Supplements for Joints and Muscles

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) have a role to play in reducing pain and inflammation and are found in fish oils, krill oil, seaweeds, hemp seed oil, flax oil, evening primrose oil and borage (starflower) oil. 

Glucosamine has been found by many arthritis sufferers, and people with sports injuries, to reduce pain and inflammation. Glucosamine is often combined with sulphur (MSM), which is also thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect, or Chondroitin, which is also found in the joint tissue and may help to repair joint damage.

Celery seed is also available in capsule form for those who don't like the taste of it as a food. Celery contains polyacetylene which helps reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout and luteolin which prevents inflammation from 'switching on' in the first place.

Turmeric capsules have become very popular as turmeric contains natural COX-2 inhibitors, like ginger, that help to relieve pain. Turmeric capsules should also contain piperine (from black pepper) to help absorption.

Rose hip seed extracts have also been proven in clinical trials to help arthritis sufferers. Buying the right one can be confusing as many rose hip preparations are made from the hip, discarding the seeds inside, and it is the seeds that contain the active phytochemicals.