Whereas glucosamine structurally supports connective tissue integrity within the joint, turmeric offers greater protection against joint-diminishing oxidative stress, inflammation, and enzymes.
Glucosamine helps your body to rebuild joint cartilage and support joint mobility. Turmeric has been traditionally used to support joint health, comfort and mobility. These 2 key joint ingredients work together to give extra support to your joints.
Chondroitin
Like glucosamine, chondroitin is a building block of cartilage. It may also help prevent cartilage breakdown from osteoarthritis. Many clinical studies have found that chondroitin can reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis.
When it comes to treating arthritis pain and improving joint function omega 3 fatty acids [1], turmeric [2] and resveratrol [3] are typically deemed to be the most effective ingredients for natural rheumatoid arthritis pain. As such we'd typically recommend supplements for arthritis that contain all three.
Turmeric's main active component — curcumin — is what gives the spice its yellow color. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a potential treatment for a number of health conditions, including reduced pain and increased ease of movement in people with osteoarthritis.
The anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric can be especially helpful for those with arthritis. This includes both degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) and inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, or others).
Glucosamine and chondroitin are two of the most commonly used supplements for arthritis. They're components of cartilage—the substance that cushions the joints.
Glucosamine may also increase glaucoma risk. Therefore, it shouldn't be taken by those at risk of developing glaucoma, including those with a family history of glaucoma, people ages 60 or older, and those who have diabetes, heart disease, or high blood pressure ( 31 ).
Glucosamine can cause some mild side effects including bloating, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. When applied to the skin: N-acetyl glucosamine is possibly safe when used for up to 10 weeks.
Consuming healthy fats can increase joint health and lubrication. Foods high in healthy fats include salmon, trout, mackerel, avocados, olive oil, almonds, walnuts, and chia seeds. The omega-3 fatty acids in these foods will assist in joint lubrication.
Glucosamine and chondroitin have become popular joint health supplements in recent years. They are natural components of the tissues that make up cartilage, which cushions our joints. Studies show mixed results for overall effectiveness, but some patients report improvement in joint pain and arthritis benefits.
Glucosamine and chondroitin may help reduce symptoms in some people, while other natural options — such as turmeric and Boswellia — may also help with joint pain management.
A new study published in Nutrition Journal finds that UC-II, an undenatured type II collagen ingredient, may be more effective at improving symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA) than a placebo or glucosamine hydrochloride plus chondroitin sulfate (GC).
When can you expect to see results? In one study, participants reported improvements in joint discomfort after supplementing with 2 grams of turmeric daily for 6 weeks. Another study reported results after 8-12 weeks of supplementation with 1 gram of turmeric daily.
The typical study dose of 500 to 2,000 mg of turmeric per day had potential benefits. The exact dose depends on the medical condition. The Arthritis Foundation suggests taking turmeric capsules (400 to 600 mg) 3 times per day. Another option is to take a half to three grams of the root powder every day.
High doses of turmeric could have a blood-thinning effect; if taken on top of prescribed anticoagulants, this could increase the risk of dangerous bleeding. People with liver or bile duct problems should not take turmeric supplements, as they can increase bile production. Cooking with turmeric shouldn't cause problems.
There is no standard recommended dose for glucosamine. The supplement is typically sold in tablets and capsules, and is often included with other supplements that may be effective for pain. It is OK to take glucosamine every day, but check with your healthcare provider.
Glucosamine has been implicated in isolated case reports in causing clinically apparent liver injury, but the role of glucosamine as opposed to other herbal components or contaminants has not been shown, and liver injury due to glucosamine or chondroitin must be very rare if it occurs at all.
Glucosamine appears to be safe, even when taken for a few years. Side effects may include: Constipation. Diarrhea.
Blood and circulation issues: Glucosamine may also affect blood pressure and blood clotting. People who take it should: avoid using glucosamine with warfarin (Coumadin) and other blood thinners. monitor their blood pressure if they are using glucosamine.
A landmark study of glucosamine and chondroitin
This raises the possibility that taking glucosamine and chondroitin might make your joints feel worse than doing nothing.
What foods are high in glucosamine? Food sources of glucosamine are few and far between. The only natural food sources are shellfish shells from shrimp, lobster and crabs. It's these shells that are harvested and used to make the synthetic version of glucosamine that goes into the supplements that are made in labs.
Taking magnesium can help to reduce arthritic pain and inflammation. It may be beneficial to take magnesium supplements or eat foods rich in magnesium if you are experiencing arthritic pain. Magnesium has not been shown to reverse arthritis.