Pets and people with arthritis commonly suffer during changes in seasons. While most would say arthritis is worse in cold, wet weather, some arthritic conditions are actually more painful in hot, dry seasons. One of the reasons I love Chinese Medicine theory is that the disease condition is not looked at as being the same for each individual. But since we are heading into winter here in the States, I'm going to address the type of inflammatory joint disease that is worse in cold, Damp weather.
Pets that suffer more in cold damp weather tend to be affected with a condition called "Cold Bi" or "Damp Bi". Cold Bi is associated with severe pain and can be seen in older dogs and cats when the temperatures suddenly dip overnight. Think of the pain associated with plunging into ice cold water (the Polar Bear plunge at the ocean!). Damp Bi is chronic and causes stiffness and painful movements. Both types of arthritis pain are always associated with stagnation of Blood and Qi (energy).
Food can play an important role in keeping pain at bay during weather changes. Qi tonics and Blood movers that resolve stagnation can decrease pain dramatically. Dry kibble promotes stagnation and dampness; eliminating kibble from the diet will usually provide relief. Foods to avoid include bell peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, and white potatoes, as these contain glycoalkaloids that can contribute to arthritis pain. Gluten-containing grains like barley, wheat, amaranth, and spelt can also play a contributory role in inflammation. Dairy products should be avoided, as they produce stagnation and Dampness.
Warming Qi tonics include chicken, liver, gizzards, shrimp, quinoa, brown rice, sweet potato, carrots, and oatmeal. Mustard leaf, cabbage, and kale are good additions to resolve stagnation and tonify blood. Turmeric, as Golden Paste, moves Qi and resolves stagnation. If an animal is very old, cold, and weak, veal, venison, coriander, fennel seed, and cinnamon will warm them and make them feel better. Venison is hard to digest and should be stewed for a long time.
Avoid pork, bananas, melons, pasta, dairy, and dry kibble in Damp conditions (stiffness). These animals may benefit from the addition of turnips, asparagus, celery, parsley, radishes, and salad greens. Turmeric, as Golden Paste, will help these animals as well. Even if you use a prepared diet, adding small amounts of these foods can decrease pain. Vegetables should be lightly cooked in coconut oil or finely ground.
Products that can help decrease pain include Omega 3 fatty acids, homeopathics, and CBD products (cannabidiol). Leaky gut syndrome will increase Dampness, causing more pain and stiffness. The bowel health needs to be improved with the use of a species-appropriate diet, probiotics, digestive enzymes, or products that will soothe an inflamed bowel. Joint support products that include glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid work well.
A combination product that will support the immune system and digestive health, along with joint support and antioxidant support has recently been introduced from New Zealand. This product contains colostrum, which supports the immune system and decreases inflammation, along with green lipped mussel, which provides glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega 3 fatty acids. The deer antler velvet extract in the wellness product has been shown to stimulate stem cells, which are responsible for healing injured tissues by improving blood supply and moving stagnation, which decreases inflammation. New Zealand porphyra, which is a form of algae, helps move blood, stimulates the immune system, and provides trace minerals and B vitamins. This tasty tablet combines the work of four separate ingredients in one dose, eliminating the need for multiple products.
