Sad day - need to stop lifting weights

[twinkletoes129]

Hi Shannon!

Don't give up I've suffered from a number of injuries in the past including, an injury similar to carpal tunnel of the wrists, and tendonitis in my bicep brachialis and achilles tendons (the last two happened at the same time! So you can imagine my dismay and frustration of not being able to work out my lower or upper body!).

What helped me was going to my Sports Medicine doc right away and getting streamed into treatment ASAP so I can heal "fast" and well and get back to what I love to do. The treatment that really helped with the tendonitis besides STOPPING everything that would aggravate or keep the inflammation going. This is SO important as you MUST get the inflammation to calm itself down or no amount of treatment will help and it's becomes a catch 22. My doc streamed me to a chiropractor that practiced Active Release Therapy (ART) (ART is similar to ASTYM just slightly different techniques) in that they work DIRECTLY on the tendons to soften and breakdown the scar tissue and inflammation of the tendons (with tendonitis your tendons become hard and ropey like beef jerky from the inflammation). ART uses the hands with a very special technique and ASTYM uses special small spatula like tools directly on the tendons. This is NOT massage and should NOT be mistaken for it. ART and ASTYM (whichever one you choose to go with) is KEY for healing and these treatments are the GOLD standard in therapy for tendonitis (and used WIDELY in professional sports and professional dancers) along with Shock Wave Therapy. As its in your hands I'm sure they have ways to apply this therapy for wrists and hands. The MELT Method that Janie mentioned also sounds really great.

Also, for my wrists and hands I had to really back off anything that was aggravating it to allow the inflammation to go down. And in the height of the injury it felt like EVERYTHING. I used my forearms to open or close doors, washed dishes as little as possible (hard to do when you don't have a partner so I put up with dirty glasses and reused alot, yuck I know but really helped). Used my wrist braces for everything including washing the dishes and sleeping (again for when they were really bad). My therapist & doc told me to sleep in them in the acute phase as it keeps you from bending in a static position your wrists that aggravate the inflammation and put pressure on the nerve that feeds your wrists/hands. You DON"T want pressure on the nerve in your wrists that feed your hand. They took almost a year to heal. But now I CAN work out with weights HOWEVER I ALWAYS wear my wrist braces for all weight work, or heavy or intensive wrist handwork like throwing out the garbage, carrying anything heavy, grocery shopping, etc. I kept my old ones for weight work as they're more pliable and can even do pushups with them. I just put my old weight gloves over them and it's perfection! These are the best wrist braces I could find even BETTER than the one's my Sports Medicine doc's clinic had me buy. They have a smaller footprint to your wrist and hand allowing for great support but with much greater functionality. These are invaluable. I would buy up the whole batch of them if I could. The only thing star I'd take off is the velcro straps wear out after alot of use and you have to buy new one's. But for what I can do with them and how they saved my hands I wouldn't trade them for the world. They allow me to bodybuild again where no other wrist brace can as they're too bulky and ramrod like and the steel will dig into your palms:

Mueller Fitted Green Wrist braces:
Amazon.com: Mueller Fitted Wrist Brace, Left, Green, Black, Small/Medium: Health & Personal Care

You will come out the other side of this! I've had SO many injuries and never gave up finding the right kind of therapies and maintenance programs to allow me to come back to working out again. I believe you can too! God bless you!

 

[twinkletoes129]

DirtDiva where do you get your Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate from? iHerb doesn't have it in stock right now and they only have the other versions (red label one's) that aren't hydrolysate. Does it matter? I've been looking into this for awhile now in order to support my joints and tendons. It's time I bite the bullet and get it. Thanks for your help.

 

[DirtDiva]

DirtDiva where do you get your Great Lakes Gelatin Collagen Hydrolysate from? iHerb doesn't have it in stock right now and they only have the other versions (red label one's) that aren't hydrolysate. Does it matter? I've been looking into this for awhile now in order to support my joints and tendons. It's time I bite the bullet and get it. Thanks for your help.

