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What is Hyaluronic Acid?

Hyaluronic acid is a gel-like material that is naturally present throughout the human body. It is a viscous jelly-like fluid that helps with lubrication of the joints, such as the knees. It also helps with the development and growth of the cartilage and the bones that make the joint.

Hyaluronic acid also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent by reducing inflammation in the joints. This, in turn, also reduces pain caused by injury and degeneration of the joint tissue.

Hyaluronic Acid for Joint Inflammation:

The joint diseases that hyaluronic acid treats include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and adhesive capsulitis, commonly known as frozen shoulder. It also helps treat ankle sprain and lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow.

          1. Osteoarthritis

Hyaluronic acid is most commonly used to treat knee osteoarthritis. Research suggests that taking hyaluronic acid oral supplements helps treat some osteoarthritic patients with mild knee pain. (1) Hyaluronic acid may decrease the inflammation caused by wearing and tearing of the cartilage and bone in osteoarthritic joints. Hyaluronic acid helps to restore lubrication of the joints and stimulates the growth of new cartilage and bone tissue in the joints. These supplements can also treat osteoarthritis of the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, and thumb joints. (2)

          2. Frozen Shoulder

Hyaluronic acid supplements may also help relieve stiffness in a frozen shoulder. Researchers have claimed that this may be because of hyaluronic acid’s effects in decreasing swelling and inflammation of the synovial membrane.

          3. Rheumatoid Arthritis

A recent scientific study has shown that hyaluronic acid injections might prevent and manage the inflammation and synovitis in the joints of the ankle and feet caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Moreover, taking daily supplements of hyaluronic acid also helps in relieving the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis to an extent.

          4. Tennis Elbow

Hyaluronic acid decreases the chronic degeneration of the lateral epicondyle tendon, which causes a condition known as tennis elbow. The effect of the hyaluronic acid injection for tennis elbow has been further evaluated in a study, which has concluded by stating that a single injection of HA can help to manage mild to moderate pain associated with lateral epicondylitis. (3)

What Do Clinical Studies Say About Hyaluronic Acid?

Researchers have claimed that hyaluronic acid intake of 80–200 mg per day for at least two months significantly reduces knee pain in individuals with osteoarthritis, especially those between 40 and 70 years of age. (4)
Some studies have shown that eating all-natural oral hyaluronic acid supplements daily with injections can help to relieve pain for a longer time and decrease the need for shots again and again. (2) In two studies, it has been shown that hyaluronic acid oral supplements can help decelerate the rate of bone loss in rats with decreased bone mass class osteopenia. (5)(6) High doses of hyaluronic acid can increase the activity of bone-forming cells called osteoblasts. (7)

The Bottom Line

It is apparent that hyaluronic acid natural supplements can have multiple health benefits if taken on a daily basis. It is a powerful anti-inflammatory and pain reliever for diseases of the joints, skin, and inflammation in the body.

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References:

1.) Oe, M., Tashiro, T., Yoshida, H. et al. Oral hyaluronan relieves knee pain: a review. Nutr J 15, 11 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0128-2

2.) Bowman S, Awad ME, Hamrick MW, Hunter M, Fulzele S. Recent advances in hyaluronic acid-based therapy for osteoarthritis. Clin Transl Med. 2018;7(1):6. Published 2018 Feb 16. doi:10.1186/s40169-017-0180-3

3.) Khan IU, Awan AS, Khan AS, Marwat I, Meraj M. Efficacy Of A Single-Injection Sodium Hyaluronate Treatment In Lateral Epicondylitis. J Ayub Med Coll Abbottabad. 2018 Jan-Mar;30(1):85-89. PMID: 29504338.

4.) Jensen GS, Attridge VL, Lenninger MR, Benson KF. Oral intake of a liquid high-molecular-weight hyaluronan associated with relief of chronic pain and reduced use of pain medication: results of a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind pilot study. J Med Food. 2015 Jan;18(1):95-101. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2013.0174. PMID: 25415767; PMCID: PMC4281855.

