I like to believe with the right foods and supplements we can keep our bodies as ageless as possible. One way to keep our joints healthy and mobile is to add alternative elixirs into our regiment so we “feel” ageless. As with any supplements, always check with your Doctor to make sure they are safe, especially if you are on any medications.

Here are some of my favorites and why:

Curcumin: This is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory derivative drawn from the Indian spice turmeric. There have been a number of studies showing that curcumin reduces inflammation in many ways; one specifically in relieving the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis as well as rheumatoid arthritis.

Cayenne: There is an active ingredient in the pepper called capsaicin. This has been shown to help reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. You can also find creams that can be applied directly to to the skin for reduced inflammation.

Boswellia: This is a very ancient herb. To get a little nerdy, the Boswellia inhibits 5-lipoxygenase, an enzyme that produces a type of inflammatory mediator known as leukotrienes. For non nerdy explanation…boswellia may help preserve joint cartilage and with combined with curcumin there are studies which show an improved range of motion and reduced “cracking or grating” feeling from those with osteoarthritis.

Ginger: Among ginger’s MANY benefits, there are studies which show ginger helps reduce and relieve pain of arthritis. Ginger has many anti-inflammatory effects, joint pain and treatment of osteoarthritis being two of so many. +Note, I LOVE Ginger!!

Vitamin D: We now have heard, read, talked that Vitamin D3 is important for bone health as well as mood regulators. What is also coming out is low levels of Vitamin D can be linked to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Get your D3 in for obvious reasons!

Enjoy your health and your joints!

Tammy Parkinson CNC CLC CPT
Body Firm Personal Training and Nutritional Consulting
www.mybodyfirm.com

 

Studies:

*Annals of Rheumatic Disease
*Journal of Traditional and Complimentary Medicine
*Progress in Drug Research