Even many of the healthiest looking people can fall victim to pain in the joints. And when looking for a solution to this problem, supplements are usually your best option.
In this article, we'll suggest a number of natural alternatives that doctors often overlook. These joint supplements are usually readily available and well worth considering to your dietary intake.
Glucosamine: Glucosamine has become much better known as a supplement for reducing the pain from osteoarthritis, and has also been proven to increase the pain-reducing effects of ibuprofen. One note of caution, however, the supplement can cause side effects for diabetics, and you shouldn't take it if you're allergic to shellfish.
Collagen Hydrolysate: Collagen Hydrolysate is another fairly common supplement for joint relief among arthritis suffers. Studies have even shown that many patients taking the supplement were also able to reduce their use of non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Fish Oil: Specifically, omeg-3 is an important addition for arthritis sufferers. If you're not already consuming fatty fish, you may want to consider taking it in supplement form. Again, there can be side effects, since Omega-3 acts as a blood thinner so you should consult with your doctor if you're already taking prescribed blood thinners.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM): MSM is an organic sulphur compound found in fruits, vegetables and grains, as well as animals and humans. A number of small-scale studies have found that MSM can provide joint relief for those suffering from arthritis.
Green Tea Extract: In addition to many other benefits to the consumer, green tea is supposed to be good for arthritis sufferers since it can reduce inflammation and slow cartilage breakdown. A recommended dose would be 2 - 3 cups of brewed green tea a day, but if it's easier, you can also take it in supplement form.
Curcumin: Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, a popular spice in Indian cuisine, which has shown to decrease inflammation by reducing histamine levels. Turmeric is very often used in curries, but unless you want be eating curry every day, again, it's available in supplement for.
Shea tree extract: An extract of Vitellaria paradoxa called SheaFlex 70 could have potential for joint health according to the results of an Australian study that indicated a range of anti-inflammatory and chondroprotective effects for the active ingredient.
The findings of the research, published in the peer reviewed journal Phytotherapy Research, showed that in participants with elevated levels of osteoarthritis biomarkers, who were taking SheaFlex70, there were significant decreases in inflammation and cartilage breakdown, in addition to trend level decreases in bone remodelling as compared to the control group over the duration of the study.
The study, which was conducted at the Australian Centre for Complementary Medicine Education and Research in Brisbane, received funding from BSP Pharma, the holder of the worldwide rights for the ingredient.
The researchers claim that the study was triggered by the fact that while extracts from the seed of the African shea tree Vitellaria paradoxa have traditionally been used for the treatment of arthritic conditions, little is known about the mechanisms by which benefit is conferred.
So these are just some of the supplements available that are shown to be greatly effective for joint relief among arthritis patients. As with anything medical related, please do consult a doctor before taking any new supplement, as it's important that you take the right dosage. That, along with the fact some joint supplements can have side effects on certain people, especially if you're taking any other medication or have other illnesses.
