Omega-3 And Other Essential Nutrients for Arthritis Since It’s a Joint Affair
Whether it's the struggle to climb stairs in old age or the dread of your immune system attacking your own body, even mundane movements can be challenging; whether it’s the swollen big toe from gout or the discomfort of psoriatic joint pain, arthritis manifests in many forms. Its branches expand and intertwine like an old willow tree. Yet, amid this complexity, one constant remains: the numbing joint pain and swelling.
The National Institute of Health (NIH) describes arthritis as an acute or chronic joint inflammation in the joint. The most affected joints are the joints of knee and hip but other small joints in hand are equally susceptible to this inflammation. The concept of inflammation is a little complicated to understand because inflammation is often synonymous with swelling. While swelling is one manifestation of inflammation the whole process is a lot more detailed.
Breakdown of inflammation to get started
Inflammation is our body’s natural response to injury or infection. When something harmful, like bacteria or a cut, happens, your immune system reacts by sending white blood cells to the affected area. This process helps protect and heal your body. The process is often accompanied by redness, swelling, heat and pain. These are all part of the healing process. So, inflammation is essentially your body’s way of saying, “I’m working on fixing this!”
While inflammation is usually a good thing because it helps fight off threats and repair tissue, if it happens too much or lasts too long, it can lead to problems.
In arthritis, inflammation is triggered for various reasons. In osteoarthritis, it occurs due to the normal wear and tear of aging, which leads to the breakdown of cartilage in the joints. In rheumatoid arthritis, however, the inflammation is caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the joints. So, while both types involve inflammation, the underlying causes are different.
A Self-Diagnosis to Realize the Truth
Do you think that pain in your joints is just a minor stiffness? It might be time to dig a little deeper! Here’s a simple self-assessment that can reveal a lot about your arthritis condition: the stair climbing ability test.
To perform the test, find a standard set of stairs with 3-5 steps. Start at the bottom and begin climbing at your own pace. Have a timer handy and note how long it takes you to reach the top. After a brief rest, descend the stairs, timing yourself again. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, and consider safety measures like using a handrail and having someone nearby for support.
After completing the test, take a moment to reflect on any pain or discomfort you experienced. This information can help you better understand your mobility and may indicate whether it’s time to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation. Remember, listening to your body is crucial, and this simple test can be a great first step in understanding your joint health!
What can help?
Getting moving can help, but certain nutrients can also provide relief! One important nutrient is omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats are known to reduce inflammation, a major cause of joint pain and stiffness. Omega-3s help lower the production of inflammatory molecules in the body, offering comfort for aching joints. Additionally, they play a role in protecting and maintaining cartilage, the cushioning material at the ends of our bones.
Equally important are glucosamine and chondroitin, natural compounds found in cartilage. Glucosamine is believed to help maintain cartilage health, potentially reducing pain and improving joint function by providing essential building blocks for repair. Chondroitin helps attract water into the cartilage, keeping it lubricated and cushioned.
Nutrifactor offers the right combination of products for creaky joints. One product, NORMEGA 1000, is based on fish oil and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, making it ideal for those experiencing stiffness every now and then. For individuals who have been dealing with joint issues for a longer time, NUFLEX is a great option, as it contains glucosamine and chondroitin to ease the pain.
References
https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/osteoarthritis
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rheumatoid-arthritis
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/2/3/355figureth?id=figure1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5241539/