Were you recently diagnosed with a form of arthritis? If so, then you’re probably curious to know more about your condition. Arthritis is a prominent cause of disability in the United States. Many studies believe that arthritis affects more than 50 million adults and 300,000 children. The actual meaning of arthritis is joint inflammation, which majorly affects the places where two bones meet, like your elbow and knee. However, because arthritis is an umbrella word for a group of chronic disorders, some forms can also affect other organs such as your eyes, skin, and heart.
Ironically, Arthritis has more than 100 types of inflammatory diseases that can cause severe problems like mild to severe joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Additionally, they might limit your range of motion and make simple things like ascending stairs exceedingly challenging.
Types of Arthritis
As I previously stated, there are over 100 different types of arthritis, and it would be impossible to cover them all here. That is why I am just mentioning a handful of them.
- Osteoarthritis: It is one of the most widespread kinds of arthritis that can affect bones and the cartilage of joints. This type of arthritis is more common among people with old age.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: It is an autoimmune and inflammatory disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in your body, producing inflammation (painful swelling) in the afflicted areas.
- Psoriatic Arthritis: Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of arthritis that affects certain people who have psoriasis, a skin ailment. In most cases, it causes swollen, stiff, and painful joints in the affected joints.
- Reactive Arthritis: Reactive arthritis is caused by an infection in another region of the body, most commonly the intestines, genitals, or urinary system. This ailment most commonly affects the knees, ankles, and feet. Inflammation can also damage the eyes, skin, and the tube that transports urine from the body.
- Gout: Gout is a type of arthritis that occurs as flares, typically in your big toe or a lower limb.
There is no cure available for arthritis. However, there are different options available to manage and limit pain, inflammation, and preserve the joint function. The most famous option to limit the symptoms and to improve joint functionality is using the best joint supplements for arthritis. A few of them are mentioned below;
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a well-known joint health supplement that has been found effective to improve the health of cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions the joints. It may also aid the human body to get relief from joint discomfort, reduce inflammation, and decrease the rate of development of degenerative joint disorders.
Sources of Glucosamine
Glucosamine can not be obtained from a natural food source but can be sourced through following ways to develop a joint supplement like Dona®.
- Shellfish
- Shrimp
- Lobsters
- Crabs
Turmeric
Turmeric is another beneficial substance that many people take to help manage joint problems. It promotes good inflammatory responses, which increase joint mobility and flexibility because inflammation is a key cause of joint stiffness.
Sources of Turmeric
Turmeric is a root that is often accessible in the form of powder in many grocery stores. Moreover, Turmeric, a ginger family plant, is native to Southeast Asia and is grown commercially there, particularly in India.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is one of the best joint supplements for arthritis that is typically used with glucosamine to promote joint health. Chondroitin sulfate is a naturally occurring chemical in the human body that is an important component of cartilage and connective tissues that cushion the joints. Similar to Glucosamine, Chondroitin production reduces as people age or suffer injuries that cause joint inflammation or decreased mobility.
Sources of Chondroitin
Shark and bovine cartilage, as well as chondroitin supplements, are sources of commercially utilized chondroitin.
Calcium
Calcium is a well-known mineral that helps to strengthen bones. It also plays a vital function in joint mobility and flexibility. Calcium helps to maintain the integrity of cartilage and strengthen bones, allowing joints to move freely. Furthermore, calcium aids in muscular contraction, which improves joint mobility. Tendons are pulled as muscles contract, causing the joints to move.
Sources of Calcium
Calcium can be directly obtain from many natural food sources which include;
- Dairy and fortified plant-based milk (almond, soy, rice)
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Calcium-fortified orange juice
- Winter squash
- Canned sardines, salmon (with bones)
- Almonds
Vitamin D
Vitamin D, which is known to strengthen bones and teeth, is one of the most important arthritis and joint supplements. This is because vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, which is essential for the formation and maintenance of healthy bones. Vitamin D deficiency can cause a variety of bone and joint disorders, including discomfort, weakness, and even bone and joint sclerosis.
Sources of Vitamin D
There are several sources of Vitamin D, which include;
- Cod liver oil
- Salmon
- Swordfish
- Tuna fish
- Orange juice fortified with vitamin D
- Milk
- Sardines
- Beef liver
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to know that Arthritis is a chronic condition that affects many people in the US, causing joint discomfort, stiffness, and inflammation. It is stated that there is no cure for arthritis available, but its symptoms can be limited by using one of the most effective ways to promote joint functionality, i.e joint supplements. Taking joint supplements for arthritis like glucosamine, turmeric, chondroitin, calcium, and vitamin D are not intended to cure it. However, as mentioned, joint supplements may limit the symptoms and optimize joint mobility and functionality. While these substances are available in the commercial products form, some of these are also obtained from natural food sources.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. None of the above mentioned supplements intend to cure, treat, or help to treat any disease. It is highly suggested to consult a professional medical expert before using any of the above supplements for your safety and its effectiveness.