Just how healthy are your muscles and joints?
Answer our questions and find out if your flexibility is compromised.
Find out how flexible you areWhether you suffer from aches and pains, or you just want to keep your joints healthy, there are a number of things that can help. Whilst we’d always recommend addressing your diet and partaking in a little exercise, more specifically, vitamins and minerals can also prove beneficial. Here I run through 4 of the most useful vitamins and minerals for the joints, plus I explain how to include more of them day-to-day.
In general terms, vitamin D supports the joints as it helps the body absorb calcium. This is key to the health and development of the bones (and therefore the joints) and, as such, it is important the body is able to make the most of it.
More specifically, though, research has indicated that vitamin D may reduce inflammation.1 As such, taking a vitamin D supplement on a regular basis may benefit those suffering from joint problems where inflammation is at the root of the problem.
Moreover, vitamin D deficiency can result in an array of problems including low mood, digestive upset and aching joints. It is, therefore, very important we keep our levels topped up.
How can I get more vitamin D?
As I briefly mentioned at the start of this blog, calcium is crucial to the development of strong, healthy bones. If we fail to get enough long term, however, there is more chance that conditions relating to the bones and joints will develop. This includes osteoporosis which makes the bones more fragile and prone to breakages.2
This condition is particularly prevalent amongst menopausal women. The female hormone oestrogen declines at this time and bone density falls with it. This doesn’t just increase the chances of developing osteoporosis, however, as general pain and stiffness also become more problematic.
How can I get calcium naturally?
My Top Tip:Our Balance Mineral Drink contains a combination of vitamin D, calcium, potassium, magnesium and zinc. It helps to fight tiredness and fatigue, but also supports normal muscle and joint function.
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Potassium is important for maintaining fluid levels in the body. It also regulates levels of calcium and phosphorus in the body, two minerals that are crucial to bone health.
For those suffering from joint pain as a result of rheumatoid arthritis or hypokalaemia (this occurs when potassium levels in the blood get too low), upping your potassium has been seen to be beneficial. A 2008 study published in the Journal of Pain found, for example, that potassium supplements reduced joint pain in those suffering from these conditions.3
Now potassium deficiencies aren’t all that easy to diagnose so, if you are concerned, do take advice from your doctor before turning to any supplements.
How can I get more potassium in my diet?
Magnesium could easily be considered a wonder mineral, given the influence it has on the body. It can, for example, aid everything from mood, to sleep, to muscle pain. On top of this, magnesium is particularly beneficial for the joints.
If we are able to get enough magnesium, there is evidence to suggest that it may help to prevent osteoarthritis and a painful condition known as joint space narrowing.4 Here the cartilage fails to keep the bone separated and so they begin to rub together.
Research also shows that a magnesium deficiency can contribute to inflammation5 which will likely lead to pain and discomfort in the joints and in other areas of the body.
How do you increase your magnesium levels?
1 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120223103920.htm
3 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18468955
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Answer our questions and find out if your flexibility is compromised.
Find out how flexible you areAs the A. Vogel Muscles and Joints advisor, I recommend Atrogel® for the effective relief from aches and pains.
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