Joint Health & Anti-Aging

Problems with the joints affect a large portion of the population, with arthritis being the number one joint health problem. Consider taking one or more of the products described below, with your doctor's supervision. And be sure to eat an anti-inflammatory diet and get regular exercise, including weight-bearing routines and plenty of walking.In addition to essential fatty acids, adding more turmeric and ginger to your diet can reduce inflammation. The key nutrients for joint health supplementation include glucosamine, chondroitin and Hyaluronic Acid. Glucosamine and chondroitin are from substances naturally found in healthy cartilage. Research suggests that glucosamine sulfate - alone or in combination with chondroitin sulfate - appears to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and slow osteoarthritis-related damage to the joints. If you weigh between 120 and 200 pounds, take 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin daily and expect to wait up to two months to see results. These supplements may interact with drugs like diuretics and blood thinners, so let your doctor know that you're taking them. Research shows that healthy cartilage has high levels of Hyaluronic Acid which has anti-inflammatory properties. This acid also contains hyaluronate and niacinamide, which reduces swelling. Furthermore, healthy levels of HA encourage the growth and activity of cells which are responsible for cartilage production and maintenance. When HA production decreases in the human body, people end up with conditions like arthritis. One form of HA supplement is the capsule (200 mg daily), but people with medical conditions or those taking prescription drugs should seek doctor's advice before taking HA. Also, anyone allergic to chicken or eggs should not take HA, nor should women who are pregnant or lactating take HA in any form. Hyaluronic Acid supplementation has several benefits, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action on the body. It also restores elasticity and hydration of the skin rendering a youthful glow to the skin. Moreover, hyaluronic acid also accelerates the repair process for cuts or wounds. Homeopathically, a ica and rhus tox, which come in ointment or pill form, both help relieve pain and inflammation. For some practitioners, taking an Ayurvedic approach can have positive benefits. In terms of Ayurvedic medicine, Sebastian Pole recommends the herb Ashwagandha for its “calming and restorative properties”, Boswellia “to reduce pain, wounds and inflammation” and turmeric for it’s ability “to clear the blood of toxins, purify the skin, prevent pain and reduce rheumatoid arthritis”.