Options For All Natural Joint Relief

By Margarita Joseph


Joints are found in every part of the human body. Most of these joints are freely movable and allow a great variety of body movements as well as supporting the weight of the body. When joints degenerate for any reason, pain becomes a symptom. Different methods are used to treat this pain and there are various options for natural joint relief.

Joints begin to give problems due to many factors such as aging, injury, autoimmune diseases and over-use. Joints consist of two bones held together by ligaments. The bones are prevented from grinding against one another by cartilage. When any of the elements of the joints like the ligaments, cartilage or synovial fluid are not working as they should, the bones begin to grind together, causing pain and inflammation.

There are many conventional medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, that are used for relieving pain. These drugs are either injected or taken orally and include steroids like cortisone and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like aspirin. While these drugs relieve pain quickly, long-term use actually weaken our immunity and can cause some serious side effects.

This is why individuals are increasingly looking at more natural alternatives to conventional drugs. Often a combination of treatments is used such as hot and cold therapy, light exercise, diet, vitamins and supplements. A more holistic approach is being followed by many individuals and they are also looking at treating the problem rather than just relieving symptoms.

Taking a dietary supplement may be an important step towards repairing and maintaining the health of your joints. However, products vary considerably in the ingredients they contain and how effective they are. There are many products that contain natural anti-inflammatories such as ginger, devils craw, green tea and willow bark. Some of these also have side effects but they are not usually serious ones.

Many supplements consist of a number of different ingredients, two of which are often Chondroiten Sulphate and Glucosamine Sulphate. Chondroiten helps to draw fluid into the tissue of cartilage. This makes it more spongy and improves its ability to withstand shock. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring chemical found in the fluid around joints. Taking it is thought to increase the cartilage and fluid surrounding joints and helps prevent breakdown of these substances.

A compound found in humans, animals as well in many foods is reported to reduce pain and improve mobility. It is an organic sulfur called methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) and is included in many supplements. Its use is based on the premise that many people lack sulfur which strengthens collagen.

A supplement that works on repairing joints may take longer to show results because it does more than just relieve symptoms. As a consumer it is up to you to check the ingredients in a particular supplement to make sure you know what you are buying. Not all ingredients have the same effect on individuals and you need to find one that offers you the most relief, the fewest side effects and the best long term natural joint relief.




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