Osteoarthritis: How to Find Natural Relief

Joint supplements are growing in popularity due to scientific research which demonstrates their effectiveness in relieving joint pain, promoting cartilage growth, and improving overall mobility.

SAM-e is one dietary supplement that may provide relief. SAM-e is a naturally occurring compound found in all living organisms and is involved in many biochemical processes. Unfortunately, significant amounts of SAM-e may not be available through diet alone and SAM-e declines as people age. Supplementation with SAM-e may be beneficial for those suffering from osteoarthritis. SAM-e releives joint discomfort by mechanisms which are not yet fully understood, but which may involve anti-inflammatory actions and/or effects on production of cartilage. It helps to reduce inflammation in joints as well.

In the latter part of 2002, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services released a report confirming that the dietary supplement SAM-e, shows promise as an alternative treatment to over-the-counter drugs for osteoarthritis pain. As a result, the government has issued $17.25 million in funding to further research on SAM-e.

Glucosamine is a sugar-like substance produced by the body. It plays an important role in the production, maintenance, and repair of cartilage-- the white, smooth, rubber-like padding that covers the ends of bones and prevents them from rubbing against each other as we move. Glucosamine works by stimulating the production of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, two essential building blocks of cartilage. In most cases, the joints produce sufficient glucosamine to keep the cartilage in good repair, but if they fail to do so, it dries out, degenerates, cracks, and may even completely wear away. Left unprotected, the joints then become swollen, stiff, inflamed, tender, and painful. To enhance the beneficial effects for joints, glucosamine can be taken in combination with chondroitin sulfate. While glucosamine has been used to treat joint pain in Europe since the 1980s, it has recently become widely used in the United States. Several scientific studies have recently supported its effectiveness in osteoarthritis.

Chondroitin helps hold water in the cartilage, making it more resilient and flexible. MSM is a dietary source of sulfur. Sulfur is essential to the structure and functioning of many supporting tissues of the joint. In addition, antioxidants can be very powerful in helping the body to maintain and manufacture cartilage by fighting off free radicals that can cause damage to cartilage.

Exercise is also important for joint health. Non-impact exercises such as cycling, swimming and walking can help keep your joints healthy. Weight training can also help, as it will keep the muscles around your joints strong, which will place less stress on the joints while performing any activities. Weight training will help maintain bone strength as well.