Joint Care
Putting the spring back into your step.
With the changing seasons, I’m sure many of us will be looking forward to getting back into our gardens!
But, for an estimated 1 in 5 of us who suffer from some form of arthritis, pottering in the garden and other such activities may not be as enjoyable as they once were.
Arthritis is literally means ‘inflammation of the joints’. Most people with the condition will probably experience mild to moderate pain and difficulty moving around.
The exact cause is not fully understood although it is generally accepted that the gradual wearing away of joint cartilage tissue is a major contributing factor. As you grow older your body is often unable to replace new cartilage to counteract any loss, allowing insufficiently cushioned bone to rub together causing inflammation, pain and stiffness.
But it’s not all bad news! Arthritis is for many people a manageable condition and there are measures you can take to help reduce pain and stiffness.
Diet is important. Polyunsaturated fats containing omega-3 fatty acids are thought to help with inflammation so opt for lots of oily fish. Nuts and seeds, especially linseeds (Flax seeds) which are rich in omega 3 essential fats, are also good vegetarian alternatives, as is Viridian’s Joint Omega Oil, Formulated by experts to provide the ideal blend of nutritional oils for the maintenance of healthy joints.
It contains perilla seed oil, one of nature’s richest sources of omega-3 fatty acids, pumpkin seed oil, borage oil and fruit antioxidants, it can be taken straight off the spoon or added to meals.
Antioxidants can help to fight inflammation so a diet rich in antioxidant nutrients is also recommended. Cherries and blueberries are good sources, plus they also help to protect cartilage.
Cherries are particularly protective to the joints, being both rich in antioxidants and flavonoids, which can help to reduce inflammation, and helping to reduce inflammation.
Cherry juice also helps to reduce the formation of painful uric acid crystals which can build up in the joints causing inflammation, pain and in some individuals gout.
Devil’s Claw is an old folk remedy to reduce uric acid levels, and has been popular to ease the suffering of many customers, a vicar once popped into the shop and ask for devils claw, so I think this root is definitely not just for us sinners!
You may also wish to try a natural anti-inflammatory balm, one which you can rub into your joints. Look for ingredients such as black pepper oil and capsicum. Both are noted for their anti-inflammatory action. Capsicum in particular tends to have a warming action which can feel quite pleasant. Arnica gel is a powerful herb that can help to ease joint pain having a soothing action on the joints.
Other anti-inflammatory herbs include, boswellia, dandelion, ginger, tumeric, and nettle, which are rich in antioxidants, and help to reduce joint toxicity.
Try drinking herbal teas such as nettle, or dandelion, which also help detoxify the joints.
Other important nutrients include MSM, hyaluronic acid and glucosamine, which help strengthen and repair cartilage.
Selenium and vitamin E work together to support and repair cartilage, Zinc, Vitamin C and bioflavonoids are essential for the production of healthy collagen, thus maintaining joint tissues.
There are also things to avoid. Certain foods, for example, such as wheat, gluten, cow’s milk, sugar, citrus fruits and tomatoes are thought to increase the production of inflammatory chemicals, particularly in individuals with aggressive inflammatory forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.
It is also wise to avoid fizzy drinks and coffee as these drinks leach calcium from the bones, and disturb the absorption of essential vitamin and minerals.
Finally, a little exercise can also help. Nothing too extreme, but by keeping as active as possible, you will help to keep your joints strong and healthy. Now where did you put those Wellies…?
