What Supplements Help with Arthritis?

This article talks about Senolytic supplements such as SeneVit, Fisetin and Quercetin in managing arthritis and its types.

Arthritis, a group of diseases, leads to inflammation and joint pain, affecting individuals of all ages with symptoms varying from mild to severe. It targets joints, including wrists, knuckles, hips, knees, and ankles. Among the 100+ types of arthritis, the most prevalent are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Symptoms of Arthritis

Symptoms of arthritis vary depending on the type but typically include pain, stiffness, and swelling in the affected joint(s). These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may fluctuate over time. Arthritis can affect individuals of all age groups, although the likelihood of developing it increases with age.

How does ageing contribute to arthritis?

As you age, you might observe a decline in the health of your joints, accompanied by pain, stiffness, swelling, and diminished joint mobility—classic indicators of arthritis.

The Arthritis Foundation reports that arthritis ranks among the most widespread chronic diseases globally, impacting more than 350 million individuals. While arthritis can manifest at any age, it is notably prevalent among adults aged 65 and older. Despite this, it's essential to recognise that arthritis is not an inherent aspect of the ageing process. Taking proactive measures can significantly diminish your risk of developing this condition.

As we age, the natural loss of water content in our cartilage makes it more susceptible to damage, leading to breakdown and causing bones in our joints to rub against each other. This wear and tear can ultimately result in osteoarthritis. Additionally, ageing weakens the immune system, making it harder for our bodies to combat diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What are the Types, Causes and Symptoms of Arthritis?

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis are the two most common types of arthritis. It is crucial to understand their differences as each type has its unique causes and symptoms.

What is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Rheumatoid Arthritis, an autoimmune condition, arises when the immune system mistakenly targets the body's joints, resulting in inflammation and pain. Predominantly impacting areas like the hands, feet, knees, and hips, it cause intense joint inflammation and pain. Among the typical symptoms are pain, stiffness, warmth, and redness in the affected joints. If any symptoms manifest, seeking advice from a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment options is advisable.

How does RA occur?

Let's take a closer look at each of these factors and how they may play a role in the development of RA.

Factor	Influence on RA Development
Genetics	Research indicates a genetic link; higher risk with close family members (parent or sibling) having RA. However, genetic markers don't guarantee RA development; other factors play a role.
Age	RA can occur at any age, but most commonly diagnosed between 30 and 50. Aging may increase susceptibility to chronic conditions and affect the immune system, contributing to RA development.
Environmental Triggers	Certain infections or toxins may trigger RA development in those genetically predisposed. Further research is needed to understand the full role of environmental triggers.
Hormonal Changes	Hormones, especially estrogen, may influence RA development. Women are 2-3 times more likely to develop RA, with symptom onset often coinciding with hormonal changes like pregnancy or menopause.
Smoking	Smoking increases RA risk and may worsen symptoms. The exact mechanism is not fully understood, but it is believed to trigger an immune response leading to joint inflammation.
Obesity	Being overweight or obese is linked to a higher RA risk. Excess weight stresses joints, contributing to inflammation. Fat tissue can produce proteins triggering an immune response and joint inflammation.

While these factors may contribute to the development of RA, there is no guarantee that you will develop the disease. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, practising stress management, and engaging in regular exercise can collectively contribute to lowering your risk of developing RA and other chronic health conditions.

What is Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a type of arthritis affecting the cartilage in joints. The firm, rubbery tissue that covers the ends of bones to form a joint is known as cartilage. When individuals have osteoarthritis, this cartilage undergoes breakdown and deterioration, leading to friction between bones. Consequently, pain and inflammation arise in the affected joint.

Various symptoms characterise osteoarthritis, including pain during movement, stiffness, swollen joints, limited movement, and the presence of loose or unstable joints. For an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate treatment plan, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional.

How does OA occur?

The table below provides a concise overview of the key risk factors and their effect on the development of osteoarthritis (OA)

Factor	Influence on OA Development
Age	Main risk factor for OA. Suspected mechanisms include oxidative damage, cartilage thinning, muscle weakening, and reduced proprioception.
Gender	Higher prevalence in women, especially after menopause. Hormonal, cartilage, bone, or muscle differences may play a role.
Obesity	Strongly associated with knee OA (pooled OR: 2.66). Dose-response relationship observed; weight loss improves outcomes.
Genetics	Genetic factors account for 40–60% of OA. Genes linked to vitamin D receptor, type 2 collagen, and growth differentiation factor 5 are implicated.
Diet	Deficiencies in vitamins D, C, and K may increase OA risk. Further studies needed to clarify these associations.
Injury	Knee injuries, especially ACL ruptures, significantly increase OA risk. Meniscal damage and total meniscectomy further exacerbate the risk.
Abnormal Loading	Repetitive joint use and high-impact activities are linked to OA. Occupations requiring squatting, kneeling, or manual dexterity increase risk for specific joints.
Malalignment	Strong predictor of OA progression. Varus alignment increases medial progression, while valgus alignment affects lateral progression.

Which supplements can help in managing arthritis?

SeneVit, a unique blend of Fisetin, Quercetin, Apigenin, and Piper Longum, promotes overall health by selectively targeting and eliminating senescent cells—cells that have stopped dividing and contribute to ageing and various age-related diseases, including arthritis.

Senolytics like Fisetin and Quercetin target ageing cells, known as "senescent cells." These cells produce SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype), which can harm nearby healthy cells and cause inflammation. Fisetin and Quercetin, along with other senolytic compounds, are instrumental in reducing inflammation and promoting joint health, making them particularly beneficial as we age.

In the context of arthritis, senolytics, such as those found in SeneVit, aid in:

Reducing Inflammation: Senescent cells, which frequently release pro-inflammatory factors, contribute to inflammation in joint tissues, leading to the pain and swelling associated with arthritis. Senolytics play a crucial role in alleviating arthritis symptoms by eliminating these cells and, consequently, reducing inflammation. *

Enhancing Tissue Repair: Eliminating senescent cells holds the potential to enhance the regenerative capacity of joint tissues, thereby promoting healing and improving overall joint function .*

Slowing Disease Progression: Senolytics target the underlying ageing mechanisms that contribute to arthritis, potentially slowing the progression of the disease and promoting better long-term joint health. *

Conclusion

While ageing plays a role in the development of arthritis due to natural changes in joint structures, it is not an unavoidable outcome of growing older. Proactive measures can be implemented to mitigate the risk of arthritis. Senolytic blends, like SeneVit, contribute to arthritis management by addressing inflammation, safeguarding joint components, and promoting overall bone and muscle health. Taking these interventions into consideration can significantly reduce the impact of arthritis associated with ageing.

References:

Gil, T. H., Zheng, H., Lee, H. G., Shin, J. W., Hwang, S. W., Jang, K. M., & Jeon, O. H. (2022). Senolytic drugs relieve pain by reducing peripheral nociceptive signalling without modifying joint tissue damage in spontaneous osteoarthritis. Aging (Albany NY), 14(15), 6006.https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.204204

Zheng, W., Feng, Z., You, S., Zhang, H., Tao, Z., Wang, Q., ... & Wu, Y. (2017). Fisetin inhibits IL-1β-induced inflammatory response in human osteoarthritis chondrocytes through activating SIRT1 and attenuates the progression of osteoarthritis in mice. International immunopharmacology, 45, 135-147.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2017.02.009

Palazzo, C., Nguyen, C., Lefevre-Colau, M., Rannou, F., & Poiraudeau, S. (2016). Risk factors and burden of osteoarthritis. Annals of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, 59(3), 134–138. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rehab.2016.01.006