Juvenile arthritis is a general term that describes any type of arthritis that manifests in children or teens under the age of 18. The Arthritis Foundation states that about 294,000 Americans under 18 years of age are affected by some sort of arthritis or rheumatologic condition and that juvenile arthritis is one of the leading childhood diseases in the United States. Nutritional support may be helpful in treating your juvenile arthritis, but you should always meet with your doctor before using nutritional therapies.
Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, is a type of autoimmune disease or a condition in which your own immune system attacks your joints, causing joint inflammation, pain, stiffness and damage. Some of the most common signs and symptoms associated with juvenile arthritis include tenderness and swelling in your joints, decreased joint range of motion, cartilage damage within your joints, and altered bone and joint growth, which causes a shorter than normal stature.
Helpful Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional support, especially nutritional support delivered in the form of nutritional supplements, may significantly help reduce your juvenile arthritis-related symptoms. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," helpful nutritional supplements may include garlic, cetyl myristoleate, selenium, dimethylglycine, vitamins C, K, B12, B5 and B6, proteolytic enzymes, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, noni and borage seed oil. Further scientific scrutiny of these supplements for this health purpose may be required.
Dietary Approach
Consuming proper nutrition and a well-balanced diet can help improve your overall health and is an important part of any juvenile arthritis treatment plan. If you have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, consuming nutrient-dense foods -- such as green leafy vegetables, whole grains and avocados -- are particularly important, states the Kids Health website, as these foods help compensate for your poor appetite -- a common occurrence among those suffering from juvenile arthritis. Other beneficial foods for this condition, notes Balch, may include non-acidic fresh fruits -- especially pineapple due to its anti-inflammatory effects -- brown rice, fish, tart red cherries and ground flaxseeds. Consider avoiding processed and refined foods and foods, such as eggplant, tomatoes and white potatoes, that belong to the nightshade family, as these foods may cause increased inflammation throughout your body.
Warning
Juvenile arthritis is a serious health problem that can significantly affect you or your child's immediate and long-term health and well-being. If you or your child suffer from juvenile arthritis, visit your healthcare provider to learn more about your condition and what treatments are available. The use of natural healing methods, including dietary changes and nutritional supplements, does not guarantee a cure. In fact, some nutritional supplements may cause unexpected health effects and should be avoided or discontinued immediately.
References
- Arthritis Foundation: Juvenile Arthritis Fact Sheet
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Juvenile Arthritis
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- Kids Health: Living With JRA
