10 Facts You Must Know About Joint Health
10. Your posture is ruining your joints!
That's right, your knees and feet probably hurt because of the way you sit and stand throughout the day. If your posture is terrible (it is, trust us) you will place added pressure on your back and lower extremities because your spine is not in proper alignment.
9. You may have arthritis and not know it. Many suffer from joint pain all over parts of their body because of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. According to the CDC, 46 million Americans suffer from arthritis. Also, one in 250 children are born with some form of arthritis. See a doctor if you feel you could have arthritis.
8. There are natural substances that can help you. Omega-3's, glucosamine, MSM and Hyaluronic Acid have been scientifically proven to help repair joints and reduce pain.
Check out BSG's Best Joint Formula
7. Your lifting could be killing your joints. Heavy lifting and bad form in and out of the gym has led to a serious increase in joint-related pain and subsequently, a rise in the purchase of joint relief formulas.
SOURCE NATURALS HYALURONIC JOINT COMPLEX
Be careful when performing lifts. Do not place added pressure on elbows, knees and the back when weight training. We recommend hiring an NASM certified personal trainer because of the emphasis placed on proper form and rehabilitation.
6. Stretch AFTER your workouts! It's okay to warm up on Cardio and do a quick stretch before an exercise, but stretching a cold muscle will reduce force production and could cause an injury to joint connective tissue. Stretching has been a source of confusion for years. But research shows static stretching is best done after a workout, when the muscles and joints are warm and primed.
5. Allergic to shellfish? Don't take glucosamine. Joint formulas that include glucosomine and krill oil may be useful for alleviating joint pain, but you should avoid these compounds if you have a shellfish allergy. Most supplement manufacturers derive these formulas from crustaceans. What should you do? Opt for Omega-3's to lubricate those tender joints.
4. Your shoes are killing you! That's right, your shoes are probably lacking in arch support and cushion, which could be causing strain on your knees, hips and back. Look into a health shoe store for a shoe specifically designed for your needs. Or, if you hate lame-looking shoes, get an insole, which can help support those aching feet and give your body relief.
3. Were you told you have fibromayalgia? Do you have joint pain? This author was told he had fibromayalgia for three years until he was correctly diagnosed with arthritis. Fibromayalgia is often diagnosed when the pain cannot be attributed to anything specific.
2. Move away from the painkillers. Doctors prescribe Prednisone and NSAIDS (non steroidal anti-inflammatories) often without regard for the long term side effects. Ibuprofen and Aleve can lead to stomach bleeding and exacerbate joint pain because of their contribution to leaky gut. This is a condition where bacteria in the digestive tract leaks into the blood steam and can deposit in joint tissue, increasing inflammation. Rather than relying on painkillers and steroids, try natural anti-inflammatories like Omega-3's and circumin.
1. Change your diet. The foods you are eating could be causing you joint pain. Certain foods such as saturated fats, gluten, and animal protein can cause inflammation and make joint pain unbearable. Try to eliminate foods that are known to be pro-inflammatories. For more information, check out our article on Dr. McDougall and where to find his elimination diet here.
Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.