How to Use Natural Supplements to Treat Arthritis

Arthritis sufferers have been using natural supplements for decades to treat this debilitating disease. The most common reason for turning to natural supplements is the widespread concern over harsh conventional medications and the devastating side effects they can cause. While most natural treatments have not been scientifically tested for their efficacy, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence supporting their use. If you are looking for a new way to treat arthritis, you may want to learn how to use natural supplements.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Glucosamine powder, pills or liquid
• Enzyme pills or tablets
• Ginger or curcumin
• Vitamin D
• Tea
• Omega-3 fatty acids

1. Take anti-inflammatory compounds, such as ginger and curcuminutes. These can be taken in a capsule, as a tea or as a tincture. Follow the dosing guidelines on the package.
2. Use an Omega-3 fatty acid supplement. Omega-3 fatty acids are potent anti-inflammatories and also provide much needed joint lubrication. Flax seed oil, cod liver oil, borage seed oil and krill oil are all excellent sources of Omega-3. You can take these oils in pill form, add them to a salad or smoothie or swallow them straight from a spoon.
3. Load up on glucosamine. This is found in many natural treatments for arthritis. It rebuilds cartilage that's been lost to the inflammation process and through wear and tear. Take it in powder, pill or liquid form, and follow the dosing directions on the package.
4. Take your enzymes. Not only do enzymes help you digest your food, but they are also powerful anti-inflammatory agents. You can purchase dietary enzymes in pill or chewable tablet form at your local health food store.
5. Get plenty of Vitamin D. A lack of Vitamin D has recently been implicated in the development of rheumatoid arthritis. You can get natural Vitamin D by spending at least 10 minutes each day out in the sun. If this is impossible for you, buy Vitamin D supplements at your local health food store, and follow the dosing directions on the package.
6. Drink your tea. Green tea has strong anti-inflammatory compounds that can be beneficial to people with arthritis. Black, red and white teas are also chock full of these powerful free radical fighters. If you don't care for the taste of tea, you can get tea extract in tincture form and put a few drops in a glass of water each day.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't expect instant results from your supplements. It took you years to develop arthritis and any natural supplements will take a while to start working. Start looking for noticeable benefits within two weeks to three months of starting your supplement regimen.