Osteoarthritis is a widespread disease - it is the most common joint disease worldwide.Around five million Germans are affected.Although increasing age is considered a risk factor for joint wear and tear, arthrosis does not only affect old people.The complaints in the knee and hip joints are particularly common.In principle, however, any joint in the body can be affected.Dietary supplements against arthrosis are widely advertised and are available over the counter in supermarkets and drugstores: more than 100 million euros are spent in Germany every year on preparations with the active ingredients glucosamine, chondroitin or hyaluronic acid.According to advertising, the funds are supposed to combat arthrosis and promote healing and prevent joint problems.But experts warn: dietary supplements are food.They are not tested for effectiveness.There is no evidence that glucosamine, chondroitin or hyaluronic acid in dietary supplements have a curative or preventive effect.In some studies, even placebos perform better than chondroitin or glucosamine.In addition, the active ingredients do not reach the joint.They are metabolized directly via the gastrointestinal tract.Both active ingredients occur naturally in the human body as part of the connective tissue, cartilage and joint fluids.As a dietary supplement, however, they cannot compensate for cartilage loss.Articular cartilage is the only cartilage in our body that is not capable of regeneration.It cannot reform itself.As a protective, elastic layer, the cartilage sits on the two bone ends that form a joint.It is nourished by synovial fluid.A healthy cartilage layer acts like a shock absorber.Under stress, the cartilage layer is compressed and then expands again.The cartilage becomes saturated with synovial fluid.However, as it wears out, bone rubs against bone.In addition to the lack of effect, there are possible interactions.The Federal Office for Risk Assessment (BfR) has been warning for years of "possibly serious consequences" when taking coumarin anticoagulants, certain anticoagulants, at the same time.Bleeding is to be feared, up to and including a subdural hematoma, a specific form of cerebral hemorrhage, with resulting coma.The BfR also warns against isolated glucosamine at a dosage of 390 to 790 milligrams per day.Many of the joint aids available in retail outlets or on the Internet are significantly higher.Joint remedies can not only increase the risk of bleeding.Even those who are allergic to shellfish or fish protein can have problems with glucosamine and chondroitin preparations, because they are often made from them.Consumer advocates are therefore demanding warnings and clearer declarations of the ingredients and clearly defined maximum levels for glucosamine and chondroitin.People who are already taking anticoagulants should definitely talk to their doctor.Fresh dishes with light ingredients and anti-inflammatory spices - our recipes are quick to prepare.moreA balanced diet rich in vitamins and fiber, on the other hand, is more effective than the individual active ingredients in a tablet.Omega-3 fatty acids in fish and vegetable oils have an anti-inflammatory effect and are therefore well suited to the diet plan for osteoarthritis.On the other hand, meat and sausage products as well as animal fats are unfavorable.They cause the pro-inflammatory arachnidonic acid to form in the body.A low-meat mixed diet with lots of fruit, vegetables and vegetable oils not only tastes good and provides the cartilage with all the necessary nutrients, but also leads to a normalization of the body weight, so that the joints are less stressed.Spice mixtures, leeches, incense capsules or warm baths - naturopathy also offers a whole range of soothing therapy methods to combat joint wear and tear (arthrosis): The effect of leeches on inflammation is well documented scientifically.During the treatment, the leeches not only suck blood, but also release their saliva (salvia) into the wound.It contains up to 100 anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant and analgesic substances.Other supplementary methods are worth trying at least once the diagnosis of arthrosis has been confirmed, experts advise, because not every remedy works equally well for every patient.A spice mixture in equal parts of cumin, coriander and nutmeg has proven to be very promising.This mixture is said to alleviate the symptoms in 80 percent of arthrosis patients, and many can even use it to reduce the dosage of their pain medication.The active ingredients in the spices cannot heal joint wear and tear, but they are said to improve blood circulation in the synovial membrane.Patients take two pinches of the spice mixture per day with water or yoghurt.The silicon in silicic acid has a cartilage-stabilizing effect.Silicic acid is contained in oats, brown rice, barley, millet and Jerusalem artichoke, as well as in herbal teas such as horsetail or stinging nettle.Vegetables, herbs and spices also provide anti-inflammatory antioxidants.Five grams of rosehip powder daily, obtained from the seeds and skin of the fruit, are helpful.Because the rosehip contains so-called galactolipids, which studies have shown can inhibit cartilage degradation.Drugs are not a satisfactory solution for osteoarthritis in the long term.Although cortisone injections relieve the pain for a few weeks, long-term use of cortisone weakens the bones.The effectiveness of hyaluronic acid injections (from cockscombs) to build cartilage has not yet been scientifically confirmed.Tablets with active ingredients such as diclofenac or acetylsalicylic acid suppress pain and inhibit inflammation.Because of their side effects, however, they are also only acceptable in the short term in acute phases.Special dietary supplements promise help with arthrosis.But they are controversial.Orthopedist Dr.Horst Danner answered questions on the subject in the Visite chat.moreIn the treatment of arthrosis, targeted movement training is at the top of the list of recommended therapies.Anyone who has been in a relieving posture for a long time due to end-stage osteoarthritis and has not moved much can reduce their symptoms with movement and delay the installation of an artificial knee joint.Because a large part of the pain does not arise in the joint, but in the soft tissue around the joint.Due to the long relieving posture, the muscles are shortened and tense.The result is pain.Trigger point acupressure and stretching exercises can help here.In combination with movement in the water, the joint can then be made more flexible again and finally a targeted build-up of strength can begin.Consistent weight reduction also has a decisive influence on the course of the disease.Warm mud baths have an anti-inflammatory effect, promote metabolism and loosen cramped muscles.When it comes to joint pain, many doctors try to alleviate the symptoms with a cortisone shot.But the therapy usually only helps for a short time - and can have side effects.moreIf the kneecap does not slide properly in the groove provided, the cartilage can wear out prematurely.There is a risk of osteoarthritis.Strengthening the muscles is important.moreAn artificial joint is often used for osteoarthritis of the hip or knee.But the operation can often be avoided - with therapy to counteract misalignments and pain.moreWith pain in the hip, for example due to arthrosis, many sufferers try to protect the joint.But the bad posture makes the symptoms even worse.moreNot all hip replacements last a lifetime.If a hip joint prosthesis has to be replaced, the spare parts are often missing - and the operation becomes more complex.moreStiffen a joint or use an artificial joint?Which therapy is useful for arthrosis in the ankle?moreTurmeric refines every curry - and is considered healthy.The active ingredient curcumin is said to help with inflammation or constipation.moreHere you will find all the episodes that have been broadcast so far to read and listen to, as well as a scientific glossary and much more.more