiveoutcomeswithpositivethoughts,wecreatewhatIcallapositiveepigenetichormonalbiochemicalhealingprocessthatallowsustolimittheimpactofgeneticpredispositionsandpositivelyinfluenceandstrengthenourDNA.Becauseeverythoughtmanifestsinstantlyasaphysicalreality,ourhormones,bloodpressure,digestionandneurologicalactivityallrespondinstantaneouslyinapositiveornegativesensetowhatyouarethinking.Hence,whenwesaythatstresskills,whatwemeanisthatstressfulthoughtsraisecortisolandotherstress-relatedhormones,whichcreatesa“fightorflight”chemicalresponseinourbodiesthat,whenongoing,canleadtochronicdiseaseandearlydeath.

Thesepractices,alongwithananti-inflammatorydiet,nurturingsupplements,andappropriateexercisesandphysicaltherapiesformaholisticprotocolthatisandhasbeenthecornerstoneofsuccesswithourprogram.

AlternativeArthritisTherapiesEffectiveintheTreatmentofArthritisAcupressure

Acupressure

Acupressure,whichisderivedfromAcupuncture,isthepracticeofapplyingphysicalpressureto

specificmeridianpointsforthepurposesofeitherdecreasingorstimulatingactivityinaparticularareaofthebody.Acupressurecanbeextremelyhelpfulinalleviatingpainfromarthritis.Inparticular,stimulatingthepointknownas“Liver14”(L14)inthedambetweenthethumbandtheforefingerseveraltimesadaycanbehelpfulinreducingpaininthebody.

Acupuncture(TraditionalChineseMedicine,includingChineseHerbs)AccordingtoTraditionalChineseMedicine(TCM),acupuncturehelpsrebalancethebody’svital

energy,orqi,byinsertingsmall

Acupuncturehasprovenexceedinglyhelpfulinrelievingandmitigatinginflammationandpain,includingthepainrelatedtoarthriticconditions.

needlesintotheskinatdifferentpoints.Thispracticehasbeenusedbycountlesspeoplethroughouttheworldtohelpreducethepainandsufferingofarthritis,andasanongoingmeasureinthepreventionanderadicationofstagnationthatcauses,andpreventsthehealingof,arthritis.TherearetwotreatmentpathsinTCMrelatedtoarthritis–onefor“deficiencies”likeosteoarthritis,whichusesnourishingherbsandtreatmentsthatbringenergytothearea,andonefor“excesses”asinthecaseofrheumatoidarthritis(excessiveheatanddampness),whichfocusesonusingcoolingherbsanddrainingtreatments.Acupuncturehasprovenexceedinglyhelpfulinrelievingandmitigatinginflammationandpain,includingthepainrelatedtoarthriticconditions.Italsoprovidesexcellentsupportforotherchallengingcausesandsymptomssuchaserraticsleep,excessivestressandanxiety,andemotionalimbalances.AcomprehensivestudybytheNationalInstitutesofHealthdeterminedthatacupunctureisaneffectivecomplementtoconventionalmedicineintreatingosteoarthritis.293Afour-yearstudybyresearchersattheUniversityofMarylandSchoolofMedicinepublishedintheAnnalsofInternalMedicineshowedthatacupunctureprovidedsignificantrelieftoosteoarthritispatientsexperiencingmoderatetoseverepaineventhoughtheyweretakingpainmedication.294

ChelationTherapyChelationisanadjunctivetherapythatridsthebodyoftoxicheavymetalsandplaque.Byimproving

overallcirculatoryfunctioningandlesseningfreeradicaldamage,chelationcanreducearthriticsymptoms.Thistherapyisparticularlygoodforalleviatingthecripplingeffectsofrheumatoidarthritis.ScientistshypothesizethatthechelationdrugEDTAhassimilarchemicalpropertiestopenicillamine,adrugrheumatologistsusetotreatthedisease.

ChiropracticChiropracticcareisagentle,safeandnoninvasivewayforpatientstorelievethesymptomsof

osteoarthritis.Duringtreatment,spinaladjustmentsaregiventoreleasenervepressure;thisallowsnerveenergytoflowproperly.Circulationincreasestothejoints,enablingthemtofunctionbetterandtoheal.Thisformoftherapyincreasesrangeofmotion,alleviatespainandlengthensthespine,allowingthepersontostandstraighterandappeartaller.Also,byencouragingproperposture,chiropractictreatmentsminimizepressureonthejoints.

ColonTherapyManyarthriticpatientshaveconstipationfromanaccumulationoftoxinsinthecolonandthebody.

Theysufferautotoxicreactions,includinginflammation,asthebodyrespondstothetoxins.Autotoxinsexacerbateanydisease,includingarthritis.

Colonicirrigation,orcolonhydrotherapy,opensthedigestivetractandthoroughlyremovesaccumulatedwastes,eliminatingtoxicsubstancesandharmfulbacteria.Aseriesoftreatmentsleavesapersonfeelinglighter,cleanerandmorealive.Whencolontherapyiscombinedwithanimproveddietandsupplementation,properbalanceisrestored.Asaresult,mobilityincreasesandarthritismayevendisappear.

HomeopathyHomeopathicremediesforarthritis,likethoseforotherailments,arekeyedtoveryspecific

conditions:

RhusToxicodendronUsedforpainthatworsensatnightandinthemorninguponawakening.Painisworseincold,damp

weatherandbeforeastorm.Thepersonfeelsbetterwithheatandmotion.

RhododendronForjointpainsthatfeelworseinthemorning,beforeastormorweatherchange,andinheavywinds.

Symptomsarealleviatedwithheatandmotion.

CalcaeaCarbonicaForpainthatisworseincold,dampweatherwhenthereisexertionandmotion,andwhenthelimbis

hangingdownward.

AconitumNapellusForpainandinflammation,especiallywhentheskinishot.

MagnetsEverycellinourbodyismagnetized.Imbalancesoccurwhenweareaffectedbytrauma,disease,or

infection,andhundredsofstudiesshowthatmagnettherapycanbeapowerfulrebalancingmodality.Forexample,usingfixedmagnetsplacedatthebaseofpatients’heads,Dr.WilliamPhilpott,M.D.,helpedremedynumerouscasesofdepression.I’vepersonallyintervieweddozensofhispatientswhohaveconfirmedtheefficacyofthistherapy.Additionally,otherscientistsandphysiciansarenowusingelectromagneticpulseswithevenmorebeneficialresults.

AlternativeDiagnosticProceduresinSupportofaHealthyVegetarianLifestyle

AllergyTestingforProblemFoodsSinceallergicresponsestofoodsarealeadingcauseofinflammationand,therefore,arthritis,skin

andbloodallergytestsadministeredbyacomplementaryphysiciancanbevaluableforrevealingproblemfoodsandchemicals.Completelyeliminatefoodsthatyouarehighlysensitiveto,atleastforawhile.Later,someofthesefoodscanbereturned,potentially,tothediet.Foodsthatcauselessofareactioncanbeeateninfrequentlyonarotationdiet,inwhichthesamefoodisnoteatenmorethanonceeveryfourtosevendays.Forexample,ifwheatiseatenonMonday,itisnoteatenagainuntilFriday,attheearliest.

EnvironmentalConsiderations•Sleepindarkness•Controlyourenvironment:MakesurenottobringfoodsinthehomethatarenotsupportiveofyourgoalEatsomehealthyfoodpriortogoingtoparties;itwillhelpyoutoresistovereatingfoodsthatarenotsupportiveEnrollimmediatefamilyandfriendsinsupportingyourprogramHavesetmealtimes,anddonotsnackinfrontofTVUsehandkerchiefstoopendoors,handsanitizerafterbeingoutinpublic,etc.

•Creategoodergonomicsinhomeandatwork.Ifyouworkonacomputerregularly,makesurethatyouprovidepropersupportforallareasofthebodythatrequireit,includingproperdeskheight,footsupport,andpaddingforthewristwhenusingamouse.

•De-clutteryourhome•ShieldfromEMFs•Limityouruseofmicrowaveovens;orgetridofitcompletely•Limityouruseofcellphone;alwaysusehands-freedevices•Householdtips:CleancookingandeatingsurfacesanddoorknobswithHydrogenperoxideUsenaturalproductsforallothercleaningneedsDealwithmoldremediationifnecessaryCleanA/Cductsandventsannually,ifyouuseA/CPlacetoothbrushinhydrogenperoxideafterbrushingtokillgerms

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278Lee,SJ,etal.“Recentdevelopmentsindietandgout.”CurrentOpinioninRheumatology18,no.2(2006):193-8.

279Darlington,L.,Ramsey,N.W.andMansfield,J.R.“Placebo_Controlled,BlindStudyofDietaryManipulationTherapyinRheumatoidArthritis,”Lancet.Feb1986;8475(1):236-238.

280Prasad,S,etal.“Age-associatedchronicdiseasesrequireage-oldmedicine:Roleofchronicinflammation.”PreventativeMedicineEpubaheadofprint(2011):

281Choi,HyonK,etal.“Purine-RichFoods,DairyandProteinIntake,andtheRiskofGoutinMen.”TheNewEnglandJournalofMedicine350,no.11(2004):1093-1103.http://www.nejm.org/doi/pdf/10.1056/NEJMoa035700(accessedMay7,2012).

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283Curhan,G,andHKChoi.“Softdrinks,fructoseconsumption,andtheriskofgoutinmen:prospectivecohortstudy.”BritishMedicalJournal336,no.7639(2008):309-12.

284Aris,Aziz,andSamuelLeblanc.“MaternalandfetalexposuretopesticidesassociatedtogeneticallymodifiedfoodsinEasternTownshipsofQuebec,Canada.”ReproductiveToxicology31,no.4(2011):528–533.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0890623811000566(accessedMay8,2012).

285HutchinsonD,ShepstoneL,MootsR,LearJT,LynchMP.Heavycigarettesmokingisstronglyassociatedwithrheumatoidarthritis(RA),particularlyinpatientswithoutafamilyhistoryofRA.AnnRheumDis.2001;60(3):223-227.

286CriswellLA,SaagKG,MilulsTR,etal.“SmokinginteractswithgeneticriskfactorsinthedevelopmentofrheumatoidarthritisamongolderCaucasianwomen.”AnnRheumDis2006;65:1163–7.

287Zsuzsanna,Baka,etal.“Rheumatoidarthritisandsmoking:puttingthepiecestogether.”ArthritisResearchandTherapy11,no.238(2009).http://arthritis-research.com/content/11/4/238(accessedMay14,2012).

288Lahiri,M,etal.“ModifiableriskfactorsforRA:prevention,betterthancure?.”Rheumatology51,no.3(2012):499-512.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22120459(accessedMay7,2012).

289Cairns,AP,andJGMcVeigh.“Asystematicreviewoftheeffectsofdynamicexerciseinrheumatoidarthritis.”RheumatologyInternational30,no.2(2009):147-58.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19701638(accessedMay14,2012).

