by Alec Carloss November 08, 2022
Around 58.5 million people in the United States (24% of all adults) have arthritis according to a statistical analysis by the CDC. Generally, when we think of joint pain or joint related ailments, we naturally associate them with arthritis—and for good reason, as mentioned above, 1 in 4 people in the United States have a form of arthritis.
Unfortunately, arthritis is just the tip of the iceberg regarding causes of joint pain. Diseases such as hypothyroidism (a form of autoimmune disease), lupus, celiac, leukemia, Lyme disease, gout, and several others cause severe inflammation and pain in the joints. Hypothyroidism alone affects 16 million people in the United States and several other millions of people are affected by the list of diseases that cause severe joint inflammation and pain.
Joint pain can be a debilitating condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause a range of symptoms, including stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving the affected joint. The discomfort of joint pain can be severe, and it can greatly impact a person's quality of life.
There are many causes of joint pain, and the specific cause can vary depending on the individual and the joint that is affected. Some of the most common causes include:
This is the most common form of arthritis and a chronic degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions the joints. It is a progressive condition that affects the joints, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving the affected joint.
OA primarily affects the joints of the hands, hips, knees, and spine. In OA, the cartilage that lines the ends of the bones in the joint begins to deteriorate, leaving the bones to rub against each other.
As the cartilage wears away, the bones may start to grow spurs (osteophytes) which can cause stiffness, pain and limit joint movement. As a result of this, the joint loses its normal shape and alignment, which leads to increased stress on the joint. This can cause the joint to become swollen, stiff and painful.
OA can also affect the synonium, the lining of the joint, and bone, causing synovitis and bone erosion. These changes in the joint can lead to a loss of mobility, and in advanced cases, can cause joint deformity.
OA can occur in any joint, but it is most common in the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees, as well as in the hands, feet, spine and the neck. It is a progressive condition, meaning that it generally gets worse over time.
This is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation in the joints. It is a systemic disease, which means that it can affect not only the joints but also other organs and systems in the body.
With RA, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the synovium (the lining of the joint) leading to inflammation and damage to the joint. This causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint. Over time, the inflammation can cause the joint to become deformed and lead to the loss of function.
The joints that are most commonly affected by RA are the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, and knees, but any joint is susceptible. RA is symmetric, meaning that if one joint is affected, the same joint on the opposite side of the body is often affected as well.
How can we best treat join pain and inflammation without over-prescribing ourselves with a number of pharmaceutical (aka synthetic) treatments? If you live with severe joint pain/inflammation you are physically obligated to take something daily (sometimes multiple times per day) to feel relatively normal/pain free.
Let’s say though, hypothetically, you take one or more types of drugs up to three times per day, 365 days a year. In 10 years, you would have taken 10,950 doses of an artificial substance that may [or may not] have underlying consequences.
There is a lot of buzz around the topic of naturally derived remedies for joint pain relief and for good reason. People are beginning to realize that taking pharmaceutical drugs as a solution to health issues is equivalent to applying a band-aid to the problem-- it’s a short-term solution. Playing the long game requires nutritional upgrades to your lifestyle as well as taking advantage of the natural resources available to us thanks to the brilliance of mother nature.
Natural ingredients, such as herbs, spices, and adaptogens are generally considered as a safe alternative to drugs because they are derived from natural sources and have been used for medical purposes for centuries.
One of the major advantages of using natural joint supplements is that they are often less potent than prescription drugs and therefore less likely to cause severe side effects.
For example, turmeric and ginger, both commonly used natural ingredients for joint health and inflammation, are safe for most people to consume. This is in contrast to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are commonly prescribed for joint pain and inflammation but have been associated with an increased risk of stomach ulcers and kidney damage when taken long-term.
Many published studies indicate that certain natural joint supplements have a remarkable effect on relieving joint pain that is comparable to the effects seen with some popular pharmaceutical drugs.
For example, a randomized double blind clinical trial compared the effects of combining turmeric, black pepper extract, and ginger versus the effects of Naproxen for chronic knee osteoarthritis. The results were remarkable as the study revealed that the combination of turmeric, black pepper extract, and ginger has the same pain-relieving benefit at Naproxen.
If you have the option to take something naturally derived versus an artificial substance to effectively treat the same ailment— the best choice is natural 100 percent of the time.
This miracle spice has been used for centuries as a form of medicine for a multitude of reasons and has recently made a massive comeback as many studies have been published that reveal some solid evidence to its quality as a powerful healing substance.
The botanical name for turmeric is Curcuma longa. Curcumin is the active ingredient found in turmeric that gives the root its incredibly vibrant orange and yellow color as well as all the medicinal properties turmeric is used for.
Curcumin is a powerful antioxidant that protects your body’s healthy cells from cancerous free radicals as well as assists with eliminating cancer cells before they take hold and begin to spread. Turmeric curcumin has also shown to reduce bad cholesterol, improve circulation and help prevent many forms of heart disease.
As you likely have heard, curcumin is also most known for its use as an anti-inflammatory--making it a premium ingredient in effective joint supplements for relieving pain by reducing inflammation.
And, in contrast to most drugs used for treatment, turmeric has zero toxic effects to the human body.
A fatty acid is a carboxylic acid with a long side chain of hydrocarbons. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated fatty acids that can be found naturally in foods such as flaxseed and fish. Omega-3s are an essential nutrient that your body cannot synthesize on its own and must come from food (or supplements).
There are three main forms of omega-3s: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). All three forms are considered essential as they perform several critical cellular processes such as producing hormones for regulating blood clotting and inflammation of cell membranes.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown effectively promote join health via reducing inflammation. Studies have shown that taking omega-3 fatty acids as a supplement can help modulate the inflammatory response.
