| If you suffer from back or joint pain, taking | | | | Like magnesium, glucosamine is found naturally in |
| supplements may be preferable to drugs. Supplements | | | | healthy cartilage. Early medical trials show it may be |
| that are naturally found in the body are less likely to | | | | helpful in treating osteoarthritis, especially in the knee. It |
| have side effects like brain fog or sleepiness. They're | | | | also shows promise for treatment of rheumatoid |
| also easier on your kidneys which have to process | | | | arthritis. |
| those drugs. Generally natural supplements are less | | | | Often glucosamine is combined with chondroitin which, |
| expensive than drugs and, of course, available without | | | | again, is also found in healthy cartilage. They work |
| a doctor's prescription. | | | | synergistically to rebuild cartilage. It is common to find |
| There are several natural substances you can use to | | | | glucosamine chondroitin combined with MSM or |
| ease back and joint pain: | | | | calcium. Taking it will not provide quick pain relief, but it |
| Magnesium | | | | will aid in rebuilding joint tissue over time. As far as side |
| If you want relatively quick relief to muscle and joint | | | | effects, there are rare reports of abdominal pain, loss |
| pain, magnesium is the first supplement to try. | | | | of appetite or nausea. |
| Magnesium is necessary for numerous body functions. | | | | Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) |
| It is used to maintain normal muscle and nerve function, | | | | MSM is odorless and tasteless. It is related to DMSO |
| regulate heart rhythm, and support the immune system. | | | | (dimethyl sulfoxide), an alternative treatment for |
| Magnesium also regulates blood sugar levels and blood | | | | arthritis. Like chondroitin, it is often combined with |
| pressure. For many people, a normal diet may not be | | | | glucosamine. MSM is naturally found in cow's milk, |
| enough for optimum magnesium levels so it's wise to | | | | meat, seafood, fruits, and vegetables. While there is no |
| take a supplement. Also, medications such as diuretics | | | | dietary requirement for MSM, it is available in capsules, |
| and antibiotics may result in magnesium deficiency. | | | | tablets, creams and lotions. Clinical trials have indicated |
| Magnesium is used in analgesics before surgery to | | | | that MSM is effective for osteoarthritis, but many |
| help the patient's muscles relax. Take it right before | | | | people suffering from rrheumatoid arthritis have |
| going to bed, and it will help you have a good night's | | | | claimed it was helpful. |
| sleep. In the morning you'll awake with relaxed muscles. | | | | Hyaluronic Acid (HA) |
| The only negative to magnesium is diarrhea can occur | | | | Hyaluronic acid is found throughout the body as a |
| if you take more than the recommended dosage. This | | | | component of connective tissue. Its main function is to |
| is a temporary effect, however, and will cease when | | | | cushion and lubricate. HA helps to support healthy skin, |
| you reduce the dosage. Magnesium is available in | | | | eyesight and joint function. Joints deficient of HA don't |
| tablets, liquid, or powder. It is basically tasteless, so if | | | | move well and become stiff. Those taking the |
| you're averse to pills, the liquid or power can be mixed | | | | supplement report relatively quick relief to joint pain; |
| into smoothies or tea. | | | | however, it's main benefit will be felt over time as it |
| Glucosamine Chondroitin | | | | aids strengthening of connective and joint tissue. |