 Supplements used by Arthritis Sufferers
Common supplements used by arthritis sufferers are described below. They can be obtained at health food stores or online stores. As a precaution, consult your physician before taking any new supplement.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a fundamental building block required for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (subunits of connective tissue). It is an amino sugar that is critical to the formation of proteoglycans (large protein molecules that makes cartilage elastic) that form connective tissue and helps build healthy cartilage. It is also a building block for hyaluronic acid, essential for joint lubrication. Thus it is found naturally in the body and helps form and repair cartilage, as well as being essential for the proper formation of tendons, ligaments, synovial fluid, bones, skin, nails, and blood vessels.
Cartilage helps protect joints from excessive wear and tear. However cartillage loses its ability to hold water with advancing age. Glucosamine counteracts this effect by making synovial fluid thick and gelatinous, allowing it to hold more water. Increased water content in your joints improves the health of the joints and gives them greater ability to absorb shocks. This cushioning effect can help decrease friction and pain in the joint. Cartilage is primarily composed of Glycosaminoglycans, chondroitan sulphates, collagen, and water.
If our bodies are not able to produce sufficient glucosamine to keep up with the demand from our bodies, due to arthritis and other inflammatory disorders, injuries, age, or increased athletic activity, then there is a reduction in synovial fluids and cartilage, protecting and cushioning our joints.
You can purchase glucosamine from health food stores. This nutritional supplement is usually extracted from animal tissue (crab, lobster, or shrimp shells).
The most common side effects are increased intestinal gas and softened stools.
If you have diabetes, you should check your blood sugar levels more often if you take this supplement because it is an amino sugar.
Consult your physician when taking this supplement, especially if you are allergic to shellfish or if you notice any unusual new symptoms.
Chondroitin sulfate
Chondroitin sulfate is found naturally in your cartilage. It is part of a large protein molecule (proteoglycan) that makes cartilage elastic. It is believed to help draw fluid into the cartilage to make it more elastic and to slow the breakdown of cartilage by protecting it from destructive enzymes (since it breaks down cartilage-destroying enzymes).
You can purchase chondroitin sulfate from health food stores. This nutritional supplement is usually extracted from bovine trachea. It is usually taken with glucosamine, producing a synergistic effect.
The most common side effects are increased intestinal gas and softened stools.
Consult your physician before taking this supplement, especially if you are taking blood thinning medication, since its structure is similar to the blood thinnning drug, heparin, or if you notice any unusual new symptoms.
MSM
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) supplies sulfur, essential for the formation of chondroitin sulfate.
Omega 3
Omega 3 Fatty Acids reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and help reduce cardiac risk.
Manganese
Manganese Ascorbate aids the synthesis of collagen, cartilage and other connective tissue. It helps keep bones strong and helps prevent osteoporosis.
Boswellin
Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin) inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators (e.g. leukotrienes) in the body. Its anti-inflammatory properties have been used for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Boswellic acids help maintain blood supply to joints. It has been used to reduce joint swelling and pain.
Bromelaine
Bromelaine has been used to help restore proper fluid balance in the joints and help eliminate toxins from the joints. Its anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce joint swelling and pain.
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera has been used to reduce swelling and inflamation in arthritic joints, in addition to a plethora of other conditions. It is a source of Vitamin B12 and many minerals that assist healthy function of the body's systems.
Vitamins
Vitamin A, used in bone formation, can help alleviate osteoarthritis and help prevent osteoporosis. It is also a strong anti-oxidant.
Vitamin C is essential for the maintenance and repair of cartilage and bones and for the synthesis of collagen needed for tendons, cartilage, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, and scar tissue. This water-soluble vitamin is a strong anti-oxidant which helps prevent free radical damage. It assists the immune system to fight disease.
Vitamin E is used int the prevention and treatment of osteoarthritis. It is a strong anti-oxidant which helps prevent free radical damage.
It is vitally important to restore balance to your system. This can be done through simple dietary and lifestyle changes, depending on the specific type of imbalance found in your system.
Margie Garrison found a simple cure for her arthritis after suffering intense pain for 43 years. Learn how she did it!
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