Natural supplements for aches and pains
It is a fact of life that physical pain becomes more prominent with each passing year. Old injuries combine with daily wear and tear, and resulting pain and inflammation may occur randomly or chronically. And as we get older, the body is slower to repair the damage in these inflamed areas.
Many become reliant on NSAIDs, which can wreak havoc in the body, particularly in the gut. NSAIDs are almost as bad as antibiotics for disrupting the microbiome, and have been associated with reflux, diarrhea, cramping and ulcers.
Vitamins and herbs can combine for pain-relieving effects similar to NSAIDs. Some of the most common pain-relieving herbs include white willow bark, ginger, curcumin, boswellia and bromelain. These herbs help inhibit inflammation and expedite the healing process.
Here are some of my favorite natural options for relief of pain and inflammation:
Phytoprofen (Thorne): This supplement combines boswellia, ginger, bromelain and curcumin to help minimize swelling and bruising and promote healing.
SPMs (various brands): Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators are produced by the body to help “clean up” inflammation. Since the body often cannot produce enough on its own, SPM supplements can help resolve pain from injuries or everyday wear and tear.
OsteoVantiv (Metagenics): This combination of magnesium, cartilage and acids can help comfort sore joints and improve flexibility, particularly after exercise.
Fish oils (various brands): Adequate levels (2000 mg) of EPA+DHA help reduce inflammation in the body.
Collagen (various brands): Collagen comes in forms including liquid, powder, capsules and gummies. Collagen helps support bones and ligaments, and is seen by some as a “fountain of youth” when it comes to maintaining physical health.
Zyflamend (New Chapter): This supplement has rosemary, turmeric, holy basil, ginger, oregano, skullcap and Chinese herbs to help reduce pain and inflammation and promote joint health. The combination is meant to work together for maximum effectiveness. (There is also a nighttime formula that includes valerian, lemon balm, chamomile and hops.)
Arthomed (EuroMedica): This combines boswellia, curcumin and devil’s claw to help support cartilage and optimize comfort and mobility in the joints and spine.
Traumeel (MediNatura): Traumeel can be used for pain relief from injuries or joint and muscular pain. It contains several herbs, and was used for prescription injections before it became available over-the-counter. It is also available in topical form.
Ache Action (Protocol for Life Balance): This supplement combines boswellia, white willow bark and ginger to help relieve aches and pains and promote joint function and mobility.
Vitamin D with K (various brands): Vitamin D is essential to maintaining strong bones and reducing inflammation. Vitamin K helps ensure that Vitamin D is absorbed properly and is known to help support bones.
Magnesium (various brands): Magnesium helps support bones and is known to relieve cramps. Epsom salts in the bath or oral supplementation (i.e magnesium glycinate) are options to add extra magnesium.
Calcium (various brands): Calcium is widely known as a necessity for building strong bones, but it is also important to muscle and nerve function.
As with all supplements, it is advised to consult with your doctor, and start one at a time and build up to recommended amounts slowly. All of the above supplements are available on my Wellevate site at 25% off.
