Muscle and joint pain, whether from physical overexertion or a chronic condition, is often caused by inflammation. Fortunately, you can fight back.
In his April 29 radio program , Dr. Cherry discusses natural options for relieving pain. Many of the herbs and compounds he mentioned work on pain by addressing inflammation.
Inflammation is the natural reaction of a part or all of the body to injury, infection, overuse, allergens, or stress. It is often characterized by redness, swelling, pain, stiffness, heat, and can even cause joint and connective tissue deterioration. In fact, chronic inflammation is a leading cause of many diseases, both physical and neurological.
Some of the compounds in the body associated with a host of these inflammatory conditions are prostaglandins, cytokines, and two naturally occurring enzymes, COX-2 and 5-LOX.
There are nutrients that can help your body inhibit these compounds and avoid the other inflammatory reactions that often lead to pain, allowing you to go on with your day-to-day living more comfortably.
Boswellia Serrata has been used for thousands of years to treat conditions that, in recent years, have been found to be caused by inflammation. It can help reduce the immune cells that promote inflammation while increasing the number of immune cells that inhibit inflammation. Researchers have found that boswellia helps prevent the deterioration of cartilage and joint tissue and produces effects similar to those of the NSAID compounds ibuprofen and aspirin. Boswellia has been shown to reduce inflammation by blocking the lethal pro-inflammatory enzyme 5-LOX and cytokines.
Hops Fruit Extract (IsoOxygene) is a natural botanical that selectively blocks the COX-2 enzyme, but without the side effects of the prescription, synthetic versions of COX-2 inhibitors (such as Celebrex and Vioxx).
Turmeric contains curcumin and curcuminoids, which are powerful anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that act as natural COX-2 inhibitors in the body, and inhibit the production of the prostaglandins that cause inflammation and swelling. Turmeric has long been used in Indian ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, and Indian researchers found that it relieved joint pain and swelling as well as prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) without side effects such as abdominal bleeding or stomach upset. Turmeric is also a natural antioxidant, and thus protects the body from oxidative damage.
White Willow Bark has been renowned for its pain- and inflammation-relieving abilities for thousands of years. The bark of the white willow tree contains salicin, the original source for the active ingredient in aspirin before it was made synthetically. While white willow contains the same salicylates used in aspirin, they are in a less concentrated form, so it does not cause stomach problems and can be used safely long-term.
Feverfew gets its name from its traditional use as a fever reducer, and is now also commonly used for the prevention and treatment of migraine headaches. Feverfew works by inhibiting the body’s production of inflammatory prostaglandins; some studies have shown that this herb actually mimics the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroid cortisone and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Cat’s Claw has been used in traditional South American medicine for many years. It is a proven anti-inflammatory, and studies have found that it may reduce swelling by up to 50 percent. Cat’s claw may get its inflammation- and infection- fighting abilities from its many phytochemicals, such as quinovic acid glycosides which cool inflammation, and oxyindole alkaloids and proanthocyanidins, which strengthen the immune system. Cat’s claw also contains sterols, which are chemical compounds that act like steroids in the body..
Ginger is one of the world’s most widely used herbal treatments. In addition to its common use for nausea relief, ginger has long been used in traditional medical practices to reduce inflammation. Recent studies have shown that ginger inhibits the production of cytokines, which are chemicals that can promote inflammation.
Bromelain is a mixture of enzymes found naturally in the juice and stems of pineapples. It is an anti-inflammatory agent that works by blocking some proinflammatory metabolites that accelerate and worsen the inflammatory process. There is some evidence that bromelain supplements may reduce swelling, bruising, inflammation and pain after surgery and injury.
Duramet provides you with all these nutrients, in an all-natural, effective formula. It’s just one step on God’s Pathway to a more active, healthier life.
www.thepathwaytohealing.com
Dr. Reginald B. Cherry (drcherry.org) is a member of the American Medical Association, Texas Medical Association, Harris County Medical Society, and the American College of Preventive Medicine. Dr. Cherry has authored numerous articles on Preventive Medicine, emphasizing nutrition and exercise. He also speaks extensively on these topics nationwide and conducts numerous seminars for various groups and organizations. Currently, his weekly television program reaches 80 million homes. www.thepathwaytohealing.com
