Supplements for Healthy Joints

(Dr. Weil's newsletter)

Throughout life, both men and women experience normal wear and tear on the joints. To help support optimum joint health, follow an anti-inflammatory diet and consider these dietary supplements:

1. Glucosamine and chondroitin. These two compounds help provide the building blocks for substances naturally found in healthy cartilage and appear to relieve pain, and improve joint mobility.
2. SAM-e. This naturally occurring molecule (S-adenosylmethioine) delivers sulfur to the cartilage, which helps build and maintain strong joints.
3. Evening primrose oil. A source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which may help maintain healthy joints.
4. Anti-inflammatory herbs. Ginger, holy basil, turmeric, green tea, rosemary, Scutellaria and hu zhang all have naturally occurring compounds that help maintain joint health.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids. Use varieties that are molecularly distilled from the oil of fish or krill and contain both EPA and DHA, essential fatty acids which have been shown in studies to help maintain bone health and joint flexibility.