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Dietary Supplements: Very Few Fight Inflammation

Home > News > Dietary Supplements: Very Few Fight Inflammation
Posted: Jul 15, 2017 | by Alice | 0 Comment

inflammation, osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, dietary supplements, wrist fracture, balance, rotator cuff surgery, Virginia Orthopaedic & Spine SpecialistsIf you have pain associated with inflammation, chances are you’ve wondered if any dietary supplements actually work.

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and tendinitis are all associated with inflammation. Many natural products have a long history of use for treating musculoskeletal inflammation.

Before you try any dietary supplements for any reason, you should consult your health care provider. Dietary supplements contain a variety of ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and herbs or other botanicals, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Research has confirmed health benefits of some dietary supplements but not others.

And, just because something is “natural,” does not mean it is “safe.” An herbal supplement may contain dozens of compounds, so all of its ingredients may not be known. Additionally, some dietary supplements may interact with medications or pose risks if you have medical problems.  While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates dietary supplements, the regulations for dietary supplements are different and less strict than those for prescription or over-the-counter drugs.

While there is some limited evidence that a few natural products may provide modest benefits for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and tendinitis, in general, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of many of these natural products for inflammatory disorders.

Consider these seven facts and tips from the NCCIH on natural products marketed to fight inflammation:

  1. There is some evidence that omega-3 fatty acids may provide a modest benefit for symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis.
  2. Turmeric and willow bark have been used for many years as remedies for the treatment of inflammatory conditions. However, there have only been a few trials of turmeric conducted in people. In fact, there isn’t enough evidence to support the use of turmeric supplementation for inflammatory disorders. Research suggests that willow bark is effective as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory and there is moderate evidence of effectiveness for use of willow bark extract for treating low-back pain.
  3. Bromelain, which is a mixture of enzymes found in the pineapple plant, is often used as a dietary supplement for nasal swelling and inflammation, osteoarthritis, and muscle soreness. There is some evidence that bromelain may be helpful along with conventional medicine to help improve acute nasal and sinus inflammation, but there isn’t enough evidence as to whether bromelain has any beneficial effects on other inflammatory conditions.
  4. There is some moderate evidence that devil’s claw, an herb native to Africa, is beneficial for osteoarthritis of the spine, hip, and knee. However, it isn’t considered safe if you’re pregnant or breast-feeding. Since devil’s claw can affect heart rate, heartbeat, and blood pressure, it may also harm people with disorders of the heart and circulatory system.
  5. Based on current evidence, it is unclear whether taking ginger supplements is beneficial in treating the symptoms of osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or joint and muscle pain.
  6. There is some evidence that thunder god vine—a vine native to China, Japan, and Korea—may reduce some symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis; however, thunder god vine may be associated with some serious adverse side effects.
  7. Take charge of your health. Always consult  your health care provider about any complementary health approaches you want to try. Make a well-informed decision with your doctor’s help.

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