Joint Pain Supplements: Natural Relief

The treatment of joint pain usually constitutes the use of conventional medications prescribed by health practitioners. A number of therapies are also made available for patients to treat pain they experience. Joint pain supplements can play a vital role in alleviating joint pain and supporting healthy strong joints.

When it comes to choosing joint supplements, there are no shortages of available treatments. However, consumers should always be cautious of the supplement and brand they may be purchasing. Certain studies have shown that some joint pain supplement brands fall short of what they claim on their labels.

The following are a list of joint supplements that may be helpful to treat and support weak joints and healthy joints respectively:

Glucosamine
Glucosamine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in one’s body. It is a predecessor to a molecule that is utilized in the production and restoration of cartilage. Treatment with glucosamine is based on the idea that oral consumption may elevate the rate of formation of new cartilage. Amino acids can provide the extra building blocks necessary. Glucosamine sulphate is the joint supplement most often taken by patients suffering from osteoarthritis and joint pain. Research has shown that it decreases the symptoms and slows the development of this chronic disease. The dose of glucosamine recommended by physicians is 1500mg daily for four to eight weeks. Patients who experience favorable results may continue treatment with glucosamine. Glucosamine hydrochloride may also be taken as supplements at a dose similar to glucosamine sulphate.

Chondroiton
Chondroiton sulphate is frequently taken in combination with glucosamine sulphate. Chondoitin is a compound that is important for the development of the matrix structure of joints. The use of this can slow down the development of the disease by gradually narrowing the spaces between one’s joints. Even as studies have shown that Chondroiton alleviates pain, reviews of such studies have shown discrepancies in results. This supplement has not shown an advantage over glucosamine, and may just likely be considered an alternative way of alleviating pain. Recommended dosage of this supplement is 200mg to 400mg twice or three times a day.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)

Niacinamide is a form of Vitamin B3 that acts as a supplement for people with joint pain. This also helps people with osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that taking Niacinamide rather than a placebo was more effective in improving one’s flexibility and reducing inflammation. Nevertheless, you have to first consult your physician before you take Niacinamide.

S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is a natural compound of bioactive methionine that enhances the production of cartilage cells. The methionine is converted by ATP, producing dopamine, norepinepherine, and serotonin used by the body. This helps with cartilage and decreases the chondrocyte damage by the cytokine that helps alleviate joint pain. Aside from being a treatment to reduce joint pain, it also helps medicate other conditions like liver disease and depression. SAMe supplements improve the symptoms of pain, but may take a number of weeks before any improvement is experienced. However, treatment with SAMe supplements is very costly and it is in itself an unstable compound.

Glucosamine And Joint Pain

Joint pain can be debilitating so it’s no wonder many studies have been done on how to relieve it.  Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be an easy cure.  With more and more people suffering, there has been more and more research and recently you will find that glucosamine and joint pain are often studied together.

Other drugs that were studied include  Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs also known as NSAIDS. NSAIDS can work wonders to relieve pain, but this relief may not be without adverse consequences. Studies have shown that NSAIDS can give you stomach bleeding, lower digestive tract breakdown, and liver failure in some cases.

Studies done on glucosamine and joint pain have much more positive results.  Glucosamine contains natural ingredients – the same compounds that make up the buildin blocks for joints and cartilidge.  Even better, a a combination of glucosamine along with chondroitin have been shown to effectively relieve pain in many people.

Glucosamine is actually derived from shellfish and supplements can replace the glucosamine that is lacking in our bodies due to aging.  As you age, your body produces less of this substance which causes your cartilidge to harden and you to lose mobility and experience joint pain.  Supplemental glucosamine can help to repair joints as it supplies the body with additional amounts necessary for good joint function.

If you are thinking about taking glucosamine to relieve joint pain, consider liquid supplenments that have other ingredients that fight joint pain.  Also, be sure to give the medicine time to work – most joint pain sufferers report seeing some relief after 6 to 10 weeks.