Fish Oil Supplements For Arthritis
Youve probably already heard that fish oils containing omega-3 are good for your joints, brain and heart health.
That’s due to omega-3 is made up of two compounds called DHA and EPA which have been linked to reducing cell inflammation.
As arthritis causes inflammation, upping your intake of fish oil supplements packed with omega fatty acids could help thanks to their natural anti-inflammatory effects.
Studies have also shown that fatty acids could help to reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel and trout are great sources of omega-3.
If you dont eat fish, omega-3 is also found in nuts, seeds and vegetable oils or supplements like Algal oil or Ahi Flower.
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Vitamin B Complex Trials For Rheumatoid Arthritis
In this trial, 43 participants with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly allocated to receive 5 mg vitamin B9 with or without 100 mg vitamin B6 once a day for 12 weeks.
- There was no reported difference in change in the disease activity score or number of painful or swollen joints.
- Those who received the Vitamin B9 and B6 combination demonstrated significantly greater reductions in some markers of inflammation.
- No side-effects were recorded.
A trial of low quality. Results of this trial were given a lower weighting when we came to our conclusion about the compound.
What Is An Anti
The food we choose to eat is one factor that influences the level of inflammation in our bodies.
Generally speaking, following an anti-inflammatory diet means avoiding processed foods and instead, eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, beans, whole grains, and foods containing omega-3 fatty acids.
One example of a diet thats rich in anti-inflammatory foods is the Mediterranean diet.
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Where To Go From Here
These are only a few of the many supplements you can start taking that could be beneficial if you have arthritis. However, they are some of the best.
If you begin taking omega 3 fats in the form of fish oil, protein supplements such as whey and branched-chain amino acids, youll most likely see a big difference.
Test it yourself and keep your own records on what works for you. The answers are waiting for you to discover them!
Any specific supplement products & brands featured on this website are not necessarily endorsed by Donna.
Contents of this Article
Turmeric For Joint Pain And Stiffness
The turmeric plant grows in India and Indonesia, and its roots serve as the basis for curry seasoning. One of the many active ingredients in turmeric is curcumin it is used in traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. The claims are that turmeric reduces arthritis joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness related to arthritis. Turmeric is also known as a digestive aid.
Several studies have shown that turmeric works as an anti-inflammatory and that it modifies the immune system. In a 2006 study, turmeric was more effective at preventing arthritis joint inflammation as opposed to reducing inflammation. A study in 2009 compared extracts of turmeric with extracts of a related plant species, cucurma domestica, containing the same medicinal chemicals as regular turmeric. Researchers found that it worked as well at relieving symptoms of arthritis as 800 milligrams of ibuprofen daily. But definitive studies in humans are lacking, so the benefit of turmeric on arthritis is unclear.
People on blood thinners should use caution when taking turmeric as animal studies indicate it may increase the risk of bleeding. It may also cause stomachache.
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Green Tea: Can It Help Joints
The phytochemicals in green tea have been shown to reduce heart disease risk — mostly in laboratory and rat studies. Can green tea also help relieve arthritis-related inflammation and cartilage breakdown? Some early research indicates that it does. Further studies are needed, experts say. In the meantime, there’s no harm — and possibly great health value — in sipping a cup of green tea daily.
Keep in mind, though, that most of the studies looking at the pain-relieving effects of green tea used between four and six cups daily.
The anti-inflammatory phytochemicals in green tea are still present in decaffeinated products. So drinking decaffeinated green tea is an option if you donât want the stimulant effect from regular green tea.
Common Ingredients In Arthritis Pain Supplements
The default ingredient list of many arthritis pain supplements includes glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM. However, manufacturers are not restricted to these ingredients. Here is a list of potential ingredients which should be clearly displayed on product packaging.
GlucosamineGlucosamine is a natural substance produced by the human body. It is usually found in joint fluids, bone marrow, and shellfish. It helps with the repair of cartilage damaged by inflammation. It can raise blood sugar levels in diabetics but is generally considered safe. There is no established therapeutic dose.
ChondroitinChondroitin is similar on a molecular level to glucosamine and is also found naturally in human joint tissue. Several reputable studies link the use of chondroitin with significant relief from osteoarthritis pain. It has some blood-thinning properties, so users taking blood-thinning medications or certain cancer drugs should caution.
MSMMSM is naturally found in green plants, but it is also produced in the human body. It is often touted as a miracle supplement that can help with a wide variety of medical conditions. The primary function of MSM in arthritis pain supplements is to deliver beneficial sulfur to damaged tissues.
TurmericTurmeric is a spice with a number of claimed health benefits. It is commonly found in prepared mustards and Indian food. As a supplement, turmeric is considered to have anti-inflammatory properties.
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What Can I Do For My Joint Pain
This is a common question I hear almost every day. Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is very common in people especially over the age of 30.
The joints that are most commonly affected include the ones that take the most weight bearing and abuse such as the following:
- spine
This is also called wear and tear arthritis.
