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Can Chronic Joint Pain Be Reduced With Key Nutrients?

The joint pain associated with arthritis, old age or chronic conditions makes most day-to-day tasks a painful ordeal. There are medications that can help with the problem, but before resorting to that, it's a good idea to make an effort to attack the condition naturally to avoid side effects. Here are a few ways you can combat your chronic joint pain.

  1. Joint-Friendly Vitamins and Minerals

    • Vitamin C and vitamin E are both antioxidants that can help to reduce cartilage deterioration and inflammation. Vitamin B3 (niacin) contributes to relieving pain and inflammation. A deficiency in vitamin B5 can lead to arthritis pain and a deterioration of joints, and supplementation is key for those with chronic pain. Joint cartilage is also maintained and replenished by vitamin A and the minerals zinc, boron and copper. Since a lack of calcium can cause the body to take the supply that it needs directly from the bones, ensuring that you have the proper amount is important. Lastly, vitamin D works in tandem with calcium and can help improve bone and joint health.

    Vitamin-Rich Foods

    • While many doctors recommend supplements, it is best to get these vitamins and minerals directly from food sources to improve your joint health. Vitamin C can be found in green and red peppers, strawberries and citrus fruits, while vitamin E is in almonds, sweet potatoes and green leafy vegetables. Vitamin B3 is in low-fat meats, broccoli and peanuts; and vitamin B5 is in legumes, whole-grain cereals and royal jelly (a derivative of bee pollen). Vitamin A is in tuna and milk; zinc is in oysters, oatmeal and brown rice; copper is in brazil nuts, pecans and granola; and boron is in hazelnuts, avocados and raisins. Calcium and vitamin D can both be found in fortified milk, salmon and mackerel.

    Herbs and Extracts

    • Glucosamine and chondroitin are often combined to maintain proper cartilage and lessen the painfulness of joints. S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is naturally found in the body, can work as a pain reliever or anti-inflammatory. Tumeric, an herb used in most curries, helps to alleviate joint pain, inflammation and bone conditions. Bromelain is an enzyme found in pineapples and it eliminates the chemicals that cause aching and swelling. Also, omega-3 fish oils have been known to counteract pain-creating chemicals and can be taken with other supplements as well.

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