Calcium For Joint Health
Because we’re talking about bones, we must discuss calcium, Plank tells WebMD. “It’s not just because calcium builds bones. It’s because every time your heart pumps or a muscle contracts, your body has to use calcium. You have to have adequate calcium on board.”
When your body is short on calcium, it takes calcium from bones. By getting enough calcium in your diet — and in supplements — you ensure adequate calcium in your blood and in bones.
Most people need 1,000 to 1,200 milligrams of elemental calcium a day, and can easily get that calcium from dairy foods , fortified juices and foods, and from supplements.
Seeking Help For Your Arthritis Pain
If arthritis has kept you from living the life you want, NJ Spine & Orthopedic is ready to help. Our caring team will empower you with information about the latest conservative treatments and therapies, such as the best supplements for you. If conservative treatments havent been effective in relieving your arthritis pain, we will be happy to discuss minimally invasive surgical options with you.
With the right treatment regimen, you can resume doing the things you love. Schedule an appointment today with one of our arthritis doctors to discover how NJ Spine & Orthopedic can help you!
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.
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It Prevents The Progression Of Arthritis
Cytokine-mediated pathways play a central role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
This is because rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease and cytokines mediate an important role in regulating the adaptive and innate responses of the immune system.
It is important to regulate levels of cytokine for normal functioning of the immune system.
This can prevent the occurrence or progression of rheumatoid arthritis.
An experimental study evaluated the effects and mechanisms of Vitamin E on serum levels of cytokines.
The conclusion made was that Vitamin E reduced levels of cytokines in the serum suggesting that its supplementation in the diet can be used as a novel method in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
What does this mean? Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease and cytokines play an important role in regulating conditions of the immune system. Vitamin E in the diet can reduce high levels of serum which are responsible for the auto-immune conditions. This approach of incorporating vitamin E in the diet can be used as an effective treatment of arthritis.
Minerals Helpful For Arthritis Relief
- Calcium is crucial for bone health.
- Copper relieves symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
- Selenium is an antioxidant that enables the body to produce glutathione, a substance that fights free radicals and prevents oxidation, and hence damage to joint linings.
- Boron aids the retention of calcium in the bones.
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Our Top Choices For The Best Joint Supplements
Here are our in-depth reviews of our top-rated joint health products:
Q6 Are Joint Supplements Safe
Most of the common chemicals in joint supplements have been thoroughly researched. Chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid, and glucosamine are all highly well-tolerated, with almost no side effects noted. Other lesser-known herbal extracts may have negative effects, but we observed no common side effects with components like turmeric and bromelain in our research.
In general, just stick to the instructions on the package and keep track of how you’re feeling while using a joint supplement. If you notice something is bothering you, stop using it and consult your doctor to check if you have a condition that could be worsened by one of the chemicals in your joint supplement.
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Treatments For Osteoarthritis In Dogs
If arthritis is diagnosed, the vet will recommend a plan to manage the condition and minimize pain, depending on the dogs age and the severity of the disease. For dogs that may be predisposed to arthritis, veterinarians may suggest starting preventative treatment at an early age to protect young joints and treat them ongoing as a dog ages.
Similar to treatments in humans, management plans for dogs may include trying several different therapies simultaneously: joint supplements, weight management, activity modification, low-impact exercise, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture, and sometimes surgery.
Joint supplements, such as Parnells Glyde Mobility Chews, are one of the most common long-term, safe treatments recommended to help reduce inflammation and pain, improve function, and slow progression of joint damage and arthritis. Supplements for humans and dogs commonly include glucosamine and chondroitin, as well as green lipped mussel .
Can You Get Chondroitin Naturally From Foods
Chondroitin occurs naturally in animal tissue, especially connective tissues. Gristle on animal bones is high in chondroitin. However, these sources are much lower than the doses provided in chondroitin supplements. Some chondroitin supplements come from animal sources, like shark or beef cartilage.
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Health Benefits Of Tumeric
This common spice in Indian food and curries may help those who suffer from arthritis. Closely related to the ginger family, turmeric can reduce joint stiffness and neck strain by blocking inflammatory enzymes and cytokines.
