By Arthritis Pain Relief
Numerous supplements make the claim to be good arthritis therapies, but can they actually lessen your pain from arthritis? According to Nathan Wei, MD, a board-certified rheumatologist and the director of the Frederick, Maryland-based Arthritis Treatment Center, research suggests that some supplements may actually be beneficial and may even allow you to use prescription medications in lower amounts. But there are several other supplements you ought to probably avoid using.
Even with regard to arthritic supplements that might be beneficial, there are a number of factors to bear in mind. They are not without adverse effects, to start with, and the US Food and Drug Administration does not regulate them. You’ll have to conduct your own study to ascertain which ones are efficient and which ones can interact with other prescriptions you use. Before taking any supplements, always discuss them with your doctor to prevent possibly harmful drug interactions.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is supposed to ease the discomfort associated with osteoarthritis, prevent cartilage from breaking down, and improve joint mobility. According to Dr. Wei, results from a sizable National Institutes of Health (NIH) study on glucosamine and chondroitin were mixed, with glucosamine perhaps having an impact on moderate and severe arthritis but not on mild arthritis pain.
However, studies carried out in Europe have revealed that glucosamine may be a more broadly effective arthritis medication, and the type of preparation employed may be the cause for this. According to Wei, research on the glucosamine sulphate formulation suggests that it is effective in reducing arthritis pain.
Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulphate may lessen pain and inflammation associated with arthritis while also slowing the course of osteoarthritis. A analysis of trials revealed that this arthritis medication considerably improved joint function and reduced pain and inflammation. Experts believe it works by assisting in the maintenance of healthy cartilage. According to an NIH study, this arthritis supplement works best when combined with another medication, such as the glucosamine sulphate mentioned on the preceding page.
SAM-e
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e), a substance that naturally occurs in the body, has been discovered in numerous studies to be beneficial for osteoarthritis. Even more evidence suggests that it might be just as effective in treating arthritis as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
According to my patients, using SAM-e seems to be helping, Wei adds. SAM-e can have a number of adverse effects, including upset stomach and diarrhoea. As with any arthritis supplement, you should always be careful to let your doctor know if you use any. Other medications, such as those used to treat Parkinson’s disease and antidepressants, may also interact with it.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
According to Wei, there is strong evidence that omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties. According to specialists, fish oil, which contains omega-3s, can be used to treat lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other inflammatory diseases. According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids can assist persons with rheumatoid arthritis in reducing the amount of corticosteroids or NSAIDs they use.
Cold-water fish like mackerel and salmon are wonderful sources of omega-3s, but because eating more than six to eight ounces of fish a week increases your risk of consuming too much mercury, it’s a good idea to take fish oil supplements. Wei advises that other recommended ways to include omega-3s in your arthritis diet include plant sources like flax and flaxseed oil.
MSM
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), which is a naturally occurring substance found in nutritious foods like fruits and vegetables, is thought to aid in the formation of connective tissue in the body and may possibly lessen arthritis pain. Wei points out that while some studies have shown that MSM can reduce inflammation, the results aren’t particularly dramatic. Researchers discovered that MSM appeared to have a beneficial effect on knee osteoarthritis in one evaluation of studies, but the findings were inconclusive due to problems with the study designs. Similar to how little is known about MSM’s potential adverse effects. If you’re taking any blood thinners, you should stay away from it.
Vitamin C
The antioxidant vitamin C has been linked in some studies to the development of connective tissue, but it’s unclear whether this leads to a reduction in arthritic pain, according to Wei. He advises obtaining vitamin C through a balanced diet as opposed to using supplements. According to research, persons who ate the least amount of fruits and vegetables and the most vitamin C were three times more likely to develop arthritis than those who consumed the most of these foods.
Devil’s Claw
Devil’s claw, a plant native to South Africa, is thought to reduce inflammation and pain. Wei adds that “studies have been equivocal” and expresses uncertainty regarding whether it can be useful in the treatment of arthritis. Devil’s claw may conflict with blood thinners, diabetes medications, and other prescription pharmaceuticals. Once more, before taking this or any other supplement for arthritis, consult your doctor.
Ginger
For those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, fresh or dried ginger root is believed to lessen joint discomfort and inflammation. Instead of using ginger as a supplement, Wei advises including ginger in your diet to alleviate arthritis and reduce inflammation. Consuming ginger supplements has the potential to worsen gallbladder disease and interact with blood thinners.
