Arthritis is a chronic condition affecting millions worldwide, especially those aged 45 years and older. It can cause joint inflammation, pain, stiffness, and mobility issues, reducing the quality of life of those who suffer from it. While various pharmaceutical options are available to manage arthritis symptoms, natural supplements have become a popular alternative or complementary treatment. This article provides detailed information on the best arthritis supplements backed by scientific research.
1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Natural compounds commonly found in cartilage. They reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve joint health and mobility. These supplements:
- Reduce inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce joint swelling.
- Relieve pain: They help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis.
- Improve joint health: Studies show they can protect cartilage and improve mobility.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 800-1,200 mg of Chondroitin daily.
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The top product in this category is Osteo Bi-Flex Joint Health. This dietary supplement contains glucosamine, Chondroitin, and other nutrients which support joint health, such as vitamin C, manganese, and hyaluronic acid. It reduces joint pain and stiffness and improve joint mobility. Find Osteo Bi-Flex Joint Health on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
1. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Essential fats in fish, flaxseed, and other supplements. They have several benefits in reducing joint pain and stiffness, including:
- Reducing inflammation: Anti-inflammatory properties help reduce joint swelling.
- Relieving pain: They reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Improving joint health: Studies show they protect cartilage and improve joint health and mobility.
The American College of Rheumatology recommends 2.6 grams of omega-3 fatty acids daily.
The top product in this category is Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil. This high-quality supplement contains omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. It may reduce inflammation and joint pain, improve joint mobility, and support heart health. You can find Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Fish Oil on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
2. Turmeric,
A spice used in Indian cuisine contains curcumin, which has potent anti-inflammatory properties. Some benefits of turmeric include:
- Reducing inflammation: Turmeric supplements reduce inflammation, reducing joint swelling.
- Relieving pain: Turmeric may help reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with arthritis.
- Improving overall health: Curcumin has antioxidant properties, improving overall health and well-being.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends 500 mg of turmeric capsules two to three times daily.
The top product in this category is [Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin Capsules](https://www.amazon.com/Nature-Made-Cur cumin-60-Capsules/dp/B07C7HSZX3/). These capsules contain 500 mg of turmeric extract standardized to contain 95% curcuminoids per serving. They contiain no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Verified with the United States Pharmacopeia (USP) for purity and potency. You can find Nature Made Turmeric Curcumin Capsules on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
3. Vitamin D
Helps the body absorb calcium and maintain healthy bones. It has several benefits, including:
- Improving bone health: Vitamin D supplements help maintain strong and healthy bones while reducing the risk of fractures.
- Reducing inflammation: They have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing joint swelling.
- Reducing disease activity: A study published in the Journal of Clinical Rheumatology found that people with rheumatoid arthritis who took vitamin D supplements reduced disease activity.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends 600-800 IU of vitamin D per day.
The top product in this category is NatureWise Vitamin D3 Supplement. These soft gels contain 5,000 IU of vitamin D3 per serving, higher than the recommended daily dose. They are made from organic olive oil and are gluten, soy, and dairy-free. NatureWise Vitamin D3 Supplement can be found on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
4. Ginger
Contains compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. It has several benefits, including:
- Reducing inflammation: Ginger supplements reduce inflammation, reducing joint swelling.
- Relieving pain: They help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Improving digestion: They improve digestion and reduce bloating and discomfort.
The Arthritis Foundation recommends 1 gram of ginger per day.
The top product in this category is New Chapter Ginger Supplement. These capsules contain 1,000 mg of organic ginger rhizome per serving, equivalent to 4,000 mg of fresh ginger. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian. You can find New Chapter Ginger Supplement on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
5. Boswellia,
Or Indian frankincense, is a herbal supplement used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to help treat arthritis. It’s anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Some benefits of boswellia include:
- Reducing inflammation: Boswellia supplements reduce inflammation, reducing joint swelling.
- Relieving pain: They help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Improving joint mobility: Boswellia can also help improve joint mobility, making it easier to move around.
The recommended dose of boswellia is 300-500 milligrams three times daily.
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The top product in this category is Nature’s Way Boswellia Supplement. These vegetarian capsules contain 307 mg of boswellia extract standardized to contain 65% boswellic acids per serving. They contain no artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
7 MSM,
Or methylsulfonylmethane, is a natural compound found in some foods and in supplement form. It’s anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties that can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Some benefits of MSM include:
- Reducing inflammation: MSM supplements reduce inflammation, reducing joint swelling.
- Relieving pain: They help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Improving skin health: MSM can also help improve skin health and reduce inflammation associated with skin conditions like rosacea.
The recommended dose of MSM is 1,500-6,000 milligrams per day.
