Natural Supplements for Supporting Knee Joint Function

Understanding the Role of Natural Supplements in Joint Health

Joint means union. They’re made up of multiple components, including bones, cartilage, ligaments, muscles, and tendons, all working together to keep you moving smoothly. It’s like a symphony—each part has to play its role perfectly for the joint to function at its best. 

Supplements help to ensure the health of each component taking part in the joint by acting directly on it. That is why consuming the best joint supplements is beneficial. Natural joint supplements are safe and effective for protecting your joint health.

Read on to find out some major natural knee joint supplements.

1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin

Your knee joint is most affected by ageing and other joint-related diseases. But don’t worry; glucosamine and chondroitin are here to save us. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two naturally occurring compounds that are components of healthy cartilage, the tissue that cushions and protects your joints.

Glucosamine is a type of building block of cartilage that supports cartilage production and slows down its breakdown. Studies suggest it helps decrease pain and stiffness in moderate OA conditions.

Chondroitin attracts water to cartilage, keeping it hydrated. It may or may not contribute to relieving pain, but it definitely helps with cartilage strength and function.

Consuming glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health has shown good results.

2. Turmeric: The Natural Anti-Inflammatory

The yellow spice turmeric has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for its healing properties. It helps decrease inflammation and relieve pain. It also helps promote mobility and joint health. Its active compound, called curcumin, has the potential to reduce knee pain and inflammation.

Some of its properties are:

• Pain Reduction:
  Turmeric helps reduce inflammation, hence decreasing pain and can be an alternative to NSAIDs.
• Inflammation Management:
  Curcumin helps in reducing inflammation, which is associated with various knee conditions.
• Improved Mobility:
  Turmeric improves joint flexibility and mobility by decreasing inflammation and improving synovial fluid circulation. Including turmeric in your diet in moderate quantities is a good option, and you can notice visible results.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Joint-Friendly Nutrients

Often praised for its benefits for the heart, omega-3 fatty acids can greatly maintain your knee health. Omega-3 fatty acids are renowned for their potent anti-inflammatory properties.  They target pathways involved in inflammatory processes, reducing inflammation, which contributes to your knee joint pain and stiffness, particularly in conditions like osteoarthritis. 

Consuming this supplement can protect your knee joints by:

• Pain Reduction: Omega-3s reduce pain and inflammation and help improve function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis, offering a natural alternative to pain relievers.
• Morning Stiffness: Research indicates omega-3s may decrease morning stiffness and improve knee joint flexibility.

Fatty fish like salmon and sardines are enriched with this fantastic nutrient. Include it in your diet, or take omega-3 supplements to keep your knee joint healthy.

4. Vitamin D and Calcium: Bone and Joint Health Duo

Bones are essential components of any joint. Healthier bones indicate healthy joints. Two bones, along with your kneecap, form the bony framework of your knees. Keeping these bones healthy is crucial for knee joint health. Vitamin D and calcium work together to form a strong foundation for your knee joints.

Vitamin D

• Vitamin D plays a huge role by helping your body absorb calcium from your food, making sure it reaches your bones for proper utilisation. 
• Adequate vitamin D levels contribute to stronger muscles, which can support and stabilise your joints, reducing the risk of falls and injuries.
• Recent research suggests vitamin D may have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis.

It’s time to get some sunshine!

Calcium: 

Calcium forms the mineral base of your bones, making them dense and resistant to fractures. While primarily known for bones, calcium also plays a role in joint health. It contributes to cartilage health, the cushioning tissue that protects your joints.

The combined action of vitamin D and calcium creates a powerful synergy for your bones and joints.

• If you have enough vitamin D in your body, you can absorb more calcium from the food you eat. This helps make your bones stronger and can lower the risk of osteoporosis. It is vital for maintaining healthy knee joints.
• When our muscles are strong, and we have enough vitamin D in our bodies, it helps to keep our bones healthy by working together with calcium. This, in turn, reduces the risk of falling and getting hurt.
• The combined influence of vitamin D and calcium might offer anti-inflammatory benefits for knee joints, easing discomfort and improving mobility.

Another supplement that is gaining popularity is MSM, short for methylsulfonylmethane,  a completely naturally occurring sulfur compound found in small amounts in plants, animals, and even humans. Taking these supplements can also support knee joints by reducing inflammation and supporting the cartilage.

Wrapping Up

Natural supplements are a great tool to maintain your knee joint health. Protect your knees from ageing, overuse, and injuries by consuming these supplements and making them stronger. Knowing about the ingredients of the supplements is very crucial. Buy only from trusted sources.

You should always take advice from a doctor before starting any supplements.