Helen Swan ~ Natural Health Answers

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Bromelain

This important extract is made from pineapple. It contains compounds called proteolytic enzymes, which break down certain proteins, notably after injury, surgery, or scarring.

Bromelain is helpful in healing injuries, particularly sprains and strains, bruising, muscle injuries, and the pain, swelling, and tenderness that accompany sports injuries.

Research has also found that Bromelain can dramatically reduce postoperative swelling. Much of bromelain’s anti-swelling effect is due to activating compounds that break down fibrin. (After an injury, fibrin forms a matrix that walls off the area of inflammation, resulting in blockage of blood vessels, inadequate tissue drainage, and swelling.)

Bromelain may be useful for: bruising; pain relief; carpal tunnel syndrome; tendonitis; bursitis; other inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or gout.

The fibrinolytic effects of bromelain prove beneficial in treating varicose veins and other circulatory disorders involving inflammation.

Bromelain is useful as a digestive enzyme, taken shortly before meals. For other purposes, it is best taken away from food.

Warnings: avoid with warfarin or similar anticoagulants . avoid just before or after surgery, or childbirth, due to blood thinning.

Bromelain may increase the absorption of drugs, particularly antibiotics. This could offer both risks and benefits.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

One of the most popular health supplements of all, Glucosamine is a building-block for all muscles, tendons, joints, cartilage, skin, and even bone health. It also stimulates the production of synovial fluid in joints. It is anti-inflammatory, and may reduce pain.

While our bodies make some Glucosamine, we may choose to take more if there is extra wear and tear, injury, or as we get older. Glucosamine can help maintain the cushioning in joints that are used heavily, and so it may benefit sports people, bodybuilders, and those whose jobs involve physical work.

Research shows that for sports injuries, glucosamine provides some pain relief and improved function in those taking 2000mg daily for 12 weeks.

Vegetarian? Most Glucosamine is derived from shellfish, but the vegetarian variety is derived from algae or maize, is more active, and may be better absorbed.

Chondroitin improves cartilage structure, holds in water and nutrients, and supports blood vessels. It helps cushion joints and increases the movement of nutrients for healing. Chondroitin comes from animal cartilage, either bovine or marine. Both Glucosamine and Chondroitin are important sources of Sulphur, necessary for the body to maintain any kind of connective tissue.

MSM is a mineral, an organic form of Sulphur. It may be added to improve the Sulphur content of cartilage. MSM also helps maintain skin collagen and elasticity.

Not for those with fish or shellfish allergy, except for the vegetarian form. rarely can lead to upset stomach – reduce dose.

Supplements: some Glucosamine products contain sodium, which would contribute to high blood pressure. These ones don’t:

Viridian Glucosamine with Chondroitin capsules, contains 300mg each Glucosamine Sulphate and Chondroitin Sulphate, with vitamin C.

Viridian Glucosamine MSM complex, vegecaps, contains 700mg vegan Glucosamine with 125mg MSM.

Higher Nature Glucosamine Hydrochloride vegecaps, contains 400mg Glucosamine, with 120mg Calcium.

Natures Aid Glucosamine Sulphate 1000mg tablets. Also contains vitamin C and Manganese.

Natures Aid Glucosamine with Chondroitin, tablets. Contains 500mg Glucosamine Sulphate, with 400mg Chondroitin Sulphate from shark cartilage, and vitamin C.

Viridian Vegan Joint Complex

I like this combination by Viridian, of herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It offers the ultimate vegan joint support, both for rheumatoid and osteoarthritis and for sports enthusiasts. Of course you don't have to be vegan to use it!

The source of the glucosamine is an algae, more readily absorbed than animal formulations, and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

Viridian Joint Complex contains Boswellia, Bromelain, Ginger, Quercetin, and Turmeric, all natural anti-inflammatories to bring down pain and swelling, and help the body remove the debris caused by injuries. These herbs help stabilize the connective tissue which supports joints.

Vitamin C, to support connective tissue (collagen) and reduce the risk of cartilage loss.

Proline, an amino acid involved in manufacture of new connective tissue/cartilage.

Manganese, a mineral essential for us to produce the anti-oxidant Super Oxide Dismutase. SOD helps reduce the stiffness, inflammation, soreness and lack of motivation that are a ‘hangover’ from free radicals produced during strenuous exercise.

Viridian also produce a fantastic Sports Multi, ideal for ongoing support of all those hardworking muscles.

Warnings: avoid with warfarin or similar anticoagulants. avoid if pregnant or breastfeeding. Otherwise, none at recommended doses.

Horse Chestnut

Horse chestnut (Aesculus) is best known as a remedy for varicose veins and haemorrhoids, but it is also useful for injuries with swelling. Research shows that the active principle, Aescin, reduces the localised swelling associated with injury and inflammation. It acts by reducing capillary permeability to water, thus reducing the ‘leakiness’ of blood vessels leading to water retention. The use of horse chestnut in reducing swelling is equivalent to that achieved by compression stockings – and more comfortable!

