Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
S-Adenomethionine, or SAMe, is a naturally-occurring compound found in nearly every tissue of the body. It is commonly used for brain health and mood, as it plays a role in your serotonin activity in the brain. But several studies have shown SAMe can assist with joint discomfort, as well.
Uric acid is normally found in your blood and in your urine. Higher levels can cause a kidney stone, painful arthritis, kidney damage or can trigger a stroke or a heart attack.
Aches in your back and joints are one thing (and are very common in older individuals) but when the aches turn into pain, you should really pay more attention. Here’s what you should be on the lookout for.
First, understand that pain and tenderness are two different things. Tenderness is a feeling of discomfort when a specific area is pressed down on. Pain is a general feeling of distress, without the need of pressure on a specific area. These two feelings are very common in a few conditions that are important to understand if you are feeling aches and pain in your back or joints. Fortunately, if you’re consistently experiencing aches and pains, there are ways to make your day to day activities more manageable.
According to Claudia Guy, ND, of InVite® Health, “In the United States, more than 50% of individuals over 60 years of age have osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.” Arthritis is defined as inflammation in the joints and is usually coupled with degeneration of cartilage tissue. This condition generally worsens with weight-bearing activities like exercising or other common daily activities. Jerry Hickey, R. Ph, Scientific Director of InVite® Health states, “Common medical treatments do not usually improve healing or change the path of this condition. Most are aimed at decreasing pain, inflammation, and stiffness while improving joint mobility. However, nutritional supplements are being studied intensively to see if they can slow the progression of cartilage destruction and redirect the course of the condition towards actual healing.
The breakdown of cartilage is central to osteoarthritis. Cartilage is a firm but rubbery shock absorber located at the end of bones that protects the bone and joint. In osteoarthritis the cartilage becomes stiff decreasing its shock absorbing quality causing it to gradually wear away. With increasing cartilage destruction, the bones can actually rub together causing tendons and ligaments to become stretched and painful.
Also according to Claudia Guy, ND, “Many studies support UC-II supplementation for joints to improve overall quality of life and activities of daily living. It supports arthritic, healthy joints, and joints that endure strenuous activities. UC-II has undergone rigorous third-party research and testing, and is proven effective, safe, and well-tolerated with no adverse effects.”
Click here for more information on UC-11 supplementation.
This is a chronic disorder that causes pain in the muscles and joints that is often associated with “trigger points” – places on the body where even light pressure causes pain, according to Healthline. According to standards published by the American College of Rheumatology, a person can be diagnosed with fibromyalgia if they have widespread pain and tenderness in at least 11 of the known 18 trigger points, including:
If you have pain in your shoulders, it could be down to shoulder weakness and it is best you seek the advice of a doctor.
The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases says this condition affects around 5 million Americans and that women account for 80-90% of all cases. Speak to your doctor for more information on this condition and which treatments are best for you.
The sacroiliac joints (also known as the SI Joints) are two joints that are in your lower back and sit on each side of your spine. Their function is to carry the weight of your upper body when you do normal every day activities like stand or walk. This pain can be dull or very sharp and can even spread to your upper back, thighs, or buttocks. Brought on by too much movement or too little movement, this condition is generally more common in young and middle-aged women, according to Spine-health.com, where content is reviewed by at least one member of the Medical Advisory Board and peer-reviewed. Treatment is mainly aimed at reducing inflammation and pain using physical therapy and exercise, as well as anti-inflammatory medications and drugs. Please be aware that many prescription medications can cause potentially serious nutrient depletions.
Gout is a buildup of uric acid in the body that crystalizes in the joints, causing painful inflammation. This is due to either too much uric acid intake (from foods such as chocolate, seafood, or red wine) or the body’s inability to naturally process it. This condition, if left untreated and in severe cases, can cause dangerous effects to the kidneys. Unlike the previously mentioned joint conditions, this condition mainly plagues men over the age of 50.
