Trace Mineral's Role in Controlling ArthritisSeleniumSelenium has also gotten attention lately as a supplement that can give relief. Many Rheumatoid Arthritis patients have lowered levels of selenium, a known anti-inflammatory agent. In one study, fifteen women with rheumatoid arthritis of less than five years' duration received either selenium or a placebo daily for three months. The patients treated with selenium found that arthritis pain and joint tenderness were improved. The patients receiving the placebo found no change. The improvements in the group treated with selenium disappeared three months after the study ended. The adult RDA is 50 to 75 micrograms.
ManganeseManganese is also necessary for bone growth. However, do not ingest manganese with calcium because they can work against each other. Manganese is a mineral essential to the formation of connective tissue (such as cartilage). Therefore manganese is extremely helpful in combating Arthritis but there is also evidence that it promotes keeping bones strong and contributing towards the prevention of Osteoporosis. ZincThis mineral is necessary for bone growth, but is often lacking in arthritic patients. Too much copper in the body can lead to zinc deficiency because the two minerals balance each other. In some studies patients taking zinc supplements have seen improvement. Half of the 24 people involved in a study conducted in the 1970s took 220 milligrams of zinc 3 times a day and found they experienced less morning stiffness, less swelling, and felt better overall, compared to the other half of the patients who were given placebos. Unfortunately, other studies conducted since then have had conflicting results. If you choose to increase zinc in your diet, good sources include oysters, ground beef, veal, pork, fish, soybeans, granola, cheddar cheese and tofu. CopperCopper helps to strengthen connective tissue. Assuring adequate copper in your system is best addressed through food and diet related therapies. Copper is toxic in excessive amounts. It is suggested that if you do attempt copper therapy, that copper-rich foods are utilized instead of copper supplements, because copper supplements can cause side effects which include change in sense of taste and smell, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abnormal blood clots, increased joint arthritis pain, chills, anemia and kidney problems, and excess copper can cause cirrhosis of the liver in patients prone to Wilson’s Disease. GermaniumThis antioxidant helps with arthritis pain relief. Germanium is a semi-metal which comes out of the earth and is present everywhere. The mineral itself appears to have limited effects on human health but was recently developed by Japanese researchers into a synthetic organic compound (Ge-132 or Ge-Oxy 132) with promising medical applications. It improves oxygen flow to cells, and strengthens the immune system. It has arthritis pain-relieving properties and studies have shown that organic germanium (sesquioxide) can nutritionally support the body's defense system. Many people have attributed remarkable benefits with the intake of Germanium. The organic compound improves oxygenation of tissues and restores normal function of immune-boosting cells. It may help prevent cancer, relieve arthritis pain, and combat viral infections, as well as reduce circulatory and mental symptoms and allergies. It is relatively nontoxic, though the FDA has warned against potential kidney damage from long-term use.Clinical TrialsSeventeen patients with rheumatoid arthritis were treated with either
Germanium alone or with small doses (under 5 mg per day) of prednisone
(1). Immune parameters were monitored, including circulating
lymphocytes, T and B lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cell activity,
interferon and antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). The
results of this study were as follows: While not directly related to rheumatoid arthritis, this study on osteoporosis show germanium ability to improve the bone density of patients. A 12 month study of patients with senile osteoporosis was conducted at Tokyo University, using a bone mineral analyzer to determine bone mineral content. Bone mass decreased in the control group of patients, while with those individuals given 1500 mg Ge-132 daily, bone mass increased with significant differences seen in 1 to 3 months from the start of taking Ge-132. The researchers considered that Ge-132 prevents bone mass decrease with aging. Because of the risk in overdosing, one should be discouraged from taking doses of vitamins that are higher than recommended without a physician’s direction. Some vitamins and minerals can actually worsen certain conditions, See the results described under the vitamin C heading and the concentration that can be attained through vitamins can be dangerous. It is much better to approach any desired increase in vitamin or mineral intake through food therapy. Some of our Moist Heat wraps for Arthritis ....
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