Natural Supplements for Arthritis: Many people find great relief from their use

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis in any form is an inflammation of the bone joints. Joints are the connecting points of any two bones in the body. The purpose of a joint is to move the body parts that are connected by that joint. An elbow joint for example, allows the forearm to move in many directions, as it remains attached to the upper arm. When these joint become inflamed, the sufferer will experience pain, especially pain involving movement of the affected joint(s). There are medical treatments available over-the-counter or through physicians, but a number of natural supplements for arthritis have proven effective.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Pain is the most common symptom of arthritis sufferers. Other symptoms include decreased mobility of the joints, swelling, stiffness and tenderness to touch, and bone enlargements, especially in the fingers. Symptoms may come and go, and can actually be related to nutrients and diet, as well as to climate. Because arthritis is a form of rheumatoid disease, there can be other symptoms in some types, to include fever, weight loss, general malaise, and swelling of glands.

Who Does Arthritis Affect?

Both children and adults suffer from the various forms of arthritis, even though it is often considered a disease more common among the elderly as bones and joints become brittle and less flexible. It is estimated that about 450 million people around the world suffer from one or more forms of arthritis.

Who is At-Risk for Arthritis

Age is the most common risk factor for arthritis. Other factors include obesity, a pattern of being immobile rather than physically active, injuries to joints, too much physical activity at work or in sporting events, diets which include high levels of fat, and smoking. Most of these conditions will respond to natural supplements, as will the arthritis they cause.

Diagnosis of Arthritis

Arthritis cannot be diagnosed by simple X-rays, because they do not show joint degeneration. A doctor will need to evaluate the range of symptoms being experienced by the patient, and this may take some time. The earlier the diagnosis, probably the better, however, as a regimen of treatment can begin. Some arthritis sufferers experience only mild annoyances while others become seriously disabled.

Treatment of Arthritis

Physicians may recommend anything from simple analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications to surgery. Sufferers may want to consider natural supplements for arthritis, however, because a number of these natural remedies provide significant relief for lots of people. Among natural supplements for arthritis are the following:

1. Glucosamine sulfate that comes from shellfish, especially when combined with chondroitin sulfate, has shown to be effective in studies. This supplement is a combination of amino sugars and has ingredients of which cartilage is composed. It is not effective by itself, however, and should be used in conjunction with other sulfur supplements.
2. Chondroitin sulfate is an ingredient found in cartilage which holds water and nutrients, and, as such, is an important ingredient in joint health. This should be added to glucosamine.
3. MSM is dietary sulfur which can be ingested as a tablet or applied to the area in the form of a cream.
4. CMO Complex: CMO is a compound of fatty acids found in higher levels in certain animals, especially cows, whales and beavers. In lab studies, it has been shown to prevent arthritis in animals
5. Boswellia serrata extract comes from a plant and has been used for centuries to relieve inflammation
6. Grape seed extract is a substance that has a wide variety of uses, but has shown some good effect for arthritis sufferers.
7. Other extracts to include cat’s claw, devil’s claw, sea cucumber, and turmeric root

Additional Natural Supplements for Arthritis

A number of other natural supplements have been shown to be effective and certainly bear trying. Alpha Lipoic acid is a strong antioxidant and, as such, is used for treatment is a large number of illnesses and diseases, as well as a preventative. It also shows promise for arthritis sufferers. Fish oils also provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Important vitamins include C and D, long known to have beneficial effects on bone and joint health.