Along with diseases of the cardiovascular system throughout the world, joint diseases hold the palm. Many of them are chronic and often lead to disability. Orthopedists and rheumatologists prefer conservative methods, and diet plays an important role in therapy. Nutrients directly affect how intense the inflammatory process will be in tissues. What nutritional recommendations do doctors give for arthrosis, arthritis, gout?
Nutrition is part of conservative therapy for joint pathologies
Classification of joint diseases
- Diseases that occur after infectious and inflammatory processes. In addition, an allergic, autoimmune (even hidden) process in the body can have a negative impact.
- Wear and aging of joints, degenerative changes due to age. Age-related stiffness and immobility of joints, osteoporosis and arthrosis can be prevented.
- Congenital diseases (pathologies) of the musculoskeletal system. Most of them progress over the years and cause other diseases in the human body.
The first problems with joints and cartilage can occur as early as adolescence. They are provoked by injuries, inflammatory processes, improper and inadequate nutrition, and hereditary predisposition. Elderly people are increasingly developing rheumatoid arthritis in the elbows, knees, and hands. Arthritis also affects the hip and shoulder joints. How to treat these diseases? Complex therapy is used, and the use of chondoprotectors is mandatory. To prevent these ailments or speed up their treatment, it is necessary to nourish the joints and cartilage with important substances and microelements. The long-term functioning of joints also depends on the regular intake of chondroitin and glucosamine into the body - substances that affect their mobility.
Fish and seafood
Today, the pharmaceutical industry obtains chondroitin from the cartilage tissue of salmon fish. These products containing chondroitin and collagen and glucosamine are the leaders. These substances are found in almost all sea and river fish, but salmon and salmon contain especially many of them. People with the initial stage of arthrosis are recommended to prepare fish aspic with the addition of gelatin at least once a week. Thus, you will get a dish quite rich in useful ingredients that will contribute to the healing process. In addition, fish contains phosphorus, which is also necessary for healthy joints. Chondroitin and glucosamine in food are perfectly absorbed.
Regular herring will help prevent inflammation of cartilage tissue. The vitamin F it contains can fight any manifestations of joint inflammation. It is advisable to purchase fresh or lightly salted herring. It can be boiled in a small amount of water with the addition of spices or cut into pieces and salted in lightly salted brine. This way, all the necessary vitamins, which are usually destroyed during heat treatment, will be preserved.
What are the benefits of chondroitin and glucosamine?
Both of these substances are vital for maintaining the health of our joints. Glucosamine sulfate ensures the active functioning of the musculoskeletal system and helps the synthesis of chondroitin. In addition, its beneficial properties:
- stimulate the synthesis of important components of synovial fluid;
- ensure good absorption of calcium and its distribution in bone tissue;
- regulate enzymatic processes in cartilage cells;
- slow down the degradation of cartilage and joints;
- reduce pain in case of damage to the musculoskeletal system;
We can safely say that glucosamine promotes healthy and active movement, and also reduces wear and tear on joints. In turn, chondroitin complements it and also acts in a diverse and complex manner. Yes, he:
- strengthens and restores joints, has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- normalizes their blood supply;
- reduces joint and cartilage pain;
- stimulates the formation of hyaluronic acid;
Like glucosamine, chondroitin also has a significant positive effect on the musculoskeletal system, reduces its wear and prolongs its healthy functioning.
Harmful products
Having figured out which products contain chondroitin and glucosamine, you should also take into account frankly harmful products. After all, some food can damage joints, and in particular cartilage tissue. Sometimes their effect is so destructive that it can nullify all the efforts of the patient. Smoked meats cause the greatest harm. Due to too many carcinogens, they cause pathological changes in the joints, deform them and contribute to the occurrence of inflammatory processes. Fatty, over-salted smoked meats are especially dangerous. Excess salt disrupts metabolism, causes stagnation of lymph and contributes to exacerbation of the disease.
The second component that can cause irreparable harm to joints is oxalic acid. It is found not only in sorrel, but also in many stone fruits. Therefore, it is not recommended to overuse fruits, despite their undoubted benefits.
In addition, coffee and black tea have a negative effect on bone tissue. The purines they contain are a real poison for the joint fluid. Doctors believe that the abuse of these drinks is the main cause of gout.
What does glucosamine and chondroitin contain?
First, let's talk about glucosamine, which the human body produces in minimal quantities. Therefore, it is very important to get it with food regularly. The most glucosamine contains:
- pork, beef, calf skin;
- cartilage and bones of animals, fish, birds;
- red meat;
- hard cheese;
- poultry meat;
- mussels, shrimp;
Glucosamine is found mainly in animal products; there is very little of it in plant foods. That is why the importance of additional glucosamine is especially relevant for vegetarians, those who focus on plant-based foods. Systematically not receiving enough “nutrition” for the joints, the body malfunctions and diseases of the movement organs begin. What to do? Be aware of this and take glucosamine supplements regularly for joint support. Another important substance is chondroitin, which is also more abundant in animal products. Yes, it contains:
- in the cartilages of large fish (large amounts in salmon);
- pork, beef, calf skin;
- cartilage and bones of animals, birds;
What foods will contain glucosamine and chondroitin? First of all, jellied meats and jellied meats, especially with various meats (beef, chicken, pork legs), also bone broths, lard with skin, dessert - fruit jelly. These dishes are very beneficial for bones and joints, but you should not abuse them, so as not to put a lot of stress on the stomach, intestines and pancreas. Another tip is not to use too fatty meat for jellied meat and add edible gelatin. Unfortunately, glucosamine and chondroitin are unstable compounds and during long and intense heat treatment, some of them are destroyed. To reduce destruction, cook the broth over low heat, avoiding boiling.