Get the GREEN label, its designed for cold water mixing and dissolves immediately. The red label is either beef or can be pork and is designed for hot water cooking, it clumps in cold water. This will explain it:
Gelatin and Collagen Hydrolysate- What

I add it in with my protein, oatmeal, tea, lots of ways to use it. I get mine from Amazon, but I have PRIME so not sure if your choices are different. I paid $38 for a two pack (two 16-ounce cans) two-day shipping included. There are several vendors, so be careful on who you choose.

P.S.... Thanks for the link on the Mueller wrist braces!!! I need those!

 

[Beth-B-Fit]

Shannon,

Just wanted to add that I'm sorry you are going through this. At least here at the Cathe Nation we can all empathize with your frustration and situation. Most of the people in my immediate day to day world don't get what everyone here gets about working out! Good luck with the tendons. I have used water therapy in the past during times I couldn't lift weights. It's not my favorite way to workout, but you know I had to do something! Keep moving and rest your hands as much as possible. I'll be rooting for you.

Beth

 

[twinkletoes129]

Thanks DirtDiva for that great information!! Now I understand why the GREEN is better!! I'm in Canada so I might not be able to get it through Amazon.com but I'll give it a good try, sometimes it works!

So glad I could end up helping you too! They're amazing braces, SO great for lifting!!

 

[buffettgirl]

(((Shannon)))) miss you! Sorry about your woes.

 

[poohpeggy]

I can't even imagine. I hope you can find something else. Peggy

 

[SRP]

Hi everyone - thanks so much for all your help and support. My plan last week was to try some massage, heat and stretching for a while, see what that did, and then go from there, hoping that would give me some insight into what steps to take next. Well, this weekend I was hauling wood with my mom (we have three families who heat with wood). Basically lifting weights, right? Messed me up again. I guess I should visit a specialist because like I said, I do need to be able to do my day job. I will talk to him/her about alternative methods, too.

ROBIN!!!!!!! Hi! Miss you too!

 

[jdimascio]

I have found that several different manufacturers have different size scoops in them. Work your way up to 1/4 teaspoon and then 1/2 if you can. It takes some time to feel results, won't happen in a week or two. The other nice thing it does (among many) is it also makes your fingernails and hair grow faster. I've been taking MSM for 12 years or more now. Some friends of mine take a tablespoon a day. You really can't overdo it, since its one of the most abundant minerals in your body.

Be aware of where your MSM is sourced from, you do want OptiMSM because it is sourced from USA grown pine trees. Quite a few others are sourced from China. You can google OptiMSM and it will show some examples. Currently, I'm using Jarrow.
Bergstrom Nutrition - OptiMSM Human Joint Health Supplements

You get sulfur naturally from eggs (yolks, eat them women) chicken, beef, fish, garlic, onions.

Thanks for the additional information on MSM...I am already noticing a difference and it's been 2 weeks, hoping for more improvement, but I am happy so far. I definitely made sure that I bought OptiMSM. You clearly know your stuff. I see you always post a lot of useful information, so I want to thank you again for sharing!!!!

 

[BAM]

Shannon, I'm so sorry you are experiencing this. I hope you find the right solution for you. I've been experiencing tendonitis along with many other pains in my body and have not yet found a solution but there are some great suggestions here which I think are giving many of us hope.

DirtDiva, I do have a couple of questions for you. Have you ever used hyaluronic acid, glucosamine or chondroitin? I'm asking because I want to try what you have suggested but I've read about some great results as well with those supplements. Also, I did a search on the collagen hydrolysate and another name it goes by is hydrolyzed collagen. I mention this because I'm trying to find the most cost effective way to purchase your suggestions and want as many options as possible to compare costs. I didn't know if you've ever taken the collagen by any other name.

