Joint Pain Relief Supplements

Integrative health guru Dr. Andrew Weil says, “The root of all degenerative diseases just may be inflammation.”

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to something wrong. When damage threatens – whether from viruses, bacteria, pollutants, chemicals, allergens, injuries – white blood cells are sent to attack the offenders. After the injury or offender is taken care of, the normal body response is to back down. But an abnormal inflammation response continues attacking, and the result is chronic tissue destruction, damage from “free radicals,” and loss of healthy circulation.

There are many ways to reduce inflammation. One is medication prescribed by your doctor. Another is following a healthy diet. Exercise is important, and so is stress reduction.

You can also try the following natural supplements which have been shown to be effective as complementary and alternative therapies to help eliminate or reduce inflammation and chronic joint pain:

1. Avocado Soy Unsaponifiables (ASU) helps rebuild damaged cartilage. ASU is a specially processed form of avocado and soy oils. Eating avocado and soy will not give the same results.
2. Omega-3 oils. Fish oil supplements reduce inflammation.
3. Vitamin D3 improves muscle strength and physical function in patients with knee osteoarthritis who are low in Vitamin D. Low levels of Vitamin D increase pain.
4. Curcumin. Turmeric has strong anti-inflammatory effects and may benefit both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Ginger reduces pain as well as ibuprofen and helps reduce inflammation.
6. Green lipped mussel. In one study this supplement reduced pain in 80 percent of patients with knee and hip osteoarthritis.
7. Boswellia is a natural anti-inflammatory and has action similar to NSAIDs without damaging the stomach and intestinal tract.
8. Tart cherry. Eating 10-20 tart cherries a day reduces inflammation from gout and arthritis.
9. MSM helps reduce pain and improve joint function.
10. Vitamins A, B1, B5, B6 and E have been shown to bring natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and slow the progress of arthritis.

What is your favorite joint health supplement?

Whether you’re a seasoned athlete, a weekend warrior or just have joint pain, you’ve probably tried many different medicines in your quest for relief. Did you know that the white willow bark extract has natural anti-inflammatory properties?

White willow, more commonly known as willow bark or Salix alba, contains a compound known as salicin, the precursor of the pain-killing and anti-inflammatory drug, aspirin. Because of this, it is often used to treat ailments like muscle pain, headaches, inflammation and fever. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes* that it may also help to alleviate joint pain and inflammation. White willow works slowly, but according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center**, its therapeutic effects last longer than aspirin as the body converts the salicin to salicylic acid.

Another advantage? While aspirin and other standard NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) are contraindicated in people taking anticoagulant drugs (blood thinners), there is in-vitro evidence that white willow might be a safer alternative to usual NSAIDs because it contains tannins. According to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center**, “The tannins have astringent properties, and in vitro tests show that salicin and salicortin inhibit cyclooxygenase, and an irreversible inhibition of thrombocytes is unlikely. Therefore, no increased interaction with anticoagulants should occur.”

Are you ready for natural joint pain relief? Talk to your healthcare professional about incorporating white willow bark into your nutritional supplement regimen or learn more about it here?

* http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/osteoarthritis-000118.htm

** http://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/herb/willow-bark

Living with chronic joint pain can be a substantial challenge, and those who have never experienced this type of ongoing pain don't really have any way to relate to what you may be experiencing on a daily basis. Some chronic pain can be managed very effectively by following a variety of daily steps. One good point regarding your chronic pain is that the medical breakthroughs regarding pain in general are impressive and are truly progressing faster than ever before. 

Studies have shown that there are ways that you can deal with chronic pain. Some of these ways may work better than others, and how you respond personally may differ greatly from others. However, it is important to note that there are benefits to be had from exploring the different pain relief options for that are available for chronic joint pain. In this article, we will look at a few of the different ways you can tackle your chronic pain and find a degree of relief!

There was a time not long ago that acupuncture was not treated very seriously by the medical community; however, those days are a thing of the past. Medical and research powerhouses, such as John Hopkins, now recognize that acupuncture can help with chronic pain and serious pain.  Research seems to indicate that acupuncture can block pain signals from reaching the brain. Further, acupuncture may even help with healing injuries.

