Alternative solutions for Inflammation and Joint Pain.

Last week I only got around to 4 supplements:

1. Probiotic

2. Fish Oil

3. Bee Pollen

4. Multi-vitamin

These are my top 4 that I never do without. As long as I have these then I feel that my health is well balanced and my immune system is strong. However, there are other supplements that I love and take regularly as long they fit into our budget. ;)

Since I've been on the subject of back pain, I'll start with Glucosamine. I started taking this again recently when I started having bone and joint pain from running. After one month...pain in knees...gone. Pain in back...not so much. But I believe my back pain stems from muscular tightness. My muscles get so tight they feel like "twizzlers" as a massage therapist once told me. Anyway, I use Replenex, which is also a supplement I get from Melaleuca (my online health store), but you can find some at your local health store. Just do your research.

Here's more info on Replenex

Replenex contains a variety of ingredients that help with rebuilding joints and giving them the protection that they need. Glucosamine, a known joint support ingredient, is used along with green tea, ginger, and bromelain to create healthier joints throughout the body and reduce pain and inflammation associated with injury, age, and other issues.

Speaking of Bromelain....I want to address another topic. INFLAMMATION

How many of you pop ibuprofen like it's

 candy? Does this sound like you?

If you'd like an alternative solution, try a supplement that contains both Bromelain and Turmeric. 

What is Bromelain?

Bromelain is a pineapple extract thought to be effective for reducing swelling (inflammation), especially of the nose and sinuses, after surgery or injury. It may also be used for a variety of other effects that remain scientifically unconfirmed and not authorized by regulatory authorities like the Food and Drug Administration. These may include: hay fever, treating a bowel condition that includes swelling and ulcersulcerative colitis, removing dead and damaged tissue after a burn debridement, preventing the collection of water in the lung pulmonary edema, relaxing muscles, stimulating muscle contractions, slowing clotting, improving the absorption of antibiotics, preventing cancer, shortening labor, and helping the body get rid of fat. Bromelain also contains chemicals that might interfere with the growth of tumor cells and slow blood clotting, according to laboratory research only.

What is Turmeric?

A Potent, Yet Safe Anti-Inflammatory

The volatile oil fraction of turmeric has demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in a variety of experimental models. Even more potent than its volatile oil is the yellow or orange pigment of turmeric, which is called curcumin. Curcumin is thought to be the primary pharmacological agent in turmeric. In numerous studies, curcumin's anti-inflammatory effects have been shown to be comparable to the potent drugs hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone as well as over-the-counter anti-inflammatory agents such as Motrin. Unlike the drugs, which are associated with significant toxic effects (ulcer formation, decreased white blood cell count, intestinal bleeding), curcumin produces no toxicity.

Here is another list of benefits I found on turmeric from the following website 
http://agreenliving.net/the-top-ten-health-benefits-of-turmeric/

The Top Ten Health Benefits of Turmeric

Posted by Green Life Staff

Turmeric is a distinctive yellow-orange spice used as flavoring for ethnic dishes like Indian curry.   Furthermore, research has shown that it is not just a spice for providing pizzazz to food but it also possesses health benefits.  And since it comes in powder form, it can easily be consumed either as supplements or as addition to cooked food.
Curcuminoids, which are the active ingredients in turmeric, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, thus, making them useful in both prevention and intervention.  Other properties that continue to be discovered include antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, antimutagen and anticancer.
1. Inflammation of the Joints
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can significantly reduce the pain felt by rheumatoid arthritis patients.  Keep in mind that the pain can be attributed to the inflammation of the joints, the less inflammation, the less pain felt.
2. Flu Protection
It must be emphasized that turmeric is not a cure-all substitute for flu shots and staying healthy in flu prevention.  However, it possesses antiviral properties helpful in protecting against numerous flu strains, thus, preventing its replication in the body.
3. Promotion of Cardiovascular Health
A clinical study has shown that turmeric lessens cholesterol levels as potently as Clofibrate.  Other studies have pointed to turmeric’s ability to lower triglycerides levels, too.  These findings point to the great potential of turmeric to promote cardiovascular health.
4. Fight Cancer
Preliminary studies on turmeric’s anticancer possibilities point to its ability to slow down the growth of certain types of tumors.  Plus, demographic research points to the observation that people living in areas where turmeric is a favored spice, like India, have the lowest cancer rates in the world.
5. Weight Loss and Weight Management
Turmeric promotes faster fat metabolism.  As such, it can be very helpful in the promotion of weight loss as well as in the maintenance of a healthy weight.  Said action is attributed to the increased flow of bile and, hence, to faster fat burning.  In fact, many weight loss supplements contain turmeric as an active ingredient.
6. Digestive System Protection
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric lessens the congestion and inflammation brought by stagnant mucous membranes in addition to stimulating gastric mucus production.  As such, it is very useful in people with irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, Crohn’s disease and diarrhea.  Even the itching that accompanies anal fissures and hemorrhoids can be significantly lessened by the consumption of turmeric.
7. Pain Reliever
Turmeric acts a natural pain reliever due to its antispasmodic properties, which means that it can smoothen the kinks in the muscles as well as reduce digestive and menstrual cramping.  This is good news for women suffering from dysmenorrheal cramps.
8. Faster Wound Healing
Due to its antiseptic properties, turmeric promotes faster wound healing.  Just apply to the affected area to generate the best results.
9. Protection against Asthma Attacks
If you have asthma, you can take turmeric supplements to strengthen your lungs against the onslaught of asthma attacks.
10. Blood Sugar Stabilization
Turmeric assists in stabilizing blood sugar levels especially in diabetics.
Again, turmeric works when you consume sufficient amounts of it.  Try adding turmeric to your grains and beans as well as oatmeal, take digestive bitters or take supplements.
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Another supplement I love and probably should be taking right now is 

a combination of the two:  
Turmeric and Bromelain

Together these have amazing health benefits if you're struggling with inflammation, and there are no toxic side effects! BONUS! Consuming too much ibuprofen over time can cause damage to the liver and kidneys and cause GI problems like stomach bleeding. NO good. 

I'm up for an alternative. How about you?

Since I'm suffering from inflammation in my back, I might have to kick the bucket on another supplement this month and give this supplement combo a shot. I love being a guinnea pig in the name of healing! haha
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Interestingly enough....since I am learning more about the Bloodtype Diet, B bloodtype has a tendency toward inflammatory diseases and puffy type arthritis. Hmmmm. Coincidence? Not certain. BUT, I think that about 6 weeks on the bloodtype diet along with a turmeric/bromelain combo will be very telling.


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For those of you who are interested in natural remedies to replace your current over the counter pain medicines, do your research. There are a lot of other options out there.


Ok! Have a fantastic Day. It's Veteran's Day weekend and my husband isn't on duty so I might get an extra large dose of complete familial time for 4 days straight. 
Praise the LORD!!!