How To Support Joint Comfort

 

Muscles

Muscles are commonly associated with tension, affecting most of us at some point. If your muscles are tight and tense all the time, whether it be from going to the gym, sitting in the car for long periods of time, or sometimes for no apparent reason at all, you may be lacking magnesium.

Magnesium is the mineral most associated with muscle relaxation. Magnesium deficiency is common these days due to our modern lifestyles. Your body uses up high amounts when under stress, and when you sweat, you’re losing magnesium. Unfortunately, it can be difficult for us to get the amount we need from foods, so a natural supplement may help. To help replenish the magnesium levels in your body, it’s best taken in tablet form. For muscle tension, magnesium can also be applied topically as a cream, directly to the affected area to help soothe and relax your muscles, joints, and nerves.

Alternatively, Epsom salts are a great source of magnesium sulphate that you can add to your bath. They have been used for centuries to support muscles, and as an added benefit, they eliminate toxins from your body. The warm water, combined with Epsom salts increases circulation… and besides, it’s a good excuse to have a relaxing hot bath!

Joints

Cartilage acts as a shock-absorber allowing for smooth, painless motion. Once your cartilage deteriorates either from injury, overuse, or general wear and tear, movement becomes restricted, interfering with daily activities. If your cartilage isn’t what it was, don’t panic – there are things you could try. In fact, “wear and tear” is now seen as a secondary cause of joint stiffness and that an overactive immune response is a bigger factor. Additionally, sleep and nutrient intake is so important for day-to-day recovery.

Glucosamine and chondroitin are well-researched ingredients that are building blocks of cartilage. Glucosamine and chondroitin support the cells that build cartilage, but this process is slow because there is no blood supply through the cartilaginous structure, the cells have to respond from the outside in. Taking a glucosamine and chondroitin supplement over time can support your body to deal with cartilage while you sleep. Think of it as a long-term strategy, not a short-term fix.

Green lipped mussel is another supplement that can support a range of joint-related symptoms. The active component in mussel extract, mucopolysaccharide supports the body’s defenses. It also contains an antioxidant called Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), which further supports joints and bones.

Collagen is another tried and true joint supporter. This is why traditional humans made use of the bones and connective tissue of animals in their collagen-rich broths. When denatured, or broken down, collagen is consumed, it can support the production of new cartilage in joints. Supplement companies use hydrolysed collagen; hydrolysed being another word for broken down/denatured. When undenatured, or whole, collagen is consumed, it can work with the immune cells in the gut to support the maintenance of cartilage tissue. Because not all collagens can be broken down by our digestion, bone and connective tissue broths technically provide both, but you must make broth with tendons and other connective tissue, not just bones, and use a variety of animal bones. Combining regularly intake of collagen broths and collagen supplements may be a good way to ensure you’re getting plenty of building blocks to support your joint health.

Natural health options

A protracted, or overactive, immune response is associated with so many of our modern health issues. One of the most well-known and effective herbal options on the market today is turmeric. Generally, we think of turmeric as a spice that is added to curries to give it that brilliant golden colour and delicious flavour, but herbal grade turmeric, which you buy in a capsule, contains high amounts of the active ingredient, curcumin. Curcumin has powerful antioxidant properties, making it especially supportive of joints and muscles.

Antioxidants support the body’s own antioxidant processes, and this supports joints and collagen structures as we use them. As well as turmeric and green lipped mussel, grape seed extract is a potent antioxidant, rich in bioflavonoids. It supports cartilage, cells, and blood vessels as they go about their jobs.

Essential Fatty Acids also support a healthy immune response. Fish Oil and Krill Oil both contain omega 3 fatty acids in their active forms – DHA and EPA – shown to be effective agents for supporting joints and muscles, and cartilage, especially.

Evening Primrose Oil contains the omega 6, gamma linoleic acid, which may support joint health. Flax Seed Oil, in small doses, contains omega 3, 6 and 9 in the perfect ratio to support the immune response, provided the diet does not contain seed/vegetable oils and processed foods as well. Too much linoleic acid, a predominantly plant-sourced omega 6 fatty acid, can be harmful and encourage a protracted immune response. While flaxseed and evening primrose oil are good sources of “plant omegas”, do not rely on them to give you all your essential fatty acids. The plant omegas are poorly converted in the body, with great variability between individuals. Animal fats are by far the best place to get the omega fats in the best ratios.

While joint and muscle tension may arise in different forms, for different reasons, there are a plethora of natural tools all designed for varying symptoms to combat it. If you’re unsure which is best for you, talk to your naturopath. The best thing about these things is that they do not have to be permanent.

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