If you are among the millions of Americans suffering from arthritis pain, there’s a good chance your doctor prescribed you pain medications. These medications often come with a slew of nasty side effects.
Yuck.
The good news is you may be able to find additional relief in a more natural form, as research shows positive results when consuming certain vitamins for joint pain relief.
This means the solution to your joint pain may be as simple as choosing more vitamin-rich foods at the grocery store.
Supplements may also give you the vitamin boost you need.
Here are 4 vitamins that may help you protect your bones and joints.
Vitamin D
Studies show people who do not get enough vitamin D may be more likely to develop a variety of health problems, including rheumatoid arthritis. Even a moderate Vitamin D deficiency can cause joint pain, especially in the knees and hips.
Let your doctor know if you are experiencing any bone pain or muscle weakness. Falls, low bone mass, and fractures may be a sign you could benefit from a simple test to determine your Vitamin D levels.
People suffering from other diseases such as cystic fibrosis, ankylosing spondylitis or type 2 diabetes may be at a greater risk for developing low levels of fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D.
Medications may also prevent your body from properly absorbing the vitamin D it does get. Studies are beginning to show vitamin D’s health benefits may include decreasing joint pain. Ask your doctor for more information.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a natural antioxidant and may even prevent degeneration of cartilage in joints. Research shows many osteoarthritis patients have significantly lower levels of vitamin E in their blood than people who do not have the disease.
Plus, vitamin E may be a natural anti-inflammatory-useful for your body in many ways, including decreasing pain and protection against other diseases like cancer, aging, and cataracts. It is possible you might prevent symptoms leading to atherosclerosis with vitamin E. You can ingest Vitamin E through food or supplements.
We even add it to our green lipped mussel capsules to help you out.
Your doctor will be able to discuss with you how vitamin E may be able to help you with joint problems and pain.
Vitamin B12
Most people know calcium and vitamin D are keys to bone health.
But researchers recently began studying vitamin B’s role in maintaining strong bones. It turns out your vitamin B levels may influence your risk for bone fractures, along with other general bone health issues like:
- bone structure,
- bone quality, and
- bone mass.
Some studies show B vitamins, particularly B2, B6, folate and B12, may be able to protect your bones and joints.
Getting enough vitamin B through the foods you eat may be more beneficial to your body than the use of supplements.
Simply asking your doctor about the relationship between vitamin B and joint pain can be the first step in finding out if there is more you can do to protect your bones.
Vitamin C
There is already good evidence for a long list of ways vitamin C helps the body.
Recent studies reveal a potential new benefit of vitamin C:
It turns out vitamin C may have natural analgesic properties, especially when combined with other pain medications, so it may be a useful tool in managing your joint pain.
Your doctor can explore with you whether increasing your body’s supply of vitamin C can help you with pain relief. When monitored by a health care provider and used in conjunction with your other prescribed pain meds, vitamin C may provide a more natural and safer way to treat your chronic pain.
Other Vitamins and Supplements for Joint Pain
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Research suggests omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are some of the most effective natural anti-inflammatory agents available. This is good news for anyone suffering from joint pain. The standard course of treatment for joint pain involves the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications which can sometimes cause serious side effects.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids, like those found in GLX3, may present a safer yet effective alternative to NSAIDs.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
According to some research, the joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin, used together or alone, may be effective in treating some types of joint pain.
However, other studies actually showed no benefit to either supplement. Because of these mixed reviews, chondroitin and glucosamine remain controversial, but the supplements appear extremely safe.
Your best bet is always to talk with your health care provider to find out more about which vitamins can help you with your joint pain.
