Arthritis Supplements – Beyond Chondroitin and Glucosamine
When a person is asked to think about arthritis supplements, chondroitin and glucosamine are the first two that usually come to mind. This surprises no one, as they’re the most well-known remedies and the most tested ones as well. Combinations of the two supplements have racked up nearly $1 billion in sales annually. There’s no doubting the popularity of the supplements, and they’ve been shown to slow the rate of cartilage loss in the knees, which is often a precursor to osteoarthritis. But, what other options does the consumer have when it comes to Arthritis Supplements?
Before we look at the other arthritis supplements, let’s examine why chondroitin and glucosamine are so popular. After all, millions of people take them for a reason. Glucosamine is so effective because it is the main ingredient in what makes up joint cartilage. Taking glucosamine can slow the deterioration of cartilage. It can be taken in several forms—pills, powder, and tablets. The common dosage is 1,500 milligrams. Chondroitin, taken as chondroitin sulfate, is also found in the body’s cartilage and bones, which makes it one of the most attractive Arthritis Supplements. Like glucosamine, it comes in several forms. The typical dosage is anywhere from 800 to 1,200 milligrams.
Beyond the well-beaten path of chondroitin and glucosamine, there are plenty of other Arthritis Supplements out there. For example, turmeric is known for its strong odor, but it reduces the pain inflammation and stiffness associated with arthritis. Bromelain, found naturally in the core of pineapples, relieves the pain and swelling associated with rheumatoid arthritis. The downside is that if you’re allergic to pineapples, taking bromelain will be increasingly difficult. GLA, or gamma-linolenic acid, also claims to lessen the swelling and pain. GLA is very effective and works with little, if any, side effects.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are often taken together to increase effectiveness, and the two of them together make one of the best Arthritis Supplements out there. They can restore joint function, slows down osteoarthritis, and also slows down cartilage loss. The downside is that they take up to a month to start working, which doesn’t help someone wanting immediate relief. In those cases, an over-the-counter pain reliever might be enough to tide you over. So, as we’ve seen here, while glucosamine and chondroitin are great Arthritis Supplements, there are alternative ones out there that may provide a faster relief solution.
