Supplements for Joint Pain

Useful Supplements for Joint Pain

Supplements for joint pain can provide extra relief to that nagging pain lingering in our joints, but it is imperative to stick to those tested and known to be beneficial to avoid wasting money and potentially exposing yourself to harmful side effects. Before taking any supplement, check with your doctor. Natural products or vitamins can interact with certain medications. To make sure your prescription drugs will work as they should verify any known interactions.

Below are some recommended supplements frequently used to provide joint pain relief.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Many supplements offer these two compounds in one tablet. They are considered to be more effective when combined. Your body’s joint cartilage contains glucosamine to keep joints lubricated. This supplement is often recommended for joint pain, because it is believed to slow cartilage deterioration and improve joint mobility.

Chondroitin is another compound naturally found in your cartilage and bones. Taking it as a supplement is believed to reduce joint inflammation, and improve joint function. It also blocks the enzymes that normally break down cartilage. Together with glucosamine, this combination keeps joints lubricated and could also reverse cartilage loss.

Both compounds are often derived from shellfish and animal byproducts.

Ginger

Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory, although scientific evidence does not support the use of ginger as a supplement for joint pain. Ginger can provide relief for inflammatory joint pain.

Ginger is derived from a root and available in pills, powders, extracts, and tea.

If you are taking blood thinners, or are planning to have surgery, avoid taking ginger because ginger may slightly increase the risk of bleeding.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in fish oil, walnuts, canola, and soybean oils, omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the maintenance of healthy cells. Although omega-3 provides benefits throughout your body, it is particularly good for your joints. This supplement helps control inflammation, not only in joints, but also in your vascular system and other tissues.

Many people suffering from joint pain have experienced improvements in morning stiffness when regularly taking fish oil supplements. Because many omega-3 supplements are derived from fish, mercury content can be a concern. To make sure you minimize your risks, only purchase brands that test for mercury.

Calcium

It’s a widely known fact that calcium builds bones. Aside from this, calcium is needed in every single muscle in your body, including your heart. If you do not get enough calcium in your diet, your body will start stripping calcium from your joints and bones to supply your muscles with the calcium they need.

For most people, the recommended daily intake is 1000-1200 mg of calcium every day. An average glass of skim milk has about 303mg of calcium. If you don’t consume enough dairy products, adding a calcium supplement to your regimen is one solution. Be careful not to take too much calcium though. Too much calcium does have negative consequences as well.

Additional Supplements

Some additional supplements often recommended for joint pain are the following:

• Vitamin D3
• Turmeric
• Green tea
• SAMe
• MSM
• Stinging nettle
• Bromelain
• Vitamin E
• Devil's claw

Which one is best for you will depend on your unique needs. Whether to take certain supplements instead of others will also depend on whether you are taking prescription drugs. You should always discuss your supplements and potential supplements with your physician or pharmacist.