If you want to preserve (or recover) your youth, we can sum up an effective strategy in one word:
movement.
Consistent movement helps keep your body strong and healthy. However, already being strong and healthy to begin with makes it a lot easier to move—bit of a “chicken or the egg” situation.
Here’s the good news: there is so much you can do to preserve your physical vitality without lacing up your sneakers. It comes down to what we know our bodies need to retain strength and repair damage.
The parts of your body that depend on support from your nutrition are…well, all of them. But we’ll focus on those that assist the most in your being able to move with strength and confidence—your joints and bones.
Let’s take a look at some dietary supplements that can support these vital systems.
Diet and Nutrition for Joint Support
Conditions like osteoarthritis, which is the deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the joints, can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Glucosamine and chondroitin
Glucosamine plays a big role in the formation and repair of cartilage, which pads your joints. Chondroitin, similarly, helps to maintain the elasticity and shock absorption of the cartilage. These over-the-counter dietary supplements may help reduce joint discomfort and improve your flexibility.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids go after your joint stiffness and pain. Their anti-inflammatory properties help take off pressure and can improve joint mobility and flexibility. You can get Omega-3s from sources like fatty fish (such as salmon and mackerel), flaxseeds, and walnuts, or through supplements like fish oil capsules.
SAM-e and curcumin
SAM-e can promote cartilage formation (you know your cartilage begins to break down and erode later in life) and reduce joint inflammation. Curcumin, derived from turmeric, also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. These supplements can be taken in capsule form.
Diet and Nutrition for Strong Bones
Some bone-support supplements contain building blocks for strong bones. Others help with how well your body builds with those materials. Let’s explore a few.
Calcium
You need calcium to maintain strong and healthy bones, especially as you age. Calcium-rich foods are going to include your dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified cereals. By providing the building blocks for bone density and strength, calcium supports your skeletal frame and reduces the risk of fractures.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays a vital role in maintaining strong and healthy bones, as it aids in the absorption of calcium. While sunlight is a natural source of Vitamin D, it can also be obtained through certain foods like fatty fish, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks.
Magnesium
Magnesium is also crucial for your bone health because it helps you absorb calcium and Vitamin D from your food. Including magnesium-rich foods in your diet, such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and leafy greens, can contribute to optimal bone health and support mobility as you age.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K helps make the proteins that control bone mineralization. Or, in other words, the process by which minerals like calcium and phosphate are incorporated into your bones. You can get Vitamin K from leafy greens, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts.
Lifestyle Choices for Maintaining Mobility
In addition to incorporating key nutrients into your diet, there are several lifestyle choices you should consider to support your joint and bone health:
- Engage in regular exercise, such as low-impact activities like swimming or cycling, to strengthen the muscles around the joints, improve flexibility, and promote overall joint health.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce unnecessary stress on the joints and minimize the risk of joint problems.
- Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption—these habits negatively impact bone health and increase the likelihood of joint issues.
- Listen to your body and prioritize rest and recovery when needed to prevent overuse injuries and support optimal joint function.
Takeaways
Energy, strength, and flexibility are the fruits of an active lifestyle and classic markers of youthfulness.
To maintain your youthful mobility, consider supplements that will support your joints and bones. Try [LIFETIME SUPPLEMENT PRODUCT] to help you take care of your joints on a daily basis.
Don’t forget that exercise begets a healthy body as much as nutrition. Incorporate physical activity (even if it’s just 20-30 minutes) regularly, and watch as your body remains strong and spry for years to come.