Chronic Aches and Pains??

I was blessed enough to have natural athletic abilities and many found childhood memories of sports and being outside. As i grew up I also became competitive and made decisions to play games when my body had not fully recovered. Add in a few more years of an active lifestyle and years in front of a computer, suddenly I have some chronic aches and pains in my knees and ankles. Although I do enjoy being able to predict a rainstorm I have also found that with some simple lifestyle changes I can reduce the pain before it beings. As the pain comes from muscle stiffness which is a result of inflammation the logic thing to do is reduce the inflammation. Magnesium has been my savior and very easy to add to my diet.

The article below has some other interesting information....

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Arthritis is a common, debilitating disorder that affects nearly one in three adults in the United States (Arthritis Foundation, 2005), and is usually classified by an inflammation of the joints. This inflammation leads to stiffness, pain, instability and weakness in the body that generally worsens with age. Unfortunately, anti inflammatory drugs only mask the problem.

Arthritis-related inflammation is usually treated with a combination of natural anti inflammatory solutions, such as supplements, rest, exercise, stretching and an anti inflammatory diet, or with prescription or over-the-counter medications. Frequently, a combination of both natural and physician-prescribed treatments are used to reduce the symptoms.

Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are the most widely used anti inflammatory drugs recommended by physicians to treat arthritis today. However, these drugs are often associated with adverse side effects, some of which can be quite serious.

NSAIDs decrease the production of a prostaglandin that protects the stomach lining. This allows the acids in the stomach to erode the lining, thereby resulting in bleeding and ulcers.

NSAIDs also have anti-clotting effects, which result in increased bleeding or bruising. Mouth sores, skin rashes, headaches, dizziness, drowsiness and ringing in the ears are all other common side effects related to this class of anti inflammatory drugs. Not everyone who takes NSAIDs will experience adverse events; however, they have been observed in the clinical setting.

In light of the fact that many people have experienced negative reactions to NSAIDs and other anti inflammatory drugs, many are now turning to natural anti inflammatory options to alleviate their arthritis pain.

One of the easiest ways to alleviate the pain and discomfort caused by arthritis and inflammation naturally (without the assistance of drugs) is to follow an anti inflammatory diet. This includes avoiding white flour, excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates. These diets also suggest incorporating more produce (fruit and vegetables) and lean meat (fish and chicken) into your diet and limiting the amount of processed or packaged foods that you consume.

Diets rich in omega-3 fatty oils - found in many type of nuts, fatty/oily fish, and pumpkin seeds - are a great way to alleviate some of the inflammation discomfort naturally.

Additionally, when following an anti inflammatory diet, it's important to ensure that the body receives an adequate amount of water to keep it hydrated. Hydration will help lubricate joints and reduce some of the pain caused from inflammation.

There are other natural anti inflammatory solutions that have also proven successful in many people who've had a less-than-ideal experience with prescription or over the counter anti inflammatory drugs.

Certain herbs - including turmeric, rosemary and ginger have all shown to consist of natural anti inflammatory qualities. Similarly, many vitamins, including A and E can decrease the pain and inflammation in arthritis sufferers, as well as the sulfur derivative, MSM.

Anti inflammatory drugs may be successful at temporarily relieving some of the pain and inflammation caused by arthritis. However, they will not correct the underlying cause of the inflammation that exists within the body.

By substituting drugs with natural treatments - including following an anti inflammatory diet - the body will be nourished with nutrients, vitamins and other herbs that it may be missing.

Take a positive step in improving your health and your arthritis symptoms & educate yourself about the benefits of natural anti inflammatory agents and begin to relieve your arthritis naturally.

http://www.joint-pain.com/natural-anti-inflammatory.html