Feeling stiff or sore? You’re not alone. The first thing you should do for pain is to see a doctor to find the root cause of your joint pain. Once that’s done, the most important thing you can do to take care of your bones and joints is to prioritize a healthy lifestyle. This includes measures such as eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular low-impact exercise. In such cases, why not consider taking supplements?
“In general, I think it’s difficult to find a complete solution for joint pain with supplements alone,” says Dr. Navya Mysore, a primary care physician at One Medical. Mysore said that while intake may interact with the supplements you choose, it also doesn’t hurt to add supplements for joint health.
Ahead, we’ll discuss some vitamins and joint health supplements that will help you know you’re doing your best to support your bones and joints. Many of them are substances already present in the body. As with any supplements you add to your diet, check with your doctor first to see if you are taking any prescription medications or have any underlying medical conditions or allergies. Depending on the medications and supplements you are taking, interactions may make them less safe.
best joint supplements
glucosamine
Mysore said that while “there’s not a lot of evidence to say definitively that one supplement is more effective than another,” glucosamine probably has the most evidence to support its use. Glucosamine occurs naturally in our bodies, found in cartilage and helps joint function. Glucosamine supplements are thought to help with arthritis, as they can reduce some of the pain caused by osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Mysore said the supplement is often made from shellfish, so people with shellfish or iodine allergies should be careful when consuming it, and it can also affect people with asthma. Ta. It can cause side effects such as nausea and heartburn, and there is also a risk of interacting with blood thinners and anticoagulants, causing bleeding problems. Consult your doctor or nutritionist before adding it to your diet.
omega 3
Omega-3 is a fatty acid that reduces inflammation and joint pain. Studies have shown that these supplements reduce stiffness in people with arthritis and are also effective for joint pain. Studies have been conducted on how omega-3s act on arthritis and have shown that this fatty acid “may prevent experimental arthritis and reduce disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis.” Although omega-3s are mostly safe to consume, they can cause side effects such as heartburn, nausea, and diarrhea. If you are currently taking blood thinners, consult your doctor before taking omega-3s as they may interact and pose health risks.
turmeric
As well as being a spice used in some cuisines, turmeric is also used as a healing spice in traditional medicine and is considered one of the more powerful natural ingredients you can add to your diet to promote health. . Specifically, its active ingredient or compound, curcumin, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
If you’re interested in adding a turmeric supplement for pain relief, make sure it contains curcumin for better absorption, says Mysore. And as another, more delicious way to incorporate the health properties of spices into your daily life, Mysore suggested a diet that includes turmeric and black pepper. It contains compounds that help the body absorb turmeric’s important properties. For example, the smoothie is made with turmeric, eggs, and seasoned with black pepper.
According to the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, as is the case with all supplements on this list, turmeric can interfere with blood thinners and immunosuppressants, so avoid using it if you are taking prescription medications. Please consult your doctor.
vitamin D
Since vitamin D is known to support bone health, some people think that vitamin D supplements may help support joint health. Some research suggests that taking vitamin D supplements can help with arthritis pain and inflammation, but the results don’t necessarily help with definitive answers. However, this supplement may be helpful.
Vitamin D is a great resource for the body, helps retain calcium, and is also beneficial for dental health. However, be careful when adding vitamin D supplements to your daily routine, as this vitamin can interact with some medications if taken in large amounts. Most notably, high levels of vitamin D can be very problematic if you are taking lanoxin, as it can cause a risk of hypercalcemia. Mixing vitamin D supplements with other medications can affect how your body processes the supplement.
vitamin E
People often look to vitamin E to support their immune system because this vitamin is an antioxidant. However, some research has been done on how vitamin E slows the progression of osteoarthritis and promotes the growth of new cartilage cells. However, much of this research requires further research. That being said, vitamin E promotes good vision and brain health, so it’s a good supplement to continue taking on a regular basis. Be aware that it may interact with blood thinners and put you at risk for bleeding.
chondroitin
You will often see chondroitin mentioned alongside glucosamine because they are similar. Chondroitin is also found in cartilage in the body, and is thought to have the effect of promoting joint health. Research on chondroitin has yielded few conclusive results, but it is still accepted as a supplement that may help support joint health. Although generally considered a safe supplement, like many other supplements, it can interact with blood thinners such as warfarin, putting you at risk for bleeding. Chondroitin is often sold together with glucosamine in supplement form.
collagen
Collagen is a protein produced within the body, and its amount decreases as we age. It tightens the skin and keeps the joints functioning smoothly. However, as we age, collagen in our joints decreases, so joint supplements may be helpful. Although there isn’t a lot of research into whether collagen actually helps your joints, many doctors don’t think collagen can harm your joints. If combining it with low-impact exercise, like swimming, makes you feel better, give it a try. .
Risks of supplements for joint health
As mentioned earlier, most supplements are generally considered safe for people to take, and many are vitamins that the body needs. However, be sure to research the supplement before you start taking it. If you are taking prescription drugs, it is important to consult your doctor first, as some supplements can interfere with the action of drugs. Many of them can interact with prescription drugs, so you need to know that in advance.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before starting any supplements.
Frequently asked questions about joint supplements
Do joint supplements really work?
It can be difficult to identify proven medical benefits for joint health and other supplements. Supplements are not used to treat medical conditions, but rather to maintain health. supplement or complement Diet, especially if it is deficient in nutrients. Supplements were chosen to be included in this best list because some studies have shown them to have potential benefits for joint health. However, whether you take supplements depends on your prescribed medications and your personal health concerns.
Does the FDA approve dietary supplements?
No, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve or investigate supplements like drugs or medications. ”[The] Although the FDA generally does not approve labels or other claims on dietary supplements before use, there are manufacturing practices and marketing regulations that companies that make supplements must follow.
For more information, see How to Read Supplement Labels.
