Joint (Pill) replacement

By Kathy Summers

If you’re one of an estimated 1.3 million osteoarthritis (OA) sufferers who no longer take Vioxx because of the recent recall, take heart—you can support your joints with healthier alternatives. The COX-2 inhibitor drug Vioxx was shown to double the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and now the American Medical Association is urging doctors to think twice before prescribing similar drugs like Celebrex and Bextra.

Natural joint supplements take effect more slowly, because they work with the body’s own processes to support joint health rather than masking symptoms. Fortunately, research continues to show benefits, minus the risks associated with COX-2 inhibitors or the gastro-intestinal side effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Although more studies are needed, the supplements listed here have significant research pointing to their benefits.

• Glucosamine sulfate, an amino sugar involved in cartilage formation and repair, has been shown to relieve joint pain and stiffness.

• Chondroitin sulfate, part of a protein molecule (proteoglycan) that gives cartilage its elasticity, has been shown to reduce joint pain and the need for NSAIDs by 67 percent.

• ASU (avocado/soybean unsaponifiable), derived from avocado and soybean oils, has been shown to provide long-term joint pain relief and reduce the need for NSAIDs.

• SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), a naturally occurring compound in all living cells, has been shown to relieve joint pain to a degree similar to that of NSAIDs.

• Vitamin D deficiency is associated with higher levels of joint pain, disability, and some muscle weakness.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale), an herb derived from the root of the ginger flower and long used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been shown to increase mobility and reduce joint pain and swelling.