As baby boomers begin suffering from poor joint health, many consider natural alternatives that offer comfort.

CNN Medical Correspondent Elizabeth Cohen reported (2003) about an alarming new trend among active baby boomers, especially those in the 45- to 55-year-old category. She said that today, more boomers than ever before are considering medical procedures-including strong drugs and joint-replacement surgery-to stop the wear and tear caused by years of activity. While some doctors are pleased about this trend, especially those whose pockets will become filled from the expensive drugs and procedures, others are not so sure that this is the best route.

And, as Cohen reports: “Many hospitals and doctors are more than happy to oblige. In fact, these hospitals and doctors are advertising…these kinds of procedures. And the ads are aimed directly at baby boomers” (Cohen, 2003). But she also adds that other doctors are saying, “Wait a second.” Sometimes those with weak joints really do need these kinds of procedures, but others shouldn’t get surgery. What they should do is change their lifestyle (Cohen, 2003).

While the notion of “lifestyle changes” may evoke images of restrictive dietary limits and drastic adjustments to your activity level, it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, many researchers have become fascinated with a new “three-part strategy” that may help rebuild cartilage, lubricate stiff joints and ease some swelling in problem areas. This strategy, which makes use of a select combination of potent nutraceuticals, may prove to be a simple, natural and wise option for many active boomers.

Weekend Warriors Need Relief

Whether you’re a man or woman, chances are that you fit the category of a “Weekend Warrior,” someone who values rigorous physical activities such as basketball, running, tennis, and high-impact aerobics. Playing these sports and participating in these activities are more than a social event. Staying active keeps you feeling young and energized and makes the rest of your stressful life seem manageable.

Unfortunately, while you’d like to think, “I did it in my 20s and 30s, so I can do it in my 40s and 50s,” your body may not agree. You may find yourself wearing out sooner than before. Your shoulder may feel stiff after only a few games of racquetball or your knees may get creaky before you even reach the back nine. No wonder many boomers are asking their doctors: “Can you give me a new shoulder? Or a new hip?” An even larger number of mature adults start asking for powerful prescriptions for anti-inflammatory and narcotic pain pills, which may be an early set up for future health problems.

As CNN’s Cohen reports, only a few doctors are saying no. She says: “I was talking to a doctor about this, and he said, ‘You know, don’t tell anyone I’m saying this, but doctors make a lot of money off of these surgeries.’” So most doctors will agree to replace a knee or shoulder instead of showing their patients how to take a different, perhaps natural approach (Cohen, 2003).

Many can find comfort by choosing different activities. They may be able to change some of their habits to include more non-impact activities like yoga, Pilates or swimming. But to some boomers, these aren’t attractive considerations, because they love their activities too much. However, if you’re saying “no” to low-impact and also saying “no” to surgery, what are your options? The following three-step strategy gives hope to those who may have felt limited in their joint-health options:

Step 1: Cartilage Is Key

Every time you take a step, specific intersections in your joints carry the load, which can be three times your body weight or more. Cartilage, which essentially is a sponge-like material, absorbs most of the pressure. It then pushes fluid into synovial sacs, which are tiny capsules that surround cartilage. Next, a vital exchange then occurs, during which the fluid excretes waste products and absorbs fresh nutrients to nourish cartilage. As this pressure eases, fresh, nutrient-rich fluid flows back into the cartilage. In many ways, cartilage is always active and constantly regenerating itself.

Many mistakenly think that once joints have been worn down and cartilage becomes weak that nothing can be done to strengthen them. This may have been true about 10 years ago, but not with the new natural options at your disposal. Doctors now know that several nutritional compounds can strengthen the essential fibrous matrix that makes up cartilage and may even rebuild joints that have weakened.

The first of these nutrients is known as glucosamine sulfate. While cartilage is constantly being destroyed and rebuilt, glucosamine is the body’s primary tool for regenerating this key substance. In fact, glucosamine is now considered one of the most effective natural strategies for those with joint-health challenges. Glucosamine is involved with the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are molecules found in high concentrations in cartilage tissue. GAGs have a remarkable ability to hold moisture and thus provide a protective, shock-absorbing action. Cartilage cells actually use glucosamine to help produce GAGs and collagen and form the essential structure of each joint.

