Healthy joints play an important role in the human body. Joints, also known as articular surfaces, are the areas where two or more bones meet. They help in movement and other physical activities in your day-to-day life.
Joint consists of cartilage, synovial membrane, ligaments, tendons, and bursas that help in allowing your body to make smooth and pain-free movements.
However, according to a CDC report, arthralgia or joint pain affects nearly 1 in 4 adults in the United States and this has been found to affect the overall quality of life.
Why Do You Need Joint Supplements?
Your body has different kinds of joints. These include fixed joints, such as the ones in your skull. Others that move include joints in your vertebrae, ball and socket joints (shoulders, hips), hinge (toes, elbows, fingers, and knees), pivot (neck), and ellipsoidal (wrists) joints.
A wide range of conditions may lead to wear and tear in your otherwise healthy joints. These include inflammation, auto-immune disorders, lifestyle, bad posture, sports injuries, and excess weight.
Also, as you age, the production of naturally occurring chondroprotective agents by your body decreases. This leads to joint inflammation, wearing down of the cartilage and ligaments, and pain.
Many people around the world are moving away from conventional joint pain treatments such as medications and surgeries because of their side effects. This is where the importance of joint supplements (see also 'Best Joint Supplement For Seniors') comes in.
Supplements for joint health made with carefully extracted compounds from natural sources slow down the breakage of cartilage and keep your joints healthier. These compounds are more bioavailable, which means that they are efficiently absorbed in the body leading to faster and better health benefits.
Which Are Some of The Most-Effective Supplements for Joint Health?
Here are some of the best research-backed supplements that help promote healthy joints.
1. Glucosamine
Glucosamine is naturally produced in the human body. Its primary role is to contribute to the proper development and maintenance of cartilage in the joints.
However, according to studies, the body’s ability to produce this compound becomes impaired with age, leading to joint pain and dysfunction.
In such cases, glucosamine (see also 'Glucosamine - Does It Affect Blood Sugar?') can be taken in the form of supplements and is considered to be the best supplement for joint health as it prevents the progression of pain-causing osteoarthritis and joint space narrowing.
2. Ginger Extract
Zingiber Officinalis or ginger has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine as a remedy for joint disease. Ginger derivatives, also known as isolated compounds or extracts, include several biologically active constituents such as gingerols, zingerones, gingerdiols, and paradols.
Studies have demonstrated that these compounds help lower the symptoms of chronic inflammatory joint diseases by inhibiting prostaglandins and pro-inflammatory cytokines through LOX and COX pathways.
Also Read: Joint Supplements: Best Options for Joint Pain
3. Turmeric Extract
Turmeric has natural healing properties and has been used in ancient Southeast Asian medicine for more than 4,500 years.
According to a Harvard Medical School report, curcumin is the most active compound in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory properties. Ninety-four percent of people, who underwent trials, reported around 50% alleviation in their joint pain symptoms.
Regular consumption of joint support supplements containing turmeric extracts also led to a reduction of 2% of body weight, thereby naturally reducing the pressure on the joints.
4. Chondroitin Sulfate
A tissue known as hyaline cartilage cushions the joints in the body. Chondroitin sulfate is a critical part of this cartilage and is produced by the body naturally. It can also be found in animal-based foods such as bone broths, soups, and stews.
However, studies say that as we age, the production of chondroitin sulfate decreases and this may lead to a decrease in joint lubrication and changes in joint pathology. A joint health supplement with chondroitin sulfate helps reduce enzyme activity that breaks down the cartilage in the joints and also facilitates their further repair.
5. Vitamin D
According to a BMC Public Health report, close to 1 billion people around the world suffer from vitamin D deficiency. Inadequate levels of this vitamin contribute to joint deterioration and increase the chances of rheumatoid arthritis.
Supplements with the necessary joint vitamins reduce joint pain and improve muscle movement. They also slow down the progression of joint ailments. They also improve bone strength by enabling better absorption of calcium and vitamin D.
Keeping your joints healthy will allow you to live a productive life. A few healthy habits such as exercising, reducing stress, managing your weight, and adding good-quality joint health supplements will go a long way in maintaining your overall health.
However, make sure you get your supplements from trusted supplement providers to ensure the best results in due course of time.
