Functional Fitness Facts

The Best Supplements For Joint Pain

If you suffer from joint pain, you need to know what the best supplements for joint pain are. Many people are turning to supplements as a remedy for joint pain instead of drugs. Supplements are natural substances that treat both the causes and symptoms of joint pain, while drugs only treat the symptoms.

Here's a list of the top joint pain supplements:

Multivitamin/mineral - Nutritional deficiencies in the diet can lead to excess free radicals and inflammation, which can contribute to causing joint pain and arthritis (as well as many other health problems). Most people are not getting all of the nutrients they need from food alone. Taking a high quality multivitamin/mineral supplement will ensure that you get all of the nutrients your body needs.

Fish Oil - Fish oil has many health benefits, including relieving joint pain. Visit the Fish Oil Health Benefits page for more information on fish oil.

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 pain and stiffness in the joints and osteoarthritis. Supplemental glucosamine has been shown by numerous studies to be effective at easing joint pain and improving joint flexibility, and some studies even indicate that it may help rebuild cartilage. Supplemental glucosamine (which is usually derived from the shells of shellfish) is available in three different forms: glucosamine sulfate, glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl-glucosamine. There is some debate as to which form is most effective, but glucosamine sulfate is the most researched form and has the largest amount of clicinical trial data supporting its efficacy.

Chondroitin Sulfate - Chondroitin sulfate is a natural substance found in the body that is an important structural component of cartilage and also assists in cartilage repair. Chondroitin sulfate levels decline with age, which can lead to pain and stiffness in the joints and osteoarthritis. Studies have indicated that supplemental chondroitin sulfate (which is usually derived from cow and shark cartilage) is effective at easing joint pain, improving joint flexibility, and slowing the progression of osteoarthritis. Taking chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine together has been shown to increase 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 several 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 to obtain an effective amount of MSM. Studies suggest that supplemental MSM is an anti-inflammatory agent and may assist in the formation of cartilage.

Cerasomal-cis-9-cetylmyristoleate (CMO) - CMO is a fatty acid ester found in the tissues of certain animals, including cows, sperm whales, male beavers and mice. Studies suggest that CMO acts as a lubricant for the joints and muscles, facilitates cartilage building, and is an anti-inflammatory agent. Supplemental CMO (which is usually derived from beef tallow) is the best way to obtain an effective amount of CMO. One thing to be aware of is that many of the so called CMO products on the market today are actually cetylmyristoleate, not cerasomal-cis-9-cetylmyristoleate. These cetylmyristoleate products are usually inexpensive, but are not effective at relieving joint pain.

Green Lipped Mussels - Green lipped mussels are shellfish found in the oceans off New Zealand. Studies have shown that green lipped mussel extract is effective at relieving joint pain and stiffness, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory, lubricative and soothing properties.

As you can see, there are several effective 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

Xtend-Life is a company that produces their own brand of natural supplements that are arguably the best on the market. Here's a list of their various supplements for joint pain:



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