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294Berman,Brian,LixingLao,PatriciaLangenberg,WenLee,AdeleGilpin,andMarcHochberg.“EffectivenessofAcupunctureasAdjunctiveTherapyinOsteoarthritisoftheKnee.”AnnalsofInternalMedicine141,no.12(2004):901-910.http://www.citeulike.org/user/kxl3785/article/6775144(accessedOctober5,2012).

SectionIV

21SampleRecipesfromtheAnti-Arthritis,Anti-InflammationCookbook–HealingthroughNaturalFoods

byGaryNull,Ph.D.

Hereisjustasmallsamplingofthewonderfullyhealthygourmetdishesthatyoucanenjoyonaveganvegetariandiet.Anti-Arthritis,Anti-InflammationCookbook–HealingthroughNaturalFoodsprovidesmorethan200tastyvegan-vegetarianrecipesthatwillnotonlysatisfyyourpalate,butwillsignificantlyreducetheamountofinflammationinyourbody,andhelpyourbodyachieveahealthy,balancedweight.Orderittodayatwww.essentialpublishing.org/bookstore.html

BREAKFAST

BlueberryApricotOatmeal1cupwater¾cupgluten-freesteelcutoats1tablespoonchiaseeds1teaspoongroundcinnamon½teaspoongroundginger½cupfreshblueberries;reserveafewforgarnish½cupslicedapricot½banana,sliced,forgarnish

Bringwatertoaboilinamediumsaucepan;addthesteelcutoats,chiaseeds,cinnamon,ginger,blueberries,andapricotslices.Reduceheat.

Simmer5to8minutestodesiredconsistency,stirringfrequently.

Yield:2servings

NuttyFruitBreakfast1cupbarley,cooked2tablespoonsbarleymalt1teaspoongroundcinnamon1teaspoonchiaseeds1banana,mashed¼cupdriedfigs,chopped½cupredraspberries½cupblueberries½cupwalnuts,chopped

Combinebarley,barleymalt,cinnamon,chiaseeds,andmashedbananainalargebowl.

Addthefigs,raspberries,blueberries,andwalnutsandmixwell.

Garnishwithfreshfruit.

Yield:2servings

QuinoaPancakes¾cupquinoaflour¼cupgluten-freerolledoats1tablespoonflaxseedmeal,goldenorbrown

½teaspoonbakingsoda1teaspoonbakingpowder½cupapplejuice½cupalmondmilk2tablespoonssunfloweroilMaplesyrup½cupraspberries

Inalargebowl,mixtogetherquinoaflour,oats,flaxseedmeal,bakingsoda,andbakingpowder.

Addapplejuiceandalmondmilkandstiruntilsmooth.

Heattheoilinalargeskillet,andaddpancakebattertothehotoil,creatingthedesiredpancakesize.

Cookeachpancakeforapproximately3minutesoruntiltopstartstobubbleandtheundersidestartstobrown.

Flipthepancakeandcookforanadditional2minutesoruntilbrown.

Servewithmaplesyrupandraspberries.

Yield:4servings

APPETIZERSGingerBlackBeanDip

1cupblackbeans,cooked2clovesgarlic,minced1teaspoonginger,minced1tablespoontamari½chilipepper,minced1tablespooncilantro,chopped1teaspoontoastedsesameoilSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

Placebeans,garlic,andgingerinafoodprocessorandpuréeuntilsmooth.

Addtamari,chili,cilantro,sesameoil,salt,andpepperandpulseuntilwellmixed.

Garnishwithgojiberries.

Servewithsesamebreadsticks,vegetablechips,driedfruit,orfreshcutvegetables.

Yield:6servings

HerbedTofuCroquettes2tablespoonsoliveoil1mediumyellowonion,diced2clovesgarlic,minced1greenbellpepper,diced3stalkscelery,diced¼poundmushrooms,minced1packagefirmtofu,drained3tablespoonsflaxseedmeal¼cupsunflowerseeds½cupcashews,choppedPreheatovento350°.1tablespoontamari(soysauce)1teaspoonfreshthyme,chopped1teaspoonfreshoregano,choppedSeasalttotaste½teaspoonblackpepper½cupwheatgerm2tablespoonsparsley,chopped,forgarnish

Heattheoilinaskilletovermedium-highheatandsautéonion,garlic,greenpepper,andceleryuntiltheonionistranslucent.

Addmushroomsandsautéfor5minutes.

Placethetofu,sautéedvegetables,flaxseedmeal,sunflowerseeds,cashews,tamari,thyme,oregano,salt,andpepperinafoodprocessorandpuréeuntilsmooth.

Formthemixtureintocroquettesabout2incheswide.

Placethewheatgerminashallowbowl.Rollthecroquettesinthewheatgermuntilwell-coatedandchillfor30minutes.

Sprayabakingsheetwithnon-stickoliveoilspray,placecroquettesevenlyonthesheet,andbakefor10minutesoruntillightlybrown.

Garnishwithparsley.

Yield:6servings

Tahini-BroccoliCreamDip1cup(approx.8oz.)silkentofu½cuptahini2tablespoonstamari

½cupbroccoli,choppedandsteamed1tablespoonscallions,chopped½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

Combinealltheingredientsinafoodprocessorandpuréeuntilsmooth.

Servewithvegetablechipsorassortedrawvegetables.

Yield:4servings

SOUPS

CreamofBroccoliSoup1tablespoonoliveoil1yellowonion,diced2clovesgarlic,minced1cupwater2cupsunsweetenedalmondmilk¼cupcubedpotatoes½cupbroccoliflorets2tablespoonsfreshdill,chopped1teaspoontamariSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper1teaspoonpaprika,forgarnish¼cupbeansprouts,forgarnish

Heattheoilinalargesaucepanovermediumheatandsautéonionandgarlicuntilonionistranslucent.

Addwater,almondmilk,potatoes,broccoli,dill,tamari,salt,andpepperandsimmeroverlowheatfor15minutes.

Removethepotatoesandbroccolifromthesoup,placeinafoodprocessorwithsomeofthecookingliquidandpuréeuntilsmooth.

Returntosaucepanandstiruntilwellblended.

Garnishwithpaprikaandbeansprouts.

Yield:2servings

ItalianStylePintoBeanSoup2tablespoonsoliveoil1yellowonion,diced

2clovesgarlic,minced1stalkcelery,chopped1redbellpepper,chopped4cupswater2cupspintobeans,cooked2carrots,sliced1cupmushrooms,sliced½cuparugula,chopped½teaspooncuminSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

Heattheoilinalargesaucepanovermediumheatandsautétheonion,garlic,celery,andredpepperuntiltheonionistranslucent.

Addwater,beans,carrots,mushrooms,arugula,cumin,salt,andpepperandsimmerovermediumheatfor20minutes.

Yield:4servings

Gary’sNoodleSoup1tablespoonoliveoil1yellowonion,diced3clovesgarlic,minced1stalkcelery,chopped4cupsvegetablestock1packagefreshspinach(10oz.),coarselychopped6stalksasparagus,cutinto1inchpieces½teaspooncumin3tablespoonsfreshbasil,choppedSeasalttotaste¼teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepperPinchcayenne8-oz.packagebuckwheatnoodles

½cupcherrytomatoes,sliced

Heattheoilinalargesaucepanovermediumheatandsautétheonion,garlic,andceleryuntiltheonionsaretranslucent.

Addvegetablestock,spinach,asparagus,cumin,basil,salt,andpepperandsimmerfor10minutes.

Addnoodlesandcookforanadditional10minutes.

Garnishwithcherrytomato.

Yield:4servings

SALADS

ArtichokeandChickpeaSalad

Dressing:2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil1tablespoonfreshlemonjuice2clovesgarlic,minced1teaspoonfreshginger,mincedSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepperPinchcayenne

Salad:1cupbrownrice,cooked1cupchickpeas,cooked1cup(approx.2•6-oz.jars)marinatedartichokehearts,quartered

½cupbroccoli,steamed½cupfreshparsley,chopped2tablespoonsfreshmint,chopped2scallions,sliced1tomato,chopped½cupfreshdill,forgarnish

Whiskoil,lemonjuice,garlic,ginger,salt,pepper,andcayennetogetherinasmallbowl.

Placebrownrice,chickpeas,artichokehearts,broccoli,parsley,mint,scallions,andtomatoinasaladbowlandtosswiththedressing.

Garnishwithdill.

Yield:2servings

EggplantSaladDressing:2tablespoonsoliveoil1tablespoonlemonjuice1clovegarlic,pressedSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepperPinchcayenne

Whiskoil,lemonjuice,garlic,salt,pepper,andcayennetogetherinasmallbowl.

Eggplant:2largeeggplants½teaspooncuminSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

1smallredonion,finelychopped3tablespoonsfreshparsley,chopped;reserve1tablespoonforgarnish¼teaspoongroundmarjoram1teaspoonfreshthyme½cupcherrytomatoes,halved,forgarnish½cupyellowcherrytomatoes,halved,forgarnish

Preheatovento350°.

Cuttheeggplantsinhalfandplaceonabakingsheetsprayedwithnon-stickoliveoil.

Seasontheeggplantswithcumin,salt,andpepperandbakefor15-20minutes.

Whentheeggplantsarecoolenoughtohandle,scrapethepulpfromtheskinandmashthepulpinasaladbowl.

Addtheredonion,parsley,marjoram,andthyme;mixwellandthentossthesaladwiththedressing.

Garnishwithparsleyandthetomatoes.

Yield:2to3servings

MellowRiceSalad

Dressing:2tablespoonswalnutoil1tablespoonraw,unfilteredapplecidervinegar1clovegarlic,pressedSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepperPinchcayenne

Salad:1cupbrownrice,cooked½cuppecans,chopped2tablespoonsfreshdill,chopped1yellowbellpepper,diced1cupcherrytomatoes,halved1scallion,choppedfinely

Whiskoil,vinegar,garlic,salt,pepper,andcayennetogetherinasmallbowl.

Placebrownrice,pecans,dill,yellowbellpepper,tomatoandscallioninasaladbowlandtossthesaladwiththedressing.

Yield:2servings

SuperiorSpinachSalad

Dressing:2tablespoonswalnutoil1tablespoonraw,unfilteredapplecidervinegar

Salad:1package(10oz.)freshspinach,coarselychopped½cupcauliflowerflorets½avocado,diced1jar(6oz.)marinatedartichokehearts,quartered;

1clovegarlic,pressedSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepperPinchcayenne

reservehalfforgarnish½cupwalnuts,chopped2shallots,minced¼teaspoonoregano¼teaspoonsage¼cupmicro-greens,forgarnish

Whiskoil,vinegar,garlic,salt,pepper,andcayennetogetherinasmallbowl.

Placespinach,cauliflower,avocado,artichokehearts,walnuts,shallots,oregano,andsageinasaladbowlandtosswiththedressing.Garnishwithmicro-greensandartichokehearts.

