Your body’s joints are what enable you to be mobile, but that comes with the realization they are subject to wear and tear over time. Nutrition plays a role in the preservation of joints. Here, we look at this relationship and discuss nine supplemental ingredients which can make a big contribution to joint health.
Nutrition and Joint Health
Your joints are critical bodily fixtures. As organic structural organs, they require many bodily processes working together in order to remain strong, mobile, and free from pain over time. The body utilizes many nutrients to sustain its joints. Consuming an assortment of vitamins and minerals all aimed at your joint health can be beneficial;. Additionally, dietary protein intake is also crucial for joint health.
Supplements taken for joint health can serve a few different purposes. Firstly, joint supplement(s) can reduce joint pain. Chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis can cause joint pain, but the right supplement can help mitigate it. Supplements can also reduce inflammation that can be a source of joint pain and other discomforts such as swelling. Furthermore, some supplements preserve the cartilage, which is the primary structural material in the body’s joints. A variety of supplements are recommended for preserving joints and alleviating pain.
Much of the benefit of joints in this area is that they can reduce the complications of arthritis. However, supplements can also be of general help in increasing the durability and strength of joints.
9 Supplement Ingredients for Joint Health
Here is a brief look at nine different supplemental ingredients which are targeted at improving and sustaining the joints in the face of wear and tear, and joint pain. Many of these are often combined into a single supplement. As you consider these, know that no supplement is a replacement for good dietary nutrition and lifestyle habits, but rather a worthwhile addition to them.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar which is naturally present in joints. Supplementing with glucosamine can slow down the loss of joint cartilage, and reduce stiffness and pain. Glucosamine is often combined with chondroitin, another natural component which is present in both joint cartilage and in bones. Chondroitin can help cartilage to better retain water, helping them to move better. Taken together these two substances improve joint cartilage and joint longevity.
Vitamin D has been studied for its relationship to joint comfort and strength. Multiple studies have shown a correlation between vitamin D deficiency and joint pain. This is the case for men and women over 50 with hip and knee pain, as well as individuals who are diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Those with joint pain who are found to be low in vitamin D could almost certainly see improvement by taking a vitamin D supplement.
Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the pain and swelling of RA. A curcumin supplement is the best way to take in concentrated amounts of curcumin.
Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits, and reducing the inflammation and pain of RA is one of them. Studies have shown it can be extremely helpful for reducing RA symptoms.
L-proline is an amino acid used by the body to make proteins. One of these proteins is collagen, which is a crucial structural component in the joints.
Collagen, a protein necessary for healthy joints (and tendons and bones), can decrease in the body during aging. Taking a collagen supplement will directly increase its presence in the body, and has been shown to reduce the pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis. It can also reduce joint inflammation. Collagen is often combined with other joint-healthy ingredients, such as glucosamine.
MSM, short for methylsulfonylmethane, is a natural sulfuric compound found in the human body and in plant-based foods. Because sulfur contributes to connective tissues, supplementing with M.S.M. could reduce the pain and swelling that results from osteoarthritis (OA). MSM is often combined with other joint-healthy substances (e.g., glucosamine) in a single supplement.
Boswellia is a natural resin herbal extract known for its anti-inflammatory properties. It has been used to reduce the joint inflammation associated with RA, and has even been recommended by the Arthritis Foundation for this purpose.
Consider how these nine supplement ingredients can contribute to your joint health, comfort, and longevity. It’s recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking a new supplement, in part to make sure it won’t conflict with any prescription medicines you might be on.