Joint health is something we all become acutely aware of as we get older. Morning stiffness, rheumatic-type aches and pains, frozen shoulder, tennis elbow and arthritis are just a few of the conditions that we may encounter. Most people will see these conditions as a “to be expected” part of aging. They will more than likely resort to painkillers and other anti-inflammatory drugs and maybe some massage or other manipulative therapy. Very few people will consider the role of nutrition or nutritional supplementation as a way of easing their symptoms, let alone treating the root cause.

Joints comprise of bone with a layer of smooth less brittle cartilage known as the articular cartilage, which is separated from the opposite bone and cartilage by a lubricating synovial fluid contained within the synovial membrane.. The bone consists of a matrix of collagen, a form of protein, which binds together calcium, the main constituent of bone, and phosphorus. The cartilage protects the bone ends and is composed of a substance which is made from protein and carbohydrate.

The most common joint problem, where joint health is seen to be compromised, is arthritis. There are basically two types of arthritis, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects the articular cartilage. This cartilage is mainly made up of water and its job is to reduce friction that might be caused by the two bones rubbing together. It acts like a sponge which soaks up the synovial fluid, which fills the cavity between and around the bone joints. It is continually released and absorbed as you move. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage to dry out over time, thus compromising joint health.

The other form of arthritis that affects joint health is rheumatoid arthritis. It is thought to be an auto immune disease where the body reacts against itself. It affects one or a number of joints. The first sign of this condition is when the synovial membrane lining the joints becomes inflamed and attracts more joint fluid to ease the inflammation. The joint eventually becomes swollen, stiff and warm because of the increased blood flow. This can eventually leads to a wasting of the muscles.

Many arthritis sufferers have been able to control or even improve their joint health by making some dietary changes. There are certain foods that are known to make arthritis worse, for example foods from the deadly nightshade family, sugar and sugar substitutes, trans-fatty acids, grains- especially wheat, and meats such as pork, ham and bacon. This can be a very daunting prospect for many people with arthritis, as their first reaction is that there is nothing left to eat. However if they make a list of the foods that they can eat, then they will soon realize that the changes are no so difficult after all. At the end of the day it is up to each individual to decide if they want to improve their joint health or not.

As well as making dietary changes, many people have also been helped by the numerous supplements that are available to support joint health. Products such as fish oil, glucosamine and antioxidant vitamins all have a part to play in improving the health of the joint. It is always wise to approach joint health with a complimentary regime that encompasses both lifestyle changes and supplementation, and if necessary this can be supported with controlled pain relief, especially in the early days before the new regime starts to take effect

Janet L. Matthews
Skype ID: lindajanetmatthews

In recent years Aloe Vera has become a popular health promoting product, both in its topical gel form and also as a therapeutic drink. Although there are 200 species of Aloe Vera, the variety used for therapeutic purposes is Aloe Vera Barbadensis Miller.

The healing powers of the Aloe plant have been known for nearly 3000 years and it was used in the past to heal the wounds of the troops. The Aloe is a member of the lily family and is often referred to as “the healing plant” mainly because it can heal itself very quickly if its flesh is cut.

The Aloe consists of two parts, the whole leaf extract and the inner leaf gel. The whole leaf need to be processed so that the Aloin can be extracted. This is usually sold as a concentrate and contains a powerful source of immune regulating sugars known as glucomannans. The inner leaf gel requires little in the way of processing and contains salicylates which have an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The inner leaf gel is also thought to have antibacterial, antiviral, anti fungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

It is possible to buy an Aloe Vera plant to keep in your home, and this is certainly a very valuable addition to the first aid kit especially if you have a burn. Just remove one of the succulent leaves and remove some of the gel from the center. If this is put on a burn immediately after it happens it can reduce the possibility of blistering, it takes away the pain and enables the burnt skin to heal more quickly. Of course most people would probably prefer to buy the gel in a tube.

When purchasing Aloe Vera products it is important to ensure that you are buying a good quality product that has bee given a kite mark by the Health Food Manufacturers Association (in the UK). The kite mark is a guarantee that the “active” ingredients are present.

