Claims: Eases symptoms ofrheumatoid arthritis (RA),lupus and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Claims also incoude flaxseed for joint painand stiffness. Lowers total cholesterol and reduces risk of heart disease and some types of cancer. Improves hot flashes and dry skin. Vasiliadis HS, et al. Glucosamine and chondroitin for the treatment of osteoarthritis. World Journal of Orthopedics. 2017; doi:10.5312/wjo.v8.i1.1. What we know: A potent antioxidant, melatonin regulates sleep/wake cycles. It appears to treat insomnia and sleep disturbances related to conditions likefibromyalgia and depression.Aspirin and other NSAIDscan decrease melatonin levels.

Glucosamine - Mayo Clinic Glucosamine - Mayo Clinic

Studies:In 2016, a large multinational trial found combined glucosamine and chondroitin to be as effective at reducing pain, stiffness and swelling in knee OA as the NSAID celecoxib, without the cardiovascular and GI side effects of celecoxib. But another 2016 analysis of eight trials of glucosamine and chondroitin found equal numbers ofstudiesshowingpositive effects andneutraleffects.Mayo clinic researchers say evidence supports trying glucosamine sulfate for arthritis – not glucosamine hydrochloride – with or without chondroitin sulfate, specifically for knee OA, especially because the supplements are “inexpensive and side effects are few and far between.” Herrero-Beaumont G, et al. (2007). Glucosaminesulfate in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis symptoms. What we know: SAM-e is an effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic for people with OA. Results may be felt in just one week but could take more than a month. SAM-e works closely with vitamins B-12, B-6 and folate, so it is important to get enough of the B vitamins when taking this supplement. When taken in combination with drugs for diabetes(that lower blood sugar), turmeric may further lower blood sugar levels, causing hypoglycemia.

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N-acetyl glucosamine (NAG). Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Oct. 24, 2020.

Glucosamine Complex Capsule | Joints BetterVits Glucosamine Complex Capsule | Joints

Glucosamine sulfate. Natural Medicines. https://naturalmedicines.therapeuticresearch.com. Accessed Oct. 24, 2020. Origin: The main chemical in turmeric, the root of a plant related to ginger. Turmeric is a staple of traditional Chinese and Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine and a prime ingredient in curries. In some cases, added ingredients don’t have any proven benefits for joint health. Others might contain multiple beneficial ingredients, such glucosamine and chondroitin. But there’s not much proof that taking supplements containing multiple ingredients is more effective than taking a single ingredient. Plus, some of these products have too little of one or more ingredients for them to be beneficial. Turmeric has been found to impact certain pain receptors in the body, particularly those in the chest, shoulders, and abdominal area. This means it may help reduce the severe pain associated with menstrual cramping, irritable bowel syndrome, and frozen shoulder.What we know: Flaxseed is high in alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), a type of omega-3 fatty acid that can be converted to EPA and DHA (the active ingredients in fish oil). Flaxseed is a good source of fiber. Consult your physician before taking St. John’s wort if you are already taking any kind of prescription medications. Studies: A 2014 Cochrane Review found that a three-month course of 100 mg a day of enriched (AKBA) Boswellia reduced OA pain by nearly 20 points and improved function byeight points (on 100-point scales) without serious side effects. In a 2018 systematic review of 20 OA supplements, Boswellia extract was among the standouts, providing significant short-term relief for knee, hip and hand pain. The Natural and Alternative Treatments database, which contains over 12,000 clinical studies, also gives Boswellia high marks for OA pain relief.

Turmeric? Which Medications Should Not Be Taken With Turmeric?

Studies: Studies haveconfirmed that adaily dose of 500 to1,000 mg of gingerextract canmodestly reducepain and disabilityin hipand knee OA.In animal models,larger daily doses of gingerextract – the equivalent ofup to 4 grams in humans– had strong anti-inflammatoryeffects in RA.Recent research suggeststhat ginger extract containingboth gingerols – the activepart of ginger – and ginger essentialoils may be more effective for chronicinflammation than gingerols alone. Claims: GLA for arthritis lessens joint pain, stiffness and swelling, specifically associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Eases symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon andSjögren’ssyndromes. What we know: Used in Chinese medicine for years, thunder god vine shows evidence of suppressing the immune system. Dosage: Liquid, tablet,softgeland capsule and extract;typically120 mg to 240 mg extract daily. Choose supplements standardized to 5- to 7-percent terpene lactones and 24-percentflavonolglycosides, the active ingredients in ginkgo. Dosage: Capsule and tablets available both as prescription (200 mg) and non-prescription (10-, 15- or 25-mg) products;typically200 mg for lupus. Do not take doses higher than 25 mg without advice from a physician. Effects of long-term use are unknown.Patients suffering from gallstones or bile duct problems or who have an increased risk of kidney stones. Claims: Reduces inflammation and treats rheumatoid arthritis (RA),osteoarthritis (OA)and bursitis symptoms. In addition to using boswellia serrata for arthritis, it’s also used totreat symptoms of ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Osteoarthritis. National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/osteoarthritis. Accessed Oct. 24, 2020. What we know: St. John’s wort’s mood-elevating properties were believed to be from active ingredients hypericin and hyperforin, chemicals that raise levels of serotonin, a chemical found in the brain. Serotonin levels may be low in people who are depressed and possibly in those whohave fibromyalgia. New research, however, suggests the whole preparation (not just the two active ingredients) is more effective.