Some metabolic and nutritional aspects of chronic arthritis

Conclusions

1. The etiologic and pathologic factors productive of arthritis are many.

2. The syndrome is characterized by imbalance of at least three, if not four, of the major systems of the body.

3. Prominent among these is the gastro-intestinal tract which suffers imbalance and dysfunction of a demonstrable nature.

4. Correction of these depends upon a broad and co-ordinated program in which properly balanced and restricted dietaries play an important rôle.

5. Recent studies show that the swelling of the soft tissues which accompanies chronic arthritis, is referable, in part at least, to a condition resembling a low-grade oedema.

6. Further justification for the use of the balanced and restricted dietaries described is to be seen in the extent to which, in a sustained way, these draw upon the water reserves of the body and promote subsidence of this tumefaction.

7. The oedema mentioned is also open to modification, or correction, by measures which promote equilibrium in the finer vascular system such as is afforded by recumbency associated with physical therapy and postural exercises.

8. The available evidence, suggests that at least part of the stiffness and pain characterizing arthritis is referable to the excess fluids confined within limiting membranes of various kinds.