Arthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints of the body. It may be due to joint injuries, damage to the cartilage, being overaged, deficiency of calcium and vitamin D, and being overweight.

Cartilage is the main type of connective tissue which is present in our joints between the bones, spine, lungs, ears, and nose. It performs a variety of functions, mainly providing flexibility to the joints. It serves as a protective cushion at the ends of bones to provide flexibility.

Cartilage is a unique tissue in the sense that it doesn’t have blood vessels or nerves. Instead, cartilage cells are found in a gel-like matrix. This unique structure of cartilage makes it stronger yet flexible. When cartilage in the joint is healthy, the fluid present in it effectively allows joints to move freely and protects them against weight-bearing stresses. 

Types of Arthritis

1.    Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis which is affecting millions of people worldwide. It develops when the cartilage starts getting damaged over time which results in swelling and stiffness of joints and ultimately the loss of ability to move freely.

In osteoarthritis, any joint can get damaged but mostly, hands, knees, hips, and spine are affected. Osteoarthritis symptoms can be managed by taking an anti-inflammatory diet, dietary supplements, and medications.

2.    Rheumatoid arthritis

It is an autoimmune disease, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells, especially, joint cells, and causes the inflammation of the joints. Due to this reason, the lining of joints becomes inflamed and swollen. As the disease processes, it causes the breakdown of cartilage and bone within the joint and hence, decreases the ability of joints to move comfortably. 

Signs and Symptoms of Arthritis

•    Joint pain 

•    Stiffness in more than one joint

•    Redness of joints 

•    Tenderness and swelling of joints

•    Fever

•    Fatigue or tiredness

•    Weakness

What are the Risk Factors of Developing Arthritis?

These are the important factors that can increase the risk of arthritis such as; 

i.    Older age, the risk of arthritis increases with age due to the loss of synovial fluid which is important for the movement of joints. 

ii.   Obesity is a major risk factor that should be monitored carefully. Because increased weight adds stress on weight-bearing joints, such as hips and knees. Also, some proteins are produced by the fat tissue that causes inflammation in and around the joints.

iii.   Joint injuries are also important to consider because getting injured while playing or facing an accident, can cause the fracture of joints and ultimately lower cartilage in them.  

iv.   Genetics, as sometimes, arthritis runs in families, so the chances of getting arthritis increase if a family member is already suffering from it.

Tips to Reduce the Risk of Arthritis

1.    Anti-inflammatory Diet

How does an anti-inflammatory diet help manage arthritis? 

The omega-3 fatty acids and phytonutrients present in the diet have anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation.

Anti-inflammatory Diet includes;

•    Turmeric 

•    Olive oil

•    Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach

•    Nuts like almonds and walnuts

•    Fatty fish like salmon

•    Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, cherries, and oranges

Make sure to add an anti-inflammatory diet to your routine to reduce the risk of developing arthritis. Foods that cause inflammation such as refined carbohydrates, fried foods, red meat, sugar-sweetened beverages, and margarine should be avoided to prevent the inflammation.

2.    Supplemental Aid

How Do Supplements Help with Arthritis? Supplements contain active ingredients which act as antioxidants to reduce the oxidative stress in the body and improve immunity. They also have anti-inflammatory properties to reduce inflammation. 

I.    Turmeric Curcumin

Nutrifactor’s Turmeric contains 500 mg of turmeric extract. Curcumin, an active ingredient present in this supplement is very efficient in decreasing inflammation and pain in joints.

Curcumin acts as an excellent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals which cause damage to the cells. In addition, it is also evident from the studies that curcumin performs its antioxidation activity by blocking the action of free radicals and stimulating the activity of other antioxidants. Adding one capsule of Turmeric Curcumin to the diet will help reduce the symptoms of arthritis.

II.    Jointin-D

Nutrifactor’s Jointin-D supplement is specifically designed for joint support. It contains five crucial nutrients including, Glucosamine HCl and Chondroitin Sulfate which help to move joints comfortably by providing support to the joint structure and cartilage formation.

It also helps with improving joint flexibility, lubrication, and mobility and stimulates cells to build cartilage. Taking 2-3 tablets of Jointin-D daily may help with improving joint mobility and flexibility. 

III.    Morganica

Nutrifactor’s Morganica is a natural herbal supplement that contains a vital extract derived from the leaves of Moringa oleifera. Moringa extract is packed with antioxidants and health-promoting phytonutrients. 

It supports the body’s defense system against oxidative stress and boosts immune health. The anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties of Morganica make it a wonderful supplement for rheumatoid arthritis to reduce joint pain and inflammation. 

Moringa herb is also rich in vitamin A, B, and C, Iron & Potassium, and proteins containing essential amino acids, which are also good for general health and wellness. Adding one capsule daily to the diet can be a good dietary modification to improve overall health, especially, to reduce the risk of arthritis.

References:

•    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350772#

•    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/quercetin#

•    https://www.healthline.com/health/cartilage

•    https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323614

•    https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/foods-that-fight-inflammation#