Joint nutrients
Nutrients to get your joints moving
Your joints love certain nutrients. Many of these can be obtained through the diet, but in some cases it may be useful to take them in greater quantities in the form of supplements.
Here we give you the low-down on some of the most effective substances (all of which have been subject to clinical trials). Simply click on each one to find out how they might help your joints.
Glucosamine
Glucosamine is a naturally-occurring amino sugar found in healthy joint tissue. It plays an important role in the production of cartilage and can help support tendons and ligaments. It’s known as ‘the cement of the connective tissues’ because our joints rely on it to maintain themselves. Sadly, as we get older our bodies become less efficient at producing the nutrients we need to keep us active.
All of our products contain glucosamine. If you’d like to see which might be of benefit to you, please click here
Chondroitin
Glucosamine works beautifully when combined with chondroitin. Naturally-occurring chondroitin sulphate exists in the body in the form of chains of repeating sugars. It is known as the ‘liquid magnet’ because it stimulates the uptake of fluid and nutrients into the cartilage, which is vital for proper joint movement.
The following products contain chondroitin:
GlucOsamax Plus
GlucOsamax Extra
GlucOsamine & Chondroitin
GlucOsamine & Chondroitin Effervescent
BackOsamine
Joint Flex
Omega 3
Many studies have shown that Omega 3 is enormously valuable for joint health in maintaining suppleness.
In addition, because Omega 3 is good for the body as a whole (for example helping to maintain the health of all cells and nourishing the brain and nervous system) that it helps the joints in many ways, both directly and indirectly.
Our GlucOsamax Extra contains Omega 3 as well as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and rose-hip extract. Together these are designed to support healthy joints.
Rosehip
Are rich in Vitamins A, C & E and cartenoids; including beta-carotene, Lycopene and Lutein plus other beneficial fatty acids, all hailed as really useful nutrients. It works well in combination with substances such as glucosamine.
Our GlucOsamax Extra contains Rosehip extract as well as glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and Omega 3. Together these are designed to help maintain joint health.
MSM
(Methyl Sulphonyl Methane) - a sulphur compound found in every cell of the human body, is an important constituent of connective tissue. The majority of our MSM intake comes through a varied diet, but it is quickly destroyed when foods are processed. Initial evidence indicates that supplementing natural levels could be helpful for joint function.
Our GlucOsamax Extra contains MSM well as glucosamine, chondroitin, Omega 3 and rose-hip extract. Together these are designed to support healthy joints.
Bromelain
Bromelain is the name for protease enzymes extracted from the stem and fruit of fresh pineapple. When used in supplements it is extracted from the stem, which contains a higher concentration of the enzymes than the fruit. It is an anti-inflammatory agent which means it’s helpful for healthy joints.
Our BackOsamine contains bromelain as well as glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric.
Horse chestnut extract
Horse chestnut extract comes from the leaves and seeds of this plant. When used locally as a patch or gel, studies have shown that it improves blood flow and reduces swelling.
What is interesting is that this remedy has been known for centuries, and is currently widely used in Germany, where it is common to find it in gel form in household first aid kits.
Our GlucOsamine Gel Patch and GlucOsamine Gel both contains horse chestnut extract as well as glucosamine.
Menthol
Menthol has a natural soothing qualities effect. Both Ancient Greek and Japanese physicians knew of the benefits of its cooling effects. Many traditional remedies use mint oil for that purpose. Now recent research confirms the valuable analgesic properties of menthol, when used topically (on the skin) either in the form of a gel or patches.
Modern researchers, found that menthol, simply applied in small doses to the skin, has a natural soothing effect. Most of menthol's uses are related to its stimulation of the skin's cold receptors. Menthol does not actually change the skin's temperature, but merely produces the sensation of temperature change. This stimulates specific cold receptors that are thought to control pain (ie the body produces its own natural painkilling substances in response to the sensation of cold).
It's important to remember that topical analgesics (or any pain reliever, for that matter) are only addressing a symptom (pain) of an underlying condition, so they are best used in conjunction with remedies that will promote healing of the underlying condition. Where exercise is useful, topical analgesics such as menthol can be used in conjunction with a therapeutic exercise programme – for example applied before and after exercise.
Our GlucOsamine Gel contains menthol as well as glucosamine.