People who have sustained sports injuries are at greater risk of degeneration of the joint. Common every day activities do produce some wear and tear on the joints particularly if the body weight is increased. Even a 5 pound weight gain transmits five times which would equal 25 extra pounds of pressure to the lower body joints, so maintaining a normal body weight is very important.
Stretching and strengthening exercises are very important as they stabilize the joints. Since the tendons, joints and cartilage do not have any direct blood vessels, movement In the form of activity, specifically aerobic exercise that gets the heart rate up is important for diffusing both oxygen and nutrients into the joints.
How Do Arthritis Pain Supplements Work
The basic mechanism behind arthritis pain supplements is tissue repair. Osteoarthritis and other medical conditions cause painful inflammation and degenerative tissue damage primarily in the joints. As the body loses its natural lubricants and protective cartilage, the nerves, muscle tissue, and bones can become inflamed and painful to the touch. Prescription pain medications usually address inflammation and swelling, but they do not always address the loss of fluids, cartilage, and bone tissue over time.
This is where arthritis pain supplements enter the picture. Natural ingredients ordinarily produced in the human body, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, are supposed to encourage the regrowth of cartilage and other protective tissues. MSM is a sulfur-based substance that penetrates inflamed tissue and helps ease inflammation. Other ingredients found in these supplements may also help improve overall bone density, restore lubricating synovial fluids, or reduce inflammation.
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Solgar Boswellia Resin Extract Vegetable Capsules
Solgar Boswellia Resin Extract capsules are great for many reasons, one being they’re nice and inclusive – suitable for vegetarians, vegans and kosher approved.
Boswellia is also known as Indian frankincense, the active components in the extract are widely known for naturally having anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, it’s also been used to treat a number of inflammatory conditions across the globe for centuries.
Some studies have also shown that it may be able to slow the autoimmune process, thus helping to further prevent cartilage loss, which should allow for more freedom in movement that can be comfortably enjoyed.
Krill Oil For Arthritis
Krill oil is derived from shrimp-like crustaceans which feed on algae and acquire concentrated omega-3s plus two powerful antioxidant pigments, astaxanthin and canthaxanthin. These pigments are the same as those providing flamingos with their attractive pink plumage. The combination of omega 3s and antioxidants give krill oil an anti-inflammatory edge against joint pain and stiffness.
Research shows that krill oil supplements can reduce the level of circulating inflammatory markers by 19% after 7 days, and by 30% after 2 weeks. At the same time, joint symptoms showed significant improvement, with a noticeable reduction in pain and stiffness. Krill oil supplements also reduce the amount of pain-killing rescue medication needed.
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Ultra High Strength Boswellia Capsules
It is indigenous to India and Pakistan that the scrubby tree known as Boswellia serrata is cultivated. The plant has been used as a medicinal herb for quite some time.
Another common name for this resin is Indian frankincense resin. According to some, Boswellic acids hinder leukotrienes, which trigger inflammation in the body.
There is minimal scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of Boswellia for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. We have no human trials on which to base our conclusions.
As of yet, there have only been experiments in a laboratory with animals. However, a recent assessment of pertinent research concluded that the plant has potential in treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Dosage
You can have Boswellia in pill or capsule form. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one can take 300 to 400 mg three times each day but before you take this supplement, you should first consult with your doctor.
Other Ways To Ease Your Arthritis
While there is strong evidence to suggest that specific dietary changes can improve arthritis, some people with rheumatoid arthritis feel their symptoms get worse after they have eaten certain foods, according to the NHS.
If you think this may be the case for you, it may be useful to try avoiding problematic foods for a few weeks to see if your symptoms improve, says the health site.
It adds: But it’s important to ensure your overall diet is still healthy and balanced.
A Mediterranean-style diet, which is based on vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, beans, cereals, grains, fish and unsaturated fats such as olive oil, is a great way to get all the nutrients you need.
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Dont Count Out Creams
I tell all my patients to approach their pain with a toolbox of options, depending on the type and location. Sometimes, alternating ice and heat is effective. For other ailments, medication is best. Topical pain-relief creams can be another great option.
For example, capsaicin cream, made from hot chili peppers, can significantly reduce joint pain. It decreases levels of substance P in your body, a natural chemical secreted by nerves and inflammatory cells that sends pain signals to your brain. The benefits of capsaicin cream have been studied extensively, showing a 50% reduction in pain after regular use.
Because creams are not systemically absorbed like oral supplements, only a small amount of the substance enters your body. This is especially beneficial to patients who experience side effects from certain supplements. Consistent use is key to reducing pain with creams over the long term theyre not an immediate fix.
Branched Chain Amino Acids
Branched-chain amino acids are a group of three different amino acids that have a particular chemical structure that other amino acids dont have.
The BCAAs include leucine, isoleucine and valine. BCAAs plus the other 17 amino acids that are building blocks for protein are ones that must be provided by your diet for you to sustain life.
The amino acid leucine is important for muscles to grow. It enhances muscle protein synthesis and increases the amount of strength the muscle has .
