In the past, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to improvements in heart health. A team of scientists from the University of Bristol in the UK wanted to test the effects of omega-3 on joint health.

For their experiment, the researchers studied guinea pigs, which are considered to be a good model for joint health in humans. A group of guinea pigs was fed a diet supplemented with omega-3. By the end of the study, these animals were 50 percent more likely to have healthier joints when compared to those that were fed a standard diet. Results showed that the joints of guinea pigs that ate the enhanced diet had more robust cartilage and higher amounts of compounds that acted like shock-absorbers.

"Most diets in the developed world are lacking in omega-3, with modern diets having up to 30 times too much omega-6 and too little omega-3," said lead researcher John Tarlton.

Sources of omega-3 include some types of fatty fish as well as flax oil.

While other regions in Japan grew rice, the hilly terrain of this village proved better suited for harvesting healthier carbohydrates like satsumaimo (a type of sweet potato), satoimo (a sticky white potato), imoji (a potato root), and konyaku (a gelatinous root vegetable). And the common ingredient in these foods is a joint-supportive nutrient called hyaluronic acid (HA).

HA is a water-gelling molecule contained in the synovial fluid surrounding your joints, cartilage and skin tissues. Synovial fluid functions as a lubricant, nutrient carrier and shock absorber for your bones and joints.

To perform its duties, the synovial fluid must contain ample amounts of HA. However, as you get older your natural production of HA starts to decrease. This can lead to…

• Intermittently stiff joints
• Creaking knees
• Less flexible finger joints
• Knotted shoulders
• Sore elbows

But eating foods with HA can help maintain joint flexibility. You can further benefit your joints by adding quality supplements to your diet that contain not only HA, but also collagen and chondroitin sulfate—two more nutrients that help maintain your joints and your synovial fluid. By taking these precautions to support your body’s production of the fluid, you are taking all-important steps to promote the health of your body’s joints.

The research, soon to be published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, identified these potential health benefits in curcumin, a substance present in curry and turmeric that gives both spices their coloring.

For the study, researchers added curcumin to the simulated cells in a culture model of the human tendon structure. In so doing, they discovered that the curry derivative helped inhibit the triggering of an inflammatory molecule known as NF-kB, which has been identified as a significant detriment to the maintenance of healthy tendons.

Study co-author Ali Mobasheri stated that curcumin or curry could not yet be considered cures for any condition afflicting the tendons, but that he and his colleagues remained positive.

"We believe that it could offer scientists an important new lead in the treatment of these painful conditions through nutrition," Mobasheri said.

According to the Oxford Journals publication Rheumatology, tendon health can be maintained by carefully regulating high-stress physical activity to avoid subjecting the structures to excessive strain. 

However, some alternative forms of therapy have been shown to promote feelings of wellness. One of these is yoga, although there is little evidence of what specific aspects of this practice promote feelings of wellness.

A recent study published in the Journal of Pain Research indicated that yoga may help balance levels of cortisol – a stress hormone – in women who experience chronic discomfort.

"Ideally, our cortisol levels peak about 30-40 minutes after we get up in the morning and decline throughout the day until we're ready to go to sleep," said lead study author Kathryn Curtis, a PhD student in York's Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health.

However, Curtis noted that cortisol levels are imbalanced in women who experience chronic discomfort. The study's results showed that participants who engaged in twice-weekly hatha yoga classes experienced more balanced amounts of cortisol and, in turn, feelings of wellness.

In a recent article published by the Amarillo Globe-News, Dr. Peter Gott explained that topical castor oil or lotions that contain this ingredient in addition to capsaicin or menthol may help promote feelings of wellness in aching joints when applied to the skin two times daily.

A combination of purple grape juice and liquid pectin – a compound found in citrus fruits – may also help promote good joint health. The expert told the news provider that he recommends mixing 8 ounces of the beverage with about 2 ounces of liquid pectin to create a drink that individuals can consume up to three times per day.

He noted that some people take pectin supplements as a simplified way to promote good skeletal health.

A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 30 percent of adults experienced some type of joint discomfort within the previous 30 days.

According to a report from Chiropractic Economics, most adults begin to lose bone mass around the age of 30, which can result in decreased bone and joint strength. However, eating certain foods may offset these effects.

Foods that are rich in magnesium, calcium, potassium and phosphate can support optimal bone strength. Nutrients such as flavonoids may help with bone formation. The news source also suggests that alkaline foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can help support normal blood pH levels, so that the body doesn’t extract minerals from the bones.

New studies seem to indicate that there may be a new solution in the form of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which can help stimulate the regeneration of bones and the development of new cartilage and tendon strength.

The news provider claims that BMP supplements may enhance the function of joints and muscles when complemented by exercise.

A recent article published by NewsMax.com highlighted an eating regimen that may help individuals promote good joint and digestive health.

According to the news provider, a diet that is high in fiber and low in carbohydrates, processed foods, trans-fats, cholesterol and sugar may help limit inflammation in the body that has been associated with joint pain.

People should focus on eating natural foods such as raw vegetables and fruits, baked items and whole grains, as opposed to white flour or rice, the news source suggested.

The website noted that this type of diet may also facilitate colon cleansing, which may help flush inflammation-causing toxins out of the body.

A survey conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 30 percent of adults reported that they experienced some sort of joint pain during the previous 30 days. The knees were the most frequently cited area of the body affected by this type of discomfort.

A recent study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research indicated that polyphenols found in blueberries may help improve bone health in laboratory rodents. These compounds are what give the fruits their blue, purple and red pigmentation.

Although the benefits have not been proven in humans, the researchers said they are hopeful that their findings may lead to natural remedies for bone-related conditions.

The study's results showed that rats fed a diet that was comprised of 10 percent freeze-dried blueberry powder had a higher bone mass than others that did not consume the fruit. The investigators said that one reason for the rodents' improved bone health may be that blueberry polyphenols promote the growth of osteoblasts, which are bone-forming cells.

The main mechanisms behind this process involve two genes, TCF and LEF, and a protein beta-catenin, which interact together through multiple pathways to promote cell growth and proper cell function.

The paper, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, revealed that GCTase-I is found in all cells and is required for the proper function of inflammatory proteins. According to the researchers, blocking the enzyme would suppress the activity of these proteins, thereby reducing inflammation.

"We therefore developed genetic strategies in transgenic mice to switch off the gene that codes for GCTase-I," said study author Omar Khan. "This allowed us to investigate whether a complete blockade of GCTase-I can inhibit the development of inflammatory disorders and whether there are any side effects."

Instead of inhibiting inflammation, however, a deficiency in this enzyme resulted in chronic inflammation and bone erosion in the joints of laboratory mice. These symptoms were reminiscent of joint conditions experienced in humans.

The researchers believe that one group of inflammatory proteins was able to function normally even in the absence of the GCTase-I enzyme, and that these findings could have significant implications for supporting healthy joint function.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), knee pain constitutes the majority of joint complaints made by adults in the U.S. 

According to a recent article published by WomenCitizen.com, aloe vera may help promote healthy blood pressure levels through oxygenation and protecting the body against oxidative stress. The plant increases blood circulation by supporting clear, healthy arteries for smooth blood flow, which may also help enhance a person's heart health.

Some people who have joint and muscle discomfort experience impaired mobility that affects their quality of life. However, the news provider reported that aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties that promote cell growth and help repair damaged tissue, which may improve joint health and comfort.

Finally, aloe vera may be used for detoxification, the news source explained. Some people drink aloe vera juice to naturally cleanse their digestive systems and increase their bodies' ability to absorb essential nutrients.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the plant for use as a natural food flavoring.