New research reveals desperate arthritis sufferers are seeking alternatives to painkillers as they struggle to cope with depression, isolation and lack of sleep
NEARLY 4MILLION Brits suffering with arthritis are unnecessarily living with pain because they avoid taking medication or simply haven’t found medication that works, according to a new study.
According to the research by FutureYou Cambridge, 12% of arthritis sufferers are avoiding painkillers due to fear of side effects or addiction, and nearly half say they try to avoid taking over-the-counter pain relief. Over a quarter (27%) say they’ve not yet found a medication that works for them.
For half of the estimated 10 million Brits who have the debilitating condition, arthritis has a negative impact on life every single day. The study also found that sufferers no longer feel they can do things they used to with over half (57%) revealing they exercise less, 54% saying it affects their sleep and over a quarter (28%) saying they socialise less. Nearly half (46%) say it has a negative impact on their relationships. A quarter (26%) are having less sex.
Besides impairing quality of life, arthritis also affects emotional wellbeing. Six in ten (60%) say it makes them irritable and short-tempered and half (50%) feel frustrated. The condition also leaves sufferers feeling old (46%), tired (42%) and useless (21%). Worryingly, almost a third (29%) report feeling depressed.
The study also showed that sufferers could be living in pain unnecessarily. Over half (54%) have accepted their pain is part of everyday life and an inevitable part of ageing (31%). Half (54%) say they have lived with the condition for more than five years.
Little wonder then that there’s a willingness to find alternative solutions. Half (47%) are open to trying food supplements or herbal remedies as an alternative, but only a quarter (23%) have considered using turmeric to manage their pain – despite significant research demonstrating evidence of its anti-inflammatory properties.
Turmeric is a plant that has been used for centuries in cooking and traditional medicine and is known to contain a powerful active ingredient, of curcumin, which has many anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is behind many of the unpleasant symptoms of arthritis. FutureYou Cambridge, which conducted the research, has created a patented supplement called Turmeric+ that is 30x more absorbable than standard turmeric due to the curcumin being combined with soy lecithin and also incorporates other micronutrients ingredients to help joint health.
FutureYou conducted the study to raise awareness of the problems many arthritis sufferers are dealing with on a regular basis and highlight the ways the issues can be tackled. The study comes in the wake of Public Health England’s recent review from September 2019 that found 1 in 4 Brits are addicted to painkillers.
Commenting on the research, Adam Cleevely, Chief Executive Officer from FutureYou says: “The pain of arthritis is an everyday reality for 10 million people, and it’s shocking that so many haven’t found an effective way to manage their condition. It’s sad and unacceptable that so many people
have been forced to accept this way of life because they’ve either failed to find a prescription or over-the-counter option that works for them, or they’re simply not aware of or don’t have access to an effective non-medicinal alternative. With more people wanting to avoid pain killers it’s important that they are aware that there are other choices available to them.”
Dr Nicholas Shenker Consultant rheumatologist at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, expert in chronic pain syndromes says:
‘Curcumin (the active ingredient in turmeric) is poorly absorbed in the gut. FutureYou Turmeric+ combines curcumin with lecithin to prevent it being destroyed in the stomach. This allows it to be absorbed and distributed around the body and could help those suffering with arthritis.’
Aidan Goggins, BPharm, MSc NutrMed, Pharmacist, nutritionist said: “As well as having a healthy, balanced diet, getting additional nutrients from food supplements may help if you have arthritis. The most recent research points to curcumin, from turmeric, having similar efficacy to common anti-inflammatory drugs in arthritis but without the negative impacts”
For more information on the health benefits of turmeric, visit Futureyouhealth.com
Key features and benefits of Turmeric+
- 30x more absorbable than standard turmeric
- Contains vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of cartilage
- Helps maintain normal muscle function after high-intensity exercise and is Informed-Sport Certified