Most people are aware that being physically active is cornerstone to health and longevity as you age. Bone mass and muscle mass declines that are a natural part of ageing can be offset and reversed with habits that lead to an overall healthy lifestyle, including an appropriate amount of physical activity and key nutrition.
However, many people enjoy being active in their younger years but over time start to experience wear and tear that may be related to overuse. Being physically active is associated with improved joint and muscle function. However, some people begin to notice dysfunction in their joints and muscles because of the activity they do. Osteoarthritis (OA) can develop due to wear and tear. Age, a higher-than-ideal body weight, being female, certain occupations, and family history all increase the risk of developing OA, along with athletes developing it over time due to previous injuries.
There are also many contributing factors which increase joint pain and prevent people from being as active as they would like. Pain and stiffness is not an inevitable part of becoming older, and being proactive at looking after your joint and muscle health in your younger years will help keep you active, fit and healthy as you age.
Helping manage your immune response and inflammation can help reduce pain associated with OA. Removing foods that might trigger an immune response and set off inflammatory factors is often recommended by health practitioners. There are also specific nutritional inputs that help reduce cartilage breakdown and symptoms associated with joint pain and stiffness.
Boswellia serrata is a herb that has demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic and pain-reducing properties. The ability to dampen the inflammatory process and help preserve cartilage suggests that, outside of a particular condition such as OA, it could be helpful for anyone experiencing joint pain or inflammation.
Another nutrient that can help protect cartilage is vitamin C. It is well established that vitamin C plays an integral role in the synthesis of collagen in your tissues. These collagen fibres play an important role in ensuring the mechanical strength of your cartilage. Vitamin C’s role in neutralising free radical stress in your body will also help dampen the inflammatory response that can lead to cellular damage and cartilage breakdown.
Ensuring an adequate dietary intake and supplementing in times of an increased requirement like an injury may facilitate a better recovery. Glucosamine continues to be recommended for individuals with joint pain and stiffness, with good reason. Glucosamine sulfate can reduce inflammatory cytokines that signal the pathways in your body promoting cell degradation and breakdown, including cartilage. Studies have found glucosamine improves the joint structure and symptoms for people with OA. A diet that is abundant in foods that help dampen the inflammation process by neutralising oxidative stress, and low in foods that can increase cellular damage, is important to protect your musculoskeletal system as you age.
Being active across your lifespan is also important for overall longevity. However, degeneration of joints and ligaments can start long before symptoms begin. These are initially dismissed as inevitable aches and pains associated with age, but over time, they can limit your activity in later years.
By proactively addressing diet and lifestyle before middle age is reached, and taking supplements proven to be both safe and effective for preserving joint health such as 5-loxin, vitamin C and glucosamine, being healthy and active in older years is much more likely.
