Living a life with limited mobility can be very frustrating and depressing. Can you recall times when you had to succumb to joint related problems?

Little do we realise that our perfectly functioning limbs can ever limit us from performing our simple daily tasks! Even a healthy and balanced life does not guarantee protection against problems that stem form joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. Routine exercise, strength training and indulgence in sports can cause considerable wear and tear. It has been affirmed by doctors that repetitive stress also causes tissue degeneration and chronic inflammation.

Pain, inflammation and loss of flexibility in moving our limbs can attack us at any age and the underlying reasons can be many…. Osteoarthritis being the major one. We will talk about how to heal/treat osteoarthritis related joint pain and inflammation but also not overlooking the joint problems that athletes or strength trainers face.

 

Arthritis or sports/workout related joint troubles: You need an early cure!

We have statistics that show: Close to 16 million Americans have osteoarthritis – the most common type of arthritis. Although osteoarthritis can occur at any age, it most often begins in people in their 50’s and 60’s. It is a disorder of cartilage – the gristle that covers the ends of long bones.

On the other hand, people involved in resistance training or athletes by occupation, know well that their joints are used vigorously and that too everyday!Even after avoiding all the don’ts and being cautious during workout or training, people still feel the exertion and experience joint pain. The best of trainers can help avoid injuries but you can’t avoid joint pain or more precisely knee pain until you protect your cartilage against the stress that it faces!

In order to avoid such troubles, you need to protect your joints.

Cartilage and the fluid that surrounds the joints, provides cushion to them.

Cartilage is made of cell called chondrocytes which sit inside a framework made up of collagen and proteoglycens. Under normal conditions, chondrocytes make collagen and proteoglycens. With osteoarthritis, chondrocytes behave abnormally and begin to make destructive enzymes such as collagenase and others. These enzymes degrade cartilage and also attract inflammatory cells which secrete substances which cause further inflammation and damage to cartilage, underlying bone, and the joint lining.

 

 

Here, you can see how age or any other underlying reason (eg: overexertion of joints) can cause degeneration of the cartilage, that helps to reduce friction, supports free gliding of joints, provides cushion to them and hence protects them. Supplements should be taken such that, joints can face wear and tear as well age related losses.

 

PAIN IS an INDICATOR not the real problem!

You need to know more than only that your joints are aching. When we dig a little deep we find that it is actually, inflammation is at the root of aching joint pain.

Inflammation is the body’s reaction to damage. The tissue reacts to injury by swelling.
With a sprain or injury to joints and muscles the swelling helps to stabilize the area and stop the joint in question from moving excessively in an attempt to protect it and allow it to heal.
Inflammation is accompanied by:
• Pain
• Redness
• Immobility
• Swelling

Inflammation causes pain because of the swelling. Swelling puts pressure on nerve endings which results in somatic pain when dealing with the musculoskeletal system. Joints, muscles, bones and tendons all suffer from somatic pain as a result of the swelling associated with inflammation.

 

Find the RIGHT ingredients in your supplement for restoring Joint Health!

If you’ve been thinking, what all should my supplement contain? Or, what it takes for a supplement to provide fortified support to aching joints? Here lies the answer…

First you should know that, your supplement should contain natural substances that can:

• Help protect cartilage against degeneration, or restore it if any detriment occurs
• And fight against inflammation

We will list for you, the best ingredients that will actually work for your benefit…..’THESE FORTIFY ALL:- ATHLETES, YOUNG AND OLD!’

 

1. GLUCOSAMINE:

It is a natural compound found in cartilage. Cartilage helps reduce friction as the joint bones move against one another, helping with fluid joint movement. Glucosamine has various benefits:

It has highly regenerative properties making it possible for the joints, ligaments and cartilage to fix themselves..
Glucosamine is likewise found naturally in the exoskeletons of most shellfish from which the supplement is generally acquired. This natural supplement supports wellness and recovery in the joints and assists to keep them working efficiently and discomfort free, which is particularly useful for the sufferers of arthritis and people who run often.
The right form of dietary supplement that is best known for its efficacy is glucosamine sulfate, although there are different forms including glucosamine hydrochloride, and N-acetyl-glucosamine too. Scientific research has established its use to be safe and of much benefit to the joints.

