Beyond treatments prescribed by the doctor, certain food supplements can help relieve osteoarthritis pain, strengthen cartilage and get back in shape. We take stock with Dr Philippe Veroli, author of Complete Guide to Osteoarthritis.
A chronic disease that frequently develops with age, osteoarthritis affects 65% of people over 65 in France, according to Inserm. It results in a breakdown of joint cartilage, causing pain and stiffness.
The knee and hip joints are among the most affected. When the situation becomes very disabling, surgery becomes necessary to regain a better quality of life. “Each year in France, 50,000 knee prostheses and 150,000 hip prostheses are fitted”underlines Philippe Veroli.
To relieve their pain, patients are often prescribed anti-inflammatory medications or even infiltrations. But the management of this disease must be seen in a more global way, as Dr Philippe Veroli explains in his book.
Diet, exercise, smoking cessation all play a role in the development of symptoms. In addition, he recommends certain supplements depending on the stage of the disease. Some are seen as a basic treatment to strengthen the joints, others are rather used in the acute phase, in case of pain.
Read: What sport to practice when you have osteoarthritis?
Chondroitin + glucosamine to protect cartilage
Generally recommended in combination, chondroitin and glucososamine are two molecules produced by chondrocytes, cartilage cells. “Healthy chondrocytes normally synthesize chondroitin and glucosamine from glucose in food, explains Philippe Veroli. In cases of osteoarthritis, the chondrocytes, even when well supplied with glucose, are no longer able to carry out their task correctly. In addition, the body’s production of these two substances gradually decreases with age. »
Chondroitin is a major constituent of the cartilage matrix; it promotes its hydration and inhibits its degradation. Glucosamine is also an important component of cartilage.. It complements chondroitin and helps with its absorption.
“Published studies indicate that taking these two products together improves the condition of osteoarthritic patients in approximately 80% of cases”says Philippe Veroli. In addition, unlike non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, these supplements have few side effects, which is all the more important for a treatment that must be taken long term.
Doses
For an adult weighing 60 to 100 kg: 500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)
Boswellia is a tree that grows in India and is used in Ayurvedic medicine to relieve inflammation. “It is the plant that has the most powerful and rapid effects on joint pain and stiffness”says Dr. Veroli.
Its anti-inflammatory properties are due to its active ingredients, boswellic acids. It has no side effects, but sometimes you have to be a little patient to see an improvement in symptoms. “An effect can be seen after only 7 to 14 days of treatment, but will be optimal in two to three months. »
Dose
300 to 500 mg of standardized extract, 3 times a day.
