Bones, joints, and cartilage are important parts of our bodies that can degenerate without proper care and attention, leading to diseases and other afflictions that can significantly affect our wellbeing. Osteoporosis is a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue. Osteoarthritis is a joint disease that causes cartilage to break down. Both osteoporosis and osteoarthritis are growing problems, and while it is true that these afflictions become more common with age, it’s important to take these concerns seriously now so that their impact is minimal later. So whether you are an individual looking to train hard, or someone who simply wants to ensure your body will function deep into life, proper attention must be given to your bone, joint, and cartilage health.
Benefits:
*Strengthens bones
*Supports cartilage creation
*Protects against and relieves joint pain
*Combats osteoarthritis and osteoporosis
Osteoporosis can lead to increased bone fragility and increased risk of fracture, particularly in the hip, spine and wrist. Because bone loss occurs without symptoms, osteoporosis can come upon people as a surprise. Osteoporosis can seriously reduce quality of life, resulting in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of mobility, and decreased independence.
Osteoarthritis breaks down cartilage, a lining that covers joints and allows them to glide easily as you move, and can affect anywhere in the body, but usually the hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine. Osteoarthritis can cause significant pain and swelling by allowing bones underneath the broken down cartilage to rub against each other. Joints can become disfigured, and small growths called osteophytes begin to grow inside the joints if osteoarthritis is not given proper attention.
There are a variety of nutritional supplements that can protect, maintain, and repair bones, joints, and cartilage:
Chondriotin is a glycosaminoglycan in cartilage and is responsible for the strength and resilience of cartilage. Chondriotin also plays an important role in preventing enzymatic destruction of cartilage. Glucosamine, an amino acid naturally produced in the body, is a precursor to a molecule used in the constructing and maintenance of cartilage. Glucosamine can help protect and repair cartilage by providing more of the necessary building blocks for the formation of new cartilage.
Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil supplements are recognized for their wide range of benefits. Fish oils must be consumed through dietary sources because the body cannot produce them on its own. Research has shown that fish oil supplements are effective for joint health, and are proven to reduce pain and stiffness in the joints.
Calcium, magnesium and vitamin D are crucial nutrients for bone strength and health. Magnesium is an essential nutrient that assists the body in absorbing and regulating calcium level, and should be paired with calcium for maximum effect. The body holds 60% of its magnesium in the bones, influencing how calcium is transported out of the gastrointestinal tract and formed into bone. Magnesium is also beneficial in terms of controlling enzymatic reactions in cells that influence bone density and is required for the formation of proteins that strengthen bones.
Calcium is a mineral that the body cannot produce and must consume, and is need for healthy bones, teeth, proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. Most of our vitamin D comes from the sun, but many people have trouble getting a healthy amount. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium.