What supplements should you take for rheumatism?

Reminder: what is rheumatism?

Definition of rheumatism

‘Rheumatism’ is an umbrella term for more than 200 distinct conditions. This generic medical term actually covers all diseases that affect connective tissue and the various elements of the musculoskeletal system (including the bones, joints, muscles, tendons and ligaments).

Two forms of rheumatism and their primary causes

There are two major types of rheumatism:

• inflammatory rheumatism (which includes arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis);
• and non-inflammatory rheumatism (which includes osteoarthritis, gout, osteoporosis and chronic back pain) (1-3).

The first is usually related to an auto-immune disease and is more likely to affect younger people, while the second is often the result of simple wear and tear, repeated trauma or excessive stress on cartilage.

Symptoms of osteoarticular problems

Rheumatism typically manifests as joint or muscle pain, stiffness, swelling, or even deformity of the hands and feet which can significantly affect mobility, well-being and quality of life (4).

Rheumatism attacks: how to prevent and relieve them

Managing rheumatism involves both medical and non-medical approaches, in order to restrict potential inflammation, reduce the frequency of painful episodes and minimise loss of independence.

Adopting certain lifestyle measures, whether for prevention or relief, can have a positive effect on its development:

• lose weight if you need to to reduce stress on your joints (5);
• eat a balanced, predominantly plant-based, diet, high in antioxidants, reducing your consumption of fresh and processed meat and alcohol (acid-forming in excess) (6);
• stop smoking (7);
• maintain good oral hygiene, as inflammation of the gums (periodontitis) has been linked to certain rheumatic disorders (8);
• take appropriate exercise to maintain joint flexibility and prevent muscle and cartilage atrophy (9);
• use hot compresses to reduce stiffness and ice to soothe inflamed limbs (10);
• consider physiotherapy to reduce pain and learn how to correctly use any mobility aids (walking sticks, neck braces …), or even spa treatments (which can help in cases of osteoarthritis, auto-immune rheumatism and fibromyalgia) (11);
• as we’ll see, there are also dietary supplements that can help. Be sure to take advice from a health professional to tailor supplementation to your particular needs, depending on your condition.

The best supplements for rheumatism

Omega-3, the Inuit people’s secret to good mobility

Back in 1980, Danish scientists made a surprising discovery: the Inuit, the world’s largest consumers of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, seemed unusually unaffected by osteoarticular problems.

It has since been found that people suffering from inflammatory rheumatism have abnormally low levels of omega-3 in their cartilage, in contrast to too-high levels of pro-inflammatory omega-6 (12). In this context, supplementing with marine omega-3 (such as the product Super Omega 3, in which EPA and DHA are combined in a highly-stable formulation) can help restore the right ratio between these two types of essential fatty acid (13).

MSM, a sulphur-containing compound showing promise in rheumatism

When it comes to finding natural remedies for osteoarthritis rheumatism, MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) comes up again and again. Though its mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood, we know that this substance, which circulates naturally in the body, contains a large amount of sulphur – a mineral involved in the production of chondroitin, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid in cartilage (14). While small amounts are found in a number of foods, supplementing with MSM (for example with the product OptiMSM®, guaranteed free from contaminant residues) ensures an effective intake.

Collagen, the fundamental constituent of joints

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body. This biological ‘glue’ is concentrated in the joints, bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons where it provides cohesion and elasticity (15). Production starts to decline from the age of 25 and continues to do so with age, which explains why the mechanics of our joints become prone to dysfunction.

To replenish our reserves, it’s a good idea to take a specific natural collagen supplement (like Tendo-Fix, based on an optimal balance between types I, II, V and X collagen which make up connective tissue, bones and cartilage) (16-17).

Rheumatism: ginger and turmeric, two natural anti-inflammatories

The herbal medicine arsenal contains two rhizomes known for their ability to delay inflammation: turmeric (Curcuma longa) and ginger (Zingiber officinale) (18). Their effects are thought to be due to curcumin and gingerol respectively, both of which have an inhibitory action on the COX-2 enzyme, the principal mediator of inflammatory pain (19).

They can be found combined in a single capsule in certain synergistic formulations (such as InflaRelief Formula, which also contains extracts of nettle and boswellia both of which support joint health) (20).

Vitamin D, for countering the loss of bone minerals

What about vitamins for boosting cartilage? While no vitamin is in itself able to relieve rheumatism, some act as essential intermediaries in strengthening musculoskeletal structures. One such example is vitamin D, which helps maintain normal muscle function and healthy bones. Together with calcium, it also helps to reduce bone mineral loss in menopausal women (low bone mineral density being a risk factor for osteoporotic fractures) (21).

Given that deficiency in this vitamin is extremely common in northern latitudes, especially during the winter months, it makes sense to have a blood test to check your vitamin D status and supplement if necessary (Vitamin D3 5000 IU offers a suitable dose for those who are deficient).

Bamboo tabashir, a valuable source of organic silica

Tabashir is a resinous exudate obtained from the stems of bamboo (Bambusa arundinacea), a woody plant that supports bone and joint health. With a remineralising effect, it is an exceptional source of silica which plays a structural role in connective tissue (22). It is particularly aimed at individuals who have suffered a loss of bone mass (the all-in-one supplement Super Bone Formula benefits from a highly-concentrated tabashir extract combined with zinc, calcium, vitamin D3…)