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