Many people around the world are suffering from different forms of arthritis and just as many have considered alternatives to address the pain. While supplements for arthritis alone may not be the solution to a complete recovery and elimination of the pain, they may be part of the solution to easing the problems you may encounter. The supplements recommended today work by addressing the body in general and support joint health through various properties. If you are unclear about the interactions of these supplements with any of the drugs you consume, be sure to check with your doctor before proceeding. Without further ado, here are some of the best supplements to alleviate the discomfort from arthritis.
Fish Oil (Omega Three Fatty Acids)
The reason why fish oil is such an effective supplement, in general, is because of the omega three fatty acids, EPA and DHA found within it. These chemical compounds have been found to be particularly effective in reducing inflammation within the body, which is the main cause of arthritis. When the swelling goes down between the joints, so does the pain, making it perfect for controlling chronic arthritis.
Glucosamine
This compound in itself is actually found in our joint cartilage and is produced by the body. The cartilage is extremely important in arthritis because the absence of it is generally what causes the pain when bone rubs against bone. The glucosamine supplements that we consume in general are obtained from shellfish or vegetables and are often combined with chondroitin. Studies have shown that glucosamine, when taken over the long run, seems to reduce joint pain, stiffness and even slow joint damage in chronic sufferers.
Green Tea Extract
Green tea has been used for centuries in the East due to its medicinal properties and function as antioxidants. However, they are also shown to be beneficial for those suffering from arthritis. The compound EGCB found within green tea extracts have been shown to relieve pain and inflammation in victims of rheumatoid arthritis and could potentially replace painkillers. To experience the effects, however, it is probably advised to consume the extracts in pill form to get a higher dosage of EGCB as compared to drinking regular green tea.
Calcium
Calcium supplements have been shown to rebuild the bone structures within joints and facilitate increased recovery in people with osteoarthritis. It is important however to have adequate vitamin D intake so as to facilitate the absorption of calcium by the body. Not only will supplementing calcium in your diet prevent the loss of bone density, but it may even reverse bone loss amongst sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis. In short, you should consider supplementing calcium as a preventive measure while taking a separate supplement for controlling the inflammation in your joints.
Bromelain
Unbeknownst to most people, the enzymes found in pineapple has been shown to decrease pain and swelling in sufferers of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The enzyme known as bromelain was shown to be as effective as NSAIDs (painkillers like aspirin) in relieving pain and even activated the immune system to fight against infections.