What Supplements Should Be Avoided If You Have Arthritis?

What Supplements Should Be Avoided If You Have Arthritis is easier to approach with a clear overview and reliable steps. This guide organizes the essential information, highlights practical details, and explains what to check along the way.

Supplements Arthritis Patients Should Avoid

Red Yeast Rice

Many people use red yeast rice to lower cholesterol—but some also use it as a supplement for arthritis. However, red yeast rice's positive effects on cholesterol may be offset by its negative effects on joint health. This is due to its high calcium and magnesium content—two nutrients important for bone health. Like statin drugs, red yeast rice can cause muscle pain and joint discomfort, says Pacheco. It may also affect the safety and effectiveness of some prescription medications.

Chaparral

This plant, also known as Larrea tridentata, is a shrub native to California, Arizona, and northern Mexico. Because it contains natural components that are high in antioxidants, it is sometimes used as an agent to reduce arthritis.

However, in the 1990s, the use of chaparral as a dietary supplement led to dozens of hospitalizations for emergency liver transplants and cirrhosis. In short, it is not suitable for arthritis (and other health conditions). Consuming even small amounts can cause significant health problems, especially liver toxicity. No human studies have been conducted to support its use, as the risks far outweigh any potential benefits.

Arnica

Arnica can be applied to the skin to relieve aching, sore joints. One study found that its pain-relieving effects were comparable to ibuprofen in people with arthritis. But for some people, topical application can cause skin problems such as rashes, itching, or dryness.

Taking arnica orally has even more serious drawbacks while such side effects from topical arnica can be unpleasant. Arnica should not be taken orally unless under the close supervision of a physician, as consumption, especially in concentrated amounts, can lead to a host of serious side effects, some of which can be fatal.

Cat's Claw

Cat's claw is a popular herbal supplement that is sometimes used to relieve pain associated with arthritis. Cat's claw is high in anti-inflammatory properties, which is why it is thought to be an effective treatment for arthritis.

However, research on this herb for arthritis is limited and outdated. Furthermore, this herb can cause side effects such as nausea and stomach upset. This supplement may interact with some medications, including those that lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

Tips for Controlling Arthritis

Supplements aren't the only option when it comes to managing arthritis. In fact, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to help manage your condition.

• Eat an anti-inflammatory diet. Since arthritis is an inflammatory condition, prioritizing foods with anti-inflammatory properties can help control symptoms. Consider a Mediterranean-style diet or another anti-inflammatory diet that includes whole grains, healthy fats, lean proteins, and plenty of produce. 'Foods like salmon, sardines, berries, oranges, kiwi, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, nuts, seeds, and olive oil are great foods to incorporate into your diet more often,' says Pacheco.
• Limit highly processed foods. On the other hand, reducing inflammation is also about what you don't eat. Limit added sugars and highly processed foods as much as possible, as they can increase inflammation.7.
• Get moving. Regular physical activity can strengthen the muscles around inflamed joints, reduce joint pain, and improve your mood. Whether it's taking a walk around the block after dinner or tending to the lawn, try to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

Final Thoughts

The most reliable way to handle what supplements should be avoided if you have arthritis is to follow the process in order, verify each important setting, and test the result before moving on. Use the guidance above as a practical reference, then adjust the details for your device, software version, or specific goal.