Yield:2servings

Entrées

AngelHairPastawithMushroomsandPeas2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil1mediumyellowonion,diced2clovesofgarlic,minced3cupsmushrooms,sliced½cupunsweetenedalmondmilk1tablespoonfreshrosemary,chopped1teaspoonchiaseeds¼cuppinenuts1cupfreshpeasSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper1cupslicedradicchio⅔cupgratedveganParmesancheese3cupsangelhairpasta,cooked

Heattheoilinalargesaucepanovermediumheatandsautétheonionandgarlicuntiltheonionistranslucent.

Addthemushroomsandsautéforanother2minutes.

Addthealmondmilk,rosemary,chiaseeds,pinenuts,peas,salt,andpepperandcookfor5minutes.

Turnofftheheatandaddtheradicchio,allowingittosteamforaminuteortwo.

TosswiththeveganParmesancheeseandpasta.

Yield:2servings

CurriedBarleywithAvocado2tablespoonsextravirginoliveoil1mediumyellowonion,chopped2clovesgarlic,minced½stalkcelery,minced½redbellpepper,chopped3tablespoonsslicedblackolives¼cupcashews,chopped¼cupcurrants1tablespoonfreshparsley,chopped1teaspoonfreshcilantro,chopped¼cupchiaseeds2cupsbarley,cooked1tablespooncurrypowderSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper1largeripeavocado,peeledandsliced½cupchives,cutinto2-inchpieces,forgarnish

Heattheoilinalargesaucepanovermediumheatandsautétheonion,garlic,andceleryuntiltheonionistranslucent.

Addtheredpepper,olives,cashews,currants,parsley,cilantro,chiaseeds,barley,currypowder,salt,andpepperandstirwell,anduntilthoroughlywarmed.

Garnishwithchives.

Servewithslicedavocado.

Yield:2servings

LentilBurgers1cupcookedbrownlentils¼cuplentilsprouts¼cupunsaltedcashews,chopped¼cupunsaltedalmonds,chopped1teaspoonchiaseeds1smallyellowonion,diced2teaspoonscurrypowder2tablespoonsfreshcilantro½cupwholewheatbreadcrumbs

¼teaspooncayenneSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

Preheatovento425°.

Puréecarrotsinafoodprocessor.

Addlentils,sprouts,cashews,almonds,chiaseeds,onion,currypowder,cilantro,breadcrumbs,cayenne,salt,andpeppertothefoodprocessorandpuréeuntilsmooth.

Shapemixtureintopattiesandplaceonanungreasedbakingsheet.

Bakefor10minutes;turnoverandbakeanadditional10–15minutes.

Serveonsesameseedbunswithlettuceandtomato.

Yield:4servings

Mushroom-StuffedTomatoes2largetomatoes2tablespoonsoliveoil1cupbuttonmushrooms,diced1yellowonion,diced2clovesgarlic,minced1redbellpepper,chopped¾cupveganbreadcrumbs3tablespoonsfreshbasil,chopped1tablespoonfreshoregano,chopped1tablespoonfreshparsley,chopped1tablespoontoastedsesameseedsSeasalttotaste½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper

Preheatovento350°.

Slicetopsofftomatoesandsetaside.Hollowouttomatoesleavingtheskinintact.Reservethetomatopulpandseeds.

Heattheoilinasaucepanovermediumheatandsautémushroomsuntilbrown.Setaside.

Sautétheonion,garlic,andbellpepperuntiltheonionistranslucent.

Inasmallmixingbowl,combinethetomatopulp,mushrooms,sautéedvegetables,breadcrumbs,basil,oregano,parsley,sesameseeds,salt,andpepper.

Filltomatoeswithmushroomstuffing;coverwithtomatotopsandplaceinagreasedbakingdish.

Bakefor15–20minutesuntilgoldenbrown.

Yield:2servings

SweetandSourTempeh1tablespoonwalnutoil1scallion,sliced1clovegarlic,minced½cupwater1cupbroccoliflorets1cuptempeh,cubed½cuppeanuts½cuppineapple,cubed3tablespoonstamari½teaspoonfreshlygroundblackpepper2tablespoonsmacadamianuts,chopped,forgarnish

Heattheoilinaskilletandsautéthescallionsandgarlicuntiltender.

Addthewater,broccoli,tempeh,peanuts,pineapple,tamari,andpepper,andsimmerfor10–15minutes,stirringfrequently.

Garnishwithmacadamianuts.

Yield:2Servings

Desserts

RAWBerryJello1cupblueberries1cupraspberries;reserveafewforgarnish

1banana,peeledandsliced1teaspoonmaplesyrup1teaspoonvanillaextract¼cupmint,forgarnish

Placeblueberries,raspberries,banana,maplesyrup,andvanillaextractinafoodprocessorandpuréeuntilsmooth.

Pourintodessertdishesandchill.

Garnishwithmintandraspberries.

Yield:3servings

LemonCherryCake

1⅔cupswholewheatpastryflour1tablespoonbakingpowder⅓cupgroundflaxseedmeal2tablespoonsgratedcoconut½cuppineapplejuice½cupwalnutoil2teaspoonslemonextract½cupmaplesyrup,gradeB1cupfreshorfrozencherries,pitted

Preheatovento350°.

Combineflour,bakingpowder,groundflaxseedmeal,andgratedcoconutinalargebowlandmixwell.

Combinethepineapplejuice,oil,lemonextract,andsyrupinamediumbowlandmixuntilsmooth.

Foldthebatterintotheflourmixtureandblendwithanelectricmixeruntiltherearenolumps.

Addthecherriesandmixuntilevenlydistributed.

Placeinagreasedloafpanandbakefor30minutes.

Thecakeisdonewhenatoothpickcomesoutcleanafterbeinginsertedintothecenter.

Garnishwithcherries.

Yield:4servings

ChocolatePudding2cupsricemilk2teaspoonsagarflakes1cupdatesugar⅔cupcocoapowder1tablespooncoconutoil2tablespoonsarrowrootdissolvedin2tablespoonsofwater1teaspoonvanillaextract

Placericemilkandagarflakesinasmallsaucepanandsimmerforabout5minutesuntilagaris

dissolved.

Adddatesugar,cocoapowder,andcoconutoilandsimmerfortwomoreminutes.Removefromheatandstirinarrowrootandvanillaextract.

Placeinablenderorfoodprocessorandpuréeuntilsmooth.Placeindessertdishes.

Refrigeratefor1hour,andgarnishwithfreshfruit.

Yield:4servings

SectionV

ExcerptfromDeathByMedicine

IntroductionSomethingiswrongwhenregulatoryagenciespretendthatvitaminsandnutritionalsupplementsare

dangerous.Manyinthemedia,withoutscientificbasis,denigratetheuseofsupplements,yetthese“vitamincritics”ignorepublishedstatisticsshowingthattherealhazardisgovernment-sanctionedmedicine.

Inmanyrespects,however,theseregulatoryagenciesactastheirowncritics.Thegovernmentisnotblindtoitsowndeficienciesinhealthcaredelivery.TheInstituteofMedicine,apartoftheUnitedStatesNationalAcademyofSciences,states:

HealthcareintheUnitedStatesisnotassafeasitshouldbe…Amongtheproblemsthatcommonlyoccurduringthecourseofprovidinghealthcareareadversedrugeventsandimpropertransfusions,surgicalinjuriesandwrong-sitesurgery,suicides,restraint-relatedinjuriesordeath,falls,burns,pressureulcers,andmistakenpatientidentities[allofwhichexact]theircostinhumanlives.1

TheInstituteofMedicineevenrefersto“thenation’sepidemicofmedicalerrors,”manyofwhichinvolveadversedrugreactions(ADRs).TheUSFoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)saysthat“ADRsareoneoftheleadingcausesofmorbidityandmortalityinhealthcare.”2

ArchivesofInternalMedicinepublished“ASpecialArticle”byCurtD.Furberg,MD,Ph.D.,etal.,called“TheFDAandDrugSafety:AProposalforSweepingChanges.”Thesection“ProblemswiththeCurrentSystem”begins:“WeseeeightmajorproblemswiththecurrentsystemofassessmentandassuranceofdrugsafetyattheFDA.”ThefirstofthesesaysthattheinitialreviewforapprovaloftenfailstodetectseriousADRs:“AstudybytheUSGeneralAccountabilityOffice(GAO)concludedthat51%ofallapproveddrugshadatleastoneseriousADRthatwasnotrecognizedduringtheapprovalprocess.”3

Theironyisthatsafer(andlessexpensive)preventivealternativesareoftenattackedorstrategicallyridiculedbyregulatorypowers,even–orperhapsespecially–whenproveneffective.Thiscondescendingstancetowardalternativesmaybefueledbytheirrelativelackofsideeffectsinacompetitivemarketplace.

Untilrecently,healthresearcherscouldciteonlyisolatedstatisticstomaketheircaseaboutthedangersofconventionalmedicine.Noonehadeveranalyzedandcompiledallthepublishedliteraturedealingwithinjuriesanddeathscausedbygovernment-protectedmedicine.

Agroupofresearchersmeticulouslyreviewedthestatisticalevidence,andtheirfindings,includedinthisbook,areabsolutelyshocking.InDeathbyMedicine,wewillpresentcompellingevidencethattoday’shealthcaresystemfrequentlycausesmoreharmthangood.

Thisfullyreferencedbookrevealsanumberofstartlingfacts:•Thenumberofpeoplehavingin-hospital,adversereactionstoprescribeddrugsannually:approximately2.2million

•Thenumberofunnecessaryand/orinappropriateantibioticsprescribedannually:approximately45millionperyear4,5

•Thenumberofunnecessarymedicalandsurgicalproceduresperformedeachyear:7.5million•Thenumberofpeopleunnecessarilyhospitalizedeachyear:8.9million

Themoststunningstatistic,however,isthatthetotalnumberofdeathscausedbyconventionalmedicineisnearly800,000peryear.ItisnowevidentthattheAmericanmedicalsystemistheleading

causeofdeathandinjuryintheUS.Bycontrast,thenumberofdeathsattributabletoheartdiseasein2005,themostrecentyearforwhichfinaldataisavailable,is652,091,whilethenumberofdeathsattributabletocanceris559,312.6“Itisestimatedthat…565,650menandwomenwilldieofcancerofallsitesin2008,”accordingtotheNationalCancerInstitute,aprojectedincreaseof6,338cancerdeaths.7

WedecidedtopublishDeathbyMedicinetocallattentiontothefailureoftheAmericanmedicalsystem.Byexposingthesegruesomestatisticsinpainstakingdetail,weprovideabasisforcompetentandcompassionatemedicalprofessionals,suchasthecourageousDr.DavidGraham,torecognizetheinadequaciesoftoday’ssystemandatleastattempttoinstitutemeaningfulreforms.

