Most people experience constant joint pain affecting their hands, wrists, hips, knees and other joints. Joint pain is typically caused by osteoarthritis, the most common type of arthritis that affects millions of people worldwide. Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage breaks down between the bones, causing inflammation and pain.
Some exercises, ice/heat therapy, and joint lubrication can help to reduce joint pain, but taking the right vitamins and supplements can make a big difference in helping to improve joint health. Below are a few of the vitamins and supplements to consider:
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for bone and muscle function and also helps to store calcium in the bones. Work has shown that the deficiency of vitamin D is closely related to the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
For joint health and overall musculoskeletal health the number one supplement I recommend is vitamin D3. Vitamin D is not a vitamin but a steroid hormone that’s pro. If people have been exposed to the right ultraviolet light they can make vitamin D. However, most of my patients over 50 are low in vitamin D (on a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test in the blood).
2. Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory effects and other benefits for the body. Studies have shown that taking supplements of fish oil reduces signs of joint pain such as stiffness, tenderness, swelling and discomfort. When exercising, the omega-3 fatty acids also increase the blood flow throughout the body, which can help reduce swelling.
3. Turmeric
Turmeric is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and for its antioxidants. Its pain-relieving effects are related to a chemical compound called curcumin which has anti-inflammatory benefits known to improve joint health.
4. Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a natural compound found in cartilage — the cushioning tissue of joints. When the cartilage begins wearing and tearing, joint pain and inflammation begin to develop. Studies have found that glucosamine sulfate improves these symptoms and helps avoid deterioration of cartilage, according to a report.
5. Estrogen
Estrogen is important to the health of the musculoskeletal system including joint health. It has receptors of estrogen and cartilage and tendons. Postmenopausal women with low estrogen status can lament joint pain and stiffness as their primary symptoms of menopause.
Low estrogen states may make tendinitis more severe. If the woman suffers from other menopause symptoms, estrogen therapy is usually not given specifically for joint pain. There is also evidence that women who undergo total joint replacements on post-menopausal estrogen do better than women who do not undergo hormonal treatment.Talk to your health care provider on whether estrogen is appropriate for you.
6. Prime Joint Supplement
A lot of people feel joint pain as the body ages. One choice is to take a joint supplement to help support general health of the bone and the joint. Three primary ingredients are present on the market in most products when looking at a joint supplement: glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane, more generally referred to as MSM.
Research on both chondroitin and MSM is particularly controversial. For example, chondroitin is absorbed very poorly due to its high molecular weight. In fact, one of the functions of chondroitin is to increase the level of hyaluronic acid in synovial fluid; thus Isotonix ‘s new Prime Joint Support Formula directly provides hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid plays an important role in hydration, lubrication, and cellular function of the tissues. Even the MSM study is not definitive. In reality, it takes a large daily amount of MSM (2-6 grams) to make a difference and see effects *.
Prime Joint Support Formula also contains the powerful antioxidant Pycnogenol ® which has been shown by science to inhibit the over-active inflammatory processes of the body associated with normal aging.