Mother nature certainly moves in mysterious ways. As recently as a few years ago, mainstream medicine would have dismissed the idea that arthritis and inflammation symptoms could be managed by diet… yet recent advances in nutritional science have revealed some amazing new evidence, suggesting more than a passing connection between certain foods, joint pain and inflammation.

That’s great news for the millions looking for an alternative to prescription and over the counter drugs to manage arthritis, joint pain and inflammation. It’s truly as simple as making changes to your daily diet, to effectively manage and/or lessen your pain and inflammation without the nasty side effects of pharmaceutical medications.

Healthy omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA can also help manage arthritis symptoms by acting as a natural anti inflammatory. Omega-3 fats found in fatty fish (for example salmon, mackerel and sardines), nuts and green leafy vegetables are clinically proven to relieve joint pain and stiffness associated with rheumatoid arthritis. However, there is a flip side to this pillow. Omega-6 fats such as arachidonic acid, found in animal foods, are actually known to increase inflammation and pain by activating inflammatory pathways in the body. On top of that, the modern North American diet contains an imbalanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fats which is linked to many chronic diseases including arthritis. Consequently, animal products such as milk and dairy should be limited in any diet, in particular people suffering from chronic pain and/or inflammation.

Citrus fruits contain a special group of anti-inflammatory compounds called polymethoxylated flavonoids. Flavonoids are a group of more than 4000 antioxidant compounds that give fruits and vegetables their color. The flavonoid compounds found in citrus fruits, for example tangeretin, sinensetin, and nobiletin also have anti-inflammatory effects. Nobiletin in particular is an exciting new discovery in natural arthritis treatments, as it also reduces cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In fact, this substance is so potent that its therapeutic effects rival prescription arthritis drugs such as corticosteroids.

In addition to your diet, there are many natural supplements that help to reduce arthritis symptoms; the most common are green shell mussel, glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. Chondroitin belongs to a group of compounds called glysaminoglycans (GAGs) which are an essential component of cartilage. Glucosamine is vital for the production of GAGs and other compounds that make up cartilage. Both glucosamine and chondroitin are believed to protect the body against cartilage breakdown, help to maintain and rebuild healthy joints and reduce pain due to arthritis. However, although these products are big sellers, recent studies have questioned their effectiveness in managing arthritis symptoms. One ingredient that has proven itself in worldwide clinical studies time after time, is Green Shell Mussel Oil which actually down regulates the inflammatory response.

By using natural joint supplements in concert with a diet containing anti-inflammatory foods, your body is obtaining the correct nutrients to combat the root causes of joint pain: inflammation and cartilage breakdown. Together these recommendations are a safe and effective combination to help combat the painful symptoms of joint pain, arthritis and chronic inflammation.