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5 Supplement Ingredients That Can Help Ease Joint Pain

Jacques Roche

Blame it on overdoing it at the gym, but joint pain is something you can do without. And let’s be real, joint pain might result from an injury; however, in most cases, it is caused by arthritis. Arthritis occurs when there is inflammation around the joints.

Arthritis can manifest in dozens of forms, ranging from rheumatoid arthritis to osteoarthritis. One can, however, take ownership of one’s condition, thereby managing the health of the joints better. Going to a rheumatologist should be your first step. Such a professional can diagnose your condition and prescribe medication and a management plan to ease your joint pain. Besides helping you take some pressure off your aching joints and avoid stiffness, a rheumatologist can suggest that you watch your weight. The doctor may suggest yoga exercises to strengthen muscles and release tension while building muscle to support your joints.

You may also be advised to eat healthily. Some dietary supplements have been proven in clinical research studies to help reduce joint pain. Below are the key dietary supplements that can help. Before taking any supplement, discuss the idea with your doctor, especially on prescription medication. Bear in mind that not all supplements are of the same quality. Some are also not compatible with prescription medication. Using handy platforms such as Analyze will help you decide what the best quality supplements on the market deliver exactly what the manufacturer claims.  

#1 Glucosamine

As you age, your glucosamine levels start to decline. This substance is important in maintaining the health of the cartilage in your joints. Glucosamine may have an anti-inflammatory effect and can improve joint mobility. Glucosamine supplements are normally produced from the shells of shellfish such as lobsters, crabs, and shrimps. For those allergic to shellfish, there are vegetarian or shellfish-free forms of glucosamine available. However, research studies have shown that you should stay on the treatment for over six months for a glucosamine sulfate formula to show benefits. Also, if you are diabetic, be mindful that glucosamine could increase your blood sugar levels.

#2 Vitamin D3

The sunshine gives you more than a tan. It also provides Vitamin D. Vitamin D, especially the active form D3, helps absorb calcium – ideal for stronger bones, therefore, preventing osteoporosis. Besides being in the sun for 15 minutes daily, good sources of vitamin D are egg yolk, dairy products, and sardines. However, most people do not take insufficient vitamin D. Therefore, supplements are useful.

#3 Omega-3

Omega-3 essential fatty acids assist with producing chemical acids, which are useful in preventing inflammation for people with arthritis. Inflammation may damage joints and lead to deformity and pain. Just one thing: Omega-3 is not good if you suffer from gout (metabolic arthritis). Good sources of Omega-3 are fish or krill oils (not fish-liver oils); and for vegetarians, walnuts, flaxseed oil, hemp-seed oil, and grapeseed oil.

#4 Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate helps to quash inflammatory pathways in the body. As such, chondroitin can help to delay joint damage, reduce joint pain, and improve joint function. Some studies, however, have shown that the benefits may be marginal. Chondroitin sulfate sources are the trachea of a pig and cow. 

#5 Ginger

Researchers have shown that humble ginger (with many therapeutic benefits) can be as good as over-the-counter drugs. Therefore, a supplement that contains this substance may prove beneficial.

The Bottom Line

It is best to work with your specialist and follow a professional management program that can help to control your inflammation and pain. Also, tell your doctor which supplements you plan to take. If any are suggested, it is best to take the highest quality you can afford. Furthermore, be realistic. Don’t think that supplements will be able to cure your joint pain. They should alleviate some of the pain and decrease the degeneration process caused as the inflammation damages the joints. Above are five ingredients researchers have shown to offer the best results to deal with joint pain. However, they are not the only ones.

In short, read the label on the bottle. Speak to your doctor. And take control of your health.  


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