One of the first things we need to identify when looking at this condition from a naturopathic point of view is what type of arthritis we are dealing with.

In general terms arthritis affects the joint by damaging the cartilage sites at the end of the bones. Normally, when we move, the cartilage allows the bones to easily slide across each other. If the cartilage is damaged we do not get this gliding action, so joints don’t move freely. 

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Other structures can then be impacted such as the supporting ligaments and even bones can become damaged causing joint deformity. All forms of arthritis can lead to inflammation, pain and stiffness, but the drivers for the different types can vary. Below lI’ll look at the some of the most common forms of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis

This form of arthritis generally occurs as we age, being most common in the over 60’s but can develop earlier. It also tends to be more common in women, but men can suffer too.

Osteoarthritis is generally thought to be brought on by wear and tear and often affects weight bearing joints like the knees, hips, ankles, neck and back. It can also affect other types of joints in the hands.

Cartilage in the joints can deteriorate over time and become pitted and rough, which stops the smooth gliding action. This can also affect the integrity of the joint so it can’t move properly, causing stiffness, poor mobility and later swelling, pain and joint deformity.

Risk factors include past injury, repetitive joint use and being over-weight.

Naturopathic approach to this condition

When working with individuals who have started with this condition we look at a number of areas.

Diet – Often people can be suffering from over-acidity in the blood, which can damage the cartilage and lead to dryness and inflammation in the joints.

Reducing acidic foods and adding more green leafy vegetables can help. Also greens, garlic and onions are high in sulphur, which is important for joint repair.

There are also some kinds of foods like the nightshade family (potatoes, tomatoes, chilli, eggplant, capsicum) that are well known for causing joint irritation.

However individuals may have other kinds of food intolerance that may be driving their inflammation. These can be determined through hair tests.

Herbs – There are a number of herbs that can be used to help clean the blood, bring down inflammation and improve alkalinity. Some of my favourites include nettle, turmeris, celery and rosemary.

Reduce Inflammation – Individuals respond to different kinds of anti-inflammatory supplements such as fish oil, curcumin and evening primrose oil.

Joint Structure Support – Glucosamine and chondroitin are well known for helping maintain and build joint structures to slow deterioration.

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Autoimmune driven arthritis – Rheumatoid, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis

The above types of arthritis are caused by autoimmune diseases. This is where the body gets confused and identifies some of its own structures as foreign bodies and starts making antibodies against them. In the case of rheumatoid arthritis the body attacks the synovial membrane which is the lining of the joint that makes the joint fluid.

This causes the lining to become thickened and inflamed, damaging the joint and can end up with the bones becoming fused.

Naturopathic approach to this condition

When working with individuals who have started with this condition we look at a number of areas. 

Diet – There is a strong association with food intolerances and autoimmune conditions. The reaction to the foods can lead to system inflammation. These can be determined through hair tests.

Digestive System Repair – Leaky gut is associated with autoimmune conditions as it allows things to get into the blood stream that should not be there. For example undigested proteins, immune complexes, bacteria etc.

This puts the immune system on high alert and can cause it to be over-reactive. Therefore healing the digestive system it a top priority.

Immune System Balance – This is key to supporting autoimmune conditons and can be achieve through digestive repair, identifying food intolerances and using herbs or immune balancing supplements.

Herbs – There are a number of herbs that help clean the blood, bring down inflammation and balance the immune system. Echinacea can be very helpful here.

Vitamin D – This vitamin is often deficient in New Zealanders and is associated with immune system balance and inflammation. So testing Vitamin D levels is important for identifying daily supplementation needs.

Reduce Inflammation – Individuals respond to different kinds of anti-inflammatory supplements such as fish oil, curcumin and evening primrose oil.

Joint Structure Support – Glucosamine and chondroitin are well known for helping maintain and build joint structures to slow deterioration.

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Gout

This type of arthritis is caused by the depositing of uric acid salts into the joints where they crystallise, causing terrible pain, redness and inflammation. It is most commonly found in the big toe but can appear in other joints.

There is a genetic propensity for this condition in certain races, however it is also heavily influenced by a diet rich in meat, fatty foods, shell fish and alcohol.

Naturopathic approach to this condition

When working with individuals who have started with this condition we look at a number of areas.

Diet – This type of arthritis can be significantly improved by dietary changes. Reducing acidity is key as it is in osteoarthritis. Reducing acidic foods and adding more green leafy vegetables can help.

Also greens, garlic and onions are high in sulphur which is important for joint repair.

The top priority is to avoid foods high in purines. This is a chemical group in certain foods that’s converted to uric acid in the body. High sources of purines include red meat, organs, game meats, shell fish, oily fish and beer.

Herbs – There are a number of herbs that can be used to help clean the blood, bring down inflammation and improve alkalinity. Celery and devils claw can be very helpful.

Reduce Inflammation – Individuals respond to different kinds of anti-inflammatory supplements such as fish oil, curcumin and evening primrose oil.