There has been a lot of talk in recent years about the so-called natural joint lubricants. Glucosamine and chondroitin are two substances that effectively protect their health. Numerous scientific studies, which have been carried out from time to time, have shown that these substances “lubricate” the joints in a natural way, as they regenerate the articular cartilage, reduce pain and inflammation and thus quickly restore their mobility.
What is a joint?
A joint is the point in the body where two or more bones are connected in order to facilitate movement, providing stability to the musculoskeletal system. The structure of the joint consists of articular cartilage, synovial fluid and the synovial sac (ligaments, tendons, collagen fibers).
Within the joints, the cartilage areas support the nearby bones providing protection, absorbing the vibrations and vibrations we experience when we move, preventing sanding between the bones.
In cases of cartilage wear or lack of synovial fluid, the bones “rub” together in such a way that it causes inflammation, swelling, pain, loss of mobility and sometimes changes in the shape of the joint.
Joint pain
With each change of weather or when there is a lot of humidity, many people with joint sensitivity suffer from intense and acute pain. As a result of the wear and tear of their “lubricant”, known as synovial fluid. Possible causes for these injuries, dislocations, but also pathological conditions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus and ankylosing spondylitis.
The terms degenerative joint disease, degenerative arthropathy and osteoarthritis are often used interchangeably. The main cause of degenerative joint disease is age and general wear and tear due to the natural aging process of the body. However, there are some factors that can encourage and even aggravate arthritis.
The main factors that burden the health of the joints and are “blamed” for the appearance of lesions are:
These are:
the frequent lifting of heavy objects
the genetic predisposition
gender and age
injuries that cause deformities
the recurring bad posture
poor nutrition
the lack of exercise
overweight
smoking
How can we protect them?
Numerous scientific studies, which have been carried out from time to time, have shown that two substances, glucosamine and chondroitin, “lubricate” the joints in a natural way. Their role is to regenerate articular cartilage and reduce pain and inflammation. Thus, they quickly restore joint mobility.
Glucosamine
Amino sugar produced by the body, essential for the proper functioning, but also for the process of “repairing” the joints. There are no dietary sources of glucosamine. It is therefore necessary to supplement it, when the body is no longer able to synthesize a sufficient amount on its own, in order to maintain the structure and function (mobility) of the joints.
According to occasional research, glucosamine has a mild anti-inflammatory effect. At the same time, many researchers believe that taking it chronically, suppresses several inflammatory processes in the body and protects against diseases such as osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin
Along with glucosamine, chondroitin contributes significantly to joint health, as it increases the density and elasticity of cartilage. In fact, in combination with glucosamine, it relieves the pain of osteoarthritis, increases joint mobility, reduces the need for painkillers and can prevent or slow down further cartilage damage. There are no nutritional sources of this substance and so the body, in order to produce it, must take nutritional supplements.
Healthy habits
But since, in addition to consuming nutritional supplements, the element that catalyzes the restoration of health is the maintenance of a proper lifestyle, it is important for sufferers to change some habits, adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Maintaining the right body weight is one of the most important ways to prevent it, in order to avoid straining the joints, especially the knees. In addition, because the joints need certain nutrients to function properly, sufferers should also be very careful with their diet. Finally, smoking is one of the top goals for change. Such a decision will have multiple benefits for their health.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask your doctor before using this product. It does not replace a varied diet. Do not exceed the dose. Store in a dry and cool place away from children.