Bone/Joint/Cartilage Health

Protecting, maintaining, and repairing bones, joints, and cartilage is very important in terms of workouts, training, and general wellbeing. Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by low bone mass and deterioration of bone tissue, and osteoarthritis, a joint disease that causes cartilage to break down, are growing problems today. 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.

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Benefits:
*Strengthens bones
*Supports cartilage creation
*Protects against and relieves joint pain
*Combats osteoarthritis and osteoporosis

If allowed to progress unchecked, osteoporosis can lead to increased bone fragility and increased risk of fracture, especially of the hip, spine and wrist. Osteoporosis is difficult to see coming because bone loss occurs without symptoms. Osteoporosis can significantly reduce quality of life, resulting in disfigurement, lowered self-esteem, reduction or loss of mobility, and decreased independence.

Cartilage is a material that lines the joints and allows them to glide easily as you move. Cartilage is a connective tissue that covers and protects joints. Osteoarthritis breaks down cartilage anywhere in the body, but most commonly affects the hips, knees, hands, feet, and spine. By allowing the bones underneath the broken down cartilage to rub against each other, osteoarthritis can cause significant pain and swelling. If allowed to progress, joints can become disfigured, and small growths called osteophytes begin to grow inside the joints.

There are a variety of nutritional supplements that can protect, maintain, and repair bones, joints, and cartilage:

Glucosamine is an amino acid naturally produced in the body, and is a precursor to a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage. By providing more of the necessary building blocks for the creation of new cartilage, glucosamine can help maintain and repair 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.

Fish oil supplements that contain omega-3 essential fatty acids are recognized for their wide-ranging benefits to the body. Fish oils must be consumed through dietary sources such as fish, nut oils, and certain plants, as they cannot be produced by the body. 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 all very important for bone strength and health. Calcium is a mineral that the body cannot produce and must ingest, and is needed for healthy bones, teeth, and proper functioning of the heart, muscles, and nerves. The sun is our main source of vitamin D, but many people do not get enough of the nutrient. Vitamin D also helps the body absorb calcium.

Magnesium is a crucial nutrient that also helps the body absorb and regulate calcium levels, and which should, like vitamin D, 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 also helps to control enzymatic reactions in cells that influence bone density, and is required for the formation of proteins that create bones.