2 powerful natural remedies for joint pain

Joints enable the body to perform all the movements it can on a daily basis.

Did you know that each joint is made up of ligaments that link the bones together? And that the ends of our bones are covered in cartilage? In fact, it's what makes it easier for bone surfaces to slide together. What's more, to maintain the integrity of this cartilage, an intrinsic lubrication is permanently provided by a liquid called synovial fluid, which also serves to remove debris and supply nutrients to the cartilage.

Exercise helps build muscle mass, which in turn helps keep our joints in place..^{2, 3, 4, 5}

There are a total of 400 joints in the human body. And three types of joints:

• Fixed joints: the skull
• Semi-mobile joints: between the vertebrae
• Mobile joints: knees, ankles, shoulders, hips, etc.

In short, our joints function optimally when we move..^{2, 3, 4, 5}

Inflammatory symptoms that make us move less

Inflammatory symptoms manifest themselves as stiffness that limits our movements and causes us to rest. The same loss of flexibility leads to a reduction in our range of motion. As a result, a joint that has been at rest for too long becomes poorly irrigated and lubricated..^{2, 3, 4, 5}

Five main symptoms of inflammation:

• Pain, heat, redness, swelling, loss of function

The origin of joint pain

Joint pain can be caused by injury, worn cartilage, inflammation, autoimmune disease, excess weight or even infection.

It's important to know the origin of joint pain, so as not to aggravate it..^{2, 3, 4, 5}

Uncontrollable risk factors for inflammation

Advanced age, gender (more common in women), genetic predisposition and hormonal characteristics are all factors that increase the threat of troublesome and even disabling inflammatory joint symptoms..^{2, 3, 4, 5}

What is joint inflammation?

Inflammation is a normal defense and protection reaction. It is the immune system's initial reaction to an injury or irritation caused by a foreign substance.

When the immune system is functioning optimally, inflammation is the reaction that starts the healing process. This is achieved through the release of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins, C-reactive protein and cytokines (such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), which orchestrates an inflammatory process in the body).

These are the same mediators that cause redness, swelling, heat and pain, with the aim of eliminating debris and cellular waste or foreign invaders (bacteria) to promote healing. Without this inflammation, infection would spread and wounds would worsen rather than heal..^{2, 3, 4}

Causes of joint inflammation

An inflammatory cascade is at work in the joints, with markers (cytokines) that are one of the main causes, since they possess both anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory capacities, and direct this lesion towards an evolutionary process..^{2, 3, 4}

Autoimmune diseases

The chronic inflammation encountered in osteoarthritis leads to oxidative stress, which forms free radicals and destroys connective tissue and collagen. This is an inflammatory disease, also known as autoimmune disease. In sufferers, the immune system, which is normally protective, attacks its own tissues, including collagen..^{2, 3, 4}

2 powerful natural remedies for joint pain

Relieving chronic or acute joint pain is essential to a good quality of life. Natural Factors offers a number of options for relieving joint pain.

1) Osteomove Extra Strength Joint Care

Osteomove Extra Strength Joint Care from Natural Factors has several strong points when it comes to fighting joint pain:

• Relieves joint pain associated with osteoarthritis
• Helps protect against cartilage deterioration
• Helps restore flexibility and maintain joint integrity
• Helps bone maintenance and development^{6, 8}

Osteomove extra strong Carearticular Care is formulated with 100% natural ingredients specifically selected to help relieve joint discomfort.

Glucosamine sulfate

Glucosamine sulfate is naturally present in the human body. It is an amino sugar synthesized by the body from glucose, useful for cartilage synthesis (proteoglycans). It helps build tendons, ligaments, cartilage and synovial fluid.

