The DEADLINE for our JULY/AUGUST Summer Issue is JUNE15th 45

Integrative Approach

for Inflammation and ArthritisImmune system is our defense system and protects us from day to

day threats such as infections and fights against serious cancers.

Unfortunately, in some cases our body is exposed to unwanted

environmental triggers and infections which can activate our

immune system. This activation process can become

uncontrolled if the person has prolonged active infection or has

persistent exposure to culprit agents.

This activated immune

response leads to changes in

our defense cells and the

start producing chemicals

called cytokines, which are

part of the

p a t h o l o g i c i m m u n e

response. These cytokines

lead to unwanted

inflammation and damage

in our body tissues. These

markers of inflammation can

be testes in blood of patients

with autoimmune disorders

such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma. CRP and

ESR are common tests done to identify inflammation in the body.

Over the last decade, extensive research has concluded that

many chronic conditions such as asthma, heart disease and

dementia also have inflammation in the background as

contributor factor for the origin and high activity of these diseases.

Over the last few years it has also become evident that

environmental and nutritional factor play a major role

inflammation and its effects on our genes. Studies have also found

out that there are natural solutions available to slow the

inflammatory process occurring in our body.

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common autoimmune arthritis

affecting 1% population. Rheumatoid factor and anti CCP are

antibodies help in confirming diagnosis. Integrative therapy has

very promising role in controlling inflammation seen in

rheumatoid arthritis and similar autoimmune conditions such as

psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and systemic lupus

erythematosis.

Integrative approaches can help us become stronger and keep

inflammation at minimum. Introducing anti-inflammatory

nutrition and healthy lifestyle is the cornerstone for stopping

inflammation. Incorporating nutritional supplements can also help

reduce inflammation and stabilize immune system through

regulation of immune system.

Exercise and dietary changes are now considered the most

important game changers to control chronic inflammation. A study

in England revealed that middle aged men and women who

increased their exercise were able to lower their levels

inflammatory markers, CRP and IL-6. Another study looked at 10

year follow up of more than 4000 men and those with at least 2.5

hours a week of moderate to vigorous exercise routine had

siginificantly lower levels of both CRP and IL-6.

Coffee and smoking: High consumption of coffee is linked to

rheumatoid arthritis. Cessation of tobacco use is been found

helpful in reducing RA disease activity.

The following nutritional agents are found helpful in rheumatoid

arthritis.

Omega 3 FA: There is been an increasing amount of scientific data

supporting use of omega-3 fatty acids obtained from cold-water

fish such as salmon and also sardines. Tree nuts such as walnuts

and almonds are also rich in omega 3 FA, plant source of omega 3

included flaxseeds. Dose is up to 2-3 g a day or GLA 1.5-3 g/day,

Conjugated linoleic acid does 2-3 g daily

Antioxidants: Vitamin E 100 units as mixed tocopherols, Vitamin C

250 mg twice daily, Selenium 400 mcg daily

Botanicals and Herbs: Green tea

extract (EGCG), curcumin (turmeric), quercetin, ginger, white

willow bark, boswellia. Most commonly Ginger dose is 1 g 2-3

times a day, Turmeric 500 mg to 1000 mg 2-3 times daily.

Mineral and Vitamins: Calcium 1000-1200 mg daily, Magnesium

400-750 mg daily, Vitamin D 2000 international units daily.

For a personlized advice for arthritis and inflammation related

conditions contact us at Dr Farhan Tahir MD,FACR ; Rheumatology

Care Consultants 267-685-6070 See Display Ad on page 16.

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