Take care of your bones & joints

Preventing Aging Joints and Bones

Some signs of aging are visibly obvious, and some are physically obvious. Wrinkles, gray hair, loss of muscle mass, and loss of strength are all visible to the eye and are physically obvious. Joints and bones are an exception. The affects of these body parts aging are hidden and can go unnoticed, sometimes until the damage is irreversible. Joint pain can be felt, but not seen, and loss of strength can be measured, but not noticed in someone’s appearance. Bone loss cannot be felt or seen unfortunately, and even though it can be measured, it usually is not. Arthritis and osteoporosis are the two main conditions to affect these silent, but integral body parts.

Arthritis affects the joints, which is where two bones meet. The joints are meant to cushion the hard bone. In osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, there is a deterioration of the cushioning cartilage with loss of joint function and pain. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints. Both mostly affect people over 65 years of age, and the latter mostly affects women. The most popular treatment on the market today is glucosamine. It is usually combined with chondroitin. A daily treatment is recommended and should be maintained for life. This combo treatment is recommended not only for the elderly, but for young and middle age people as well, for prevention of the disease. Omega 3 fatty acids are also great for treatment and prevention.

Osteoporosis is the result of the deterioration of bone mass. This sign of aging is one that can go unnoticed and undiagnosed until it is too late. The prevention and treatment of osteoporosis is best achieved through supplementation of calcium and vitamin D, or by the consumption of fortified milk or yogurt. Recommended dosage is at least 1000mg to 1200mg a day of calcium and 1000iu of vitamin D. The vitamin D dose can be achieved by just 15 minutes of sun exposure daily. Exercise is also very important for maintaining bone density. Weight baring activities, such as strength training, running, walking, tennis, etc. can halt the progression of further deterioration, but cannot reverse what may have already been lost. A bone density test can tell a person whether they already have bone loss or if they just need to prevent it from occurring.

So, even though our joints and bones don’t always tell us when they need help, we can keep them healthy so they don’t have to. Add a supplement of glucosamine and chondroitin, and calcium and vitamin D to your daily regime. Keep your joints cushioned and flexible and your bones strong and your aging body will thank you without saying a word!