Sara Jo M. (Cocoabean) reviewed on 1/24/2012 + 3 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

I am 47 years old, active, and just now starting to feel some joint pain in my knees and neck. I also read "The Inflammation Syndrome" by Jack Challem, and in that book he references "The Arthritis Cure." Overall, I was quite impressed with "The Arthitis Cure." Dr. Theodosakis (Theo for short) does an excellent job of explaining the pathophysiology of osteoarthritis and the risk factors for developing the disease (number one being an overweight woman). The best part of the book for me is that he gives specific recommendations for what brand of glucosamine and chondroitin to take. He independently tested several brands (which our FDA does not do for supplements), and only 4 actually had what they claimed to have in them. Some had ony 10% of the recommended glucosamine and chondroitin. I was glad to have that information and to know what brands to take. He also goes over the studies on these two supplements and explains the results. Unfortunately, the GAIT study, which dr. Theo was a part of, was not complete at the time of the publication of the revised edition of this book (2004). There is no magic cure for arthritis, as the title of this book might imply to some. Instead, he recommends a healthy diet, supplements, low-impact exercise, losing weight, stretching, physical therapy, etc., none of which are paticularly revolutionary. But he effectively explains in detail the importance of each of these things as it relates to osteoarthritis in particular, and for that reason I found the book to be very motivating. I have started implementing the steps myself, and I have already lost 5 pounds (I am not particularly overweight but feel that a 12-pound weight loss would be beneficial for my knees), and my knees are feeling much better. I have not taken Advil or Tylenol for over a month now, which was one of my goals - to get off those medications. A side benefit from changing my diet, which was not bad but consisted of way too much simple carbohydrates and no vitamins or supplements, is that I am mentally much more alert as well. I am feeling much better than I felt at the beginning of fall when I had a terrible flare of both neck and knee pain. My knee pain is gone. I still have mild flares of neck pain if I overdo it throwing the ball to my dogs or work for too long at the computer, but they are much milder than before and do not last as long. I would recommend this book, but do not expect a magic cure for osteoarthritis. Do expect to get detailed but readable information on the pathophysiology behind osteoarthritis and how you can change your lifestyle to help slow the progression of the disease and delay possible surgery.

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