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Living with arthritis or indeed, any form of chronic inflammation can be quite disconcerting and disruptive to one’s life.

Arthritis is an autoimmune and sometimes degenerative  condition, meaning that the symptoms generally worsen over time, characterized by inflammatory flares and typically running a chronic clinical course.

It is imperative therefore, to take very good care of yourself in order to as much as possible, relieve the pain, improve function, as well as successfully cope with the associated difficult emotions.

As a matter of fact, for people living with arthritis, experts recommend not only medication, but also non-drug treatments. Some of these methods include:

          1.) Dietary Modifications

          2.) Weight Loss

          3.) Physical Therapy

          4.) Complementary Therapies (like acupuncture, hot and cold therapy massage, etc.)

Of the recommended dietary changes, one which comes strongly recommended is turmeric (Curcuma longa).

Turmeric is a herb that has been in use for long in Ayurvedic medicine, which is a traditional system of treatment in India.

It predominantly contains curcuminoids, a class of compounds which may be of help in reducing pain from arthritis, as also improve cholesterol levels, and regulate blood sugar levels, among other benefits.

Research suggests that turmeric and its components are potentially able to alleviate arthritis inflammation and pain. [1][2]

Several studies suggest that curcumin may provide relief for some individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory arthritic conditions. [3][4]

The drawback may be in the fact that Curcumin accounts for only about 3-5% of turmeric, which means that the individual with arthritis would need to ingest more of it than is available in the regular diet, hence the recommendation for dietary supplementation (95% Curcumin Extract is the standard).

These Curcumin supplements usually comprise of curcumin (diferuloylmethane), and other chemicals which are found naturally in turmeric, including demethoxycurcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin, and these compounds are believed to possess potent anti-inflammatory properties.

How 95% Curcumin Extract Helps To Fight Inflammation:

A lot of studies have been cited which support the anti inflammatory effects of Curcumin. So how does it work?

          1. Curcumin Is An Antioxidant

Researchers suspect that certain types of inflammatory tissue injury including painful arthritis inflammation, are mediated by reactive free radicals in the body.  These free radicals lead to oxidative stress, which is also linked to inflammation. Therefore, foods like turmeric which are rich in antioxidants are great for neutralizing free radicals.

          2. Curcumin Acts As A TNF-Inhibitor

TNF is a protein produced by the immune system which contributes to inflammation. Curcumin may help to suppress the body’s response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF). [5] Research is still ongoing regarding Curcumin’s role in inhibiting TNF as this is as yet, not fully understood.

          3. Curcumin Acts As A COX Inhibitor

Typical drugs used in pain relief such as ibuprofen, (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) act by blocking the effects of COX-2 enzymes which influence inflammation that can result in pain. Curcumin posesses the chemical properties of a COX inhibitor and is able to provide reasonable pain relief. [6]

5 Ingredients To Pair With Curcumin Extract To Blast Away Arthritis Pain:

As much as curcumin holds a lot of promise as a therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of several disorders, its major drawback is its poor bioavailability, majorly due to its poor absorption, chemical instability, rapid metabolism, and rapid systemic elimination. [7]

Therefore, efforts have been made to enhance its efficacy by increasing the bioavailability. This is achieved through pairing it with other ingredients.

Some of these include:

          1. BioPerine

Bioperine is a patented extract from black pepper which is standardized to contain 95% of piperine.

Consuming  curcumin with piperine enhances the absorption of curcumin by up to 2,000%, by inhibiting a reaction in the body which eliminates curcuminoids. [8]

The best and very effective curcumin supplements there are, usually contain piperine.

          2. Boswellia Serrata

Combining Curcumin with Boswellic acids which are gotten from the Boswellia Serrata plant gum is another way to enhance the bioavailability through increasing the absorption of the active components of the herb, as it makes it water and lipid soluble.

This increase can be up to 185 times compared to standard extracts. [9]

          3. AstraGin

AstraGin is a patented, completely natural plant extract which enhances absorption of nutrients, and promotes a healthy gut environment.