For those tasks that put a high level of stress on joints OR for anybody who has some sort of joint problem such as arthritis, the naturally occurring amino acid glucosamine in their bodies can not suffice to repair the damage that is done and need an additional boost from a supplement.

 

2. CHONDROITIN SULFATE:

This is a complex carbohydrate that also naturally occurs in our cartilage. Chondroitin’s primary function is to help cartilage retain water, making it more supple.

It is important to note that chondroitin sulfate which has been extensively studied. As, is with glucosamine, any form other than sulfate will not have the benefit of reliable scientific research behind it.
There is strong evidence that chondroitin will reduce osteoarthritis pain of the knee, spine, hips and finger joints, will increase mobility and reduce the need for anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen.

It is often combined with glucosamine sulfate as an anti-arthritis supplement combination.

Research confirms the combined efficiency of the two compounds in the treatment of OA.
A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Hochberg et al suggested that glucosamine plus chondroitin showed comparable efficacy over celecoxib (NSAID) in patients with painful knee OA, with a good safety profile. 

 

3. MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane):

It is found in almost every plant and every animal. Heating or cooking causes loss of MSM, so fresh fruits and vegetables may retain a higher concentration of MSM. The MSM content in food may be destroyed through any one of the many food processing methods. MSM is often used to enhance the effect of most vitamins and nutrients such as vitamin C, coenzyme Q10, all B-vitamins, selenium and magnesium and may help to improve their cellular uptake.

MSM may help to reverse the swelling and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis thereby alleviating pain and prevent joint stiffness. 

The wide use of Glucosamine, Chondroitin sulfate and MSM(the trio) combination in supplements is confirmed via research :

• Glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and methyl sulfonyl methane combination is definitely useful in decreasing pain, improving functional ability and joint mobility in patients with osteoarthritis.
• This combination does not seem to alter the hemato- logical and biochemical parameters.

 

4. SHARK CARTILAGE:

It is obtained from the shark skeleton, since sharks have no true bones. Their skeleton is composed of cartilage.The cartilage is dried and powdered to create nutritious dietary supplement. Shark cartilage is chiefly composed of chondroitin. It has been extensively studied for osteoarthritis. It also contains calcium and is sometimes used to promote its use in calcium supplementation.

Thus, this compound also has the ability to ease arthritis symptoms. Though there isn’t much concrete conclusive research regarding this issue, while it has been able to heal some. Anectodal evidences confirm that shark cartilage, when taken as a supplement helps to protect breakdown of cartilage and also promote its restoration in humans.

“ The above mentioned four compounds as you might have read, fall under the category which help in cartilage restoration and regeneration WHILE the latter two (given below) are specifically used to lower inflammation.”

 

5. TURMERIC:

The yellow coloured spice that is used extensively in south east asia has tremendous medicinal value. It has been used since ages in India, for its anti inflammatory and antiseptic properties! Of late it has been discovered by scientists that it is the compound ‘Circumin’ found in turmeric that makes it medicinally important. Turmeric also owes its yellow colour to this compound.
Research is still in progress and it has been found that this herb may lower risk of heart diseases, brain diseases, treat Alzheimer’s and even cancer.
But, the anti inflammatory power of turmeric is a well established fact!

The key to healthy joints!
Circumin is a very powerful anti-oxidant. In addition to this, it has also been shown to reduce inflammation, and increase circulation; two factors that are crucial to maintaining healthy joint cartilage.
Patients with Rheumatoid Arthrirtis may find immnese relief in this, though it is a good nutritional supplemet for others too.

Researchers suggest, using a turmeric supplement would be, a much better option for the treatment of Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, or to lower pain and inflammation in athletes. Turmeric supplements are prepared such they, primarily contain circumin (upto 85-90% circuminoids).

 

6. QUERCETIN:

Quercetin, as a bioflavonoid, has been substantiated by massive data developed by many scientific research projects around the world that it is beneficial in healing many human health problems.
The properties of quercetin which make it beneficial for your health include antioxidant properties, antihistamine properties and anti-inflammatory properties. Use of quercetin supplements has been linked to a variety of positive health benefits.

