More than 37 million Americans are living with some form of arthritis, and chances are you or someone you love experiences this degenerative condition.
One of the most debilitating types, rheumatoid arthritis, is an autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack joints and tissues, resulting in severe pain and swelling. The number of women with this condition appears suddenly on the rise, even women under the age of 30. A new study by Mayo Clinic researchers shows that rheumatoid arthritis patients also suffer a higher risk of chronic kidney disease due to factors like severe inflammation, steroid treatments, elevated blood pressure, and unhealthy weight.
Other forms of arthritis, like osteoarthritis (often called “wear and tear arthritis”), can also be debilitating. While not always life-threatening, arthritis threatens life quality with devastating pain and joint destruction, making it the leading cause of disability today.
Indeed, arthritis impacts every area of life and vice versa. Diet, lifestyle, activity levels, occupation, stress, and even family and relationship dynamics have been shown to influence this disease. Currently, there are no cures for arthritis. Still, research shows that symptoms can be managed and reduced with approaches that lower inflammation, balance the immune response, and help lubricate and rebuild joint tissues.
Today’s typical diets and lifestyles are highly pro-inflammatory. The Standard American Diet (SAD), full of processed foods, sugar and trans fats, fried foods, refined grains, and chemical ingredients, is a primary culprit behind our epidemic of inflammatory diseases — not just arthritis but heart disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia, obesity and more. It’s also well-established that chronic stress elevates inflammation with a steady flood of stress hormones. In addition, lack of exercise causes stagnation in the circulatory system, leading to increased inflammation as waste products accumulate in oxygen-deprived tissues, joints, and organs.
Eventually, chronic inflammation causes excess scar tissue to build up — a process known as fibrosis. This leads to stiffening tissues, reduced circulation, and loss of function in the affected area. Inflammation also causes a gradual wearing-down of healthy tissues and dries out precious lubrication fluids. So, keeping inflammation in check is priority No. 1. The best way to do this is with an anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, targeted supplements, and healthy stress relief.
An anti-inflammatory diet requires that we avoid or eliminate processed, pro-inflammatory foods. These included refined grains, sugars, hydrogenated fats and trans-fats, fried foods, table salts, preservatives, artificial ingredients, and alcohol. For many people, dairy products and gluten are also pro-inflammatory; most people with joint pain find significant relief after eliminating these common culprits.
The best foods to fight inflammation are fresh produce, mainly green leafy vegetables, and brightly colored fruits and vegetables. The same phytonutrients that give tomatoes, blueberries, peppers, and countless other plant foods their color also offer significant benefits for inflammation, immune support, and numerous other areas of health. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage contain unique sulfur compounds that can help reduce inflammation and support joint and tissue repair. They’re also high in fiber — another essential anti-inflammatory nutrient.
Studies show ginger and turmeric are excellent anti-inflammatory herbs that help alleviate arthritis pain.
Healthy fats from hemp and flax oils, olive oil, coconut oil, and raw nuts and seeds help reduce inflammation, boost circulation, and lubricate joints and tissues. Protein from plant-based sources such as sprouted legumes and seeds and small amounts of free-range meats or cold-water fish like salmon help reduce inflammation and repair tissues.
Switch coffee for green or black tea. Tea contains many potent anti-inflammatory compounds that support numerous areas of health. Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily to flush inflammatory proteins and hydrate tissues.
One of my top recommendations for inflammation is the supplement SPM Supreme. SPM is a combination of three highly potent specialized pro-resolving mediators. Specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are endogenously produced in human blood, milk, and brain tissue from naturally occurring omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.
These unique metabolites help support the body’s innate immune response during the resolution phase of acute inflammation. SPMs do not stop or block the initial inflammation phase, which is a vital response to illness or injury, but rather aid in resolving it and function as inflammation resolution agonists that signal to the immune system to accelerate a return to homeostasis.
Curcumin from turmeric is another helpful supplement that reduces inflammation by modulating inflammatory pathways, such as NF-kB. It’s also commonly used with the compound resveratrol for more incredible anti-inflammatory benefits.
Many people report joint relief using Perna MAX. Perna MAX is an advanced joint and connective tissue formula that can be used as an alternative or in conjunction with other joint health programs. It combines the powerful benefits of Perna, Glucosamine, (MSM) or Methylsulfonylmethane, Boswellic Acids, and Manganese for a quicker response than if any nutrient was taken singularly.
About the Nutrients
- Perna canaliculus is an edible species of shellfish from New Zealand. It is rich in amino acids, polypeptides, naturally chelated minerals, fatty acids, vitamins, and all classes of glycosaminoglycans, including chondroitin sulfates and hyaluronic acid that occur in connective tissues such as joint cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and synovial fluid. The naturally occurring components in Perna support joint lubrication and flexibility, support joint comfort, and improved range of motion.
- Glucosamine is a fast-acting nutritional building block for connective tissue. It is necessary to produce hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfates, which support joint comfort and mobility.
- MSM is a source of sulfur, which the body needs to make collagen. In addition, it has been used historically to support joint comfort and circulation.
- Boswellic Acid from Boswellia serrata helps to increase comfort, regulate the immune response, and support the structural integrity and function of joints. In addition, it supports the regulation of destructive mediators such as pro-inflammatory prostaglandins, enzymes, and free radicals.
- Manganese is essential for collagen, proteoglycans, and glycosaminoglycans in the joints.
Olivir is another supplement that helps relieve pain. The stabilized olive leaf extract is one of the most exciting discoveries of the decade. Its ability to kill viruses is well-substantiated and clinically proven. In addition to being an extraordinary virucide, it is a bactericide that fights a host of common disease-causing bacteria. This makes it an attractive alternative to synthetic antibiotics in some infectious conditions.
Olive leaf extract is, in our opinion, the first choice in natural antivirals. Not only is it effective in the vast majority of cases, but it is also easy to use and store and is extremely safe when used as directed.
In addition, it will not compromise your health later on. Although one of the best natural flu remedies and an excellent natural cold remedy, remember olive leaf is not a pain killer. If you are infected and have painful symptoms, do not expect the pain to disappear immediately. It will gradually disappear as the infection stops and the body begins to heal.
However, Olivir can aid in fighting arthritis by decreasing inflammatory molecules, reducing the enzymes causing inflammation, and preventing further inflammation. Reducing inflammation is a win-win for people living with arthritis.
Omega 3 Oils. DHA and EPA are the two types of Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils that reduce swelling and pain around the joint areas. Fatty fish like salmon and mackerel are the best sources of Omega-3s, but the same benefits can be found in pill form. A diet rich in Omega-3s is a powerful tool to prevent conditions like arthritis pain. Fish oil supplements contain the most common form of Omega-3.
Inosine helps to protect neurons and may be an option for stroke victims and those who suffered spinal cord injuries. It promotes the regeneration of nerve growth and new connections to the brain, spine, and optic nerve. Inosine has been shown to have neuroprotective properties; that is, it helps to protect neurons – cells in the nervous tissue.
CBD may help with chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and arthritis.
Physical activity also reduces stress, another critical component in alleviating arthritis pain. In addition, other stress-relief practices, such as mindful meditation, can reduce inflammation and improve pain response to arthritis. Together, these practices can form a foundation for joint health, wellness, and vitality.
To learn more about how you can deal with neuropathic, inflammatory, or the pain of arthritis naturally,
