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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