How Do I Use Gelatin for Arthritis?

Many doctors recommend gelatin for arthritis in place of prescription medications, because gelatin is gentle on the system. Some arthritis medicines can cause indigestion and ulcers, but gelatin is a substance produced and easily broken down by the body. When ingested, gelatin is broken down into collagen, a lubricator that helps the joints move smoothly. Arthritis patients taking gelatin often notice a reduction in inflammation, less pain, and easier movement after a week or two. Gelatin supplements for arthritis may be taken as a powder or in capsule form.

Patients taking gelatin for arthritis in the form of a capsule can usually find it among the vitamins in local grocery stores. These capsules usually contain Knox® brand gelatin, a commercial substance that is often used for medical consumption. Most doctors recommend taking about 0.17 to 0.30 ounces (5 to 10 grams) of gelatin a day. Supplement capsules are often packaged in milligrams, so patients should typically look for supplements containing about 1,000 milligrams (about 0.03 oz.) per capsule. Taking five to 10 of these capsules per day should meet the recommended dosage. Of course, patients should always consult a doctor before taking gelatin for arthritis.

Those who decide they don’t want to swallow capsules may take gelatin for arthritis in several different ways. Powdered gelatin may be measured and stirred into water, fruit juice, or tea. The dosage should be the same as above, meaning patients may weigh their gelatin powder on a small food scale. Without a scale, patients may also measure out 1 or 2 teaspoons (about 5,000 to 10,000 mg) of gelatin. Those taking gelatin for arthritis in this way generally only need one dose per day, because a teaspoon usually holds more gelatin than a capsule.

The powder is typically dissolved into warm water for a tasteless, odorless way to take a daily dose of gelatin. Fruit juice is also a popular medium for gelatin powder, but it should generally be all-natural, sugar-free juice. Those who also take blood pressure medications should avoid grapefruit juice, however, and instead opt for orange or apple juice, or even lemonade. Gelatin powder usually dissolves more easily in room-temperature fruit juice than from that which is chilled and fresh from the refrigerator.

Ice and other ingredients may be added to the gelatin-infused fruit juice to turn it into a healthy smoothie, however. Blending the juice with fruits, yogurt, and milk shouldn’t diminish the efficacy of the gelatin. Plus, it is usually a very tasty way to take one’s daily supplement. Hot tea also works well as a medium for gelatin powder. Herbal, black, and green teas are all acceptable.