Joint Health Guidelines

 

In addition to using VitaMedica's Glucosamine Sulfate, we recommend adoption of the following habits to support healthy joint function:

  1. Maintain a healthy weight. An important reason to watch what you eat: years of excess body weight places unnecessary stress on the joints.
  2. Practice Good Nutrition. Eating a diet that is high in complex carbohydrates and fruits, moderate in lean protein and low in saturated fat, helps provide the best nutrients possible for joint health.
  3. Take a high-quality multi-vitamin & mineral supplement. A number of minerals are required for healthy joint function including magnesium, zinc, copper and silicon. A number of vitamins including A, C and E may also play a protective role. It is believed that free-radical damage may interfere with and reduce normal levels of glucosamine and these vitamins are potent antioxidants. VitaMedica's Multi-Vitamin & Mineral provides each of these nutrients in a high-potency formulation.
  4. Take an Omega-3 essential fatty acid supplement. Essential fatty acids provide our body with nutrients needed to maintain optimal health. In particular, alpha-linolenic acid, an Omega-3 essential fatty acid, can be helpful for conditions that involve inflammation. Two other Omega-3 fatty acids - Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) - are also beneficial for reducing inflammation in the body. VitaMedica's Flax Seed Oil provides an excellent source of alpha-linolenic acid whereas Super EPA/DHA Fish Oil provides an excellent source of both EPA and DHA.
  5. Take a bromelain supplement. Bromelain is an enzyme extracted from pineapple. Bromelain is a natural anti-inflammatory and can provide relief for inflammatory conditions such as osteoarthritis (OA). VitaMedica's Bromelain with Quercetin supplement is incorporated into the Surgery line of supplements to help reduce inflammation after surgery. But, this supplement can also be used on a long-term basis for inflammatory support.
  6. Develop a moderate exercise program. A study published in the American Journal of Sports Medicine, concluded that exercise does not increase osteoarthritis risk. But, some exercises such as running and heavy weight lifting put tremendous stress on the joints. Better options include walking and swimming.
  7. Allow your body time to rest & relax. While moderate exercise is beneficial for the joints, knowing when to rest your body so that it can recover is also important. Be careful not to overdo exercise, and listen to your body if you need rest.