The Best Supplements to Support Joint Health

In our daily lives, the movements — and lack of movements — we make throughout the day can significantly impact our joints.

Joint health is critical, as it supports our ability to move freely, stay active and maintain overall well-being. Without proper care, joints can become stiff, sore or prone to injury, affecting our quality of life.

Fortunately, the best joint health supplements aren’t hard to find.

How Do Your Joints Work?

Your joints are the locations where two bones meet. Think of them like a door hinge that allows your body to move and stay flexible. They’re made from various bones and connective tissues — like cartilage, tendons, ligaments and nerves — that hold them together.

Based on the types of connective tissues, joints are classified into three categories:

Fibrous joints – These joints are relatively stiff and inflexible since they contain high amounts of collagen, the body’s building block. These types of joints help keep the skull together, hold the jaw bones and teeth in place and connect bones in the leg.
Cartilaginous joints – These joints are more flexible than fibrous joints, but they still have limited movement. Cushioned by joint cartilage, they help connect the ribs to the sternum and secure the pelvic bones.
Synovial joints– These joints are extremely flexible, allowing for easy, fluid movement of the body. They’re like puzzles, allowing bones to fit together seamlessly. In this area also exists synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint, much like oil for door hinges.

All that said, damage to the bones or connective tissues can impair joint function. Medical conditions can also play a role in joint dysfunction.

Fortunately, taking joint health supplements regularly may help mitigate stiffness and strengthen the connective tissues.

Supplements For Joint Health

Some research suggests that natural nutritional supplements may help relieve joint stiffness and perceptions of discomfort. Let’s explore.

#1 Glucosamine

Often found naturally in the body’s cartilage, glucosamine supplements can help reduce inflammation and support the repair of damaged joint cartilage.

By maintaining the structure of cartilage and preventing its breakdown, glucosamine not only reduces discomfort but can also improve joint flexibility over time. It's especially effective when combined with other joint-supporting nutrients like chondroitin, making it a popular choice for long-term joint care. Find more tips on how to improve flexibility if this is one of your pain points.

#2 Chondroitin

Chondroitin works alongside glucosamine to protect cartilage and reduce joint discomfort by keeping cartilage hydrated and resilient. This compound helps to attract water into the cartilage, improving its shock-absorbing qualities and reducing joint damage from wear and tear.

By doing so, chondroitin helps slow the progression of joint stiffness, making it easier to maintain an active lifestyle.

#3 Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in fish oil, omega-3s are powerful anti-inflammatories that may help reduce swelling and discomfort in joints. Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, help suppress inflammatory responses in the body, which is crucial for those with joint pain. Accordingly, taking omega-3s may help to:

Improve joint mobility
Decrease morning stiffness
Support heart and brain health

#4 S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e)

Known to promote cartilage health and reduce joint pain relief, SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) also has mood-boosting properties that can help with the emotional toll of long-term joint issues.

SAM-e also supports the production of proteoglycans, molecules that help cartilage retain its structure and elasticity.

#5 Curcumin

This compound, found in turmeric, has potential anti-inflammatory effects and can aid in reducing joint pain and stiffness.

How so?

Curcumin works by blocking the action of pro-inflammatory molecules in the body, helping to relieve stiffness. Its antioxidant properties also help protect joint tissues from oxidative stress, which can contribute to cartilage breakdown.

To properly consume curcumin, pair it with black pepper to enhance its absorption and increase its effectiveness.

#6 Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)

MSM helps reduce inflammation and promotes the production of collagen, a key component of joint health. As such, it can help support joint flexibility and mitigate feelings of discomfort after joint damage has occurred.

Its sulfur content also plays a crucial role in maintaining the structures of:

Cartilage
Tendons
Ligaments

#7 Vitamin D

Essential for calcium absorption and bone health, vitamin D deficiencies can contribute to bone and joint discomfort. Adequate levels of vitamin D are critical for maintaining strong bones, which directly support healthy joints.

It also plays a role in reducing the risk of falls by improving muscle strength and coordination, particularly in older adults.

#8 Borage Oil

Rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), borage oil may help reduce joint issues like stiffness, soreness and swelling in the joints.

#9 Boswellia

A natural anti-inflammatory, Boswellia extract — also known as Indian frankincense — may help improve joint function and reduce discomfort.

Specifically, boswellic acids can inhibit the production of inflammatory enzymes, reducing cartilage damage.

#10 Cat’s Claw

This herb, traditionally used in South American medicine, has been shown to inhibit TNF-alpha, a key inflammatory molecule in conditions that stiffen the joints.

Cat’s claw may also help reduce swelling and joint tenderness.

#11 Avocado Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU)

These compounds can reduce stiffness in joints by slowing the breakdown of cartilage. Specifically, ASU works by inhibiting molecules that cause swelling and soreness and may also help repair damaged tissue to mitigate feelings of discomfort.

#12 CBD

Derived from the hemp plant, CBD for joint support may help manage joint soreness and swelling to improve your daily movement.

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to regulate physical sensations and inflammatory responses, which can help to:

Relieve physical discomfort
Improve sleep quality
Support tissue recovery

Support Joint Health With Zebra CBD

Your joints are critical structures that need to be regularly cared for and maintained. Fortunately, natural supplements like glucosamine, omega-3s and CBD offer much-needed support for healthy joints by reducing swelling, promoting cartilage repair and easing discomfort.

At Zebra CBD, we offer natural solutions and supplements to alleviate joint stiffness and promote overall joint wellness.

For joint and muscle pain relief, you’ll find our CBD topicals, from CBD Rub and CBD Balm to CBD Roll-On Cooling Gel, which can be applied directly to trouble spots. For support from the inside out, try our specialized hemp pills, like our CBD Joint & Muscle Tablets, or pick up our CBD Gummies for sale, like our Joint and Muscle blend.

Incorporate Zebra CBD into your night routine or morning ritualtosupport a better tomorrow today.

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