Osteoarthritis and nutritional supplements are increasingly being mentioned in one sentence and for good reason. More and more research is being done about the advantages or disadvantages of nutritional supplements compared to osteoarthritis. But what is right?
In this article, we look at what osteoarthritis is and how nutritional supplements can contribute to it.
What is osteoarthritis?
Osteoarthritis is also sometimes referred to as joint wear. When you have this, the quality of the cartilage on your joints deteriorates. The so-called synovial fluid (a fluid that is in the cavities of your joints to make them move more smoothly) also decreases. When you move your joints, it becomes stiffer and causes a lot of pain.Osteoarthritis can be caused by various factors. In some cases, there is little you can do about it because it is hereditary. It can also arise from chronic stress, such as when you move your joints incorrectly for years. The construction of the joint and possible inflammatory reactions can also contribute to this.
It comes in two different varieties:
- Primary osteoarthritis. This occurs when there is no obvious cause. You often suffer from osteoarthritis symptoms with age.
- Secondary Osteoarthritis. This occurs when an underlying cause is involved.
Currently, osteoarthritis is untreatable, but several medications and treatments can relieve symptoms. Osteoarthritis and nutritional supplements cannot, therefore, help each other in this way. However, nutritional supplements can reduce the risk of osteoarthritis and relieve symptoms.
Osteoarthritis and Dietary Supplements: Which Can Support?
There are plenty of people and companies that claim that their “special” supplements work best against osteoarthritis. However, you should take this with a grain of salt. Some supplements indeed have many health benefits, but this doesn't necessarily mean they are a must-have for people with osteoarthritis. We have investigated the connection between osteoarthritis and nutritional supplements for you.1. Glucosamine
Glucosamine naturally occurs in the cartilage around the joints. Therefore, the supplement of this substance can help relieve osteoarthritis symptoms. However, it works best when you take glucosamine sulfate. And even then it helps best with mild pain.
2. Turmeric
From research has shown that turmeric is an excellent anti-inflammatory and even better in preventing arthritis-related inflammation than reducing existing inflammation. It is important to discuss the use of turmeric supplements and foods with your doctor because it can also have a blood-thinning function.
3. Omega fatty acids
Omega fatty acids both help reduce inflammation and stimulate the production of healthy body cells, including bone and cartilage cells. The use of omega fatty acids in the form of fish oil or plankton can therefore contribute to a less severe reaction to osteoarthritis.
4. Osteoarthritis and Dietary Supplements: Vitamin D3
Finally, we have vitamin D3. This vitamin supports the production of bones and ensures greater bone density. This vitamin also helps support the joints, which plays an important role in osteoarthritis.
