Joint Health

As we age, we have more wear and tear on our joints.  It’s not uncommon that most of us will develop some arthritis in one of more of our joints, especially after Menopause or Andropause. When our hormone levels decline, auto-immune diseases can increase, especially in women.  As well as heart disease, bone loss, memory issues, sleep issues and joint issues like arthritis.  We are at a higher risk for arthritis if we have had an injury to a joint or a repair of a joint like a ligament repair to a knee.  We are also at high risk for arthritis if we have a strong family history of autoimmune diseases involving joints like Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis or other diseases involving joints. 

Autoimmune disease is an overactive immune system so working to balance and calm down the immune system will help decrease the damage to joint and other tissue.

Several supplements and lifestyle factors will help keep our joints healthy and supple into our later years.

1. Vitamin D3K2 5000 - helps with bone density and decreases inflammation and helps to balance immune system
2. Regenesis - increases the production of Collagen in bone, joints, skin hair and nails
3. Bone Matrix - for use in Osteopenia and Osteoporosis. It has calcium, Regenesis, Vitamin D and K and also has Boron which all help with bone density.  The Vitamin K in bone Matrix also helps to keep the calcium out of our coronary arteries which decreases the hardening of our arteries.  This supplement comes in a packet with all the supplements together.
4. Vitamin C - helps with collagen production and supports immune system by decreasing oxidation in the tissues which lowers risk of cancer and also helps to decrease histamine. I have two types of Vitamin C supplements:  One with Bioflavonoids: C + Bioflavonoids; one without: C Complete.
5. Advanced Omega 3 mini (DHA and EPA) are very good anti-inflammatories for joint pain and also good for heart, brain and skin health.

Stretching our muscles will help to keep us more flexible which will help our joints more flexible as well.  If you are an athlete and are running, throwing and constantly stressing your joints it’s important to ice your muscles and joints after you work out to decrease inflammation. 

Epsom salts are great to use after a workout to help relax your muscles.  Put 1-2 pounds in a warm bath and soak for 10-20 minutes.  You can also do an Epsom salt soak for a specific joint like a hot foot bath with Epsom salts. 

Natural hormone therapy in menopause and andropause can also be very helpful for immune system, bone and heart health and also good for brain and skin.  Consult with your local Naturopathic doctor to see if you are eligible for bio-identical hormone therapy. 

Hopefully these tips will help your joints age gracefully as you age.  Have a great day!