Thank you!
Bam

ETA: Was just on the Great Lakes website and yes, hydrolyzed and hydrolysate are the same thing. But I do have another question. Do you take it 1/2 hour or more away from other proteins? I can't find on their website where they mention that but I know other collagens suggest it. Thanks again. )

 

[IslandRose]

Hi IslandRose, it is good you are ok now, did you was diagnostic with the same problem at me, I 'm sorry to many ?; you don't have to answer. Happy for you that pain is terrible, you know in the morning is my big pain and my husband said can you change you the face because you looks boring and unhappy and I said I'm in pain, wath you want me to do, well know I do have medicine for the pain.Thank you again

Yes, one of my conditions was spinal stenosis along with several others. I will try to be brief since I don't want to hijack the original tendonitis thread. I cannot say I am 100% pain free after surgery, but it helped me. I will always have to be careful when I exercise, when I do heavy lifting, and even regular chores at work and at home. Morning time is the worst when it comes to pain, because your body is coming from a rest period and your muscles are not warm enough. I hope your meds are working and hopefully you are going to physical therapy as well. I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner, sometimes I get busy and forget to check the forums. Take care.

 

[DirtDiva]

Shannon, I'm so sorry you are experiencing this. I hope you find the right solution for you. I've been experiencing tendonitis along with many other pains in my body and have not yet found a solution but there are some great suggestions here which I think are giving many of us hope.

DirtDiva, I do have a couple of questions for you. Have you ever used hyaluronic acid, glucosamine or chondroitin? I'm asking because I want to try what you have suggested but I've read about some great results as well with those supplements. Also, I did a search on the collagen hydrolysate and another name it goes by is hydrolyzed collagen. I mention this because I'm trying to find the most cost effective way to purchase your suggestions and want as many options as possible to compare costs. I didn't know if you've ever taken the collagen by any other name.

Thank you!
Bam

ETA: Was just on the Great Lakes website and yes, hydrolyzed and hydrolysate are the same thing. But I do have another question. Do you take it 1/2 hour or more away from other proteins? I can't find on their website where they mention that but I know other collagens suggest it. Thanks again. )

I have used all three. I have never felt any noticeable results from glucosamine or chondroitin. Supposedly they work in tandem with each other for best results. It was explained to me a long time ago to think of chondroitin as the structure or honeycomb wall and glucosamine glues or fills ups the slots. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also expensive compared to MSM. I have used hyaluronic acid and am considering returning to this again. When you were talking about taking this with a protein powder above...its different in regard to protein powder and collagen. Its suggested to take collagen's 1/3 together or 2 but not all together. So an example would be taking gelatin with an hyaluronic acid supplement. Dang it gets confusing doesn't it? You can also look at Biocell or Neocell which are big producers of Collagen types 1 and 3 which is best coming from a chicken's comb. I do like Olympian Labs Biocell product, have used it too. But...I keep coming back to MSM.

I also have this tiny fear over BSE... read:
The Sourcing and Processing of Gelatin to Reduce the Potential Risk Posed by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in FDA-Regulated Products for Human Use

This was one of the main reasons I backed away from G and C products, because they are sourced from cartilage. They used to come from shark cartilage, and chitin, fish, etc. Now they are sourced from cow, pig cartilage and sinew, etc., and coming from China. Although there is that tiny fear of gelatin too, but Great Lakes uses grass fed cows and only their hides from Argentina or here. So I feel that Great Lakes is cleaner and more predictable and I know where its sourced from, at least that's what they say .

I am in a *user* position when it comes joint injury, so I feel I can talk about what worked for me here. MSM is good old sulphur which has never let me down and I'm not afraid of over using it. I just worked through a nagging biceps tendon injury and a shoulder injury from a recent crash. I doubled up on MSM, two tablespoons of gelatin, protein powder (Bluebonnet) lots of coconut oil/advocado, soaking in magnesium and eating copious amounts of sockeye salmon (grilled).

I really hope this helps you BAM! I know how depressing it is when you can't lift clean.

