Originally published June 18 2010
Assess Side Effects of Joint Health Supplements
by Susan Laverie
(NaturalNews) In recent years a great variety of joint health supplements have become more widely available for treating gout joint pain and the disabling effects of rheumatoid arthritis. As helpful as this form of joint support may be, each product has possible side effects that should be considered before using. Although many patients suffering from joint pain still resort to over-the-counter and prescription medications, it is now possible to get joint pain relief from more natural, less costly products. These supplements are safe for use for the majority of people if taken according to directions and with the knowledge of a doctor; however, many supplements do exhibit some side effects. Assess both the pros and cons of each joint support product before choosing the best joint health supplements to reduce pain and swelling.
Glucosamine for Joint Health Support
Try glucosamine, a natural substance found in joint cartilage in the body. The main role of glucosamine is to help rebuild lost cartilage by lubricating the joints. According to reports at Drugs.com, glucosamine is safe for the treatment of joint pain with no serious side effects. Shellfish is the primary ingredient in glucosamine, so those with allergies should be cautious before using it for joint support.
Chondroitin Works With Glucosamine as a Joint Support Supplement
Chondroitin is often recommended by doctors for joint health support and arthritis pain management and is often found in combination with glucosamine in joint health supplements. A natural substance found in the cartilage of the body, chondroitin protects joints by improving elasticity of the cartilage and insulating delicate joints from injury. Like glucosamine, chondroitin has no serious side effect. However, there have been some reports of occasional mild gastrointestinal symptoms.
Antioxidants and Quercetin Found in Green Tea Offer Joint Pain Relief, but Beware!
Researchers have discovered many health benefits derived from consuming green tea. Known to offer relief from stiffness and inflammation for arthritis sufferers, green tea is high in antioxidants and a good source of vitamin C and other healthful nutrients useful for joint pain relief.
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Green tea has a wide array of side effects, some being quite serious. Green tea contains caffeine and symptoms of excess caffeine consumption range from restlessness to insomnia, tremor, loss of appetite, heart palpitations and irritability. Green tea may contribute to stomach upsets and heartburn, although the addition of milk may modify these effects. Green tea may reduce the absorption of iron and be connected to an increase in hot flashes during menopause. Avoid green tea while pregnant due to the unknown risks to the fetus. Use caution when consuming green tea as a joint health supplement and consult a doctor if symptoms arise.
MSM Combines Well With Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Joint Support
MSM is a nutritional joint health supplement used for joint support for gout and arthritis pain as well as other joint and muscle pain relief. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties help reduce symptoms of arthritis. MSM is combined frequently in joint health supplements with glucosamine and chondroitin. Together, the three make a powerful natural remedy for fighting gout and rheumatoid arthritis pain.
MSM may produce some mild gastrointestinal upsets. Headaches and rashes have been reported as well as thinning of the blood. Consult a doctor before using MSM if using blood thinners.
When deciding to introduce any natural joint care supplement to the diet, consult a doctor first. The information presented here is not meant as a replacement for medical advice.
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About the author
Susan Laverie is a freelance writer whose focus is on alternative healthcare, holistic nutrition, foods that heal and green living. Laverie has written articles for Homeopathy Today, The American Homeopath, LiveStrong.com and Suite101.com, as well as elsewhere online. With a passion for history and design, her hobby has been collecting and selling antique jewelry. Having retired from practicing classical homeopathy and natural medicine for 25 years, Susan now spends much of her time writing about health, nutrition and alternative methods for healing body, mind and spirit.
Follow her at http://www.suite101.com/writer_articles.cfm/... and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/profile....
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