The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural remedies available for inflexible joints and cartilage. Here is their report:
Flexibility is a gauge of the range of motion or the amount of available movement in the body.
As we age, flexibility naturally declines.
Certain health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, tendonitis and hypothyroidism can adversely influence the body's flexibility.
Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and daily supplementation of vitamins and minerals can maximize joint health and enhance strength, making joint debilitating conditions less likely to happen.
Many people withordinary lifestyles (like sitting in front of a computer screen all day) just don't get enough of a healthy diet and exerciseto stave off impending joint pain or stiffness, so supplements are a must for them.
Followingis a list of"joint-friendly" vitamins and minerals:
Beta-carotene An essential antioxidant, beta-carotene is a precursor to Vitamin A that helps combat free radicals before they can cause joint damage. A diet rich in beta-carotene helps slow the development of osteoarthritis.
Boron This is an essential mineral in the relief of arthritis, as boron works to integrate calcium into cartilage and bone. This is important because aging is partly related to weakened bone density, and adequate amounts of boron can prevent this.
Vitamin B Complex (B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12) - These eight important B vitamins are all water soluble, which means they are not stored in the liver and are needed daily. Each vitamin has a separate function, but together they may help reduce joint inflammation, pain and enhance movement in the muscles, ligaments and tendons by improving circulation. Deficiencies in these and vitamins A and E can cause loss in muscle and coordination problems.
Vitamin C Another potent antioxidant, vitamin C neutralizes free radicals in the joints. This reduces inflammation and damage from overuse, aging, and health problems like osteoarthritis, ensuring healthy connective tissue and cartilage.
Calcium Adequate levels of calcium help to strengthen bones and prevent osteoporosis. Calcium can also help to alleviate muscle ache and twitching, all of which enhance flexibility.
Vitamin D This is an important vitamin for healthy cartilage and strong bones. It also helps muscles use calcium to expand and contract. Lack of vitamin D can lead to atrophy or muscle wasting.
Vitamin E This is a powerful antioxidant which soothes muscle cramps connected with daily activity or heavy exercise, reduces damage from free radicals, and strengthens ligaments and tendons.
Magnesium This powerful mineral works together with calcium to build strong bones, which is important for flexibility. In order to be properly absorbed, calcium must be taken with magnesium. Women need to pay particular attention as it is estimated that most American women are deficient in magnesium.
Zinc Zinc has been proven to reduce symptoms of oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. Zinc deficiencies have been observed in people with rheumatoid arthritis, which adversely affects joint health and flexibility.
Lube Job for the Joints
A critical issue that is rarely discussed is the importance of joint and cartilage lubrication.
Lubricating the spaces between the cells of body tissues is an important substance called hyaluronic acid, or HA. It is concentrated in the eyes, heart and in the synovial fluid of the joints, working as a cushioning agent.
With aging, the body experiences a loss of HA. The joint fluid becomes thin resulting in greater friction with movement and joint pain.
The Institute for Vibrant Living offers an oral supplement for replenishing HA naturally to the body. It avoids the expense and discomfort of having to inject HA directly into the knees and other painful joints. To learn more, visit IVLProducts.com and use search term: Alleviate
Stay flexible and on top ofyour joint healthsituation by supplementing your diet with the vitamins, minerals and HA you need to keep moving ahead!
