Joint Health
As we age, our joints become vulnerable to inflammation, and wear and tear on cartilage and joint linings. Because of certain lifestyle choices, excess weight, nutritional deficiencies and repetitive physical stress, joints can become painfully swollen and break down to the point of the need for joint replacement surgery.
What affects joint health?
Lifestyle Choices—Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption and lack of exercise are found to contribute to a decline in bone and muscle in general.
Excess Weight—Even a few extra pounds can have detrimental effects on joints. When an individual walks, the number of pounds they are overweight is felt exponentially on the hip and knee joints. If a person is 15 pounds overweight for example, the knees will carry an extra 45 pounds. Because of this, wear and tear on joints over time is inevitable. The risk of developing arthritis is also much greater as well.
Repetitive Physical Stress—Certain occupations or activities make individuals vulnerable to joint injuries. These include professions that require standing for long periods on concrete floors and kneeling, squatting or heavy lifting.
Nutrient Deficiency—According to the National Institutes of Health Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases National Resource Center chronic joint pain sufferers and those with certain conditions such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis have been found to have lower than normal levels of magnesium. Vitamin D is also linked to proper musculoskeletal development and function.
A variety of nutritional supplements are available to support joint health in both men and women.
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