Joint Supplements

What are joint supplements?

Joint supplements are specially created supplements designed to promote joint strength and health in a variety of different ways. Exercise, being overweight, and general wear and tear from everyday life can place increased strain and tension upon the joints that can make life uncomfortable, painful, and sometimes near impossible for people as a result. Joint supplements contain a combination of various ingredients which have been scientifically proven to help support joint health, help reduce joint pain, and just generally make them function to the best of their ability. They support active joints, reduce pain, reduce inflammation, and help prevent the breakdown of joint cartilage. The active ingredients found in these supplements include the following:

• Glucosamine sulphate
• Chondroitin Sulphate
• Bromelain
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
• Some also contain omega 3 fatty acids

What are the benefits of joint supplements?

Joint supplements offer a number of benefits directly linked to the joints. Indirectly, these benefits also carry over into various other parts of everyday life. Some of these examples include the following:

They're great for athletes

Not only are joint supplements great for athletes, they’re also great for increasing athletic performance as a result. Exercise and over exertion is one of the primary causes of joint pain as it can break down joint cartilage and cause painful swelling and inflammation. The active ingredients found within joint supplements have been found to reduce swelling and inflammation and help promote regeneration and strengthening of the joint cartilage.

They help the joints to function in everyday life

One of the main ingredients in many joint health supplements is Glucosamine, which is a naturally occurring amino acid which helps to create glycosaminoglycan which strengthens and repairs joint cartilage. Glucosamine is often used to help manage the effects of arthritis, osteoporosis, and to help create joint lubrication. Think of the joints as hinges on a door. When the hinges creak and become stiff we add lubricating spray or oil which makes them function better and smoother. The exact same principle applies to your joints in your own body.

They help cartilage hold water and nutrients

Chondroitin Sulphate is another active ingredient in most joint health supplements and it is also found naturally within our joints and bone cartilage. It plays a vital role as it actually helps to ensure that the cartilage is able to hold water and nutrients necessary for keeping them healthy. Cartilage is just the same as our muscles, in that it needs nutrients and water to repair itself and keep itself functioning correctly. The ingredients contained within these supplements also help to ensure the joints are able to absorb shocks more effectively, I.E footsteps and footfalls from walking and running etc which can place stress upon the knee joints.

They can help the body to form connective tissue

Connective tissue is found within our joints and it is often this tissue which becomes inflamed after exercise or injury. Ingredients contained within joint supplements have been found to help the body to form new and healthy connective tissue, which in turn will obviously make help to keep joints healthy and free of pain.

How and when should join supplements be used?

Experts recommend 2 – 4 servings of joint health supplements per day, spaced evenly out throughout the day and consumed with a whole food source and water for adequate absorption.

Are there any dangers or side effects for users to be wary of?

Joint health supplements are obviously designed to improve our everyday health and general well-being so if used as instructed they have been deemed largely safe, although some users may experience mild side effects which we’ll be looking at shortly. For that reason, always read the label and never exceed the recommended daily dosage. Study the ingredients list to ensure that the supplements contain no ingredients that you may be allergic to. Some users have experienced mild gastrointestinal issues including a loss of appetite, nausea, indigestion, build ups of gas, and painful stomach bloat and cramps. Some users, especially those consuming slightly more than recommended, have experienced increases in blood pressure and heart burn. The number of people experiencing negative side effects can be deemed very low overall, and studies have shown that if used as instructed, in conjunction with a healthy diet and lifestyle, that these supplements are perfectly safe and extremely beneficial.