Integrative medicine combines medical therapies
and complimentary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies for
which there is quality scientific evidence of safety and
effectiveness. These alternative therapies have not usually been
taught in U.S. medical schools nor have they been available at U.S.
hospitals. Interest in these types of therapies, however, is
growing, and Americans are turning to practitioners who share their
beliefs in these therapies.
The government has responded to this increased interest by
creating the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative
Medicine (NCCAM). NCCAM has classified types of therapies into five
categories:
- Biologically based therapies
- Alternative systems of healing
- Mind-body therapies
- Body-based therapies
- Energy-based therapies
Biologically based therapies
Therapies of this nature for which there is some evidence,
scientific or anecdotal, of safety and effectiveness in treating
arthritis include:
- White willow bark--an herbal
supplement that is an analgesic similar to aspirin. You should be
careful with this product if you are allergic to aspirin.
- Glucosamine-chondroitin--a
dietary supplement that is said to slow the deterioration of
cartilage (a type of connective tissue found in the body). If you
decide to take this, you should look for products that contain
glucosamine sulfate, not glucosamine hydrochloride).
- Omega-3 fatty acids--a type of essential
fatty acid often obtained as fish oil supplements. Omega-3 fatty
acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help in managing
the pain of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and degenerative joint
disease (DJD).
- Cat's claw--an herbal supplement that
is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb is said to reduce the project of tender joints in RA and
DJD.
- SAMe--the
common name for S-adenosyl-L-methionine. This supplement can be
very expensive, but has been shown to decrease pain in multiple
studies.
Changing how you eat also falls into the category of
biologically based therapies. There is some interest in the effect
that food allergies and anti-inflammatory foods can have on RA. For
instance, an allergy to dairy products may worsen the symptoms of
RA. Also, the practice of fasting has been shown to reduce symptoms
of RA.
Food can have anti-inflammatory effects. You may benefit by
avoiding foods high in saturated fats, trans fat, or Omega-6 fats,
and foods with high glycemic index values. Omega-6 fats are found
in meat products (versus the beneficial Omega-3 fat found in fish
oils). Foods with a high glycemic index, such as simple
carbohydrates such as pasta, white bread, and potatoes, will cause
glucose to be released quickly into your system. It may be best to
avoid these foods, substituting others with more fiber and a lower
glycemic index.