A majority of the population worldwide suffers from chronic joint pain in their elbows, knees, hands, joints, and shoulders. Osteoarthritis is the most prevalent cause of this debilitating pain. Although there are pain relievers that you can take for getting relief, there are also many supplements that treat it effectively. For instance, you can take turmeric or curcumin tablets containing a phospholipid complex that increases curcumin absorption in the body. There are also other supplements you can use to relieve joint pain. Keep reading to know more about them.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is dense in long-chain polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids, with powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Fish oil supplements work best for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Its because this kind of arthritis is due to inflammation. Various studies prove the efficacy of omega-3 supplements in reducing joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. The supplements also help in cutting down the usage of pain relievers. Plant-based sources of omega-3 include flax and chia seeds. However, they have short-chain alpha-linolenic acids. The long-chain ones, namely eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, are only found in fish oil.
Curcumin
It’s the active compound present in turmeric, a yellow-coloured spice. Curcumin serves as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent. It blocks the inflammation-promoting enzyme, much like the celecoxib, the COX-2 inhibitor drug. An effective way to consume this medicinal spice is by taking curcumin tablets equivalent to 18 teaspoons of powder turmeric. Taking two of these tablets will provide you with a whopping 36 teaspoons of powdered turmeric every day. The supplement is ideal for treating mild swelling and joint inflammation.
SAM-e
SAM-e stands for S-adenosyl-methionine. It’s a natural compound in your body, having anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Studies reveal how the daily dosage of SA-e supplement is effective at minimising osteoarthritis pain like ibuprofen. This supplement is also beneficial for those who have depression as it has a mild anti-depressant effect. Its ideal dosage is 1200 mg. However, it takes a while for people to experience the full effects of this supplement. You need to try it consistently for a few weeks.
Glucosamine
It’s a natural element of cartilage. Cartilage is a substance that helps prevent bones from getting rubbed against one another, leading to inflammation and pain. Glucosamine reduces the chances of cartilage breakdown that can occur in people who have arthritis. There are many supplements that contain glucosamine that treats joint pain. There are two kinds of glucosamine present in supplements. They are glucosamine sulphate and glucosamine hydrochloride. Out of the two, glucosamine sulphate is better at improving joint pain symptoms. When you take it consistently, it may also help in slowing the osteoarthritis progression. It does it by narrowing the joint space and thus prevents osteoarthritis from aggravating.
Chondroitin
Similar to glucosamine, chondroitin is also cartilage’s building block. It also plays a considerable role in preventing the breakdown of cartilage from osteoarthritis. Clinical studies reveal that the supplement can minimise joint aches and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients. Nearly 53 per cent of patients who consume its supplements experience a 20 per cent improvement in knee pain. Apart from that, chondroitin can also bring down osteoarthritis progression when consumed for a sustained period. It slows the narrowing of the joint space, much like glucosamine when you consume it for up to 2 years.
If you are experiencing joint pain, swelling, and decreased mobility, you can treat them safely by taking the various supplements mentioned above. Before picking a supplement, consult your doctor, especially if you take other medications.
