A number of nutritional supplements have shown promise in relieving pain, stiffness, and other symptoms of arthritis. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and curcumin are just a few of the natural products that researchers have studied for osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This amino sugar is a natural part of joint cartilage. Taking it as a supplement can help delay cartilage loss, as well as ease stiffness, swelling, and pain.
You can find it in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid, or powder. Your doctor may recommend that you take it in combination with another supplement, chondroitin. This substance is a natural part of the connective tissue of bones and cartilage. When you take it as a supplement, it can help increase collagen in your joints to help you better absorb shocks.
It can also help retain water in the cartilage. This can make the fabric work more smoothly. A little more chondroitin might also help protect you from cartilage loss. The supplement form comes from animal cartilage.
Scientists studying rheumatoid arthritis have found that people with this condition often lack vitamin D. Low levels of this essential nutrient can cause chronic pain. When taken as a supplement, it can help your arthritis treatment work better. This spice gives curry its yellow color.
It may also ease your pain a little. A chemical in turmeric called curcumin blocks certain proteins that can cause inflammation. Over time, it can help your joints hurt less and help you move better. This borago plant seed extract has a high content of gamma linolenic acid, a fatty acid that fights inflammation in the body.
Daily borage oil supplements can help treat rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and even reduce the dose you need of prescription treatments for joint pain and swelling. There are many reasons to follow an anti-inflammatory diet, even if you don't have joint pain, but if you have joint pain, it's critical that you follow an anti-inflammatory diet. The body converts them into anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins that can help eliminate joint stiffness and tenderness. However, with a healthy, anti-inflammatory diet and the right vitamins and supplements, pain and stiffness can be reduced.
A vitamin D deficiency in the body causes bones to lose strength and soften, a condition known as osteomalacia in adults and rickets in children. Because tendons, joints, and cartilage do not have direct blood vessels, movement in the form of activity, specifically aerobic exercise that increases the heart rate, is important for spreading oxygen and nutrients to the joints. Serious drug interactions with low or medium intakes of non-antioxidant vitamins have not been reported. One study found that patients with chronic pain and with vitamin D deficiency were the most likely to benefit from taking vitamin D supplements.
However, more information is needed to determine if vitamin D supplements can help all people living with chronic pain. Some studies have shown no benefit with glucosamine, while others have demonstrated a reduction in joint pain, especially the glucosamine sulfate salt. Most milk and milk alternatives in the United States are fortified with vitamin D, but you might be wondering why. The number one supplement I recommend for joint health and overall musculoskeletal health is vitamin D3.
In the first trial, 72 people with osteoarthritis were randomly selected to receive 3 g of vitamin B3 or placebo tablets once a day for 12 weeks. They can also help strengthen bones, maintain nerve and muscle function, and strengthen joint cartilage. .