Consuming curcumin supplements together with an absorption-boosting supplement like AstraGin® has been shown to boost its uptake by up to 90% with no side effects.

          4. Meriva

Curcumin is better absorbed when taken with a high fat meal.

Meriva is a patented formulation of turmeric extract with lecithin, which is a type of fat that has been shown to improve curcumin absorption in humans by up to 29 times, compared to other extracts. [10]

This type of fat is also found in foods such as soybeans and eggs.

          5. Fenugreek

Curcumin’s absorption and efficiency is also enhanced when taken with a high fibre nutrient like Fenugreek seeds.

There is a type of fiber from fenugreek seeds known as galactomannans, which improve the absorption of curcuminoids. [11][12]

This combination allows slow absorption of the colloidal curcuminoids as they are released into the intestines, thereby delivering the greatest amounts of ‘free curcuminoids’ to the blood-stream.

The Bottom Line:

Turmeric is a potent herb that may be beneficial for inflammation arthritis and other conditions. Due to its poor bioavailability, it’s best taken together with ingredients that enhance its bioavailability and efficacy.

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References:

1.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25634758/

2.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16562833/

3.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24853120/

4.) http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92752/

5.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3753829/

6.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11566484/

7.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17999464/

8.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3918523/

9.)https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326181864_Bioavailable_curcumin_formulations_A_review_of_pharmacokinetic_studies_in_healthy_volunteers

10.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21413691/

11.) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464612000059

12.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27043120/

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Why Does Bioavailability Matter?

Curcumin is a yellow colored substance primarily extracted from turmeric to produce supplements which are highly potent when compared to turmeric alone. Curcumin has been very well-acknowledged for its anti-inflammatory properties as well as its use in chronic diseases such as arthritis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

However, it has quite poor absorption when taken alone. In this article we will discuss curcumin’s potential benefits and how its bioavailability can be enhanced using combination ingredients such as BioPerine, AstraGin, and Omega 369.

How Bioperine, Astragin & Omega Oil Enhance Curcumin Bioavailability:

These three ingredients when combined together along with curcumin, will result in the curcumin being significantly absorbed and bioavailable, dramatically increasing its efficacy and potential health benefits.

          BioPerine:

It is an extract obtained from black pepper, and it has extensively been used to enhance curcumin’s bioavailability for many years now. According to the research, it has been proven that bioperine enhances curcumin’s bioavailability by increasing its absoption through intestinal lining. This is done by stimulating transporter amino acids which are present along the intestine. [1]

          Astragin:

Astragin is a natural plant extract and Omega is a fish oil extract. They both have been used to enhance curcumin’s absoption through the gut. Astragin up-regulates mRNA and certain amino acids which are involved in up-taking curcumin extract.

          Omega 3-6-9:

Fatty acids aid in curcumin’s absorption during the digestion process. Curcumin gets absorbed efficiently in the presence of Omega oil because of its fat soluble properties.

5 Potential Health Benefits of Curcumin When Combined with Bioperine, Astragin, & Omega Oil:

          1.) Relieves Joint Pain:

Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, curcumin has been very well known for its beneficial effects in the treatment of the diseases mainly involving joints, such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic sport injuries, or osteoarthritis. A research conducted in this regard shows that patients who took curcumin supplement two times a day for roughly 8 weeks period, noticed a significant improvement in joint pain and tenderness, compared to those who took one or more anti-inflammatory prescribed medicines. [2]

          2.) Improvement In Depression Symptoms:

According to the research, there have been promising benefits of all-natural curcumin extracts in patients with pre-existing depressive disorder [3]. Since lower blood levels of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) are associated with depression, the BDNF levels, as well as BDNF symptoms, were significantly improved in people that took a curcumin supplement once a day at least for 6 weeks. This improvement was parallel to those who took prescribed antidepressants. In this scenario, curcumin has been thought to increase blood BDNF levels.

