Painful joints are a common problem and can be very distressing: here are 10 tips for finding natural relief.
Contrary to popular belief, painful joints can occur at any age, and can have a dramatic impact on everyday life. If your joints are giving you grief, then it’s time to take a few simple steps to relieve the pain.
SAMe (S-adenosyl-methionine) is an amino acid naturally present in all the body’s cells. It’s found in protein-rich foods such as meat and fish. Researchers have shown that SAMe can be very effective at reducing joint pain and stiffness (1).
In practice: a daily dose of 1200mg is recommended for obtaining the benefits of SAMe (that’s 3 capsules a day of SAM-e 400mg). It often comes in enteric-coated capsules for controlled release in the gut and less risk of nausea.
Collagen is a protein essential for normal function: it ensures elasticity and cohesion of the body’s tissues. A six-month course of supplementation with a particular type of collagen (hydrolysate) provides significant reductions in joint pain and stiffness (2). A study also showed that taking collagen protected knee cartilage in arthritic patients (3). Collagen thus offers long-term benefits, with very few known side-effects.
In practice: a daily dose of 10-12 grams of collagen hydrolysate (preferablytype 2) should provide beneficial effects for painful joints.
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is an organosulfur compound present in small amounts in foods such as eggs, milk and cabbage. It maintains the body’s immune function and protects tissues such as cartilage and tendons. These properties make it highly effective at reducing joint pain, especially in the knees, and improving range of motion (4).
In practice: around 6-8 grams of MSM is the recommended daily dose.
In addition to its recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, Zingiber Officinalis has demonstrated protective effects for cartilage, as well as modest reductions in joint pain and its adverse effects on daily life (5).
In practice: Extracts of ginger standardized in gingerols are most effective at providing benefits.
We all know the value of cinnamon for adding flavor to apple-based desserts, but we often forget about its powerful anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce swelling in joints and relieve the accompanying pain (6).
In practice: 2 grams of cinnamon powder a day will provide significant anti-inflammatory benefits for the joints.
Boswellia Serrata resin is traditionally used in Indo-Chinese pharmacopoeias for treating painful joints and rheumatism in general. Boswellia’s efficacy comes from the anti-inflammatory properties of its boswellic acids. Scientists have demonstrated the pain-relief benefits of Boswellia resin and its acids in people with arthritis of the knee, as well as improved athletic performance in these same individuals (7).
In practice: for boswellia supplementation to be effective, it needs to have a significant amount of boswellic acid (notably AKBA, a particularly active acid), as is the case with our supplement Super Boswellia. In addition, boswellia supplements are best absorbed when taken with a lipid-rich meal.
Withania Somnifera is a plant known for its adaptogenic properties: it helps the body adapt to all types of stress and respond accordingly. Ashwagandha and its valuable withanolides help reduce joint pain and inflammation, and protect cartilage. Its active principles are particularly well-tolerated by the body (8).
In practice: a dose of between 300 and 600 grams of ashwagandha extract should improve joint health. It’s best to choose extracts that contain at least 1.5% withanolides (or 6 milligrams of withanolides a day).
Maritime pine bark contains flavonoids with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects which reduce joint pain and stiffness and boost physical ability. Supplementing with pine bark extract could enable individuals suffering from arthritic pain to take lower dose and less frequent anti-inflammatory medication (9).
In practice: the recommended daily amount is 150 grams of pine bark extract, divided into three doses.
Excess weight is a key factor in arthralgia as it places too much mechanical pressure on the joints. It also causes excessive inflammation in the body which damages cartilage. If you are overweight or obese, adopting a healthy, balanced diet can help you lose weight and ease the pressure on your joints.
In practice: a balanced diet is founded on simple principles such as eating everything in moderation, to satisfy your hunger and no more. For those suffering from arthritis, fibre-rich foods are particularly recommended: fruit, vegetables and pulses.
Toning the muscles that support your joints helps to give them extra protection and prevent arthritis. For those who already have arthritis, remaining physically active can reduce joint immobility and aid health-beneficial weight loss.
In practice: engage in low-impact, endurance exercise to benefit fully from the positive effects of physical activity. Take care, as exercising too intensively can also weaken the joints.
A healthy lifestyle is essential for maintaining good joint health. If you suffer from painful joints, there are simple measures you can take to help you cope. However, if your symptoms persist, be sure to consult your GP. If you’d like to take a broad-spectrum supplement containing several of the ingredients mentioned in this article, we wholeheartedly recommend our Joint Pack.
References
Keywords
12
Full comprehensive formula.
DOMINIC
17
Fast service good products
PERCY
1 Days
Great Product ............ Fast Service. Thanks Supersmart.
SCOTT Mark
2 Days
At this time I can not comment on any medical value of my purchase. I have no medical issues I'm treating so I will have to wait until my next blood test some months away to see just what benefit this product has given me.
El Capt
2 Days
Fast shipping and quality supplements - some that are hard to find. Great selection on the website and usually have discounts.
WadeS
6 Days
Customer service is impeccable, shipping is almost immediate and best of all quality of products are second to non!
Mohamad Hussein
6 Days
Great fast service.
Wai Kuen Lee
8 Days
I received my order in just a few days. Great service, considering it was sent via USPS!
ABERT Ronald
8 Days
Great quality I noticed the vitamin B1 and the Magnesium Complex helps my nerves and helps me go to the bathroom easier
MMA TUBE
10 Days
The ordering experience was a breeze. My choice in the products were mainly of their description which fit very close to what I was looking for. Since I have been using the supplements for a few months now, there is a big difference in the way I feel. I am much more focus. Thank you for providing good quality products that works!
Honyee
12 Days
These are very effective high-quality products. I can feel the difference.
Julee
12 Days
My product arrived on time and was packaged professionally.
LAURIE CALLAHAN
12 Days
Outstanding products and service
jaygol
13 Days
I really love the products here they’re good quality and they work great customer services. Awesome. I highly recommend these products that they have online.
James Freeland
15 Days
My experience was good and I am happy.
LEE Greg