May has been deemed Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is one of the most common forms of chronic disease, and it is one which must be managed as there is no known outright cure. Here, we look at five nutritional supplements which can assist in mitigating the complications of arthritis.
A Brief Overview of Arthritis
In 1972, the U.S. federal government worked with the Arthritis Foundation to designate May as National Arthritis Month, also referred to simply as Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis is known for occurring among men and women in elderly age, but in actuality, two-thirds of the 60 million people in the U.S. who have experienced some form of arthritis are under age 65. This makes arthritis very common.
There are more than 100 types of arthritis. It is the most common cause of disability in the U.S., and an enormous contributor to financial costs due to bills for medical treatment, and lost wages. The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis, which results mainly from wear and tear on joints. Another type is rheumatoid arthritis (RA), whose symptoms are the result of an overactive immune response. The course and symptoms of arthritis vary among types and among individuals. Typical arthritis symptoms are joint pain, stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and irritation. Most of the symptoms of arthritis result from inflammation. Joints most susceptible to arthritis include hands, knees, hips, feet, ankles, and lower back. There is no sure and true cure for arthritis; therefore, that’s why we say it must be managed.
Medical treatment is often needed to allay issues connected to arthritis, and medication is the most common type of treatment. Most people with arthritis will have to manage it for the rest of their lives. Sound nutrition is one means to manage arthritis, both as it relates to the shedding of excess weight that can exacerbate arthritis symptoms, and nutrient relationships to the wellbeing of joints.
Supplements for Arthritis
Dietary supplements often play a significant supporting role in strengthening the relationship between nutrition and arthritis. This is evident in the following list of five supplements that are recommended for targeting arthritis and managing its symptoms.
Turmeric is an herbal remedy which can be used to reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to diminish inflammatory markers including interleukin (IL)-6, which is involved in RA. Turmeric has been studied in comparison to over-the-counter meds such as Bayer, and it has been found able to outdo them in its anti-inflammatory properties by a significant margin.
Vitamin D has been studied in relation to osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and it is established that a deficiency in vitamin D is associated with increased risk of both painful conditions. A vitamin D supplement is recommended for those with these types of arthritis, and its likelihood of aiding in the mitigation of symptoms is enhanced by the reality that vitamin D deficiency is rather common in the general population.
Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin are two substances which exist naturally in cartilage, and helps explain why supplementing with them has the potential to improve the condition of cartilage. This is helpful because cartilage can be damaged by arthritis. These two substances work best together, which is why they usually are found together in a one nutritional supplement.
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial acids for multiple purposes, including the reduction of inflammation. Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids contained in a fish oil supplement can reduce inflammation and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis as well as other types of inflammatory arthritis.
Green tea extract: Green tea naturally contains epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a compound which can help keep bones and skeletal muscles healthy, and studies have shown it can protect cartilage and bone. It can also reduce risk of developing osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Even though Arthritis Awareness Month is almost over, any month or time of year is a good time to evaluate how nutritional factors could help your or your loved one better manage their arthritis symptoms. Consider how these supplements can be of help. It is recommended that you always talk to your healthcare provider before taking a supplement for the first time, to, for example, to make sure it won’t conflict with any prescription medication(s) already being used.