          3.) Protective Effects Against Cardiovascular Diseases:

It has been well-documented that curcumin provides cardiovascular benefits [4]. Since oxidative stress and chronic inflammation are the culprits in the development of heart disease, curcumin’s strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties protect your heart and vascular system from debilitating diseases.

          4.) Protective Against Cancer:

Cancer is one of the most debilitating diseases, caused by uncontrolled growth of cells. Not only is curcumin capable of killing cancer cells, but it can also effectively stop the active growth of those cells, according to several studies. [5]

  5.) A Strong Antioxidant:

Several infections and diseases are thought to be caused by oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is a widespread destructive phenomenon caused by free radicals which attack your body systems, making them vulnerable for infections and diseases. Curcumin may protect your body systems against free radicals through its strong antioxidant property. [6]

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References:

1.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/

2.) https://www.rheumaterx.com/assets/pdfs/cs-curcumin.pdf

3.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23832433

4.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19233493/

5.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2758121/

6.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569207

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The Science Behind Omega 3-6-9:

In unsaturated fatty acids, omega-3, omega-6, omega-9 indicates where a double bond is present in a molecule. From the methyl end of the molecule, it refers to the position of the double bond. Thus, oleic acid having double bond 9 carbons from methyl end is omega 9. Similarly, linoleic acid is an omega 6 and alpha-linolenic acid an omega 3. Omega 3 and omega 6 are termed as essential fatty acids while omega 9 is a ‘conditionally essential’ fatty acid, which means it could be prepared in the body if other fatty acids are taken properly in the diet. [1][2]

These fatty acids are of beneficial value, if taken daily, in many ways.

8 Benefits of Taking Daily Omega 3-6-9 Extract:

          1.) Cardiovascular Benefits:

Increased levels of these fatty acids (especially omega-3) in the body can prevent coronary heart diseases and decrease the ratio of blood clotting thus preventing heart attack and stroke. [3][4] It is often said that a fish a day keeps the cardiologist away, which can ultimately be linked to the consumption of omega 3 from fish. [5]

          2.) Pregnancy:

Getting enough fatty acids during pregnancy and eventually feeding the baby with fatty-acid enriched formula can have numerous benefits including increased IQ, decreased developmental delay, decreased ratio of autism, ADHD, and cerebral palsy. [6][7] Plus, these babies end up having better eyesight than those not having a formula enriched with fatty acids. [8]

          3.) Rheumatoid Arthritis Benefits:

An oil such as perilla oil enriched in omega-3 and other fatty acids can be helpful in rheumatoid arthritis and reduce the risk of upper GI hemorrhage. [9][10]

          4.) Cancer Benefits:

Studies in animals have shown omega-3 as a strong suppressor of cancer. But no strong human studies have shown to be promising. Low levels of conjugated linoleic acid (omega-6) in the diet are proved to be of cancer protection. This is shown in recent studies. [11]

          5.) Brain Health:

Giving omega-3 and omega-6, 3000 mg per day, with different multivitamins can be supplemented in children with learning and behavioral problems. [12] Omega-3 can also exert a protective effect in Parkinsons disease. [13]

          6.) Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Allergic:

By reducing inflammatory products like cytokines and eicosanoids, these PUFAs can reduce the inflammation. [14][15] By reducing the allergic mediators, this helps reduce allergic hypersensitivities in humans. In terms of lung functions, this effect can help treat or prevent asthma. [16][17][18]

          7.) Bone and Joint Health:

Osteoporosis and arthritis can affect the skeletal system, especially in people who are older. Taking essential fatty acids can improve this condition by interacting with calcium metabolism and thus reducing the risk of osteoporosis. [19][20] Some patients of arthritis have also reported improved grip strength and reduced joint pain by the use of these fatty acids. [21]

          8.) Menstrual Benefits:

A study suggests that supplementation of these fatty acids can lead to milder menstrual pain. [22] Another study even stated that supplementation with omega-3 can reduce the symptoms of dysmenorrhea in adolescents. [23]

These essential fatty acids are vital for your optimal health. Apart from your diet, many standardized supplement extracts are available, making it easy to ensure that you are getting all that you need to live a healthy life. Remember to contact your doctor before using any supplements.

