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Advice on Arthritis Relief
 Around 80% of the over 50's suffer with achy and painful joints as the wear and tear of the years takes its toll on the body's collagen and cartilage.
Arthritis mostly affects the joints of the hands and weight bearing joints and can become very painful and debilitating.
Conciderable research has been dedicated to finding natural relief for sufferers. Lifestyle and dietary changes, moderate exercise and a program of well chosen supplements may make the difference between days in bed and days of having fun.
Firstly one of the areas under our own control is diet. The health of our intestinal tract appears to be an indicator of the health of our joints, with improved digestion and increased amounts of friendly flora reducing symptoms of arthritic disease.
Try to avoid saturated animal fats, keep your intake of red meat, dairy and eggs to a minimum. Oily fish such as herring, mackrel, salmon and tuna have a positive effect on inflamation. Dairy products can be a problem because of the fat content and because they contain calcium that may not be assimilated well by the body but can be dumped in the tissues and around the joints creating more pain and inflammation, better to get your calcium from sources which contain magnesium, which the body needs to help utilise calcium. Green leafy vegetables, oats, dried fruit and seeds are all rich in magnesium.
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Citrus fruits are thought to exacerbate symptoms but fruit containing digestive enzymes e.g pineapple, papaya and mango will benefit the gut. Avoid highly processed foods as these may contribute to the build up of acid in the body. Processed foods can contain large amounts of sugar and salt, both can make symptoms worse. Avoid coffee and limit tea to 2 cups daily, drink plenty of water.
Stress creates inflammatory chemicals in the body, so try and relax or look for ways to reduce stress.
Useful supplements
Glucosamine is probably the most well known supplement and one of the most researched in relation to joint health. The body manufactures glucosamine (which is a simple molecule composed of glucose and an amine:- nitrogen and two molecules of hydrogen). It is an important building block needed by the body to manufacture specialised molecules called glycosaminoglycans (gag) found in cartilage. Once absorbed, it is taken up by the joint tissues where it is incorporated into the connective tissue matrix of cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Glucosamine may help reduce pain and help the body heal and repair damaged joints.?
Chondroitin is a type of glycosaminoglycan (gag) and is one of the major structural components of cartilage, tendons and bones. It is a sulphur bearing compound which supports collagen synthesis and connective tissue in cartilage structure.
MSM is a source of organic sulphur, required for the formation of certain amino acids required for the synthesis of collagen (the fibrous protein matrix that forms the foundation of cartilage). Sulphur also plays a critical role in GAG formation. MSM appears to offer anti-inflammatory properties.
Antioxidants are also recommended for those with arthritic conditions as they protect against oxadative damage to the joints.
Devils claw is renowned for its benificial effect on inflammatory pain.
It can reduce pain and improve mobility and can be taken long term. It seems to be suitable for all forms of arthritis and may work on gouty arthritis. It can be taken alongside glucosamine.
Knotgrass good for arthritic conditions involving calcified deposits in the joints, such as gout, by working to dissolve deposits and cleansing uric acid from the tissues but it does take 2 to 4 months for the full effect to become apparent so devils claw can be taken alongside for pain relief. Knotgrass is also useful for repetative strain injury.
Boswellia has been used extensively in traditional and ayurvedic medicine to treat a variety of conditions such as pain, inflammation, diseased bones and rheumatic conditions. Using boswellia may also result in a significant reduction in pain, time duration and morning stiffness and joint and disability score among patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Quercetin is another supplement with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-histamine properties. Quercetin has also been shown to inhibit the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of the collagen matrix of connective tissue.
Bromelain has been known chemically since 1876 and in 1957 was introduced in a theraputic compound. It is known for the anti-inflammatory properties, particularly helpful for healing injuries including sprains, strains, bruising, muscle injuries, swelling and tenderness that accompany sports injuries.
These recommendations are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or pharmacist and always check before taking supplements if you are on any medication.
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