 

[BAM]

I have used all three. I have never felt any noticeable results from glucosamine or chondroitin. Supposedly they work in tandem with each other for best results. It was explained to me a long time ago to think of chondroitin as the structure or honeycomb wall and glucosamine glues or fills ups the slots. Glucosamine and chondroitin are also expensive compared to MSM. I have used hyaluronic acid and am considering returning to this again. When you were talking about taking this with a protein powder above...its different in regard to protein powder and collagen. Its suggested to take collagen's 1/3 together or 2 but not all together. So an example would be taking gelatin with an hyaluronic acid supplement. Dang it gets confusing doesn't it? You can also look at Biocell or Neocell which are big producers of Collagen types 1 and 3 which is best coming from a chicken's comb. I do like Olympian Labs Biocell product, have used it too. But...I keep coming back to MSM.

I also have this tiny fear over BSE... read:
The Sourcing and Processing of Gelatin to Reduce the Potential Risk Posed by Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) in FDA-Regulated Products for Human Use

This was one of the main reasons I backed away from G and C products, because they are sourced from cartilage. They used to come from shark cartilage, and chitin, fish, etc. Now they are sourced from cow, pig cartilage and sinew, etc., and coming from China. Although there is that tiny fear of gelatin too, but Great Lakes uses grass fed cows and only their hides from Argentina or here. So I feel that Great Lakes is cleaner and more predictable and I know where its sourced from, at least that's what they say .

I am in a *user* position when it comes joint injury, so I feel I can talk about what worked for me here. MSM is good old sulphur which has never let me down and I'm not afraid of over using it. I just worked through a nagging biceps tendon injury and a shoulder injury from a recent crash. I doubled up on MSM, two tablespoons of gelatin, protein powder (Bluebonnet) lots of coconut oil/advocado, soaking in magnesium and eating copious amounts of sockeye salmon (grilled).

I really hope this helps you BAM! I know how depressing it is when you can't lift clean.

Thanks so much for the detailed response! Thanks also for that link on BSE. I swear the more you read, the more you DON'T want to know.

I took the Neocell 1 and 3 in the past and they do not want you to take it with any other protein for at least 1/2 hour. That's why I was wondering about the Great Lakes brand. Would they be classified as 1 and 3 or something else?

Do you take Vitamin C with your collagen or MSM? I've read where it's recommended for both.

One last question, I think, lol. Do you know of any health conditions that MSM should be used in caution with or where I can find that information?

I'm considering taking hyaluronic acid in the future. Please let me know what brand you take if you start it up. I happened to have an outdated MSM supplement so I started taking it today since I have it and it's never been opened. I haven't worked out in sooooooooooo long and I still envision myself doing one of the Meso 1 workouts that just kills the legs. It's freakin' awesome and I want to be doing that workout again..........soon!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful knowledge!

Bam

 

[DirtDiva]

Thanks so much for the detailed response! Thanks also for that link on BSE. I swear the more you read, the more you DON'T want to know.

I took the Neocell 1 and 3 in the past and they do not want you to take it with any other protein for at least 1/2 hour. That's why I was wondering about the Great Lakes brand. Would they be classified as 1 and 3 or something else?

Do you take Vitamin C with your collagen or MSM? I've read where it's recommended for both.

One last question, I think, lol. Do you know of any health conditions that MSM should be used in caution with or where I can find that information?

I'm considering taking hyaluronic acid in the future. Please let me know what brand you take if you start it up. I happened to have an outdated MSM supplement so I started taking it today since I have it and it's never been opened. I haven't worked out in sooooooooooo long and I still envision myself doing one of the Meso 1 workouts that just kills the legs. It's freakin' awesome and I want to be doing that workout again..........soon!

Thanks for sharing your wonderful knowledge!

Bam

When I wrote you today, I lost my reply like two times, my computer ate it and it was so frustrating, so I was cutting from my email so I wouldn't lose it again. Anyway, there are several more types of collagen beyond III and it depends on where in the body it comes from. Types 1 and III are the most abundant forms in the body (and structurally nearly the same) and usually sourced from hides, I would think that is what Great Lakes Green label is. Type II is usually pill form and sourced from chicken parts. Here is a link to ingredients to the more popular brands out there.
Collagen supplements with the fewest additives (Toxinless)

I'm thinking about trying Jarrow's brand, but honestly, I'm pretty happy with Great Lakes. I don't think taking more collagen is better either.

