Those aching joints may be a result of years on inactivity, a previous injury, or by overuse from too much physical activity. That sudden stiff pain in the joints can begin once you get up in the morning, or once the weather begins to change as the seasons flip over. It can begin as a dull blunt ache, or a sharp uncomfortably stabbing sensation, which can escalate and grow chronic over time.
The catchall term for this type of pain, whenever there’s joint discomfort in the body, is usually arthritis. There are an estimated 50 million North Americans who suffer from this type of pain.
The most common type of joint disorder is often referred to as osteoarthritis, which involves the direct degeneration of the joint, this as a result of old age, or because of chronic or acute trauma. There are also certain metabolic conditions which are related to joint pain as well.
Once you begin to feel the symptoms of any type of joint pain, most likely, it’s a reaction from a previous injury of some sort. There are fortunately effective natural supplements that you can take which has proven capable of fighting off erosion of the joints, or at the very least, slow down its progression. They can also help in the prevention of related injuries and joint strains as well.
Natural Supplements Available For Joint Pain
The Need For Vitamin D
It pays to gauge your vitamin D intake as you grow older, this since low levels of “D” in adults is associated with osteoarthritis, along with certain immune and heart disease. According to studies, most aging adults are not getting enough of this vitamin.
Recommended Dosage: Vitamin D3 is the most potent variety that’s available on the market. The recommended intake is anywhere from 400iu to 600iu per day, with higher amounts of 2,000iu per day in some cases.
Note that these guidelines and dosages are constantly under review, as some health practitioners and doctors may recommend anywhere from 1000iu to 5,000iu on a daily basis, depending on one’s condition.
Precautions: Overdosing on vitamin D is extremely rare, but overuse can potentially cause certain health problems.
HA or Hyaluronic Acid
What the joints desperately need to do is stay as lubricated as possible, and Hyaluronic Acid, which is a component in joint fluid, is able to help. It’s usually prescribed as a treatment for arthritis, and at times is injected directly into the cavity of the joint.
When this is taken in supplemental form, it can effectively strengthen the environment which surrounds the cartilage, while prompting certain cells to produce more natural Hyaluronic Acid fluid on its own.
Recommended Dosage: It’s recommended by some health practitioners to take anywhere from 40mg to 80 mg on a daily basis.
Precautions: Know that HA, as a supplement, is usually derived from chicken cartilage, so if you’re allergic to poultry, then avoid taking it.
Say Yes To SAM-e
SAM-e, which is short for S-Adenosylmethionine, is an amino acid derivative which is naturally recurring in the body, while also regulating some of the metabolic reactions as well.
When it comes to joints, SAM-e appears to assist in rebuilding components of the cartilage. It’s also discovered as an effective anti-inflammatory which relieves symptoms of osteoarthritis.
Recommended Dosage: Choose the non-synthetic version of SAM-e. Take anywhere from 800mg to 1600mg on a daily basis, always on an empty stomach.
Precautions: SAM-e is also known for its antidepressant properties, so it may cause mood swings because of an increase in serotonin.
There are some who recommend taking SAM-e with the B-vitamins, this because larger doses can raise the levels of the amino acid homocysteine, as absence of this amino acid may be a cause of heart disease.
ASU or Avocado-Soy Unsaponifiables
Avocado-Soy Unsaponifiables is a natural extract of phytosterols from avocados as well as soybeans. This supplement is known for its anti inflammatory benefits.
Several studies have found that Avocado-Soy Unsaponifiables not only reduces inflammation in the joints, but it also promotes the repair of both the bone surface as well as the cartilage. Taking ASU supplements along with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, may produce better results.
Recommended Dosage: Take 300mg on a daily basis.
Precautions: It’s not recommended that you take Avocado-Soy Unsaponifiables if you’re allergic to avocados or soy.
Glucosamine And Chondroitin Sulfate
Glucosamine is known as one of the key building blocks when it comes to joint cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate, which works best when combined with glucosamine, helps in keeping the cartilage and joints as elastic as possible.
Although there may be some question on how really effective glucosamine actually is, when it comes to relieving pain and building cartilage, recent research, however, shows that long term usage can actually improve the structure of the cartilage, even if there’s no change in the actual symptoms.
Recommended Dosage: Take 1,500mg of glucosamine, and 800mg to 1200mg of Chondroitin Sulfate on a daily basis. It’s recommended that if you don’t notice any reduction in joint pain after 3 months, try increasing the dosage intake.
Precautions: If you happen to be allergic to shellfish (glucosamine) or are a vegetarian, then use the vegetarian variety of a glucosamine. Know that Chondroitin Sulfate is always strictly derived from animals.
Note: The information provided is strictly for informative purposes only, and isn’t and shouldn’t be construed as treatment, diagnosis, prevention, or a cure for joint pain.
The information should also not be taken as a substitute for medical care which is usually received from your doctor or health practitioner.