VITAMINS, HERBS,

AND NUTRITIONAL
SUPPLEMENTS
The Management of Osteoarthritis
Utilizing Alternative Modalities
Cynthia Muaau
Kaplan University Student
 What is Osteoarthritis?
Arthritis refers to an inflammation of a joint or joints in the body. One
of the most common types of arthritis is osteoarthritis or degenerative
arthritis. Often described as wear and tear arthritis, it affects more
than 15 million Americans. (Weil, n.d.)
 A Holistic Approach to the Management of
Osteoarthritis
Diet and lifestyle factors combined can relieve the disease manifestation
of osteoarthritis
Consume a diet that contains ample amounts of fresh fruits and
vegetables, fish such as salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring, olive
oil, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts, and legumes.
Exercises for range of motion/flexibility as well as for
aerobic/endurance will benefit those with osteoarthritis. Yoga and
Tai Chi are especially useful in the management of the pain and
discomfort associated with osteoarthritis.
Nutrients, botanicals and other compounds that will often improve
joint health include; Glucosamine sulfate, Chondroitin, Evening
primrose oil, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Herbs and spices such as
ginger, holy basil, turmeric, green tea, rosemary, scutlellaris,
huzhang, and milk thistle.
 The Affects of Diet in the Management of
Osteoarthritis
Growing evidence suggests that following a healthy diet and adding in specific
foods and spices could help fight inflammation and joint pain.
Below is a list of some foods that have anti inflammatory properties;
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. These veggies are full of a
compound called sulforaphane, which helps slow cartilage damage in joints
due to osteoarthritis. (Arthritis Foundation, 2017)
Fatty fish. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, trout and mackerel are rich in omega-
3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation.
Garlic. Garlic contains a compound called diallyl disulfide that may help with
a number of diseases, including arthritis. (Arthritis Foundation, 2017)
Tart Cherries. The ingredient in cherries that helps with joint symptoms is the
same one that gives this fruit its red color anthocyanin. (Arthritis Foundation,
2017)
Turmeric. Turmeric contains a compound called curcumin. Curcumin could
be beneficial in the management of chronic inflammatory-related joint
disease. (Arthritis Foundation, 2017)
Learn more about diet and the management of
osteoarthritis

The following resources will help you understand more about how diet
can help you manage the painful symptoms of osteoarthritis.

Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Diet

http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/
Healthline - 8 Foods That Fight Arthritis
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/8-foods-fight-arthritis
Dr. Weil Osteoarthritis
https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/bone-joint/
osteoarthritis/
 The Affect of Exercise on Osteoarthritis
While you may worry that exercising with osteoarthritis could harm
your joints and cause more pain, research shows that people can and
should exercise when they have osteoarthritis. Exercise is considered the
most effective non-drug treatment for reducing pain and improving
movement in osteoarthritis.

Range of motion/flexibility: Range of motion refers to the ability to

move your joints through the full motion they were designed to
achieve.
Aerobic/endurance: These exercises strengthen your heart and make
your lungs more efficient. This conditioning has the added benefit of
reducing fatigue, so you have more stamina throughout the day.
Strengthening: Strengthening exercises help maintain and improve
your muscle strength. Strong muscles can support and protect joints
that are affected by arthritis.
 Learn more about exercise and the
management of osteoarthritis
Exercise may be the most effective and inexpensive modality available
to achieve optimal outcomes for people with osteoarthritis.
John Hopkins Arthritis Center - Role of Exercise in Arthritis Management
https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/role-of-
exercise-in-arthritis-management
/
Rheumatic Disease Clinics Exercise in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
http://www.rheumatic.theclinics.com/article/S0889-857X(05)70075-2/fulltex
t?cc=y
=
Arthritis Foundation - Exercising With Osteoarthritis
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise/benefits/osteoarthritis-
exercise.php
John Hopkins Arthritis Center Yoga for Arthritis
https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-management/yoga-for-ar
thritis
 The Use of Vitamins and Nutritional
Supplements in the Management of
Osteoarthritis
It is important to consult with your doctor before starting any new
osteoarthritis treatments. Your doctor can review the other drugs you are
taking and help you decide whether or not these supplements are right
for you.