Massage can help your chronic pain. The bottom line is that massage is very good for you, as it releases built up stress hormones from your body, such as cortisol. Massage has been proven as a way to deal with reducing stress and inflammation.

At the root of many forms of chronic pain is inflammation. Any step that you can take to reduce inflammation will help with your chronic pain. This is part of the reason that NSAIDs are often prescribed for dealing with injuries, as they reduce inflammation. However, it is important to note that there are natural and effective supplments to help to deal with chronic pain that don't have the nasty side effects that NSAIDs have. 

One such natural supplement that you can take to address your chronic pain is Alleviate, which has been shown to be a powerful anti-inflammatory. 

There are many potential avenues to finding relief for your condition. Music therapy, which can be as simple as listen to calming music, has shown promising in dealing with chronic pain, as it induces relaxation. Those seeking pain relief often cite the power of biofeedback. Biofeedback may take time to "get the hang of," but it can be a very effective pain management tool. No matter which chronic pain relief options you pursue, check with your doctor first and get his or her opinion as to what avenues will work best for your particular pain or condition.

Do you use any natrual solutions to help you deal with your chronic pain?

Aspirin and nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) can mask joint pain, but natural supplements can help ease the pain without the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. 

Here is a list of natural supplements and vitamins that can help relieve chronic joint pain.

Antioxidants:  Vitamins A, C, E and the mineral selenium are antioxidants known for their ability to fight free radicals. These are unstable, tissue-destroying chemicals that develop during metabolism or from exposure to environmental toxins like air, food and water pollution. Consumption of antioxidants can help prevent the inflammation, joint damage and chronic joint pain that can result from an excess of free radicals in the body.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D serves many functions throughout the body. The majority of people with health problems, specifically those with pain are deficient in vitamin D. Current research suggests that supplementation with vitamin D can help ease or cure chronic pain in many patients who are unresponsive to other treatments. Some doctors suggest a 2400 to 2800 IU daily supplement of vitamin D3 for treatment of chronic bone and joint pain.

Essential fatty acids (EFAs): To help regulate chronic joint pain, an individual needs a healthy ratio of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids in the diet. These are EFAs, meaning they are necessary for good health, but the body cannot produce them. Omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation in the joints, and omega-6 fatty acids tend to cause inflammation. 

Americans typically consume up to 25 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy ratio is in the range of 2:1 - 4:1, omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in walnuts, some fruits and vegetables and in coldwater fish such as mackerel, herring, sturgeon, black cod and anchovies. Most omega-6 fatty acids in the diet come from seeds and nuts and their oils. Soybean oil is so common in processed and fast foods that roughly 20 percent of the calories in the American diet are estimated to come from this oil.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic Acid (HA) occurs naturally in all living organisms. In humans, it is concentrated in areas that need high amounts of fluid like the eyes and the heart, and it is a chief component of synovial fluid which cushions and protects the joints. HA declines with age and the synovial fluid becomes thin, providing less shock absorption. This causes increased friction and can lead to chronic joint pain. 

There are several types of hyaluronic acid supplements on the market. The best are extracted from rooster combs, one of nature's richest sources of HA. The low molecular weight of HA derived from rooster combs is absorbed easily and more efficiently by the body than other types of HA supplements.

Chronic joint pain can be debilitating and take the enjoyment out of many daily activities. Unlike aspirin and NSAIDS, natural remedies can treat the source of joint pain and provide relief without side effects.

Feverfew: Broad Spectrum Pain Relief

Feverfew is a medicinal plant that has been used for hundreds of years to treat a variety of illnesses and conditions, including chronic joint pain. It grows throughout North and South America as well as many parts of Europe. It is a very pretty plant, with daisy-like flowers and citrus-scented leaves. It has proven beneficial against many painful and common complaints, including migraine headaches, menstrual cramps and arthritis to name just a few.

Feverfew and Chronic Joint Pain

Feverfew has also been used for relieving the pain and inflammation of arthritis. Chemicals in Feverfew may reduce the body's production of substances that initiate and prolong inflammation. Inflammation usually includes pain, redness, and swelling in the area of the damage, and it can occur within body tissues as well as on the surface of the skin. Chemicals in feverfew are thought to prevent blood components called platelets from releasing substances that cause this inflammation.

