What Vitamins Are Best For Arthritis?
Even with those arthritic pills that may be beneficial, there are a few factors to bear in mind. For one thing, they don’t come without side effects and aren’t governed by the US Food and Drug Administration. That means you’ll have to conduct your own study to decide which are successful and which may interact with your other meds. To avoid potentially harmful drug interactions, always discuss supplements with your doctor before using them.
Popular Arthritis Supplements
- Vitamins
The antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E, as well as vitamins D and K, have all been researched for their impact on arthritis. Although eating a diet high in these nutrients is healthful in general, there is no proof that taking antioxidant vitamins improves arthritic symptoms. Vitamins D and K are both crucial for bone health, and vitamin K plays a role in cartilage formation. If you’re lacking in these two nutrients, taking supplements could help.
- Curcumin
Turmeric, a yellow-hued spice that is a mainstay of Indian curries, contains the active component curcumin. It works as a potent anti-inflammatory agent in the body, inhibiting the same inflammation-promoting enzyme as the COX-2 inhibitor medication celecoxib. Curcumin has the disadvantage of being difficult to absorb by the body. You should take it with a fat source. Black pepper boosts absorption as well. Piperine, a black pepper extract, is included in certain supplements. Piperine, on the other hand, has the potential to harm the liver and can boost the potency of drugs like carbamazepine (Tegretol) and phenytoin (Dilantin) by increasing their absorption.
- SAM-e
S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) is an anti-inflammatory, cartilage-protecting, and pain-relieving natural chemical found in the human body. It was found to be about as effective as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and celecoxib at treating OA pain in tests, but without the adverse effects.
SAM-e also offers an extra feature. “The supplement is most useful when you also have depression, because it has a mild to moderate antidepressant effect,” Marvasti says.
- Fatty Acids Omega-3
Fish oil and other meals high in omega-3 fatty acids promote the body to create molecules that help regulate inflammation. This vitamin may help people with rheumatoid arthritis relieve stiffness caused by inflammation, but additional research is needed.
Omega-3s are also found in plant-based sources such as flax and chia seeds, but in the form of short-chain alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). Make sure the supplement has at least one gram each of EPA and DHA when purchasing fish oil, he advises. These omega-3s can be obtained through an algae-based supplement by vegans.
- Glucosamine
Glucosamine is supposed to relieve osteoarthritis pain and prevent cartilage from deterioration, as well as improve joint mobility. The results of a big National Institutes of Health (NIH) study on glucosamine and chondroitin were mixed, with glucosamine appearing to relieve moderate and severe arthritis but not mild arthritis pain.
- Chondroitin Sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate may help decrease the course of osteoarthritis and reduce arthritic pain and inflammation. This arthritis medication is thought to operate by assisting in the maintenance of healthy cartilage, and a review of trials indicated that it considerably improved joint function while also reducing pain and inflammation. According to an NIH study, taking this arthritis supplement with something else, such as glucosamine sulfate (described on the preceding page), makes it more beneficial.
Are You Looking for Arthritis Relief the You Can’t Seem to Shake?
Pace Physical Therapy in San Jose, California specializes in non-surgical arthritis pain relief and recovery therapies. We pride ourselves on offering the best possible physical therapy available and going above and beyond for our patients. Do you ever wake up feeling like you’re stiff or tight in your joints? Do they ache in the morning as you shift, becoming less painful as the day goes on? If so, this may be a symptom of early-stage arthritis. Arthritis is a common illness that many people suffer, but before seeking treatment, they tend to live with it for far too long. Pace Physical Therapy will help you find relief today. You don’t have to struggle with sore joints from arthritis. If you have arthritis, or you think you can have arthritic symptoms, contact Pace Physical Therapy today to request an appointment. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
