Essential Supplements For Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints and this painful condition aggravates in winter. There are many different kinds of arthritis, but the most common forms of arthritis are: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis also called degenerative joint disease, involves deterioration of the cartilage protecting the ends of the bones. It is sometimes caused by injury or an inherited defect in the protein that form cartilage. More commonly, it is a result of the wear and tear resulting from aging, diet and lifestyle. Osteoarthritis affects most the weight bearing joints -- the knees, hips and back -- most severely, but it also affects the hands and the knuckles. Usually, pain and stiffness is felt with osteoarthritis but it also increases your risk factor for fractures, as bones become brittle.

If we are what we eat, then arthritis can be reversed with dietary changes which will help arrest inflammation and relieve the pain.

Which nutrients you should take?

1. Bromelain: An enzyme that helps to stimulate production of prostaglandins. It reduces inflammation when taken with meals and is found naturally in pineapple.
2. Chrondroitin Sulphate: It provides nutritional support for strengthening joints, ligaments and tendons.
3. Essential fatty acids: Essential fatty acids increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. It helps to control arthritis pain and inflammation.
4. Glucosamine Sulphate: Glucosamine is a natural component-a form of amino sugar, found in connective tissues and joint cartilage. It has a vital role in cartilage formation and repair.
5. Methylsulphonylmethane (MSM): A sulfur compound needed for reducing inflammation and joint and tissue repair.
6. Boron: A trace mineral required for healthy bones and uptake of calcium.
7. Calcium & Magnesium-Calcium is needed to prevent bone loss and magnesium strengthens the connective tissue and helps in bone formation.
8. Zinc: Zinc is needed for bone growth and is often deficient in those with arthritis.
9. Selenium: A powerful antioxidant.
10. Vitamin: Vitamin C is a super antioxidant and is a powerful free radical destroyer that also aids in pain relief because of its anti-inflammatory effect.

Which herbs can you take to ease arthritic pain?

1. Alfalfa - It contains all the minerals essential for bone formation, and may be helpful for arthritis.
2. Boswellia - It is an Ayurvedic herb which is important for reducing inflammation. It also helps restore blood vessels around inflamed connective tissue.
3. Cat's claw - This is helpful for relieving arthritis pain.
4. Fever few and ginger are also good for pain and soreness. Ginger is a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects. Do not use cat's claw or fever few during pregnancy.

5. Hot peppers - Also known as cayenne it contains a compound called capsaicin that relieves pain, apparently by inhibiting the release of substance P, a neurotransmitter responsible for communication pain sensations.
6. Noni - A sacred plant to natives of south Pacific has been used for ages to gain relief from arthritic pain