| suffer from aches and pains as we get older. For | | | | ginger to be very effective for knee pains. |
| some of us it can be just an annoying niggle. For | | | | Before taking these 2 supplements, I had severe |
| others it can be so debilitating that it can curtail | | | | knee problems, particularly after playing sport. I |
| many forms of physical activity. | | | | now play tennis 3 times a week and rarely |
| Many doctors prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs | | | | experience knee pain of any kind. |
| or NSAIDS. These drugs are known as COX-2 | | | | You may prefer to use the ginger root rather |
| inhibitors because the inflammation that triggers | | | | than a supplement. It is inexpensive and available |
| arthritis pain is prompted by an enzyme protein | | | | from most supermarkets.Finely slice 6 or 7 pieces |
| COX-2. | | | | and steep in boiling water. Allow to cool and drink. |
| Although effective, their long term use may be | | | | The slices can be used twice. |
| detrimental to your health. Even over the counter | | | | An additional benefit of ginger is that it can be |
| anti-inflammatory drugs can have side effects for | | | | very effective for digestion and stomach |
| some people. | | | | problems. It is used in many travel calming |
| So what are your options? | | | | supplements and may be useful if you suffer |
| A number of very effective natural supplements | | | | from seasickness. |
| are available. | | | | DEVILS CLAW. |
| Here are a few. | | | | Devils Claw has long been used to relieve arthritic |
| GLUCOSAMINE AND CHONDROITIN. | | | | pain. Available in supplement form, it is considered |
| These two essential components of cartilage are | | | | to be an outstanding herb for back pain by Dr |
| naturally produced by the body. In supplement | | | | Ann Walker, a researcher in human nutrition at |
| form they have been shown to slow and even | | | | Reading University. |
| reverse the degenerative effects of arthritis. | | | | She has found that those who took up to 700mg |
| A team of researchers led by Daniel O Clegg MD, | | | | daily in capsule form experienced a greatly |
| Chief of the Division of Rheumotology at the | | | | reduced incidence of muscle spasm while their |
| University of Utah School of Medicine studied the | | | | ability to bend down and touch their toes, greatly |
| effects of these 2 supplements on nearly 1600 | | | | increased. |
| patients with arthritis of the knee. Each had | | | | BROMELAIN. |
| experienced significant knee pain for at least 6 | | | | This supplement, extracted from stem of the |
| months. | | | | pineapple plant also offers great back pain relief |
| It was found that for those with moderate to | | | | according to Dr Walker. Her research, published in |
| severe pains, the combination of glucosamine and | | | | the journal Phytomedicine, shows that the active |
| chondroitin sulfate was comparable in pain | | | | compounds in bromelain-enzymes-have strong |
| reduction to celebrex, an NSAIDS drug. | | | | anti-inflammatory and pain killing properties. |
| A four-week German study of patients with | | | | STAY ACTIVE. |
| osteoarthritis of the knee reported that ibuprofen | | | | Dr David Borenstein, a rheumatologist and clinical |
| resulted in faster pain relief, but glucosamine | | | | professor of medicine at George Washington |
| supplements brought comparable pain relief after | | | | University Medical Center Washington, makes the |
| two weeks and were much less likely to cause | | | | following recommendations: |
| side effects. If you discontinue glucosamine | | | | Stay active, even when in pain. Studies show that |
| completely, the benefits will gradually wear off. | | | | back pain gets worse when patients give up |
| Chondroitin acts like a magnet to attract fluid into | | | | exercise or daily activities. Move around as much |
| the cartilage to aid the absorption of cartilage | | | | as you are able. Daily walks are ideal. |
| nutrients and provide cartilage elasticity, thus | | | | Maintain good posture and try not to be captive |
| reducing pain and inflammation noticeably. | | | | to your computer. Change positions once an hour |
| A word of caution: It is suggested that you avoid | | | | to stretch your muscles and improve circulation. |
| chondroitin if you have prostate cancer or if your | | | | Regular exercise helps your body to make more |
| doctor feels that you may be at risk of prostate | | | | synovial fluid, an important substance for |
| cancer. Reports have shown that chondroitin | | | | cartileges. Knee health is dependent on cartilege, |
| sulfate may cause cancer cells to multiply and | | | | because it serves as a cushion. Exercise moves |
| spread to other sites. This is apparently not true | | | | this fluid in the joint so the cartilage gets the |
| of glucosamine, which can be safely used by | | | | oxygen and other nutrients it needs. |
| prostate cancer sufferers. | | | | OTHER SUPPLEMENTS. |
| GINGER. | | | | The following supplements may also be beneficial: |
| This is a natural herbal supplement and COX-2 | | | | MSM, Omega 3 fish oil, celery seed extract, |
| inhibitor that has been shown to relieve | | | | chlorella and alfalfa. |
| inflammation pain associated with arthritis. | | | | Important: Never start a new treatment before |
| A university of Miami study tested ginger extract | | | | consulting your doctor, especially if you are |
| [255mg per day for 6 weeks] on more than 240 | | | | currently taking medication. |
| patients with mild to severe osteoarthritis of the | | | | The information published in this article is not |
| knee. It was found that knee pain was reduced | | | | intended as a substitute for personal medical |
| and mobility significantly increased at the | | | | advice from your physician or other qualified |
| completion of the study. | | | | health-care practitioner. It is for information |
| I have found the combination of glucosamine and | | | | purposes only. |