Joints…are some of the most problematic areas in the human body. In my last blog, I informed you about Crossfit and how that could lead you down a world of arthritis, joint pain, and all the issues you don’t want to have when you are in your 60’s and 70’s.
A lot of the joint problems come from inflammation or some form of degenerative joint history. Sometimes there isn’t much you can do. It’s just something that comes with the territory of aging.
One reason I am writing about this topic is due to the realization of so many joint products claiming to repair joints. From time to time, my joints tend to hurt from lifting, and I am assuming you are experiencing the same thing and therefore are looking for some form of relief, right?
When you walk into GNC and see joint repair supplements, you grab it. What’s better than popping a few pills to repair your joints? Shit, that’s what I thought until I remembered from school that once cartilage is destroyed, it’s gone forever!
These companies are giving active people with damaged cartilage (possibly some with no cartilage at all) false hope. The main ingredients in these products are Glucosamine and Chondroitin. Glucosamine is a naturally occurring chemical that is part of the fluid (synovial fluid) surrounding the joint.
Chondroitin sulfate is a complex carbohydrate that gives cartilage the ability to retain water. The combination of these two chemicals are claimed to repair and rebuild the damaged joints. I thought there was no scientific research and it was just based on theories and assumption.
Yet in my findings the NIH (National Institute of Health) completed a study using Glucosamine and Chondroitin sulfate with subjects that had some form of degenerated joint disease. The final results of the study showed that the subjects did have a noticeable decrease in pain, yet there were no signs the two drugs slowed the rate of degeneration.
The NIH is a credible source, so you can take it with a grain of salt or at face value. These companies are making claims that they can’t back up! Don’t help these companies screw you over. If you are having any joint issues, go see your doctor and I am sure they can prescribe you some credible medication. Hey I am just trying to help you keep that extra gas money I know you need!
Check this link out!