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If you’ve ever suffered from painful, inflamed joints you’ll know just how debilitating this can be. And when acute joint inflammation becomes ongoing or chronic, this can soon feel like a vicious cycle that’s difficult to escape.

This is further compounded by the fact that whilst conventional treatments such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can be of help in the short-term, they are associated with unwanted gastrointestinal side effects and can actually worsen some aspects of joint health such as cartilage deterioration; further adding to the vicious cycle. Finding natural ways to reduce pain and bring inflammation back into balance, without unwanted side effects can therefore be incredibly helpful.

Boswellia and curcumin are two natural compounds that have a long history of traditional use in supporting healthy joints and balanced inflammation, they are generally safe and well tolerated and their benefits are backed by scientific research.

Here’s a closer look at boswellia and curcumin, two of the most effective natural ingredients to support healthy joints:

Boswellia serrata extract
Boswellia serrata extract is an Ayurvedic remedy that has a long history of traditional use for supporting a wide range of chronic inflammatory health problems. It has been shown to deliver anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, antioxidant and anti-arthritic activity. Boswellia serrata has been found to be safe and well tolerated.

Turmeric extract (Curcuma longa)
Curcumin is the main active component of the bright yellow spice turmeric and is known to deliver many health benefits. It is best known for powerful and widespread anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity and is effective for natural pain relief. Research has shown that curcumin has the ability to modulate many inflammatory pathways in the body, making it a potentially useful support for a wide range of health problems including arthritis. Curcumin has been shown to be safe and effective for reducing pain and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis. Multiple studies have demonstrated that curcumin is significantly more effective than placebo in reducing symptoms of knee osteoarthritis, and does not pose significant safety risks. Results also show that curcumin formulations have comparable efficacy to NSAID treatments, with significantly fewer side effects.

Curcumin is known to be difficult to be absorb however, which is a problem when higher levels are needed to achieve beneficial effects. It is therefore important to ensure that you are taking a form where this has been taken into account. Curcumin can be combined with fenugreek galactomannans, which slowly release the curcumin, to support improved absorption and bioavailability.

Curcumin & Boswellia – A powerful combination
In a 2018 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers found that supplementation with curcumin and boswellia serrata demonstrated large and important effects for pain reduction in osteoarthritis.1

Living with painful inflammatory joint problems can significantly affect quality of life. Using natural compounds to reduce pain and support balanced inflammation, whilst avoiding unwanted side effects is a worthwhile strategy to explore, especially since they are generally safe and well tolerated and may deliver wider health benefits too. Curcumin & boswellia – a powerful combination to support healthy joints.

References:
1. Liu X, Machado GC. et al. Dietary supplements for treating osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2018 Feb; 52(3): 167-175

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