Natural Joint Health Solutions

Cold, wet weather can put a damper on joint comfort. The winter season hits joints and bones the hardest, causing more discomfort and stiffness, plus an added risk of slips and falls when the going gets icy. Holiday treats, lack of bone-supporting vitamin D, excess stress, and less physical activity all increase inflammation in the body.

And our joints bear the brunt of it.

The good news is, research is showing new ways to strengthen bones and joints naturally. These solutions help ease joint discomfort and restore a healthy range of motion, so you can glide through the season smoothly.

When it comes to joint health and comfort, diet can have some of the greatest impact. Processed foods high in sugar, refined grains, and preservatives, as well as oxidized (rancid) fats, increase the levels of free radicals and other inflammatory compounds in the body. Results can manifest as pain, joint stiffness, brain fog, and a host of other effects.  

Limit foods that can cause inflammation, such as:

• sugars and sweeteners
• refined grains
• table salt
• dairy
• gluten
• cooked oils
• alcohol

An anti-inflammatory diet, on the other hand, emphasizes unprocessed, whole foods and nutritional supplements that help detoxify the body, reduce inflammation and nourish joints, bones, and tissues. These include:

• Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage, contain sulfur compounds that reduce inflammation and support joint and tissue repair.
• Healthy fats from sources like cold-water fish, hemp, flax, olive, and coconut oils, and raw nuts and seeds, reduce inflammation and lubricate joints and tissues.
• Fermented foods support beneficial bacteria in the GI tract shown to promote strong bones, reduce inflammation, and enhance numerous areas of health.

We know regular exercise is critical for healthy bones and joint flexibility. But sometimes physical pain keeps you from exercising. If this is the case, take things slowly and include mind-body therapies such as guided relaxation and visualization techniques. These produce noticeable benefits and can build momentum toward recovery. Weight-bearing exercises, including gentle weightlifting, physical therapy or, even better, resistance exercises like yoga or Pilates, are essential for building strong bones, joints, and ligaments. These exercises are excellent, low impact ways to increase strength, circulation, and overall health.

Supplements for bone and joint health include potent compounds and nutrients that support healthy bone formation, joint mobility, and circulation.

One exciting area of research looks at the effects of polyphenols, a class of powerful health-promoting compounds found in many aromatic and brightly-colored plants. For example, blueberries contain polyphenol compounds shown to reduce inflammation and improve bone density.

Similarly, new research shows that green tea extract improves bone formation, reduces inflammation, and improves muscle strength. Numerous other studies have shown that flavanols from green tea help support bone health while enhancing cognition, mood, and cardiovascular health.

Padma Basic is a clinically researched Tibetan herbal formula that offers a wealth of benefits for long-term wellness. This time-honored formula contains unique botanical ingredients rich in polyphenols, antioxidants and other phytochemicals, that work synergistically to support multiple key areas of health.*

Research shows that Padma Basic effectively promotes joint health and mobility while supporting healthy circulation, cardiovascular function and immunity.*

PectaSol Modified Citrus Pectin (MCP) has more than 50 published studies and over two decades of clinical use demonstrating its extensive benefits, including support for joint health and mobility. It works in part by blocking a protein in the body called galectin-3 (G-3). Extensive research demonstrates that G-3 impacts the health of cells, joints, tissues, and organs—but PectaSol blocks these effects of G-3. In fact, PectaSol is now recognized as the most-researched G-3 blocker, shown to promote healthy G-3 activity for our most critical areas of health.*

Natural solutions for joint health, including exercise, diet, and targeted supplements, can bring circulation to joints and tissues, and allow us to regain our range of motion. In the long run, these simple changes can increase overall health to help us not only live longer but live better — with more energy and vitality for the things that keep us going.