Have you ever had that annoying knee pain that just won’t go away? Or that back pain from sitting at a desk too long? Joint pain is a common experience for us as we get older. Our bone density goes down as we celebrate more birthdays, and depending on our lifestyle choices, here’s where joint pain enters the story. Poor eating habits, lack of exercise, and years of bad posture can affect our long-term joint health. Eventually, unassuming joint pain can develop into major conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis. Sometimes, in our modern lives, maintaining a perfectly balanced diet, sleeping deeply, and exercising regularly can become impractical. That’s where supplements can be handy to keep our hands and legs strong and mobile for as long as possible.
Joint Health and Age: The Inevitable Truth
Ageing can be a reality that many of us do not like to face. While we understand this, there is beauty in embracing ageing and owning it in a healthy way that can help you keep deterioration at bay for as long as possible. Our bones age too. Until we reach 30, our bones go through a process called remodeling, where the old, deteriorating bone is replaced by new bone. After we reach our 30s, however, the rate of bone loss exceeds the pace of new bone formation. This means over time, our bones naturally lose their density, and we become more vulnerable to injury.
Our joints can also wear down over time, especially if we regularly take part in high-impact activities or if we are, on the flip side, barely active. We have smooth cartilage that cushions the ends of our bones and can start to wear down; and this, in turn, causes stiffness and pain. Things like processed foods, smoking, alcohol, and more can cause chronic inflammation that further exacerbates the symptoms of conditions like osteoporosis. While we cannot stop our bones and joints from losing their density, we can slow it down using supplements that add the right nutrients to a diet that is healthy for you.
Joint Health and Age: What You Can Do About It
Our bones and joints are only as strong as the building blocks we put into our bodies. A lot of joint health comes down to the right nutrients through healthy foods. Along with these, supplements can be a solid addition to your roster, to help you amp up the bone-building even more!
Calcium and Vitamin D: The Dynamic Duo of Bones
If you have ever been forced to drink a glass of milk when you were younger, you will know the importance of calcium for your bones. Calcium is the primary building block for our bones, which gives them structure. However, calcium on its own would never be able to build the strong bones we need. For calcium to do its thing, we need vitamin D. Good old vitamin D helps us absorb calcium from the things we consume. Unfortunately, many people who do not get enough sun, or eat foods that do not have enough vitamin D, can develop deficiencies. Even if you are eating calcium-rich foods, it is useless without its counterpart, vitamin D. In these cases, supplements that contain both calcium and vitamin D can make all the difference to your joint health.
Data from the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research revealed that a combination of calcium and vitamin D supplements reduced the chances of fractures in postmenopausal women. This shows us that with regular supplementation of this dynamic duo, your bones will be protected for years to come.
Collagen: Anti-Ageing for the Skin and Bones?
Another component of our joints that needs to be protected is collagen. Collagen is the protein that keeps our joints and connective tissues strong and stretchy. It maintains the integrity of the skin, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage – all of which we need to move. You may have heard of anti-ageing creams with collagen for your face. Well, the same applies to your joints. As we age, our body naturally produces less and less collagen. This can spell trouble for the cartilage in our joints, especially in cases of osteoarthritis, where the cartilage wears down, causing pain.
Here, collagen supplements can externally bridge the gap between the lowered collagen production and the need to replenish the joints. Studies have shown us that collagen supplementation can improve mobility and reduce joint pain in people with osteoarthritis. Besides bones, your skin and tissues will be looking and feeling great too!
Omega3s: Unleashing the Anti-Inflammatory Power
Inflammation is the main culprit when it comes to pain in the joints. Anti-inflammatory foods like fish, nuts, and leafy greens are usually rich in omega-3 fatty acids. This is because the anti-inflammatory molecules from the omega-3s help reduce chronic inflammation, preventing the tissue damage that is part of conditions like arthritis. Consuming omega-3-rich foods or taking omega-3 supplements can reduce joint stiffness and pain.
Supplements are especially convenient if you don’t eat fish or if you have a nut allergy. Plenty of research also supports the addition of omega-3 to your diet to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint ailments.
Joint Health and Supplements: How to Pick The Right One
There are many supplements that can help support your joint health, but the question is how do you pick the right one? When it comes to your personal joint needs, here are some tips you can keep in mind when picking the right fit.
– Choose clinically proven ingredients and dosages: Opt for supplements that have been well-researched with key ingredients like calcium, vitamin D, collagen, and omega 3s. Ensure that the dosages are practical for overall joint protection.
– Check the quality of sources: Ensure that the supplements you choose are developed using high-quality ingredients, packed with bioavailable forms of the nutrients that can help your body use them effectively.
– Consult professionals: Always check with your healthcare professional before adding anything to your dietary routine. This will ensure that you are catering to your individual needs, while keeping your full health profile in mind, and avoiding clashes with other medications.
That’s where three60’s Daily Joint Care & Protect comes in. This supplement is formulated with clinically proven dosages of calcium, collagen, omega-3s, and essential vitamins and minerals to support bone and joint health. With just one tablet a day, you can fortify your bones, protect your joints, and enjoy a more active, pain-free life.
Conclusion
It’s never too early or too late to start taking care of your bone and joint health. So why wait? Give your body the support it needs and take the first step toward a stronger, healthier you. While aging and lifestyle factors can take a toll on our bones and joints, supplements offer a simple and effective way to take back control! By incorporating calcium, vitamin D, collagen, and omega-3 supplements into your daily routine, you can protect your bones, reduce joint pain, and preserve your mobility for years to come. Keep those joints happy, everyone!
(A marketing initiative by Open Avenues)
About The Author
Dr. Kriti Soni is a pharmaceutical scientist specialising in developing drug delivery systems and natural products
More Columns
The Music of Our Lives Kaveree Bamzai
Love and Longing Nandini Nair
An assault in Parliament Rajeev Deshpande