Herbs go a step further than NSAIDs when it comes to relieving inflammation at the root of arthritis and other joint issues – and without the side effects.
Aches, pains, arthritis and reduced range of motion are common in older dogs and cats. After many visits to the vet, often resulting in various painkillers, these animals continue to suffer. An integrative approach that includes herbs can go a long way in providing relief to a dog or cat with joint issues.
Joint deterioration of varying degrees is an inevitable fact of life for our animal companions, depending on breed and many other factors. In fact, joint pain is not just a signal of a problem, but a primary indicator of inflammation. The process of inflammation impacts all of our bodies, humans and animals, and is deeply linked to many health issues, not just joints. Inflammation is a complex process, beyond the scope of this article, but there are a few basics that are crucial for us to understand.
What exactly is inflammation?
Inflammation isn’t just a matter of pain, redness, warmth, or swelling. It goes much further and is often undetectable before clinical problems develop. This is an ongoing cellular process, contributing not only to joint pain; it is also one of the main reasons why we age and our hair turns gray. Inflammation is about cell signaling or cross-communication between cells, the production of inflammatory proteins that not only signal pain, but are also directly involved in cell degeneration and malfunction at many levels. It’s not just limited to the cartilage in a joint.
Inflammation and arthritis
In the case of joint pain or arthritis in pets, the process begins at a very basic level with increased inflammation at the cellular level. The joints are among the main areas impacted because they are stressed daily and undergo increased wear. This process is further fueled by improper diets including processed foods, overall poor nutrition, genetic factors, stress, body weight, and even conformation. All of these factors contribute on some level and help to advance or fan this fire of ignition.
Often the first stage is inflammation of the soft tissue structures and capsule surrounding the joint. As the inflammatory process continues and progresses, it deepens with the destruction of cartilage and, finally, bone remodeling, including the development of spurs and the collapse of joints. This process is not only painful, but limits the animal’s range of motion and ability to move, and ultimately impacts its overall quality of life.
Herbs go further than NSAIDs
Science and research have shown us over the past few decades how powerful and effective certain herbs can be in relieving inflammation in the body, as opposed to NSAIDs. Many herbs demonstrate their ability to influence the inflammatory process. They include curcumin, boswellia, ashwaghanda, devil’s claw, and dandelion.
Each herb has its own individual benefits (see sidebar), but when it comes to inflammation, they all work the same way, affecting the inflammatory response at the DNA level. They reduce the production of many inflammatory proteins by acting as what is called NF-κß, a transcription factor. Instead of impacting one or two inflammatory proteins, as with NSAIDs, many herbs can actually impact the production of ten, 20 or more proteins, providing a higher level of support.
Given the extent of inflammation and its link to many other health issues, herbs offer an interesting approach. Through the use of herbs, not only can we improve the comfort and quality of life of a dog or cat, but we can also potentially impact the degenerative process itself, slowing deterioration. and even aging, to some extent.
Research has demonstrated this ability with herbs such as curcumin, boswellia, and devil’s claw; they have the potential to slow joint deterioration and even positively affect mental abilities. The impact on other conditions involving the inflammatory process, including cancer and diabetes, is also very promising. The other thing we should not forget is that herbs not only have a strong medicinal impact, but are also foods, providing many nutrients and even antioxidant capabilities. An additional plus for health and well-being!
The body is a refined machine. What we put in is what we take out. When we understand the hows and whys of our pets’ (and our own) health issues, it becomes more apparent that the machine needs proper maintenance to keep it performing at the highest level. Pharmaceutical drugs undoubtedly have their place, but really it comes down to proper fuel in the form of nutrition, including herbs, which provides the foundation for overall cellular health and functioning.
By taking it a step further and understanding that the inflammation process has been going on, probably since our pets were puppies and kittens, we can help prevent issues with the use of food and herbs. appropriate. In theory, if we can control the inflammation process more effectively from the start, we have a better chance of minimizing long-term damage.
Through the proper use of herbs, often in combination, we can improve the quality of life of our dogs and cats, helping to relieve their pain and helping them age gracefully.
