Dietary Supplements For Treatment of Arthritis From the Cleveland Clinic

WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with The Cleveland Clinic

Many people with arthritis -- especially osteoarthritis -- use supplements to ease the pain of arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin are the most well known and best tested. Methyl sulfonylmethane, or MSM, is another supplement used to ease the pain of arthritis, but it has not been through as much rigorous scientific testing.

What Are Glucosamine and Chondroitin?

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are components of normal cartilage. In the body, they are the building blocks for cartilage and appear to stimulate the body to make more cartilage.
There are conflicting studies on glucosamine and chondroitin, some demonstrating a beneficial effect on osteoarthritis pain. Others, including the NIH-sponsored multicenter

Glucosamine/Chrondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT), did not show benefit for the primary outcome measure of osteoarthritis pain measured by WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMacster Universities). However, a smaller subgroup of study participants with moderate to severe pain did show significant relief. Due to the small size of this subgroup, these findings should be confirmed in larger studies.

The supplements, which are available in pharmacies and health food stores without a prescription, are well tolerated and appear to be safe. However, there are no long-term studies to confirm their long-term safety and effectiveness. Many physicians may still recommend a trial of glucosamine at this point, and if there is not apparent improvement by 3 months, it would reasonable to stop the treatment.

It is important to check with your doctor before starting any new treatments. Your doctor can review the other medications you are taking and help you decide whether or not these arthritis supplements are right for you. In addition, always follow the instructions on the medication label. Do not take more of the supplements than is recommended. Continue Reading ...

The New Face of Smoothies

Smoothies have taken on a healthier and tastier flare!

By Star Lawrence WebMD Feature

Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD

This year, Americans will guzzle down $6 million worth of commercially blended smoothies and countless vats of homemade snacks and meals contained in a single glass.

Smoothies have jumped out of the health food stores and into tony cafes, duking it out with specialty coffees as the "grande" drink of choice. The chalky powders and additives with the funny aftertaste are gone. Even the humblest street vendor is offering upscale jolts like wheatgrass and whey.

What role does this popular drink have in a healthy diet?

Pat Crocker, a home economist, culinary herbalist, and author of The Smoothie Bible, tells WebMD that smoothies are a valuable way to get the recommended daily intake of 5-10 fruits and veggies. Smoothies are filling, portable, and quick -- all pluses in this busy society.

Basics of Smoothie Construction

Crocker recommends each smoothie contain at least half a cup of liquid. Possibilities include:

Water
Orange juice (could be juice concentrate diluted as directed)
Apple juice
Yogurt (unflavored or natural is best)
Kefir (enzyme-enriched yogurt-like milk product)
Soda water (this creates "sparklers," especially delicious with veggies)
Ice chips
Since smoothies are soft, often sweet, and milkshake-like, what about ice cream? "Not if you are interested in healthy smoothies!" Larrian Gillespie, MD, author of The Menopause Diet, exclaims to WebMD.
Once the liquid is in the blender, it is time to add the fun stuff. Gillespie reels off a produce department of yummy ingredients you could try:
Bananas (almost a must in smoothies because they thicken the mixture. Crocker says to cut into 4 sections -- she includes almost all peels, except banana peels)
Grapes
Strawberries
Blueberries or other berries
Oranges and citrus (skip the yogurt with these)
Raw or cooked veggies (cooked are fine, don't forget those)
Papaya
Apples (the pectin can carry off toxins, Crocker says)
Nuts
Flaxseed
Kelp
Split peas
Tofu
Goat cheese

Continue reading ....