| Food & Diet

Supplements for Joint Pain: Identifying the Best Ingredients for Arthritis

By Tyler Woodward

Supplements for Joint Pain: Identifying the Best Ingredients for Arthritis

According to the Arthritis Foundation, 54 million adults are medically diagnosed with arthritis. The condition is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. Even children aren’t immune with 300,000 boys and girls diagnosed with some form of rheumatoid condition. It’s no wonder, then, that supplements for joint pain are such a hot item. Do they really work, though? With so many different joint pain products out there, we’ll identify the tested and proven ingredients that belong in every joint pain product.

A Word About NSAIDs:

About NSAID's

Before we discuss the best compounds for joint relief, we must discuss a thing or two about nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). For current UMZU followers, it’s common knowledge by now that we’re staunch advocates of natural medicine. There is nothing natural about NSAIDs. This is the drug commonly found in your typical Bayer and Motrin. Do they provide joint relief? Yes, but the relief is only temporary, and repeated users are at serious risk of side effects. Studies have also linked long-term use to cardiovascular and gastrointestinal disorders.

It’s our steadfast belief that supplements for joint pain and stiffness should only contain nature-made compounds and nothing more.

Natural Remedies for Joint Pain and Inflammation:

Natural Remedies For Arthritis

We believe joint supplements really work if they contain the right ingredients. These ingredients have long been in use as home remedies for joint pain, and there is ample scientific evidence to back their effectiveness.

1. Ginger

It’s no coincidence that ginger is an active ingredient in a bevy of Asian herbal remedies. Among the plethora of benefits, evidence suggests ginger may be an inflammation reducer. Studies show that ginger may reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients.

It’s believed that ginger inhibits the production of the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX-1). COX-1 promotes the synthesis of the pro-inflammatory molecule prostaglandin. Inflammation is a precursor of joint discomfort.

2. Frankincense

Frankincense is a resin derived from the Boswellia tree. This is also a standalone ingredient in many natural joint pain relief products. Frankincense has been used traditionally as an arthritis relieve for hundreds of years.

3. Turmeric

If you love curry and a mix of spicy and tangy flavor, then you may be pleased to learn that the turmeric spice is another ingredient found in some joint pain supplements. Turmeric actually comes from the same plant genus as ginger, which we listed earlier. This would explain their similar beneficial properties.

4. Vitamin D

Why are kids repeatedly told to drink milk? It mainly has to do with the vitamin D content, which fortifies strong bones. Naturally, people began wondering whether this compound may offset arthritis. Research does hint at it being one of the promising vitamins for joint pain.

One study shows that vitamin D-deficient subjects reported less pain after taking a vitamin D supplement. Another study suggested that people over the age of 50 with vitamin D deficiencies are also more prone to knee and hip pain.

Aside from food and supplementation, you can also increase your body’s natural vitamin D production by spending more time in the sun.

5. Vitamin B6

One of the other joint pain vitamins includes B6. Like vitamin D, B6 deficiency has also been linked to inflammation and rheumatoid arthritis. Studies also show that B6 supplementation provided pain relief for patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (wrist pain).

Low B6 has also been linked to elevated C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels. Long story short, high CRP level is correlated with joint swelling.

6. Type II Collagen

We have written many articles on the different collagen types and their respective benefits. Type II is especially beneficial for joint lubrication and promoting fluid joint movement. This is one of the supplements for joint pain we would recommend for both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis pain. In fact, we recommend a supplement containing a mix of type I, II and III for overall health.

READ MORE: 14 Hacks To Eliminate Inflammation Naturally

A clinical trial revealed that type II collagen was effective in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis.

7. Hyaluronic Acid

One primary cause of joint pain is loss of synovial fluid, which provides lubrication for the joints. The fluid essentially acts as a shock absorber. Synovial fluid is also made up in part of hyaluronic acid. As you age, hyaluronic acid breaks down, leading to joint wear and tear. One study showed oral administration of hyaluronic acid was effective in treating patients with knee pain.

Clinics are now providing hyaluronic acid injections to areas like the knee, elbow and wrist. Since hyaluronic acid is a natural component, you can acquire the substance naturally and at a much lower cost through supplementation or food.

Non-Synthetic Supplements for Joint Pain Provide Natural Relief:

Non-Synthetic Supplements For Arthritis

There is no single best supplement for joint pain. We do believe that the most reliable products are those that use all-natural ingredients backed by clinical studies. The ingredients we listed are by no means an exhaustive list. As science evolves, more compounds will be proven to be natural pain relievers.

One joint supplement that meets our standards is zuRelief. This product’s name describes its primary function... Bring inflammation down, and natural joint pain relief will follow.

zuRelief