BCAAs are also important for good joint function in frail and pre-frail elderly people requiring long-term care.
Japanese researchers put elderly individuals on an exercise program that they werent used to 3 sets of exercises at 30% maximum contraction for five different body parts, one set of aerobic exercise and one set of balance training.
You might think this amount would be enough to kill them! However, it was designed only to make them stronger. The researchers gave 6 grams BCAAs or placebo 10 minutes before starting exercise.
Those who received the supplement were 10% stronger in lower limb muscle strength on the leg press and knee extension and better balance ability .
BCAAs can naturally be found in eggs, meat and dairy products. They are also found in dietary supplements, ones that may be taken by athletes and non-athletes, those who are sick and those who are healthy.
What Happens When You Take BCAAs?
How Do Amino Acids Differ in Those With or Without Arthritis?
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Best Joint Supplements On The Market In
- Supports healthy bones and cartilage
- Limited return policy
Nuzena Joint Support helps relieve joint aches and pains using glucosamine and chondroitin and is 100% drug-free. A team of health professionals formulated Nuzena Joint Support. It includes clinically studied ingredients shown to support healthy joints, bones, cartilage and increase mobility.
Ingredients in Nuzena include glucosamine sulfate, turmeric curcumin, chondroitin sulfate, quercetin, bromelain, and Boswellia.
One thing the company doesnt lack is transparency. To provide customers with the best transparency, they have developed their own quality tracker to allow customers to see each batchs ingredient quality testing results in real-time.
A one-month supply costs $35, and discounts are offered for bulk purchases. Returns are accepted within 30 days of purchase but must be returned unopened and in original packaging.
Swanson White Willow Bark
Many generations of people have used white willow bark to soothe inflammation. The species of willow trees is attributed to providing the natural source of aspirin.
As far as the ingredients in willow are concerned, it has been shown that salicin will decrease the formation of pain-inducing chemicals in neurons.
Willow bark outperformed chamomile and meadowsweet in decreasing inflammatory chemicals linked with rheumatoid arthritis in lab studies completed in 2012. In conclusion, now is the time to purchase.
Dosage
While aspirin may interfere with other medications, including anti-inflammatories and anticoagulants, willow bark can do the same. As a side effect, willow bark may induce gastrointestinal problems and anaphylactic shock. Willow bark should only be used under the supervision of a physician.
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Uses In Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis happens when the bodys immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake, causing painful swelling mainly in the hand, wrist, and knee joints. In RA, the lining of the joint becomes inflamed, damaging the joint tissue. Research studying the use of collagen supplements in RA has yielded mixed results as well.
A study that looked at both OA and RA noted that reports of positive results with oral collagen in RA remain controversial, particularly when compared with conventional therapies such as methotrexate, a drug designed to slow down the progression of RA. Research into oral collagen for OA in the form of UC-II and partially denatured collagen has shown promise as a pain reliever for those suffering from OA.
However, there are still not enough large and long-term studies to verify the effectiveness of collagen in these conditions. Overall, oral collagen supplementation has achieved some positive results against RA in preclinical and clinical studies.
Popular Supplements For Arthritis: What You Need To Know
Learn which supplements and vitamins might help with arthritis symptoms, and what risks some can pose.
Several nutritional supplements have shown promise for relieving pain, stiffness and other arthritis symptoms. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, SAM-e and curcumin are just some of the natural products researchers have studied for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis .
Some of these natural remedies may offer arthritis symptom relief, especially when you use them in conjunction with traditional treatments. Heres the evidence on some of the most popular supplements used to treat arthritis, and how they work.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. Theyre components of cartilagethe substance that cushions the joints.
Research on these supplements has been mixed, in part because studies have used varying designs and supplement types. A large National Institutes of Health study called the GAIT trial compared glucosamine and chondroitin, alone or together, with an NSAID and inactive treatment in people with knee osteoarthritis . Glucosamine improved symptoms like pain and function, but not much better than a placebo. Yet a 2016 international trial found the combination to be as effective as the NSAID celecoxib at reducing pain, stiffness and swelling in knee OA.
Fish oil
SAM-e
Curcumin
Vitamins
Supplement Risks
How to Take Supplements Safely
Complementary Therapies
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How To Choose The Best Joint Pain Relief Supplements
Unlike medications prescribed by your doctor, the law doesnt require the Food and Drug Administration to approve the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements, including joint pain supplements. This makes it essential to do your homework before purchasing joint pain relief supplements.
First of all, be sure to buy your joint pain supplement from a reputable company. Choose a brand that has been around for a while with positive reviews from real users.
Next, youll want to choose a product that has been third-party tested. A third-party tested supplement has been tested independently by an outside company to ensure the ingredients match whats on the label and the product is safe for consumption.
Finally, consider the cost of the supplement. While products that are too cheap may not be made with quality ingredients, some products make unrealistic promises and are very pricey.
If youve been using a supplement for a few months without results, it may be time to speak with your doctor about alternative therapies or medications.