People with high levels of stress and inflammation can also benefit from taking quercetin supplements. Some studies with arthritis suffers concluded that quercetin decreased joint pain as a result of decreased inflammation. The antihistamine properties of the flavonoid also cause a decrease in allergy symptoms, especially with hay fever.
“The anti-inflammatory effects of quercetin are similar to medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen.”

RESEARCH STATES: In vitro and some animal models have shown that quercetin, a polyphenol derived from plants, has a wide range of biological actions including anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and antiviral activities.

So, now you know when looking for a supplement, what needs to be in your bottle to safegurad your joints, and keep all dangers at bay.

 

Can supplements be used by heavy weight lifters and athletes?

Your love for working out far outweighs the pain! If you’re one of those people you really need not worry, the above mentioned compounds would be the best choice for you. As we have already mentioned that you need to protect your joints, since you exert a lot of pressure on them. You need Chondroprotectives!

‘The chondroprotectives are essential components of the cartilage metabolism and stimulate important cartilage regeneration processes, thereby adjusting the imbalance of catabolic and anabolic processes in osteoarthritis. They defend chondrocytes against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis, reduce the inflammatory mediator-induced joint cartilage degeneration, and reactivate the inflammation-reduced anabolic processes of extracellular matrix components. This leads to reduced inflammation, swelling, and pain, and to an increased mobility of the affected joints. Especially when used in combination with other nutrients, such as antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, these substances are able to exert synergistic effects on the osteoarthritic joints.’

A good supplement that contains these essential elements which have been mentioned above, would fortify your joints against any overuse or age related losses!

 

Say NO to NSAIDS !

Lots of people attempt to control joint discomfort with pain relievers or non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or more typically referred to as NSAIDS.

While pain relievers and NSAIDS do take care of the discomfort, they do nothing to effectively deal with the root of the issue. They only mask the issue and do not help your body try to repair itself. A better option is to use natural supplements that can help your body repair your injured joints, therefore reducing the discomfort as well. An additional great reality for using natural supplements is they generally do not have any unsafe negative effects. This can not be stated for pain relievers and NSAIDS.

EDITOR’S NOTE: In order to safeguard your joints against inflammation, pain and early degeneration of cartilage OR heal Arthritis related problems, we suggest you the best supplements available in the market. Check out the links given below:

1. Joint Regen
2. ProJoint Plus
3. Curcumin 46x

 

JOINT REGEN

The supplement has a multipurpose action. It has been formulated to look after overall joint health by taking care to provide all essential nutrients. This will reduce stiffness in your joints, provide lubrication, reduce inflammation and will take care of all disorders that stem from inflammation. Joint Regen is bound to eliminate the variety of pills you might have been taking to maintain healthy joints and bones.

In a sentence we can say Joint Regen is: ‘A well researched formulation that contains the perfect blend of chondroprotectives, necessary vitamins and minerals.’ We have mentioned some of them below:

INGREDIENTS:

• Glucosamine Sulfate HCL 
• Chondroitin Sulfate
• Shark Cartilage
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
• Cetyl Myristoleate – Cetyl myristoleate is taken to help lubricate joints and muscles, reduce soreness, boost the immune system and help fight infections. With that in mind, the most common use for cetyl myristoleate is to relieve the soreness and soreness associated with osteoarthritis.
• Boswellia serrata extract – Boswellia is an herb that is believed to be effective in promoting joint health. It is believed to increase absorption and bioavailability (thereby making any other supplement ingredient dosages more effective).
• Vitamin C – Vitamin C not only helps produce collagen, a major component of joints, but sweeps the body of destructive molecular byproducts known as free radicals, which are destructive to joints.
• Manganese – a trace mineral is found in small quantities in the bones, kidneys, liver and pancreas that is known to be an anti-oxidant that fights free radicals that attack body cells. In particular, the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD) is low in people who suffer from arthritis.
•  Zinc – Zinc is a mineral that is believed to have a myriad of health benefits, but those specifically related to joint discomfort are its abilities as a soreness and soreness reducer.
• Copper – Similar to Zinc, Copper needs to be sourced from external sources and it is an effective soreness reducer. In addition, it is also aids in growth of connective tissues and wound healing.
• Chromium – is an essential trace element and over 90% of U.S. adults have a deficiency of the mineral chromium because it is not readily absorbed from foods. Chromium is believed to help control glucose and insulin levels which means it can help control weight and blood sugar levels.


