Arthritis and joint pain can be a debilitating condition for most sufferers. A reduction in the cartilage tissue that cushions the joints is the primary symptom of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Although they have different causes, most diseases that cause joint pain are characterized by high levels of inflammatory.
Because conventional medicine has little to offer by way of a cure, doctors recommend prescription drugs like Ibuprofen and Aspirin that can cause serious side effects and organ damage when taken for long time. But there are many natural ways for sufferers of joint pain to get relief from the agony.
Arthritis sufferers are advised to follow general precautions such as getting adequate rest and water, not exercising too much, using compresses, avoiding alcohol, practicing yoga or another low-impact exercise natural. Following a healthy diet and avoiding inflammatory foods such as red meats, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, and tomatoes can also help curb inflammation.
A growing number of doctors and nutritional experts have come to believe that diet plays a primary role in the onset of inflammation and autoimmune diseases. Doctors like Dr. Nicholas Perricone, a leading advocate of the anti-inflammatory diet, recommend a diet that is low in simple carbohydrates such as sugar, processed foods, pasta, breads, pastry and baked products. These are high-glycemic index foods that can increase levels of the pro-inflammatory peptides in the body.
Perricone recommends an anti-inflammatory diet that includes consuming a high quality protein (such as tuna or salmon), adequate amounts of essential fatty acids, as well as colorful fresh fruits and vegetables. The reason this diet works to reduce inflammation is because it supplies a number of essential nutrients that can heal inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and autoimmune disease.
Essential fatty acids like those found in salmon, flax, nuts, seeds and olive oil, can significantly curb inflammation, reduce pain and swelling, improve joint mobility and prevent further degeneration of joints. However they have to be taken over months to see a noticeable effect.
Supplementation with folic acid has been found to reduce hip fractures resulting from osteoporosis. Taking a good supplement that provides bone minerals such as magnesium and calcium is essential for sufferers of joint pain. Zinc has also been shown to relieve joint pain and stiffness. A good supplement will also include Vitamin D and B6, as well as antioxidant vitamins like A, C and E.
Other nutritional substances that have been shown to significantly reduce inflammation in a number of studies are turmeric, which was found to reduce symptoms by 73%, and bromelain, a protease enzyme derived from pineapples. Anti-oxidants like alpha-lipoic acid are also recommended as part of the anti-inflammatory diet.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), an organic sulfur-containing nutrient, has proved helpful in relieving symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and reducing pain. Also recommended are nutrients like chondroitin, which helps build cartilage, and glucosamine, which curbs inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory herbs such as boswellia, and immune-regulating herbs like ashwagandha and ginseng can regulate a hypersensitive immune system and lower levels of pro-inflammatory metabolites. Other herbs used to heal achy joints are St Johns wort, celery seed, angelica, juniper, sarsaparilla, devils claw, wild yam and willow bark.
A good joint supplement may not contain all these ingredients, but including some of them as part of your daily intake can help heal a number of inflammatory and joint conditions.