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.

A little shameless marketing: Please visit my website (Click Here) an buy through my affiliate links. Just trying to earn a little extra cash through my website to help pay the bills. I appreciate your patronage.

Have a great week!

Walk out onto the street and grab a healthy 20 year old that has never lifted weights. Then call his grandfather to join him in the gym for a workout. Ask them to both lift 80% of their maximum ability, three times per week for 8 weeks. Know what’ll happen?

Well, Tufts University researchers wondered the same thing and discovered that they would both increase their strength the same exact percentage after 8 weeks. And that percentage increase was 300%!

What that means is that we never lose the ability to gain strength at any age!

So what about all those aches and pains that grandpa feels? Simple, we progress more slowly. Not because of his lack of ability or increased age, but only because of what he hasn’t done for so many years.

But that can be reversed fast.

Know what? I guarantee, we can fix almost any ache, pain, tightness or health problem in 12 weeks or less. Sound cocky? It’s not me. All the credit goes to those that use their muscles. I only teach it.

What type of program would we use? Probably the exact same one as I would use with a college student (keeping any limitations in mind). We would just start at a lower level and progress slowly.

Our bodies were created to move. If they don’t here is what we’ll lose over the decades:

Muscle Mass We lose 6.6 lbs of muscle mass per decade unless we use it. Ninety-five percent of lower back pain comes from lack of strength and/or flexibility.

Your Strength We lose significant neural adaptation over time. Up to 20-30% decrease in coordination simply by not exercising

Basal Metabolic Rate The body’s natural ability to burn fat drops drastically as we lose muscle.

Bodyfat percentage A decrease in 5-7% of your bodyfat can reduce the risk of a heart attack or stroke by 40-50%!

Aerobic Capacity Our hearts don’t have to get weaker as we age, nor do we have to lose the ability to pull oxygen from the bloodstream into the working muscles. Exercise and you can keep it all.

Blood Sugar Tolerance Type II diabetes should never happen. We allow it by abusing our cells’ receptor sites by overeating and not keeping our ‘exercising- hormones’ humming.

Cholesterol I have seen dramatic changes in cholesterol profiles, not because of medications but through simple exercise. Rising cholesterol levels are 100% within our control.

Blood Pressure Known as the “silent killer” since there are no symptoms, we can find a 34% decrease if we exercise within two quick months.

Bone Density Don’t be fooled into thinking that just taking calcium is enough. In fact, research at Tufts University found that exercise was far and away more effective in increasing bone mass density by 10- 20% at any age!

Use it or lose it. Age quickly or age gracefully, it’s your choice.

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