Saturday, February 21, 2009

Supplements For Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

By Amy Clark

Today, Osteoarthritis (a.k.a. OA) is a widespread condition that affect patients from all over the world. Osteoarthritis is particularly common among elderly people, as well as among those who suffer from stressed joints or back, neck, knee, and different related injuries.

One more form of arthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis (a.k.a. RA), is somewhat rare, only affecting roughly 1 percent of the population. Regardless, we may have all seen rheumatoid arthritis in 1 form or another.

Luckily, a range of nutritional supplements are now available to help arthritis sufferers alleviate the painful and debilitating symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Below are certain nutritional supplements that have been proven successful in arthritis treatment:

Omega-3 fatty acids: These basically work as anti-inflammatories that will delay RA progression. These supplements are also able to relieve the symptoms of OA, and at times lessen dependency on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs.

EPA/DHA: Clinical research has revealed that 1,400mg of EPA per day plus 1,000 mg of DHA per day can reliably treat both osteoarthritis and rheumatic arthritis. The Super Omega-3 EPA/DHA is a particularly powerful supplement, since it includes such natural ingredients as Sesame Lignans and Olive Fruit Extract.

Curcumin: Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory derived from Tumeric that inhibits various harmful enzymes, consequently treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. On the other hand, various types of Curcumin lack sufficient quantities of Piperine, a black pepper component. As a consequence, those who take Curcumin do not receive the appropriate dosage they need for successful treatment.

This pertains to the activated form of a type of amino acid called methionine. As it functions as an activated form, SAMe is naturally transformed to cysteine in the body. Thus, it has an abundance of anti-oxidants that help fight osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as suppress harmful enzymes in the cartilage.

Chondroitin: Chondroitin sulphate, which makes up the articular cartilage, is responsible for cartilage formation. Chondroitin as a supplement has been proven effective in relieving pain and restoring mobility, ultimately treating OA. In addition, it also prevents further joint damage that results from OA.

Glucosamine: Glucosamine is a natural substance that is needed in joint cartilage development. In OA cases, the synthesis of glucosamine is faulty, hence impeding the growth of cartilage. Therefore, consuming a Glucosamine supplement will improve joint cartilage growth. Plus, this supplement is effective in RA treatment as it works to reduce inflammation and further protects the joints.

MSM (methyl sulfonylurea methane): MSM is a molecule that is contained in some tissues of your body. It consists of the same sulphur used by our body's structural molecules. It is for this reason that MSM works well in osteoarthritis treatment.

Green Tea Compounds: Green tea has been proven to be reliable in inhibiting specific cytokines, thus fighting OA and RA progression. Green tea also works to treat inflammation.

Vitamin C: Packed with valuable anti-oxidants, Vitamin C fights oxidative stress and rids the body of harmful radicals. In effect, it relieves the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Since we do not produce Vitamin C naturally, it is crucial that you get it from other sources.

Vitamin E: This vitamin is also a potent anti-oxidant that isn't only fundamental in OA and RA treatment, but also in enhancing your everyday health and general wellbeing.

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