Joint pain and stiffness are a daily challenge for millions. Whether your symptoms are caused by arthritis, aging, or injury, you may find that they worsen in the cold winter months. Natural options and health supplements may provide relief, reduce inflammation, and support overall joint health all year round.
Here are important nutrients found in joint health supplements for joint pain and stiffness and joint health. Dietary supplements with glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric are a great starting point, but you can also consider other common ingredients and supplements used for joint pain, stiffness, and arthritis, including SAMe, borage oil, MSM, boswellia, and vitamin D. Keep reading to learn more.
4 Nutrients in Joint Health Supplements for Pain and Stiffness
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin are both key components of cartilage, the tissue that cushions joints. Glucosamine is an amino sugar building block for glycosaminoglycans (molecules essential for cartilage structure), while chondroitin helps cartilage maintain its resilience and resist compression.
In the U.S., glucosamine (available as glucosamine sulfate or glucosamine hydrochloride) and chondroitin (commonly sold as chondroitin sulfate) are also sold as dietary supplements, either individually or in combination.
If you want to know how to improve joint health, a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin may be helpful. Some studies have shown that taking glucosamine along with chondroitin sulfate provides statistically significant pain relief for individuals with osteoarthritis compared to placebo. Try Thorne Research Glucosamine & Chondroitin.
Turmeric
Turmeric is often on the list of what to take for joint health. This vibrant yellow spice, popular in many culinary traditions, has also long been used to help relieve people dealing with joint pain and stiffness caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), acute muscle and joint injuries, and fibromyalgia. These potential benefits are believed to come from curcumin, a polyphenol found in turmeric.
Curcumin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic properties, which may contribute to its long history of use in traditional and ayurvedic medicine traditions to relieve pain. Look for high-quality curcumin supplements to help manage joint pain and stiffness, such as Terry Naturally Arthocin Joint Health, which contains curcumin and a proprietary blend of joint-supporting herbs.
Fish Oil
Fish oil is a potent source of polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids like eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Omega-3s like EPA and DHA are potent anti-inflammatory compounds critical for those experiencing joint pain or stiffness.
Reviews of the research show that fish oil supplementation is especially effective at helping reduce joint pain, stiffness, and swelling in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Fish oil is the best source of EPA and DHA, but vegans can still access these nutrients from algae-based supplements.
Or, if you’re looking for another way to support joint health with fatty acids, try supplements like Natural Factors Celadrin Joint Health, powered by a proprietary blend of special esterified oils from fatty acids to support healthy joint function for optimal mobility and flexibility.
SAMe
S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, is a chemical compound that, in supplement form, may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain similar to using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. SAMe might even help repair cartilage damage that can cause arthritis symptoms. Try Pure Encapsulations’ SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine).
Borage Oil
Borage oil is an extract high in gamma-linolenic acid, a fatty acid that fights inflammation. Daily borage oil supplementation might reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. Try Barleans Organic Oils Borage Oil.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
Methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM, is a sulfuric compound that helps your body make connective tissue. In supplement form, MSM may help reduce pain and swelling caused by osteoarthritis. Try Klaire Labs MSM 750.
Boswellia (Indian Frankincense)
Boswellia, sometimes known as Indian Frankincense, has a long history of use in African and Asian folk medicine traditions to help support pain relief and better mobility. For a good source of Boswellia (along with turmeric and other joint-supporting ingredients), try Codeage Supreme Joint Health.
Vitamin D
Research has found a link between rheumatoid arthritis and low vitamin D levels. Low levels of vitamin D are also associated with low energy and chronic pain, so vitamin D supplementation may also help your arthritis treatment regimen work better.
How to Improve Joint Health
Wondering how to improve joint health? Joint pain and stiffness can worsen during the cold winter months, so along with taking supplements, keep these tips in mind:
- Dress warmly and in layers to beat the cold.
- Use heat therapy, applying heating pads or hot water bottles to stiff or achy joints.
- Stay active, even if you have to be creative, to find gentle, indoor exercise options.
Good luck in your health journey!
