Childhood arthritis, also known as juvenile arthritis, is an umbrella term that covers numerous types of arthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most commonly experienced type of childhood arthritis is called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA. Nutritional treatments are a natural healing approach to this painful condition. Always meet with your child's doctor before using nutritional therapy to treat your child's ailment.
Childhood Arthritis
There is no known cause of childhood arthritis, states the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Although some types of arthritis occur in both children and adults, many types of arthritis that develop in children are distinct from those that develop in adults. Unlike adults, however, children with arthritis have a significantly greater likelihood of outgrowing their arthritis, avoiding arthritis-related disability and experiencing their arthritis symptoms in only one or two joints. Fatigue, weight loss and fever are common symptoms associated with childhood arthritis.
Helpful Dietary Recommendations
Certain dietary inclusions or exclusions may help treat your child's arthritis. According to naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist Russell B. Marz, author of "Medical Nutrition From Marz," having your child consume a vegetarian diet may help reduce her arthritis symptoms, as may reducing her fat consumption to 20 percent of her total daily caloric intake. Avoiding food sensitivities and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may also be helpful in maintaining the health and function of your child's joint tissue.
Commonly Used Nutritional Supplements
There are many commonly used nutritional supplements in the treatment of childhood arthritis. Some of the most effective dietary supplements in combating arthritis are evening primrose oil, black currant oil, borage seed oil, omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, vitamin E, zinc, manganese, superoxide dismutase, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, copper sulfur and niacinamide, according to naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine." Turmeric, bromelain, ginger and licorice may also be helpful.
Additional Information
The severity of juvenile arthritis varies from one child to another. Some manifestations of childhood arthritis may cause severe joint pain. To help improve your child's quality of life, meet with her physician to discuss all relevant treatment strategies, including natural healing methods such as dietary changes and nutritional supplementation. A qualified health-care practitioner can counsel you on the most effective nutritional supplements to take and can tell you about possible side effects and other risks.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Arthritis
- University of Iowa Children's Hospital: Children With Arthritis
- "Medical Nutrition From Marz"; Russell B. Marz, N.D.; 1999
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., N.D.; 2002
