The Best Natural Ways to Preserve Joint Health

Arthritis is defined as the regular swelling or tenderness located in one or more joints in the body. This condition can take on different forms with the most common types including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis and other joint conditions affect over 20 percent of all adults in the United States, and are often uncomfortable at best, and debilitating in the worst cases.

Here, we will discuss the best natural ways to preserve joint health and protect your joints against this common condition.

What is Arthritis?

There are various forms of arthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage surrounding the bones begins to break down. This type of arthritis is most commonly found in the knees and hips. Conversely, rheumatoid arthritis is triggered when the body's immune system begins to attack its own joints and the lining around them. Unlike osteoarthritis that is caused by the normal wear and tear that happens in the body as you age, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. Gout is yet another type of arthritis that forms when too much uric acid in the blood creates uric acid crystals in the joints.

While arthritis is simply a nuisance to some individuals, the condition can often become highly debilitating, making it challenging for sufferers to perform everyday tasks. Even walking or sitting up straight can become difficult with severe cases.

Risk Factors and Symptoms of Arthritis

The most common symptoms of arthritis are dictated by the type of arthritis. Depending on the type of arthritis that you have, you may notice symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the joints, swelling, redness at the point of pain and a decreased range of motion.

There are a number of different risk factors associated with arthritis. A primary risk factor is age, with both major types of arthritis increasing exponentially as you get older. Gender is also an influencing factor, with women more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis and males more likely to experience arthritis in the form of gout.

You are also more likely to develop arthritis if you have a family history of the disease, pointing to a connection between the condition and inherent genetics. Those individuals who have had previous joint injury are also at an increased risk of developing arthritis. Lastly, carrying extra weight puts additional stress on the joints, leading to a higher risk of arthritis in the future.

Preserve Joint Health Through the Use of Supplements

While there is no known cure for arthritis, the use of targeted supplements has been shown to help to manage the symptoms and potentially slow its progress. A supplement such as Arthrochron is specially formulated with the vitamins, minerals and nurients that have been shown to support healthy joints. Here are a few of the ingredients that you will find in Arthrochron and their benefits.

MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane is a supplement known for its ability to soothe minor pain and inflammation, making it a good treatment for most types of arthritis. MSM is also instrumental in the regular regeneration of cartilage and connective tissue. These regenerative abilities give a boost to joint and musculoskeletal health.

Resveratrol

Found naturally in grapes, wine, peanuts, cocoa and berries, Resveratrol can also be taken in supplement form. This anti-inflammatory nutrient has been shown to improve the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout by restoring cartilage stability and lowering the levels of uric acid in the blood.

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that comes from glucose. This compound is found in joint cartilage. Without sufficient levels of glucosamine in the joints, it is not unusual for the cartilage to break down at greater speeds. As an added bonus, glucosamine has also been shown to help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Because glucosamine is not found in high concentrations in most foods, many people turn to supplements to boost their levels of this amino sugar in the body.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is best known for its ability to improve the appearance of your complexion. However, this acid is also the primary component of the synovial fluid that flows between the body's joints as well as within the cartilage. When choosing a hyaluronic acid supplement with the intention of boosting joint health, it is important to choose a type that is found in a specially hydrolyzed form so that the body is able to absorb it in greater amounts.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin sulfate has been linked to a reduction in cartilage volume loss, making it a potentially powerful weapon in the restoration of normal joint function. Some people simply do not produce enough of this glycan component on their own. However, it is possible to take CS in supplement form, ensuring that your body has the amount that it needs to mitigate the loss of cartilage.

Calcium and Vitamin D

Calcium and vitamin D are also vital nutritional supplements when it comes to maintaining joint health, especially for women. While you may find these nutrients readily in many foods, it is a good idea to stay on top of your supplementation so that you are not lacking.

Understanding your risk for developing arthritis and how you can take a proactive approach to preserve healthy joints can go a long way in ensuring good bone health as you age. You do not want to wait until it is too late to be intentional about protecting your bone and joint health.