Natural solutions to joint pain

Joints link bones together and ensure skeletal mobility. And it's the 400 joints that make up the human body that enable us to perform movements such as walking, running, jumping and even precision gestures like threading a needle. A joint's strength and mobility depend on its ligaments, tendons and cartilage..^{1, 2, 3}

Lifestyle habits for healthy joints

Our lifestyles are the challenge facing our joints. Our diet, physical activity (or lack of it), daily stretching, healthy weight, stress management and recuperative sleep all contribute to good joint health.

Risk factors (uncontrollable)

Advanced age, gender (more common in women), genetic predisposition and hormonal characteristics are other risk factors that increase the threat of troublesome and even disabling inflammatory joint symptoms.

Causes of joint inflammation: injury (sprain), autoimmune disease (rheumatoid arthritis, etc.).

How do joints work?

First and foremost, ligaments are bands of tough, fibrous collagen that reinforce joint stability by holding bones together. It's important to note that ligaments only allow movement in certain directions.

The bone is the foundation of the joint, and the other elements attached to it enable movement. For example, tendons connect muscles to bone. These collagen fibers transmit the movement initiated by the muscles. The synovial membrane protects and lubricates the joint. The synovial fluid it secretes also removes debris and supplies nutrients to the cartilage.

And the famous cartilage is what covers the ends of our bones, cushioning the stresses and strains that accompany each of our movements. It is made up of cells called chondrocytes. Preventing cartilage wear is essential.^{1, 2, 3}

What are the signs and symptoms of joint inflammation?

Symptoms of joint pain vary from person to person, depending on the underlying problem. Inflammatory symptoms include stiffness, which limits movement, or swelling. Joint inflammation can be painful, hot and red.

Pain and stiffness lead us to rest these joints, thereby weakening the surrounding muscles. This can lead to loss of flexibility and reduced range of motion. Sometimes joint inflammation can lead to loss of function..^{1, 2, 3}

What is inflammation?

Inflammation is a normal reaction of the human body. It is the immune system's initial response 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 orchestrate 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 without healing.

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 affected individuals, the immune system, which is normally protective, attacks its own tissues, such as collagen..^{1, 2, 3}

Natural anti-inflammatory solutions

Natural solutions are available to relieve the pain caused by inflammation. Here are just a few examples from Natural Factors.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)

PEA is a fatty acid that the body's cells naturally produce from palmitic acid (16:0), the most common omega-6 fatty acid in humans and animals. It has been found in almost every organ, particularly in the brain, liver and muscles, as well as in the intestine and skin.

The highest concentration of PEA was found in damaged or injured tissues, and even those showing some form of degeneration.

According to scientific studies, PEA is a form of tissue protection and helps repair tissue.

PEA activates and supports the body's cannabinoid receptor system, which has several mechanisms of action, the main ones being linked to chronic pain and inflammation. PEA modulates inflammatory mediators such as histamine and the production of inflammation. It also has a beneficial effect on the nervous system, providing the same benefits as cannabinoid-based products, even though it is free of them.

Food sources of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA): it is found in higher concentrations in soy, peanuts and alfalfa. It is also found in corn, garden peas, tomatoes and beans, but in lesser quantities..⁴

Main indications for PEA :

• Chronic pain and inflammation (osteoarthritis, lower back pain, sciatica, etc.)
• Neurodegenerative conditions (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, etc.)
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Interstitial cystitis
• Asthma

MSM Joint Formula (MSM, Glucosamine, Chondroitin)

MSM Joint Formula from Natural Factors is a trio of nutrients known for supporting long-term joint health. Together, they help nourish and lubricate joints, providing building blocks for cartilage.

Our healthy joint tissues break down as we age, but our bodies produce glucosamine to help maintain them.

Chondroitin sulfate is essential to cartilage structure and function, providing a shock-absorbing effect.

Studies have shown that long-term use of glucosamine can reduce joint pain, improve joint mobility and slow the progression of osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin restricts the activity of enzymes that break down collagen in joints, reducing inflammation. Quant MSMholds our connective tissues together, forming the structure of proteins and exerting a powerful anti-inflammatory effect..^{1, 5}

Theracurmin

Turmeric, now better known for its anti-inflammatory power, is not so easy to absorb. Theracumin from Natural Factors uses an exclusive manufacturing technique that increases the solubility and bioavailability of curcumin, thereby reducing inflammation and joint pain..⁵

The product Theracurmin is a unique product available in single or double powerwhich can be found in the formula CurcuminRich Joint Optimization.

CurcuminRich Joint Optimization

CurcuminRich Joint Optimization is a formula of white willow extract, Devil's Claw extract, curcumin, Boswellie and a blend of antioxidants (grape, pomegranate, cranberry, blueberry, raspberry)..⁵

In this formula a combination of herbs, white willow and devil's claw, act together as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory for all symptoms associated with painful joints. Devil's claw extracts (active harpagosides) are also anti-arthritic.

In addition, an antioxidant blend of berries (grape, pomegranate, cranberry, blueberry, raspberry) accompanies the formula to calm the action of free radicals..⁵

Oxygenated free radicals are highly aggressive and unstable molecules that damage proteins, DNA and cell membranes. The body uses its own antioxidants to neutralize these, but in the event of imbalance, it sometimes lacks the antioxidant resources to counterbalance this free radical havoc.

So here we are a formula for chronic inflammation associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, etc..^{1, 2, 3, 5}

Joint health starts with good daily habits!

About the author

Marie Couture, Certified Naturopath

Specialized in :

• Digestive disorders
•  Inflammation
• Hormonal problems
• Stress management

References :

1. Labelle Yvan n.d., Overcoming rheumatoid and inflammatory diseasesÉditions Souffle de vie, 2003, 299 pages
2. Marieb Elaine, Anatomy and physiologyERPI, 1999, 1194 pages
3. https://www.avogel.ca/fr/sante/muscles-articulations/douleurs-articulaires/
4. https://vitalitequebec-magazine.com/le-palmitoylethanolamide-pea/
5. https://naturalfactors.com/fr-ca/articles/supplements-anti-inflammatoires/#references