PROS: 

• It contains all the elements that are essential to rebuild cartilage and restore joint health.
• It also contains vitamins and minerals that are necessary to boost immunity, fight free radical attack and promote healthy uptake of of other nutrients too. The company has done in depth research to find out which of the vitamins and minerals aid Joint health and have added them too.
• Price is very affordable.

CONS:

• This formulation does not contain ’turmeric’ or ‘quercetin’ any of the two compounds that are well known for their anti inflammatory responses. The only compound present in their formulation that will fight inflammation to a certain extent is MSM!

Bottomline: It is produced by a trusted manufacturer ‘ASR Research’. It is affordable yet a fortifying joint health supplement available in the market. The customer’s voice for this product is mostly on the positive side. If you’re still reluctant, you must know that your purchase will be covered by a 60 day money back guarantee! Joint Regen is a good choice.

 

PRO JOINT Plus:

Composed of all natural ingredients, ‘ProJoint Plus’ has been formulated to not only heal joint pain but treat the underlying cause too! It is a vey ‘complete’ supplement that caters to overall Joint issues that might stem from injury or age. The ingredient list testifies to the fact that the manufacturer’s have left no stone unturned to provide an excellent supplement that is bound to work for you.

The INGREDIENT LIST is not too long, yet powerful. It contains:

• Chrondroitin Sulfate
• Turmeric
• Methionine
• Boswellia extract
• Glucosamine Sulfate
• Quercetin
• Bromelain: Bromelain belongs to a group of protein digesting enzymes obtained commercially from the fruit or stem of pineapple.
  Research has suggested through the results of some early studies to have a healthy inflammatory response, and also work to potentially provide support for reducing the adverse effects of osteoarthritis. 

PROS: 

• Each serving contains 1500 mg of Glucosamine sulfate, which is an impressive amount. 
• Contains all the necessary ingredients that are needed to fortify joint health, not excluding the anti inflammatory compounds. It contains both ‘quercetin’ and ‘methionine’.
• Extremely affordable price.

CONS:

• No apparent downsides to the product, except that it does not contain immunity boosting and joint health restoring vitamins and minerals.

Bottomline: ProJoint Plus is a good supplement that is known to support mobility, reduce pain and restore cartilage health. The ingredient profile is enough to make us believe in its healing powers. This one is a must have, if you have Joint troubles.

 

CIRCUMIN 46X:

‘Circumin’ is the most affordable and sought after immunity boosting supplement today. Vested with all the healing powers of turmeric, this will heal a myriad of problems: ‘inflammation’ being the major one. It will not only help in arthritis related conditions but also improve gastrointestinal health, lower cholesterol, prevent free radical damage caused to the body and much more.

It is a well established fact that turmeric does contain ‘circumin’ the active compound which is responsible for its healing powers but in a very less percentage when turmeric is in its raw form. So, arises the need for a supplement that contains extracted and soluble form of circumin. This supplement ‘Circumin 46X’,  as the name implies  makes circumin available to the body tissues 46 times more than ordinary supplements that are available in the market.

PROS:

• The manufacturers claim the supplement has 46 times more bio absorbability than other normal supplements.
• Manufactured with compliance to FDA standards.
• No fillers added. claims to provide only active ‘circumin’.
• Not over priced, for the claims that it makes.
• Your purchase is safeguarded by a 60 day money back guarantee.

CONS:

The company does not provide any clinical data that proves the 46 times better bio absorbability of the supplement.

Bottomline: This is an indispensible solution to rule out all inflammation related issues that have been troubling you. Circumin 46X can be relied on, as it is backed by a lot of postive reviews from customers.