Funny Bones! - Joint Health

From time to time our bones and supporting structures can go a bit funny…and it's no laughing matter. Don't despair! There are plenty of things to help…

There are, on average, 206 bones in our body. That's a lot to keep healthy and strong, and it's hardly surprising, bearing in mind life's knocks, strains and stresses, that sometimes they don't function at their best. You probably know a few people who complain of joint aches and pains from time to time. Let's take a closer look……

Start Right for Strong Bones...

By the time we're 30, we've reached the age when our bones are built up as much as they can be (peak bone mass). The combination of genetics, diet and exercise will all have played their part in determining how much mineral has gone into making our bones and how strong the supporting structures are. That's why it's vital to maintain good dietary levels of bone-building nutrients. Everyone up to this age should be encouraged to increase their intakes of mineral-rich foods such as dairy, green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds and fortified soya products.

As well as this, many nutritionists find that eating on the run, low intakes of dairy foods, and excess soft drinks result in low dietary levels of calcium, which need topping up with a supplement. Choose a bone formulation, aiming for 1000mg elemental calcium per day plus vitamin D, K and perhaps other important bone minerals such as magnesium and boron.

Keep on Going for Great Bones...

That's not to say that once we're over 30, our joint health is signed, sealed and delivered. There are many things that we can do to maintain healthy, strong bones into later years...

Exercise: Research has shown that regular exercise can help to maintain joint strength and reduce bone fractures (see latest research for just one example).

Calcium supplementation: Continue, or start, a specific bone formulation that is rich in calcium, magnesium, boron, vitamin D and perhaps, vitamin K.

Drink herbals, fruit teas and un-carbonated cordials and presses: This will safeguard the calcium in your bones, meaning that the body won't have to release it to maintain the body's pH (acid/alkali balance).

Give your joints some TLC: Don't just expect your joints to keep on going. When they are tired, rest them. Aromatherapy is wonderful for relaxing the muscles and sandalwood, ginger and black pepper are of particular benefit. Use them in a blend, mixed with carrier oil (follow the instructions of an aromatherapist, and check instructions on the label). Pamper your body using exotic moisturisers (fragranced with rose, rosemary or ylang ylang), which gives your joints a massage at the same time! Take a long hot soak in the bath to ease away tiredness and fatigue.

Put to Rest Joint Problems...

The health advice for many joint problems is similar, as these often result in inflammation, pain and swelling. Whether it is simple wear and tear, or sciatica, it is worthwhile talking with a health professional to see what health regime is best for you. Here are just some of the naturopathic principles which might help;

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