Feverfew can be purchased as a stand-alone herbal powder (in tablet or capsule form), as an extract (in liquid or tablet form) or may be included as an ingredient a naturopathic nutritional supplement. Feverfew products can be purchased in most health food stores.

Feverfew and Migraines

While current studies show that Feverfew isn’t effective against migraines that are already at their most painful, these studies suggest that Feverfew is effective in preventing and lessening the severity of migraine headaches, reducing blood vessel inflammation and spasm, which are believed to cause migraine pain.

Feverfew and Dysmenorrhea (painful menstrual periods)

While no clinical studies yet show its effectiveness in treating dysmenorrheal, Feverfew is believed to reduce levels of prostaglandin, a hormone produced by the uterine lining that is known to cause menstrual pain and inflammation.

What natural products have you used for chronic pain?

The treatment options for chronic joint pain vary greatly. The reason behind this is that the cause of the pain and the extent of the pain will both play a part in determining treatment options. Surgery is a common avenue taken for many injuries, but it is far from being the only factor contributing to healing. Many people are surprised to learn that there are nutritional and exercise options that will help reduce chronic joint pain.

The Indian spice turmeric has been proven in medical studies to effectively reduce inflammation and joint pain. In fact, turmeric is such an impressive spice that it is also a powerful antioxidant. It has the ability to help prevent and even shrink some kinds of tumors. This helps make turmeric a food that you should consider adding to your diet.

Much like turmeric, ginger is another spice that can be very beneficial in treating inflammation. Ginger is well tolerated by most people and can be consumed in a variety of forms including pill form and teas.

Losing weight can work wonders in terms of taking pressure off joints and thus reducing joint pain as well. Of course, losing weight also comes with a variety of other health benefits, such as reducing one’s chances for heart disease, diabetes and even cancer.

There are many non-surgical options for addressing your chronic joint pain problems. Many of these options may take time to show results, but they nonetheless have the potential to be effective.

Relieve joint pain nautrally with the following joint health vitamins, minerals and supplements.

Magnesium – This powerful mineral works together with calcium to build strong bones, which is important for flexibility.  In order to be properly absorbed, calcium must be taken with magnesium.  Women need to pay particular attention as it is estimated that most American women are deficient in magnesium.

health solutions like superfoods provide multiple disease-fighting nutrients.  These foods or health food supplements are calorie sparse and nutrient dense meaning they pack a lot of punch. They are a superior source of antioxidants and essential nutrients. Meaning that they are nutrients we need but cannot make ourselves. Providing the nutritional support to increase energy naturally, regulate your digestive system, lower high blood pressure, strengthen your immune system and provide joint pain relief.

Take a closer look at the handful of foods that have super properties and can contribute greatly to your overall health:

Green Superfoods
Often when you hear or read the term “green superfood” what is being referenced are foods such as wheat grass.  However, there are other foods that often fall into this category as well.  Some of the other green superfoods are kale and spinach.  One of the key attributes that the green superfoods have in common is that they are all rich in vitamins and minerals and may even aid with detoxification.

Probiotics
Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be consumed to improve overall intestinal tract health.  Some studies indicate that they may be very beneficial to overall health as they boost the immune system.

Spirulina
Spirulina is a form of healthy blue-green algae that is used as a dietary supplement.  It is very high in nutrition, protein, vitamins and minerals as well as essential fatty acids.  When combined with the fact that spirulina is low in calories, it is easy to see why this supplement makes the superfoods list.

Chlorophyll
Chlorophyll is another superfood that can be both high in nutrition and play a role in detoxification. Chlorophyll is a deep, rich pigment found in plants and algae.  It is necessary for photosynthesis.  Some studies claim that chlorophyll may even help with removing toxic compounds from the body.

Enzymes
There is no doubt that enzymes are important.  For example, they are critical in the process of breaking down the food we eat so that our bodies can absorb it.  The amount of science surrounding enzymes and their importance is simply staggering.  One of the key reasons that raw vegans are so enthusiastic about their diet is that in a raw diet all the enzymes are preserved.  Enzymes are generally lost when food is cooked. 

However, it is possible to obtain enzymes in a pill form.  There are dozens of widely used enzymes including bromelain, which is derived from pineapple and is believed to help fight inflammation.  In general, enzymes can help with everything from inflammation to the digestion of food.

