4 Dietary Changes That May Help Joint Pain

diet-changes-joint-pain

If you experience some degree of chronic joint pain, you aren’t alone. According to the CDC, around 54 million American adults – 22.7% of the adult population – have been diagnosed with chronic joint pain caused by arthritis (including rheumatoid), gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia.

Despite that number and the increase in the risk for joint pain that comes with aging, chronic joint pain does not have to derail your life. Whether you’re just beginning to experience occasional joint pain or deal with chronic joint pain due to one of the diagnoses above, there may be ways to manage and lessen the severity of joint pain. Along with working with your primary care physician as a first step, you can follow these four supportive lifestyles and dietary changes that may help joint pain.

4 Dietary Changes That May Help Joint Pain

While there are a number of medications (both prescription and OTC) that may be used to help joint pain, what we eat has a significant effect on inflammation and joint pain. Some studies demonstrate how foods, spices, and supplements have a measurable effect on inflammation and joint pain.

Here are some tips and dietary changes that may help your joint pain.

The Mediterranean Diet

Even if you don’t stick strictly to the Mediterranean diet, its key principles have a number of studied health benefits, many of which are similar to benefits attributed to using NSAID medications. Any diet that prioritizes plant-based whole foods and is free of refined foods has similar benefits.

The Mediterranean diet refers to a diet that incorporates the following:

  • Lots of low-glycemic fruits, vegetables, and legumes
  • Lots of unsaturated fats (particularly olive oil)
  • Modest amounts of alcohol (primarily wine)
  • Moderate to high levels of wild fish
  • Low levels of dairy and red meat

Eat More Fish and Fish Oil

Fish oils have high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and have been studied for their efficacy in helping joint pain. Ideally, the best way to get fish oil is by starting with cold-water fish.

Choose to eat a serving of wild cold-water fish like wild salmon, trout, and sardines twice a week. Fish provides an excellent source of fish oil. If you don’t eat fish, look for natural omega-3s from chia seeds, flax seeds, and organic soybeans. However, get as much as you can through whole-food sources.

Eat Cruciferous Vegetables

Along with your daily vegetable intake, try to add half a cup of cruciferous vegetables to your diet. Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts contain an antioxidant compound that disrupts an enzyme linked with joint pain and inflammation, making cruciferous vegetables a smart dietary choice for those with joint concerns.

Incorporate Spices and Herbs

Add turmeric and ginger to your diet. Both have long been used in natural and traditional Asian medicine for their purported anti-inflammatory properties. Recent research has shown a promising link between turmeric and preventing rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Another dietary change that may support healthy joints or provide temporary relief from occasional discomfort in joints are natural supplements from NutriDyn, Perque, and Ortho Molecular.

Chondro-Relief Intensive Care – NutriDyn

If you’re looking for more ways to help maintain joint strength and flexibility, consider Chondro-Relief Intensive Care from NutriDyn. Chondro-Relief Intensive Care is a daily dietary supplement that supports cartilage integrity and joint health with ingredients like vitamin C, manganese, D-Glucosamine, MSM, and more. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in particular may help provide temporary relief for those experiencing occasional joint pain, swelling, or irritation.

Pain Guard Forte (BioQuercitin Fore) – Perque

Pain Guard Forte (BioQuercitin Forte) from Perque is a dietary supplement formulated especially with those experiencing joint swelling or pain from exercise or over-exertion. Pain Guard Forte contains all-natural ingredients like magnesium, quercetin, OPC, and vegetable fiber to support your body’s natural ability to repair tissues and restore health.

Orthomega 820 Fish Oil – Ortho Molecular

Orthomega 820 Fish Oil from Ortho Molecular is a molecularly distilled, high concentration triglyceride omega-3 fish oil supplement providing 820 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per softgel serving for optimal absorption and anti-inflammatory support.

What dietary changes have you seen help the most with joint pain?

Ways to Support Kidney Health

ways to support kidney health

Here are ways to support kidney health.

Your kidneys play a vital role in your health. Without them your body could not absorb nutrients or filter waste and toxins. March is National Kidney Month, and March 10 is World Kidney Day. In keeping with this theme, this post is designed to overview the importance of kidney health, as well as natural ways to support your kidneys.

Your Kidneys – The Basics 

Your kidneys are fist-sized organs located at the bottom of the rib cage on either side of the body. They are part of the renal system, which eliminates waste and supports detoxification. The kidneys were created to function beyond capacity, which is why you can donate one and still live a healthy life. In fact, 1 kidney functioning at only 75% of capacity can sustain a healthy human body with minimal issue.

The Body’s Filter

As part of the renal, or urinary system, the kidneys have several main functions. The kidneys filter roughly 200 quarts of fluid every day, returning beneficial substances to the body and eliminating waste in the form of urine. Roughly 198 quarts are returned to the body, while 2 quarts are excreted through urine over a 24 hour period.