Click here to learn more about MSM –>
The top product in this category is Doctor’s Best MSM Supplement. These capsules contain 1,000 mg of MSM per serving. They have OptiMSM, a patented form of MSM purified through distillation for maximum purity and potency. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, and soy-free. You can find Doctor’s Best MSM Supplement on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
6. Cat’s Claw
Is a herbal supplement derived from a South American vine. Its active compounds are anti-inflammatory and can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Some benefits of Cat’s Claw include:
- Reducing inflammation: Cat’s claw supplements reduce inflammation, reducing joint swelling.
- Relieving pain: They help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Boosting the immune system: Cat’s Claw can also help boost the immune system, improving overall health.
The recommended dose of cat’s Claw is 20-60 milligrams per day.
The top product in this category is Now Cat’s Claw Supplement. These capsules contain 500 mg of cat’s claw bark per serving and contain 3% alkaloids. They are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian. Now Cat’s Claw Supplement can be found on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
8. Green Tea
Is a popular drink with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce joint pain and inflammation. Some benefits of green tea include:
- Reducing inflammation: Green tea contains catechins with anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce joint inflammation.
- Relieving pain: Studies have shown that green tea can help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
- Improving overall health: Green tea contains antioxidants that may improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
The recommended dose of green tea is 2-3 cups per day.
The top product in this category is The Republic of Tea Honey Ginseng Green Tea. This tea blend contains organic green tea leaves, organic ginseng root, and a natural honey flavor. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, and Kosher-certified. You can find The Republic of Tea Honey Ginseng Green Tea on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
9. Devil’s Claw
Is an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving herbal supplement. It is sourced from the roots of a South African plant. Devil’s Claw may help joint pain and inflammation. Some benefits of Devil’s Claw include:
- Reducing inflammation: Devil’s claw supplements reduce inflammation, reducing joint swelling.
- Relieving pain: They help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Improving overall health: Devil’s Claw can also help improve digestion and reduce fever.
The recommended dose of Devil’s Claw is 2-3 grams daily.
The top product in this category is Nature’s Way Devil’s Claw Root Capsules. These capsules contain 480 mg of devil’s claw root per serving and are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian. Nature’s Way Devil’s Claw Root Capsules can be found on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
10. SAM-e,
Or S-adenosylmethionine, is a natural compound in the body with anti-inflammatory and mood-regulating properties. It may reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve overall joint health. Some benefits of SAM-e include:
- Reducing inflammation: SAM-e supplements reduce inflammation, reducing joint swelling.
- Relieving pain: They help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Improving mood: SAM-e can also help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
The recommended dose of SAM-e is 400-1,600 milligrams per day.
The top product in this category is Nature Made SAM-e Complete 400 mg Tablets. These tablets contain 400 mg of SAM-e per serving and are gluten-free, without artificial colors or preservatives. Nature Made SAM-e Complete can be found on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
11. Willow Bark
Is a herbal supplement used for centuries to treat pain and inflammation. It contains salicin, similar to aspirin, and has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Some benefits of willow bark include:
- Reducing inflammation: Willow bark supplements reduce inflammation, reducing joint swelling.
- Relieving pain: They help reduce joint pain and stiffness, particularly in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Improving overall health: Willow bark can also help improve digestion and reduce fever.
The recommended dose of willow bark is 240 milligrams per day.
Click here to learn more about willow bark –>
The top product in this category is Nature’s Answer Willow Bark Supplement. These capsules contain 400 mg of willow bark extract per serving and are non-GMO, gluten-free, and vegetarian. Nature’s Answer Willow Bark Supplement can be found on Amazon, iHerb, and Vitacost.
Conclusion
In summary, arthritis is a chronic condition that can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. While various pharmaceutical options are available, natural supplements have become a popular alternative or complementary treatment. Glucosamine and chondroitin, omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric, vitamin D, ginger, boswellia, MSM, cat’s Claw, and green tea are some of the best arthritis supplements backed by scientific research. These supplements have anti-inflammatory properties, reduce joint pain and stiffness, and improve joint health and mobility. Including these supplements into your daily routine can effectively manage your arthritis symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
Speak to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen is essential to ensure safety and effectiveness.Certain supplements may interact with other medications or may not be appropriate for all adults.
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References:
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/arthritis
- Arthritis Foundation: https://www.arthritis.org/
- American College of Rheumatology: https://www.rheumatology.org/
- Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatology: https://www.scitechnol.com/journal-arthritis-rheumatology.php
- Journal of Clinical Rheumatology: https://journals.lww.com/jclinrheum/pages/default.aspx
- Osteoarthritis and cartilage: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/osteoarthritis-and-cartilage/
- Rheumatology International: https://link.springer.com/journal/199/118/1/page/1
- Cochrane Library: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/collections/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD007771.pub2/full
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology: https://www.journals.elsevier.com/journal-of-ethnopharmacology/
- Current Rheumatology Reports: https://link.springer.com/journal/11926
- BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine: https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/
- Journal of Natural Products: https://pubs.acs.org/journal/jnprdf
- Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/
- Nutrients: https://www.mdpi.com/journal/nutrients
