Arthritis studies

Arthritis and Autoimmune Diseases: The Potential of Humic Substances

Prevalence and Perspectives of Rheumatic Diseases

An estimated 40 million Americans suffer from some form of arthritis or other rheumatic condition, a number that could rise to 59.4 million (18.2% of the population) by 2020.
In a recent issue of the Annals of Rheumatic Diseases , people with rheumatoid arthritis were found to have low levels of common antioxidants in their blood years before the disease is diagnosed.
- The same is true for another autoimmune disease, systemic lupus erythematosus .

Relationship Between Antioxidants and Autoimmune Diseases

It remains unclear whether lower antioxidant levels are a cause, an effect of the diseases, or indirectly related.
According to Dr. George Comstock of the Public Health Research Training Center in Hagerstown, Maryland:
- Antioxidants may be scavenging harmful free radicals , byproducts of disease-related inflammation.
- Alternatively, low antioxidant levels, due to reduced intake, absorption, or transport, could increase the potential for oxidative damage .

Properties of Humic Substances in the Treatment of Autoimmune Diseases

Humic extracts , especially fulvic acids , have been shown to:
- Regulate the immune system as immunomodulators.
- Act as powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents .

Clinical Trials Results

Rheumatoid Arthritis :
- In hospitalized patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder, treatment with humic extract baths had a 92% success rate .
Research in China :
- Several hundred studies have been conducted in China demonstrating the success of fulvic acid and humic extracts in treating rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.

Sources and References

Yuan, Shenyuan. Fulvic Acid, 4 (1988). Application of fulvic acid and its derivatives in the fields of agriculture and medicine (First edition, June 1993).
Chemistry of shilajit, an immunomodulatory Ayurvedic rasayan . Pure and Applied Chemistry , Vol. 62, 1990, No. 7, pp. 1285-1288.

The use of fulvic acid and other humic substances offers promising hope as a complementary treatment for arthritis and autoimmune diseases. Its antioxidant, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory capacity has been widely documented, positioning it as a valuable option for health.