Although aging takes a toll on the body’s joints, bones, gut and immune system, relatively young persons suffer from joint pain as well. Eating a diet including anti-inflammatory foods, working out with weights and walking help the joints to remain fluid. In addition, supplements can help those joints by rebuilding lost cartilage to aid tendons and ligaments in their duties. The top three joint supplements comprise elements found in the joints themselves that rebuild and lubricate. These supplements, since they are natural, have little to no side effects and may be taken by pregnant or lactating women. Supplements may help prevent osteoporosis, may ease the pain of osteoarthritis and may preserve cartilage. The top three joint supplements are calcium and Vitamin D, glucosamine and chondroitin and SAMe. Keep reading to see the top questions asked about the top three supplements for joints, so you can choose the one that's right for you.
Recommended calcium amounts are: Age 19 to 50: 1,000 mg per day, Age 51 to 70: 1,100 mg per day for men, Age 51 to 70: 1,200 mg per day for women, Age 14 to 18: 1,300 mg per day for pregnant or lactating women, Age 19 to 50: 1,000 mg per day for pregnant or lactating women.
Up to age 70, 600 units are recommended. Men and women over 70 are advised to up their dosage to 800 units. Should people be Vitamin D deficient, up to 4,000 mg per day is permissible. Foods containing Vitamin D include liver, egg yolks, fortified milk and saltwater fish such as grouper, bream, barracuda and eel.
Chains of sugars and proteins make up this anti-inflammatory and anti-aging compound found in the body. Glucosamine aids in digestion, tissue repair, joint lubricant, treats arthritis and osteoarthritis, and aids in range of motion and mobility. It provides the body a natural shock absorber and synthesizes certain fats and lipids.
Found in the exoskeleton of fish and some animals, chondroitin works with glucosamine in forming the molecules that make cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin are combined in labs for joint pain. Drinking bone broth gets glucosamine and chondroitin into the body faster and easier, since the bones give out more of these nutrients.
Improving digestive health, easing arthritis pain and improving joint health take only 1,500 mg per day, once per day or 500 mg three times per day. If not presented together, chondroitin may be taken in 400 mg per day doses. Anti-inflammatory foods may be combined with these supplements such as Omega-3 fatty acids and turmeric. Probiotics are a good idea for gut health.
A natural part of all cells, SAMe is produced by a reaction between two amino acids. It is the basis of many biological operations as well as the foundation of many essential amino acids. Discovered in and tested since the mid-1900s, SAMe is used to treat depression, liver problems and osteoarthritis.
Studies are still continuing regarding the efficacy of SAMe in osteoarthritis patients. Results show that the supplement may be well tolerated with little to no side effects for some period of time. Dosages are recommended at 600 to 1,200 mg per day with 400 mg per day thereafter for maintenance, but dosages are still being studied.
Calcium is necessary for strong bones and teeth and the proper operation of the heart, muscles and nerves. Inadequate calcium may result in brittle bones that fragment and break. Vitamin D is necessary to absorb calcium and may be obtained from sunlight, diet and supplementation. Lack of Vitamin D results in calcium absorption from the bones and teeth.