Sometimes it is then enough to relieve the burden on the joints, eliminate bad eating habits and start playing sports to enjoy better health again. It is also a good idea to follow the recommendations of a specialist regarding prevention. Regular intake of appropriate dietary supplements will support the proper work of the osteoarticular system. What is most effective for joints? How to take care of them? Read our article and you will learn more!
For whom are joint preparations intended?
Before answering the question of what to use for joints, it is important to determine when supplementation is even advisable. It is worth remembering that this should be decided by a doctor on the basis of a detailed history. Preparations that support the smooth functioning of joints are recommended for people who potentially have deficiencies, related:
- With the condition,
- With excessive effort,
- With poorer absorption of nutrients.
These groups primarily include athletes, people who work hard physically, the elderly, those suffering from degenerative disease (regardless of age) and those struggling with significant excess weight. In the last case, supplementation alone is insufficient – the most important thing is to reduce body weight to the right level.
What should be in a good joint formula?
Once injured joints unfortunately regenerate with difficulty and are never fully functional again. Any kind of cartilage damage, although it can heal, however, it is covered by a so-called connective scar, which only resembles cartilage. On the other hand, persistent severe pain and mobility problems can signal joint degeneration – such as rheumatoid arthritis. In such a case, only strong medications can already help. Meanwhile, it is much more effective and safer to prevent diseases than to fight them later and treat unpleasant ailments. That’s why it’s a good idea to take appropriate joint supplements prophylactically. Taking them can help with overall regeneration and speed up so-called scarring processes. This is especially important for athletes and others who regularly engage in physical activity. Among the most significant substances with beneficial effects on joints are sulfur, chondroitin and glutamine. Sulfur prevents degeneration, prevents lesions, and also has a positive effect on proper cell division. The latter two substances are found primarily in seafood, such as shrimp, clams and crayfish. However, not everyone likes them or has the opportunity to eat them at all. If you are unable to eat them, it is best – in consultation with your doctor – to get good-quality over-the-counter joint preparations that allow supplementation of valuable ingredients. What else helps joints? Maintaining good joint health is also effectively supported by:
- tranium
- hyaluronic acid,
- collagen.
Regular use of cod liver oil (preferably the most valuable one, which is considered to be obtained from cod liver) helps inhibit the destruction of joint tissue. Meanwhile, collagen and hyaluronic acid, although associated rather with cosmetology and cosmetics, also exhibit a number of properties that make them very valuable ingredients in joint prevention. Collagen has a diverse structure, depending on the sites where it is found. Type II collagen is found in the joints. Its deficiencies result in reduced joint function. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, has an analgesic and improving effect on the synovial joints, especially the ankle, temporomandibular, hip and knee. It is administered by injection.
Herbs and plants for joints
A good way to support the proper functioning of joints and musculoskeletal organs is to use the right herbs and plants. Not since today has phytotherapy shown how effective some of them can be. What herbal helps joints? First of all, it is worth mentioning marsh elm, which perfectly supports the condition of joints and muscles, and also works well in cleansing the body and strengthening its natural immunity. The plant was widely used centuries ago in Europe as a remedy for gout and rheumatism. Today, infusions of elm flowers have a soothing effect on soreness and swollen muscles after intense physical exertion. Echinacea herb is also recommended. This species exhibits anti-inflammatory, protective, regenerative and healing properties. The herb is recommended for people, struggling with arthritis. It is helpful in strengthening the body in general. A plant with a mysterious-sounding name: black claw also boasts effective properties. Its roots contain iridium glycosides with scientifically proven anti-edema, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, preparations that include this root reduce the stiffness of diseased joints and improve their mobility. In addition, they show anti-rheumatic effects. On the other hand, the resilient root called „living gnat” will help with joint pain. Its root is used primarily to make poultices, as well as to support treatment for bruises and sports injuries. It will also work well as a remedy for the pain that accompanies rheumatism. It is also a good idea to make an ointment from the root of rheumatism to rub into painful areas. For problems, related to joints, it is worth using rosehip. Researchers have found that it contains the substance GOPO, which, along with vitamins and flavonoids abundant in this plant:
- Has a positive effect on joints and bones,
- Increases their mobility,
- generally improves physical fitness.
The fruit can be consumed in the form of jam or also in powdered form.
What else to use for joints?
Herbal-plant suggestions are indeed many. A good option, for example, is pandanus leaf, which can be used to prepare an herbal tea. An infusion of this kind has a relieving effect on joint pains and headaches. As an aid to the treatment of rheumatism, sarsaparilla, which has strong warming properties, enhances blood circulation and reduces pain, will also work well. This plant can be used in the form of an herbal infusion or as a tasty addition to warm dishes. It is also good to pay attention to the baskets of mountain arnica, which contain numerous flavonoids, essential oils, phenolacids and many other beneficial substances. Arnica is worth using externally for bruises, hematomas and post-traumatic swelling. Packs of decoctions, infusions and diluted tincture reduce swelling and soreness after injuries. In addition, they are helpful for rheumatic complaints of joints and muscles. White willow bark infusions can be used to help treat neuralgia and rheumatic diseases. Infusions of birch bark have a similar effect. Decoctions of common nettle, on the other hand, are used to help with pains that occur, for example, when moving. Poultices of plant essential oils, such as lavender, St. John’s wort, clove, eucalyptus, peppermint, and rosemary oils, for example, can also be applied to sore areas.
Good quality joint preparations
What specifically is worth choosing for joints? The pharmaceutical market abounds with a very wide selection of over-the-counter products. They are often based on selected herbs or on the mentioned collagen. In case of joint pain, especially post-workout, it is good to use NeoCapsiderm warming and energizing ointment. It can be massaged into muscles and joints before training. It contains peppercorn extract, essential oils (including eucalyptus and turpentine) and camphor. The product has a soothing effect on joint, muscle and back pain, and warms and relaxes muscles, preparing them for exercise. In addition, it helps eliminate muscle acidification after intense exercise, as well as symptoms of fatigue after exercise. In some situations, it is also worthwhile to help with vitamin D3 supplementation after consulting a specialist. This vitamin is naturally produced in the body (specifically, in the skin) when exposed to the sun. However, in our climate, many people experience its deficiency. In addition, not everyone makes sure to regularly be outdoors and take walks on sunny days, which would allow its synthesis. Meanwhile, a sufficiently high intake supports the maintenance of healthy teeth and bones and normal blood calcium levels, as well as influences proper muscle function and smooth functioning of the immune system. Therefore, it is worth checking whether, by chance, weakened immunity or a tendency to degeneration in the skeletal system is not a consequence of low amounts of vitamin D in the body.
What else helps joints?
It is important to remember that taking supplements is only one part of properly taking care of the efficient functioning of joints. It is a supportive measure, and cannot replace leading a healthy lifestyle. So don’t forget about regular physical activity, balanced and healthy meals, and maintaining an appropriate body weight for height, age and other factors. In many cases, just shedding excess weight can effectively solve the problem of painful joints. Following the above-mentioned recommendations, that is, first and foremost, maintaining a proper diet and practicing regular sports, will help joints function properly. It is also advisable – after consulting a specialist – to take special, safe herbs, supplements and preparations in moderation. Their proper selection will certainly contribute to even better functioning of the musculoskeletal system.
