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|  Joint health tends to be a subject that we associate with advancing age – knee and hip replacements, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, modern research shows that obesity, repeated joint stress, trauma and inherited abnormalities also play a large part in the degeneration of cartilage, the synovial fluid and membrane and bone within joints.
Whilst a better diet and lifestyle will, undoubtedly, help reduce the chances of joint damage later in life, this is generally one area we give little thought to – especially when we are younger and put the most stress on our joints. The price we pay is inflammation and pain in later life. Traditionally, this inflammation and pain has been treated with NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), but these drugs only treat the symptoms rather than the underlying problem and, when used over long periods, have been found to lead to problems with the gut and can have liver and renal toxicity. Additionally, scientists now agree that higher doses of anti-inflammatory drugs lead to accelerated joint destruction! Fortunately, this has lead to extensive studies and trials of complementary and natural remedies and supplements. The studies show that these substances not only give symptomatic relief, but also help the body to rebuild functioning joints by intervening at the cause of the problem. Useful supplements: Chondroitin is a very large molecule composed of repeating chains of glucosamine sulphate. Because of this its absorption into the body is very low (about 10 – 15%). However, studies have shown that it may help the healing of bone and the replacement of cartilage. In many trials it appears to slow the progress, relieve the symptoms and, in some cases, reverse osteoarthritis. Devil’s Claw is renowned for its beneficial effects on inflammatory pain. It can reduce the pain sensation and improve the mobility of joints – particularly those of rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Fish oils reduce inflammation in the joints by suppressing the inflammatory response. Additionally, the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oils can reverse and even stop the effect of enzymes damaging the cartilage in joints. Ginger is a powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory and appears to work in the same way as NSAIDs. Tests in Denmark show that it is particularly effective for relieving pain and swelling in joints which in turn lead to better joint flexibility. Glucosamine is one of the “building blocks” of cartilage and is naturally occurring in the body. Whilst chondroitin provides cartilage strength and resilience, glucosamine inhibits inflammation and promotes cartilage cell growth and regeneration. Glucosamine also blocks the mechanisms that lead to articular degeneration and so can delay its progress and relieve its symptoms. MSM is an organic form of sulphur that is present in all living organisms. The form of sulphur in MSM is sulphonyl that, unlike the sulphites used as preservatives, is as important as vitamin C in our diets and has been shown to add flexibility to cell walls while allowing fluids to pass through the tissue more easily. MSM blocks the transfer of pain impulses through nerve fibers, enhances the activity of one of the body’s natural anti-inflammatory hormones and is a muscle relaxant, all of which can lead to diminished joint pain. Because it is a sulphur compound it works synergistically with both glucosamine and chondroitin , both of which are sulphur containing. Nettle leaf extract has been in use in Germany for many years as an anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis. Studies show that it inhibits the proteins that mediate and regulate immunity and inflammation and can reduce the need for NSAIDs by up to 75%. Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and is also thought to have powerful pain relieving properties. It contains curcumin, the yellow pigment responsible for its colour and which studies show to have therapeutic properties equivalent to many NSAIDs. Vitamin C is a requirement for healthy collagen that in turn keeps tendons and ligaments strong and supple. When vitamin C is in short supply, collagen cannot be properly produced and so results in irregular structure and fragile blood vessels – as found in patients suffering from scurvy. Vitamin C, however, is best known as an anti-oxidant and scavenges free radicals before they are able to do too much damage. In this role it works alongside vitamin E to help prevent free radical chain re-actions occurring. Vitamin E is particularly useful in the prevention of ongoing joint damage, particularly for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. As an anti-oxidant, it helps slow and, in some cases prevent, degenerative diseases associated with your joints, particularly when taken in combination with vitamin C. Zinc deficiency leads to poor cell division and function, including those of connective tissue such as cartilage, as it is critical to their growth and maintenance and helps protect cells from damage. High levels of zinc can induce a deficiency of Copper and iron and, whilst zinc supplements may contain copper to make up for this, iron levels should be monitored if you take high doses (15mg + daily).
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