Are you someone who struggles with joint pain? Achy knees? Back or wrist pain? Do you feel like you have the hips of someone double your age? YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
You may be a mom of three going from a hockey game, baseball game, and swimming meet all in one day. You may work a physically strenuous job and look forward to going home to crash on the couch. You may also have a desk job and spend all of your extra time in the gym. Chances are no matter who you are you have experienced joint pain.
There are a lot of supplements out there to help relieve joint pain but I would like to share with you some that have personally helped me. Now don’t get me wrong, nothing will ever trump a healthy diet, hydration, and adequate exercise and rest but sometimes supplementation can help.
Glucosamine:
Glucosamine is a natural compound that is found in our cartilage that cushions our joints. It is commonly supplemented for people who suffer from osteoarthritis. It is said to reduce inflammation, the symptoms of osteoarthritis, and the rate of collagen degradation. IT is also derived from shellfish.
Omega-3:
Omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish oil, helps the body produce chemicals to that help control inflammation. This supplement may help ease stiffness caused by inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Green Tea:
Green tea is packed with polyphenols, antioxidants believed to reduce inflammation and slow cartilage destruction. Studies have also showed that another antioxidant in green tea called epigallocatechin-3-gallate or in better terms EGCG, blocks the production of molecules that cause joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin D:
Vitamin D is a nutrient in the body that a lot of people are very deficient on. Vitamin D has shown promise to reduce inflammation. Vitamin D is something that can be added into your diet. It can be found in fatty fish, liver, beef, and egg yolks. If you naturally have dark skin, are overweight, don’t get out in the sun much, or have a condition that causes you to have trouble absorbing fats.
For those of you who are skeptical about adding in supplements to your daily regimen, don’t be! You can give it a trial run and if you decide they aren’t helping or you don’t like it then don’t continue. Trying something different to make a change especially if you are in pain is never a bad thing.
I can promise that from personal experience these four supplements have helped me reduce and manage my joint pain caused by years of sport and the constant use from weightlifting. Give it a try!