Clean Run - September 2013 - 50

the body heal no matter what modalities, treatments, or remedies are
prescribed. Since inflammation is a
major component of tendon injuries,
pharmaceutical and/or natural antiinflammatories can be beneficial.
Some foods that are naturally antiinflammatory are ginger, turmeric,
black pepper, yucca, Omega 3 fatty
acids from fish and fish oils, Vitamin
E, and bromelain from pineapple.
A research study found that after
crushing the Achilles tendons of rats
given bromelain, they healed better
than those rats that did not receive
the supplement. Bromelain stimulated tendon cell production, which
promoted healing. Common herbs
that are anti-inflammatory are White
Willow, Meadowsweet, Boswellia
serrata, Devils Claw, Cats Claw, Yarrow, Burdock, and Chamomile.
from
• Homeopathic remedies are madeparts.
plants, minerals, and animal
They are very safe, immediately effective, and easy to administer. Traumeel
is a very common remedy for sports
injuries and inflammation in general.
It has Arnica montana in it and is great
for tendinitis caused by trauma, bruising, muscles strain, or fatigue. Bryonia
alba is prescribed for bursitis, sprains,
strains, and tendonitis. Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy) is great for tendonitis
from overuse or repetitive stress. Ruta
graveolens is best when the tendonitis is slow to heal and when there are
hardened masses (mineralization) in
tendons. Giving these remedies to
your companion may hasten recovery
and healing, and even compliment the
anti-inflammatory drugs enough to effectively reduce their dose. Seeking a
holistic veterinary practitioner is ideal.

Preventive Care
The old saying goes, “It is easier to prevent then it is to treat.” How can you
reduce your dog’s risk of injury? Some
smart means of preventing biceps tendonitis, tendinopathy, or tendinosis
include nutrition, warm-ups and cooldowns (including passive range of motion stretches), active range of motion
(AROM) exercises, conditioning and
strengthening exercises, fatigue prevention , and regular massage and chiropractic care.
50

Nutrition
Proper nutrition is recommended to help prevent tendon injuries. Good quality
ingredients are key. Look for wholesome, organic, human-grade meat, fat, and carbohydrates and no chemical preservatives. If dietary protein is insufficient (intake
must equal expenditure) it will reduce the body’s ability to respond quickly to injury
or trauma. You may need to supplement the base diet with nutraceuticals since
degradation of tissues is accelerated in athletes because the body’s own natural
supply cannot keep up with the demand.

• Branched chain amino acids are energy-rich, help reduce fatigue and post-exer-

cise muscle damage, and are good for the immune system. Glutamine has been
shown to improve connective-tissue repair, ornithine is believed to stimulate
wound healing, and phenylalanine may reduce the pain associated with musculoskeletal trauma. Lysine is an amino acid that builds the fibrils and fibers of collagen. Tendons are made up of 86% collagen. High-quality animal and plant protein should be fed to provide the amino acids necessary to make up the protein
content of collagen. Food sources of lysine are red meat, poultry, pork, cheese,
cod, sardines, nuts, eggs, soybeans, legumes, dairy products, Parmesan cheese,
tofu, Brewer’s yeast, and spirulina.

• Glucosamine is a form of amino sugar and Chondroitin sulfate is a proteoglycan

that makes up cartilage and has anti-inflammatory properties. These substances
occur naturally in the body and are needed to maintain and repair connective
tissues including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Supplementing with glucosamine can help speed up joint and tendon healing and support these tissues.
A study published in the June 2007 issue of the journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that the combination of glucosamine and
chondroitin sulfate increased production of hydroxyproline, which is a major
component of collagen in ligaments, tendons, and cartilage. The researchers
concluded that supplementing with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate may
help speed tendon repair. There are many studies proving the benefits of these
products and many disproving any benefits. However, there is minimal toxicity
and side effects so add them to your regimen for the adult athlete (with the advice of your veterinarian, of course).

There are certain vitamins and minerals involved in the development and health of
tendons and these should be fed in their natural state of whole foods when possible:

• Vitamin C: Food sources are red and green bell peppers, kiwi, oranges and other citrus fruits, strawberries, and Brussels sprouts, watermelon, papaya, leafy
greens, citrus fruits or juices, strawberries, blueberries, cantaloupe, broccoli, cauliflower, potatoes, and leafy greens.

• Beta-carotene: Food sources are carrots, sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, turnip
greens, winter squash, collard greens, cantaloupe, romaine lettuce, and mustard greens.

• Iron: Food sources are red meat, poultry, fish, eggs, spinach, collard greens,

oysters, clams, scallops, turkey or chicken giblets, beans, lentils, chick peas, soybeans, liver, and artichokes.

• Manganese, Copper, and Calcium: Food sources for manganese are mustard

greens, kale, chard, raspberries, pineapple, chick peas, strawberries, romaine lettuce, collard greens, spinach, summer squash, turnip greens, eggplant, brown
rice, blackstrap molasses, maple syrup, cloves, cinnamon, thyme, black pepper,
and turmeric. Food sources for copper are asparagus, calf’s liver, turnip greens,
blackstrap molasses, sesame seeds, soybeans, barley, sunflower seeds, tempeh,
garbanzo beans, lentils, lima beans, and pumpkin seeds. Food sources for calcium are kale, turnip greens, arugula, broccoli, tofu, oranges, sardines, salmon, soy
milk, soy beans, white beans, oatmeal, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds,
cheese, and yogurt.
Clean Run | September 13

Clean Run - September 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Clean Run - September 2013