Natural Cures For Defective Joints And Arthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA), the "wear and tear" deterioration of cartilage in joints as we age, limits mobility for more than 50 million Americans. Fortunately, there are safe, natural alternatives to the prescription NSAID drugs like the COX-2 inhibitors Vioxx and Celebrex that turned out to increase the risk of heart disease. Also, all NSAIDs, including aspirin and ibuprofen, can cause gastrointestinal tract bleeding, kidney damage and even death. Tylenol is toxic to the liver and people have died from combining it with alcohol. There are no safe drugs for arthritis, even over-the-counter remedies. Even worse, these NSAIDs may actually increase the progression of joint destruction and lead to joint replacement surgery. Fortunately, Mother Nature has given us some safe and effective natural cures.

Glucosamine sulfate The best-studied of the natural supplements, glucosamine is very effective in treating arthritis pain and even reversing the damage. There have been a number of studies in the medical literature demonstrating that glucosamine slows and even reverses the deterioration of cartilage in joints. Glucosamine apparently works two ways: by stopping the breakdown of cartilage and by stopping the inflammation cycle. Take 1,500 mg a day and make sure to use the sulfate form for additional benefits.

Chondroitin sulfate Chondroitin increases joint mobility, slows cartilage loss and it may actually help to rebuild cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate is naturally present in the human body. It actually attracts water to the cartilage, making it more flexible and at the same time stops the production of enzymes that break down cartilage. Chondroitin is usually taken with glucosamine. A recent analysis of seven clinical trials indicates that supplementing with chondroitin can reduce osteoarthritis pain by 50 percent. Take 1,200 mg daily.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) Sulfur molecules like those found in MSM are essential to the formation of collagen, the joint cushioning molecule. One UCLA study showed subjects with osteoarthritis who took MSM for six weeks reported an 80 percent decrease in pain. Indian research shows that patients with OA who took 500 mg of glucosamine and 500 mg of MSM three times a day for 12 weeks had 63 percent less pain than those who took glucosamine alone and 79 percent less than those who got a placebo, so it is often combined with glucosamine. MSM's benefits seem to be largely through pain relief because of its anti-inflammatory action. MSM also reduces the formation of scar tissue, improves blood flow to the affected joint and may slow the degeneration of cartilage. recommended dosage is 1,000 to 2,000 mg daily.

Turmeric Most of us know turmeric as a culinary herb and the ingredient that gives curry powder its golden color, but this member of the ginger family with potent medicinal properties effectively treats mild osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. Turmeric's active ingredient, curcumin, is a natural COX-2 inhibitor without unduly suppressing C OX-1. Translation: It relieves pain and inflammation without increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke like Celebrex and Vioxx. Doctors and researchers are unsure exactly how turmeric works, although it appears to inhibit the production of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins and leukotrienes. At least two studies, one from the prestigious M.D. Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas, showed that turmeric reduced inflammation as powerfully as the prescription drug phenylbutazone (Butazolidine). One Thai study suggests the active ingredients in turmeric suppress the overproduction of inflammation-causing nitric oxide. Numerous studies also indicate turmeric reduces the risk of cancer and even kills cancer cells. Finally, turmeric is a very powerful antioxidant and protects cells from damaging free radicals as we age. Look for a product standardized 90 to 95 percent curcumins. The recommended dosage is 900 to 1,800 mg per day.