Data show that population suffers from some type of chronic pain, and that in 10% of these cases it is joint pain. On many occasions we associate joint pain with aging, but it is not the only factor that increases the risk of suffering from an osteo articular disease. There are other causes that predispose cartilage and bone to weaken, such as genetics, obesity, or unsupervised intense exercise.
When we suffer from joint problems, our quality of life is affected and affects our social environment, since this intense pain forces us to reduce and / or limit normal daily activities.
To prevent these symptoms and slow down their progress, we must eat a balanced diet, carry out a controlled physical activity (intense sports, and specifically those with a high degree of impact, can damage the joints) and avoid some risk factors such as joint overload and excess body weight. On the other hand, it is advisable to help our body with food supplements for the joints. Athletes have greater joint wear and tear, especially those who perform intense and impact activities, as we have seen.
Essential micronutrients for the joints while practicing a sport
There is currently a wide variety of food supplements on the market. When we decide to include one in our daily diet, we must make sure that it includes at least the following components, since they are the most effective nutrients to prevent joint pain:
- Type II Hydrolyzed Collagen: Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. Specifically, type II collagen is essential for the formation of bones, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Our body generates it naturally, but as we age, collagen production decreases, so it is important to pay attention to the daily intake of the recommended dose. When we decide to include a food supplement for the joints with collagen, it is essential that it is hydrolyzed so that our body is able to absorb and assimilate it in its entirety.
- Vitamin C (Ester-C ®): it is a highly antioxidant vitamin that contributes to the normal formation of collagen. Ester-C® (calcium ascorbate) is the non-acidic and most active form of vitamin C: it helps in the absorption and fixation of collagen in the bones. It also contributes to cell regeneration and reduces inflammation.
- MSM (Opti MSM ®): is an organic sulfur compound. Sulfur is the third most abundant mineral in our body, necessary for the formation of connective tissue. Its beneficial effects are mainly due to the increase in antioxidant enzymes such as N-acetylcysteine and glutathione that help reduce joint pain and inflammation. It also improves the flexibility of the joints.
- Magnesium: minerals are essential to maintain strong and healthy joints. Magnesium stands out among them. It is a very important mineral in joint health. It is part of the bone structure and its deficiency inhibits the synthesis of vitamin D, necessary for the mineralization of bones.
- Hyaluronic acid: it is a large molecule that is present in the skin, in the eyes and in the joints. It is the main component of synovial fluid, which lubricates and cushions the joints. It helps to reduce joint stiffness and the risk of injury.
- Vitamin D: is a fat-soluble vitamin necessary to rebuild cartilage and tissues. It favors the absorption of the minerals calcium and phosphorus necessary for the formation of bone tissues and maintaining bone health.
- Glucosamine: it is an amino saccharide, which plays a fundamental role in the formation and repair of cartilage. The glucosamine is also involved in the synthesis of connective tissue, in joint mobility and the formation and repair of cartilage, joints, tendons and ligaments. It reduces friction and joint pain since it makes the synovial fluid more dense and elastic.
- Horsetail: it is a source of silica, a mineral that participates in the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycan’s (components of connective tissue).
Properties of the best food supplement for joints
The properties that a food supplement should have for the joints are:
- Complete formula: containing the essential nutrients mentioned above, as they have a synergistic effect that enhances your results.
- Liquid vial format: so that it has a high bioavailability, that is, that our body is able to absorb all the nutrients that we supply.
- High-quality raw materials: it is essential that its formula has been developed with proven nutrients, coming from renowned laboratories in order to guarantee its quality.
- Comfortable and easy to ingest: essential properties so that we are able to carry out the complete treatment during the established time.
- Safe: all food supplements must have the certificates of the European Union such as the NUT code.