According to Medicinenet.com’s Kirkwood Johnston, MD, “The large joint at the base of the big toe is the most common site for a gout attack. Most commonly other joints affected are the ankles, knees, wrists, fingers, and elbows. Patients with gout attacks suffer a rapid onset of pain in the affected joint, followed by swelling, redness and severe tenderness, which can last hours or for several days.”
Dr. Johnston recommends staying well hydrated to prevent gout attacks, avoiding alcohol, limited your intake of shellfish or organ meats (liver and kidneys), and managing your weight and diet.
The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests specific herbs that are a safe way to strengthen and tone the body’s symptoms of gout –
FEATURED IN INVITE® HEALTH’S SUMMER 2015 CATALOG Suddenly, one morning you wake up with a stiff, swollen, and painful joint. You most likely have arthritis. In the United States, more than 50% of individuals over 60 years of age have osteoarthritis, the most common form …
Arthritis – stiff, painful, swollen joints – is not a single disease. There are more than 100 arthritis-related conditions. The most common is osteoarthritis – “wear-and-tear”. Nearly 27 million Americans have osteoarthritis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Osteoarthritis, in which joint …
Joint health issues affect millions of people across the country. There are numerous causes of joint problems; everything from a simple fall to a chronic illness can cause serious pain, swelling, and immobility for those who suffer. Research on the most effective method to relieve joint pain is ongoing, and people have many different opinions on what works best – it all depends on the person, their overall health and lifestyle, and a variety of other factors.
The term arthritis is often used to refer to any disorder that affects the joints. There are many different forms of arthritis. One of these is known as Osteoarthritis, where the surface cartilage in the joints breaks down and wears away. Without that surface cartilage your bones begin to rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and loss of motion in the joint. Another form of arthritis is called Rheumatoid Arthritis, a severe joint condition that might also cause fevers, fatigue, frequent illness, and even permanent joint damage.
New Study: Fish Oil Capsules May Improve Rheumatoid Arthritis
Joints fall into two categories. They can be either rigid joints, like the ones between the bones in your skull, or movable joints like your knees, shoulders and hips. Movable joints are more often affected when it comes to serious pain. Joint pain can sometimes be debilitating, preventing you from going on with your daily routine. Making an effort to keep your joints healthy before the pain gets too severe will allow you to walk, run, jump, and play sports throughout your life. Natural vitamins and supplements can be a great option for joint pain relief and possibly prevent future problems. Here are some of the best natural remedies for joint pain.
Millions of Americans suffer from joint pain and discomfort. A number of factors contribute to joint pain, which often keeps individuals from carrying out their daily activities. Joint health supplements have been shown to help maintain joint health and significantly decrease the pain and discomfort caused by injury, strain, disease, infection, or arthritis. Clinical studies have demonstrated the ability of these joint health supplements to support the overall health and flexibility of joints.
Glucosamine is a chemical compound that occurs naturally in the cartilage of your joints. It helps keep your joints healthy and lubricated. But when the cartilage wears away for any reason, the natural glucosamine decreases, too, leading to joint discomfort and pain. In supplement form, glucosamine can be very effective in easing joint pain. It has also been shown in studies to slow down the natural process of cartilage deterioration throughout aging.
Turmeric is a plant naturally grown in India, and it has been used in ancient medicine for centuries. One of its active ingredients, curcumin, has been known to reduce joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and other symptoms that stem from arthritis. Turmeric also acts as an anti-inflammatory. It’s been studied for its possible ability to prevent joint conditions in addition to relieving symptoms in those who already suffer.
Bromelain is found naturally in pineapples, and it acts as an anti-inflammatory. It can help decrease pain and swelling, increase mobility, and reduce inflammation in people with joint pain. Check your allergies before taking bromelain – you may have a reaction if you’re allergic to pineapples, latex, or bees!
Talk to your doctor for other alternative remedies if you suffer from joint problems or arthritis. A natural supplement may be the answer for your joint problems, allowing you to move freely again.