Cheeses and dairy products
In addition to glucosamine and chondroitin, cheese also contains a huge amount of calcium, which affects the formation of bone mass. In addition, it contains phosphorus, potassium, amino acids and vitamin A. All of these substances take an active part in the healing and strengthening of tendons, ligaments and cartilage. Hard cheeses are among the foods with the highest glutamine content. Together with beef and chicken, cheese has the necessary supply of this valuable substance. It is advisable to consume cheese in its pure form, without subjecting it to heat treatment. Nutritionists strongly advise including this product in your daily menu. Unlike hard cheese, processed cheese does not have similar properties.
What foods are bad for your joints?
It is important to know about those foods that harm joints. Their frequent use thins bone tissue, washes away calcium, and provokes diseases of the musculoskeletal system:
- alcohol (any);
- sweet carbonated drinks;
- sweet, high-calorie and rich bakery products;
- smoked meats (especially fatty and salty ones), marinades;
- coffee, strong tea;
- conservation;
There is no need to abuse these products, among which salted smoked meats are especially destructive to cartilage.
How are they absorbed?
When consuming products or supplements high in chondroitin sulfate, absorption occurs in the gastrointestinal tract. Bioavailability depends on the form of use of the substances. Dietary supplements are usually absorbed better, but with a balanced diet it is also possible to provide the body with a sufficient amount of necessary components.
Your doctor will help you create the right diet
When treating joint diseases, you must follow all doctor's prescriptions. First, you will definitely need to eliminate the inflammation. Throughout the treatment, the load should be reduced. The necessary foods can be included in the diet from the first day of treatment.
How are these substances absorbed?
In the human body, glucosamine is absorbed quickly. It is absorbed in the stomach, intestines, and gastrointestinal tract, and then synthesized in cartilage and tissues. Even if there are problems with metabolic processes in the body, glucosamine sulfate is still easily and quickly absorbed. Glucosamine hydrochloride has a similar effect, which goes to the joints, cartilage, skin, tendons and nourishes them. Chondroitin sulfate is absorbed much more slowly, which is also necessary to maintain the active functioning of joints and cartilage. In combination, these two substances complement each other and are absorbed faster. That is why in modern bio-supplements glucosamine and chondroitin “go” together, in the correct, biologically necessary proportion.
Programs about chondroprotectors
What does glucosamine contain? Products, vitamins?
- Although almost all foods contain glucosamine, it is present in the form of polymers such as proteoglycans, GAGs, collagens and other proteins. There are no foods very rich in glucosamine, with the possible exception of cartilage itself, but it cannot be classified as a common food. In addition, glucosamine is highly destroyed by cooking and heating. Although no one has tested the glucosamine content of foods, the amount of glucosamine ingested through traditional foods is likely to be very small. Obtaining glucosamine from food is therefore unrealistic. There are a lot of food supplements with these substances: Teraflex, Artra, Inoltra, etc. The highest concentration in sports dietary supplements, the best option: Optimum Nutrition, glucosamine and csa enhanced formula - 1500 mg/1200 mg in 2 tablets.
Glucosamine preparations. Glucosamine hydrochloride is a compound of glucose and the amino acid glutamine. Easily absorbed, it quickly enters the blood and various biological fluids, participates in the formation of bones, ligaments, skin, eye tissue, heart valves, tendons; necessary for the production of secretions by the mucous membranes of the stomach, intestines, respiratory tract, and urinary system. Chondroitin sulfate, a chemical precursor to glucosamine sulfate, is an extract obtained from bovine cartilage tissue. It is absorbed more slowly in the intestines and is broken down in the body into glucosamine sulfate and glucuronic acid. The combined introduction of these products into the Glucosamine-Plus formula allows for a rapid and prolonged joint effect, aimed primarily at restoring articular cartilage. Boswellia is the plant from which the well-known incense is obtained. Described as a good anti-inflammatory agent 1500 years ago. During worship, when large masses of people gather, smoking incense serves to disinfect the room. Boswellia contains boswellia triterpene acids, which have pronounced anti-inflammatory and disinfectant properties. Curcumin extract - has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and is used to restore damage caused to the human body by free radicals, in addition, it contains enzymes that promote better absorption of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride in the gastrointestinal tract. Mode of application. It is best to take glucosamine in the morning and evening (dividing the daily dose into two) - with food or on an empty stomach. Of course, it is preferable to take glucosamine under the supervision of a doctor, but you do not have to refuse other types of drug treatment. Glucosamine products and other nutrient-based treatments are combined with traditional treatments and not used alone unless recommended by your doctor. Initially, take 1.5 g (6 capsules) of glucosamine daily until symptoms begin to subside. Then reduce the dose: take 1 g (3 capsules) daily for two weeks. As your condition improves, reduce the dose to 0.5 g (1 capsule) per day. Your goal is to achieve symptom relief by taking minimal doses of glucosamine. If the symptoms of the disease have disappeared, you can stop taking glucosamine altogether. If symptoms appear again, simply increase the dose. Remember: Since glucosamine is a food product, its dosage regimen is flexible.
- In dietary supplements. In February, dietary supplements for joints with glucosamine, chondroitin, and bamboo extract entered the market.
Chondroitin with glucosamine for joints are compounds included in a number of medications for local and systemic action, biologically active additives (dietary supplements). They are chondroprotectors, that is, means that protect articular cartilage. How these substances work and how effective they are, we will consider further.
