Natural Supplements for Arthritis – What Really Works

In the United States alone, more than 27 million adults suffer from arthritis. And every year, approximately 16,500 Americans die because of it.

There are two kinds of arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is the more common form of arthritis. It happens when the cartilage in your joints succumbs to wear and tear and the bones rub against each other.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is less common but more problematic than osteoarthritis. Two million Americans suffer from this autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation in the joints. Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system fails to recognize the body’s own cells and attacks them by mistake.

Because both forms of arthritis are so disabling, many quack health cures have cropped up masquerading as natural treatments for arthritis. When you’re desperate for relief, it’s natural to want to believe the sales hype. But it’s important to be able to distinguish legitimate help from fraudulent claims.

When you need relief, look for safe effective supplements for joint pain, that are backed by scientific proof in relieving arthritis pain. Supplements that contain the following ingredients have score of studies which demonstrate proven relief.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin is a natural substance found in the cartilage in your joints. One of its main roles is to build proteins that make up the cartilage. Supplementing with chondroitin helps slow down the breakdown of cartilage. It may also promote cartilage growth and reverse the effects of arthritis.

Chondroitin is also known as an anti-inflammatory, which helps reduce the pain and swelling that happens when the bones rub against each other. A meta-analysis of seven randomized, double-blind clinical trials shows that chondroitin is more effective than placebo treatments in providing pain relief to arthritis patients.

It also provides water and nutrients to the joints. The water serves as shock absorbers, keeping the bones from rubbing against each other, while the nutrients keep the cartilage strong and healthy.

Methyl Sulfonyl Methane (MSM)

Fruits, vegetables, milk, fish and grains naturally have small amounts of MSM, a source of organic sulfur. Your body needs sulfur to maintain the development of collagen, a protein needed to keep the various connective tissues in your body healthy.

Several studies have shown that MSM is effective in reducing pain as well as minimizing destruction to the joints of patients who have arthritis.

Niacinamide

For more than 50 years, doctors have been treating joint pain and stiffness problems with niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3. Dr. William Kaufman, a pioneer in the use of niacinamide as a supplement for osteoarthritis, has recorded over hundreds of cases exhibiting the effectiveness of this product.

Niacinamide is not considered an anti-inflammatory agent. However, it protects the joints from inflammation by inhibiting an enzyme called PARS. The activation of PARS depletes the energy in the cells, causing dysfunction that can further lead to more inflammation.

In a double-blind, controlled study on niacinamide and join pain relief, patients using the vitamin saw a 29% increase in overall joint pain relief. Additionally, they had an increased range of motion by 4.5 degrees. Those who were given a placebo had felt their pain worsen by 10%.

Boswellia Serrata Gum Extract

Boswellia serrata, or Indian frankincense in ancient Asia and Africa, has been used for centuries in the treatment of both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as a variety of other inflammatory disorders, including asthma, colitis and Crohn’s disease.

The primary compound that gives boswellia serrata extract its anti-inflammatory properties is boswellic acid. This is a compound that can inhibit the formation of the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme, which is responsible for the formation of leukotrienes.

It is these leukotrienes, which are inflammatory molecules released into the bloodstream by white blood cells, that can worsen the inflammation in your joints.

Ginger

Studies show that ginger is better for pain relief than non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil, Tylenol and Motrin.

Both NSAIDs and ginger work by blocking the formation of prostaglandins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes, all inflammatory molecules that can worsen joint pain conditions. However, ginger also has phytonutrients called gingerols, which have an antioxidant effect that breaks down existing inflammation.

One study shows patients experiencing joint discomfort showed significant pain relief after consuming ginger.

What works for our patients

We always feel it’s best to avoid acetaminophen and ibuprofen type drugs whenever possible. Not only can chronic use of certain prescription medications cause liver inflammation, but there are additional risks for other serious side effects. Recently the FDA released a warning about the potential of serious skin reactions for acetaminophen users. Ibuprofen users have a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.

That’s why we’ve sought out the best natural pain relief products on the market. Here’s our take on two that made the cut:

Inflavonoid –  Delivers the anti-inflammatory benefits of both ginger and turmeric. Inflavonoid also contains Vitamin C and Bioflavonoids.

Arthrogenix –  This products blends all of the herbs and supplements featured in this article; glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, MSM, Boswella Serrata Gum extract, Ginger, Turmeric and Niacinamide.  They work together synergistically to inhibit inflammatory responses and reduce pain.

Get pain relief without frightening side effects

If you need pain relief, but don’t want the risk of side effects from over-the-counter medications or prescription drugs, one of these two products may be a good choice for you. These professional grade supplements are manufactured to impeccable standards, and are based upon proven science.