Role in Nutrient Absorption

Your kidneys play a key role in helping your body absorb essential nutrients. For example, kidneys activate the form of vitamin D necessary for calcium absorption. They also work to regulate Ph levels, salt, potassium, and blood pressure.

Diabetes and Kidney Function

There are a number of things that can cause a loss of or decline in kidney function, with the number one cause being diabetes. Over time, high blood sugar levels may cause clogs in the kidneys leading to a decline in function. Diabetes can also cause nerve damage that causes a decrease in bladder function and normal elimination. The pressure of a consistently full bladder can cause damage to all parts of the renal system.

Supporting Healthy Kidneys

Although some kidney disease is genetic, such as polycystic kidney disease and predisposition to kidney stones, most kidney disease is created through a poor diet, a lack of activity, and other less than healthy habits.

The best way to support your kidneys is to maintain an active lifestyle, paired with a healthy diet. Maintaining a healthy weight and eating a diet low in processed foods keeps excess amounts of sugar and salt from building up in your kidneys and causing blockages or painful kidney stones.

Supplements to Support Kidney Health

The Professional Supplement Center store carries a number of products designed to support kidney health, here are a few we recommend.

Kidney Support by Professional Botanicals

Containing a proprietary blend of European Goldenrod leaf, fenugreek seed, hydrangea root, plantain leaf, horsetail aerial, cordyceps mycelium, and other adaptogens, Kidney Support by Professional Botanicals is a natural way to support kidney health and detoxification.

Rentone by Ayush Herbs

Rentone by Ayush Herbs is a formula designed for kidney and urinary support with a unique combination of Eastern and Western herbs. Using a blend of shilajeet, vitamin B, cranberry, and other natural ingredients this supplement provides nutritional support for kidney health.

What steps are you taking to support kidney health this March and throughout the year? Share your favorite products of lifestyle hacks with our team in the comments section below.

Natural Sleep Support for Kids

sleep support for kids

Learn how to support natural sleep support for kids.

One of the best ways you can support your child’s healthy development is to ensure that they are getting an adequate amount of sleep each night. According to Johns Hopkins, children who don’t get enough sleep may struggle to learn at school, are more likely to have behavior problems, and are at a higher risk for diabetes and childhood obesity.

There are many ways you can provide natural sleep support for kids, and the team at Professional Supplement Center has information you can easily implement right away.

Sleep Needs by Age 

No two kids are alike, but pediatricians generally agree that sleep needs change with age. Here’s an overview of how much sleep your child needs each night.

Babies and Toddlers

You already know that newborns need a lot of sleep. In fact, from birth to three months, babies need between 14-17 hours each day and just slightly less from four months to a year. Toddlers, aged one to two years need 12-16 hours a day, including overnights and naps.

School-Aged Children

From ages two to five, preschoolers need between 10 and 13 hours a day including naps whereas elementary kids need 9-12 hours a day. Even though it’s tempting to let upper elementary kids skimp on sleep, you will likely notice behavior changes on nights when they fall below 8 hours.

Tweens and Teens

Although they will try and convince you otherwise, your tweens and teens also need a good night’s rest, roughly 8-10 hours each night. If boundaries regarding nighttime phone usage aren’t clear, adolescents often stay up far later than is beneficial.

Healthy Habits for Happier Bedtimes 

There are several habits you can implement to provide natural sleep support for kids. To start, keep your nightly routine and bedtime consistent and try to incorporate a calming bath into the mix. Additionally, some report that spending quality time with parents or caregivers gives children a sense of closeness and calm as the separation of sleep approaches.

Eliminate screens for at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light from phones, iPads and television will stimulate your child’s brain and prevent them from falling asleep easily.

If your child is struggling to sleep, try to identify the issue and understand the root cause. They may be acting out because they need more togetherness throughout the day or there could be an underlying source that your pediatrician can help you identify.

Supplements Provide Natural Sleep Support for Kids

If you’re looking for a little extra bedtime support, Professional Supplement Center has a few products that may help.

No More Monsters by Herbs for Kids

Perfect for kids over the age of two, No More Monsters by Herbs for Kids is a homeopathic sleep support especially formulated for children. These quick-dissolving tablets have a lightly sweet banana flavor that kids enjoy taking.

Valerian Super Calm by Herbs for Kids

Valerian root has been internationally used for years to support healthy sleep and may reduce the amount of time it takes for children to fall asleep. Valerian Super Calm from Herbs for Kids is a pediatric formulation that may provide healthy sleep in kids. It can be taken directly or mixed with a liquid and the packaging provides clear, age-specific dosing instructions.

How does your family promote natural sleep support for kids? Share your tips with our team in the comments section below.