Joint pain is something that millions of us deal with every single day. In part one of this article, we looked at the different forms and reasons for joint pain, as well as one possible way to prevent it from happening in the first place. In this article, we’ll look at other ways to keep joint pain at bay.
For example, keeping your skeleton strong is a great way to help ward off joint issues as you get older and exercising frequently by walking or hiking are two great examples. When you are out walking, be sure to wear supportive shoes that offer flexibility to your feet.
Getting enough calcium is another way to prevent joint pain. Dairy products and green leafy vegetables are both good sources of this vital mineral, and many women also take a calcium supplement to be sure they are getting enough.
In addition to supplements, many natural remedies have been shown to help prevent the joint problems that are associated with certain health conditions. For example, the essential fatty acid called omega-3 has been linked to a reduction of joint pain and stiffness. You can find omega-3 in cold water fish like salmon and flaxseed oil. Taking fish and/or flaxseed oil capsules is an easy way to add omega-3 into your system.
If your joint pain is due to osteoporosis, glucosamine sulfate may be very helpful in reducing pain. Double-blind studies have found that glucosamine may not only help reduce the symptoms of arthritis, but may also help repair some of the original cartilage damage. Glucosamine sulfate's benefits include helping the pain while also working to rectify the cause. What makes this really exciting is that while many people with osteoarthritis typically take pain relievers like Advil or Tylenol to feel better (called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs), these medications only help to mask the pain.
Chondroitin sulfate is another natural supplement that has been found to improve joint function in many ways, including increased joint lubrication, cartilage synthesis, and the destruction of free radicals (that may harm the joints). Many glucosamine sulfate supplements also include chondroitin sulfate.
The herbs boswellin (a natural anti-inflammatory), curcumin (an extract of the spice turmeric and also an anti-inflammatory), and the supplement betaine, have also been shown to help with joint pain.
Millions of Americans have some type of joint pain, but in most cases they need not be inevitable signs of getting older. It’s important to stay active, eat properly, and get enough of certain vitamins, minerals, and other supplements that have been shown to support overall joint health.
References:
www.associatedcontent.com/article/271678/steps_for_preventing_joint_pain_later.html?cat=50
www.americanchronicle.com/articles/view/51457
www.smart-publications.com/joint_pain/reduce_joint_pain.php