Turmeric is also great for adding color and flavor to meals, smoothies, and teas. Curcumin, the anti-inflammatory chemical in turmeric, makes up less than six percent of turmeric. Therefore, supplements like capsules or extracts can provide a much higher dose of curcumin than the spice bottle that you find in your pantry.
However, you should avoid turmeric if you are pregnant, scheduled for surgery, or are taking blood thinners.
Q5 What Causes Knee Pain
Knees, along with the legs, neck, and back, are the most common sources of discomfort. Knee aches can be caused by a variety of things, including short-term damage from incorrectly twisting your knee during activity.
This could also be an indication that high-impact sports, such as running on concrete are wearing down your joint cartilage over time. Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including inactivity, carrying too much body weight, bad posture, inadequately managed injuries, and inadequate nutrition.
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Stinging Nettle: Folk Remedy For Arthritis Symptoms
Stinging nettle is a stalk-like plant found in Europe and North America it is widely used as a folk remedy to treat arthritis symptoms throughout Europe and Australia.
The leaves and stems are processed into tea, capsules, tablets, tinctures, and extracts — and are also found in whole-leaf form. The claim is that stinging nettle reduces inflammation, aches, and joint pains of arthritis. This is not to be confused with stinging nettle root, which is used to treat prostate problems.
Preliminary evidence suggests that certain compounds in the nettle plant help reduce inflammation and modify the immune system.
A German study of hox alpha identified a substance that worked as an anti-inflammatory in joint diseases. A Turkish study showed stinging nettle’s painkilling, anti-microbial, and anti-ulcer activities.
However, evidence supporting the use of stinging nettle for arthritis is unclear and conflicting. More research is needed to determine its true effectiveness.
Top 4 Supplements To Treat Arthritis Pain
Choosing the right supplement to ease your arthritis pain and inflammation can be confusing. Which supplements are most effective? Of the many types of supplements available in stores and online, the following 4 have been well-studied for their ability to treat arthritis pain:
Research suggests curcumin, found in the spice turmeric, has anti-inflammatory properties and has the potential to reduce arthritis pain.
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Dosage Of Vitamin D For Arthritis
The Institute of Medicine has reported that the general dose of vitamin D is dependent on age. People between 13 and 70 years of age can take 600 international units a day.
For adults older than 71 years old, 800 internal units of vitamin D daily is recommended.
However, it is very important to consult a doctor or general physician before taking any dose to prevent further harm to the body.
How Does Vitamin D Affect Your Bones
A vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis. According to the Mayo Clinic, higher doses of prednisone, an RA medication, also increase your risk for osteoporosis. This condition causes your bones to lose density and become weak, which increases your risk for bone fractures from incidents ranging from falls to bumping into objects. Talk to your doctor if you have arthritis and think you may be at risk for osteoporosis. Osteoporosis often develops without symptoms and requires a bone mineral density test for diagnosis.
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Vitamin D3 For Healthy Bones
Vitamin D has long been known to promote healthy bones by helping them absorb calcium. You’ll find it easily in many foods, like fortified milk and orange juice. The body also produces a critical form of vitamin D — vitamin D3 — when the skin is exposed to sunlight, Plank explains. Vitamin D3 is now available in supplement form.
One study in Australia showed that when women took vitamin D3 and calcium during winter months they had less bone loss. One research group in the U.K. reviewed nine studies of vitamin D3 it reported that people with osteoporosis who took the supplement had an increase in bone density compared to those taking placebo.
“People are looking more closely at vitamin D3 these days,” Plank says. “Your body needs vitamin D3 for immunity. If you don’t have enough vitamin D3, your body is not going to absorb calcium — which it needs for function of bones and joints.”
One thing to keep in mind is that most multivitamins contain a 400 IU dose of vitamin D3. But experts recommend a daily dose of between 1,000 IU and 2,000 IU to get meaningful results. If you are going to take an over-the-counter vitamin D3 supplement, look for supplements that are sold as tablets that contain at least 1,000 IU of Vitamin D3.
Why Is Vitamin D Essential For Health
Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for the body as it helps maintain good overall health and strong and healthy bones.
It makes sure that the activities of the heart, muscles, lungs, and brain are not declined and we are able to fight infections.
