1. Use Glucosamine for Osteoarthritis
One of the best, most recognized treatments for osteoarthritis is glucosamine. This natural amino sugar is the base component for several substances found in the physical make-up of joint cartilage. Taking glucosamine every day has been shown in many studies to promote the re-growth of joint cartilage that has been destroyed by osteoarthritis. Glucosamine can be found in liquid and pill forms, and the typical dose is 1,500 milligrams a day. However, because it has been shown to be safe at larger doses, individual doses may vary by as much as 1,000 milligrams a day, depending on the severity of the arthritis in each person.
2. Take MSM for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Methylsofonymethane (MSM) is a popular natural treatment for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It is a sulfur compound that is known to reduce inflammation and help rebuild cartilage. Some studies have shown that people with rheumatoid arthritis are deficient in dietary sulfur and that supplementing it with compounds such a MSM has a beneficial effect on the course of the disease. The normal dose is two to 30 grams a day, depending on body weight and overall severity of the arthritis. MSM comes in both powder and pill forms.
3. Take Natural Anti-inflammatories
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by a high rate of inflammation in the linings of one or more joints. Many people have found that the anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed by doctors only mask the symptoms without helping the disease, and they have several unpleasant side effects, as well. Natural anti-inflammatories, such as ginger and curcumin, have been proven in studies to have anti-inflammatory properties that are just as powerful as those of traditional drugs, but with no unwanted side effects. Ginger is especially popular and can be taken whole, as a tea, as a tincture or in capsule form. While it is considered safe at high doses, people who have just undergone surgery, or are about to, should avoid ginger, as it is a blood thinner. Curcumin is the base chemical in the Indian spice turmeric. It has been shown in studies to be just as powerful as the medical drug Celebrex, a popular prescription drug for arthritis. Most people get curcumin in their diets through eating foods seasoned with turmeric. However, pure curcumin is also available in tincture and capsule form. It is considered safe at any dose. In general, people with arthritis should take as much ginger and curcumin as they feel they need to experience an improvement in symptoms.
4. Take Omega 3 Fatty Acids
There has been a lot of medical attention focused on omega 3 fatty acids lately. Most rheumatologists now agree that these acids do, in fact, provide important anti-inflammatory benefits to people with all kinds of arthritis. The acids can be taken in high doses and are considered safe for anyone. Omega 3 fatty acids are most commonly found in cold-water fish, such as salmon, as well as in nuts and seeds. In fact, many doctors are now recommending that their arthritis patients eat salmon two to three times a week. Borage seed oil, evening primrose oil, flax seed oil and krill oil are all also good sources of omega 3 fatty acids, and they come in both pure oil form and gel capsule form.
Member Comments