Moving again (Part 1)
I often say that I have the best job in the world. I get to help the courageous people who have been prepared to make often considerable changes in order to maintain, regain or just improve their health. It’s a terrible cliché but there really are no free lunches with good nutrition.
By way of example over the past year I have been helping one person with significant arthritis pain in a knee. This had reduced her mobility significantly to the point where she could no longer exercise.
Effects of poor mobility
Lack of mobility can have a pronounced effect on our lives. When we have to live with pain the consequences which cause negative flow- on effects. This can affect our weight, our fitness, cardiovascular health and with time invariably our mental health will start to suffer.
With diet we added a range of anti-inflammatory compounds with antioxidant dense foods, less sugar and carbohydrates and significantly boosted anti-inflammatory fats from flax seeds, almonds, walnuts, oily fish, olive oil and avocado.
Maintenance supplements
Her supplements are divided into two categories. As a maintenance component we added my Cell-X broad spectrum multi antioxidant/mineral and vitamin complex. Antioxidants often have dual benefits of protecting cells from damage while helping the immune system control unwanted inflammation.
To this we added a stabilised Omega 3 fish oil booster. Fish oil contains 2 directly active Omega 3 fats. The first is EPA which is probably the single most effective natural anti-inflammatory agent. In the US they are now creating high EPA Omega 3 ‘drugs’ for arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
The second is DHA which is a critical fat for the structure and function of the brain, nervous system and is also anti-inflammatory especially noted for its effects on eye health due to its complex nerve structure.
Joint support
For specific joint support we added Bettaflex high in high grade chondroitin with a 95% turmeric extract plus glucosamine. In some cases I add Curcumin 95 as a temporary anti-inflammatory complex to rapidly reduce joint inflammation. This included the potent anti-inflammatory agents Curcumin (from turmeric) and ActiVin™ OPC grape seed extract.
No more pain
After 4 months of following a healthy eating plan combined with supplements she now is mostly pain free and for the first time in years no longer needs painkillers. You can see the delight on her face now she is able to start doing the things she loves. As a bonus her general well-being has improved significantly. The really interesting thing is that the arthritis that caused the pain is still there. Her cartilage is still worn and damaged. What we have done is to shut down unwanted inflammation.
Yes it does take courage to change. Additionally there are the costs of supplements and extra food costs. The results though can be life changing.
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559. You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.
Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2020