OnNovember18,2004,DavidJ.Graham,MD,MPH,AssociateDirectorforScienceandMedicineintheFDA’sOfficeofDrugSafety,testifiedbeforetheUSSenate.Dr.GrahamgraduatedfromtheJohnsHopkinsUniversitySchoolofMedicine,andtrainedinInternalMedicineatYaleandinadultNeurologyattheUniversityofPennsylvania.Afterthis,hecompletedathree-yearfellowshipinpharmaco-epidemiologyandaMastersinPublicHealthatJohnsHopkins,withaconcentrationinepidemiologyandbiostatistics.8Hiseducationandextensiveexperiencequalifyhimtoofferanexpertopiniononpharmaceuticaldrugs.

Dr.Graham,whohadspenttwentyyearsworkingattheFDA,toldtheSenate:

Duringmycareer,IbelieveIhavemadearealdifferenceforthecauseofpatientsafety.MyresearchandeffortswithinFDAledtothewithdrawalfromtheUSmarketofOmniflox,anantibioticthatcausedhemolyticanemia;Rezulin,adiabetesdrugthatcausedacuteliverfailure;Fen-PhenandRedux,weightlossdrugsthatcausedheartvalveinjury;andPPA(phenylpropanolamine),anover-the-counterdecongestantandweightlossproductthatcausedhemorrhagicstrokeinyoungwomen.

MyresearchalsoledtothewithdrawalfromoutpatientuseofTrovan,anantibioticthatcausedacuteliverfailureanddeath.IalsocontributedtotheteameffortthatledtothewithdrawalofLotronex,adrugforirritablebowelsyndromethatcausesischemiccolitis;Baycol,acholesterol-loweringdrugthatcausedseveremuscleinjury,kidneyfailureanddeath;Seldane,anantihistaminethatcausedheartarrhythmiasanddeath;andPropulsid,adrugfornight-timeheartburnthatcausedheartarrhythmiasanddeath…

IhavedoneextensiveworkconcerningtheissueofpregnancyexposuretoAccutane,adrugthatisusedtotreatacnebutcancausebirthdefectsinsomechildrenwhoareexposedinuteroiftheirmotherstakethedrugduringthefirsttrimester.Duringmycareer,Ihaverecommendedthemarketwithdrawaloftwelvedrugs.Onlytwooftheseremainonthemarkettoday–AccutaneandArava,adrugforthetreatmentofrheumatoidarthritisthatIandaco-workerbelievecausesanunacceptablyhighriskofacuteliverfailureanddeath.9

TheLosAngelesTimesreportedthatwitnessestoldtheSenatepanelthat

Merck&Co.andtheFoodandDrugAdministrationknewbeforetheagencyapprovedthecompany’sVioxx®painkillerin1999thatthedrugcouldhaveseriousadverseeffectsontheheart…ButtheFDAgaveitsapprovalwithoutresolvingtheconcerns,andVioxx®wasaggressivelymarketedtopointupitspainreliefqualities,notitsrisks.10

TestifyingaboutMerck’sVioxx®,Dr.Grahamstates:

Today…you,we,arefacedwithwhatmaybethesinglegreatestdrugsafetycatastropheinthehistoryofthiscountryorthehistoryoftheworld.WearetalkingaboutacatastrophethatIstronglybelievecouldhave,shouldhave,beenlargelyorcompletelyavoided.Butitwasn’t,andover100,000Americanshavepaiddearlyforthisfailure.Inmyopinion,theFDAhaslettheAmericanpeopledown,andsadly,betrayedapublictrust.11

InthesamewaytheFDAattemptstoquashvitamins,theyallegedlyattemptedtosuppressscientificresearch,presumablytokeepVioxx®andotherdrugsafloat,accordingtoDr.Graham.“NotonlydidtheFDAignoreknownrisksfromVioxx®andrelateddrugsbut…ittriedtopreventGrahamandothersfrompublicizingtheirownresearchthatprovedtheextentoftheserisks.”12

Whenitcomestonewmedications,AttorneyBlakeBaileyobserves:

TheFDA…usesthestudiesofthecompanieswhostandtogainbillionsofdollarsandareunderintensepressuretobeatacompetingcompanytomakeittothemarketwithasimilarproduct.ManyofthescientistsandmedicaldoctorsgotoworkforthesecompaniesafteratenurewithFDA.13

Dr.Grahammadeitclearinhistestimonythat,throughouthiscareer,hehadonlyworkedfortheFDA,notforanycompanies.

CommitteeChairmanCharlesE.Grassley(R–Iowa)saidhewasconcernedthattheFDA“hasarelationshipwithdrugcompaniesthatistoocozy.”14

Sen.JeffBingaman(D–NewMexico)saidtheproblemwaswithintheFDA’sownculture:“TheculturewithintheFDA,beingonewherethepharmaceuticalindustry,whichtheFDAissupposedtoregulate,isseenbytheFDAasitsclientinstead.15

InGraham’sview,thedrugsafetyproblemsbeganin1992withthepassageofalawaimedatgettinglifesavingdrugsontothemarketfaster.Tospeedupapprovals,thelawforcedpharmaceuticalcompaniestofootmostofthebillforthereviewprocess.ThatlefttheFDA“capturedbyindustry,”saysGraham.“Hewhopaysthepipercallsthetune.”16

EdwardJ.Markey(D–Massachusetts)notedthata2006surveyconductedbytheUnionofConcernedScientistsreportedthat18.4%ofFDAscientistssurveyedreportedthattheyhadbeenaskedtoinappropriatelyexcludeoraltertechnicalinformationortheirconclusionsinanFDAscientificdocument.17

TheAmericanSocietyofHealth-SystemPharmacistsreportsthatGrahamtestified“inFebruary[2007]that,haditnotbeenfortheprotectionofSen.CharlesGrassley(R–Iowa),FDAwouldhavefiredhimforpubliclyspeakingoutabouthisconcernsaboutVioxx®andotherdrugs.”18

Dr.Grahamsays,“Youneedtoweedthegardenpatchofdrugsthataren’tdoingwhatthey’resupposedtodo.TheFDAhasnotbeenverygoodaboutthat;itlikestocultivatealltheseweeds.”19Dr.Graham“namedfiveotherdrugswhosesafetyissuspect,andnotedthat‘theFDAascurrentlyconfiguredisincapableofprotectingAmericaagainstanotherVioxx®.’”20

Manymediasourcespresentatthehearing,suchastheLosAngelesTimesandMedscapeMedicalNews,21reportthatGrahamthenadded,“Wearevirtuallydefenseless,”22butthissentencedoesnot

appearinthefinaltranscriptandmayhavebeenstrickenfromtherecord.Onereportbegins,“TheAmericanpublicis‘virtuallydefenseless’ifanothermedicationsuchasVioxx®provestobeunsafeafteritisapprovedforsale,agovernmentdrugsafetyreviewertoldacongressionalcommittee.”23

YettheFDAcrusadestopreventusfromtakingdandelionroot.Naturalmedicineisundersiege,aspharmaceuticalcompanylobbyistsurgelawmakerstodeprive

Americansofthebenefitsofdietarysupplementsandbioidenticalhormones.Drug-companyfrontgroupshavelaunchedslanderousmediacampaignstodiscreditthevalueofhealthylifestyles.TheFDAcontinuestointerferewiththosewhooffernaturalproductsthatcompetewithprescriptiondrugs.

Theseattacksagainstnaturalmedicineobscurealethalproblemthatuntilnowwasburiedinthousandsofpagesofscientifictext.Inresponsetothesebaselesschallengestonaturalmedicine,hereisanindependentreviewofthequalityof“government-approved”medicine.TosupporttheboldclaimthatconventionalmedicineisAmerica’snumberonekiller,everycountinthisindictmentofUSmedicineisvalidatedbypublished,peer-reviewedscientificstudies.ThestartlingfindingsfromthismeticulousstudyindicatethatconventionalmedicineistheleadingcauseofdeathintheUnitedStates.

Whatyouareabouttoreadisastunningcompilationoffactsthatdocumentsthatthosewhoseektoabolishconsumeraccesstonaturaltherapiesaremisleadingthepublic.Nearly800,000Americansdieeachyearatthehandsofgovernment-sanctionedmedicine,whiletheFDAandothergovernmentagenciespretendtoprotectthepublicbyharassingthosewhooffersafealternatives.

Adefinitivereviewofmedicalpeer-reviewedjournalsandgovernmenthealthstatisticsshowsthatAmericanmedicinefrequentlycausesmoreharmthangood.

Eachyearatleast2.2millionUShospitalpatientsexperienceadversedrugreactions(ADRs)toprescribedmedications.24TheFDAacknowledgesthat,comparedwithdatafromtheInstitutesofMedicine,studiesconductedonhospitalizedpatientpopulationshaveplacedmuchhigherestimatesontheoverallincidenceofseriousADRs.Thesestudiesestimatethat6.7%ofhospitalizedpatientshaveaseriousadversedrugreactionwithafatalityrateof0.32%.25

Iftheseestimatesarecorrect,thentherearemorethan2,216,000seriousADRsinhospitalizedpatients,causingover106,000deathsannually…ThesestatisticsdonotincludethenumberofADRsthatoccurinambulatorysettings.Also,itisestimatedthatover350,000ADRsoccurinUSnursinghomeseachyear.26TheexactnumberofADRsisnotcertainandislimitedbymethodologicalconsiderations.However,whateverthetruenumberis,ADRsrepresentasignificantpublichealthproblemthatis,forthemostpart,preventable.27

In1995,Dr.RichardBesserofthefederalCentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention(CDC)estimatedthenumberofunnecessaryantibioticsprescribedannuallyforviralinfectionstobe20million;in2003,Dr.Besserspokeintermsoftensofmillionsofunnecessaryantibioticsprescribedannually.28,29

In2005,Dr.PhilipTierno,directorofclinicalmicrobiologyandimmunologyatNewYorkUniversityMedicalCentersaidthateachyear“about90millionantibioticprescriptionsarewrittenandabouthalfofthoseareeitherunnecessaryorinappropriate,whichistheleadingcauseofantibioticresistanceinAmerica.”30

InOctober2008,Dr.LauriHicks,medicaldirectoroftheCDC’sGetSmart:KnowWhenAntibioticsWorkprogram,warns:“Antibioticoveruseisaseriousproblemandathreattoeveryone’shealth.”TheCDCreports,“Upperrespiratorytractinfections[are]usuallycausedbyviruses[and]can’tbecuredwithantibiotics.Yeteachyear,healthcareprovidersintheUSprescribetensofmillionsofantibioticsforviralinfections.”Dr.Hicksexplains,“Takingantibioticswhenyoudon’tneedthemornotasprescribedincreasesyourriskofgettinganinfectionlaterthatresistsantibiotictreatment.”31

TheCDCannouncedthattobringattentiontothisincreasingproblem,theyinitiatedaGetSmart

AboutAntibioticsWeekin2008,acampaigntoeducatethepublic32and,byimplication,tosensitizephysicianstothedangerofover-prescribing,apracticethathasbeenbuildingwithimpunityformanyyears,butwhichcannolongerbereadilytolerated.

