Try these supplements

We think the following are worth considering. Before trying any, talk to your doctor about which, if any, would be right for you.

1. Cayenne as a topical relief.

Cayenne pepper in powder form is used as a topical preparation for arthritis. The medicinally active component of peppers is called capsaicin, which is also what makes a pepper hot.

How can something that is hot and irritating relieve pain and irritation? Practitioners call such a substance a counter-irritant, which is something that causes minor pain and irritation in order to relieve a greater pain or irritation. Capsaicin works against pain by eliminating a neurotransmitter involved in pain impulses.

2. Chondroitin sulfate

It is a component of human cartilage. The supplement comes from cattle trachea (windpipes). It eases pain and stiffness associated with OA. Recommend 1,200 mg a day divided into two doses. It can be taken as a pill, capsule, or drink. Many human studies from Europe show internal use relieves OA symptoms and has few or no side effects.

It is slow-acting so wait for two months or more for effects to show.

It’s often sold in a combination product with glucosamine. However, some studies show glucosamine and chondroitin taken together are no more effective than either alone.

Warning: Avoid products made with shark cartilage as they may be contaminated with heavy metals. Cattle sources also may be contaminated.

3. Glucosamine (sulfate or hydrochloride)

Supplements are made from chitin in the shells of crab, lobster and shrimp.

Many European studies show glucosamine sulfate taken internally eases OA pain as well as NSAIDs. Most studies have used glucosamine sulfate, although glucosamine HCL (hydrocholoride may be as effective.

4. A combination product: Chondroitin & glucosamine

In a research project, after 8 weeks of taking Cosamin – a brand name product that includes glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and manganese ascorbate – 34 sailors with osteoarthritis reported less knee pain and stiffness.

Dosage: Study participants took 500 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of chondroitin sulfate three times a day.

Wait for results: Most study participants found that it took at least eight weeks for pain relief to begin.

5. Magnets

While a magnet is not a supplement, it is a support that has worked for some. Fixed magnets taped to the aching arthritis joint also bring relief for some people. Many local pharmacies have them.

6.  Vitamin C

People with vitamin C deficiencies may experience painful arthritic swollen joints. Try taking up to 2,000 buffered milligrams a day and see if you feel better in a few weeks.

The “poor man’s” joint supplement

Hyaluronic acid & Lubricin

The “poor man’s“ joint supplement is bone broth. Although obesity and lack of exercise contribute to the widespread osteoarthritis problems we see today. A part of the problem is that bone broth is no longer a part of our diet. You can make bone broth by adding bones to your soups.

Science validates what our grandmothers knew. Rich homemade chicken broths help cure colds. Stock contains minerals in a form the body can absorb easily—not just calcium but also magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulphur and trace minerals. It contains the broken down material from cartilage and tendons–stuff like chondroitin sulphates and glucosamine, now sold as expensive supplements for arthritis and joint pain.

Some vegetables and legumes are high in magnesium, which is a mineral necessary to form hyaluronic acid. For more on magnesium, go to http://dietary-supplements.info. nih.gov/factsheets/magnesium.asp

The same is true for eggs. The membrane that separates the white from the shell is composed of protein, plus hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

When making your bone broth, throw in leftover meat bones, fish bones, chicken bones and egg shells. Just strain them out with the bones after the broth is cooked.

Some research has found that people who took supplements containing 500 mg of eggshell membrane had a reduction in their joint and muscle pain with weeks. You can buy this supplement at www.Membrell.com.

Lubricin is to joints like oil was to the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz. It provides the “gliding” action where joint surfaces meet.

Together, lubricin and hyaluronic acid provide a “cushioning” effect by storing and dissipating the energy created during an impact. Motion of each joint increases the production of lubricin.

Online supplement resources

Arthritis and Glucosamine Information Center

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