nutritionCan a mineral supplement help counteract my osteoarthritic knee pain and problems?
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I have run for over 25 years. My knees are done in. I have been told I have osteoarthritis in my knees. I would like to know if a supplement, such as the following,
is able to reduce joint pain and if so how. Is this another useless product or what.
Here is the blurb from the web-site.
SierraSil - Joint Formula 14 is described as "a pure, 100% all natural mineral powder containing silicon, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinca and a wide array of macro and trace minerals in a rich clay structure, with natural healing and detoxifying properties that reduces inflammation and enhances the body’s natural healing and detoxifying properties - gently cleansing the digestive system and colon. It eases joint and muscle aches, reduces stiffness and helps prevent cartilage breakdown associated with exercise and movement.
So it sounds like a wonder supplement - is it too good to be true?
is able to reduce joint pain and if so how. Is this another useless product or what.
Here is the blurb from the web-site.
SierraSil - Joint Formula 14 is described as "a pure, 100% all natural mineral powder containing silicon, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, zinca and a wide array of macro and trace minerals in a rich clay structure, with natural healing and detoxifying properties that reduces inflammation and enhances the body’s natural healing and detoxifying properties - gently cleansing the digestive system and colon. It eases joint and muscle aches, reduces stiffness and helps prevent cartilage breakdown associated with exercise and movement.
So it sounds like a wonder supplement - is it too good to be true?
By Rosemary Gibson – almost 2 years ago
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I've been a doctor for 7 years, I have worked in Rheumatology, Trauma and Orthopaedics and Accident and Emergency. I can honestly say that SierraSil is not on my prescribing list.
So lets get into the research. I can find only one respectable study which found sierrasil alone and in combination with a cat's claw extract, improved joint health and function within 1-2 weeks of treatment but significant benefits over placebo were not sustained, possibly due to rescue medication masking symptoms. It concluded sierrasil may offer an alternative therapy in subjects with joint pain and dysfunction, but did not prove this.
Is it a wonder supplement, you would have to tell me that. It has no good research and I have never been advised to prescribe it. Yes its natural, and I doubt very much it would be harmful.
When it comes to osteoarthritis, good pain control, anti-inflammatory drugs (if you can take them), glucosamine, chondroitin and exercise are the first and foremost methods of attack. This sometimes progresses to joint injections, key hole surgical procedures, joint resurfacings and possibly joint replacements.
Can I point you to a previous question about anti-inflammatory properties of foods:
Cool site! Can nutrition affect inflammation?
I hope this information helps.
Health and Fitness Doctor
I have some in my left shoulder and neck.
I did read a study that glucosamine was more effective when taken with fish oil. Apparently, inflammation stops nutrients from getting to the problem area and enough fish oil acts as an anti-inflammatory.
I read a study that correlated low vitamin D with hip arthritis.
I read a study that correlated herniated discs with low copper.
Keep in mind that correlation does not show cause but it does point to a place to possibly start.
I have a few people I know use a product called Cissus Root by USP Labs that swear by it for joints.
I did find a clinic in Mexico that claimed to eradicate arthritis. Of course, it seemed suspect but I did open a dialogue with them and they coached me to try the technique here in the States(NY). There they call it Intraneural Therapy and here the call it Trigger Point Injections. I saw an MD, he gave me 3 shots(approx 90% lidocaine and 10% cortisone) and my range-of-motion improved 15-20% and I kept it... If you are at "that" point, look this up...
Fitness Professional
Like Michael, I have osteoarthritis in my neck and shoulder (thanks barbell bench press for the chronic injury...note to lifters, use dumbbells instead!) and nothing is likely to regenerate the joint but some kind of exercise that keeps the blood flow and challenges the muscles at least 3 times per week will certainly slow the progression of the condition.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin may help in some people but doesn't help in others but it can't hurt and is certainly worth a try for at least 8 weeks.
That "wonder" supplement could be of use but is very unlikely to be as effective as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, pain medication (Ibuprofen or other), and fish oils. If you aren't on other medications that are contraindicated with fish oil, then you may want to go up to 4 to 6 grams per day (not fish "liver" oil though, it is too high in certain vitamins to take in mega dosages) to get more of the anti-inflammatory effects and better blood flow. Much of the cause of joint degradation seems to be due to low circulation, which becomes even lower with inactivity and joint ailments.
Nutritionist and Supplement Specialist