Supplements: I recommend Viridian Horse Chestnut seed 300mg*vegecaps. I also recommend Viridian Horse Chestnut ointment can be applied locally as long as skin is not broken. It also contains Burdock, another anti-inflammatory, Marigold and Rosemary, both antiseptic and wound-healing herbs, and Lavender. The ointment base is beeswax and sunflower oil.

Quercetin

Quercetin is a flavonoid, a plant compound rich in foods such as onions, broccoli, kale, cherries and apples. It is a strong natural anti-inflammatory. It works by de-activating enzymes that produce inflammation, and it may help stabilize collagen (connective tissue). Quercetin is also used to treat allergies.

Warnings: Avoid with calcium channel blockers, synthetic oestrogens and immune suppressors.

Supplements: Quercetin is becoming more widely available as its benefits are recognised. I recommend Viridian Quercetin Complex also contains vitamin B5, bromelain and vitamin C. (B5 helps energy and supports the adrenal glands when we are under stress. Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory (see above). Vitamin C is anti-oxidant and protects muscles from the high levels of free radicals that develop during strenuous exercise. Free radicals damage muscle and lead to inflammation, soreness and poor muscle recovery.)

Vitamin C

Anti-oxidant vitamins, such as Vitamin C, protect muscles from the high levels of free radicals that develop during strenuous exercise. Free radicals damage muscle and lead to inflammation, soreness and poor muscle recovery. Exercising in smoky or polluted environments also increases exposure to free radicals.

Warnings: avoid just before or after surgery, or childbirth, due to blood thinning.

Supplements: cheap vitamin C is widely available but the usual form, Ascorbic Acid, may be too acid for some. Some tablets contains a lot of unnatural fillers. Look for a time release formulation, and/or take your vitamin C little and often. Low acid formulations are kinder for those with sensitive stomachs. Try Viridan’s Ester C 550mg capsules or Acerola powder; Bio-Health’s Bio C powder; powders dissolve easily and are great for kids too. Quest Bio-C with an extra 500mg bioflavonoids per vegan tablet.

Homeopathic Remedies for Sports Injuries

You can buy homeopathic remedies over the counter, that can help speed the recovery of injury, whether through sport, or just life! Homeopathic remedies are also suitable for children too, and the dose is the same as for adults. Homeopathic remedies are completely safe when you are taking other supplements or medication from your doctor.

Don't forget common-sense measures such as resting the injury, raising the affected limb, and applying ice to reduce swelling, or alternate cold and hot bathing to stimulate blood flow (finish on cold). Take sutable advice on when to resume exercise.

Here are some examples of homeopathic remedies for sports injury. These are widely available in health shops and other otlets. Use the Natural Health Answers Report for more information matched exactly to your needs.

Number one remedy for over-exertion, such as training for a new event or your first training of the season. Works best on muscle soreness. Speeds healing of soreness, tiredness, bruising. Also useful for more everyday problems such as tiredness after the first spring gardening, training for that charity 2-mile run, and so on. Use Arnica 6or 30, 1-3x day for a few days.

Arnica Lotion can be dabbed onto any bruise (not broken skin) and you will see rapid improvement and relief of soreness - ideal for children too.

More suited to strains of ligaments tendons and joints. Injuries suited to Rhus Tox will feel worse when you first start to move, then they will 'limber up' and become easier. Mild ankle or knee strains respond well to Rhus Tox and it can shorten the recovery time - thes injuries may normally take 6 weeks or more to heal. Also helpful in early stages of training.

This excellent homeopathic remedy helps injuries to bone and periosteum - the covering of the bone. More serious falls and sprains, even shutting your fingers in the door, can injure the periosteum. These injuries tend to heal surprisingly slowly, and be very sore. Take Ruta 6C, 3xday for a week, then once daily for a month. Do not continue beyond 1 month without advice from a qualified homeopath. Not suitable for broken bones without advice, see Natural Health Answers Report for more information.

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Footnotes

Check out the other free Health Topics

All About Omega Oils
Blood Pressure, Heart and Cholesterol.
Children's Illnesses, warts, veruccas and bedwetting

NEW First Aid
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Healthy Vision.

Men’s Health – Men’s Sexual Health.

Men’s Health – Prostate Care.

Natural Remedies to Reduce Cancer Risk.

Sports Injuries. You are here

Stress and Depression.

Weight Control, Fitness and Training.

NEW Women's Health

NEW Women's Sexual Health

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Natural Remedies for

Sports Injury

Natural remedies for sports injuries, pain,

swelling, surgery, and muscle recovery.