Do Any Joint Supplements Really Work?
Many adults use supplements to help ease and manage their joint pain and arthritis. Omega-3, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, Green tea, and many more of them. Are these supplements effective? Choosing the right supplement to help your arthritis and joint pain can be quite confusing. Many nutritional supplements also have promising results by providing relief and reducing stiffness. Many types of researches and studies have recommended Omega 3, Chondroitin, Glucosamine, S-Adenosyl methionine (SAM-e), and curcumin for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). Some natural remedies may provide relief from arthritis symptoms, mainly when you use them with traditional treatment. This article has listed some of the most popular supplements used for treating arthritis and joint pain.
Top Five Supplements to Treat Joint Pain:
1. Curcumin from Turmeric Root:
Research and studies have proven that turmeric root contains many Anti-inflammatory properties. Curcumin is an active component present in turmeric. Turmeric contains only 3% of Curcumin, So make sure you consume a fair amount of turmeric for visible results. Instead of eating turmeric every day, you can alternatively buy curcumin supplements from pharmacy stores.
An experiment with 365 people suffering from knee OA was conducted when each individual was required to consume 1500 mg of curcumin daily. The results showed that this supplement provides relief from tenderness and swelling.
2. Glucosamine and Chondroitin:
Chondroitin and Glucosamine are the two most commonly used components for arthritis and joint pain. These components are made out of cartilage – the substance that acts as cushions for joints.
A National Institution of Health Study by the name GAIT trial executed a study by comparing Chondroitin and Glucosamine with NSAID and an inactive treatment (called a placebo) in individuals suffering from knee osteoarthritis (OA). Results showed that Glucosamine helped improve symptoms, but in comparison, placebo showed better effects. In 2016, an international trial found out that Glucosamine and Chondroitin's combination was equally effective as NSAID celecoxib for reducing stiffness, swelling, and pain in individuals suffering from knee OA.
Many studies have also suggested which form of glucosamine supplement will be more effective when mixed with Chondroitin. Some evidence recommends using Glucosamine sulfate with Chondroitin, whereas some evidence suggests Glucosamine hydrochloride to be the best. A study was executed where these two components were compared showed that both these components were equally effective in providing relief from arthritis symptoms. Researchers from Mayo clinic suggested using Glucosamine sulfate with Chondroitin.
3. Fish Oil:
Polyunsaturated Omega 3 is a fatty acid that is found in fish, and this acid contains potent anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that Omega 3 fat works effectively for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) rather than for osteoarthritis (OA) because rheumatoid arthritis is mainly caused by inflammation.
A systematic review of studies conducted in 2017 found out that Omega 3 supplements help reduce joint stiffness, pain, and swelling in individuals suffering from RA. Taking Omega 3 supplements might help some people cut down the consumption of painkillers and avoid their side effects.
Chia and flaxseed are plant-based sources of Omega-3 in the form of short-chain ALA (alpha-linolenic acid). Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) are a long chain of Omega 3 acid that contains the majority of health-related benefits. While buying fish oil supplements, make sure the ingredients list contains DHA and EPA and contains 1 gram of each DHA and EPA.
4. SAM-e:
S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) is a component found in the human body with anti-inflammatory properties, pain-relieving effect, and cartilage-protection. Many studies and research have stated that SAM-e effectively provides relief from OA pain and inflammation, just like NSAIDs, celecoxib, and ibuprofen, without any side effects.
SAM-e provides many bonus health benefits as well. This supplement is also recommended for individuals suffering from depression because it contains moderate to mild antidepressant effect.
An individual should consume 1,200 mg of SAM-e daily. If you are planning to try the supplement, be patient with the result.
5. Vitamins:
Many studies have used strict requirements for testing their effect on arthritis, including many antioxidant vitamins like vitamin A, C, and E, and also vitamin K and D. Although no studies have provided evidence that antioxidant vitamins can help in providing relief from arthritis symptoms, however eating a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients is overall very healthy. Vitamin K and D are essential for bone strength, as well as vitamin K, which maintains cartilage structure.
How to Take Supplement Safely:
If you are confused and do not wish to try out these supplements, you can use them as an add-on to your prescribed arthritis drugs and not as a replacement. Make sure you do not replace your medication with these supplements because your prescription is the only effective way to slow your joint damage.
Please make sure you consult your doctor before trying out any new supplement or drug to ensure that it is right for your health and that you are also consuming an adequate amount. In their interviews, many doctors have stated that consumers who are trying out these supplements should consult a physician who can help them with investigating whether these supplements are effective or not.
Conclusion:
Before starting taking any new supplement, consult your pharmacist or doctor to make sure about the supplement's contents and the adequate dosage, which is right for your health condition and which will not clash with your prescribed medication and other things you consume. Although these supplements are labeled as natural, they can cause serious health problems if you take a high dose or combine it with other medications or supplements.
Remember, these supplements will not provide you with a quick result; you have to be patient for them to fix your arthritis or joint pain. Sometimes they may give an immediate effect, whereas sometimes it may take over weeks or months to provide only a slight decrease or relief in pain.