5.) Stancíková M, Svík K, Istok R, Rovenský J, Velebný V. The effects of hyaluronan on bone resorption and bone mineral density in a rat model of estrogen deficiency-induced osteopenia. Int J Tissue React. 2004;26(1-2):9-16. PMID: 15573687.

6.) Ma J, Granton PV, Holdsworth DW, Turley EA. Oral administration of hyaluronan reduces bone turnover in ovariectomized rats. J Agric Food Chem. 2013 Jan 16;61(2):339-45. doi: 10.1021/jf300651d. Epub 2013 Jan 8. PMID: 23256527.

7.) Huang L, Cheng YY, Koo PL, Lee KM, Qin L, Cheng JC, Kumta SM. The effect of hyaluronan on osteoblast proliferation and differentiation in rat calvarial-derived cell cultures. J Biomed Mater Res A. 2003 Sep 15;66(4):880-4. doi: 10.1002/jbm.a.10535. PMID: 12926041.

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Read on to know about the amazing health benefits of ginger root.

          1.) Calms Nausea:

Ginger calms nausea by eliminating the built-in gas in your stomach. Ginger root acts as a carminative, soothes your intestinal tract, and treats chemotherapy-related nausea.

          2.) Supports the Immune System:

Ginger root supplements can treat flu and cold symptoms and boosts immunity. Daily consumption of freshly chopped ginger root even prevents throat irritation, cough, and bacterial infections.

          3.) Reduces Inflammation and Pain:

The anti-inflammatory properties of ginger root make it beneficial for relieving pain related to osteoarthritis. Recent research studies have also reported an improvement in mobility and reduction in pain levels in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis who consumed ginger root regularly.

          4.) Makes Your Heart Healthy:

Ginger root acts as s blood thinner and prevents the formation of blood clots in arteries and blood vessels, reducing the risk of stroke and heart disease. Daily ginger root supplementation improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.

          5.) Reduces Bad Cholesterol:

The bad (LDL) cholesterol makes you more prevalent to heart diseases. Ginger promotes the reduction of LDL and production of more HDL. A small study found that higher reduction in triglycerides and cholesterol is linked with 3g daily consumption of ginger.

          6.) Helps in Digestion:

One cup of ginger tea makes you full for a longer time and helps your stomach to improve digestion. In this way, indulgent food won’t stay in the stomach for prolonged time.

          7.) Anti-Aging Properties:

You might have seen ginger antioxidants on some of your beauty products, which is actually a good thing. Antioxidants present in ginger root boosts collagen production, promoting smoothness and skin elasticity.

          8.) Protects Against Cancer:

Ginger root is packed with antioxidants and bioactive molecules, which prevent the growth of cancerous cells. Daily consumption of ginger supplements protects your body against cancers like breast, gastric, ovarian, prostate, and liver cancer.

          9.) Lowers Blood Sugar:

2-3g of fresh ginger root evens out blood glucose levels. Ginger also improves insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes by supporting their sugar metabolism.

          10.) Eases Period Cramps:

According to a study, daily consumption of 1500mg of ginger root reduced menstrual cramps in women compared to those who didn’t consume the supplement.

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References:

1.) Miller, M. You Should Probably Start Eating More Ginger ASAP. Women’s Health https://www.womenshealthmag.com/food/a19992452/health-benefits-of-ginger/ (2018).

2.) 11 Benefits of Ginger That You Didn’t Know About. Lifehack https://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/10-benefits-of-ginger-that-you-didnt-know-about.html (2012).

3.) Efficacy and safety of ginger in osteoarthritis patients: a meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials – PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25300574/.

4.) Investigation of the effect of ginger on the lipid levels. A double blind controlled clinical trial – PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18813412/.

5.) Pai, V. V., Shukla, P. & Kikkeri, N. N. Antioxidants in dermatology. Indian Dermatol. Online J. 5, 210–214 (2014).

6.) Health Benefits of Ginger. WebMD https://www.webmd.com/diet/ss/slideshow-health-benefits-ginger.

7.) London, J. et al. Ginger Can Absolutely Help Settle an Upset Stomach, Research Says. Good Housekeeping https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/diet-nutrition/a46886/health-benefits-of-ginger/ (2020).