Approximately7.5millionunnecessarymedicalandsurgicalproceduresareperformedannuallyintheUS,33,34whileapproximately8.9millionAmericansarehospitalizedunnecessarily.35–38TheInstituteofMedicineestimatesthatnearly100,000patientsdieinhospitalseachyearduetomedicalerrors.Thisisthreetimesthenumberwhodieonthehighways.39

Deathsfromnosocomialinfections–thatis,infectionsthatarearesultoftreatmentinahospitalorahealthcareserviceunit,appearing48hoursormoreafterhospitaladmissionorwithin30daysafterdischarge–rosefrom88,000in199740,41to99,000peryearin2002.42AccordingtotheCDC,inAmericanhospitalsalone,healthcare-associatedinfections(HAIs)accountforanestimated1.7millioninfectionsand99,000associateddeathseachyear.”43Therewere:

•33,269HAIsamongnewbornsinhigh-risknurseries,•19,059amongnewbornsinwell-babynurseries,•417,946amongadultsandchildreninICUs,and•1,266,851amongadultsandchildrenoutsideofICUs.

Ofthe99,000associateddeaths,

•35,967wereforpneumonia,•30,665forbloodstreaminfections,•13,088forurinarytractinfections,•8,205forsurgicalsiteinfections,and•11,062forinfectionsofothersites.44

AsshowninTable1,theestimatedtotalnumberofiatrogenicdeaths–thatis,deathsinducedinadvertentlybyaphysicianorsurgeonorbymedicaltreatmentordiagnosticprocedures–intheUSannuallyisatleast581,926.

ItisevidentthattheAmericanmedicalsystemisitselftheleadingcauseofdeathandinjuryintheUS.Bycomparison,approximately652,091Americansdiedofheartdiseasein2005,while559,312diedofcancer.45

Table1:EstimatedAnnualMortalityandCostofMedicalIntervention

Condition Deaths Cost Author

HospitalAdverseDrugReactions 106,000+ $2billion+ Lazarou,49Suh,50FDA51

HospitalMedicalErrors 98,000 $2billion IOM,52,53,54

HospitalBedsores 17,160 $90billion Xakellis,55Barczak,56HealthGrades57

HospitalInfections 88,000 $5billion+ CDC,58Weinstein,59MMWR60

NursingHomes/Malnutrition 4,630 ---------- CoalitionforNursingHomeReform61ConsumerAffairs62

OutpatientAdverseDrugReactions 199,000 77billion Starfield,63,64Weingart65

UnnecessarySurgicalProcedures 37,136 $30billion HCUP,66,67Leape68

Surgery-Related 32,000 $9billion AHRQ,perZahnandMiller69

Total 581,926+ $215billion+

Themortalitycostsaloneexceed$215billionayear.“Health-carecostsintheUnitedStatesaregrowingatanunsustainablerate,”accordingtoSenatorRonWyden,whoservesontheSenate’sFinanceCommittee,SubcommitteeonHealthcare.46

TheNationalCoalitiononHealthcarereportsthatannualhealthcarespendingintheUShasbeenincreasingtwotofivetimestherateofinflationsince2000.47In2006,Americansspentmorethan$2.2trilliononhealthcare.48Totalhealthcarespendingwas$2.4trillioninboth2007and2008,or$7,900perperson,whichrepresented17percentofthegrossdomesticproduct(GDP).70That’sabout4.3timestheamountspentonnationaldefense.71Thetotalwasprojectedtoreach$3.1trillionin2012.72

TheNationalCoalitiononHealthcarefurtherstates:

Itisestimatedthatwehavespentasanationnearly16trilliondollarsonhealthcaresince2000,butthisexpenditurehasnotresultedindemonstrablybetterqualityofcareorbetterpatientsatisfactioncomparedtoothernations.73

JasonLazarou,MSc,estimated106,000annualdrugerrorsinhisgroundbreaking1998reportintheJournaloftheAmericanMedicalAssociation;74theInstituteofMedicineestimated98,000annualmedicalerrors.ButifweuseDr.LucianL.Leape’s1997medicalanddrugerrorrateof3million75multipliedbythe14%fatalityrateheusedin1994,76wefindthatthenumberofdeathswouldbeincreasedby216,000,foratotalof797,926deathsannually,asshowninTable2.

Table2:EstimatedAnnualMortalityandCostofMedicalIntervention

Condition Deaths Cost Reference

HospitalADR/mederror 420,000 $28billion Leape,77NPSF78

HospitalBedsores 17,160 $90billion Xakellis,79Barczak,80HealthGrades81

HospitalInfection 88,000 $5billion+ CDC,82Weinstein,83MMWR84

NursingHome/Malnutrition 4,630 ---------- CoalitionforNursingHomeReform85

Outpatients 199,000 $77billion Starfield,86,87Weingart88

UnnecessaryProcedures 37,136 $30billion HCUP,89Leape90

Surgery-Related 32,000 $9billion AHRQ*,91

Total 797,926 $239billion+

perZahnandMiller*

“Inthepast,medicinewas‘simple,relativelysafe,andineffective’…buttodaymedicineiscomplicated…whichhasmadeitlesssafe,anditisstillineffective,”accordingtoDr.Leape.92Emergencymedicinehelpsmany.

Unnecessarymedicalevents,includingpointlesshospitalization,areimportantinouranalysis.Theseeventsareamongthemostlamentableinallofmedicine.Theyareusuallypreventable.Anyinvasiveinappropriatemedicalprocedureputsapatientatriskforaniatrogeniccascadeofinjuries,possiblydeath.Unfortunately,causeandeffectgounmonitored.“Atleast150times[inthesevenyearsbetween1996and2003],surgeonsinAmericanhospitalshaveoperatedonthewrongarm,leg,eyeorotherbodypart.”

Donotimaginethathospitalsviewedasrolemodelsforresearchandfineclinicalcareareperfect.MemorialSloan–KetteringCancerCenterinNewYorkCity“advertisesthatitdeliversthebestcancercareanywhere.Butin1995,itschiefneurosurgeonoperatedonthewrongsideofapatient’sbraininpartbecauseofamix-upinX-rays…Lapsesinbasicqualitychecksandordinarystandardsofpatientcareledtomostofthemishaps.”93

Thefiguresonunnecessaryeventsrepresentpeoplewhoarethrustintoadangeroushealthcaresystem.Eachofthese16.4millionlivesisbeingaffectedinwaysthatcouldhavefatalconsequences.Simplyenteringahospitalcouldresultinthefollowing:

•In16.4millionpeople,a2.1%chance(affecting344,400)ofaseriousadversedrugreaction94

•In16.4millionpeople,a5–6%chance(affecting902,000)ofacquiringanosocomialinfection95•In16.4millionpeople,a4–36%chance(affectingbetween656,000and5.9million)ofhavinganiatrogenicinjury(medicalerrororadversedrugreactions)96

•In16.4millionpeople,a17%chance(affecting2.8million)ofaprocedureerror97

Thesestatisticsrepresentaone-yeartimespan.Workingwiththemostconservativefiguresfromourstatistics,weprojectthefollowingten-yeardeathrates(Table3):

Table3:Estimated10-YearDeathRatesfromMedicalIntervention

Condition 10YearDeaths Reference

HospitalAdverseDrugReaction 1,060,000+ Lazarou,98FDA99

HospitalMedicalError 980,000 IOM100,101,102

HospitalBedsores 1,150,000 Xakellis,103Barczak104

HospitalInfection 880,000 CDC,105Weinstein106

NursingHome/Malnutrition 1,090,000 CoalitionforNursingHomeReform107

Outpatients 1,990,000 Starfield,108,109Weingart110

UnnecessaryProcedures 371,360 HCUP111

Surgery-related 320,000 AHRQ*,112

Total 7,841,360+ perZahnandMiller*

Table4:EstimatedTen-YearUnnecessaryMedicalEvents

Condition 10YearDeaths Reference

UnnecessaryEvents 10-yearNumber IatrogenicEvents

Hospitalization 89million113–116 17million

Procedures 75million117 15million

Total 164million 32million

Ourestimatedten-yeartotalof7.95millioniatrogenicdeathsismorethanallthecasualtiesfromallthewarsfoughtbytheUSthroughoutitsentirehistory.Ourprojectedfiguresforunnecessarymedicaleventsoccurringoveraten-yearperiodarealsostriking.ThefiguresinTable4showthatanestimated164millionpeople–morethanhalfofthetotalUSpopulation–receiveunneededmedicaltreatmentoverthecourseofadecade.

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61Starfield,B.2000.IsUShealthreallythebestintheworld?JAMA284(4):483–5.62NursingHomeResidentsDyingofHunger,Thirst.ConsumerAffairs,November29,2004.http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/nursing_home_neglect.html(AccessedMarch4,2009).

63Starfield,B.2000.DeficienciesinUSmedicalcare.JAMA284(17):2184–5.64Weingart,S.N.,L.WilsonR.Mc,R.W.Gibberd,andB.Harrison.2000.Epidemiologyofmedicalerror.WestJMed172(6):390–3.

65Siu,A.L.,W.G.Manning,andB.Benjamin.1990.Patient,providerandhospitalcharacteristicsassociatedwithinappropriatehospitalization.AmJPublicHealth80(10):1253–6.

66Thomas,E.J.,D.M.Studdert,J.P.Newhouse,B.I.Zbar,K.M.Howard,E.J.Williams,andT.A.Brennan.1999.CostsofmedicalinjuriesinUtahandColorado.Inquiry36(3):255–64.

67Availableat:http://www.ahrq.gov/news/ress/pr2003/injurypr.htm.(AccessedMay22,2006).68LeapeLL.Unnecessarysurgery.HealthServRes.1989Aug;24(3):351–407.69NationalCoalitiononHealthCare.HealthInsuranceCosts:FactsontheCostofHealthInsuranceandHealthCare,NCHC,2009.http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml(AccessedJanuary28,2009).

70NationalCoalitiononHealthCare.“DidYouKnow?”sectionofhomepageofNCHC,2009.http://www.nchc.org/(AccessedJanuary27,2009).

71NationalCoalitiononHealthCare.HealthInsuranceCosts:FactsontheCostofHealthInsuranceandHealthCare,NCHC,2009.http://www.nchc.org/facts/cost.shtml(AccessedJanuary28,2009).

72NationalCoalitiononHealthCare.“DidYouKnow?”sectionofhomepageofNCHC,2009.http://www.nchc.org/(AccessedJanuary27,2009).

73Lazarou,J.,B.H.Pomeranz,andP.N.Corey.1998.Incidenceofadversedrugreactionsinhospitalizedpatients:ameta-analysisofprospectivestudies.JAMA279(15):1200–5.

