Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Supplements For Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

By Amy Clark

At present, Osteoarthritis (abbreviated as OA) is a common problem that affect people in the whole world. Osteoarthritis (OA) is particularly prevalent among elderly people, and also among people who have stressed joints or knee, back, neck, 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 fatty acids basically work as anti-inflammation agents that can impede rheumatoid arthritis progression. These supplements can also control OA symptoms, and at times lessen dependency on NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

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 based on Tumeric that blocks various harmful enzymes, hence relieving rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis symptoms. Then again, most forms of Curcumin are deficient in Piperine, a component of black pepper. Because of this, those who take Curcumin rarely obtain the appropriate quantity they need for an effective 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 necessary in joint cartilage formation and development. In osteoarthritis patients, the synthesis of glucosamine is defective, consequently hampering cartilage growth. Because of this, consuming a Glucosamine supplement will enhance cartilage growth. Additionally, Glucosamine is effective in RA treatment as it works against inflammation and helps protect the joints.

MSM (methyl sulfonylurea methane): The MSM molecule is contained in specific tissues of the human body. MSM has the same sulphur that supports our body's structural molecules. Therefore, MSM works effectively in osteoarthritis treatment.

Green Tea Compounds: Green tea has been proven to be reliable in blocking some cytokines, thus fighting the progression of both RA and OA. Green tea also works to treat inflammation.

Vitamin C: Full of valuable anti-oxidants, Vitamin C fights oxidative stress and eliminates harmful radicals. Subsequently, it alleviates the symptoms of OA and RA. Since your body does not produce Vitamin C naturally, it is imperative 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. - 15255

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