Joint Support

7 Supplements to Relieve Joint & Knee Pain

If you’re suffering from joint or knee pain, you know how debilitating it can be. From inability to walk, climb stairs, exercise, and enjoy your life to the fullest, your knee or joint pain can change the way you live your life.

Joint pain can be caused from a variety of reasons. Pain can be caused by rheumatoid arthritis as well as fibromyalgia, gout, hypothyroidism, lupus, avascular necrosis and many other illnesses. Knee pain specifically can be attributed to injuries such as sprains, strains, or tears. It can also be caused by inflammation or osteoarthritis. According to the Centers for Disease Control the term arthritis “refers to more than 100 diseases and conditions affecting the joints” (National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2018). In addition, research has shown that over 23% of American adults suffer from joint pain. If you are one of the 54 million American suffering from joint pain, you know how intrusive it can be. You might also know that there are various supplements for joints that can help to ease the pain and help you get back to your life. There are a few superior joint health supplements on the market.

Glucosamine

One of the more popular solutions for joint pain is glucosamine. Glucosamine is a commonly known supplement to help those dealing with joint pain. Glucosamine naturally occurs in the body and helps to keep the cartilage, found in your joints, healthy and lubricated. When people age the glucosamine levels in their body naturally starts to decrease and this leads to a breakdown of that cartilage (WebMD. 2017). Luckily, glucosamine can be made as a supplement. There are two types of glucosamine: hydrochloride and sulfate. Glucosamine sulfate uses sodium (table salt) to transport the compound into the blood stream. Research has shown that sulfate is more effective in absorbing the needed supplement and yields the most results (Arthritis Research UK. 2018). According to Dr. Daniel More, glucosamine, when made as a vatimin for joint pain, is often made from the shells of crab, shrimp, and lobster. This means that those with shellfish allergies should not use this remedy to aid in their joint or knee pain. In addition, it is believed that taking glucosamine alongside Boswellia can lead to greater pain relief than if just one ingredient was taken.

Boswellia

Boswellia, also known as Indian frankincense, is an herbal extract taken from the Boswellia serrata tree and is also used to alleviate pain, especially in joints (Healthline. 2017). Boswellia reduces inflammation which is often highly associated with joint pain and arthritis. It has even been said that this natural remedy actually helps to prevent the loss of cartilage in joints (Healthline. 2017). Boswellia helps to prevent the formation of leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are molecules that cause inflammation. By preventing the formation of these molecules Boswellia does not mask the symptoms of arthritis but actually helps to prevent the symptoms from starting. According to a study published in the 2003, volume 10, journal Phytomedicine, 30 people with osteoarthritis and chronic knee pain, who had all been taking Boswellia, reported a decrease in knee pain.  “They also reported an increase in knee flexion and how far they could walk” (NeuroImage Academic Press. 2004). In order for Boswellia to be its most effective it is recommended that it be taken with glucosamine. These two interacting ingredients can lead to greater joint and knee pain relief.

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

Another option for joint pain relief is Methylsulfonylmethane – also known as MSM. MSM is an organic sulfur compound that can be found in many fruits, vegetables, and grains (Arthritis Foundation). This sulfur compound acts as an analgesic – it lessens the nerve impulses in order to decrease pain. According to the Arthritis Foundation “A 2006 pilot study of 50 men and women with knee osteoarthritis showed that 6,000 mg of MSM improved symptoms of pain and physical function without major side effects.” After the publication of The Miracle of MSM: The Natural Solution for Pain by Stanley W. Jacob in 1999 this compound has been widely known to reduce pain for joint stiffness and arthritis when taken orally or topically.

White Willow Bark (Salicin)

In addition to MSM and glucosamine,  white willow bark is another great option as a supplement for joint pain. Extracts from the willow tree have been used for centuries to combat and alleviate pain symptoms. The active ingredient, salicin, has similar properties to those of aspirin. Dating all the way back to the times of Hippocrates this herbal remedy has been used to treat joint pain as well as headaches, fever, and inflammation.