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References:

1.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12442909/
2.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3989378/
3.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15132735/
4.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11935977/
5.) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3712371/
6.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12509593/
7.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17556695/
8.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24150114/
9.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14745168/
10.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10617994/
11.) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/088915759290037K?via%3Dihub
12.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17442823/
13.) Talbott SM, Hughes K (2006) Perilla seed oil (Perilla frutescens). In: The health professional’s guide to dietary supplements. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Baltimore, MD, pp 258–260
14.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16841861/
15.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15698426/
16.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9394679/
17.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15064542/
18.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15630183/
19.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9624425/
20.) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/17-health-benefits-of-omega-3#section14
21.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10377605/
22.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7588501/
23.) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8623866/

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Hyaluronic Acid: It’s Health Benefits

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is an essential component of the extracellular matrix and is found in the highest concentration in the joints, eyes, and skin [1]. Its main function is to retain water and keep body tissues hydrated. Its use in the medical field as a supplement has been growing, and hyaluronic acid is now available as oral supplements, injectable forms, eye drops, and topical serums.

Here are 6 Scientific Research-Based Benefits of HA:

          1.) Osteoarthritis

HA is an important component of the body’s synovial fluid and keeps the space between joints well lubricated, preventing them from grinding against each other.
Oral supplements of HA have also been found to decrease pain and significantly improve joint function in patients with knee osteoarthritis [2]. A meta-analysis also found that there is a real benefit from an intra-articular injection of HA in patients with knee osteoarthritis [3].

          2.) Aging Skin

Oral intake of HA was found to significantly increase skin hydration and elasticity, while reducing skin dryness and wrinkle depth [4].

          3.) Dry Eyes

HA used as tear substitute drops can change the tear environment and improve epithelial conditions of the ocular surface, thus preventing dry eyes [5]. It is also being used in various eye operations like cataract surgery.

          4.) Acid Reflux and Heartburn

HA may help protect the esophageal lining and soothe symptoms of heartburn in patients with acid reflux disease [6].

          5.) Speeds Wound Healing

HA may be beneficial in minimizing bacterial contamination of surgical wounds [7] and may help wounds heal faster.

          6.) Preserves Bone Strength

While its effects on human bone health have not been studied, studies in rats have shown oral HA inhibits bone resorption and increases bone density [1].

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References:

1.) Stancíková M, Svík K, Istok R, Rovenský J, Velebný V. The effects of hyaluronan on bone resorption and bone mineral density in a rat model of estrogen deficiency-induced osteopenia. Int J Tissue React. 2004;26(1-2):9-16.

2.) Nelson F, Zvirbulis R, Zonca B, Li K, Turner S, Pasierb M et al. Erratum to: The effects of an oral preparation containing hyaluronic acid (Oralvisc®) on obese knee osteoarthritis patients determined by pain, function, bradykinin, leptin, inflammatory cytokines, and heavy water analyses. 2020.

3.) Richette P, Chevalier X, Ea H, Eymard F, Henrotin Y, Ornetti P et al. Hyaluronan for knee osteoarthritis: an updated meta-analysis of trials with low risk of bias. 2020.

4.) Göllner I, Voss W, von Hehn U, Kammerer S. Ingestion of an Oral Hyaluronan Solution Improves Skin Hydration, Wrinkle Reduction, Elasticity, and Skin Roughness: Results of a Clinical Study. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine. 2017;22(4):816-823.

5.) Iester M, Orsoni G, Gamba G, Taffara M, Mangiafico P, Giuffrida S et al. Improvement of the ocular surface using hypotonic 0.4% hyaluronic acid drops in keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Eye. 2000;14(6):892-898.