Subscribe to Arthritis Newsletter
Subscribe NowArthritis
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease in humans and all vertebrate animals. Nearly 50 percent of the population suffers from osteoarthritis by age 65. Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease of the joints, especially the weight-bearing joints that develops when the linings of joints degenerate, leading to inflammation, pain, and decreased mobility and function. Current thinking is that osteoarthritis is not just a single disorder, but a complex pattern of changes in the repair mechanisms that keep joints functioning normally. A number of different factors can impinge upon the health of joint tissue, including biomechanical forces, changes in body biochemistry, inflammatory processes, and altered immune function.
Supplement Considerations
Glucosamine and Anti-Inflammatory Agents
A glucosamine and anti-inflammatory agent should contain cartilage-building glucosamine sulfate along with three natural anti-inflammatory herbs, which help to relieve the pain of osteoarthritis faster than glucosamine by itself or combined with chondroitin sulfate (which has limited absorption). Glucosamine and anti -inflammatory agents is used by thousands of chiropractors who see osteoarthritic patients all day long.
High Potency Multiple Vitamin and Mineral
A high potency multiple vitamin and mineral should contain important doses of antioxidants shown to reduce inflammation, along with B-vitamins and magnesium – all of which work with essential fatty acids to reduce inflammation and pain.
Essential Fatty Acids
An essential fatty acid should contain the exact complement of essential fatty acids that are converted by the body into anti-inflammatory hormones. The production of anti-inflammatory prostaglandin hormones (series 1 and 3) are vital to long term successful management of osteoarthritis.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory Herbs (as required)
A natural anti-inflammatory herb should contain powerful anti-inflammatory agents that can be added to the treatment plan in cases of more severe forms of osteoarthritis, where inflammation and pain are more pronounced.