Make joint health a priority this National Arthritis Week

By Davina C.

As we celebrate National Arthritis Week, it is important to clarify many misconceptions around joint conditions. Did you know Arthritis is the biggest cause of pain and disability in the UK? In fact, according to Arthritis research UK, 10million people in the UK are living with the pain of arthritis (often unnoticed) every day.  However, arthritis isn't actually a singular condition that only affects the elderly: 15,000 children and young people also suffer from arthritic symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness. Stats also show that behind mental health, arthritis is the second biggest cause of sick leave in the UK.

Whilst there are different forms of the condition, the most well known include Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, Gout, Spondyloarthritis and Psoriatic arthritis.

Stats show that 10% of all adults in the UK have been clinically diagnosed with Osteoarthritis comparable to about 11.5% in the US. Whilst the NHS reports that rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 400,000 people in the UK - it often starts between 40 and 50 years with women 3 times more likely to be affected than men.

Osteoarthritis starts with the roughening of cartilage - the body reacts by making up for the loss of substance by growing tiny bits of bone at the end of a joint, increasing the amount of thick fluid inside the joint, which can lead to loss of joint shape.

In rheumatoid arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the body's healthy tissues and targets affected joints, which leads to pain and swelling, whilst inflammation can cause permanent damage to the area.

Gout is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can cause painful swelling in joints, normally associated with the big toe, it can extend to all the body and is caused by having too much urate in the body.

Both spondyloarthritis and psoriatic arthritis refer to a number of conditions that cause pain and swelling around joints, particularly around small pieces of connective tissues, and even a red, scaly rash.

There is no need to panic though, there are plenty of day-to-day small adjustments that you can make to your lifestyle from a young age to look after your joints or early stage to alleviate arthritis symptoms. For one, maintaining a healthy weight can help to ease the pressure on achy joints. Keeping active can also stabilise the joints by strengthening the surrounding muscles that support them.

Our inhouse nutrition expert selects specifically targeted nutritional products and recommends an ‘anti-inflammatory diet’ that is rich in omega 3 fatty acids from oily fish such as mackerel and sardines. For a pure EPA/DHA supplement go for a clean deep-sea fish oil such as Nature’s Answer Liquid Omega 3. For powerful synergistic support Nature’s Answer Omega-3 Black Seed Oil is a clinically proven supplement shown to be 2.9x more effective in supporting a healthy inflammatory response than omega -3 fish oil alone.

In terms of gout and high levels of uric acid- nutrition is key, with higher levels of meat, seafood and alcohol consumption linked with increased risk, whereas higher levels of consumption of dairy products are associated with a decreased risk.

For the maintenance of collagen and joint cartilage, vitamin C in the diet plays an important role. A joint-specific collagen product can also be supplemented:

NeoCell Collagen 2 - Joint Complex

Multi award winning Neo Cell is considered the go-to trusted brand for scientifically backed collagen products. Devising a pioneering hydrolyzed collagen formula, using small collagen peptides of very low molecular weight that are bioavailable to ensure optimum absorption, the NeoCell Collagen 2 Joint Complex is an easy way to support healthy joint function - a daily intake of the capsules, which contain the specific type 2 collagen that supports the cartilage in your joints as well as glucosamine, chondroitin, and hyaluronic acid for overall joint lubrication.

Shop it: NeoCell Collagen 2 Joint Complex

Nature's Answer Turmeric and Ginger

Dating back to ancient ayurvedic healing traditions, research shows the power of Turmeric active compounds to act on inflammatory processes involved with joint aches and pains as well as the benefit of the botanical actives in ginger to support healthy joints. This Nature's Answer Turmeric and Ginger, is a holistically balanced supplement made of a liquid herbal combination of Turmeric and Ginger rhizome extracts combined with the Quik-Sorb herbal blend for fast absorption.

Each 3 capsules daily serving provides:

•        Turmeric Standardised for 95% Curcuminoids

•        Ginger Standardised for 5% Gingerols

Shop it: Nature’s Answer Turmeric and Ginger

Nature's Answer Glucosamine & Chondroitin

This potent liquid formula by Nature's Answer is loaded with Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM, plus a powerful blend of synergist nutrients including Boron, Manganese and Green Tea Extract. Infused with Nature's Answer Quik-Sorb - an exclusive blend of holistically balanced botanicals, including Ginger rhizome, Amla fruit, Capsicum fruit, designed to enhance the delivery of nutrients to the body.

Shop it: Nature’s Answer Glucosamine & Chondroitin

You can join Arthritis Research UK in being a 'Pain Killer' - (for yourself, a friend, or loved one living with Arthritis) https://www.versusarthritis.org/

*The claims are based on clinical research, are not aimed to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Food supplements should be used within the framework of a healthy lifestyle and not used as substitutes of a varied and balanced diet.