Thank God the wors of Melbourne’s winter is over but its still cold enough for an increase in joint pain and there’s still Barometric pressure (atmospheric pressure) fluctuation occurring, which can also make our joints ache. All you need to do is ask my mum! Hey mum! when the rain is coming??… my reason for asking her is that, her right knee aches a day or two before the rain comes.

The common phrase I hear, “oh Mel, it’s going to rain soon, my knee really hurts”! Poor mum!

Along with my mum, Is the cold making your joints ache??

Does Winter give you bone and joint pain??

I’m sure as we get older, we will feel the cold more and for some reason, I have never been as cold as I was this year. I even had big toe joint pain! Hell no! I don’t want the stuff!… and I don’t want you to have it either!

So…here are some important Nutrients & Supplements that I recommend (personal and professional opinion) for joint pain & arthritic types of pain. It’s length, so I would advise to take a few and implement them when you can, often.

As part of My B.Hsc degree, supplementation and nutrition were studied… so be assured that Clinical Myotherapists can recommend & give this advice.

Glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, N-acetyl glucosamine

Origin: Major component of joint cartilage. Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster and crab) or from vegetable sources.

Dosage: Capsules, tablets, liquid or powder (to be mixed into water); 1,500 mg per day for all forms. Often combined with chondroitin. May take one month to notice effect but it well worth it!

What it does: Slows deterioration of cartilage, relieves Osteoarthritis (OA) pain and improves joint mobility.

What we know: Glucosamine produced in the body provides natural building blocks for growth, repair and maintenance of cartilage. Like chondroitin, glucosamine may lubricate joints, help cartilage retain water and prevent its breakdown. Similar to NSAIDs for effectiveness of easing osteoarthritis symptoms but may take twice as long as conventional drugs to work.

Chondroitin

Origin: Chondroitin is a component of human connective tissues found in cartilage and bone. In supplements, chondroitin sulfate usually comes from animal cartilage.

What it does: Reduces pain and inflammation, improves joint function and slows progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

What we know: Believed to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of collagen and block enzymes that break down cartilage. Helps cartilage retain water and may reverse cartilage loss when used with glucosamine.

Turmeric

Origin: A yellow-colored powder ground from the root of the turmeric plant. The turmeric plant grows in India and Indonesia and is related to the ginger family (it is a common ingredient in curries). Curcumin is a key chemical in turmeric.

What it does: Reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA); treats bursitis. Known as a cleansing agent, turmeric often is used as a digestive aid in India.

What we know: Traditionally used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. Turmeric/curcumin blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes in the blood.

Pineapple, Ananas comosus

Origin: Group of enzymes found in pineapple that break down protein.

Eat fresh or supplement

What it does: Decreases pain and swelling of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis, and increases mobility.

What we know: There is some evidence that enzymes like bromelain have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to NSAIDs.

Flaxseed, Flaxseed oil, Linseed oil

Origin: Seed of the flax plant, containing omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and lignans (beneficial plant compounds, similar to fiber).

Dosage: Whole seeds, ground meal or flour, capsules or oil. Whole seeds must be ground into meal or flour; 30 g (1 ounce) daily. Capsules, available in 1,000 mg to 1,300 mg, no typical dosage. Oil, 1 to 3 tablespoons daily.

For chronic conditions I recommend 4,000mg a day to start.

What it does: Eases symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Lubricates joints and lessens stiffness and joint pain.

What we know: Flaxseed is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that can be converted to EPA and DHA (the active ingredients in fish oil). Flaxseed is a good source of fiber

MSM methylsulfonylmethane

Origin: Organic sulfur compound found naturally in fruits, vegetables, grains, animals and humans.

Dosage: Tablets, liquid, capsule or powder, topical and oral. Typically 1,000 mg to 3,000 mg daily with meals.

What it does: Reduces pain and inflammation.

What we know: MSM is an organic sulfur compound. Sulfur is needed to form connective tissue. MSM also seems to act as an analgesic by lessening nerve impulses that transmit pain.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

Origin: The dried or fresh root of the ginger plant.

What it does: Decreases joint pain and reduces inflammation in people with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Increases circulation in people with Raynaud’s phenomenon.

What we know: Used in Asian medicine for centuries, ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex). Ginger also suppresses leukotrienes (inflammatory molecules) and switch off certain inflammatory genes, potentially making it more effective than conventional pain relievers.

I like to start with 1 sup such as MSM or Glucosamine and add an oil form to see. Give it a go for more than 2-3 months consistently and you will feel a difference. Hopefully a more lubricated joint feeling (rather than bone on bone feeling), decrease in joint pain and more mobility.

Put Oils on your food or as a shot, capsules with food, powders drink in water etc. All can be taken at once in the morning.

Please keep me posted on your progression & which one has worked most for you!

Keep Healthy, Happy and Strong, Mel x