Joint health

[Sad Eyed Lady]

Do any of you take a supplement for joint health? And if so, which one do you feel is the best? I have been researching and keep coming up with glucosamine. I am now 62 years old and in extremely good health (I think); I am take no prescription medication, blood pressure runs low, no problems with cholesterol, try to eat well and I exercise 4 or 5 times a week including some yoga. Outside of life long headaches (migraine and other types), and an old neck injury, I have no aches and pains. But lately I have noticed that my knee joints aren't what they used to be when squatting down and getting up, or setting cross legged (folded under me). I can't say they are painful but coming out of the position I am in, such as sitting cross legged, they are stiff if I have been that way for awhile. I am hoping this is not something that gets worse with time, and so I want to do what I can now to help. Supplements? Foods? Exercise? Would love to hear if you have found something that works for you.

[Songbird]

Glucosamine chondroitin and fish oil have been very helpful for me. Needs to be taken for 4 - 6 weeks before most people see improvement. It took me about a month to see good results....

And I just started drinking 2 tbsp. of organic tart cherry juice concentrate added to a glass of ice water daily. It is also recommended for joint relief and many people swear by it for all types of arthritis.

[Kestra]

Glucosamine/chondroitin allow me to walk and be generally pain free. Have been taking them 10 yrs now and I'm only 37. That and walking. I can't bike and don't like swimming.

[awakenedsoul]

I take the same as Songbird and also have added Wobenzym and Gotu Kola. My mom and grandma both have/had crippling arthritis. I don't know if I have it or not. I am definitely stiffer, and have had to change my yoga routine. I was always very strong, but not that flexible. I've been swimming and that helps. I also started taking a body pump class. I keep the weights light, and it doesn't feel like I'm doing much. I think it will strengthen muscles that I haven't been using. I also take flower essences that are recommended for arthritis.

You can do a lot with diet. Caffeine and sugar really exacerbate the symptoms. I find I feel much better if I eat corn or popcorn. I'm not sure why. I also am eating more grains and drinking extra water. For me, the aching comes and goes...

It's weird, because people stop me on the street and say, "Wow! you are in such great shape." I don't look like I would have pain, but I think all those years of strenuous dancing have caught up with me. Glad to hear you are in good health. Bikram yoga healed my knees for me many years ago. He healed his own knees with it, too.

[sweetana3]

Arthritis can just pop up out of nowhere. I have one finger joint that is swollen and sore and my knees go in and out. I am doing more walking and gentle exercises and love body pump. But I still have those occasional flareups and am just keeping it in check.

[Tussiemussies]

I have heard good things about glucosamine/condriton/msn. ALL Taken in one pill form. Also my Mom had migraines and I Looked up in my herb book that the herb fever few, which is all one word helps them. My Mom took it and it eliminated her . Migraines. I think there is a limit on how long you could take it though. Please excuse the spelling and grammar I am on a tablet that changes words and phrases constantly.....

[CathyA]

I can't take the glucosamine/condroitin....it's too hard on my GI tract. Does it bother anyone else? Wish I could take it.