JOINT HEALTH

Around 80% of the over 50s suffer with painful, achy or stiff joints. Arthritis mostly affects the joints of the hands and weight bearing joints.  The medical approach is to prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatories to reduce fever, swelling and pain, but the side- effects can include liver and kidney damage, gastro intestinal bleeding, ulcers, dizziness, skin rashes and stomach upsets. 
Lifestyle and dietary changes, including moderate exercise and supplements can help.


Glucosamine can be taken as a supplement or sourced from shellfish.  Glucosamine is an important building block needed by the body to manufacture specialised molecules called glycosminoglycans found in cartilage. Glucosamine also promotes the incorporation of sulphur into cartilage.
Detailed human studies on the absorption, distribution, and elimination of orally administered glucosamine sulphate show an absorption rate as high as 98 %. Arthritis sufferers have been found to have reduced levels  of sulphur within their tissues. Food sources of sulphur include onions, garlic and beans. Once absorbed it is taken up by the joint tissues, where it is incorporated into the connective tissue matrix of cartilage, ligaments, and tendons.

Other vitamins and supplements that have been found to help with joint health are vitamin B5, vitamin C, Bromelain which  is found in high concentration in pineapple stems. Ginger root, Pycnogenol, Turmeric and Quercetin, which is one of several bioflavonoids(special nutrients found with vitamin C in fruit and vegetables with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-histamine properties.