Functional Fitness Facts

The Best Supplements for Joint Pain

supplements for joint pain

You need to know what the best supplements for joint pain are if you suffer from joint pain.

Many people are turning to supplements as a remedy for joint pain instead of drugs because supplements are natural substances that treat both the causes and symptoms of joint pain, while drugs only treat the symptoms.

Here are the best supplements for joint pain:

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a natural substance found in the body that stimulates cartilage production and inhibits the breakdown of cartilage. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that covers the ends of bones in joints and enables the bones to move smoothly over one another. Glucosamine levels and cartilage decline with age, which can lead to joint pain and stiffness and osteoarthritis.

Supplemental glucosamine (which is usually derived from the shells of shellfish) has been shown by numerous studies to be effective at easing joint pain, improving joint flexibility, and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. Some studies have even indicated that it may help rebuild cartilage.

Supplemental glucosamine is available in three different forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl-glucosamine. There's some debate as to which form is most effective, but glucosamine sulfate is the most researched form and has the largest amount of data supporting its efficacy.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin, also known as chondroitin sulfate, is a natural substance found in the body that's an important structural component of cartilage and also assists in cartilage repair. Chondroitin levels decline with age, which can lead to joint pain and stiffness and osteoarthritis.

Studies have shown that supplemental chondroitin (which is synthetically produced or derived from cow or shark cartilage) is effective at easing joint pain, improving joint flexibility, and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. There's evidence that taking chondroitin and glucosamine together increases their individual effects.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound found in the body. MSM supplies the body with an organic form of sulfur which plays a crucial role in forming muscles, nails, hair and skin, as well as in building healthy cells. Sulfur is also necessary for making collagen, the primary constituent of cartilage and other types of connective tissue. MSM levels decline with age, which can lead to joint pain and stiffness (as well as other health problems).

Many foods, such as grains, fruits, vegetables and milk, contain MSM, but the amount is often small and the MSM can be easily destroyed when food is stored, cooked or processed. Supplemental MSM (which is derived from certain plants or synthetically produced) is the best way to obtain an effective amount of MSM.

Studies have shown that MSM has pain relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, which is why supplemental MSM is used as a treatment for several types of pain and inflammatory conditions, including joint pain. There's evidence that MSM is especially effective at easing joint pain when it's taken along with glucosamine.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring compound found throughout the body, including in the joints. It's a significant component of synovial fluid, which is a substance that lubricates and nourishes the cartilage and bones inside the joint capsule. Hyaluronic acid also helps cartilage absorb water, which makes cartilage more resistant to compression. Hyaluronic acid levels decline with age, which can lead to joint pain and stiffness.

Studies suggest that supplemental hyaluronic acid (which is synthetically produced or derived from rooster combs) is effective at easing joint pain, improving joint flexibility, and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis.

Green Lipped Mussels

Green lipped mussels are shellfish found in the oceans off of New Zealand. Studies have shown that green lipped mussel extract is effective at easing joint pain and improving joint flexibility due to its lubricative and anti-inflammatory properties.

As you can see, there are several best supplements for joint pain. If you're looking for a remedy for joint pain, one or more of these supplements might be just what you need.

Recommended Resource

Vitabase's high potency joint supplement contains glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. It's very reasonably priced and comes with a 100% money-back guarantee. Click here to learn more



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