Joint pain is a major complaint from our clients and can be caused by both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis. It can be very debilitating.
Rather than masking the pain with patented pharmaceutical drugs, we take a more holistic approach using energy medicine. This can be incredibly effective. The following supplements are some of our best choices.
Glucosamine & MSM
Glucosamine and MSM are common ingredients found in joint supplements, often as a compound. These dietary supplements help rebuild cartilage, promote lubrication of joints and relieve pain, which is typically caused by inflammation. These two supplements have been shown to reduce the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis, which is the most common type of arthritis in adults.
MSM is an organic sulfur-containing compound that can be found naturally in fruits, vegetables and animals. It is also made synthetically for use in dietary supplements. MSM is known for its anti – inflammatory and pain – relieving properties. It works by interfering with the transmission of pain signals in the body.
Research shows that Glucosamine may be effective in treating joint pain, particularly knee osteoarthritis. One study broke 120 people with knee osteoarthritis into four groups: those who took glucosamine, MSM, a combination of the two or no supplement at all. The group taking the glucosamine and MSM supplement had less pain than the other three groups, according to researchers.
The most widely used form of glucosamine for joint health is glucosamine sulfate. Ahualyn supplies high-quality glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride for use in private label formulations. The choice of which ingredient to use depends on formula goals and desired label claims. Glucosamine sulfate has extensive long-term research while MSM research is shorter but shows significant benefits for pain and function. Combining these ingredients is best practice for modern formulations as they work via complementary mechanisms, resulting in synergy.
Boswellia
Boswellia, also called Indian frankincense or AK-47 extract, is a natural anti-inflammatory that has been shown to reduce joint pain and slow cartilage degradation. It works differently from conventional anti-inflammatory drugs and has been shown to work on multiple pathways in the body to promote healing.
Boswellic acids, found in boswellia tree resin, help relieve arthritis symptoms by inhibiting inflammation at the cellular level. People with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis seem to respond well to boswellic acid supplements. It has also been shown to prevent the breakdown of cartilage and hinder the autoimmune process that leads to these conditions.
Another benefit of boswellia is that it works through different mechanisms than many common medications, including NSAIDs. It modulates the 5-LOX pathway rather than COX enzymes and doesn’t interact directly with some of the common prescription medications that may be taken by those with chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease.
The resin of the Boswellia serrata tree has been used since ancient times for its calming, anti-inflammatory benefits. A combination of boswellia with other holistic approaches to managing chronic joint conditions, including proper diet, adequate hydration and gentle movement, can offer effective relief for joint discomfort. In some cases, this can even lead to reduced reliance on medication. However, the results of each person will vary and should always be monitored by a health professional.
Loxin 5
5-Loxin has been demonstrated to be a potent inhibitor of the proinflammatory effects of indomethacin in a rat model of OA. Oral administration of 5-Loxin significantly reduced the inflammatory response and cartilage degradation induced by indomethacin, as measured by hind paw weight distribution (HWD) and WOMAC pain and function scores. Moreover, 5-Loxin reduced levels of cartilage degrading enzymes MMP-3 in the rat arthritic knee.
The clinical study was a 75-patient, double-blind, placebo controlled, 90 day trial. Patients were randomized to receive either placebo, 30 mg of a 30% AKBA enriched Boswellia serrata extract (Loxin low dose) or 50 mg/day of a 25% AKBA enriched Boswellia extract (Loxin high dose). Baseline disease characteristics and outcomes measured by WOMAC (pain, function and stiffness) subscores, were comparable in the three treatment groups.
Results from this clinical trial demonstrate that 5-Loxin, a proprietary blend of eight homeopathic ingredients, is effective in reducing pain and improving functional ability in patients with OA. These benefits appear to be achieved through a combination of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, as well as inhibition of the enzymatic degradation of articular cartilage. Moreover, 5-Loxin was safe for consumption, as shown by serum biochemical and hematological measurements as well as urine analysis. These results support the claims made by the manufacturer of this product, that the ingredient blend reduces joint pain and improves joint health by inhibiting MMP-3 activity.
Omega-3
Omega-3 is a family of polyunsaturated fats, the two heavy-hitters being EPA and DHA. Both are found in oily fish, algae and certain seeds (especially chia) and can be taken as supplements. They are known to reduce inflammation, support cardiovascular health and brain health and help with rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.
In RA patients, increased cytokine production leads to joint pain and stiffness, and causes cartilage degeneration. Inflammatory cytokines can also cause nerve pain, known as neuropathic pain. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils can control the inflammatory response and promote the production of the natural anti-inflammatory resolving compound, D2. This helps to ease the pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical trials have shown that Omega-3 supplementation can help with reducing joint tenderness and morning stiffness, and the number of swollen joints, as well as having NSAID-sparing effects. It has also been proven to be effective in reducing the symptoms of neuropathic pain by promoting the growth and repair of nerve cells.
One thing to keep in mind is that although omega-3 can improve RA symptoms, it does not reliably slow down the radiographic damage of joints that turns rheumatoid arthritis into a disabling disease over decades. It will, however, shave a few minutes off your morning stiffness and make reaching for the ibuprofen less frequent. That is no small achievement in a chronic disease measured in decades, and one reason why omega-3 earns its modest, real place as an arthritis supplement.
Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen, or Tylenol, is an analgesic that works on the peripheral and central nervous systems to reduce pain sensations. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) reduce inflammation, but they can cause stomach ulcers and kidney problems in some people, and high doses of acetaminophen can cause liver problems.
Topical chamomile oil has been shown to significantly reduce the need for acetaminophen in arthritic joints, according to a study published in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. Turmeric has also been shown to decrease pain severity and stiffness from arthritis, as well as decrease functional limitations from it.
Menthol
Menthol is one of the most widely used pain management ingredients in medicine, particularly topical gels and patches. Menthol provides a cooling sensation when applied to the skin that is often associated with a pleasant minty smell. It is found in many popular pain relief products, such as Tiger Balm and IcyHot.
Studies show that menthol is an effective pain reliever for arthritis. It interacts with neuronal receptors and creates a cool feeling that outlasts the pain. Menthol also interacts with TRP channels, ion channels, and opioid receptors to inhibit pain-signaling pathways at both the peripheral and central levels.
In addition, it has been shown to act as a vasodilator in that it helps blood vessels widen, improving blood flow to the affected area. This allows the body to bring in more nutrients to help repair the area, and carries away wastes produced during inflammation.
Research on the analgesic properties of menthol and related compounds have demonstrated multi-targeted modulation of TRPM8, ion channels, GABAergic systems, and opioid receptors to suppress nociceptive signaling at both the peripheral and central level. Another menthol derivative called WS-12 is a selective TRPM8 agonist, and has been shown to induce analgesic effects without triggering unwanted side effects, including sedation and nausea. This demonstrates that the specific interaction of menthol with TRPM8 may be a promising new approach to pain relief. In fact, studies have shown that participants using a menthol product demonstrated more than double the tetanic force (the ability to sustain a purposeful muscle contraction) compared to those who did not use a menthol treatment.