As we mentioned in Part One of this arthritis newsletter some pharmaceutical treatments for osteoarthritis may have unpleasant side effects, for this reason many people are seeking natural alternatives to help them manage their arthritis. The most effective of these are glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and omega-3 essential fatty acids. There has been a lot of scientific research done on these natural medicines, proving their value in the management of arthritis.

Click here for more information on the benefits of omega-3 in Arthritis.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances produced by the body to help build and repair cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin appear to work together in the synthesis of cartilage, helping to keep joints elastic and resilient. As cartilage in joints wears down over time, it is necessary for the body to constantly rebuild it. Supplementing with glucosamine and chondroitin can help support the rebuilding of joint cartilage, keeping joints healthier for longer and may help reduce pain and inflammation if you have osteoarthritis.

A daily dose of 1500 mg of Glucosamine sulfate has been repeatedly shown to help reduce the pain, inflammation and immobility associated with arthritis, though it is important to note that it takes 6 to 8 weeks for the beneficial effects of supplementation to start to become apparent. Similarly, chondroitin sulfate has also been proven to be extremely useful as a natural treatment for osteoarthritis when taken continuously for a few weeks.

The sulfate component of glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate is important because sulfur is a structural component of joint tissue. Sulfur is also a vital component of some powerful antioxidants. Damage from oxidative stress can often lead to the inflammation and pain of arthritis. So, when choosing a glucosamine product, look at a glucosamine bound to sulfate.

Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are available in capsule form in Ethical Nutrients Joint Ease Combination.

Ethical Nutrients Joint Ease Combination helps relieve the pain, swelling and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis, helping to increase joint mobility and flexibility. Each capsule of Joint Ease Combination delivers 500 mg of glucosamine sulphate, so you only need 3 capsules daily to achieve that proven therapeutic dose of 1500 mg glucosamine sulphate. Joint Ease Combination also contains 400 mg of chondroitin sulfate and other key minerals required for joint health.

As well as taking Ethical Nutrients Joint Ease Combination, dietary and lifestyle changes that may also assist in the management of osteoarthritis; so remember to…

• Eat a diet rich in nutritious whole foods such as vegetables, fruits whole grains, lean protein, and essential fatty acids from cold-water fish, nuts and seeds.
• Eliminate potentially inflammatory foods (e.g. foods made from refined grains, such as white breads and pastas, sugar, saturated fats, alcohol and caffeine).
• Eliminate any foods you are allergic or sensitive to from your diet as these may exacerbate your osteoarthritis.
• Keep moving! Low impact, gentle exercise is essential for management of osteoarthritis. If you don’t keep the joints moving, they can gradually become less and less flexible.
• Some natural therapies, such as acupuncture, massage, physiotherapy, cranio-sacral therapy and/or Bowen therapy, have been shown to assist with management of symptoms of osteoarthritis.