Our Joints: Their Importance And Necessary Supplements

Our joints allow us to move at different angles. They can also provide mechanical support to our bone structure. In the human body, there are 205 bones that can be found connected to at least one other bone. This connection takes place through the joints that make our physiological movements smooth and fluid.

According to their location in the body, they also provide stability and movement.

How do our joints work?

To better understand their function, we will divide them according to their level of mobility.

Reduced or no movement

The joints without movement have the greatest stability. They allow a strong connection between the legs which means that they have little or no movement.

For example, the joints located in the skull are connected by a fibrous tissue that prevents the movement of the adjacent bones. This allows it to protect the brain.

Reduced movement

The bandaged, fibrous tissue allows the legs to be connected in this case with very reduced movement.

The main function of this type is to support the body’s weight to give it support and stability.

• For example, the tibia and fibula are bones with limited space between them. This provides stability for the body when we stand upright.
• Our joints in the spine allow reduced movements which, when working together, give our body the necessary flexibility to assume different positions.

Joints with a wide range of mobility

These joints do not connect the legs directly to each other. It is a liquid lubricant that encloses the surface of the joint that allows this mobility.

• Joints with a large range of motion are less stable.
• Most are located in the skeleton that forms the extremities of the body (arms, legs, hands and feet) or the appendicular skeleton. Their function enables muscle growth around the legs.

Ligament

Ligaments are a structure formed by fibrous tissue that works to connect and stabilize the bones in the joints.

The ligaments connect adjacent bones at a joint. Thus, it allows unlimited movement in natural anatomical directions. At the same time, they limit the abnormalities that prevent you from being injured.

Cartilage

Cartilage provides movement between the legs. It acts as a shock absorber that keeps the legs in contact with each other.

Cartilage encloses the joint capsule which is strengthened with the ligaments. These (cartilage and ligaments) work together to connect the bones together in the joints.

In order to be able to talk about dietary supplements for the joints, it is important to first and foremost understand the important role the joints play in the human body.

Without them, we would not be able to move and the human body would have been physically inflexible. Cartilage and ligaments are also widely related to the joints.

Wear and tear

Activities that have a high impact on joints cause this system to work constantly, and as a result, it causes wear and tear on cartilage and ligaments.

Cartilage suffers the most wear. It breaks down, gets weaker and weaker, and this causes a painful feeling due to rubbing on the legs.

It may even end up that our joints lose their flexibility.

There is no need to wait until this pain starts to become aware of our joint health and take care of it daily.

However, you can prevent degradation and improve it by implementing healthy lifestyles. Keeping track of your weight and following a balanced diet are without a doubt very useful tips.

If you really want to restore the structure of your joints, you may need to start taking certain  supplements.

Dietary supplements to maintain joint health

Glucosamine

One of the best supplements available to treat joints is glucosamine. Our body already produces this component naturally, and it can be found around the joints that support cartilage.

As we get older, our glucosamine levels decrease, and this gradually causes fractures in our joints. Therefore, it is important to take this supplement.

• It can be obtained through crustaceans, such as crabs or lobsters.
• It can also be taken as a dietary supplement sold in health food stores.

Chondroitin

Chondroitin sulfate is made from a chain of alternative sugars that contribute to the construction and repair of cartilage.

Chondroitin is usually extracted from cartilage in animals.

MSM

MSM, or methylsulfonylmethane, is a natural source of sulfur with important properties that strengthen the joint tissue and keep it intact.

Good joint health is fundamental to our general well-being. Implement these supplements in your diet and enjoy a better quality of life.