Glucosamine
Chondroitin Sulfate
Evening primrose oil
Omega-3 fatty acids
Learn More About Vitamins and Nutritional
Supplements in the Management of
Osteoarthritis
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) -
What About Dietary Supplements for Osteoarthritis? https
://nccih.nih.gov/about/offices/od/osteoarthritis-supplements
Dr. Weil Osteoarthritis
https://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/bone-
joint/osteoarthritis/
WebMd - Vitamins & Supplements Search
http
://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/condition-1442-Osteoarthritis.
aspx?diseaseid=1442&diseasename=
Osteoarthritis
The Benefits of Herbs in the Management of
Osteoarthritis
Certain herbs may have anti-inflammatory properties that can help with
osteoarthritis by reducing pain in all forms of the disease.
Aloe Vera
Boswellia
Cats Claw
Eucalyptus
Ginger
Green Tea
Milk Thistle
Thunder God Vine
Tumeric
Willow Bark
Learn More About the Benefits of Herbs in the
Management of Osteoarthritis
Liver Support - Did You Know? Milk Thistle Can Help Osteoarthritis
http://www.liversupport.com/know-milk-thistle-can-help-osteoarthritis/
Oxford Academics - Herbal medicines for the treatment of
osteoarthritis: a systematic review
https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/40/7/779/1787902/Herbal-med
icines-for-the-treatment-
of
Mother Earth Living - Herbal Treatments for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief
http://www.motherearthliving.com/Health-and-Wellness/JOINT-RELIEF
Integrative Practitioner - An Ayurvedic Approach to
Osteoarthritis Treatment
https
://www.integrativepractitioner.com/whats-new/news-and-commentary/an-ayu
rvedic
- approach-to-osteoarthritis/
 References
Arthritis Foundation (2017). Best Foods For Arthritis. Retrieved from
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/arthritis-diet/best - foods-for-
arthritis/best-foods-for-arthritis-7.php
Arthritis Foundation (2017). Exercising With Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from
http://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/exercise / benefits/
osteoarthritis-exercise.php
Bartlett, S. (2011). Role of Exercise in Arthritis Management. Retrieved
from https://www.hopkinsarthritis.org/patient-corner/disease-
management/role-of-exercise-in-arthritis-management/
Briggs, J.P., M.D. (2014). What About Dietary Supplements for Osteoarthritis?
Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/about/ offices/ od/osteoarthritis-
supplements
Bucco, G. (1998). Herbal Treatments for Osteoarthritis Pain Relief. Retrieved
from http://www.motherearthliving.com/Health-and -Wellness/JOINT-
RELIEF
Healthline (2013). 8 Foods That Fight Arthritis. Retrieved from
http://www.healthline.com/health-slideshow/8-foods-fight -arthritis
 References (Cont.)
Long, L., Soeken, K., Ernst, E. (2001). Herbal medicines for the treatment of
osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Retrieved from
https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/40/7/779/1787902/
Herbal-medicines-for-the-treatment-of
Liver Support (2016). Did You Know? Milk Thistle Can Help
Osteoarthritis? Retrieved from http://www.liversupport.com/ know-milk-
thistle-can-help-osteoarthritis/
Minor, M.A. (1999). EXERCISE IN THE TREATMENT OF
OSTEOARTHRITIS. Retrieved from http://
www.rheumatic.theclinics.com/article/S0889-857X(05)70075-2/ fulltext?cc=y=
Moonaz, S., PhD RYT500, Bartlett, S. PhD, Bingham, C. III, MD (2015).
Yoga for Arthritis. Retrieved from https:// www.hopkinsarthritis.org
/patient-corner/disease-management/yoga- for-arthritis/
 References (Cont.)
Patel, S. (n.d.). An Ayurvedic Approach to Osteoarthritis Treatment. Retrieved
from https://www.integrativepractitioner.com/whats-new/news-
commentary/an-ayurvedic-approach-to-osteoarthritis/
WebMd (2017). Vitamin and Supplement Search. Retrieved from
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/condition-1442-
Osteoarthritis.aspx?diseaseid=1442&diseasename=Osteoarthritis
Weil, A., M.D. (n.d.) Osteoarthritis. Retrieved from https://www.drweil.com/
health-wellness/body-mind-spirit/bone-joint/osteoarthritis/