Arthrosis disrupts the delicate chemical balance within the joint cartilage, leading to a continuous inflammatory process. This inflammation releases harmful substances like free radicals, damaging the joints themselves. Therefore, it's important to avoid foods that cause further inflammation instead use foods that inhibit the inflammatory chain. In this context, nature provides us with valuable assistance, with many plants, herbs, and roots having natural anti-inflammatory properties. These have formed the basis of natural therapies widely used in the East, particularly in Japan with traditional Kampo medicine, in China with a longstanding tradition, and in India with Ayurvedic medicine.
Some of these plants have been attributed with specific anti-arthrosis and anti-arthritic properties, particularly important for those who suffer from these conditions.
Read the complete guideOsteoarthritis: Guide to Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention.
Supplements for Arthrosis
Below are some of the most effective plants, herbs, and roots found in nature.
Chili Pepper or Capsaicin
For millennia, dry chili pepper extract or capsaicin has been used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory product in traditional medicine. Its activity stems from capsaicin binding to the substance P, reducing its levels. Substance P is involved in the perception of peripheral pain and transmits pain to the central nervous system. It's usually used in the form of cream or ointment.
Ginger
Ginger, found in various parts of the world such as Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Caribbean, is derived from the rhizome, an enlarged underground part of the root. Ginger inhibits the production of leukotrienes, substances involved in the inflammatory chain, and through salicylates, it reduces the production of prostaglandins, also responsible for joint inflammation.
Boswellia
A plant widespread in India, Boswellia has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine to treat various diseases, including arthrosis and arthritis. The active ingredient is extracted from the plant's gum resin. The benefits are well-documented, and the beneficial action is primarily due to the ability of boswellic acids to inhibit inflammation by suppressing the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme or modulating the prostaglandin chain.
Turmeric
A perennial plant common in India and Southeast Asian countries, turmeric is widely cultivated for culinary use in dishes like curry. Its active ingredient is curcumin, a substance comprising only 2-6% of total turmeric content. It has a strong antioxidant and joint-protective effect. It's best taken with black pepper. Be cautious not to confuse it with synthetic curcumin available on the market, which is best to avoid.
Willow
For medicinal purposes, five willow species are currently used, which is present in North America and Europe. Willow bark extract has been used since ancient times as a natural remedy for arthritis and inflammation. The active ingredient is salicin, which reduces the production of certain prostaglandins, and give an analgesic effect. Common aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) was synthesized based on the healing experience of willow.
Kale
Kale's carotenoid and flavonoid content (over 45 types, including quercetin and kaempferol) ensures a powerful antioxidant effect.
It's also rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and provides more calcium than milk per calorie.
Aloe vera
Known since ancient times, aloe vera has various properties, including anti-inflammatory effects. It inhibits the production of prostaglandins from arachidonic acid, one of the negative element in joint inflammation.
Green-Lipped Mussels from New Zealand
The extract of this large mollusk from New Zealand has shown anti-inflammatory properties, possibly due to its Omega-3 fatty acid content, and for its ability of inhibiting the chain that leads to the formation of leukotrienes, essential for activating inflammation.
Supplements are the simplest and most effective method for the intake of adequate concentrations of these beneficial natural substances. They have become very popular in recent years, getting a significant place alongside 'traditional' drugs. One of the main reason for the success of these natural therapies based on herbal ingredients, is certainly a dissatisfaction with conventional medical treatments, which don’t often give the expected results and cause side effects, especially when used for a long period.
When choosing a supplement, it's best to opt for those containing a high concentration of these natural beneficial ingredients and antioxidants. This is crucial to quickly 'turn off' the inflammatory process, intercept and neutralize free radicals produced as byproducts of metabolic reactions for energy production. Moreover, all ingredients should be from reliable and certified sources, free from contaminants and impurities.
Integratori contro l'artrosi- Algosfree
Algosfree supplements, contain several natural ingredients with anti-inflammatory and anti-arthrosis properties:
- Arthro Wil: a supplement that helps restore joint functionality and inhibit inflammatory conditions, with the help of its ingredients: turmeric with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action, black pepper enhancing antioxidant properties, and willow with analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-rheumatic properties.
- Arthro Bos: a supplement that helps counter joint pain and stiffness, with ginger's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and Boswellia serrata resin, a plant combating inflammatory conditions and rheumatism.
- Arthro Mac: a natural drink based on aloe vera, an anti-inflammatory and depurative ingredient, pure pomegranate juice, a powerful antioxidant, and vitamin C, ideal for inflammatory conditions.
Arthro Cap balm completes the anti-arthosis kit. It can be applied on inflamed or painful joints three to four times a day. It is made from capsaicin (chili), that improves blood circulation, ginger, and green-lipped mussel extract from New Zealand, which have an anti-inflammatory action.
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