74NationalPatientSafetyFoundation.Nationwidepollonpatientsafety:100millionAmericansseemedicalmistakesdirectlytouchingthem[pressrelease].McLean,VA:October9,1997.

75Leape,L.L.1994.Errorinmedicine.JAMA272(23):1851–7.76NationalPatientSafetyFoundation.Nationwidepollonpatientsafety:100millionAmericansseemedicalmistakesdirectlytouchingthem[pressrelease].McLean,VA:October9,1997.

77Ibid.78Xakellis,G.C.,R.Frantz,andA.Lewis.1995.Costofpressureulcerpreventioninlong-termcare.JAmGeriatrSoc43(5):496–501.

79Barczak,C.A.,R.I.Barnett,E.J.Childs,andL.M.Bosley.1997.Fourthnationalpressureulcerprevalencesurvey.AdvWoundCare10(4):18–26.

80CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention.EstimatesofHealthcare-AssociatedInfections,lastmodifiedMay30,2007.http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/hai.html(AccessedJanuary24,2009).

81HealthGradesQualityStudy,PatientSafetyinAmericanHospitals,July2004.http://www.healthgrades.com/media/english/pdf/hg_patient_safety_study_final.pdf(AccessedMarch3,2009).

82Weinstein,R.A.1998.Nosocomialinfectionupdate.EmergInfectDis4(3):416–20.83FourthDecennialInternationalConferenceonNosocomialandHealthcare-AssociatedInfections.MorbidityandMortalityWeeklyReport.February25,2000,Vol.49,No.7,p.138.

84Availableat:http://www.cmwf.org/programs/elders/burger_mal_386.asp.(AccessedMay22,2006).85Starfield,B.2000.IsUShealthreallythebestintheworld?JAMA284(4):483–5.86Starfield,B.2000.DeficienciesinUSmedicalcare.JAMA284(17):2184–5.87Weingart,S.N.,L.WilsonR.Mc,R.W.Gibberd,andB.Harrison.2000.Epidemiologyofmedicalerror.WestJMed172(6):390–3.

88Availableat:http://www.ahrq.gov/data/hcup/hcupnet.htm.(AccessedMay22,2006).89Availableat:http://www.ahrq.gov/news/ress/pr2003/injurypr.htm.(AccessedMay22,2006).90LeapeLL.Unnecessarysurgery.HealthServRes.1989Aug;24(3):351–407.91Peck,P.Patientsafetyrequiresfundamentalchangestomedicalsystems.MedscapeMedicalNews,6May2004.http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/475217(AccessedJanuary28,2009).

92Altman,LK.Eventheelitehospitalsaren’timmunetoerrors.NewYorkTimes,23February2003.http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0DE3D9113DF930A15751C0A9659C8B63&n=Top/Reference/Times%20Topics/People/S/Santillan,%20Jesica&scp=1&sq=Altman%20LK.%20Even%20the%20elite%20hospitals%20aren%E2%80%99t%20immune%20to%20errors.%20New%20York%20Times,%2023%20February%202003&st=cse(AccessedJanuary28,2009).

93Lazarou,J.,B.H.Pomeranz,andP.N.Corey.1998.Incidenceofadversedrugreactionsinhospitalizedpatients:ameta-analysisofprospectivestudies.JAMA279(15):1200–5.

94Weinstein,R.A.1998.Nosocomialinfectionupdate.EmergInfectDis4(3):416–20.95Leape,L.L.1994.Errorinmedicine.JAMA272(23):1851–7.96LaPointe,N.M.,andJ.G.Jollis.2003.Medicationerrorsinhospitalizedcardiovascularpatients.ArchInternMed163(12):1461–6.

97Lazarou,J.,B.H.Pomeranz,andP.N.Corey.1998.Incidenceofadversedrugreactionsinhospitalizedpatients:ameta-analysisofprospectivestudies.JAMA279(15):1200–5.

98InstituteofMedicine,USNationalAcademyofSciences.November1999.ToErrIsHuman:BuildingaSaferHealthSystem.http://www.iom.edu/Object.File/Master/4/117/ToErr-8pager.pdf(AccessedJanuary25,2009).

99CenterforDrugEvaluationandResearchU.S.FoodandDrugAdministration.PreventableAdverseDrugReactions:AFocusonDrugInteractions.LastupdatedJuly31,2002.http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/drugReactions/default.htm#ADRs:%20Prevalence%20and%20Incidence(AccessedJanuary25,2009).

100Thomas,E.J.,D.M.Studdert,H.R.Burstin,E.J.Orav,T.Zeena,E.J.Williams,K.M.Howard,P.C.Weiler,andT.A.Brennan.2000.IncidenceandtypesofadverseeventsandnegligentcareinUtahandColorado.MedCare38(3):261–71.

101Thomas,E.J.,D.M.Studdert,J.P.Newhouse,B.I.Zbar,K.M.Howard,E.J.Williams,andT.A.Brennan.1999.CostsofmedicalinjuriesinUtahandColorado.Inquiry36(3):255–64.

102Xakellis,G.C.,R.Frantz,andA.Lewis.1995.Costofpressureulcerpreventioninlong-termcare.JAmGeriatrSoc43(5):496–501.

103Barczak,C.A.,R.I.Barnett,E.J.Childs,andL.M.Bosley.1997.Fourthnationalpressureulcerprevalencesurvey.AdvWoundCare10(4):18–26.

104CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention.EstimatesofHealthcare-AssociatedInfections,lastmodifiedMay30,2007.http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/hai.html(AccessedJanuary24,2009).

105Weinstein,R.A.1998.Nosocomialinfectionupdate.EmergInfectDis4(3):416–20.106FourthDecennialInternationalConferenceonNosocomialandHealthcare-AssociatedInfections.

MorbidityandMortalityWeeklyReport.February25,2000,Vol.49,No.7,p.138.107Availableat:http://www.cmwf.org/programs/elders/burger_mal_386.asp.(AccessedMay22,2006).108Starfield,B.2000.IsUShealthreallythebestintheworld?JAMA284(4):483–5.109Starfield,B.2000.DeficienciesinUSmedicalcare.JAMA284(17):2184–5.110Weingart,S.N.,L.WilsonR.Mc,R.W.Gibberd,andB.Harrison.2000.Epidemiologyofmedical

error.WestJMed172(6):390–3.111Availableat:http://www.ahrq.gov/data/hcup/hcupnet.htm.(AccessedMay22,2006).112Availableat:http://www.ahrq.gov/news/ress/pr2003/injurypr.htm.(AccessedMay22,2006).113http://www.ahrq.gov/data/hcup/hcupnet.htm.(AccessedMay22,2006).114Siu,A.L.,F.A.Sonnenberg,W.G.Manning,G.A.Goldberg,E.S.Bloomfield,J.P.Newhouse,andR.

H.Brook.1986.Inappropriateuseofhospitalsinarandomizedtrialofhealthinsuranceplans.NEnglJMed315(20):1259–66.

115Siu,A.L.,W.G.Manning,andB.Benjamin.1990.Patient,providerandhospitalcharacteristicsassociatedwithinappropriatehospitalization.AmJPublicHealth80(10):1253–6.

116Eriksen,B.O.,I.S.Kristiansen,E.Nord,J.F.Pape,S.M.Almdahl,A.Hensrud,andS.Jaeger.1999.Thecostofinappropriateadmissions:astudyofhealthbenefitsandresourceutilizationinadepartmentofinternalmedicine.JInternMed246(4):379–87.

117Availableat:http://www.ahrq.gov/data/hcup/hcupnet.htm.(AccessedMay22,2006).

Resources

Gary’sWebsiteGaryNull.com–Gary’sofficialwebsitewhereyoucanlistentohisradioprogramsandsubscribetoimportantupdatesregardingyourhealthandthehealthofournation.

Gary’sPublications

Anti-Arthritis,Anti-InflammationCookbook:HealingThroughNaturalFoods

Morethan270anti-arthritis,anti-inflammationrecipestohealconditionsanddiseasesofinflammation,whicharelargelyperpetuatedbythehigh-fat,high-sugar,chemicallyladenStandardAmericanDiet(S.A.D.).Preventandreversediseaseslikearthritis,cancer,diabetesandheartdiseasebymakingthedeliciousofferingswithinthisbookthemainstayofaneweatingprogram…yourhealthandlifedependonit!

TheJoyofJuicing

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TheCompleteEncyclopediaofNaturalHealing

Thisuniqueandreliablehealthreferencepicksupwhereothersourcesleaveoff,offeringacomprehensivelistingofsomeoftoday’smostcommondiseasesandtheirsimple,natural,inexpensivecures.

GetHealthyNow:ACompleteGuidetoPrevention,Treatment,andHealthyLiving

ThisnationalbestsellerfeaturedonPublicTelevision(PBS)includesresearchandnutritionaladvicefortreatingallergies,diabetes,PMS,andropause,andeverythingin-between.Fromhealthyskinandhairtofootandlegcare,thisimportantguidefeaturesaninvaluableAlternativePractitionersGuideforhelpingyoubecomehealthierfromtoptobottom,insidetoout.

Gary’sDVDs

ReverseArthritis&PainNaturally:AProvenApproachtoanAnti-inflammatory,Pain-freeLife

ThisDVDtakesanin-depthlookattheepidemicofarthritisandchronicpainsweepingournationtoday,andoffersaprovenlifestyleprotocolforeasinginflammationandpainnaturally.

Preventing&ReversingDiabetesNaturally–3DVDset

DiabetesisahealthcrisisreachingepidemiclevelsinAmericaand,sadly,morepeoplearesuccumbingtothisdevastatingdiseasethaneverbefore.InthisinformativeDVDset,Dr.GaryNullalongwiththeworld’stopmedicaldoctors,psychiatristsandpsychologistswillshowyouthelatest,mostpowerfulnaturalandconventionalapproachesforpreventingandreversingdiabetes,obesity,andmetabolic

syndrome.

7StepstoPerfectHealth

Foroverthreedecades,GaryNull,Ph.D.,hasbeenoneoftheforemostadvocatesofalternativemedicineandnaturalhealing.Garybelieveslifecanbelivedinamannerthatembracesbody,mind,andspiritandthatpreventionisthekeytohealthyliving.InSevenStepstoPerfectHealth,Garywillguideyouonapathtowardwellnessandtorealizingyourpersonalpower.Youwilllearnhowtoidentifyhealth-riskfactors,detoxifyandrebalanceyoursystemwithnecessarynutrientsandanti-oxidants,de-stressandexercise.

Preventing&ReversingCancerNaturally–2DVDset

CancerCan’tKillYou…unlessyouletit!InthisprovocativeandcompellingDVDsetyouwilllearnaboutpowerfulnewcancertreatmentsthatarenottaughtinU.S.medicalschoolsbutaresavingmillionsoflivesinmorethan180countriesworldwide,includingEngland,France,andGermany.Armyourselfwiththerightinformation,andyouwillhavetheopportunitytoavoidoneofthemostfrighteningdiseases,andleadingcausesofdeathtoday.

