Joint Health
General Joint Information
Joint health can be a complex system and there are many reasons why we lose mobility and experience debilitating joint pain. Chronic joint discomfort and stiffness can occur at any age, resulting, typically, from overuse, every-day wear- and- tear, competitive sports, injuries or arthritic conditions such as Osteoarthritis or Rheumatoid Arthritis.
In conditions such as arthritis, both Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid, common symptoms are deterioration of the cartilage in the joint, loss of synovial fluid and together with inflammatory components in the joints, may cause pain and stiffness
How Can We Support Joint Function?
Supporting joint health by providing the body with essential nutrients, reducing inflammation and increasing exercise can go a long way to help alleviate joint discomfort.
Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM
Glucosamine helps stimulate the manufacture of proteoglycans in joints. Proteoglycans contribute to the maintenance of sound joint structure, enhancing healthy joint function. Chondroitin is the main component that attracts water to the tissue, helping the joint stay elastic and function as a shock absorber. MSM is a natural sulfur to help form antioxidants and serve as a key structural nutrient in healthy joints helping reinforce collagen fibres.
What is Hyaluronic Acid?
HA is a molecule that can absorb up to 3,000 times its weight in water, therefore is important for hydrating tissues. It is highly concentrated in synovial fluid and enhances joint lubrication.
Collagen
Collagen is a major structural protein in healthy joints, including cartilage, tendons and ligaments. It is required for connective tissue renewal but this synthesis declines as we age.
Hydrolyzed Collagen May Help to Prevent Cartilage Damage and Collagen Loss
Hydrolyzed Collagen is beneficial in replacing the synovial fluids between the joints and to repair and build cartilage weakened by overuse through impact and stress. Our bodies are made up of 30% collagen of which 70% of these proteins are connective tissue made of collagen
Turmeric
The numerous beneficial effects attributed to Turmeric often stem from the antioxidant properties of the curcuminoids within it. This antioxidant activity can neutralize highly unstable molecules that damage cellular structures through oxidative stress. Studies point to the ability of curcuminoids to help regulate immune mediators in normal joint junction and promote a balanced immune response in joint tissue.
Improve Your Diet
Omega 3 foods, including fish oils, flaxseeds, chia seeds are powerful anti-inflammatories. Bone Broth is a great source of collagen
Antioxidant foods; colourful fruits and veggies, leafy green veggies and cruciferous veggies are excellent to include in meal planning. Reduce sugar, refined foods and people with autoimmune disease should look at eliminating nightshade veggies such as potatoes, eggplant and tomatoes.
Exercise
Exercise is beneficial for strengthening muscles and keeping joints moving. Daily stretches, walking, aerobic and aquatic exercise is all important for joint health.
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