Nature’s Joint Health Remedies – How to Manage your Arthritis Pain Naturally

By Sarah Holvik, B.Sc. Nutritional Sciences

Mother Nature seems to have proven herself yet again. Just ten years ago, most of us would have dismissed the idea that arthritis symptoms could be managed by our diets; yet, recent advances in nutritional science have revealed some striking new evidence about the connection between certain foods and joint pain and inflammation. Here is some great news for those of you looking for an alternative to your prescription and over-the-counter drugs to manage your arthritis. Just by making simple changes in your daily diet, you may be able to effectively manage your pain and inflammation without the side effects of your medications. Plus, you’ll be able to eat some delicious meals in the process!

While citrus fruits are most famous for their vitamin C content, they also contain a special group of anti-inflammatory compounds called polymethoxylated flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of more than 4000 antioxidant compounds that give fruits and vegetables their color. The flavonoid compounds found in citrus fruits, for example tangeretin, sinensetin, and nobiletin also have anti-inflammatory effects. Nobiletin in particular is an exciting new discovery in natural arthritis treatments, as it also reduces cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, this substance is so potent that its therapeutic effects rival prescription arthritis drugs such as corticosteroids.

Healthy omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA can also help manage arthritis symptoms. Omega-3 fats found in fatty fish (for example salmon, mackerel and sardines), nuts and green leafy vegetables are clinically proven to relieve joint pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis.

However, there is a flip side to this coin. Omega-6 fats such as arachidonic acid, found in animal foods, are actually known to increase inflammation and pain by activating inflammatory pathways in the body. In addition, the modern North American diet contains an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats which is linked to many chronic diseases including arthritis. Consequently, animal products such as milk and dairy should be limited in any diet, in particular people suffering from chronic pain and/or inflammation.

In addition to your diet, there are many natural supplements that help to reduce arthritis symptoms; the most common are glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. Chondroitin belongs to a group of compounds called glysaminoglycans (GAGs) which are an essential component of cartilage. Glucosamine is vital for the production of GAGs and other compounds that make up cartilage. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are believed to protect the body against cartilage breakdown, help to maintain and rebuild healthy joints and reduce pain due to arthritis. However, although these products are top sellers, recent studies have questioned their effectiveness in managing arthritis symptoms. A report published by the scientific journal Arthritis & Rheumatism suggests that glucosamine and chondroitin may not be any more effective than a placebo in relieving arthritic pain. These confusing and contradictory findings make it difficult for consumers looking for an effective natural joint health product.

MSM (Methyl sulfonyl methane) is a natural, highly-bioavailable sulfur compound thought to improve joint flexibility and reduce stiffness, swelling and joint pain. The therapeutic effects of MSM stem from the fact that sulfur is a crucial component of collagen (the backbone of cartilage) in the body. The foods we eat are often stripped of sulfur due to over-processing, drying or preserving techniques, so MSM has become an important source of sulfur especially in the North American diet.

While these supplements may be effective in preserving cartilage and relieving pain and inflammation, they often take months to take effect. SierraSil® is an all-natural trace mineral supplement that is clinically proven to reduce joint stiffness, inflammation and pain in most people in as little as two weeks. Clinical research shows that SierraSil® reduces inflammation by decreasing specific inflammatory enzymes in the body, thereby preventing cartilage breakdown. This breakthrough finding instills renewed hope in people seeking a faster-acting natural product to relieve their joint pain and stiffness.

SierraSil® may be taken along with other joint health supplements due to their different and complementary effects on cartilage health, but should be taken at a different time of day to ensure they are both effective. By taking SierraSil® in conjunction with a diet containing anti-inflammatory foods and other natural joint remedies, your body is getting the correct nutrients to combat the root causes of joint pain: inflammation and cartilage breakdown. Together these recommendations are a safe and effective combination to help combat the painful symptoms of arthritis.