Health and Fitness Review

Recently some of the biggest health news has been regarding the dangers involving the Cox-2 inhibitors such as Vioxx, Bextra, Celebrex and non-steroidal anti inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as Aleve, which have been shown to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Out of curiosity, I attended a seminar last week given by a local doctor who discussed joint pain, medication safety and alternative options to aid in healing.

He provided a detailed scientific overview of the research regarding the pharmaceutical issues and where we stand regarding those medications. He made two really important points (or at least the one’s that I picked up on):

Naturally occurring supplements glucosamine and chondroitin are AS effective in relieving joint pain as the Cox-2 inhibitors, and Exercise and proper diet are the most important methods to alleviate joint pain, moreso than medications.

So why use medications when we have alternatives that are obviously safer and just as effective? Because popping a pill is easier than exercise, isn’t it? See the human body, unlike a machine, actually grows in response to stimulus such as work. Without work, it quickly begins to degenerate and pain ensues.

Now, let me tell you that I am certainly not a rheumatologist nor an expert in joint pain or arthritis. But I have dealt with it my entire career as a coach and an athlete. Almost every athlete (including myself) experiences joint- related pain from an injury or overuse symptoms, and it’s not uncommon for non-athletes to experience joint pain as well. In fact, recent research found that 85% of Americans experience some sort of joint related pain.

Even though the FDA has allowed the return of such products on the market (such as Vioxx), the understandable fear has sent throngs of customers to our store to seek safer alternatives.

Here are some well researched and effective alternatives that you can find at our store, Nutritec as well as other health-type stores:

Glucosamine Chondroitin - Both glucosamine and chondroitin are naturally occurring substrates within joints that provide the base on which rebuilding these tissues occurs. MSM - research has not shown that MSM is necessarily that effective and may have some side effects. The jury is still out on this one. Omega-3 Fats - use fish oil capsules or flax seed oils. Since joint pain is an inflammatory response to exercise or age related issues, omega-3 fats are one of the most effective anti-inflammatories as well as a potent heart protector. Hyaluronic Acid - a component of connective tissue that is widely distributed throughout the body and plays an important role in joint function Enzymes - I got a note last week from a reader named Susan in Mississippi who wrote: I broke my collarbone in a spill off my bike in August and apparently tore my labrum at the same time– although the labrum injury wasn’t diagnosed til months later. I was taking Bextra for the pain when I read an article about proteolytic enzymes. Long story short: They work for me as well as the prescription meds and I don’t have to worry about side effects. The brand I take is Wobenzyme, which is made in Germany and has been extensively studied there. label instructions say take 3 tablets 3X a day, but the article I read said take 5 tablets 3X a day, so that’s what I’ve been doing.

So there you go. A little bit about the little bit that I know about joint pain and natural remedies. With the known medication risks, the solutions lie in intelligent exercise (that I DO know about), proper diet (I know a little about that too) and the use of natural anti-inflammatories.

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Have a great week!