Overview
The following content is part of a series that discusses joint health. While this article does stand alone, with a distinct focus on reducing the impact of joint pain through the use of supplements, you might find that the other articles in this series could help you manage the discomfort you might be experiencing.
To see the full list of these 8 articles, of which this is #7, please visit the Introduction page.
The following is a transcript of the audio and video presentations that can be accessed above.
It discusses the best supplements for joint health.
Increased friction between joints leads to the sensation of pain and discomfort. While many resort to medication as the primary solution to the problem, supplements are also a popular alternative.
While we accept there is a plethora of supplements available, we will only be looking at those felt to be best in this category. These supplements have all been backed by scientific research and deemed most effective to addressing joint related issues.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a complex carbohydrate found in the body, primarily in three different forms:
- glucosamine sulfate;
- glucosamine hydrochloride;
- and N-acetyl-glucosamine.
Among these, glucosamine sulfate is the most common form and is extracted from the outer covering of shellfish.
To treat joint issues, glucosamine supplement may be used alone or combined with chondroitin or shark cartilage for added benefits.
The reason why this is considered beneficial for joint pain is because it plays a vital role in the formation of cartilage. As you’ve already seen, cartilage thins and deteriorates with age. If anything, it needs help from supplementation to keep it healthy.
Evidence suggests that glucosamine helps in slowing down this process. It assists cartilage repair and formation by incorporating sulfur into the structure. Likewise, swelling also reduces in the presence of glucosamine.
People suffering from hip or knee arthritis can sufficiently benefit from this supplement.
The pain-relieving effect of glucosamine lasts for about 3 months from usage so it may not exactly offer a long-term solution. Results may take a good 6-8 weeks to become noticeable, but will likely be more effective than those achieved by using over-the-counter and prescription medication.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin naturally occurs in the body in bone and cartilage while supplementary chondroitin is extracted from animal cartilage.
It’s present in the form of chondroitin sulfate and is often administered alongside glucosamine. Its benefits are somewhat similar to that of glucosamine.
This supplement helps the cartilage retain water so that excess rubbing between bones may be prevented. At the same time, it also slows down the progression of osteoarthritis.
When used on its own or in association with other supplements, chondroitin improves the shock-absorbing ability of collagen protein. Also, it inhibits the functioning of enzymes that cause cartilage breakdown.
When used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid, the two develop into a spring-like molecule. This improves the elasticity and strength of the cartilage.
Chondroitin sulphate also signals the immune system to prevent cartilage breakdown by increasing collagen synthesis.
It is especially beneficial for people with hand arthritis. Although it doesn’t enhance grip strength or reduce the need for joint pain relief, it still reduces morning stiffness in such individuals.
It can also serve as an alternative for people who cannot take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
SAM-E
SAM-E (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine) is a compound that’s naturally formed in the body. It plays a role in synthesis, activation and degradation of hormones, drugs and different proteins. The body produces chemicals that induce inflammatory responses to activate the immune system. SAM-E lowers the activity of these mediators to reduce pain in joints.
In osteoarthritis, proteoglycan, which is a constituent of cartilage, doesn’t get produced in sufficient amounts. SAM-E enhances the working of enzymes that form proteoglycan to reverse cartilage degradation. SAM-E also plays a role in reducing stiffness in joints. Consequently, mobility is improved.
It’s been seen to be very helpful in reversing the excessive fatigue and body pains associated with fibromyalgia.
Tendinitis, which refers to the inflammation of tendons in the body, is also treatable with the help of SAM-E. Bursa, a cushioning sac filled with fluid between tendons and bones, can be inflamed. This leads to swelling of the bursa and joint pain.
SAM-E is particularly helpful in reducing swelling and tenderness. Individuals suffering from chronic lower back pain, caused due to sports or weight-related injury, can also benefit from this supplement.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin is a component of chili peppers. It’s the constituent that causes a burning sensation in your mouth because it causes a sting when it comes in contact with any body tissue. The working of capsaicin is quite interesting as it relieves pain by affecting the nerve cells. It’s used in form of a topical cream or patch.
It stimulates the activation of certain nerve receptors that are involved in causing itching or stinging sensation. Capsaicin keeps the receptors activated for a long period of time.
After some time, the receptors’ ability to function is lost due to over-reception. So, these receptors also stop processing signals for pain induction.
When used on a regular basis, this supplement helps numb the sensation of pain by overusing the receptors.
Capsaicin is effective in relieving pain that is caused due to rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. Its working is so intense that it can actually help lower the pain by 50% after just a month of usage.
It also helps reduce pain which results from nerve damage as a result of diabetic neuropathy or HIV.
