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It's getting hot in here... joint health, pain, and inflammation

There is a high proportion of us that struggle with aches and pains within our joints, and unfortunately it seems to get worst as we get older. Has all the sport, exercise and physical activity we did during our teenage years eventually made an effect on your body? Yes, it has. Would we change it? No. Is there something we can do to help us now? Yes. 

From studies that have been carried out, the evidence suggests that specific groups of people like children, pregnant women, the elderly, vegetarians and athletes are more at risk of being deficient in these nutrients. Therefore, it is important that we try and maintain a varied and balanced diet and in the even of deficiency to include supplementation  to keep our nutrients topped up. 

So which  supplements can help with your joints? 

Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar. It is a super important supplement for anyone who enjoys high-intensity exercise or who has a generally active lifestyle.  Glucosamine helps to form strong and healthy joints that absorb impact during exercise. Glucosamine is frequently used to help prevent Osteoarthritis and alongside collagen is a building block of cartilage. 

For those of us who are already diagnosed with things with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and are pre or post-menopausal, you may also feel the benefits and positives of taking supplements like glucosamine. 

If you are already struggling with joint pain it is worth exploring anti-inflammatories such as turmeric or pomegranate. Turmeric has been used for centuries and is well reported for soothing aching joints. Here at BestLyfe we’ve mixed turmeric with black pepper to increasing the absorption of curcumin - the active ingredients in turmeric - making it far more effective in treating your aches and pains.

Unfortunately, the UK is known for not being particularly sunny. but vitamin D is important for bone support and easing the pain that comes with arthritis. Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory effects on our bones, reducing the speed of inflammation which comes with arthritis. One way of increasing vitamin D levels in our body is through taking a supplement every day. For only £0.15 a day BestLyfe have their own vitamin D supplement, a powerful antioxidant promoting strong teeth and bones and safeguarding our immune health. A bonus of taking our supplement is that it will leave you feeling energised, stronger and happier. A mood boosting capsule for everyday use! 

It is also important to try and incorporate foods that contain vitamin D with your diet.  Try having foods like egg yolks, oily fish and fortified breakfast cereals (it’s usually highlighted on the outside of the box). Although this won’t completely quantify the amount that you need in your diet, every little helps. 

Did you know that if you do not have vitamin D, our bodies won’t effectively absorb calcium, a nutrient which is essential for good bone health? In turn, not having enough calcium in our bodies can lead to calcium deficiency (Hypocalcemia) leading to dental changes, cataracts, brain alterations and osteoporosis. However, in the early stages of being deficient in calcium, you may have no symptoms. 

For our joints to be under the least amount of strain, it is important for our overall health to be rounded. By that we mean getting all our essential nutrients ensuring we have a balance diet. 

If you are someone who struggles with getting enough vitamin D and think that getting it from a food would be a good option, why not try a mushroom-rich recipe. We suggest trying mushrooms on toast!


Recipe:


Ingredients:

4 large slices of your favourite toast, we suggest using sourdough bread

1 tbsp olive oil

4 slices prosciutto 

Knob of butter

350g mixed mushrooms

1 garlic clove, crushed

4 tbsp crème fraiche 

Handful parsley leaves, finely chopped

Step 1 – Toast your chosen bread, cut each slice in half and place at the side. Heat a large frying pan with olive oil. Fry the prosciutto in the pan for 2 mins on each side until golden and crisp. Break into large pieces and set aside on kitchen paper or something that will soak up the excessive oil. 

Step 2 – Add the butter to the pan followed by the mushrooms. Cook for 2 mins, then add the garlic and crème fraiche. Cook for 3-5 mins more until the mushrooms are soft and lightly coated in the crème fraiche. Stir through a little parsley. Pile up on the toasts and top with prosciutto and more parsley. 

Either have this as a quick, easy lunch time meal or you could even cook it up for date night comparing it with a glass of your favourite red wine!

And lastly, have fun, enjoy and most importantly make sure you get enough vitamin D in your diet to try and help you ease your aches and pains. 

  • Glucosamine is not recommended for anyone taking blood thinning medication. Always consult a doctor.
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