Joint pain like arthritis can stop you in your tracks, but the good news is that there are natural supplements to help with joint pain relief.
- Glucosamine. Glucosamine, naturally found in the body, promotes the health of our cartilage. As we get older, this substance is no longer produced in sufficient amounts, leading to the breakdown of the joints. Taking glucosamine as a supplement might help to rebuild bone and prevent any further tear of cartilage. Additionally, glucosamine has shown to prevent inflammation leading to lessened joint pain.
- MSM. MSM has shown to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis. It is made up of 34% sulfur which is thought to be delivered to the body in a usable way. Sulfur helps maintain the structure of connective tissue by forming linkages through disulfide bonds. MSM is incorporated into proteins and the joints to keep them working smoothly.
- Chondroitin. As a naturally occurring substance in the connective tissues of the body, chondroitin is a common treatment for osteoarthritis. It has shown to increase joint mobility by helping to build cartilage, reduce pain, and decrease a person’s need for painkillers. Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitin are commonly taken in conjunction to best relieve joint pain.
- Fish Oil. Omega-3 fatty acids have shown to prevent enzymes called collagenases from damaging the joints. It is converted by the body into anti-inflammatory chemicals to relieve morning stiffness, tender or swollen joints, and joint pain.
- Turmeric. Turmeric, historically used in Indian medicine, is a strong antioxidant with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. It is frequently recommended to people with sore and achy joints. For best results, turmeric should be combined with bioperine, a compound that aids in absorption. Turmeric can be taken orally to act upon the entire body, or it can be used topically to treat specific aching joints. Try a Turmeric supplement to relieve your joint pain. For more on the health benefits of turmeric, see Turmeric – The “Spice of Life”
BONUS - Collagen. Several recent studies have shown that collagen can help restore elasticity to the joints, help relieve stiffness and swelling and help stimulate new collagen production in the body. One study by the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago says that the collagen can accumulate in the cartilage and help patients affected by joint disorders such as osteoarthritis.
