Bone & Joint Health

The Best Vitamins and Supplements for Bones and Joints

As we all know prevention is the best form of treatment. More specifically, the change in lifestyle and the modification of various risk factors can help strengthen the joints and delay the onset of osteoarthritis symptoms.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic rheumatic disease that mainly affects the joints of the upper and lower extremities, but can also occur in the joints of the spine. What characterizes osteoarthritis is the damage that the cartilage suffers, the substance that is located at the point where the two bones join and protects them from friction between them. The result of this damage is that the person with osteoarthritis suffers from severe pain and possible swelling in the joints.

Which people most often develop osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis can affect any of us, however, it seems that some people are more likely. Factors that appear to play a role in the development of osteoarthritis are:

– Gender: After the age of 50, it seems that women are more likely to show symptoms of osteoarthritis in the knee or arm than men.
– Age: As the age increases, the incidence of osteoarthritis increases, with the condition occurring mainly in the knee, hip and arms.
– Engaging in demanding sports or heavy physical work for a long time: Track and field athletes, soccer players, etc. are more likely to develop osteoarthritis of the knee or hip. Also, people whose work requires them to rest on their knees for a long time or squat for a long time seem to develop osteoarthritis more often.
– Menopause: Menopause seems to be a risk factor for developing osteoarthritis, with a decrease in estrogen levels being a possible cause.
– Obesity: Obesity seems to aggravate the symptoms of osteoarthritis of one person, compared to someone else whose body weight is normal.

Other factors that may contribute to osteoarthritis include muscle weakness around the joint, injuries, congenital deformities or other joint disease.

How can we relieve our joints with the help of diet?

Adopting a balanced diet, which will strengthen the body with the necessary nutrients, is the first step. Research has linked the intake of certain nutrients to the strengthening of joints.

Vitamin C

A powerful antioxidant, it is involved in the formation of collagen and proteoglycans (cartilage components that help joints). It is found in citrus fruits, strawberries, peppers, kiwis, melons, green leafy vegetables, cauliflowers, and pineapples.

Vitamin D

Essential for calcium absorption and bone structure. Also known as the sun vitamin, we synthesize it on our skin under the influence of sunlight. A very rich dietary source is cod liver oil and less eggs, otherwise there are fortified dairy and food in general as well as dietary supplements.

Ω3 fatty acids

They reduce inflammation and pain. We find them in flaxseed, fat fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines, etc.), walnuts, Brussels sprouts, etc.

Turmeric

Curcuma longa (turmeric) is a spice curry, a traditional medicinal plant with a long history of use as a treatment for inflammatory conditions in India, China and Southeast Asia. It seems to control inflammation, cell growth and apoptosis, conditions useful for the prevention and treatment of some diseases, thanks to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action of curcumin. In osteoarthritis it relieves pain and thus facilitates your movement.

Bosvelia

The resin of the plant Boswellia (Indian frankincense, “olibanum”) has been used as incense in religious and cultural events for a long time. The healing properties are widely recognized, mainly the use for the treatment of inflammatory conditions, wound healing and its antimicrobial action. In addition to its anti-inflammatory action in osteoarthritis, this resin appears to delay the natural wear and tear of cartilage.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements

These are substances that are normal in the body (sulfate glycosamine, sulfate chondroitin) and their role is to lubricate the joints with the ultimate goal of their proper functioning. The American Osteoarthritis Association incorporates this twin of ingredients into the basic treatment of osteoarthritis, while experts continue to investigate what their exact mechanism of action is. Perhaps the most important aspect of natural supplements

The health of our joints is not something we think about frequently and we feel the need to look after them only when they cause discomfort or when we are in pain.  Find at FotoPharmacy brand name supplements which lubricate your joints keeping them flexible and supple. Any inflammation you have will lessen immediately, you will get stronger grip, reduced morning bone stiffness and your joints will move easily.