This article was contributed by CLINIVITA FLEXEEZE Capsules
If that stairs look really steep and you suffer from joint pain you are not alone. According to a National Health Interview Survey over a 30-day period, 30 percent of adults experienced pain, aching or stiffness in or around a joint.
About 20%, or in other words, 1 in 5 of the World’s population age 15+ suffer from arthritis, the inflammation of one or more joints. Women are significantly more likely to develop arthritis than men as nearly 60% of people with arthritis are women.
Joints, the physical point of connection between bones, provide support and generally facilitate movement. There are 360 joints in the body, most of which are movable. When healthy, bones within a joint glide smoothly past each other because their surfaces are covered with a smooth layer of cartilage and a membrane that secretes a lubricating liquid called synovial fluid.
Dysfunction accompanied by pain occur when either synovial fluid does not secrete properly or the cartilage covering bones deteriorates. Damage can happen suddenly or gradually and may be caused by diseases or injury. The pain and swelling can become acute or chronic and range from mild to severe.
Osteoarthritis, the deterioration of the cartilage that covers the ends of the bones (especially in the knees and hips) that frequently occurs as a natural part of aging, is the most common cause of joint pain. Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks the membranes that secrete synovial fluid, is another common cause of joint pain along with gout, lupus and fibromyalgia.
While your first line of defense may be over-the-counter pain medication (ibuprofen, acetaminophen or aspirin), such products can have serious side effects, like kidney damage. Fortunately, there are numerous natural ways to reduce inflammation and alleviate the discomfort caused by joint pain.
Movement Is Key
While you may feel like avoiding movement, don’t. Working out triggers the release of joint-lubricating synovial fluid. Low-impact exercise and stretching help improve range of motion and increase energy and mobility. Weightlifting strengthens muscles so they can better support your joints. Mind-body practices such as gentle yoga, qigong or tai chi can boost strength, energy and flexibility. Healthy movement is also the key to weight loss, which in return can significantly contribute to lessen the weight bearing down on inflamed joints like for example the hips or knees.
Go Mediterranean
If the cause of your pain is rheumatoid arthritis, eating an anti-inflammatory or Mediterranean diet may help reduce your symptoms while improving heart health and reducing cancer risk. This type of diet entails eating antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables; beans; whole grains like brown rice and quinoa (which have been shown to lower C-reactive protein, a marker for inflammation); and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids such as fatty fish, chia seeds, flax seeds and walnuts. Using cold pressed virgin olive oil and cutting back on processed carbohydrates, saturated fats and trans fats can also reduce inflammation.
You can also take an antioxidant and/or an omega-3 fatty acid (look for one high in DHA) supplement and consume more flavonoids, chemical compounds found in soy products, green tea and broccoli.
Many people prefer natural joint health supplements because they have fewer side effects than prescription pain medications. They also appeal to people who prefer natural products, or are concerned about the potential of prescription aids.
Best Natural Supplements for Joint Health
Vitamin deficiencies are often a little-known contributor to unhealthy sleep patterns and poor sleep quality. Supplementing your diet with vitamins and nutrients such as selected Vitamin Bs and Magnesium can help create significant improvements in your ability to sleep better.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C serves a role as a co-factor in collagen synthesis, the main protein in joint tissue and bone. Vitamin C plays a role in fighting infection and may work to control inflammation linked to infection, which may trigger arthritis flares.
Glucosamine Hydrochloride
Glucosamine and chondroitin are non-vitamin, non-mineral supplements which have anti-inflammatory properties. These supplements are typically used for joint pain and osteoarthritis, and are commonly taken as either glucosamine alone or as glucosamine plus chondroitin. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a nutritional supplement. Clinical studies have found that Glucosamine hydrochloride can both delay the breakdown of and repair damaged cartilage.
Methylsulphonyl Methane (MSM)
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a chemical that occurs naturally in humans, as well as some green plants and animals. Taking MSM by mouth, alone or together with other ingredients such as glucosamine, can slightly reduce pain and swelling and improve function in people with osteoarthritis.
Many people prefer natural sleep supplements because they have fewer side effects than prescription sleep medications. They also appeal to people who prefer natural products, or are concerned about the addictive potential of prescription sleep aids.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is a common spice that comes from the root of Curcuma longa. It contains a chemical called curcumin, which might reduce swelling. Curcumin, the active compounds in turmeric, are often used to decrease inflammation in arthritis. These potential anti-inflammatory effects could possibly help your skin, too. Turmeric may possibly be of benefit with inflammation in the joints. Taking curcumin, alone or together with other herbal ingredients, can reduce pain and improve function in people with knee osteoarthritis. Turmeric might work about as well as ibuprofen for reducing pain.
Korean Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Ginseng contains powerful ginsenosides that act as anti-inflammatory agents. Therefore, Korean ginseng extract may help to reduce arthritis symptoms, as well as also joint pain and inflammation of the joints. This could be news good for those sore knees, shoulders, and other joints out there. It is also thought to reduce abdominal pain, as with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) which can be caused by inflammation.
