A study in the online publication, Nutrition Journal, revealed that a mineral supplement derived from seaweed may help decrease pain for people with moderate to severe knee arthritis.
Participants who took the supplement over a 12-week period were able to reduce their use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as show improvement in walking ability and range of motion in the knee joint.
The research suggests that this seaweed supplement, which is sold as Aquamin, may reduce the need for painkillers in some patients. The team discovered that patients were able to cut their NSAID use in half and perform better on tests for walking distance and knee joint range.
Aquamin is rich in calcium, magnesium and 74 other trace minerals including zinc, iron and selenium. It’s produced from a type of red algae that is found in only three locations on earth, including the southwest coast of Ireland and Iceland.
Researchers noted that Aquamin “cannot entirely replace” NSAIDs; your best bet may be to combine this supplement with other natural treatments, such as the options that follow.
Exercise
Gentle weight training and aerobic exercise help to strengthen the muscles around the affected joint to provide better support. Physical activity can help those with arthritis to maintain a healthy weight, which can also alleviate some of the symptoms, including pain.
Yoga, tai chi, swimming, walking and other low-impact exercises are all effective for pain relief and weight loss.
Eating anti-inflammatory foods
Research has found that there are a number of foods that can reduce inflammation and swelling associated with osteoarthritis. A diet filled with plenty of fresh, organic fruits and vegetables is always helpful, and there are certain foods that are especially beneficial, like garlic and onions.
Garlic is one of the most anti-inflammatory foods you can consume, and onions contain lots of quercetin, which is an antioxidant known for fighting enzymes that cause inflammation.
Blueberries contain anthocyanins, which are known to fight free radicals known to trigger inflammation and contribute to chronic pain, while ginger and turmeric act as analgesics, which can help decrease discomfort from arthritis.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in nuts and seeds, as well as fish like wild-caught salmon, can also reduce inflammation.
At the same time, it’s important to limit or eliminate those foods that contribute to more inflammation, like soda (diet or regular), any foods with added artificial colors or flavors, processed meats, fried foods and baked goods made with flour.
Ideally, you should avoid all processed foods like the plague, even if you don’t have arthritis, but it’s especially important for those who do.
Supplements
There are also several supplements that are known to have at least some impact on reducing the pain of osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine is a common supplement to decrease joint pain, repair joint damage, and is also a natural anti-inflammatory. Capsaicin is derived from chili peppers and works to soothe pain when applied directly to the skin. It’s recommended for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
By combining Aquamin with a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and gentle exercise, you’ll increase your chances of eliminating the maximum amount of pain and potentially restoring your quality of life!
-The Alternative Daily
Sources:
http://www.greenmedinfo.com/article/seaweed-derived-mineral-supplement-may-increase-range-motion-and-walking-distances-subjects
http://www.aquamin.org/what_is_aquamin/
http://www.mnn.com/food/healthy-eating/stories/6-top-inflammatory-foods-to-avoid
