Supplements for Healthy Joints
Monday, September 28, 2009 at 8:58AM
As we grow older, both men and women experience normal wear and tear on the joints. Following an anti-inflammatory diet can help keep joint inflammation in check, as can these dietary supplements:
Glucosamine and chondroitin. These two compounds help provide the building blocks for substances naturally found in healthy cartilage and appear to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and slow osteoarthritis-related damage to the joints.
SAM-e. This naturally occurring molecule (S-adenosylmethioine) delivers sulfur to the cartilage, which helps build and maintain strong joints.
Evening primrose oil. A source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which may help maintain healthy joints by modifying inflammation.
Anti-inflammatory herbs. Ginger, holy basil, green tea, rosemary, turmeric, scutellaria and hu zhang all have naturally occurring anti-inflammatory compounds that act as COX-2 inhibitors. (Zyflamend from New Chapter, which contains these herbs, is highly recommended.)
Omega-3 fatty acids. Use varieties that are molecularly distilled from the oil of fish or krill and contain both EPA and DHA, essential fatty acids which have been shown in studies to help maintain bone health and joint flexibility.
Reader Comments (5)
I have been taking Joint Remedy from Oxyfresh. I began taking it after experiencing pain in the heel of my foot.
After just 6 days - my pain disappeared ! I attend choreographed kickboxing classes 6 days a week and was told the pain might be a bone spur.
http://www.oxyfresh.com/nutrition/joint_remedy.asp?me=HOME_JointAd
I am so grateful and continue to take the joint remedy.
Please read the information page and let me know what you think.
All my best,
Elaine
SAMe can cause agitation in many people. It is a combo of excitatory amino acids which should not be recommended without caution.
Thank you. Dr. Weil does say
I wouldn't worry about any effect that SAM-e might have on your homocysteine levels, but if you take it, you should also reduce the amount of animal foods in your diet and make sure that you get plenty of vitamins B6, B12 and folate. Take a daily multivitamin supplement that provides 400 mcg of folic acid, at least 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 50 mcg of B12 (along with the rest of the B-complex). Since B12 isn't always well absorbed through the stomach, you might consider taking it in spray form or sublingually (tablets that dissolve under the tongue).
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA400465/Can-SAMe-Hurt-My-Heart.html
Elaine
We see the ingredients are:
Vitamin E, Vitamin B12, Selenium, SoyForce™ Enzyme Active Soy Sprouts, Wheat Sprouts, UC-II® Standardized Chicken Cartilage, Boswellia Extract, Rice Flour
SAM-e has been reported to cause hysteria and anxiety disorders. It is also held responsible for agitation in the people using it.