The MSM you have should have an expiration date on it. Is it capsule, powder or crystal form? I do recommend powder form in a jug, way more economical. I do take vitamin c with my MSM, but in real form, like a kiwi (I eat tons of kiwis) or strawberries. You can also use vitamin c powder with the msm but then I'd rather use the real thing, which is a kiwi..... Its like clockwork for me, I have this at lunch and I stir it in a glass of water, just make sure your water is non-chlorinated, or you can let the water sit for a while and the chlorination will evaporate. If you are taking blood thinners, lots of aspirin say, I would think that's the only thing to be aware of. There is really no side affect unless you take several tablespoons a day, and you aren't going to do that. You'd probably get intestinal cramps. When you buy the next container of MSM, get one that is OptiMsm branded.

I'm nearly finished with Meso 1, omg I so love the first month and getting back into it. I'm calling my 10th time my Recovery Set. I pushed my weights way back because of my biking injury and realized that STS is excellent for rehab. Try starting way lighter, and work your way back up. Let me know how it goes

 

[twinkletoes129]

Hey Bam! To add to the amazing info that DirtDiva has been giving. I just scrounged up my hidden stockpile of Neocell Hydrolyzed Collagen Types 1 & 3 (can get at iHerb.com) deep in my cupboard (forgot that I had it ). And it says to take it with Vitamin C to absorb it and yes, your right don't take it within at least 1/2 hour from any proteins you've ingested. So, finally I'm starting to take it starting just 2 days ago! So we'll see. DirtDiva's onto a good thang here! And I mix it with a quarter of a Redoxan effervescent vitamin C tab (equals 250mg) in water and drink (my vitamin C powders don't mix well in water, I usually blend these).

I would encourage you to also go with DirtDiva's advice on MSM. The only reason why I haven't incorporated it yet for my joints and tendons is that I heard it can cause increased dreaming and vivid dreams. And I already have a unique problem with this ~ I have a sleep problem and this is one of my MAJOR issues ~ and magnesium of any sort (such as in raw cacao, or in multi-vitamins) can excerbate it BIG TIME!! So I'm very weary of taking this right now. Though I ALWAYS encourage others to take it, as most people don't have this sensitivity and I believe in the major efficacy of it. DirtDiva have you noticed any increased dreaming with MSM??? Would love to know. ... For instance I just started taking a new whole food multi-vit by MegaFoods called Baby & Me Herb Free (I like to take prenatal ones as they tend to be cleaner, less for me to react to). Your supposed to take 2 a day but I started with just 1. And wouldn't you know it, the magnesium was giving me wicked dreams and I'd wake in a dream-hallucination stupor not unlike narcoleptics. So I had to pause. Then I just started taking Carlson's Liquid Fish Oil this week (for tendon joint health, you get a much higher dose with liquid than pills) and decided to try the multi again. Well wouldn't you know it the DHA in the fish oil protected my sleep centers in my brain from reacting crazily to the magnesium. Holy Supplements Batman!! I love it when you end up doing an accidental experiment on yourself and the darn supplement works!! This EPA/DHA is for real, and I'm sold now!! Lol!! Talk about eat your fishies!! So bottom line the great supps for tendons, joints like DirtDiva said are:

• MSM: OptiMSM
• Neocell Super Collagen Types 1 & 3 OR Great Lakes OR Jarrows with Vitamin C powder/Camu Camu powder OR a Kiwi/strawberries/oranges (taken 1/2 hour from protein)
• Hylauronic Acid
• Liquid Fish Oil (the higher the better)
• Chrondoitin & Glucosamine
• Eat your Fishies ~ or do what DirtDivaDoes (eat loads of salmon)!! LOL!!