Antioxidants
The odds are you have heard at least a little about the importance of antioxidants.  Antioxidants, as the name indicates, helps repair the damage that occurs to the body as a result of oxidative damage.  This damage can be thought of as a sort of rust in the body as it occurs from simply being alive, eating and breathing.  However, the damage of oxidation can be combated via antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, for example.  Virtually all fruits and vegetables have antioxidants and some have a higher level of than others.

Garlic
Garlic is seen by many as being nothing short of amazing and with good reason.  Garlic functions as an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and even as an antioxidant.  If you are feeling under the weather, this is a great food to reach for!

Natural remedies for arthritis and joint pain relief traditionally include glucosamine and chondroitin, but hyaluronic acid (HA) has now been added to the list of effective natural health solutions to relieve joint pain. Clinical trials continue to show that taking hyaluronic acid improves chronic joint pain naturally and safely.

Researchers report that HA also plays a vital role naturally in joint cavity formation and bone growth. Taking a natural vitamin supplement of hyaluronic acid has been found to support the treatment of osteoarthritis in knee joints by increasing lubrication and cushioning naturally.

Human joints are naturally lubricated and protected by a thick gel substance called synovial fluid and one of the main constituents is hyaluronic acid. Like oil in an engine or joint, over time the body’s synovial fluid loses its viscosity and effectiveness. In fact those over the age of 50 may have as little as 50% of the hyaluronic acid in their joints that they had when they were younger.

It makes sense to prioritize joint pain relief and top up that fluid so that it can once again do its importance job of protecting the joint cartilage and lubricating the joints during use. If the joint cartilage is unable to be cushioned, the cartilage may quickly deplete, creating further stiffness and pain.

How Much Hyaluronic Acid Should I Take?

Many natural joint pain relief supplments include HA in their cocktail of ingredients, but usually only around 150mg. A normal capsule of hyaluronic acid is a 50mg dose and should be taken one to four times a day. Be sure to combine it with a balanced diet and drink plenty of fluids.

Incidentally, those with diabetes should avoid taking glucosamine for their joints, but hyaluronic acid makes an excellent substitute treatment for joint health and no side effects have been found.

Hyaluronic acid is difficult to inject or swallow in large doses, hence the recommendation of one capsule four times a day. Combine it with gentle exercise to get the joints working, and give up smoking, and the improvement in joint health will quickly be apparent.

Chronic joint pain is an affliction that millions of Americans must live with every day. Some of these problems are severe and require medical attention and rehabilitation; others, however, can be alleviated and/or prevented through changes in lifestyle. As with other aspects of good health, proper care and self-monitoring can go a long way in preserving activity, functionality, and increase energy naturally.

Many sufferers of chronic joint pain have found relief in various forms of physical therapy; but physical therapy is a fancy way of talking about exercise. And while therapy may be a more focused and efficient method for dealing with a specific pain, exercise is a general term for overall maintenance of the whole body. But which types of exercise are the most effective in relieving joint pain?

Yoga is one of the best total body activities to deal with chronic afflictions, especially those of born from injury or wear and tear. Yoga increases flexibility, strength, and posture in practitioners, while oxygenating the blood and naturally boosting energy.

Your joints, your muscles, and your cardiovascular system all benefit from the many complex positions. Scientifically, studies have demonstrated that sufferers from rheumatoid arthritis have shown marked improvement from practicing yoga. Other exercise regiments that offer relief from chronic joint pain while minimizing the chance of further injury include swimming, tai chi, and cycling.

As for dietary efforts,herbal supplements that contain anti-inflammatory agents can assuage chronic pain. These include turmeric, green tea, ginger, rosemary, cat’s claw, devil’s claw, and willow bark. Other nutritional supplements that can be of help are fish oil and Vitamin D. Fish oil gives the body much needed Omega-3s, while Vitamin D can positively affect both fibromyalgia and bone and joint pain. The best source of Vitamin D is plenty of sunlight, but supplements have shown to be beneficial as well.

Maintaining your body is analogous to maintaining an automobile. With proper care and the right fuel, you can minimize long term effects and stay running for years to come.