|  | Conditions Treatments | Arthritis

Probiotic Treatment for Non-Inflammatory Arthritis

In a controlled trial, reported by BioMed Central, probiotics showed significant improvement for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory arthritis) because of the anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating properties. Aside from their general health benefits, probiotics haven't demonstrated any specific improvements for non-inflammatory arthritis.

  1. Arthritis Defined

    • There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis that cause pain in hands, elbows, knees and other joints throughout the body.

      The word "arthritis" means inflammation of a joint or joints. According to Mangosteen Natural Remedies, arthritis affects not only the joints, but skin, supportive tissue, nails and internal organs. The two main kinds of arthritis are inflammatory and non-inflammatory.

    Arthritis Types

    • In both inflammatory and non-inflammatory arthritis the result is pain and stiffness in the joint.

      Non-inflammatory arthritis is caused by deterioration of cartilage in a joint, causing the previously cushioned bones to start grinding against each other, according to Mangosteen. Osteoarthritis is the main non-inflammatory arthritis. With inflammatory arthritis the body's own immune system attacks the joint tissue breaking down the cartilage.

    Probiotics defined

    • Yogurt is an example of a food probiotic that contains live good bacteria.

      Probiotics found in the body, according to WebMd, are healthy bacterias found in the intestines that help maintain the balance of organisms found in the digestive system. Harvard Family Health Guide indicates probiotics in supplement and food form are growing in popularity to treat and maintain digestive health.

    Safety

    • Dietary supplements do not require FDA testing for safety and efficacy before going to market.

      Harvard Family Health verifies that most probiotics are safe for the average person without a compromised immune system, but it encourage users to consult their doctors before starting a product. And since supplements aren't as strictly regulated as drugs, quality and efficacy vary.

    Expert Insight

    • Science indicates that not all strains of probiotics affect all illnesses, so consulting a health care professional is recommended.

      Currently, probiotics are used to treat diarrhea, reduce intestinal issues and reduce the chances of yeast and urinary tract infections, according to experts at WebMd. Research for future uses focuses on irritable bowel syndrome, colon cancer and inflammatory bowel syndrome.

Arthritis - Related Articles