When you’re young, your body functions the way it should. You can do anything and everything, without much concern for your joints or any repeated trauma because let’s face it, when you’re young, your invincible right. Overtime however your joints can become stiff and immobile. As we age, minor aches and pains can quickly turn into debilitating and chronic symptoms. Apart from a healthy diet and regular physical activity, supplements can provide a much-needed boost to keep your joints healthy and properly functioning, while reducing pain. We’re going to discuss the best supplements for joint health and recovery to keep your body mobile and agile.
Collagen
Collagen is a structural protein that has been shown to exert a building effect on cartilage tissue. A 24 week study at Penn State University showed that supplementing with collagen hydrolysate can reduce joint pain and improve mobility [R].
Many studies have investigated the effects of Collagen on Osteoarthritis, a common form of arthritis which occurs when the protective cartilage that cushions the ends of your bones wears down over time. Research shows that the use of Collagen hydrolysate supplements have positive effects for joint recovery on patients with osteoarthritis by rebuilding joint tissue and reducing pain [R].
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT: Collagen Hydrolysate
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used as an ancient Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric has been recognized for its powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, providing benefits for joint health, reducing minor aches and pains. Similar to Collagen, several studies have shown that Turmeric can have a dramatic positive impact on both chronic and acute Osteoarthritis. Head-to-head studies suggest that Turmeric can provide the same benefits as Ibuprofen reducing pain and inflammation [R].
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT: Turmeric
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium, which is needed to build stronger bones. Brittle bones over time can lead to chronic pain in the bones and muscles and lead to Osteoporosis. Research has found that those with low vitamin d levels, are linked to rheumatoid arthritis. Considering that 42% of all Americans are Vitamin D deficient, it’s not a stretch that the two are correlated. However, a growing body of evidence supports that Vitamin D supplementation can promote joint health and reduce the severity of arthritic symptoms and joint pain [R].
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT: Vitamin D3
Krill Oil
Krill oil is derived from tiny shrimp-like crustaceans found in the deep cold waters of the Antarctic ocean. Krill are packed with healthy Omega-3 fatty acids and a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, Astaxanthin.
Arthritis and Osteoporosis are two very common disorders that can affect your skeletal system and joint health. In fact, according to the CDC, osteoarthritis is the most prevalent joint disorder affecting over 32.5 million Americans alone.
The anti-inflammatory effects of Omega-3 can help reduce chronic inflammation of the tendons and joints, which can cause detrimental effects to your mobility and overall quality of life. In a randomized, double blind placebo-controlled trial by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 90 patients were recruited with rheumatoid and or osteoarthritis to evaluate the effectiveness of krill oil on arthritic symptoms. The results were astounding. After seven days of treatment with a dose of 300mg of administered krill oil, patients reported reduced pain scores by 28.9%, reduced stiffness by 20.3%, and reduced functional impairment by 22.8% [R].
Studies have proven that krill oil helps reduce joint pain and arthritic symptoms by directly reducing the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood; a protein made by the liver in response to inflammation. Therefore, krill oil is one of the best joint supplements for athletes. If you’re experiencing post-workout joint pain, or exhibit mild arthritic symptoms due to aging, krill oil supplements can promote joint recovery by potentially reducing pain and joint discomfort [R].
RECOMMENDED PRODUCT: Krill Oil Supplements
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a popular supplement used to treat joint pain and joint-related issues. Glucosamine is actually a constituent of cartilage and comes in two different forms, glucosamine sulphate, and glucosamine hydrochloride. Glucosamine is thought to have an anabolic or building effect on the cartilage tissue, reducing cartilage damage and improving mobility and reducing joint pain. Although glucosamine is often times recommended as a natural treatment option for joint pain, of the hundreds of randomized controlled trials, only a few high-quality level 1 studies exist. Despite the research, there is no convincing information on the efficacy of Glucosamine as a potential treatment option for osteoarthritis [R]. Therefore, with a limited amount of quality-controlled trials, the validity of glucosamine as a potential joint health supplement is still in question.
Chondroitin
Chondroitin much like glucosamine has also gained widespread popularity amongst clinicians as a potential treatment option for osteoarthritis and joint pain. Similar to Glucosamine, Chondroitin is also part of the cartilage and has been shown to inhibit the progression of joint pain and rebuilding joint tissue. Often times, supplements will combine both glucosamine and chondroitin, into one supplement. Yet, despite the handful of studies, evidence is still needed to prove the efficacy of chondroitin as a potential treatment option for joint health [R].
Best Supplements For Joint Health: Takeaway
The expression time heals everything does not apply when it comes to your joint health. Time is really your worst enemy, that’s why it is crucial to be proactive in your joint health and to start supplementing before your body starts to ache and exhibit any joint related symptoms.
Hammering a high volume of reps with heavy loads accompanied by constantly varied movements, may be a breeze now, but believe me, it will definitely catch up with you. If you want to be the fittest one in the retirement home, then start supplementing now. Take control of your health and live your best life, not just today, but for years to come.
DO YOU SUFFER FROM JOINT PAIN? THEN WE HAVE EXACTLY WHAT YOU NEED.
The natural ingredients found in Swolverine’s Joint Stack are clinically proven to minimize exercise-induced inflammation, keeping joint cartilage cells healthy and fed with the right nutrients, calming the inflammatory response and helping you recover quicker. Collagen, Krill Oil, Astaxanthin, vitamin D3, and Turmeric power-pack this stack with well-researched choices for athletes and active bodies alike. Recover faster and optimize your athletic performance with the Joint Stack from Swolverine.
SWOLVERINE IS AN ENDURANCE ATHLETE AND ACTIVE LIFESTYLE BRAND. MADE FOR THE ELITE ATHLETE, AND THE STRONG-WILLED OUR PRODUCTS WERE DESIGNED TO FUEL YOUR ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE. WE PERFORM WHEN YOU PERFORM.
We believe that everyone can optimize not only their athletic performance but their human potential. The way we believe we can optimize performance is through transparency, clinically effective doses, and clinically proven ingredients with evidence-based outcomes. We provide the nutrients you need to power your active lifestyle.
References
Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, Millard RL, Deitch JR, Sherbondy PS, Albert A. 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 May;24(5):1485-96. doi: 10.1185/030079908x291967. Epub 2008 Apr 15. PMID: 18416885.
Bello AE, Oesser S. Collagen hydrolysate for the treatment of osteoarthritis and other joint disorders: a review of the literature. Curr Med Res Opin. 2006 Nov;22(11):2221-32. doi: 10.1185/030079906X148373. PMID: 17076983.
Di Pierro F, Rapacioli G, Di Maio EA, Appendino G, Franceschi F, Togni S. Comparative evaluation of the pain-relieving properties of a lecithinized formulation of curcumin (Meriva(®)), nimesulide, and acetaminophen. J Pain Res. 2013;6:201-5. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S42184. Epub 2013 Mar 8. PMID: 23526055; PMCID: PMC3596124.
Kostoglou-Athanassiou, Ifigenia et al. “Vitamin D and rheumatoid arthritis.” Therapeutic advances in endocrinology and metabolism vol. 3,6 (2012): 181-7. doi:10.1177/2042018812471070
