Arthritis is one of the most common health conditions among the older population, causing debilitating aches and pains for many, and impacting a person’s mobility and ultimately their quality of life.
The condition typically begins in the smaller joints of the hands, wrists and feet, however, if not appropriately managed, ongoing inflammation can lead to irreversible joint damage and loss of function. And over time those ordinary day-to-day activities, such as going for a walk or bending over to tie up your shoes, can become incredibly difficult.
But, it’s not all doom and gloom. There are ways to help manage the pain and inflammation of the joints, with various supplements and natural remedies shown to help those suffering from the condition.
Many people confuse krill oil with fish oil, and while they do contain similar ingredients and have similar benefits, they are different products.
Krill oil is extracted from Antarctic krill – small shellfish – and is generally consumed in a capsule. These capsules contain a high percentage of omega-3 fatty acids which, as Harvard Medical School notes, “is associated with a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease”.
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, the omega-3 in krill oil may also help to improve general wellbeing and relieve mild joint inflammation – a big plus for those suffering from arthritis.
Like krill oil, fish oil is packed with omega-3, which as mentioned has great anti-inflammatory properties that could assist with symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. It’s a popular supplement and is widely used by over-60s for this reason, and many others, such as lowering blood pressure and reducing the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease.
Glucosamine is considered one of the building blocks of cartilage, which covers and protects bones, helping them to move freely. However, over time and as a person ages this starts to break down and can cause problems such as arthritis.
Taking glucosamine supplements may assist in both relieving the pain associated with arthritis and slow down the breakdown of cartilage. According to Arthritis Australia you should start to notice improvements after four to six weeks of use.
Take note though, some glucosamine supplements are made from shellfish so if you have an allergy, make sure to check with your GP about other options.
The use of hemp seed oil to assist health and wellbeing has only made its way into the spotlight in recent years.
According to a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, hemp seed oil contains a variety of interesting substances, such as sterols, aliphatic alcohols and linolenic acids, that research suggests promotes good health. The oil is also packed full of omega-6 and omega-9, which are known for improving heart health, reducing weight, decreasing liver fat, fighting inflammation (important for those with arthritis) and promoting bone health.
Hemp-A-Rub contains hemp seed oil and hence could really help with those arthritis aches and pains. Simply rub onto the problem area when required and wait for the positive effects to happen.
Kunzea Cream is a specially formulated cream made primarily from kunzea oil ,which is derived from the kunzea ambiqua plant that grows in the pristine wilderness in Tasmania. It also includes macadamia oil, shea butter and rosehip oil – just to name a few.
This formulation of ingredients – when used three to four times a day – may help to temporarily relieve joint inflammation and swelling associated with mild arthritis, as well as helping to relieve muscular aches and pains and even improve joint mobility.
While the results vary between people and their condition, the cream has received great reviews online and close to 1,000 5-star reviews.
“Kunzea Cream has been such a relief to my 65-year-old husband, he can now get back out into his beloved garden without pain in his joints,” a happy customer wrote. “He says he feels like a 40-year-old.”
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IMPORTANT LEGAL INFO This article is of a general nature and FYI only, because it doesn’t take into account your personal health requirements or existing medical conditions. That means it’s not personalised health advice and shouldn’t be relied upon as if it is. Before making a health-related decision, you should work out if the info is appropriate for your situation and get professional medical advice.
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