Proper exercise itself is important for the strength and integrity of joints, and also contributes to weight control and a positive attitude. Also, there is some evidence that omega 3 fatty acids, found primarily in cold water fish, may help reduce the pain and stiffness of rheumatoid arthritis. However, he goes on to recommend other dietary approaches that have received very little examination in well-controlled studies. The author encourages the use of two substances, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate, which he claims help cure arthritis. Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are synthetic versions of compounds the body makes to help form cartilage.
Cartilage is the spongy material that cushions bones where they come together to form joints.
Some individuals with arthritis pain have lost the cushioning effect of cartilage in certain joints. Theodosakis theory is that oral supplementation with these compounds encourages the growth of cartilage while inhibiting its demise. As yet, the theory remains unproved. It's important to note that these studies show some alleviation of symptoms associated with arthritis, but not a cure of its root cause, as the title of Theodasakis's book implies. Although the compounds show some preliminary promise, official agencies, including the American Collage of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation, do not recommend the use of glucosamine or chondroitin.