Dietary supplements can help lessen the severity of arthritis, a painful condition that causes joint and tissue inflammation. In 2009, 50 million Americans suffered from the chronic disease, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC. As the population ages, the CDC expects that number to rise past 67 million by 2030. Sometimes the symptoms of arthritis can be so severe as to cause disability. Prior to taking dietary supplements for your arthritic symptoms, check with your physician.
Fish Oil
For some people, fish oil is highly effective in treating symptoms of arthritis. In the November 2009 issue of "Current Rheumatology Reviews," Dr. Philip Calder writes that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil can not only reduce the severity of the disease, but also slow its development. In clinical trials, fish oil also improved hand grip and other arthritic symptoms, specifically with rheumatoid arthritis. Patients taking fish oil also reduced their reliance upon non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. Overuse of NSAIDs are known to cause gastrointestinal problems.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements have been used to treat osteoarthritis in clinical trials. Glucosamine and chondroitin are natural substances contained in cartilage, the connective tissue surrounding joints. According to the Mayo Clinic, glucosamine, combined with chondroitin, has effectively treated moderate symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knees. The two supplements provide pain relief and lessen reliance on NSAIDS. It is possible that the combination works to strengthen cartilage and improve cell function.
Flax Seed Oil
Flax seed and flax seed oil are dietary supplements used to treat high cholesterol and high blood pressure. The grain contains alpha-linolenic acid, or ALA. According to the CDC, ALA has shown promise in treating arthritis by decreasing inflammation. Flax seed also contains fiber and lignans, a plant compound. Fiber and lignans help protect you from heart disease, cancer and other chronic diseases.
References
- CDC: Statistics
- "Current Rheumatology Reviews;" Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids and Inflammation: Therapeutic Potential in Rheumatoid Arthritis; Phillip C. Calder, Ph.D.; November 2009
- Mayo Clinic: Glucosamine
- Medline Plus: Flax Seed Oil
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