A real pain in the arthritis, let’s dial that pain down a bit.

Arthritis, it stinks and can effect your life in a major way.

This brief write up will discuss a few herbs and supplements that work well to reduce arthritis pain & inflammation. These supplements are safe and effective, unlike many pharmaceuticals, and have benefits beyond the arthritis relief. Without a moment more delay… here we go.

Exactly what is arthritis?

Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is expressed by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling.

Arthritis can be divided into three categories: rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), and gout. In all cases, there is significant inflammation of joints, however, the cause and severity vary.

The root cause of arthritis is inflammation. Using natural anti-inflammatory supplements can help to reduce inflammation, and thus may help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. You will most likely recognize all the supplements listed and may even be taking some. Check with a pharmacist to determine safe levels, for the most part MD’s are going to struggle in the supplement knowledge dept.

1. Turmeric is known to be one of the best anti-inflammatory herbs and thus is helpful for arthritis. Specifically, it’s thought that turmeric is one of the best herbs for osteoarthritis.

Curcumin, the active constituent in turmeric, is accredited with turmeric’s anti-inflammatory effect.

A comparison study involving patients with knee osteoarthritis found that turmeric extract was helpful for reducing pain during a variety of activities, including walking and moving up and down stairs. In this study, the turmeric extract was just as effective for reducing pain as ibuprofen.

In another trial observing participants with knee osteoarthritis, curcumin was shown to significantly reduce pain and improve physical function. Researchers found that 84% of subjects receiving curcuminoids were able to stop the use of additional anti-inflammatory medication by the end of the study.

An 8-week trial administering water-soluble curcumin to subjects with mild-to-moderate knee osteoarthritis discovered that the curcumin alleviated pain significantly compared to placebo. The curcumin group was asked to perform tasks after receiving 180mg of turmeric so the researchers could evaluate joint swelling, pain levels during walking, the ability to climb stairs, and range of motion.

Researchers observed that a twice-a-day administration of 500mg of turmeric was able to reduce pain and increase mobility in subjects with knee osteoarthritis. Participants who took the extract were less likely to use “rescue medication” than those in the placebo group.

Turmeric appears to also be an effective natural remedy for rheumatoid arthritis.

In a comparison study, participants with rheumatoid arthritis found improvement in inflammation, tenderness, and swelling of joints after taking 500mg of curcumin daily. Curcumin was more effective in comparison to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) usage.

Next up is one of my favorites because of its unbelievable ability to destroy seasonal allergy issues. Check out a separate post on that topic.

2. Stinging Nettle is thought to be one of the best natural remedies for rheumatoid arthritis.

In a placebo-controlled study, researchers found that stinging nettle cream was helpful for those suffering from painful joints. When participants rubbed the cream on the arthritis-affected areas, they experienced a reduction of pain and improvement in overall function.

Another clinical trial found that a stinging nettle supplement was significant for reducing arthritic pain in subjects with knee or hip osteoarthritis. Researchers noted that those receiving the stinging nettle supplement were less likely to request additional analgesics or NSAIDs for managing their pain.

Natural herbalist, David Hoffmann, mentions that stinging nettle is a popular herbal remedy for osteoarthritis.

3. Ginger is another helpful herb for inflammation and osteoarthritis.

A study observing participants with osteoarthritis found that powdered ginger capsules had the ability to decrease the number of pro-inflammatory proteins after 3 months of therapy. Researchers attributed this anti-inflammatory response to the shogoal and gingerol content in ginger.

4. Vitamin D It all seems to come back to more Vit D. Remember to take D in the presence of vitamin A to help supercharge your immunity. Among other things, D is important for helping your body absorb calcium, which keeps your bones strong. Research also shows that vitamin D helps fight inflammation.

People with rheumatoid arthritis consistently had lower levels of vitamin D in their blood than those without arthritis when studied. If you’re low in vitamin D, your symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis also could get worse.

5. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils and other foods, encourage your body to produce chemicals that help control inflammation. Research suggests they may help weaken the autoimmune inflammatory symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.Evidence also supports omega-3s as treatments for arthritis pain and joint stiffness and at least 150mg per day of Hyaloronic Acid will help lubricate the joints too.

Please share this information with anyone you think may benefit from it. Check this out with your doctor and pharmacist. If either one dismisses you and says “you are wasting your money on that”, time for you to get a new doctor.

Stay Happy, Stay Healthy, Stay Legit.  Listen to your mother when she asks, “did you take your Legit vitamins?”

Strictly opinion and not medical advice. Consult your doctor, pharmacist and/or nutritionist before starting/stopping any supplement or exercise program.