Joint pain and stiffness can be potentially debilitating and contributed to immune diseases such as arthritis. It’s not a standout problem either. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, joints are the leading cause of disability across the country.
Where there may not be a cure available yet to fix your arthritis, one way to protect your health is through adding in supplements to your diet. There are already several ways that you can naturally care for your bones and joints, such as minding your diet and regular, low-impact exercise. Regular check-ins with your physician should also be on your priority list. However, a supplement can be a bonus option considering many of the best joint supplements contain substances naturally found in the body.
Collagen: This is a protein that the body naturally makes. However, as the body ages, collagen production begins to lessen. This can have negative effects on your skin and joints. Taking a collagen supplement might help, and may also lend a hand if paired with low-impact exercises like swimming.
Omega-3s: This supplement can help with inflammation and joint pain. It has been studied and found to lessen stiffness in people with arthritis. It’s generally safe to take, although potential side effects are heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. If you’re on a blood thinner, you should have a conversation with your physician before taking omega-3s, to prevent any potential health risks.
Glucosamine: This supplement is already naturally occurring in your body and helps with cartilage and joint function. It might have some potential in aiding in arthritis and lessening joint pain caused by osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis. It’s generally considered safe, but can have side effects like nausea and heartburn. If you have a shellfish allergy, you should avoid this supplement.
Vitamin D: This vitamin supports bone health and might be very useful in helping with joint health. Research suggests that a vitamin D supplement can alleviate arthritis pain and inflammation. However, this could have health risks as high levels of the vitamin can interact with several drugs and cause health problems.
Chondroitin: Similar to glucosamine, chondroitin is also found in the cartilage in your body, which might make it beneficial in aiding joint health. While the research on this supplement is inconclusive, it could still be beneficial in aiding joint health. It can interact with blood thinners like Warfarin and pose a risk for bleeding.
Vitamin E: Known to support your immune system, it also has an impact on osteoarthritis, and promotes new cartilage cell growth. However, this research requires more study. Vitamin E also has effects on blood thinners and can cause bleeding.
While many of these supplements are generally considered safe, you should do your own research especially if you’re on any medication. It’s always a good idea to consult with your physician to help you decide which supplement is best for you. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, involve your doctor in the conversation before you take any supplements.
However, medical benefits for supplements, let alone joint health, can be tricky to find and not verified. As the FDA doesn’t go through dietary supplements, you should also read up about dietary claim issues before use.
Turmeric, a spice that’s been used in traditional medicine, is not just a spice you add to your meal. The active ingredient, curcumin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory attributes that you can use for your health boost. You could also consider taking turmeric in supplement form, but always check with your doctor first.
While waiting for more research to be conducted into joint supplements, keeping a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise could be the lowest risk option. Joint health is an important aspect of life that will affect everyone at some point, so it’s worth taking the necessary steps to care for them.
