7 Herbs and Supplements for Healthy Joints and Bones
As we grow older, our bones and muscles
ache, our skin begins to sag and our hair becomes thinner. We accept
these things as a natural byproduct of aging, but what actually causes
them are internal processes by which certain substances that occur
naturally in our bodies are produced at a lower rate, as well as
oxidative stress. The most common expression of this deterioration
occurs when the body fails to provide our bones and cartilage with their
necessary building blocks, causing a breakdown of joints that is
accompanied by severe pain and which can develop to motor disability.
But what happens if, instead of managing
the aforementioned symptoms of aging, you take those same substances
that your body has stopped producing as a supplement? Would that remedy
the aches and pains you’ve been experiencing? Why, yes, it will.
In order to better familiarize yourself
with these supplements, we’ve compiled seven of the supplements that are
most effective in battling osteoarthritis, the most common joint
disease in the world, caused by the wearing down of cartilage and bones.
By taking these supplements, not only will you be able to treat the
symptoms of arthritis, you may be able to preempt it completely if it
hasn’t developed yet, as the supplements help reinforce the structural
integrity of your joints, even if arthritis is not present. This is of
particular importance to people who are exercising regularly and putting
stress on their joints.
Curcumin
Osteoarthritis, the most commonly occurring
of all types of arthritis, occurs when there is wear and tear of the
cartilage. When cartilage breaks down, the bones begin to rub against
each other causing pain, swelling, and stiffness. Age, genes,
metabolism, and mechanical and chemical factors are all leading causes
of osteoarthritis. Thankfully, turmeric and its active ingredient
curcumin can help to reduce inflammation and protect bone health in
osteoarthritis sufferers.
Studies have found that a daily intake of turmeric can greatly benefit
our breathing, digestion, blood flow, heart, and even our brains.
Curcumin has strong anti-inflammation and anti-carcinogenic properties.
It's amazing what just a teaspoon of turmeric, mixed with the right
ingredients, can do. In supplement form, curcumin is far more
concentrated than your everyday turmeric spice powder.
MSM
Despite the intimidating acronym, what MSM
really is, is a natural sulfur compound that appears in some plants. MSM
has a variety of health and beauty benefits which make it a popular
supplement. MSM beauty appliances promote hair growth and protect the
skin by strengthening the connective tissue in our skin and the keratin
in our hair and nails. But more importantly, as a health supplement,
MSM relieves joint pain such as that caused by osteoarthritis and
reduces oxidative stress on the body which can cause cell damage and the
formation of tumors.
Glucosamine Chondroitin
Rather than a single supplement, this mouthful is actually a pair of two
active ingredients that complement each other in battling arthritis.
Glucosamine and chondroitin help form cartilage, thus preventing joint
deterioration, while chondroitin is also effective in reducing
inflammation. These effects combine to relieve pain caused by
osteoarthritis.
Though glucosamine is often derived from the chitin of shellfish, there
does not appear to be any danger of severe reactions for those who
suffer from shellfish allergies, and it is also possible to attain
glucosamine that is not derived from shellfish.
ch-OSA
A fancy scientific name for silicon, as a
supplement it has been found to have numerous benefits in those fields
where beauty and health coincide. The silicon in ch-OSA supplements
restores function and liveliness in skin tissue that has been damaged by
the elements, as well as strengthens hair and nails. It has also been
found to help bone formation in women who suffer from low bone density
(osteopenia).
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Collagen is the main building block of all
mammals, including humans, and functions as a glue that connects bone,
muscle and skin cells, as such it is crucial to the well-being and
function of our joints and consuming it can improve skin density as well
as pain symptoms in the joints. Hydrolyzed collagen is collagen that
has been broken down to allow for easier consumption and absorption.
Hyaluronic Acid 
Also known as hyaluronan, this is a naturally-occurring substance in our
bodies that has an important role in moisture retention and skin
regeneration. In our skin, hyaluronic acid serves to bind water to our
skin tissue which keeps it soft and supple. Upon injury to the skin,
hyaluronan has an important role in accelerating cellular repair and
regulating inflammation levels. As we age, the amount of hyaluronic acid
present in our skin decreases, and by taking it as a supplement, we can
restore these crucial functions.
SAMe
S-Adenosyl methionine (or SAMe) is a
molecule produced in the liver that has an important role in
methylation- a process by which certain genes are regulated and
inhibited. This natural process is critical to our development and the
protection of our DNA. As a supplement, SAMe has been shown to be as
effective at alleviating the pain of osteoarthritis as NSAIDs like
ibuprofen are, without the harmful side-effects associated with taking
those medications. SAMe is also known to be as effective as some
antidepressants in treating the symptoms of major depressive disorder
(consult a doctor before taking SAMe for depression).