ReversingHeartDisease&StrokeNaturally

Heartdiseaseandstrokecanbeprevented!Thereareseveralriskfactorsforbothoftheseconditionsthatcanbeeasilyaddressedonceknown.Thesefactorscanbeidentifiedwithsimplemeasurementssuchaswaistsize,andtestsforC-Reactiveprotein,homocysteine,fibrinogen,andhemoglobinA1Clevels,whichcanbedoneinyourphysician’soffice.Highbloodpressure,arterialandatherosclerosis,plaque

andmyocardialmyopathyallcanbereversedandprevented;learnhownow!

Anti-Arthritis,Anti-InflammationCookbook:HealingThroughNaturalFoodsbyGaryNull,Ph.D.ThisNewYorkTimesbest-sellingauthorbringsyoumorethan270anti-arthritis,anti-inflammationrecipestohealconditionsanddiseasesofinflammation,whicharelargelyperpetuatedbythehigh-fat,high-sugar,chemicallyladenStandardAmericanDiet(S.A.D.).Preventandreversediseaseslikearthritis,cancer,diabetesandheartdiseasebymakingthedeliciousofferingswithinthisbookthemainstayofaneweatingprogram…yourhealthandlifedependonit!

Art&Survivalinthe21stCentury:Acreativeresponsetothechallengesofourtimethroughdrawing,painting&sculpturebyJamesMenzelJosephThisartandsocialcriticismbooktakesaprofoundlookattheroleofartinhumanity’ssurvival,andfeaturesover200exquisiteandbeautifulpaintingsanddrawingsofJamesMenzelJoseph,celebratedaward-winningartist,authormasterartteacher,andactivist.

EcoDiet:EatClean,GoGreenbyToniToneyOurconnectiontoplanetEarthisvasterthanmostofusrealize.Infact,ourbody,liketheearth,isanintricateecosystemofinterdependentorganismsthatdependupononeanothertothrive.Thebalanceofourecosystemisdelicate,andanydisruption,suchasanunsuitablefoodsupplyoratoxicoverload,candamageordestroyit.Inthisimportantbook,youwilllearnaboutthefoodchoicesthatarecreatingan

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ThePalmBeachPainReliefSystem:AClinically-proven,NaturalandIntegrativeApproachtoHealingChronicPain,Arthritis&InjurybyDanielNuchovich,M.D.Thiscomprehensive,revolutionary,provenmedicaltreatmentprogramutilizesnaturaltherapies,includingthewhole-foodsMediterraneanDiet,toovercomechronicpain.Thisdrug-free,integrativeapproachisworkingfor90+%ofpatientssufferingfromarthritis,andotherdiseasesofinformation.Avoidunnecessarysurgeriesandfreeyourselffromthepotentiallydeadlytrapofunsuccessfulpharmaceutical-basedtherapies.

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Index

Aacaiberry/ies,170acerola,170acidityandtheStandardAmericanDiet,54

aconitumnapellus,191acupressure,188.Seealsotherapy/ies,naturalacupuncture,188.Seealsotherapy/ies,naturaladdiction.Seealsofoodaddictionsubstanceuseandabuse,14

adversedrugreactions(ADRs)causesofdeathand,12advertisingclaimsin,68harmfulinfluencesof,7,8influencesof,106

alfalfa,176algae,51,92,180,181alkaline-formingfoods,167beans/legumes,168fruits,168nutsandseeds,168seavegetables,168vegetables,168wholegrains,168

alkaloids,183allergies.Seefood(s),allergiesallergytesting,191aloevera,163alpha-linoleicacid(ALA),173,179-180.Seealsoomega-3essentialfattyacidbonehealthand,180

alternativetherapies.Seetherapy/ies,alternativeAlzheimer’sdisease,72,126AmbulatorySurgicalCenters(ASCs),10America’sObesityEpidemic,58AmericanAcademyofOrthopedicSurgeons(AAOS),10AmericanMedicalAssociation(AMA),11,15aminoacid(s),3,52,170,180amphetamines,19anethole,178anthocyanin(s),172,174–176,179

anthocyanosides,171anti-arthritissupplements,158.SeealsonutritionalsupplementsAnti-Arthritis,Anti-InflammationCookbook:HealingthroughNaturalFoods,225antidepressants,14,18,20,82antinuclearantibodies,39antioxidant-richfoods,94,169antioxidants,3,46,74,92–93,96,139,159,169–170,172–173,175–176,178–179,181arachidonicacid,49,55,94,127,165,173,251aroniamelanocarpa,170arthritis,25,125advancementof,31,87benefitsofexercisefor,78,101–102cause(s)of,2,22,32,47,57,106clinicalstudiesof,123conventionaltreatmentof,85–86definitionof,29degenerativerootsof,idiagnosisof,86dietand,22,94dietforprevention,165dietaryprotocol,130disability,relationto,1diseaseprogression,preventionof,vexerciseand,102healingfrom,iv,6,83hormoneimbalances,39injury,asthecauseof,30jointswelling,40lucrativebusiness,asaiinaturaltreatmentof,85,157naturopathicapproach(es)to,92osteoarthritis,21,30,29–35,48,55,58,94,96,101,125–126,128,135,144,150–153,160,163–

164,169,172–177,189polyarthritis,169positivethinkingand,97prevalenceof,2preventionof,iii,iv,6,11,20,21,23,27,85,95,157,162,165,167,180,189recoveryingfrom,97remedy/iesfor,iiresignationto,3resultinglimitations,4reversalof,iirheumatoid,36,38,41,79,94,101,126

dietand,95hormoneimbalance(s),39treatmentof,42

studyof,ii,27thebusinessof,93treatmentof,ii,vii,2,21,24,27,33,85,93vegandietandbenefitsfor,94–95

ArthritisFoundation,The1arthroplasty,36arugula,176asparagus,176aspirin.SeeNSAIDsatherosclerosis,3,48,87autoimmunedisorder(s),38AutologousChondrocyteImplantation(ACI),36Ayurvedicmedicine,163

Bbarleygrass,177Baron,JillR.,M.D.,80,165Benson,Herbert,M.D.,98BerkeleyUniversity,166betacarotene,173,176,178,Seevitamins,vitaminABextra,35bilberry/ies,171biochanin-A,176Biomet,38bisphenol-A(BPA),59bisphosphonate(s)healthrisksof,43bisphosphonates,42blackcurrant(s),171blackcurrantoil,159blackberry/ies,171blueberry/ies,171BodyMassIndex(BMI),55,58,76,135boneloss,56boneremodeling,42,57boneresorption,57Bongiorno,Peter,N.D.,L.A.c.,90Boniva,42borageoil,159boswellia,163broccoli,177

bromelain,161

Ccabbage,177calcaeacarbonica,191calcium,56lossof,57

Campbell,T.Colin,Ph.D.,22,96,110camucamu,171cancer,3,4,11,15,18,41,43,50,72,74,126,142,164,178capsaicin,163,181capsaicincream,163carotenoids,171,174–175,177–178carrot(s),177cartilage,30–33,35,39,93,101,158–159,162,170–171,175cat’sclaw,163cauliflower,178cayenne,163Celebrex,34–35,112,145celery,178CentersforDiseaseControl(CDC),The1–2,15chelationtherapy,189chemotherapydrugs,42cherry/ies,172ChiGong,187chiaseed(s),179childrendiseaseand.Seedisease(s),lifestyle,childrenmarketingto,67,71obesityand,71

ChinaStudy,The22,96,110ChineseMedicine,164,188useofintreatmentofarthritis,90

chiropracticcare,189chlorella,180chlorophyll,3chokeberry.SeeAroniaMelanocarpacleansing,6,53cloning,68developmentalproblemsand,69safetyof,68

coconutoil,180collardgreen(s),178

colontherapy,190comfrey,164complementarytherapies.Seetherapy/ies,naturalConAgra,64corticosteroids,42COX-2inhibitor,34–35cranberry/ies,172C-reactiveprotein(CRP),32,128,160curcumin,131,165Cushing’ssyndrome,42cyclooxygenase,33–34cytokines,41,174,176

DD2receptors,76DeathbyMedicine,14,21,109decursinol,161degenerativejointdisease.Seearthritisdementia,3depression,6,19,66,99,191DePuyOrthopaedics,38detoxification,133devil’sclaw,164diabetes,4,6–7,11,17,41–42,45,48,50,67,70,72,87,105,126Diacerhein,164diallylsulfide(DAS),181dietanti-inflammation,130diseaseand,22,23gluten-free,128lifestyleand,129low-fatvegan,128Mediterranean,22,127

Diindolylmethane(DIM),178Dillard,JamesN.,M.D.,D.C.,L.A.c.,17–18,73,87diseasemodifyingantirheumaticdrugs.SeeDMARDSdisease(s),2,6,85,91aspectsof,28feelingsand,100geneexpressionand,98healingforce(s),vihealingfrom,vilifestyle,ii,3,25,68,88

causesof,5children,3,9,105healingfrom,88

stressascauseof,82thoughtsand,100

DMARDs,42sideeffectsof,42

Donden,Dr.Yeshe,89Dong,Dr.Colin,95dopamine,76,78benefitsofexerciserelatedto,78

Eelderberry/ies,172ellagicacid,174–175Enbrel,42EnteringtheSystem,85environmentalconsiderationsandarthritis,192epigallocatechin-3–gallate(EGCG),181essentialfattyacidshealthyratioof,49

eveningprimroseoil,159exercise,ii,vi,5,7,27,31,48,67,78,82,87,89,91,93,97,100–103,119,125–127,129,133,138,146,161,183–186,251benefitsof,101hormonebalanceand,187psychologicalbenefitsof,78

Ffarming,5fasting,6benefitsforarthritis,95

fat(s),48healthy,48,50

fennel,178fiber,3fibromyalgia,41,101flavonoid(s),162,174,177–179flaxseed(s),180folicacid,5Food&DrugAdministration(FDA),13,17–18,20–21,35,37,43,68–69,158,244,246–250,253inappropriateactivitiesof,17foodaddiction(s),75

compromisedbrainfunctionand,76substanceabuseand,75

foodindustryadvertisingexpenditures,67advertisingtochildren,64

food(s)addiction,75alkaline-forming,167allergies,53,191antioxidant-rich,169artificial,182artificialsweetenersin,182costs,79farmpolicy/iesand,79fat-free,68folicacid-rich,169geneticallymodified,53geneticallyengineered,182healing,170,179highacid,182industry,71,104nutritionalvalue,5organic,69importanceof,53,166

processed,68,73–75,77,79,182historyof,62

toavoid,182Fosamax,42freeradical(s),iii,51–52,74Freud,Sigmund,99Frieden,Dr.Thomas,16Fuhrman,Joel,M.D.,95,116,118–119

