Best supplements for arthritis: Five natural remedies to treat arthritis pain and symptoms
BEST SUPPLEMENTS for arthritis: Arthritis can leave joints feeling painful, swollen and uncomfortable, but symptoms can be soothed by taking certain supplements. These five supplements can help reduce joint pain and improve symptoms of the condition.
Arthritis - The Facts
Supplements are becoming more and more popular, with various pills and brands claiming to do an array of things, from helping you lose weight to improving general health.
Supplements that can ease pain and inflammation in joints are another popular type.
Many supplements on the market, however, are lacking proper evidence they actually achieve what they claim to do.
These five supplements, recommended by the Arthritis Foundation, have been backed by science and have shown to be effective in the treatment of arthritis.
Talk to your doctor before taking a supplement so you understand the potential side effects and interactions with your medication
SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine)
SAM-e acts has anti-inflammatory properties and may stimulate cartilage growth.
It also affects neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, which reduce pain perception.
Boswellia serrate (Indian frankincense)
The active components, boswellic acids, have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
They may also help prevent cartilage loss and inhibit the autoimmune process.
Cat’s claw
Cat’s claw is an anti-inflammatory that inhibits tumour necrosis factor, which is a target of powerful rheumatoid arthritis drugs.
It also contains compounds that may benefit the immune system.
Fish oil
Fish oil, such as omega-3, blocks inflammatory compounds, and is converted by the body into a powerful anti-inflammatory chemical called resolvin.
This can help reduce pain and swelling.
Capsaicin
Capsaicin temporarily reduces substance P, which is a pain transmitter.
It is available as a topical cream, gel or patch.
“Talk to your doctor before taking a supplement so you understand the potential side effects and interactions with your medication,” advised the Arthritis Foundation.