Natural remedies to reduce joint pain

Moving our body may seem like a mindless task, however each time we do, our joints are being depended upon to support each day-to-day action. Data shows 28% of Australians suffer from arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions, which means roughly 6.1 million people are living in daily discomfort. Our bones and joints have to manage the pressures of ageing, weight and at times injuries, and may need natural remedies to help maintain good health. Here is a selection of top performers: 

Vitamin K

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) Panel recently concluded that a cause and effect relationship has been established between the dietary intake of vitamin K and the maintenance of normal bone health. Research indicates that vitamin K2 is essential for healthy calcium metabolism and maintenance of bone density. It’s found in hard cheese, soft cheese, egg yolk, butter, chicken liver, salami, chicken breast and minced beef.

Calcium

We know that calcium helps promote bone growth, especially for young children, and is commonly found in dairy products. However, Australians suffer from dairy intolerance more than any other food allergy or intolerance. Calcium can be found in many other natural sources such as dark leafy greens, sardines, certain nuts and also seeds, making them a valuable inclusion into your every day diet to promote optimal bone health. To ensure you are absorbing calcium effectively, consider also your vitamin D levels, as a deficiency of this nutrient is a growing concern amongst Australians.

Tumeric

Turmeric, the ancient spice used traditionally in Indian cuisine is not just added to curries for its flavour and colour. Turmeric has in fact been the subject of over 4000 scientific studies which demonstrate its broad spectrum of health benefits. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory benefits, however it is generally poorly absorbed into the body. Scientists have now prepared an ingredient called Theracurmin, which is 27 times more absorbable than regular curcumin, and has been shown to help reduce joint inflammation associated with arthritis.

Omega-3

The omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are some of nature’s most beneficial anti-inflammatory nutrients and they are found in cold water fish. These fatty acids may help reduce joint inflammation and increase joint mobility associated with arthritis, plus they act as a natural lubricant.

Do you suffer from joint pain? How have you dealt with it?