Stinging Nettle Leaf (Urtica dioica)
Stinging nettle features sharp hairs on its leaves. These hairs contain chemicals, such as formic acid and histamine, which can irritate the skin and cause stinging, itching, and redness. People have been using stinging nettle leaves to treat various ailments for centuries, and the remedy is still in use as a medicinal aid today. Nettle leaves extract can help with inflammation, osteoarthritis pain and gout. An clinical study suggested that stinging nettle leaves extracts has anti-inflammatory properties and could assist in treating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
Rosehip (Rosea canina)
Rosehip powder might help lessen pain due to osteoarthritis. The supplement has been tested in many people with osteoarthritis of the hip, knee, hand, shoulder, neck, and other areas. A review of studies shows that people who took the supplement had less pain after three months compared to a placebo (dummy pill).
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense)
Studies report that uses of horsetail has improved the symptoms of arthritis and even regulated the immune response. Being a natural vasodilator, it is also used to treat painful muscle spasms, sore muscles, arthritic conditions, and other inflammatory situations. The chemicals in horsetail may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Plants related to horsetail contain chemicals that work like “water pills” (diuretics) and increase urine output.
Ginger Root (Zingiberis officinale)
Ginger is a flowering plant. Its root is often used for cooking. Its sharp, distinct flavor is unmistakable, and many people appreciate its aromatic taste. In addition to its culinary uses, ginger has served as a folk medicine for centuries. Ginger has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. Because of this, it’s thought to boost your overall immunity. For people with arthritis, its anti-inflammatory properties are of particular benefit. Ginger contains anti-inflammatory compounds that function in the same way as COX-2 inhibitors. COX-2 inhibitors are drugs used to treat pain and inflammation.
Montmorency Cherry (Prunus cerasus)
Recent clinical studies have proven that Montmorency Cherry, or Tart Cherry, can help to reduce inflammation, improve joint function, and relieve joint stiffness and pain in people with osteoarthritis. Montmorency cherries have benefits to relieve joint pain in people with osteoarthritis (OA) and lower the risk of flares in those with gout. Tart cherries have been shown to support women with osteoarthritis specifically. In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, twenty women were given Montmorency cherry juice or a placebo for 3 weeks. After this time, it was found that the women taking the cherry juice saw a significant reduction in inflammatory markers that exacerbate arthritis symptoms. The subjective pain scores were also reduced. These findings are impressive, given that 3 weeks is a relatively short amount of time to see much of a benefit.
Apple Cider Vinegar
For thousands of years, apple cider vinegar has been commonly recognized as the most effective natural remedy for arthritis pain. Arthritis can cause chronic inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints of the body such as the fingers, hands, knees, elbows, hips, jaw. ACV Helps with Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gout,
Bromelain, an enzyme of (Ananas comosus)
Bromelain is a type of enzyme called a proteolytic enzyme. It is found in pineapple juice and in the pineapple stem. Bromelain causes the body to make substances that fight pain and swelling. Bromelain also contains chemicals that seem to interfere with tumor cells and slow blood clotting.
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus)
Bladderwrack is a type of brown seaweed that is tied to traditional medicine. Bladderwrack is rich in antioxidants, such as phlorotannins, fucoxanthin, alginic acid, fucoidans, and vitamins A and C. In particular, phlorotannins and fucoxanthin are known for their high antioxidant activity and ability to scavenge free radicals. Free radicals are harmful compounds that can damage cells and lead to chronic disease and premature aging. Some clinical studies have shown that brown algae like bladderwrack offer promising anti-inflammatory benefits and may help reduce tumor growth, blood sugar levels, and the risk of heart disease
Papain, a natural compound of Papaya (Carica papaya)
Papaya contains a naturally occurring, anti-inflammatory compound called papain. Papain has been proven effective at reducing joint pain, stiffness, and as such, is an excellent supplementation for anyone who suffers from arthritis. Researchers believe that papaya may help reduce disease-causing inflammation for people with inflammatory medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Papain has also been shown to help reduce inflammation in people with disease such as asthma or arthritis.
contributed by Nutritionist Dr Alexander Roth, MD (a.roth@clinivita.pro)
Our CLINIVITA FLEXEEZE Capsules
FLEXEEZE has been formulated to provide a tailored combination of glucosamine HCL, methylsulphonyl methane (MSM), vitamin C and other herbal and food-based ingredients, including: turmeric extract (with curcumin), Nettle leaf, Montmorency cherry, Korean panax ginseng, Apple cider vinegar powder, Bromelain, Horsetail herb, Kelp, Papain, Rosehip and Ginger root – all in one formula.
- Suitable for Vegan
- Made in the UK
- Made to GMP Standards
- Gentle on the Stomach
CLINIVITA FLEXEEZE Capsules contain
- Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
- Turmeric (providing pure Curcumin)
- Glucosamine Hydrochloride
- Methylsulphonyl Methane (MSM)
- Korean Panax Ginseng
- Nettle Leaf
- Rosehip
- Horsetail
- Ginger Root
- Montmorency Cherry
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Bromelain
- Kelp (Bladderwrack)
- Papain
