Hundreds of walks will be taking place over the Christmas and New Year period as part of the ‘Festival of Winter Walks’ from the 25th December to 1st January. Kick start your New Year’s resolutions by joining one of these family-friendly walks, which are free and open to everyone. Walking benefits health in numerous ways by strengthening muscles and maintaining joint flexibility. It also supports the health of the heart and lungs.
However, walking can be tricky if you suffer from a debilitating joint condition such as arthritis. The cold weather can make stiff and painful joints even more unbearable. It is important to get your joints in the best possible condition so you can enjoy the outdoors this festive season. Glucosamine and chondroitin are popular joint supplements that are often taken in combination to improve joint health.
Types of joints
There are many different types of joints in the human body. All of these are subject to wear and tear over time. Repetitive stress, age, excess weight, or injury, can increase the stress placed on joints. Degenerative joint conditions, such as osteoarthritis, cause pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints that results in loss of movement.
If you suffer from joint pain should not place any excess stress on the damaged joint. Walking offers a convenient and gentle exercise that can help to keep muscles strong and mobile without further damaging joints. Try to combine regular walks with gentle stretching exercises to improve flexibility.
The synovial joints
Synovial joints make up 90% of our bodies joints. These are moveable joints that contain a lubricating liquid called synovial fluid. They often have a large range of motion. Synovial joints include the knees, ankles, wrists, shoulders and hips. The synovial fluids are vital to lubricate and cushion joints and protect them from damage.
The synovial joints are all commonly affected by arthritis, in particular rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation of the joints and the synovial fluid that covers them. As fluid builds up in the synovial sac the joint swells and becomes painful. This causes excess pressure on the joint.
Glucosamine and Chondroitin
Glucosamine contains glycosaminoglycans, which are a major component of joint cartilage and synovial fluid, and are needed for the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. The body’s natural production of glucosamine reduces with age, which can weaken the integrity of joint cartilage.
In supplement form, glucosamine is often combined with chondroitin sulphate. Natural chondroitin helps to give cartilage elasticity. Several human studies have shown promising results that supplementation with glucosamine sulphate and chondroitin sulphate may help to reduce joint pain. However, results so far are inconclusive.
Simply Supplements in-house nutritional experts have formulated the exclusive supplement GluComplex™ Gold to offer complimentary nutrients for optimal joint health. The three key ingredients are glucosamine, chondroitin and MSM. In addition, GluComplex™ Joint Gel contains high levels of glucosamine, alongside soothing menthol and emu oil. It is ideal for use alongside an oral glucosamine supplement, in particular GluComplex™ Gold.
Many of us choose to stay indoors in the warmth over the Christmas period, which can make joint pain worse. Inactivity causes the muscles around the joints to become weak, which can further increase pain. Instead, wrap up warm and go outside for regular gentle strolls to keep joints lubricated and mobile.
If you have any photos enjoying the outdoors over the festive period, we’d love to see them 
Share your pics with us by sending them to suzanne@simplysupplements.co.uk.
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