Joint Pain and Arthritis
Approximately fifteen million individuals in the United States experience severe joint pain, while almost half of the American adult population experiences persistent pain associated with arthritis. When your joints become inflamed, stiff, or achy, performing even basic activities can be difficult, painful, and frustrating. Many people reach for over-the-counter and prescription medications to reduce their inflammation and pain. Unfortunately, many of these pain relievers come with several unpleasant side effects. Luckily, several healthy lifestyle changes can help relieve pain, such as eating an anti-inflammatory diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and doing strength training exercises. In addition, some nutritional supplements for joint pain and inflammation can help improve your joint health.
Supplements for Joint Pain
- Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables
Avocado soybean unsaponifiables are a pain reliever from avocado extract and soybean oil. This combination helps prevent cartilage breakdown and aids in cartilage repair. Avocado soybean unsaponifiables can also provide pain relief for those suffering from osteoarthritis.
- Boswellia
Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, blocks the enzymes that can cause the foods you eat to become molecules that attack your joints. This powerful anti-inflammatory herbal supplement reduces pain and joint inflammation. Unlike other supplements, Boswellia may begin relieving your pain in as little as a week, but research suggests treatment for at least four weeks. Furthermore, Boswellia improves mobility by improving joint function.
- Chondroitin and Glucosamine
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are two supplements recommended by the Arthritis Foundation. These two powerful substances are found in your joint cartilage and help rebuild the worn-out cartilage in arthritic joints. However, if you are allergic to shellfish, please consult your doctor before taking Chondroitin since it can be extracted from crustaceans like shrimp and crab shells.
- Collagen
Cartilage provides cushioning support that protects joints from injury. These important cushions comprise collagen, a protein that improves and strengthens ligaments and joints. Collagen also helps the body create new cartilage, relieve pain, and strengthen bones.
- Curcumin
Curcumin is the active compound found in turmeric. This powerful anti-inflammatory substance provides turmeric with its bright yellow color and unique flavor. Curcumin disrupts the pro-inflammatory cells responsible for joint inflammation and pain experienced by people with arthritis. To maximize the effectiveness of curcumin for joint pain, you will need to include a small amount of black pepper with your curcumin supplement. Luckily, the top curcumin supplements include the needed black pepper.
Devil’s claw is a South African plant used as a powerful pain-relieving supplement. Arthritis, low back pain sufferers, and those who suffer from chronic headaches can find relief with devil’s claw. Devil’s claw improves joint function and reduces pain in people with arthritis. You will reap the maximum benefits from devil’s claw in about two to three months.
- Green Tea
Green tea has been used for centuries medicinally. Green tea contains polyphenols, which provide anti-inflammatory properties to halt chronic inflammation. Polyphenols also offer antioxidant protection, which fights free radical damage to cells. Finally, the polyphenols decrease the production of inflammatory molecules by the immune system. You can enjoy a cup of tea or take a green tea supplement to reap the myriad benefits that green tea offers.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in fish oil, flaxseed oil, and other foods, increase the production of a particular chemical used to control inflammation in the body. If you are experiencing inflammation due to arthritis, an omega-3 supplement or consuming omega-3 fatty acid foods like fatty fish (mackerel, salmon, and tuna), flaxseeds, kidney beans, seaweed, chia seeds, hemp seeds, edamame, and walnuts can help relieve the symptoms of arthritis naturally.
- PEA
In the 1950s, scientists found a potent anti-inflammatory called PEA. PEA, also known as Palmitoylethanolamide, is an effective pain reliever for arthritis, fibromyalgia, carpal tunnel, Multiple Sclerosis, and more. This substance binds to cells in the body and reduces inflammation and pain. If you are experiencing joint pain, this natural pain reliever supports a healthy inflammatory response and the body’s natural pain response.
SAMe, or S-adenosyl-methionine, naturally occurs in the body. This powerful compound provides anti-inflammatory protection and pain relief to tired, achy joints. It also offers cartilage protection and has been shown to relieve pain and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen, without side effects. It will take a few weeks to reap the full benefits of this powerful compound; however, once this potent compound begins working, your joints will thank you.
- Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of developing osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the risk of hip fractures, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis increases with low vitamin D levels. Dairy products, supplements, and fortified cereals contain Vitamin D. In addition, you can also get the vitamin D you need by spending some time outdoors without sunscreen. Typically, you only need to sit outside for about fifteen minutes or until your skin gets pink to get the vitamin D your bones and joints need.
Integrative Approach for Pain Relief
As you can see, several supplements can help alleviate joint pain and reduce inflammation. Supplements should not be viewed as a quick fix for joint pain, as you may experience the beneficial effects gradually. It is advisable to avoid supplements with toxic contaminants and binders that are difficult to absorb and digest.
Determining the best supplements for your unique needs can be challenging. Our integrative practitioners, knowledgeable in chronic pain management, bone health, and supplementation, can help identify the best pain supplements for you. Reducing pain and disability from joint pain is a complex process. Your physician will provide guidance about lifestyle modifications and dietary changes to reduce the progression of joint disease, reduce pain, and improve your quality of life.
