Diet Supplements for Arthritis, Osteoarthritis and Osteoporosis

Vitamins (eg., A, C, D, E), and beta carotene

Minerals (eg., calcium, )

Glocosamine

Chondroitin Sulfate

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Manganese Ascorbate

Niacinamide

Aloe Vera Gel

Vema Nutritional Product

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane)

Boswellia

Bromelaine

Yucca

Estrogen (for osteoporosis)

Fish oils

Flaxseed oil

Product or brand names included in this article are provided as examples only and their inclusion does not mean that these products are endorsed by the author, institute, or any other Government agency. Any product not mentioned, this does not mean or imply that the product is unsatisfactory.

A brief on some of the above products:

Glucosamine Sulfate / Glucosamine HCL
This is the biggest and best in this list. It has been extensively 
studied in the sulfate form but the HCL form is equally as effective. The 
sulfate of HCL is just a “carrier” molecule – pure Glucosamine is 
unstable by itself so it needs to be combined with a carrier so it stays pure 
and does not break down. There is some debate in terms of which carrier 
molecule is better, but some of the better formulations will include 
both, just in case one works better for you. Either way, you are getting 
as pure of a Glucosamine as you can (assuming the manufacturer starts 
with pure Glucosamine - many do not even tell you their purity).
 
Chondroitin Sulfate
This is the most beneficial ingredient behind Glucosamine. Chondroitin 
Sulfate is a component of cartilage. In molecular terms, it is a 
gigantic molecule, mainly composed of repeated chains of glucosamine sulfate. 
Because of this, it functions in a way that is similar to glucosamine 
ease joint discomfort and rebuild cartilage. Make sure you see 
Chondroitin listed as one of the ingredients on the list of any product you buy.
 
MSM
MSM, also known as methylsulfonylmethane, is a major supplier of 
sulfur, the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It is related, but not 
the same as another sulfur compound, DMSO. In animal studies, joints 
affected by osteoarthritis have lower sulfur content. Mice with 
arthritis, when given MSM, experience less joint deterioration. The results of a 
preliminary double-blind trial stated that patients with osteoarthritis 
found that MSM reduced pain after six weeks.
 
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Omega 3 Fatty Acids can not be talked about enough when it comes to 
helping out your entire body as well as treating arthritis pain. They 
reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, as well as help to reduce 
Coronary Heart Disease.
 
Manganese Ascorbate
Manganese is a mineral essential to the formation of connective tissue 
(such as cartilage). Manganese is extremely helpful for sufferers of 
Arthritis and also aids in keeping bones strong and preventing 
Osteoporosis.
 
Boswellia Serrata (Boswellin)
Boswellia is probably best for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but due to its 
anti-inflammatory properties, it is also effective for Osteoarthritis. 
Boswellia inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, such as 
leukotrienes. Long-term use of Boswellia, as opposed to NSAIDs, does not 
appear to cause irritation or ulceration of the stomach.
 
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the repair and growth 
of tissues in all parts of the body. Vitamin C is essential for the 
repair and maintenance of cartilage and bones as well as healing of wounds. 
It is essential to form collagen, an important protein used to make 
tendons, cartilage, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, and scar tissue. It 
also acts as an antioxidant to offset the damage of free radicals.
 
Vitamin A
Vitamin A plays an important role in bone formation and may also help 
to reduce the symptoms of Osteoarthritis. It is also a potent 
antioxidant and is needed to promote healthy bone development. Low Vitamin A may 
lead to reduced bone mass and consequently osteoporosis.
 
Vitamin E
Another antioxidant, Vitamin E may be helpful in both the prevention of 
and the treatment of (pain relief and increased joint mobility) 
Osteoarthritis. Vitamin E was tested against a NSAID (diclofenac) and was 
found to be equally as effective. Vitamin E also has many antioxidant 
properties.
 
Aloe Vera
Animal studies show that drinking soothing aloe vera can reduce 
swelling and inflammation in arthritic joints. It has been used since early 
recorded history for its first-aid like properties. Aloe Vera is one of 
the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it 
contains many minerals vital to the healthy function and growth process of all 
the body's systems.
 
Bromelaine
Bromelaine may be as effective as the NSAIDS, for pain reduction. It 
may also help with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Use over time may also help with 
connective tissue disorders. It also appears to have anti-inflammatory 
properties.
 
Yucca
According to the study “Yucca plant saponin in the management of 
arthritis” (J Appl Nutr 1975;27:45–50) there is evidence that Yucca can aid 
in Osteo and Rheumatoid arthritis. Yucca may work by blocking the 
release of intestinal toxins that inhibit normal formation of cartilage.

Written by John Chow, a practitioner of Chinese medicine, acupuncturist, masseur, healer and teacher of martial arts and spiritual paths in Melbourne, Australia.

Copyright:- No part of this article can be used, quoted, copied in any form without the permission from the author. For further information on this article, please contact John Chow at vajra_master@yahoo.com.

Legal caveat:-

The information provided above is for general reference only. Although the author(s) has attempted to be as thorough as possible in compiling the information in this article(s), no legal responsibility nor liability is accepted for any errors or omissions. The information is presented for educational purposes only. Please refer any medical matter to your doctor before acting on any health-related information.