Does taking supplements truly improve my joints?

Your joints are one of the most important components of your body. It is said ‘ Motion is life & Life is Motion ‘ Whether you need to walk, run, jump, or move, your joints play an important role in supporting your movements. You have to take proper care of your joints because it can prevent several injuries and help you with better recovery. If your joints are strong, it will be a lot easier for you to move and do physical activities.

Many have a similar question in their mind; does taking supplements truly improve my joints? If you are one of them, then you just landed on the right page. In this article, we will discuss in detail if taking supplements can actually help make your joints better and whether it is safe to take supplements to improve your joint condition. So, let’s get to our main topic.

The answer to your question is YES. Many nutritional supplements have been proven to provide relief from joint pain, stiffness, and other arthritis symptoms. Some of the natural products being studied for Osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) include Glucosamine and chondroitin, oleic acid, SAM-e, and curcumin. When used in conjunction with traditional treatments, some of these natural remedies may help relieve arthritis symptoms.

Some of the most popular arthritis supplements and how they work can be found below.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin are often used to treat arthritis. Both of these are two important components of cartilage – a substance present in your body and is responsible for providing cushioning to the joints.

Studies of these supplements have been mixed, mainly because of a variety of designs and supplement types used in the studies. A study was conducted by a large National Institutes of Health study called the GAIT made a comparison of Glucosamine and Chondroitin with an NSAID and inactive treatment (placebo). This study was conducted on people with knee osteoarthritis (OA). They found that although Glucosamine helped in relieving pain and joint function but the placebo performed much better. But later in 2016, a new study was conducted that found this combination to be as effective as the celecoxib NSAID.

There are many forms of supplements available like glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, etc. Different studies have shown different results, but all of them have proven to be somewhat beneficial in relieving pain, even for a short period.

Omega-3

Most athletes and runners consume Omega-3 supplements with Glucosamine because studies have shown that it reduces inflammation and improves recovery time. Although its benefits are primarily felt by muscle tissues (where they help repair the damages sustained on them during running), they can also benefit your joints. It is because they greatly affect your muscles: the stronger your muscles are, your joints will perform better.

A systematic review of studies was conducted in 2017 that found that Omega-3 supplements can reduce pain and stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis. So, people that consume these supplements can get rid of their pain killers and their negative side effects. If you are suffering from a mild case of arthritis, then these supplements could be a reasonable precursor before you go for NSAIDs

SAM-e

SAM-e stands for S-adenosyl-methionine. It is a natural compound found in your body, and it has been proven to have anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and cartilage-protecting effects. Several studies have shown that it is beneficial in Osteoarthritis for relieving pain and performs the same as NSAIDs like ibuprofen. But, the advantage you have here is that you can avoid NSAIDs’ negative side effects.

SAM-e also has additional benefits other than helping your joints. If you are depressed, then these supplements also have anti-depressant properties that can help you to feel relaxed. This supplement isn’t going to work overnight – it’s going to take a few weeks before you see the full effects.

Vitamins

The antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E and vitamins D and K have been studied for their effects on arthritis. Although eating a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins is healthy overall, there is no evidence to suggest taking these vitamins improves arthritis symptoms. If you’re deficient in these vitamins, supplementing may be beneficial. Vitamin D and K are both essential for bone strength, and vitamin K contributes to cartilage formation.

Risks Associated With Taking Supplements

If you take supplements according to the suggestion of your doctor, then they are completely safe. Although most supplements are labeled as 100% organic, there might be some side effects when they interact with other medicines that you take. For example, a supplement like high-dose fish oil can thin the blood and is known to interact with anticoagulants such as Warfarin (Coumadin).

If you are taking supplements and vitamins on your own without consulting your doctor, you can sometimes overdose on them, which can have several negative effects on your body. For example, vitamins B and C are water-soluble. If you overdose them, then your body may flush them out. Other fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K can build up in different places in your body if you overdose them. These build-ups can be very harmful to your body.

How to Take Supplements Safely

If you do choose to take supplements, make sure they complement arthritis medications and not replace them. Supplements should never be used in place of medications, which are the only proven method for slowing joint degeneration.

It is recommended to always use supplements after consulting and recommendation from your doctor. Your doctor can tell you which supplements will suit you best and what quantity you should take every day. If you try to take supplements on your own, you may overdose, which could be harmful to your body.

So, this is everything that you need to know about supplements. It is clear that supplements can help to improve certain joint conditions but they should be consumed according to a doctor’s prescription. If you want to know more about supplements and their effects on your joints, then then please contact Dr. GowreesonThevendran or visit www.orthofootMD.com.