Lynn Laboranti, M.S., R.D.
Sep 16, 2011
Get Active!
As warmer weather approaches, it`s time to get outdoors and enjoy one of your favorite activities, whether that`s taking an outdoor yoga class, jogging through your local park, walking your dogs, or engaging in morning swimming or water aerobics sessions. During these active months, the last thing any of us want to worry about is discomfort from natural wear and tear on joints, which many adults experience especially with age.
Be Proactive with a Daily Joint Supplement
Just as it is time to get more active with the warmer weather, it’s also time to focus on long term joint health. Taking a proactive approach with a daily supplement that works naturally helps maintain healthy joints over time.
Supplements for joint health are popular today due to scientific research demonstrating their effectiveness in promoting joint comfort, maintaining cartilage, and improving overall mobility.
A daily supplement containing glucosamine can help. Glucosamine is an essential component for maintaining healthy joints. It is nature’s basic building block for maintaining joint cartilage and can help counteract some of the effects wear and tear has on the joints, rejuvenating comfort and mobility. In addition, a glucosamine-based supplement is a good choice because it’s supported by scientific studies and can improve joint function safely and naturally. Look for trusted brands that offer at least 1,500 mg of glucosamine. To get the best results, studies have shown that consistency is important. Be sure to make your glucosamine supplement part of your daily regimen!
Food and Nutrients that Fuel Joint Health
Good joint health also includes what you eat. It is especially important to consume foods and nutrients that target and support healthy joints. Eat a variety of foods for good joint health including plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole-grain products. Try to eat fish twice a week such as salmon, halibut and tuna that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Focus on some key nutrients that can help us maintain long term joint health:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are a major help in fighting free radicals, which may affect joint health . Antioxidants include vitamin A (or beta carotene and other carotenoids), vitamin C, vitamin E and selenium. An easy way to remember these is the acronym ACES. Foods that contain any of the four ACES are powerful weapons for combating free radicals. Choice foods for each include:
- Vitamin C – Fruits such as grapefruit, papaya, oranges, mangoes, raspberries, pineapples and tomatoes, as well as vegetables such as asparagus, red peppers, and broccoli
- Vitamin E – Avocados, whole-grain breads and cereals, sunflower seeds and peanut butter
- Selenium – Salmon, Brazil nuts, oatmeal and brown rice
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Certain fatty acids are protective by nature and can support joint comfort. We want to get more omega-3 fatty acids in our diet or through supplements for all the great benefits omega-3’s have for our joints and overall health. Excellent dietary sources include coldwater fatty fish such as salmon, sardines and tuna.
With this proactive, joint-friendly lifestyle, you can continue doing the activities you love and get on your way to achieve long term joint health!