 

[DirtDiva]

Hey Bam! To add to the amazing info that DirtDiva has been giving. I just scrounged up my hidden stockpile of Neocell Hydrolyzed Collagen Types 1 & 3 (can get at iHerb.com) deep in my cupboard (forgot that I had it ). And it says to take it with Vitamin C to absorb it and yes, your right don't take it within at least 1/2 hour from any proteins you've ingested. So, finally I'm starting to take it starting just 2 days ago! So we'll see. DirtDiva's onto a good thang here! And I mix it with a quarter of a Redoxan effervescent vitamin C tab (equals 250mg) in water and drink.

I would encourage you to also go with DirtDiva's advice on MSM. The only reason why I haven't incorporated it yet for my joints and tendons is that I heard it can cause increased dreaming and vivid dreams. And I already have a unique problem with this ~ I have a sleep problem and this is one of my MAJOR issues ~ and magnesium of any sort (such as in raw cacao, or in mulit-vitamins) can excerbate it BIG TIME!! So I'm very weary of taking this right now. Though I ALWAYS encourage other people to take it, as most people don't have this sensitivity. DirtDiva have you noticed any increased dreaming with MSM??? Would love to know. ... For instance I just started taking a new whole food multi-vitamin by MegaFoods called Baby & Me Herb Free (I like to take prenatal ones as they tend to be cleaner, less for me to react to). Your supposed to take 2 a day but I started with just 1. And wouldn't you know it, the magnesium was giving me wicked dreams. So I had to pause. Then I just started taking liquid Carlson's Liquid Fish Oil this week (for tendon joint health, you get a much higher dose with liquid than pills) and decided to try the multi again. Well wouldn't you know it the DHA in the fish oil protected my sleep centers in my brain from reacting crazily to the magnesium. Holy cow! I love it when you end up doing an accidental experiment on yourself and the darn supplement works!! This EPA/DHA is for real, and I'm sold now!! Lol!! Talk about eat your fishies!! So bottom line the great supps for tendons, joints like DirtDiva said are:

• MSM
• Collagen Hydrolyzed 1 & 3 with Vitamin C (taken 1/2 hour from protein)
• Liquid Fish Oil (the higher the better
• Eat your Fishies ~ or do what DirtDivaDoes (eat loads of salmon)!! LOL!!

I have ALWAYS had dreams that are wicked crazy! Not sure if its from MSM though, since I've been taking that for a long time. My best dreams are flying dreams, sheesh, sometimes I'm flying doing a backstroke .

I just got the Y.S. Eco Royal Jelly today! Unfortunately, it was frozen solid...I couldn't even stick a fork in it, but go figure since I'm in Minnesota. Hopefully it will thaw by morning. I absolutely love Megafood whole vitamins! I do the Women's multi and I also do Adrenal Strength. When I run out, I'll look at the prenatals they have, thanks for that.

As far as fish goes, I do shy away from farmed salmon though, which is a big shame because its usually so appetizing looking. When summer comes I stock pile sockeye salmon fillets in my freezer.

 

[jdimascio]

I have ALWAYS had dreams that are wicked crazy! Not sure if its from MSM though, since I've been taking that for a long time. My best dreams are flying dreams, sheesh, sometimes I'm flying doing a backstroke .

I just got the Y.S. Eco Royal Jelly today! Unfortunately, it was frozen solid...I couldn't even stick a fork in it, but go figure since I'm in Minnesota. Hopefully it will thaw by morning. I absolutely love Megafood whole vitamins! I do the Women's multi and I also do Adrenal Strength. When I run out, I'll look at the prenatals they have, thanks for that.

As far as fish goes, I do shy away from farmed salmon though, which is a big shame because its usually so appetizing looking. When summer comes I stock pile sockeye salmon fillets in my freezer.

All good stuff...thanks ladies!!!!!

 

[Soapmaker]

For the arthritis, I recommend 5-loxin (vitacost). This is what we used for my dad with great results. My dad had severe arthritis in his hands with all joints severely swollen and thumbs deformed. He also had triple bypass at age 76 and reacted badly to the Lipitor that the doctors insisted on giving him despite his low cholesterol. I had to find something for him with less heart risk.

