Benefits of cod liver oil & Glucosamine
Sometimes exercise can be good for our bones, and can help to strengthen our joints. Sometimes however, a high-impact and intense exercise regime can place too much stress on our joints and cartilage, leading to annoying problems like tennis elbow or knee issues. There are simple and effective ways we can help to protect our joints, one of them being cod liver oil and glucosamine supplements.
This is a traditional supplement for supporting joint health, as it helps to prevent breakdown of cartilage and reduce inflammation in the joints.
Cod liver oil
Cod liver oil has been around since World War 2 and has always been prized in its ability to ease joint pain. It contains health supporting vitamin A and D and omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to reduce inflammation and prevent cartilage degeneration.
Vitamin D helps your body to absorb calcium to make our bones strong. This is important to avoid joint problems such as osteoporosis, which occurs due to bones losing their density. Vitamin A has anti-oxidative properties and can help with growth, but make sure to keep your daily intake lower than 1.5mg because it can be detrimental to health in large amounts.
Recent research into long-chain omega 3 fatty acids has debunked any misconceptions which state that they are ‘bad for us’. They are actually helpful in reducing the risk of heart disease, promoting brain function and reducing blood pressure.
Cod liver oil can also help to alleviate symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, as this study saw that people who take it experienced less morning stiffness and joint pain.
Glucosamine
The benefits of Glucosamine have only recently been discovered, but sales of the supplement are growing rapidly. It is an crystaline compound which is found naturally in our bodies and is a key player in cartilage repair and formation process. Cartilage is important because it provides support and flexibility of movement for our joints. Glucosamine is needed for the production of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans (GAGS), which are essential for healthy cartilage.
As we age, we produce less glucosamine, therefore supplementing with it can help to prevent having an insufficient amount of cartilage around our joints. These supplements are the easiest way to get the necessary amount of glucosamine into our bodies because it isn’t readily available in many of our foods. Look for a post workout meal which will compliment your cod liver & glucosamine supplementation to keep your muscles in top working order as well.
Some studies have found that Glucosamine can ease osteoporosis pain and repair joints damaged by the disease.
The bottom line: Cod Liver oil and Glucosamine can be very beneficial to our joint health, especially when taken in conjunction with each other. From my own experience, I have reaped great benefits from using this supplement as it contributed to my recovery from ‘golfers elbow’.
Want to increase bone density? Read our article on the benefits of jumprope!
Cautionary note: Glucosamine comes from shellfish so it’s not suitable for vegetarians or people who have an allergies to shellfish. The recommended daily dose is 1500mg, and this information can always been found on the capsule bottle. Anybody who wants to take this supplement should first consult their doctor.
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