03/24/2018 / By Jessica Dolores
Aging is a given. Because of this, most people can’t avoid diseases related to aging like hypertension, cataract, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and osteoarthritis (OA). Statistics show that OA is the most widespread joint disorder among people aged 60 years old and above in the U.S. Around 54 million adults in the U.S. suffered from arthritis, gout, lupus, and fibromyalgia from 2013 to 2015. Experts also believe that around 78 million people in the U.S. aged 18 and up will have arthritis by 2040.
The disease ranks second among rheumatoid-related problems, and affects 22 to 39 percent people in India.
This is why health experts must find solutions to this degenerative disease. Because the disease leads to inflammation people still turn to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for initial relief. But these have side effects like a higher risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, renal failure, myocardial infarction that causes cell death, and even stroke. This led the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE), the American College of Rheumatology and the European League to push for non-drug solutions against the disease.
A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine wanted to find the solution to the problem by studying the effect and safety of plant-based products like Vatari guggulu, Maharasnadi kwatha, and Narayan taila in treating OA. Researchers gently massaged these herbs on the affected knee joints of 142 participants for 15 minutes a day for 12 weeks. Results showed that joint pain and stiffness decreased every time the participants underwent Ayurvedic therapy. Because of this, they were also able to move more freely.
You may also check out the following natural remedies:
A healthy lifestyle also goes a long way.
Keep moving. Stretch those joints as much as you can without overdoing it.
Stand and sit up straight and don’t slouch to avoid putting too much weight on your bones. Keep fit and don’t pack in weight that puts extra pressure on your joints.
Be aware of your limits. Know when you’ve been standing or walking too much and rest your joints if you have to. After all, aging gracefully is an art. Learn it, even master it. You’ll enjoy your golden years even more. Chances are, people around you will be only too happy to share those fun years with you.
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Tagged Under: aging, alternative medicine, alternative therapies, Alzheimer's, arthritis, Ayurveda, Ayurvedic medicine, Ayurvedic therapies, degenerative diseases, integrative medicine, joint pain, Maharasnadi kwatha, medicinal herbs, Narayan taila, natural medicine, natural remedies, Osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, Vatari guggulu