CAN NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS HELP DECREASE MY JOINT PAIN?

“Is there something that I can take that will decrease the pain of arthritis in my knees?”

As a health care provider, you have undoubtedly heard this question repeated on numerous occasions.   Unfortunatly, the answer is not a simple one due to the fact that everything you put into your body can potentially influence the pain in your joints.

Although a poor diet is not necessarily the cause of osteoarthritis; a diet that is generally low in essential nutrients has been shown to contribute to the development, or progression of osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is the leading cause of chronic disability in the United States, affecting nearly 27 million Americans. 

A healthy diet full of essential nutrients can help alleviate osteoarthritis symptoms such as pain, stiffness and swelling.  Unfortunately, as a nation, most Americans are overfed and undernourished, eating processed foods that have been stripped of their nutritional value.  The “more is better” philosophy is also carried over when choosing supplements, with most people choosing supplements which have high percentages of recommended daily values.  

When choosing supplements, quality is far more important than quantity.  A small amount of a vitamin in whole food form is assimilated more effectively in the human body than a large dose of an isolated vitamin.  This is because the isolated form is just a fraction of the whole and is missing important nutrients that are essential for optimal health.

When given proper nutrition and the right nutrients, the human body has an amazing ability to heal and repair itself.   To do so, we need to eat a healthier diet, exercise, and take high-quality supplements made from whole foods.  Whole food supplements supply a multitude of a plant's components and work synergistically to provide you with optimal nutrition for good health.

Three products by Standard Process that provide whole food nutrients that can be easily utilized for muscle and joint support include:

• Tuna Omega 3 Oil: Tuna Omega 3 Oil supports the body’s natural anti-inflammatory process, helping to reduce stiffness and providing support for healthy joint function.  
• Glucosamine Synergy: Glucosamine Synergy encourages healthy joint function by supporting the body’s natural cartilage, ligament and bone regeneration function. This can be beneficial to aid in the maintainance of optimal mobility.
• Ligaplex II: Ligaplex II provides the nutritional foundation for the healing of skeletal and connective tissue. 

To locate a healthcare provider in your area that can assist you with identifying which whole food supplements might be right for you, please visit www.standardprocess.com. 

Michael Kleinert is the owner of Integrative Sports Acupuncture. His private practice is located in Encinitas, California where he specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal sports injuries. For more information please visit Integrative Sports Acupuncture