Comparing joint health products can be difficult because many people do not completely understand how they work or what their ingredients do to improve joint health and function. Moreover, ingredients such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate or MSM (methylsulfonymethane) take a long time to work and must be taken in relatively high doses, several times per day. In addition, some joint formulas include natural herbal anti-inflammatory substances, healing systemic enzymes, omega-3 or newer compounds that are not well known to most. Follow a few guidelines to choose the joint health product that is right for you.
Step 1
Check the amount of glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM in the product. Mind the serving size and dosage, because many of these products must be taken several times per day for two weeks or more to achieve their intended effect on joint tissue. Look for 1500 mg glucosamine, 1200 mg chondroitin and 500 to 1000 mg MSM.
Step 2
Choose a product with natural anti-inflammatory herbs for the relief of joint pain. These herbs include ginger root, turmeric and boswellia. The dosage of these herbs may vary depending on the strength and standardization of the extract, however inclusion may provide some immediate relief by naturally inhibiting inflammatory substances in the area of joint tissues.
Step 3
Verify that the product contains a natural source of omega-3, such as flax seed or fish oil. Besides being a natural anti-inflammatory, omega-3 also acts as a component of the fluid that lubricates joints from the inside out. If your joint product does not contain omega-3, you can purchase a fish or flaxseed oil product separately, and take 1 to 3 g daily.
Step 4
Choose a product that contains anti-inflammatory systemic enzymes. A good example of such a product is Wobenzyme, which contains quercetin, bromelain, trypsin, chymotripysin, papain and pancreatin. These enzymes can also be purchased separately and taken in conjunction with the above ingredients.
Step 5
Try to find a product that contains hyaluronic acid, keratin or Korean angelica. These newer compounds offer immediate relief for sufferers of joint pain, according to the Life Extension Foundation. Keratin is rich in cysteine and sulfur compounds to stimulate new joint tissue. Hyaluronic acid acts as a joint lubricant and declines in natural production with age. Korean angelica affects the central nervous system, helping to alleviate pain.
Things You'll Need
- Glucosamine
- Chondroitin
- MSM
- Ginger root
- Turmeric
- Boswellia
- Omega-3 source
- Systemic enzymes
- Keratin
- Hyaluronic acid
- Korean angelica
References
- "Next Generation of Nutrients for Rapid Relief of Joint Pain;" Dale Kiefer; LE Magazine, March 2007
- "Homemade Supplement Secrets;" Jeff Anderson; CQC LLC, 2008
- "Protecting Yourself with Joint Formulas;" Shannon Clark; Bodybuilding.com
