An old remedy may be able to stave off osteoarthritis

Want to keep your joints healthy and pain-free? An old remedy from grandma's medicine cabinet may be able to help.

A small study from Cardiff University indicates that cod liver oil may be able to reduce cartilage damage and joint pain. Researchers tested their theory on 31 patients who were planning to undergo total knee replacement surgery in 10 to 12 weeks. Half the patients were given two daily capsules containing 1,000 mg of extra high strength cod liver oil, and half were given placebo capsules.

Right before the surgery, the researchers tested the patients for enzymes that cause cartilage damage and joint pain. They found that 86 percent of the patients who took the cod liver oil capsules had lower levels of each, whereas only 26 percent of those in the control group had the same decline.

Professor Colin Dent, Orthopaedic Consultant at the University of Wales College of Medicine, says that this is where science and old wives' tales coincide. "Through fate and luck we've found a way of slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis. And it turns out to be a very affordable and safe treatment, a treatment that will impact many people's lives," adds professor Bruce Caterson of Cardiff University.

From:  http://www.healthandwellnessclub.com/