Easing Arthritis Pain with Chondroitin Sulfate

For people with osteoarthritis (a condition estimated to affect 27 million Americans), dealing with pain can be an everyday struggle. For drug-free relief of that pain, many patients turn to chondroitin sulfate (a natural substance sold in dietary supplement form). Although studies on chondroitin sulfate's benefits for osteoarthritis patients have yielded mixed results, the National Institutes of Health state that the supplement may slightly reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients (especially those with osteoarthritis of the knee).

For more help in alleviating arthritis pain, make sure to get plenty of exercise (including stretching) and maintain a healthy weight. Following an anti-inflammatory diet and getting sufficient sleep may also help stave off pain. There's also some evidence that certain alternative therapies and mind-body techniques (such as yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture) may also help tame pain in osteoarthritis patients. Read the article: Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis.

Easing Arthritis Pain with Chondroitin Sulfate

For people with osteoarthritis (a condition estimated to affect 27 million Americans), dealing with pain can be an everyday struggle. For drug-free relief of that pain, many patients turn to chondroitin sulfate (a natural substance sold in dietary supplement form). Although studies on chondroitin sulfate's benefits for osteoarthritis patients have yielded mixed results, the National Institutes of Health state that the supplement may slightly reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients (especially those with osteoarthritis of the knee).

For more help in alleviating arthritis pain, make sure to get plenty of exercise (including stretching) and maintain a healthy weight. Following an anti-inflammatory diet and getting sufficient sleep may also help stave off pain. There's also some evidence that certain alternative therapies and mind-body techniques (such as yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture) may also help tame pain in osteoarthritis patients. Read the article: Chondroitin for Osteoarthritis.

Fighting Alzheimers Disease with Huperzine A

Sourced from Chinese club moss, huperzine A is sometimes touted as a natural treatment for Alzheimer's disease. Available in tea and supplement form, huperzine A has been found to fight the buildup of amyloid beta (a substance that forms the brain plaques associated with Alzheimer's disease) in several laboratory studies.

But while preliminary research suggests that huperzine A shows promise for Alzheimer's treatment, clinical trials on huperzine A are somewhat lacking. What's more, a study published last year in the journal Neurology found that 16 weeks of treatment with huperzine A failed to improve cognitive function in people with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

To reduce your Alzheimer's risk, it's important to follow a diet high in antioxidant-rich in fruits and vegetables, exercise on a regular basis, and keep mentally and socially active as you age. Some studies show that increasing your intake of curcumin (a compound found in the curry spice turmeric) may also protect against Alzheimer's disease. Read the article: Huperzine A - What You Need to Know.

Fighting Heart Disease with Fish Oil

An omega-3 fatty acid found in fish oil, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) may help lower your risk for heart disease (the leading cause of death in the U.S.). Studies show that DHA can help reduce a number of cardiovascular risk factors, including high blood pressure and high cholesterol. In addition, DHA is known to curb inflammation (a biological process closely linked to the development of heart disease).

Eating cold-water oily fish like salmon, sardines, mackerel, and herring several times each week can help you achieve ample intake of DHA. If such foods aren't a regular part of your diet, however, you may want to consider taking DHA in supplement form. Many DHA supplements also contain (eicosapentaenoic acid), another heart-healthy omega-3 found in fish oil. Read the article: DHA - What You Need to Know.

Easing Arthritis with Black Cherry Juice

Many arthritis sufferers swear by black cherry juice, an antioxidant-rich beverage made from the Prunus serotina plant. Also used to treat gout, black cherry juice is particularly high in anthocyanins (a class of antioxidants also found in foods like berries, red onions, kidney beans, pomegranates, and red grapes).

So far, very few studies have tested the health effects of black cherry juice. However, research suggests that anthocyanins may help reduce inflammation (a biological process closely linked to both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, in addition to gout). What's more, some studies show that increasing your antioxidant intake may help protect against both types of osteoarthritis.

If you're seeking a natural treatment for arthritis, there's evidence that taking supplements containing glucosamine may be of some benefit. In addition, studies indicate that undergoing acupuncture may help relieve some arthritis symptoms. Read the article: Black Cherry Juice - What You Need to Know.

Trigger Point Therapy for Back Pain

More than 26 American adults frequently experience low back pain, according to the American Academy of Pain Medicine. To find relief, many people turn to trigger point therapy. Practiced by many types of healthcare providers (including medical doctors, osteopaths, and massage therapists), trigger point therapy involves detecting and releasing trigger points (spots in the skeletal muscle that produce pain when compressed).

Although research on the use of trigger point therapy in treatment of back pain is fairly limited, several studies show that combining trigger point therapy with other healing approaches may help alleviate chronic low back pain. For more help in treating chronic backaches, consider alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic care. There's also some evidence that taking up a regular yoga practice may benefit your back. Read the article: Trigger Point Therapy for Back Pain

Vanadium A Natural Treatment for Diabetes

In a number of laboratory studies, researchers have found that vanadium may help keep blood sugar in check--and possibly aid in diabetes control. But while vanadium is often touted as a natural treatment for diabetes, very few clinical trials have looked at whether taking vanadium supplements can help manage diabetes.

A trace metal found in some foods (including dill seeds and black pepper), vanadium is thought to play a role in certain biological functions (such as bone growth). However, scientists have yet to determine whether vanadium should be considered an essential nutrient.

Studies suggest that several other natural remedies (including ginseng and cinnamon) show promise for control of diabetes. In addition, there's some evidence that drinking black tea on a regular basis and maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D may be beneficial to people with diabetes. Read the article: Vanadium - What You Need to Know