Arthritis
The most common form of arthritis is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease. This condition produces a gradual, age-related deterioration of joint cartilage. As the disease progresses and the cartilage continues to break down, exposed bone ends rub together and may develop growths, called spurs. Then, when the joint moves, the spurs grind against each other, causing pain and joint instability.
Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but it is most common in the fingers, knees, ankles and feet, hips, neck, and spine.
Helpful Supplements
- Glucosamine (cartilage-building compound) is one of the most effective remedies for the long-term relief of osteoarthritis pain. It appears to slow the deterioration of joints over time and reinforce joint cartilage.
- The effectiveness of glucosamine can be enhanced by using it in conjunction with MSM or with the trace mineral boron. It appears to slow cartilage degeneration. Adding an antioxidant complex can help block degeneration caused by free-radical molecules.
- If the combination of glucosamine/MSM does not provide relief in six to eight weeks – try replacing MSM with either niacinamide, a form of vitamin B that is a very effective reliever of knee pain, or a glucosamine and chondroitin (another cartilage-building compound) combination.
- Boswellia or White Willow Bark both have an anti-inflammatory action. White willow is also an analgesic.
- Bromelain is more often recommended for rheumatoid arthritis. This natural anti-inflammatory can be effective in controlling pain, especially combined with other supplements like glucosamine and MSM.
- SAMe (S-Adenosyl methionine) is a cartilage-building form of the amino acid methionine, has anti-inflammatory effects similar to Ibuprofen.
- Cayenne Cream OR Capsaicin inhibits the production of substance P, a chemical involved in relaying pain signals to the brain.