5-Loxin is an extract from Boswellia serrata that is used in traditional Indian medicine. There are a number of well done clinical studies on PubMed describing its use and results if you are interested in learning more. The extract labeled as 5-Loxin had lower side effects than whole Boswellia, practically none. My dad has been on it for about 3 years now with amazing results. The swelling disappeared within 3 weeks, and the pain is all gone. He had no side effect from it. He gets his blood checked 2x a year with no change to his liver or kidney functions. If you are on prescription meds and you decide to try it, you need to talk to your doctor. You can't take both because they have similar mode of action. You also want to take the lowest dose that keeps your symptoms at bay. You can start with a little higher dose and drop it down gradually. My dad takes a single pill a day and sometimes not everyday. I wish we found out about it early enough because it would have prevented or delayed a lot of the damage to his joints.

For the tendonitis, you need to treat it before returning to lifting weights or using bands. Think joint mobility exercises with no weights or very light weights. When you are pain free, you can add light weight hi rep exercises increasing the weight slowly to strengthen you tendons. This was the advice from the orthopedic and what worked for me when I had tendonitis in one elbow from using heavy Kettlebells. I'm back to lifting heavy. I even use some kettlebells again. Good luck and let us know how you are doing.

 

[BAM]

Soapmaker, thanks for sharing that great suggestion! I'm so happy that your father found relief in a more natural way. Has he only taken the Vitacost brand and how many pills per day did he start off with? The label says 2 a day but I'm always interested in what doses have worked for others.

I've got joint/arthritis/tendonitis issues and have not found relief in the past. I just started some MSM, am considering collagen and now will consider the 5-Loxin. I've had the tendonitis for about 3 years and it just doesn't want to go away. I want to get my bf on some supplements too as he's dealing with a lot of arthritis and joint issues as well.

Bam

 

[Soapmaker]

Bam,

My dad took 2 a day for one week and then switched to 1 a day. Now he uses 1 every other day to 1 a day depending on how he feels. I have a minimalist approach. Take the absolute minimum amount you need to get the results you need. It has to be done by trial and error because everybody is different.

So far, he has only used the vitacost brand. I was looking for the plain standardized extract without any additions because the clinical studies I looked at used only that.

I don't make a distinction between natural remedies and pharmaceuticals. At the end of the day, natural remedies are mixed "dirty" chemicals that haven't gone through clinical trials because there is simply no way to recover the cost without patent protections. They can have just as many side effects that don't get reported. Most pharmaceuticals are modified naturally occurring compounds that are modified slightly in order to make them patentable.

The MSM is good but I wouldn't overdo it. It affects epigenetic modifications and we don't understand that well enough yet. For sulfur donors, you can add onion and garlic everyday. I'm not sure about how much collagen intake will help because it is a very large molecule that will be hydrolyzed. Instead consider making chicken broth or beef broth with lots of bones and cartilage. I think you will get all the building blocks you need to help support your joints much better than any supplement. You can even add gelatin to soups and the like. You can also supplement with individual amino acids. My guess will be proline will be the most likely aa. I'll have to look it up.

I'm sorry to hear that you have been dealing with this pain for so long. I think the hardest part of dealing with joint pain is to know when to back down and modify what you are doing. You need to give the joints time to heal and build their strength up slowly and gradually to handle the heavier work. Muscles respond quickly, joints not so much.

One other herb I would recommend is turmeric. My dad took it for the first month then switched to adding the spice to foods. You can use the standardized extract or the spice. I add it to a lot of our food, soups, stews etc.... I think it is Asia's best kept secret. Last year, I discovered fresh turmeric and started growing it. It tastes very different than the dried stuff which tastes like dirt to me. I have several tubs of it growing in my basement waiting for the spring to go out again. Look for it in the grocery store. Whole foods stores sometimes has it. It is anti-inflammatory.

Hope this helps. Please post about your experience if you decide to try the 5-Loxin or anything else. Don't get discouraged. You will find what works for you.