Ashwagandha is an ancient herb with powerful medicinal properties. Also known as an “adaptogen” in Ayuverda—the herb helps the body promote balance. Contemporary research shows us that ashwagandha can provide a variety of remarkable benefits to the human body.
Ashwagandha is most known for reducing cortisol and alleviating stress and anxiety which has been supported by several studies. It has also been shown to benefit athletic performance as one analysis of multiple studies suggested that the herb can enhance physical output such as overall strength and enhanced VO2 max (oxygen consumption).
Ashwagandha may reduce inflammation as well; containing many compounds including WA which targets inflammatory pathways in the body and reduces their markers. A study from 2008 shows ashwagandha significantly reducing an inflammatory marker compared to placebo.
Black pepper extract (piperine) is commonly used as an absorption enhancer when combined with other natural substances that lack bioavailability (such as turmeric) but is also a powerful agent for reducing inflammation. Most quality supplements that contain turmeric or other forms of natural compounds that are not easily absorbed will also contain piperine.
Hyaluronic acid is a substance naturally produced by your body that is generally found in the tissues and eyes. Hyaluronic acid is becoming incredibly popular as a compound that can be used to reduce the effects of aging and maintaining healthy joints.
The primary role of hyaluronic acid is water retention; it holds water molecules in your tissues and keeps them moist. Studies show that hyaluronic acid maintains healthy synovial fluid viscosity in the joints—providing adequate lubrication for comfortable mobility (reduced pain in motion). If you are looking for the best joint recovery/ joint repair supplements, be sure to check the label for hyaluronic acid.
Ginger contains compounds such as gingerol and shogaol, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. These compounds may help reduce inflammation and pain in conditions such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, ginger has been found to have a similar effects as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in reducing muscle pain caused by exercise.
Glucosamine is naturally found in cartilage but has several forms that are used in supplement form. These other forms include glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl glucosamine which can either be harvested from shellfish shells or made artificially in a lab.
Glucosamine joint supplements are generally safe and may provide some joint pain relief to people with arthritis. Study results are fairly mixed regarding the efficacy of glucosamine joint supplements but can be a helpful option to people who are unable to take NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
Naturally found in the connective tissues, chondroitin is also used in supplement form as a treatment for osteoarthritis. Generally, chondroitin is made from animal byproducts, paired with glucosamine sulfate, and sold as a joint pain-relief supplement to slow the loss of cartilage.
A decent number of studies have been done to test the efficacy of chondroitin. However, evidence is mixed with many of the published studies showing little evidence of it being an effective treatment in restoring cartilage or reducing severe pain.
Without our joints we would be a pile of useless meaty bones. Our joints are complex biological mechanisms that enable us to live a life of motion (the way our life should be). They require care and maintenance throughout the duration of your lifespan.
When looking for joints supplements to optimize the health of your joints keep an eye out for the natural ingredients listed above. The best joint care supplements contain natural ingredients that are backed by published research and shown to facilitate a healthy inflammation response, provide antioxidant protection, as well as strengthening the connective tissues of the joint structure.
Effective joint supplements should also contain an adequate dosage per ingredient and each ingredient should complement the other ingredients contained on the supplement.
When taking a joint supplement that contains turmeric, be sure it also contains piperine (black pepper extract to assist with absorption. Turmeric has a low absorption rate and requires the assistance of piperine to be absorbed.
Turmeric extract has the highest yield of curcuminoids (the active ingredient in turmeric that provides the desired benefits). A quality product should contain no less than 100 milligrams of Turmeric extract per serving—150 milligrams being optimal.
Look for supplements that provide natural ingredients that boost Nitric Oxide (promote better blood flow) in combination with natural ingredients that reduce inflammation.
The top of the list for natural ingredients that support your joint health include but are not limited to: turmeric extract, hyaluronic acid, ginger, piperine, and nitric oxide boosting compounds.
Conditions that influence joint health affect millions of people in the United States. We have an arsenal of natural remedies (that should be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle) to effectively treat joint pain and promote better joint health. The best joint supplements for men and women contain natural ingredients backed by contemporary research.
Learn more about EN-1 Skin and Joints supplements here.
The most common natural supplements for joint pain include turmeric, MSM, ginger, glucosamine, chondroitin, devil's claw, and bromelain.
The effectiveness of natural supplements for joint pain can vary from person to person. Some people may experience significant relief while others may not see much improvement. A factor that influences efficacy is overall lifestyle? Do you have poor eating habits/unhealthy diet? Do you exercise? Unhealthy habits will only diminish the potential positive effects of natural supplements to relieve joint pain.
Natural supplements can cause side effects, although they are generally considered to be mild. Some common side effects of natural supplements for joint health include digestive problems, such as nausea, bloating, and diarrhea.
Yes, natural supplements can be taken with prescription drugs, but it is important to consult with your prescribing physician to determine if there are any potential interactions between them.
The amount of time its takes for natural joint health supplements to start working for joint pain can vary. Some people may experience relief within a few days while others may take several weeks to see improvement.
Yes, you can use natural joint pain supplements to reduce joint pain even if you have other health conditions, but if you are taking other medications to treat other conditions you should be consulting with your healthcare practitioner.
The best ingredients in joint health supplements to improve joint health and reduce joint pain include but are not limited to these eight natural ingredients: turmeric extracts, ginger, hyaluronic acid, ashwagandha, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine, omega 3 fatty acids, and MSM.
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Alec Carloss
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