Glucosamine sulfate helps rebuild damaged cartilage. Studies have shown that long-term use of glucosamine can reduce joint pain, improve joint mobility and slow the progression of osteoarthritis..^{2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

Chondroitin sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate is often combined with glucosamine sulfate. Together, they have anti-inflammatory effects. Chondroitin sulfate is responsible for drawing water into cartilage, making it more flexible and spongy. In addition, chondroitin restricts the activity of enzymes that break down collagen in joints, reducing inflammation..^{2, 3, 4, 6}

InflamReliefTM Complex

The InflamReliefTM complex is a an antioxidant blend of berries (grape, pomegranate, strawberry, cranberry, blueberry, raspberry) that accompanies the formula to calm the action of free radicals..^{1, 2, 6}

These fruits contain powerful phytochemicals, which are pigments called anthocyanidins, from the bioflavonoid family of antioxidants used to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and the action of free radicals..^{1, 2, 6}

Antioxidants are multi-electron molecules that can be easily released by donating electrons to free radicals, thereby neutralizing their unstable effects and rendering them harmless..^{1, 2, 6}

Boswellia extract

Boswellia is a resin-producing tree used to treat arthritis. Its action is to increase blood flow to joint tissues, thereby reducing pain and swelling, and aiding amplitude of movement. This plant is mainly anti-inflammatory..^{3, 4, 6} 

Hydrolyzed type II collagen

Type II collagen is a protein found in joints, and is a key element in their function. It helps reduce joint pain.^{3, 6} 

Manganese and boron

Manganese is necessary for bone mineralization and connective tissue synthesis..^{3, 4, 6}

Boron contributes to bone metabolism. It reduces urinary calcium excretion by 44% and increases magnesium concentration, while reducing phosphorus levels..^{3, 4, 6}

2) CurcuminRich Joint Optimization

CurcuminRich Joint Optimization from Natural Factors is a natural formula combining white willow extract, devil's claw extract, curcumin, Boswellia extract and InflamReliefTM fruit blend.

CurcuminRich Articular Optimization has several strong points:

• Helps soothe joint pain due to osteoarthritis
• Provides short-term relief from lower back pain and/or minor pain associated with over-exertion
• Provides antioxidant protection against free radical damage

White willow extract

White willow bark contains tannins, flavonoids with anti-inflammatory properties and salicylates (salicin), an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving substance..^{3, 7}

Devil's claw extract

The active ingredient in devil's claw is harpagoside, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also analgesic and anti-arthritic. Devil's claw can effectively reduce pain and stiffness caused by arthritis..^{3, 7}

Turmeric extract

Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Natural Factors uses an exclusive manufacturing technology that increases the solubility of turmeric to make it bioavailable..^{7, 8}

Theracurmin is a unique product available in single or double powerfound in the formula CurcuminRich Joint Optimization.^{1, 6, 7, 8}

Antioxidant blend

In addition, an antioxidant blend of berries (grape, pomegranate, cranberry, blueberry, raspberry) accompanies the formula to calm the action of free radicals.

These fruits contain powerful phytochemicals, which are pigments called anthocyanidins, from the bioflavonoid family of antioxidants used to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory prostaglandins and the action of free radicals..^{1, 2}

In conclusion

The fact remains that regular physical activity is an ally in pain management. Swimming, yoga, walking, stretching, weight training and cycling are just some of the ways in which you can keep moving and maintain good circulation.

Knowing how to relieve acute or chronic pain is essential for a good quality of life!

We wish you good health!

The team at La Boite à Grains

References :

1. Béliveau Richard Ph.D., Foods against cancer, Trécarré Quebecor Media, 2005, 213 pages

2. Labelle Yvan n.d., Overcoming rheumatoid and inflammatory diseasesÉditions Souffle de vie, 2003, 299 pages
3. Schauch Dr. Marita, B.Sc., DN, Le collagène Mythes et méprises, 2014, 124 pages
4. Strand Ray D. M.D. What your doctor doesn't know about nutritional medicine could be fatal to youÉditions du trésor caché, 2004, 274 pages
5. La semaine Santé magazine, Arthritis and joint pain, March 2023
6. https://laboiteagrains.com/products/osteomove-extra-fort-soin-articulaire-natural-factors
7. https://laboiteagrains.com/products/curcuminrich-optimisation-articulaire-natural-factors
8. https://naturalfactors.com/products/curcuminrich-theracurmin-curcumin
9. https://www.laboratoire-lescuyer.com/blog/nos-conseils-sante/prendre-soin-de-mes-articulations-les-conseils-et-exercices