As I mentioned in my previous tip, last Friday I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee.
Going through the recovery process has prompted me to get back onto a supplement I used to take – and have begun to take again.
You have probably heard about Glucosamine and Chondroitin, supplements that support joint health. There has been quite a lot of attention paid to these two supplements, especially as the Baby Boomer generation begins to hit their 60s. They have been popularized as treatments for osteoarthritis.
About five years back, there was some controversy about Glucosamine, and some backlash against its depiction as a sort of “wonder drug” for joint health and arthritis sufferers.
At the time, a couple of studies showed glucosamine was no better than a placebo in improving joint health.
However, numerous subsequent studies, as well as years and years of “empirical research” – meaning people who have used it and benefited from it – support the use of Glucosamine – Chondroitin.
Based on all the evidence I have reviewed, as well as my own experience as an athlete, I believe that Glucosamine and Chondroitin, taken together in supplement form, can indeed support joint and connective tissue health and repair….which is vitally important as you age, AND if you engage in an active lifestyle.
By the way, glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation is not only for older people. It most definitely can work to help you build a stronger body, regardless of your age.
Why is Glucosamine so important? And how does it work?
Connective tissue is one of the most prevalent substances in your body. Cartilage, tendons, ligaments, intervertebral (spinal) discs, pads between joints, and cellular membranes: all are made up of connective tissue.
All connective tissues have two common components. One is collagen. Collagen is the most common protein in the body.
The other component is proteoglycans (PGs). PGs form the framework for connective tissue. The principal component in PGs is comprised of 50% glucosamine. Collagens and PGs must “get together” during the production of new connective tissue. And glucosamine is the single most important substance in the synthesis of connective tissue.
Over 30 years of research on glucosamine have proved that ingesting purified glucosamine helps the body produce more connective tissue.
But, just to make sure, I asked my orthopedic surgeon and my physical therapist what they think about it.
They both said absolutely to take it – not just during this recovery period, but from now on.
So….I’m back to taking a supplement I knew was good for me, but which I didn’t sufficiently appreciate at the time.
I discuss Glucosamine and Chondroitin, plus several other key supplements that help restore and maintain healthy, pain-free joints, in “Dynamic Flexibility: The Secret To Healthy, Pain-Free Joints, Limber Muscles and Maximum Mobility” (go to http://www.bestbreathingexercises.com/dynamic_flex.html for more info or to order a copy).
The proper use of targeted supplements, along with the approach and specific exercises I teach you in this program, help you easily and enjoyably improve your flexibility and joint health…leaving you limber and pain-free with the investment of only a few minutes per day.
Prior to undergoing surgery last Friday, my orthopedic surgeon told me that, despite old injuries and newer trauma to my knee, both knees are remarkably free from arthritis, and are actually way more functional than they “ought to be”, given some of the wear and tear they have experienced.
I credit this to the functional, effective flexibility and strengthening exercises I have done over the years. I learned long ago that it’s not just about static stretching, how far you can stretch, how long you hold a stretch, etc. — which is the standard stretching fare typically offered in most martial arts and fitness studios.
The important thing is the way you stretch, ensuring that your movement and breathing and method are all integrated into an approach that supports limberness in your soft tissues, such as muscles, with flexibility and strength in your joints and supporting structures.
You Can Do It!
Karen
“Best Breathing Exercises: Transform Body Mind and Spirit with Dynamic Energy Exercise!” http://www.BestBreathingExercises.com
Copyright, Karen Van Ness, 2012