The yellow spice Turmeric, commonly used in Indian cuisine also provides natural anti-inflammatory action for joint pain relief. Curcumin, the active component of the yellow spice Turmeric, has a strong anti-inflammatory action so it may help to calm the inflammation and pain of arthritis, and get you moving again.

Curcumin's anti-inflammatory action is the key

Curcumin has a long history of traditional use as a potent anti-inflammatory. The anti-inflammatory effect of curcumin has been shown to benefit chronic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis¹ as well as cardiovascular disease, obesity, inflammatory bowel disease and asthma.

Curcumin poorly absorbed

The anti-inflammatory action of curcumin has been shown in more than 4000 scientific articles. However, a key challenge scientists have faced in the past is how to ensure curcumin is absorbed into the body to provide therapeutic benefit. Studies have shown that ordinary curcumin has very poor bioavailability, due to characteristics such as its poor water solubility.

New research finds a better method of Curcumin absorption

Fortunately, new research has discovered a patented method that ensures curcumin is absorbed at a higher rate, maximising the anti-inflammatory power and unleashing the true medicinal potential of this traditional Indian spice. Regular curcumin formulations may not work best for you - 'Ask a Nautropath' to find out more about a high quality, clinically trialled Curcumin with dramatically increased solubility and absorption. It may help provide natural antioxidant support and reduce your joint inflammation associated with arthritis.

Choose a curcumin supplement with the following features and benefits:

• Highly bioavailable form.
• Vegan and vegetarian friendly.
• Clinically trialled.

Top tips for better joint health

1. Reduce weight Excess weight increases stress on the weight-bearing joints. Even a reduction of 10% of body weight can lead to a 50% reduction of pain and improvement of function if overweight.
2. Eliminate foods from the nightshade family Avoiding foods such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, capsicum and tobacco may benefit some individuals. Alkaloids found in these foods may inhibit normal collagen repair and promote inflammatory degeneration of the joints.3
3. Exercise Although arthritis symptoms may make it difficult and painful to exercise, regular physical activity is encouraged as it helps in maintaining a healthy body weight, and strengthens muscles around joints. Lack of exercise decreases the hydration of joint cartilage and retards diffusion of nutrients into affected areas.3
4. Choose a high quality fish oil Studies with fish oil supplements have consistently shown reductions of symptoms in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the second most common form of arthritis. Symptoms include the number of tender joints on physical examination, pain intensity, and degree of morning stiffness. Choose an ultra-purified fish oil that meets the strict standards of the Global Organisation for EPA and DHA Omega-3s (GOED.

'Ask a Naturopath' for more information about natural anti-inflammatory solutions

Mr Vitamins Recommends:

Theracurmin Bioactive 300mg by Bioceuticals

References

1. Shehzad A, Rehman G, Lee YS. Curcumin in inflammatory diseases. Biofactors 2013;39(1):69-77.
2. 2.  Weight loss best medicine for people with knee osteoarthritis. Press release. American College of Rheumatology 2011. Viewed 25 May 2012 http://www.rheumatology.org/about/newsroom/2011/2011_ASM_21_weightloss.asp
3. 3.  Murray MT, Bongiorno PB. Osteoarthritis. In: Pizzorno JE Jr, Murray MT (Eds), Textbook of natural medicine, 3rd ed. (pp.1961-75). St Louis: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2006.
4. Braun L, Cohen M. Herbs and natural supplements: An evidence-based guide, 3rd ed. Sydney: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2010.