Find Out Why the Aging Population is Turning to Natural Remedies for Arthritis
Published: October 15, 2009
In the past, those who have had arthritis have been traditionally told to take NSAIDs, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for pain relief. However, there are more and more reports of the dangerous side effects caused by taking NSAIDs for arthritis pain. These include heart problems that have brought the drugs to the attention of both the medical community as well as consumers. For this reason, many in the aging population are looking for more natural ways to cure the inflammation and pain that go along with arthritis.
According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, 20 percent of Americans will be affected with osteoarthritis. This causes a breakdown of the cartilage and causes the bones to rub against the joints unprotected. This contact can cause inflammation as well as pain, usually around the joints. As an increasing number of people begin to get towards the age when this disease strikes, which is around the age of 65, and the reports of the negative aspects of NSAIDs are continually exposed, an increasing number of people are looking for natural ways to eliminate their pain and inflammation.
According to the National Center for Health Statistics as well as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, glucosamine and fish oil can be alternates when it comes to providing relief for inflammation and pain. While there are many health benefits related to Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oils, one of the most commonly overlooked benefit is that it is an excellent way to treat pain from inflammation, such as that which is caused by arthritis. In addition to providing pain relief, it can also help keep cholesterol in line as well as protect against heart disease as well as some cancers.
According to a study at Mintel, 25 percent of those who suffer from arthritis are turning to natural remedies to treat their condition instead of the NSAIDs. Over the counter drugs are used by 60 percent of those who are trying to treat their pain while the rest are using prescription drugs. The numbers, however, of those who are using natural remedies to treat their arthritis pain and inflammation are continuing to rise. As more details emerge about the dangers of NSAIDs, as well as information provided to the medical community, the numbers of those who are using natural health remedies to treat the pain and inflammation from arthritis is expected to rise.
Contrary to what many people think, doctors are also advising patients to try natural remedies instead of traditional remedies for pain relief. Most doctors are aware of the health benefits of products like Omega-3 fish oil and encourage patients to try this before writing a prescription.
The trend towards using natural remedies that have been used for centuries to treat inflammation and pain is one that will continue to grow . . . and for good reason. Why not give it a whirl? On IH, we've reviewed a natural supplement for arthritis called Arthri-Zen. You can
read the product review here, or learn more about it and
purchase Arthri-Zen here.