July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness month and this blog serves an opportunity to understand what Juvenile Arthritis entails and how it can be managed naturally. Juvenile arthritis (JA) is when an individual less than the age of 16 years old experiences persistent joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. There are many types of JA , however Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common. Here are some naturally friendly ways to manage the inflammation experienced by individuals with Juvenile Arthritis.
Incorporating a healthy diet is crucial for the development of growing children, especially for those with Juvenile Arthritis who must be mindful of foods that can exacerbate inflammation. The good news is that there are always healthier alternatives available. Here are some ways you can integrate a nutritious diet into your child's routine:
1. Whole Grains: Instead of opting for white rice and bread, consider swapping these out for whole grains like whole oats, quinoa, and whole grain bread. These alternatives provide more fiber and nutrients, aiding in better digestion and overall health.
2. Fiber: Increasing fiber intake is beneficial as it helps food move through the digestive tract more efficiently, aiding in the quicker filtration of toxins. This can be achieved by incorporating more fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes into your child's diet.
3. Protein: Adequate protein intake is essential for muscle growth and repair. Clean sources of protein such as cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, fish, shellfish, turkey breast, tofu, lean beef, egg whites, and venison are excellent options to include in your child's meals.
4. Fruits and Vegetables: Encourage your child to consume a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables. The vibrant colors indicate a rich array of nutrients, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are crucial for overall health. For children taking methotrexate, who may be at risk of nutritional deficiencies, focusing on darker and more colorful produce can help mitigate these risks.
5. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 rich foods have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate the pain experienced by children with Juvenile Arthritis. Incorporate sources of omega-3 fatty acids such as cold-water fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, tuna, herring, and sardines), nuts, and seeds (flaxseed, chia seeds, and walnuts) into their diet.
6. Calcium and Vitamin D: Strong bones are crucial for growth, particularly in children. Since steroids can potentially lead to Vitamin D deficiencies, it's important to ensure an adequate intake of calcium and Vitamin D. Consider incorporating dairy products, fortified foods, and supplements into your child's diet to support bone health and growth.
When looking for supplements, especially for children, ensure that they are age-appropriate. Some key ingredients to consider when selecting a supplement that might work include:
1. Turmeric: Traditionally used as a spice in cuisines, turmeric contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Research studies have shown that curcumin supplementation was well-tolerated in pediatric populations and improved the severity of inflammatory and immune disorders as well as metabolic diseases (Heidari et al., 2022).
2. Magnesium: Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) who have osteopenia showed reduced levels of serum calcium, magnesium, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and vitamin D. Hence, the researchers concluded that deficiencies in calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D were associated with osteopenia in JIA patients.
3. Probiotics: Inflammation can be further exacerbated by a leaky gut. Eating low- or non-inflammatory foods is essential for individuals with a leaky gut. In cases of leaky gut, undigested food particles enter the bloodstream, triggering an immune response that leads to inflammation, exacerbating joint pain experienced by Juvenile Arthritis (JA) patients. Certain probiotics are currently under individual investigation to assess their effectiveness in restoring gut barrier function. Generally, probiotics are thought to support gut health by preventing the proliferation of harmful bacteria, particularly in the small intestine, thus aiding in the maintenance of gut lining integrity.
4. Vitamin D: Adequate levels of vitamin D are crucial for effective calcium absorption. Without sufficient vitamin D, the body can only absorb around 10% to 15% of dietary calcium (Khazai et al., 2008). As children grow, maintaining healthy bones is essential, and vitamin D plays a vital role in achieving this goal.
In conclusion, symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis can be managed with the right course of action. By incorporating the appropriate nutritional meals and supplements, along with suitable medical treatment and lifestyle adjustments, individuals can experience an improved quality of life and better symptom control.
References:
Rusu T.E., Murgu A., Moraru E., Florea M.M., Ioniuc I., Alexoaie M., Ruginǎ A., Goţia S. [Osteopenia in Children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis] Rev. Med. Chir. Soc. Med. Nat. Iasi. 2008;112:88–93. [PubMed] [Google Scholar] [Ref list]
Zeng L, Deng Y, He Q, Yang K, Li J, Xiang W, Liu H, Zhu X, Chen H. Safety and efficacy of probiotic supplementation in 8 types of inflammatory arthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of 34 randomized controlled trials. Front Immunol. 2022 Sep 23;13:961325. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.961325. PMID: 36217542; PMCID: PMC9547048.
Khazai N, Judd SE, Tangpricha V. Calcium and vitamin D: skeletal and extraskeletal health. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2008 Apr;10(2):110-7. doi: 10.1007/s11926-008-0020-y. PMID: 18460265; PMCID: PMC2669834.
Heidari Z, Daei M, Boozari M, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Curcumin supplementation in pediatric patients: A systematic review of current clinical evidence. Phytother Res. 2022 Apr;36(4):1442-1458. doi: 10.1002/ptr.7350. Epub 2021 Dec 14. PMID: 34904764.