As the years add up, old and injured cartilage breaks down at a faster rate. Unfortunately, the GAG-production process does not accelerate to match this phenomenon, at least not without some help. Because the generation of new cartilage cannot keep up with cartilage degeneration, the joints begin to lose their protective cushioning properties. Swelling, stiffness and “frozen” limbs occur.

Fortunately, cartilage cells don’t care whether the glucosamine that it gets comes from within the body or from outside sources. As long as they are being fed a plentiful amount of fresh glucosamine, cells will continue to produce GAGs and keep new cartilage growing. For these reasons, health professionals recommend that those with poor joint health consider supplementing their diets with glucosamine, because it is quickly absorbed by the body and used efficiently by cartilage cells.

Additional Sulfate Supports Joint Cartilage

Like its “cousin” glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate occurs abundantly in healthy cartilage. It also binds to water molecules and holds them in the cartilage tissue. This is important, because water makes up about 85% of cartilage and gives it the resiliency and cushioning properties to protect the body from high-impact stress. Chondroitin also seems to have a positive effect on the enzymes that can break cartilage down, giving the body another advantage in the rebuilding process.

Step 2: Lubricating for Flexibility

Once these nutrients begin to help the body rebuild cartilage to its youthful resiliency, the second step involves providing the body with compounds that can lubricate the spaces in between joints and encourage optimal flexibility. To accomplish this task, many researchers recommend use of a dietary sulfur called MSM. Actually, health practitioners have known about the healing effects of sulfur for thousands of years. Ancient Greek physicians would recommend bathing in hot sulfur springs to encourage the therapeutic process. Modern science is just now beginning to clarify this mineral’s essential role in the body.

Sulfur is a major component of several key amino acids, which help build proteins and are thus involved with the production of healthy muscles, bones, cartilage and other types of connective tissue. Now sulfur-specifically a type of sulfur called methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM)-has emerged as a joint supporter.

While many types of sulfur, including MSM, are available in some foods (including meats, eggs, and dairy), the storage, cooking and processing of these foods can deplete their sulfur content. In addition, much of the topsoil in today’s farmland is void of vital nutrients, including sulfur. Studies suggest that those with weak joints may have low levels of dietary sulfur. One study found that those with poor joint health possessed about 30% the amount of sulfur compared to subjects with healthy joints (Jacob, 1999). For these reasons, taking a supplement containing MSM makes a wise choice.

Another nutritional compound that can promote flexibility in joints is a class of nutrients known as essential fatty acids (EFAs). Members of this nutrient family include the highly regarded omega-3 oils found in fish oil, flaxseed, perilla seed and other animal and plant sources. When concentrated into capsule or softgel form, supplementing the diet with EFAs can deliver key benefits to joints. The oils seem to have an affinity for the molecules in the synovial fluid that exists in between the joints and may fortify this fluid by making it more buoyant.

Step 3: Welcome the Comfort

The third step in the nutrient-supplement strategy involves the use of specific botanical and herbal compounds that can soothe red, swollen and uncomfortable joints. Today, some researchers recommend two such nutrients that have illustrated positive effects on those with poor joint health.

For hundreds of years, traditional medical practitioners in India have relied on the gum resin from the Boswellia serrata tree to help their patients with a wide range of health issues. They have cited the extract’s soothing ability on discomfort.

Likewise, an extract from the spice plant Curcuma longa (turmeric) has been praised for its ability to promote joint health. This fragrant yellow plant is well-known as one of the main ingredients in making the flavorful curry recipes of India, but researchers have now become intrigued by its potent health benefits. It, like Boswellia, seems to have an effect on the swelling processes in the body.
The promise of healthy joints, using this new three-step strategy, has now emerged as a viable alternative for both women and men. Thanks to this group of nutrients, you may now be able to (1) strengthen cartilage, (2) lubricate joints and surrounding tissues to promote flexibility, and (3) help diminish the discomfort associated with swelling, without having to resort to drastic measures. Your best chance for enjoying the active, healthy life you want may be found in a supplement formula that contains all of these remarkable natural compounds.

References:
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