Which Natural Supplements Help Reduce Joint And Arthritis Pain

Is there really a natural remedy for joint pain out there and is there really a natural remedy for arthritis? If there are, what should those remedies include? Here are a few suggestions.

It is fair to say that there is no single prescription drug that can achieve the wide ranging impact that high-quality glucosamine can. Glucosamine is naturally manufactured in the body and scientists know that this simple substance is found in relatively high concentrations in the joints and connective tissues, where its function is to repair cartilage and maintain joint mobility. As some clinical researchers have described it, it is simply "remarkable". Glucosamine assists in rebuilding the cartilage blocking the "bad" enzymes that destroy cartilage, activates the lipids, fibrin, thrombi and blood vessels in the surrounding joint areas and accelerates the production of hyaluronan which acts as a lubricant in the joint fluids.

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Devil's Claw in treating joint conditions like osteoarthritis, fibrositis, rheumatoid arthritis and small joint disease. It has also been scientifically proven to assist in the treatment of lower back pain. In a study by Brady et al, (1981), serum cholesterol and uric acid levels were shown to be reduced after treatment with Devil's Claw. Scientific studies have also indicated that it is effective in stimulating the lymphatic system to increase resistance against disease.

Boswellia has been used for thousands of years as a natural anti-inflammatory. Modern science has verified that boswellic acids contained within the herb can block the formation of leukotrienes, the immune cells responsible for inflammation, while also promoting the formation of free radicals. With regular use, blood supply to the joints is also maintained, keeping soft tissue nourished and viable. Many studies and reports have shown that boswellic acids have an anti-inflammatory action -much like the conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used for inflammatory conditions. Boswellia inhibits the inflammatory causatives in the body, such as leukotrienes, but unlike NSAIDs long-term use of boswellia does not appear to cause irritation or ulceration of the stomach.