Ggalactolipids,177garlic,181geneexpressionthoughtsand,98GIbleeding,35ginger,181gingerols,181ginseng,164glucocorticoidmedications,42glucosamine,35,92–93,129,131,151,158–159

glucosinolates,176,178glutathione,52,162foodsourcesof,52

gojiberry/ies,172goldstandardtest,13Americanmedicineand,13gout,43,94causesof,44

dietarytreatmentsfor,45obesityand,45treatmentof,45

grain(s),169greentea,181guava,172

HHarvardMedicalSchool,98healing

naturalapproach(es),5responsibilityfor,28self,28

healingfoods.Seefood(s),healinghealthenvironmentalconsiderationsfor,133environmentalconsiderationsincreating,192oftheplanet,2,25practicesforcreating,187practicestoimprove,98,100responsibilityfor,iii,viroleofthoughtsin,133thecreationof,97theeffectsofpositivethinkingon,97theeffectsofstresson,98

heartdisease,3,4,15,17,22,45,72,105,126Heberden’snodes,40herb(s),19helpfulforarthritis,163

herbology,16hesperidin,174Hippocrates,vihomeopathy,190.Seealsotherapy/ies,naturalHumira,42hyaluronicacid(HA),161

hydrotherapy,187,190hydroxybenzoicacids,176hypercholesterolemia,3hypertension,4,45,78,105

Iiatrogenesis,14ibuprofen.SeeNSAIDsillnesscause(s)of,89Americanmedicine,12

immunesystemeffectsofinflammationon,48threatstothe,73

indole-3-carbinol(I3C),177–178inflammation,27,32,48,93cause(s)of,48chronic,41disease(s)of,48,50treatmentof,85

farmedfishand,51foodallergiesand,53implicationinalldisease,ivprocessof,iiireductionof,iii,158repairof,iii

integrativehealth,88integrativetherapies,88InteragencyWorkingGroup(IWG),71,118isothiocyanate(s)(ITC),178

Jjointreplacement(s),36failureratesof,37safetyconcernsof,37successof,38

joint(s),29knee,58,126replacementof,36StandardAmericanDietand,96

JournaloftheAmericanMedicalAssociation(JAMA),15,59juicing,131

Kkaempferolglycosides,178kale,178Kefauver-HarrisAmendment,20Kerlikowske,Gil,16Keys,Ancel,22kiwi,173knee.Seejoint(s),kneekneereplacement.Seesurgery/ies,kneereplacement

LLeape,Dr.LucianL.,12lifespan,25lifestylechoices,ii,iii,vdiseases.Seedisease(s),lifestyle

ligaments,31,40,146,171linoleicacid.Seeomega-6essentialfattyacidlupus,48,101lycopene,172,176

Mmagnet(s),191.Seealsotherapy/ies,naturalmangiferin,173mango(es),173mangosteen,173maquiberry/ies,173Marcus,NormanJ.,M.D.,6,15McDougall,John,M.D.,96Mead,Margaret,107meat,54arthritisand,55

media,67–68medicineconventional,i,iv,vii,5,7,22,90,107,189integrative,22natural,89,90,92

meditation,82,98,129,133,187menisci,31,138menopause,39MerckPharmaceuticals,34–35metal-on-metaldevices,37.Seealsojointreplacement(s)methylsulfonylmethane(MSM),161

mindroleof,99–100

mind-bodypractice(s),98minerals,57,73,157,160–161,167,174,180boron,161calcium,56,57,161,167,177copper,161,174magnesium,161,167manganese,161,169,178phosphorus,161,174potassium,161,169,177–178selenium,161zinc,161

modernconveniences,24movementlimitationsto,4

Moyers,Bill17Musemeche,Dr.Catherine,9,109

NN-acetylcysteine,52naproxen.SeeNSAIDsNationalHealthandNutritionExaminationSurvey,59

NationalHealthInterviewSurvey,2NationalInstituteofHealth(NIH),13NationalInstituteofMedicine,38NationalInstituteofMentalHealth,82NationalInstitutesofHealth,189nettles,164neurotransmitter(s),76neutraceutical(s),35,93noni,174Non-steroidalAnti-InflammatoryDrugs(NSAIDs).SeeNSAIDsNSAIDs,iii,33–35,42,45,93,111–112,182gastrointestinalulceration,and,42healthproblemsassociatedwith,34heartattack,42jointdamageresultingfrom,34stroke,and,42

Nuchovich,Daniel,M.D.,iv,5,7,22,86,165Null,Gary,M.D.,2,5,109,124–125,146,225nutritionalsupplements,52,89,92,125,129,131,133,139,143,146,153,157–159,162–163,187

Oobesity,4,6,9–10,26,30,38,42,45,50,57–61,65,67,71,73–75,78–79,102arthritisand,57childhood,59,63lackofphysicaleducationandlinkto,65schoollunchesandlinkto,65

children.Seechildren,obesityandfast-foodrestaurantsand,5,61,117government(s)and,61highbloodpressureand,67medicalcostsand,59morbid,60plastics(Bisphenol-A)and,59processedfoodsand,62starvationand,62strategiesforaddressing,61

oil(s)consumptionof,50fish,51,160healthy,50unhealthy,50,182usedinarthritisprotocol,130

omega-3s.Seeomega-3essentialfattyacidsomega-3essentialfattyacids,46,49–50,96,132,160,173,179–180foodsourcesof,50,92

omega-6s.Seeomega-6essentialfattyacidsomega-6essentialfattyacids,49–50,96onion(s),179ospiates,19ORAC.Seeoxygenradicalabsorbanceprotocolorange(s),174organicfoods.Seefood(s),organicosteoarthritis.Seearthritis,osteoarthritisosteopenia,57osteoporosis,41–42,56,184arthritisand,56carbonatedcoladrinksand,57dairyconsumptionand,56dairyproductsand,56

oxidativestress,51,74,93,161,170–171,173–177,179inflammation,and,52

oxygenradicalabsorbancecapacity(ORAC),169,172

Ppaindrugstorelieve.SeealsoNSAIDS,pharmaceuticalsopioids,16Vicodin,16

managementof,15papaya,174parsley,179passionfruit,174Pennesi,Luanne,R.N.,M.S.,97,105,125perimenopause,39PfizerPharmaceuticals,35pHbalanceaffectsofacidityon,56

pHfactor,54pharmaceuticaldrug(s),15,18–19,22,34,42–43dependenceon,16improperuseof,18side-effectsof,16

pharmaceuticalindustry,13,18–19,103historyof,20–21manufacturingstandards,20

Phenethylisothiocyanate(PEITC),177phosphates,182phytochemical(s),46,73–74phytonutrient(s),3,171,175–176pineapple,175piperine,165,181polyphenols,iii,170–171,174–175,177pomegranate(s),174post-menopause,39prescriptiondrugs.Seepharmaceuticaldrugsprobiotic(s),162foodsourcesof,162

prostaglandins,159,180prune(s),175psychoneuroimmunology,186publicpolicygroupsworkingtoaffect,61,71

pumpkin,175purines.SeeGout

Q

quercetin,129,132,162,178–179

Rradish(s),179rangeofmotion,37raspberry/ies,175recipesAngelHairPastawithMushroomsandPeas,235ArtichokeandChickpeaSalad,232BlueberryApricotOatmeal,227ChocolatePudding,241CreamofBroccoliSoup,230CurriedBarleywithAvocado,236EggplantSalad,233Gary’sNoodleSoup,231GingerBlackBeanDip,228HerbedTofuCroquettes,229ItalianStylePintoBeanSoup,231LemonCherryCake,240LentilBurgers,237MellowRiceSalad,234Mushroom-StuffedTomatoes,238NuttyFruitBreakfast,227QuinoaPancakes,228RAWBerryJello,239SuperiorSpinachSalad,234TahiniBroccoliCreamDip,230

Remicade,42resolvins,179rheumatoidarthritis.Seealsoarthritis,rheumatoidbenefitsofexercisefor,79heartattack,and,40heartfailure,40lungdisease,and,40omega-6fattyacids,and,50osteoporosis,and,41riskofinfectionrelatedto,40

rheumatoidcachexia,40rhustoxicodendron,190rutin,178

SSAD.SeeStandardAmericanDiet

S-adenosylmethionine(SAMe),52,162schoollunches,64Schwan,64Selye,Dr.Hans,80–81SevenCountriesStudy,The22SeventhDayAdventists,55sleep,6smoking,182spiceshelpfulforarthritis,163

spinach,179spirulina,181StandardAmericanDiet,4,48,50,72–74,96,160,167,182acidityand,54addictivequalitiesof,75cellulardamageandthe,74immunefunctionandthe,74inflammationand,96obesityand,73weightgainand,96

strawberry/ies,176stress,2,ii,26,28,30–31,48,51–52,58,78,80–83,90–91,98,106,125,178,185–187,189approachesforhandling,82causesof,81de-stressing,133effectsonbody,80exerciseand,102hormonesand,81inflammationand,82practicesforreducing,187thoughtsand,82

Stryker,38subchondralbone,30substance(s)toxic,14

sulforaphane,177,178superoxidedismutase,162supplements.Seenutritionalsupplementssurgery/ies,i,5,7,9–11,21,27,36,90arthritis,10hipreplacement,10,36kneereplacement,10,36

surgery/ies

unnecessary,iii,9,11,93,108–109synovialfluid,30,32synovialmembrane,30

TTaiChi,187TaiChi,187techniques,painreductionacupressure,188acupuncture,188

therapy/iesalternative,23complementary,23natural,23,87,91,188acupressure,188acupuncture,188chelationtherapy,189chiropracticcare,189colontherapy,190homeopathy,190magnets,191

traditional,23thiacremonone,181TibetanMedicine,89toxicityenvironmental,52heavymetal,17,53heavymetalexposure,53

toxin(s),17eliminating,53environmental,25infood,53

TradeSecrets,17tranquilizers,20,82turmeric,165

UU.S.FoodandDrugAdministration.SeeFoodandDrugAdministration(FDA)uricacid,44–46,94,172,176

Vvegandietbenefitsforarthritis,94–95,125

vegetableoils,50vegetable(s)nightshade,183

Vicodin,16Vioxx,34–35,112vitamin(s),73,157–158,160,180antioxidant,158B-complex,160chondroitinsulfate,159gammalinolenicacid,159glucosamine,159grapeseedextract,159niacinimide,160vitaminA,158,174–175,177–178vitaminC,129,131,158–159,162,169–172,174,176–179vitaminD,179vitaminE,129,158vitaminK,162,175–176,178–179

Volkow,Dr.Nora,76

WWang,G.,76water,183watermelons,176whitewillowbark,165Winfrey,Oprah,69WorldHealthOrganization(WHO),39WrightMedicalTechnology,38

Xxanthones,173

YYaleUniversity,75–76,118yoga,82,98,101–102,133,184–187

Zzeaxanthin,173,175Zimmer,38