Ginger Root & Turmeric

Ginger is often used to add spice and flavor to your treats, but it is also a great pain reliever. People have used ginger root extracts to help fight inflammation and joint pain for hundreds of years. This natural ingredient is a healthy alternative to Western medicine. Similarly, turmeric, also a spice often used to create flavorful dishes,  has recently increased in popularity with people seeking pain-relief. Now that the immense health benefits have gained more publicity people are starting to turn towards natural methods to ease the pain of arthritis and joint stiffness. Turmeric is a great option. This remedy has been used for hundreds of years and dates back to the Ancient Chinese. It is used to treat osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis, and other ailments associated with joint stiffness. According to the Arthritis Foundation “A 2006 study showed turmeric was more effective at preventing joint inflammation than reducing joint inflammation” (Arthritis Foundation). In order to feel relief it is important to prevent the inflammation as opposed to just easing the symptoms.

Type 2 Collagen

In terms of prevention, it is imperative that you are able to pinpoint the cause of joint pain in order to remedy, or fix, the problem. According to Energetic Nutrition “although these issues [joint pain] may be typical, their cause is often related to the reduction in the production of the primary building block—Collagen Type II. Collagen Type II makes up 50% of cartilage protein, so it’s easy to understand that when the levels of this type of collagen drop, cartilage is weakened or stops regenerating.” Luckily, nature and science have provided us with the ability to take Collagen II as a joint pain supplement in order to help tackle these aches and pains. The research behind this supplement is that collagen is made up of various amino acids – the building blocks of proteins. Once it is ingested, your body will use these amino acids to both protect and rebuild the cartilage in your joints. Three types of collagen are found in the body – types  I, II, and III. Collagen types I and III are mostly found in the skin, bones, ligaments, and organs. Collagen type II is found in the cartilage of your joints. Collagen II makes up about 10% of all of the collagen in your body. When using collagen II you are rebuilding cartilage that has been damaged by age, injuries, or intense exercise. 

All in One Solution: VivaFlex

Unfortunately, with so many joint supplements on the market it is difficult to know which one is most effective at easing the pain you are experiencing. It can be challenging to decide on which joint pain supplement would be best for you and your body. In addition, it can become expensive to try out various joint health supplements. Luckily there is one joint health supplement that combines all these most effective ingredients to not only give you more bang for your buck but also ensure a better chance at pain relief. VivaFlex combines glucosamine, MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane), White Willow Bark, Boswellia extract, Ginger Root Extract, Turmeric Extract, and Collagen Type 2 to give you the best joint supplement. By combining the most effective ingredients and the best supplements for arthritis VivaFlex is the best supplement for arthritis and joint pain and will give you your life back. It increases mobility, nourishes joints and cartilage, relieves discomfort and gives you joint pain relief. An easy to swallow capsule is taken daily and can change your life by relieving and preventing the pain and inflammation of arthritis.  Take your life back with VivaFlex.

References and Links

“National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Oct. 2018, www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/resources/publications/aag/arthritis.htm.

“Is Glucosamine Good for Joint Pain?” WebMD, WebMD, 2017, www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/supplement-guide-glucosamine.

“What Is the Difference between Sulphate and Hydrochloride in a Glucosamine Form?” Arthritis Research UK, Dr. Philip Helliwell, 2018, www.arthritisresearchuk.org/arthritis-information/q-and-a/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/chondroitin-and-glucosamine/whats-the-difference-between-glucosamine-suphate-and-hydrochloride.aspx.

More, Daniel. “Can You Take Glucosamine If You Have a Shellfish Allergy?” Verywell Health, Dr. Daniel More, 14 Aug. 2018, www.verywellhealth.com/glucosamine-and-shellfish-allergy-83060.

“MSM.” Www.arthritis.org, www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/guide/msm.php.

Moncivaiz, Aaron. “Boswellia: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 9 Nov. 2017, www.healthline.com/health/boswellia.

Kimmatkar, N, et al. “Efficacy and Tolerability of Boswellia Serrata Extract in Treatment of Osteoarthritis of Knee – A Randomized Double Blind Placebo Controlled Trial.” NeuroImage, Academic Press, 10 Nov. 2004, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711304701890?via%3Dihub.

“Turmeric.” Www.arthritis.org, www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/guide/turmeric.php.

“Collagen Type 2 for Joint and Cartilage Health.” Nutrients for an Energetic Lifestyle, 20 Feb. 2018, www.energeticnutrition.com/blog/2016/06/collagen-type-2-joint-cartilage-health/.