The Importance of Joint Supplements for Arthritis Sufferers

Approximately 23% of adults in the US have arthritis. That’s a large part of the population struggling with a chronic pain issue. If you suspect you have or have been previously diagnosed with arthritis, the most important thing to do is follow your doctor’s recommendations for treatment.

That treatment may include something like arthritis vitamin supplements. Natural joint supplements have been proven to help in the treatment of arthritis pain and swelling. Here are just a few of the most effective.

Collagen

Collagen is the most common protein in the natural world. It comes in three types, and the second type is the one found in your cartilage. Collagen supplements, especially hydrolyzed, have been broken down from the larger protein molecules into smaller amino acids.

Arthritis is caused by an inflammation of your cartilage, the connective tissues in your joints. The idea behind taking collagen is that your body will take those smaller amino acids and use them more readily to reduce cartilage inflammation.

The amount of collagen you need will vary from person to person, so check with your doctor before adding this supplement to your day. Generally speaking, you can take up to 10mg of hydrolyzed collagen per day.

Turmeric (Curcumin)

Curcumin is the active chemical in turmeric that helps with the chronic pain associated with arthritis. It blocks the production of inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are proteins your body secretes to regulate responses to infection, immune responses, inflammation, and trauma.

While cytokines are essential regulators, in arthritis, they can work in overdrive. Curcumin helps reduce their production and thus the inflammation.

Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiable (ASU)

Avocado soybean unsaponifiables (ASUs) is a supplement made from a combination of one-third avocado oil with two-thirds soybean oil. These heart-healthy oils come together to block the production of synovial cells, the ones that line your joints.

In non-arthritic people, synovial cells help lubricate the joints. However, when they exist in large numbers in the body, it can lead to synovitis, which inflames your joints. ASUs help keep synovial cells in check.

Additionally, these oils may help boost the production of normal connective tissue. ASUs are a double hitter when it comes to chronic arthritis pain and swelling.

Fish Oil (Omega-3s)

You’ve likely heard about the many benefits of omega-3s. Omega-3s are vital fats you must get from your diet because your body can’t produce them on its own. You typically find these fats in fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.

If you don’t eat enough of those foods, a fish oil or algae supplement can help with arthritis. It blocks the same cytokines that turmeric does, as well as blocks another inflammatory agent called prostaglandin.

Additionally, when you consume omega-3s, they get converted into anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins. So these oils not only block inflammatory chemicals, they get turned into actively anti-inflammatory ones as well.

Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) is an omega-6 fatty acid. Like omega-3s, omega-6s are vital fats your body can’t produce that you need to consume in your diet. Omega-6s can be found in seed oils like sunflower or primrose oil, though the best source is a GLA supplement.

The specific omega-6s found in GLA convert into similar anti-inflammatory chemicals as omega-3s. It’s important to note that not all omega-6 fatty acids are the same. Those found in seed oils can actually increase inflammation. That’s why a specific GLA supplement is the ideal one to choose to help with arthritis.

Ginger

The ginger root has long been used in medicine for a variety of ailments. It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. For arthritis sufferers, the anti-inflammatory properties are ideal.

Ginger functions similarly to COX-2 inhibitors. These inhibitors are the ones in aspirin and other NSAID drugs that target cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain. If you prefer all-natural supplements, ginger is a good choice.

Capsaicin

Capsaicin is the compound in peppers that gives them their hot and spicy kick. When turned into a gel or cream, however, the compound becomes quite effective at relieving pain. It works by interrupting the neurotransmitter that communicates pain signals to the brain.

While eating spicy peppers won’t relieve your pain, a gel, cream, or patch rubbed into or placed on arthritic joints can reduce pain levels by a significant amount.

Joint supplements can be an excellent addition to your arthritis treatment plan. Always speak with your doctor before introducing a new supplement to your routine.