Arthritis affects more than 30 million Americans, resulting in severe pain and disability. While osteoarthritis is the most common type, there are 100 other conditions, which affect joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis and gout are the other two most familiar types.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the cartilage around joints to break down causing pain, stiffness and disability. As with all the major diseases, inflammation is at the root. However, damage is accelerated by the repetitive action of certain occupations, injuries, family tendency and being overweight.
Your joints have a natural lubricant called synovial fluid. Think of it as your body’s natural WD-40. It carries nutrients to the cartilage, which does not have its own blood supply, and carries waste products away. The more you move your joints, the more this lubricating and nourishing fluid flows through them, increasing their mobility. The less you move your joints, the less fluid flows through them and the less nourishment your cartilage receives. The cartilage begins to deteriorate and that in turn causes the bones to rub together which is what results in pain, stiffness, loss of mobility and finally disability.
In order to get to the root of the problem and not simply manage pain, here are a few suggestions and natural supplements that have been shown to improve the condition as well as relieve pain without the dangers of NSAID drugs.
One of the primary treatments you should consider including is a good source of animal-based Omega-3 fats like krill or cod liver oil. I consider Omega-3′s to be a foundational supplement for everyone because it is so important for so many functions of the body. In the case of osteoarthritis, it is essential for relieving inflammation. You may consider trying glucosamine and chondroitin, which studies have shown to be beneficial, particularly for pain relief and much safer than NSAIDS. The Indian herb, boswellia, has also been shown to be effective in treating joint inflammation. One of the most promising natural substances is a plant enzyme found in pineapple called bromelain. Studies show that enteric-coated bromelain is as effective as common anti-inflammatory drugs in dealing with joint pain.
One of the most important factors for building and maintaining strong, dense bones and keeping joints fluid and healthy is regular exercise. Simply beginning a daily walking program will help keep your bones dense and lubricate your joints. The idea that exercise will damage or hurt your already painful joints is a fallacy. Taking the joints through their full range of motion helps them remain healthy.
Exercise is key for several reasons:
It will strengthen muscles, which support your joints;
It increases the flow of synovial fluid, which nourishes cartilage and improves mobility; and
It will help you lose excess weight, alleviating stress on the joints!
Use common sense and approach the exercise part of this equation gently and gradually. While your muscles may become sore at the beginning of any exercise program, you should not have pain in your joints. Besides walking, swimming, rebounding and yoga have been found to be excellent forms of exercise for arthritis sufferers.
Gout is an arthritic type of pain in your joints. About 75% of people will experience it as an excruciating pain in their big toe. The symptoms of gout (stiff, swollen and painful joints) are due to excess uric acid forming crystals in your joints. The pain results from your body’s inflammatory response to these crystals. As with osteoarthritis, inflammation is the culprit – and as usual, diet is the number one way to decrease inflammation. Recent research shows you can lower your risk of gout by 85% simply by reducing your intake of sugar! As far as using supplements, tart cherries have been found to offer excellent benefits in treating gout. Tart cherries contain two powerful compounds, which have similar activity to aspirin and ibuprofen and help relieve and prevent these conditions.
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the body’s immune cells attack and destroy the linings of the joints. One of the most important things you can do is to get adequate vitamin D3 along with omega-3′s, boswellia and tart cherries. Turmeric contains curcumin, which is a powerful anti-inflammatory. Devil’s Claw is another herb found to be helpful. Keeping your body’s pH as alkaline as possible is also key to reducing inflammation.