People struggling with arthritis and joint pain might be searching for supplements that will help alleviate some of their suffering.
While you should always talk to your healthcare provider before taking any new supplements, the following are some that are especially popular for joint health and pain relief.
There are a lot of different supplements that contain variations of omega-3 fatty acids. One example is Omega XL, which contains fatty acids from green-lipped mussels. According to Omega XL reviews, it’s an effective supplement, so what about omega-3 fatty acids that help improve joint health and alleviate pain?
According to research, these unsaturated fatty acids modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce disease activity, especially with rheumatoid arthritis, including helping with swollen, tender joints.
Taking supplements with omega-3 fatty acids for people with RA may help them lower their dose of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
Essentially, these healthy fats can stop the inflammation that causes the active process of rheumatoid arthritis.
Other benefits of healthy fats may include cognitive health, reduced risk of developing diabetes, and improved heart health.
An active compound found in turmeric, studies have found that curcumin may help with osteoarthritis pain. The reason that curcumin is beneficial is likely because of its anti-inflammatory effects.
Curcumin has an extensive history of use in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine, and along with helping osteoarthritis pain and symptoms, it may help with rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis.
Boswellia serrata is also known by the name Indian Frankincense. This herbal remedy contains Boswelic acids, including one called AKBA. The compounds in Boswellia have powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
These compounds block an enzyme called 5-LOX that causes inflammation that attacks joints and other tissues. Boswellia may reduce the cartilage damage that arthritis causes too.
Bromelain is a set of enzymes that occur naturally in pineapple. According to some studies, bromelain can relieve pain and has anti-inflammatory effects similar to NSAIDs.
Bromelain may help reduce the pain and swelling associated with both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis and can potentially increase mobility.
Chondroitin is one of the most well-known supplements for joint health and reducing pain from conditions like RA and osteoarthritis. Chondroitin is found in the connective tissues in our cartilage and bones. In supplement form, chondroitin comes from the cartilage of animals.
When someone takes a chondroitin supplement, it may help make collagen more able to absorb shock, increasing comfort and mobility. It can also possibly block enzymes that break down cartilage. Another benefit of chondroitin is that it can help the cartilage hold onto water and potentially reverse loss of cartilage when combined with glucosamine.
This traditional herb helps with inflammation and pain, and it may lower uric acid levels for people with gout. Some people also use devil’s claw to reduce their appetite and it helps with digestion.
There’s an active ingredient in devil’s claw, harpagoside, which seems to reduce inflammation and joint pain.
In one study, in people with osteoarthritis of the knee or hip, or low back pain, eight weeks of 60 mg of devil’s claw daily led to improvements in pain, mobility, and flexibility for between 50% and 70% of participants.
MSM is a sulfur compound that occurs naturally in humans, animals, fruits, vegetables, and grains. MSM seems to help alleviate pain because it can reduce the nerve impulses that transmit it.
Finally, the thunder god vine is an herb from the root of a plant native to Asia. Thunder god vine is sometimes used as a natural treatment for RA, lupus, and other autoimmune disorders. Thunder god vine’s use has been part of Chinese medicine for thousands of years, and there is evidence it can suppress overactivity of the immune system.
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