Joint Health

What are the most effective joint health supplements?

Joint pain is quite a common complaint, especially in older people and those with arthritis. There are many supplements on the market that can help to relieve joint pain. These are glucosamine (which prevents bones from rubbing up against each other), chondroitin (which helps prevent the breakdown of cartilage), Devil's Claw, (which is anti-inflammatory), and fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, and also has anti-inflammatory effects. Other more natural alternatives like turmeric are very good for joint inflammation.

What are the best foods for joint health?

You should eat a well-balanced diet to help ease problems with joint pain. You can also increase your intake of certain foods to see if they improve any problems with your joints. These foods include cherries, as they contain anthocyanins which reduce inflammation. You can also eat red peppers, as these are high in vitamin C. Tinned salmon or sardines is another good option, as these fish contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their fish oils. Other foods to try are kale, oatmeal, turmeric and walnuts.

What foods can give you problems with your joints?

Wheat products like pasta, bread, crackers, cereals and some biscuits may exacerbate pain in your joints, especially if you suffer from rheumatoid arthritis. Fats such as butter and margarine have AGEs in them (advanced glycation end products), which can also cause joint problems. Other foods to avoid include tomatoes, processed foods like fast food, and sugary foods and drinks.

How can I rebuild my cartilage naturally?

The best way to rebuild cartilage is to beat inflammation, so that your cartilage stops breaking down. You can do this by eating a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables including pomegranates, oranges, kale and legumes, as well as green tea, brown rice and nuts. If you are not getting enough vegetables in your diet, you could take a joint supplement to boost collagen and cartilage growth.