Supplements are becoming very popular now-a-days for managing arthritis. The reason of the popularity of food supplements in arthritis, as revealed through research — still lagging behind in competing with the use and popularity of food supplements — is that they are preferred over prescriptive drugs, as advised by specialist doctors for managing arthritis. Scientific research has supported the use of some of the best food supplements after examining these foods in ultra modern labs by conducting structured trials. Some of the best food supplements supported by science for effectively managing arthritis of various types, include:
1. Boswellia Serrate (Indian frankincense)
Boswellia Serrate is one of the best food supplements. Its leading component is Boswellic acids that have anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing qualities. Taking this food supplement can help in controlling cartilage loss and suppressing the autoimmune process. This food supplement has been proved very effective in slowing down the process of cartilage loss after continuously using it for three months, as revealed in an Indian research. Yet in another research done in 2008, this food supplement, also known as Loxin 5, was found to be helpful in bettering OA pain and working in a short span of seven days, producing positive results for relief in joint pain from arthritis.
2. Capsaicin (Capsicum frutescens)
Capsaicin is one of the best food supplements for joint pain treatment. It reduces substance P, a pain carrying agent for a short while. Its pain-soothing qualities have been revealed through a number of researches, including a 2010 research done in Phytotherapy Research over the use of this food supplement indicates a 50 percent decrease in joint pain after three weeks. Capsaicin is available in varied forms, as a topical cream, gel or patch. It is the best food supplement not only for osteoarthritis but also for rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
3. Tumeric/Curcumin (Curcuma longa)
In the list of best food supplements for joint pain treatment, particularly in arthritis, turmeric works wonders! Curcumin is the name of the chemical, found in turmeric that has the property of decreasing joint pain and swelling by suppressing inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. A 2010 lab test using a turmeric supplement indicated long-lasting improvement in pain and better working in patients with knee OA. A small 2012 research over curcumin product, BCM-95, indicated more decrease in joint pain and swelling in patients with prominent RA relatively to diclofenac sodium. Turmeric, therefore, is found to be one of the best food supplements for arthritis and can also be used in the healing of rheumatoid arthritis.
4. Avocado-soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)
ASU is also one of the leading food supplements that hinders pro-inflammatory chemicals, forestalls deterioration of synovial cells with line joints in arthritis types. Intake of ASU may assist in reproducing normal connective tissue. A prominent three-year research done in 2013 indicated that ASU significantly decreased heightening symptoms of hip OA relatively to placebo. A 2008 meta-analysis showed that intake of ASU as a food supplement amended symptoms of hip and knee OA, and decreased or totally erased NSAID use. Thus, ASU is found to be one of the best food supplements for helping in the treatment of arthritis.
5. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Ginger is known to be a very popular and one of the best food supplements like turmeric for reducing joint pain and inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory attributes match with ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors. In a 2012 research, a particular ginger extract decreased inflammatory responses in RA as robustly as steroids did. Past researches also indicated that taking a specific extract four times a day decreased arthritis pain in the knee after continuing treatment for three months, and another dose of specific ginger taken twice each day performed as well as ibuprofen taken three times each day for hip and knee OA pain. Thus, ginger is also one of the best food supplements for managing rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.