Curcumin
Curcumin is a chemical abundantly present in turmeric. Although turmeric is only used as a flavoring agent in cooking or to give color in cosmetics, it also has benefits for joint pain. Curcumin reduces pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
When the bursa swells and causes irritation of joints, curcumin can also aid in reducing swelling and inflammation in the region for smooth cushioning and improved mobility.
It blocks the enzymes that are involved in formation of inflammatory mediators in the body.
One of the targets of curcumin is COX-2, a mediator that is also the target of many pain-relieving medicines. So, curcumin can act as an alternative to a nonsteroidal anti inflammatory drug. Instead of reducing joint inflammation, this supplement actually prevents further inflammation. People suffering from knee osteoarthritis can benefit from this supplement.
In some cases of rheumatoid arthritis, curcumin actually tends to be more effective than NSAIDS.
Omega 3s
Omega 3s are naturally found in fish oils and have been consumed for centuries for their benefits. One of the main benefits of omega 3s is pain relief.
The two important omega 3s for relieving pain are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Omega 3s have shown most effectiveness in relieving pain caused due to rheumatoid arthritis.
They don’t reverse joint damage or play a role in synthesis of new cartilage. Instead, their only function is for pain relief.
When omega 3s are taken as a fish oil supplement, they get converted to resolvins in the body. These compounds are 10,000 times more effective than normal fatty acids.
They inhibit the functioning of immune system mediators that cause inflammation.
For inflammation to occur, the body has its own on and off switch. Omega 3s inhibit the turning on of these switches so that the inflammatory pathway cannot proceed.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a component of synovial fluid, which is present between joints and allows easy gliding of bones. In patients of rheumatoid arthritis, this component starts to break up and functioning of the fluid is affected.
While its primary administration is through injections as a pain reliever, the same is also found in small doses in supplements. Research shows that low doses of this acid can reduce chronic pain and joint stiffness, though results may vary from one person to the next.
You can take hyaluronic acid for knee osteoarthritis in the form of 50mg tablets twice a day with meals. If your case is more severe, your doctor may recommend an injection.
It incorporates into the synovial fluid and reduces friction between the bones, causing them to brush against each other swiftly. In this way, it reduces stiffness of joints and enhances mobility.
Hyaluronic acid is especially used for the treatment of knee, hip and ankle arthritis as these are the regions where joints are extremely critical. The ball and socket joint in the hips that allows maximum mobility can often be affected due to arthritis.
So this supplement helps rebuild the shock-absorbing fluid present in the joints and acts like grease in bones.
Hyaluronic acid injections are prescribed for patients when pain from knee arthritis can no longer be controlled by anti-inflammatory drugs and NSAIDS.
Products of Benefit
As a part of the 60th Sense research, we do seek out the very best of products and suppliers that support the topics we discuss.
Products mentioned within our editorials are not sponsored, but are independently listed here as a result of our own unbiased findings, and that of our community.
For convenience, we present many of these for sale here in our store, and buying here will support the work we do.
However, if you prefer, you can seek these items direct from the manufacturer, or from any other online or local store.
So with that being said, here is the list of products that help to relieve joint health symptoms and discomfort:
- Glucosamine, MSM & Chondroitin Liquid by Natures Aid
The most effective glucosamine joint pain supplements that we have tried are the liquid blends. These are preferred, as they tend to work far quicker than tablets (in our own experiences).
This Natures Aid joint supplement
is at an extremely reasonable price, and has a pleasant enough refreshing apple & blackcurrant flavour.
With a daily suggested dose of 15ml, the 500ml bottle is more than enough to last even the longest months in the year.
- SAM-E
- Capsaicin
- Curcumin
- Omega-3
- Hyaluronic Acid
Topics Covered
| Hashtag: | Term: |
|---|---|
| #Bursa | Bursa |
| #Capsaicin | Capsaicin |
| #CartilageBreakdown | Cartilage Breakdown |
| #Chondroitin | Chondroitin |
| #ChondroitinSulfate | Chondroitin Sulfate |
| #ChronicLowerBackPain | Chronic Lower Back Pain |
| #CollagenProtein | Collagen Protein |
| #CollagenSynthesis | Collagen Synthesis |
| #ComplexCarbohydrate | Complex Carbohydrate |
| #Cox-2 | Cox-2 |
| #Dha | Dha |
| #DocosahexaenoicAcid | Docosahexaenoic Acid |
| #EicosapentaenoicAcid | Eicosapentaenoic Acid |
| #Enzymes | Enzymes |
| #Epa | Epa |
| #ExcessiveFatigue | Excessive Fatigue |
| #Fibromyalgia | Fibromyalgia |
| #FishOils | Fish Oils |
| #Glucosamine | Glucosamine |
| #GlucosamineHydrochloride | Glucosamine Hydrochloride |
| #GlucosamineSulfate | Glucosamine Sulfate |