Aloe Vera can be used topically on radiotherapy burns / reddening, sunscreen, leg ulcers, and other minor burns. The Aloe Vera inner leaf gel and the whole leaf concentrate can be used to treat bowel conditions such as irritable bowel and Crohn’s disease; and arthritic conditions. Aloe Vera has the ability to stimulate the healing process while also reducing the body’s inflammatory response.

Janet L. Matthews
Skype ID: lindajanetmatthews

What we can Understand from the Inflammatory Response

According to Wikipedia, the word inflammation comes from the Latin word inflammation meaning to set on fire, (anti-inflammatory meaning to put out the fire) Inflammation is a necessary part of the healing process without which wounds and infections would never heal. It is, in simple terms, a response of the bodily tissues to a pathogen, damaged cells or an irritant.

However, although that is a “simple” definition, the word simple can rarely be applied to any process within the human body. The sign that an acute inflammatory response is taking place on the surface of the skin is normally characterized by a reddening of the skin, heat, swelling, pain and even loss of function. These signs are less obvious when the internal organs are inflamed during an acute phase.

The majority of the inflammatory responses of an acute nature are usually short lived. The tissues are gradually repaired by the body itself and normal cellular function is resumed.

However this is not the so straight forward in the chronic inflammatory condition. Chronic inflammation is generally an immune response that can last for weeks, maybe even years if the cause of the inflammation isn’t treated and dealt with. Chronic inflammatory conditions are usually systemic rather than localized and result in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or hypersensitivities caused by an inappropriate immune response resulting in inflammation. Because the body’s response to chronic inflammation is to release toxins to attack the invading agent, it then inadvertently attacks its own tissues causing permanent destruction. Thus we get the term autoimmune disease which is basically describing the fact that the body is attacking its own cells.

In most cases of chronic inflammation the person is treated with non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However as with all prescription drugs there are some unpleasant long term side effects, including stomach ulcers and kidney problems. There are in fact several natural alternatives to prescription drugs which should be explored first and preferably early in the condition.

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Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Fats and Oils – Omega 3 essential fatty acids are very powerful anti-inflammatory agents. They are converted into hormone like substances called prostaglandins. They are found in cold water oily fish such as salmon, mackerel or herring, flaxseed (sometimes called linseed) and their oil. Omega 6 fats are also responsible for reducing inflammation and pain and they can be found in pumpkin, sunflower, safflower and sesame seed oils.

Fruit and Vegetables – Green and brightly coloured vegetables and fruits can help the inflammatory process. The pigment in brightly coloured fruit, vegetables and in particular berries, contain many phytochemicals and anti-oxidants that have anti-inflammatory properties. For example quercetin which can be found in the skins of red apples and re onions is a natural anti-histamine and anti-inflammatory.

Pro-inflammatory Foods

If you are suffering from an inflammatory disease, it would also be wise to avoid pro-inflammatory foods that might increase your pain and inflammation.

Foods to avoid include any junk food and fast food, especially trans-fats and saturated fats. Too much saturated fat means too much arachidonic acid which although essential in the right amounts can be responsible for making your inflammation worse if you consume too much.

Diets high in sugar have also been associated with inflammation and so should be avoided. Another possible cause for concern is foods that come from the deadly nightshade family. Foods such as potatoes, tomatoes and eggplant have been known to aggravate the pain of inflammation.

Adjusting your diet in this way is the first line of defense for any anti-inflammatory regime. Such dietary changes ideally, need to be initiated early on in the disease if they are to have any noticeable effect.

Janet L. Matthews
Skype ID: lindajanetmatthews

Healthy choices have taken on a new life as wellness campaigns and prevention strategies are promoted in a variety of ways. It is not uncommon to see or hear television and radio commentaries on the benefits of making healthy choices in all areas of your life.

Ongoing research proves and then expands on the health benefits of natural products. Our ancestors knew from experience that certain foods and habits were beneficial for staying healthy. They did not know why, just that they were good practices to follow. Science is now unearthing the explanations and proof for the extensive practical knowledge that was handed down generation after generation.

Breakthroughs and new information is so abundant, it is sometimes difficult to keep up. The Internet has helped to keep people informed of up to date information from the latest scientific studies and research that can improve your health and wellness. Readily available information at your fingertips has more and more people making healthy choices.