What Supplements Should You Take for Healthy Joints?
Our joints work hard for us every day. They’re the hinges that allow us to move freely, from taking a morning walk to bending down to pick up a dropped grocery bag.
Taking care of our joints is important because when things go wrong, it can be painful. Conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and even old injuries can make those everyday motions difficult.
While supplements alone can’t cure a sore joint, some might support your joint health in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle. The best way to learn if a particular supplement might help you is to start a conversation with your doctor. They understand your individual health needs and can help determine what’s right (and safe) for you.
Supplements for Joint Health Support
Several supplements are commonly associated with supporting joint health. Let’s take a look at some of the most well-known options:
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a substance that naturally occurs in the cartilage that cushions your joints. Glucosamine supplements may help slow down the breakdown of that cartilage, potentially improving joint pain and mobility.
Some people report that glucosamine can cause minor stomach upset, gas, or bloating. If you have a shellfish allergy, it’s important to exercise caution with these supplements, as they’re often made with shellfish ingredients.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin is another building block of cartilage often found alongside glucosamine in joint support supplements. It’s believed to help keep your joints working smoothly and might even slow down the process of cartilage loss. However, chondroitin may interact with blood thinners and occasionally causes some stomach issues or headaches.
Omega-3s & Fish Oil
Omega-3s have a reputation for fighting inflammation, which could be beneficial if you have achy joints. These healthy fats are great for your heart, brain, and whole-body health. The best way to get omega-3s is by eating fatty fish, like salmon, regularly. Sometimes, a fish oil supplement can give you a more concentrated dose of omega-3s, especially those helpful ones known as EPA and DHA.
Fish oil supplements might not mix well with blood-thinning medications. Also, some people notice a fishy aftertaste or a bit of digestive upset when taking high doses.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring polymer found in the body, but it decreases as we age. Taking hyaluronic acid supplements could benefit your joint health by supporting lubrication and shock absorption. Hyaluronic acid may also modulate your body’s production of prostaglandins, which are hormone-like substances that affect inflammation and pain.
Are There Any Supplements You Should Avoid?
When it comes to safety and effectiveness, not all supplements are created equal. There are a few that should be approached with extra caution, especially if you have any underlying health issues.
For example, thunder god vine has a serious potential for side effects, and certain teas—like those made with arnica, chaparral, or homemade kombucha—can be harmful to your liver.
Your safest bet is always to check with your doctor before you start taking any new supplements. That includes anything labeled as “natural”: they still have the potential to interact with medications, cause new problems, or make existing ones worse.
Contact Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding for Healthy Joint Supplements
Taking care of your joints is a big part of maintaining a happy, active life. But when joint pain starts to creep in, it can make figuring out the best ways to support your joint health a bit overwhelming.
Sometimes, supplements can provide a boost to a healthy lifestyle if your doctor agrees they’re right for you. If you’d like to learn more, reach out to the friendly pharmacists at Cornerstone Pharmacy & Compounding. We understand that everyone’s body is different, and we’re here to work alongside your physician to personalize a plan that works best for you.
