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Supplements To Relieve Osteoarthritis Pain

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It’s easy to think osteoarthritis only affects the elderly, but while it rarely develops before the age of forty, it affects nearly everyone past the age of sixty.  Nearly three times as many women as men have it.  Osteoarthritis used to be called “degenerative joint disease,” but OA—the shortened version—is a painful malady, affecting over 20 million people in the U.S.  OA involves the deterioration of the cartilage that protects the ends of our bones.  It can be caused by injury or genetics, but more often than not, OA results from aging, diet and lifestyle—the “wear and tear” of daily life.

Other risk factors for OA include joint trauma, obesity, and repetitive joint use.  Initially, OA is non-inflammatory and it may be so mild that a person is unaware of it until it appears on an x-ray.  Usually, one or two joints are affected, most often the knee, hip, and hand.  Pain is the earliest symptom, usually exacerbated by repetitive use. 

What does osteoarthritis feel like?  It typically starts on one side of the body, with achy, painful joints that feel stiff, causing a limited range of motion.  Some say it feels like the joints “are stuck in mid-crack, like when you crack your knuckles.” Others describe it as a constant burning pain.  It can cause a joint to feel unstable or to lock during use. Over time, the ligaments, tendons, and muscles that hold the joint together weaken, resulting at first, in a feeling of stiffness that graduates to pain and possibly even joint deformity.  People who suffer from OA usually develop brittle bones, so the risk of fracture is a great concern. 

What can you do to reduce your chances of getting OA?  Keep moving!  Studies show that yoga is especially effective.  Yoga builds strength, increases flexibility, reduces pain and stiffness, and improves balance—helping to prevent falls and broken bones.  The Arthritis Foundation recommends daily walking and gardening as safe ways to de-stress and keep the body moving.  Reduce excess pounds—the less overweight you are, the easier it is on your bones, especially the hips and knees.  

Can natural supplements help relieve the symptoms of OA?  Yes, and they are vital to give your body the preventative measures necessary to prevent OA and to support strong bone health.  Start by bringing your body back into balance by re-alkalizing your system.  Reduce your intake of meat products, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.  Drink only purified water, and include an alkaline-rich green drink.  Take a natural chelating supplement to safely draw out toxins and heavy metals.  Don’t forget to improve your intestinal health with a rich pro-biotic supplement.

Here are just a few of the many effective supplements to maintain strong bones, connective tissue, ligaments and joints: 

• Bromelain
• Glucosamine sulfate
• Chondroitin sulfate
• Essential fatty acids (EFA’s)
• MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)
• Boron
• Superoxide dismutase (SOD)
• Calcium, magnesium, copper, Vitamin D and zinc

There are other supplements particularly useful in helping to relieve symptoms of OA, such as pain, stiffness and swelling.  They include:

• Boswellia and turmeric
• Ginger
• Cat’s claw and feverfew herb
• Shark cartilage
• Cayenne (capsicum)
• Olive leaf extract
• Noni juice

Promote overall good bone health by increasing your nutritional support, getting plenty of rest, and follow a fun and safe exercise routine.   No bones about it, the “wear and tear” of daily life can be challenging, so get serious about taking good care of yourself.  You’ll be paid back with a long life filled with great health and joy!