The direct source of vitamin D is sunlight. Apart from that, we can obtain sunlight from different supplements and very little from the food we eat.
The direct source of vitamin D is sunlight. Apart from that, we can obtain sunlight from different supplements and very little from the food we eat.
The vitamin D that we get from sunlight and supplements has to be changed before it can be utilized by the body. Once
Once utilized, then it manages the amount of calcium absorption in blood and gut and helps the cells to communicate properly. The relation between vitamin D and bones was highlighted a long ago when it was reported that vitamin D prevents the occurrence of rickets in children.
More research has been conducted since then which have reported that vitamin D is useful in preventing and treating many diseases that affect long term health.
A difference between vitamin D and other vitamins is that our skin gets vitamin D from the sunlight, our body converts this vitamin D into an active hormone. This hormone is called “activated vitamin D” or “calcitriol”.
Vitamin D is useful for many body functions like:
- Immune system
- Respiratory function
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Dont Invest In Otc Supplements Before You Read This First
Theres something appealing about being able to help manage a chronic illness with so-called natural remedies like vitamins and minerals. That explains why theres no shortage of natural remedies marketed to people with rheumatoid arthritis and other forms of inflammatory arthritis.
There is a shortage, however, of solid scientific evidence to support whether or not you should take certain supplements. Will they actually help improve arthritis symptoms? Could they interact with other medications you take? Or might they potentially have negative side effects of their own?
Herbal supplements in particular concern me because theyre marketed using testimonials and not on any clinical data, says William Davis, MD, the chair of rheumatology at Oschner Health System in New Orleans and a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Rheumatology. As a physician, its my role to recommend treatments where theres a higher understanding of risks and benefits.
There are, however, certain vitamins and minerals that research shows can be an essential part of treatment for many patients with inflammatory arthritis. We asked Dr. Davis which ones you may need as part of your recommended treatment plan, as well as which natural remedies may show the most promise in helping with pain relief.
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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It Protects Metabolic Health And Heart
Vitamin E has shown immense potential in reducing risk to metabolic health and heart in patients suffering from arthritis.
It has been observed that patients with arthritis are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases and high levels of blood pressure.
In such cases, Vitamin E supplementation in the diet has proved to be beneficial.
An experimental study was conducted on patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of Vitamin E in combination with linoleic acids on serum lipid profiles and blood pressure of these patients.
Results indicated that co supplementation of these nutrients in the diet was capable of decreasing the blood pressure and serum lipids in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis suggesting that it can be used for reducing risk of heart diseases in such conditions
. The dosage of Vitamin E provided in this case was 400 mg daily for three months.
Another study showed that Vitamin E was capable of reducing high levels of homocysteine that are associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction in patients with arthritis.
The study was conducted on animal models, rats induced with arthritis to evaluate effects of Vitamin E administration.
It was observed that vitamin E had a relaxant effect, normalized levels of homocysteine and improved vascular dysfunction in the animal models.
Lifestyle Solutions For Arthritis Joint Pain
Supplements can’t solve the whole problem of arthritis joint pain. Some people have a genetic predisposition to developing joint cartilage problems. However, lifestyle factors make the risk worse for them — and for everyone. Obesity and athletic injuries are the top two reasons people develop knee and hip arthritis.
A variety of treatments help relieve joint pain — medications, removing joint fluid, crutches and canes, even surgery. Getting your weight under control — and getting the right kind of exercise — are also key.
Lose weight: Obesity increases the stress on your joints — as well as on your entire body. It also decreases circulation in the body, Plank says. “That cuts off blood supply to all the organs.” When you lose weight, you increase circulation plus take the stress off the painful joint — all of which eases pain.
Exercise: Exercise helps you shed pounds. It also improves joint flexibility. Plus, exercise helps maintain strength in muscles and tissues supporting the joint, Plank says. “Physical therapy, massage, water aerobics, gentle yoga, tai chi are good — anything to make the tissue surrounding the inflamed joint strong enough to support it.” Consider getting professional advice about the right kinds and amount of exercise for your body type and particular joint issues.
Here’s what you need: Whole grains, organic fruits and vegetables, and primarily omega-3 fatty acids.
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