If you’re one of the 46.9 million Americans struggling with joint discomfort due to arthritis, you know that mainstream solutions for pain relief might work but they also come with a hefty load of potentially serious risks. So if you’re wondering whether there are any natural ways to deal with your pain without risking your life in the process you’re not alone.
The good news, however, is that there are several safe and effective nutrients available that will help reduce discomfort and improve mobility.
DL-phenylalanine is both an amino acid precursor of L-tyrosine, plus the D-form inhibits the breakdown of enkephalins, which are key neurotransmitters in the endogenous analgesia system (EAS)-your body’s internal pain-blocking center. Given this unique ability, it’s no surprise that clinical research on chronic pain patients shows that positive response rates double with DL-phenylalanine supplementation.1
Cooling inflammation is another key aspect-and for that, you won’t find a stronger natural ally than turmeric (Curcuma longa). This antioxidant powerhouse inhibits key inflammatory enzymes-including cyclooxygenase (COX), lipoxygenase (LOX) and the inducible nitric oxide synthetase (iNOS)-on the molecular level.2-3 Animal studies have shown that turmeric can inhibit joint inflammation and the erosion of bone in models of rheumatoid arthritis-while preliminary research also reveals that it may offer crucial protection against other inflammation-related disorders, including psoriasis, high cholesterol, and inflammatory bowel disease.4-5
Boswellia serrata is another effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb, with a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine. Like turmeric, clinical trials show that its applications are wide-ranging, from gastrointestinal support to lung and joint health.6 In fact, one placebo-controlled study showed that patients with osteoarthritis of the knee all reported significant improvements in pain, swelling, flexibility and walking distance after just eight weeks of Boswellia supplementation.7
Finally, there’s nattokinase-a proteolytic enzyme derived from the Japanese superfood natto.8 Not only can enzyme therapy with nattokinase inhibit the inflammatory cascade and speed up healing time, this enzyme also has a direct influence on key receptors linked to chronic pain.9 What’s more, nattokinase demonstrates potent fibrinolytic activity, too. Animal studies show that it can prevent and reverse damage (including clot formation and blood vessel wall thickening) resulting from inflammation and injury within the cardiovascular system.10-12
The bottom line: When it comes to natural, risk-free relief, you have several powerful options to choose from. And you can find them all in a single formula called Back in Action – available now through Vitamin Research Products.
References:
1. Walsh NE, Ramamurthy S, Schoenfeld L, et al. Analgesic effectiveness of D-phenylalanine in chronic pain patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1986 Jul;67(7):436-439.
2. Menon VP, Sudheer AR. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:105-125.
3. Rao CV. Regulation of COX and LOX by curcumin. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:213-26.
4. Funk JL, Frye JB, Oyarzo JN, et al. Efficacy and mechanism of action of turmeric supplements in the treatment of experimental arthritis. Arthritis Rheum. 2006 Nov;54(11):3452-3464.
5. Hsu CH, Cheng AL. Clinical studies with curcumin. Adv Exp Med Biol. 2007;595:471-480.
6. Ammon HP. Boswellic acids (components of frankincense) as the active principle in treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases [in German]. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2002;152(15-16):373-378.
7. Kimmatkar N, Thawani V, Hingorani L, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of Boswellia serrata extract in treatment of osteoarthritis of knee–a randomized double blind placebo controlled trial. Phytomedicine. 2003 Jan;10(1):3-7.
8. Sumi H, Hamada H, Tsushima H, et al. A novel fibrinolytic enzyme (nattokinase) in the vegetable cheese natto; a typical and popular soybean food in the Japanese diet. Experientia. 1987;43:1110-1111. 56-67.
9. Klein G, Kullich W. Reducing pain by oral enzyme therapy in rheumatic diseases. Wien Med Wochenschr. 1999;149(21-22):577-580.
10. Urano T, Ihara H, Umemura K, et al. The profibrinolytic enzyme subtilisin NAT purified from Bacillus subtilis Cleaves and inactivates plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1. J Biol Chem. 2001 Jul 6;276(27):24690-24696.
11. Fujita M, Hong K, Ito Y, et al. Thrombolytic effect of nattokinase on a chemically induced thrombosis model in rat. Biol Pharm Bull. 1995 Oct;18(10):1387-1391.
12. Suzuki Y, Kondo K, Ichise H, et al. Dietary supplementation with fermented soybeans suppresses intimal thickening. Nutrition. 2003 Mar;19(3):261-264.
