Seven Tips to Keep Your Joints Strong & Healthy

We all know that a healthy lifestyle is important to looking and feeling our best, and eating nutrient-rich foods and exercising will help keep us physically fit. Sometimes, however, even when we eat a wide variety of healthy foods and exercise, we still may be missing essential nutrients in our bodies. In fact, recent studies have shown that as we age, our body's ability to absorb key nutrients becomes less efficient.

NEOCELL is the #1 collagen brand in the world and a leader in the field of nutritional science. NeoCell develops nutritional supplements designed for those who want to get a head start on looking and feeling their best.

I've recently incorporated NEOCELL's two newest products into my daily routine. Move Matrix Advanced Joint Hydrator and Joint Bursts provide the nutrients essential to maintaining joint health! NeoCell Joint Bursts follow on the success of NeoCell's wildly popular Beauty Bursts and Biotin Bursts of which I am also a fan. What I love about Joint Bursts, is that they combine powerhouse nutrients collagen type 2, turmeric and hyaluronic acid into delicious soft chews. We all know the benefits of collagen in our skin, but joint cartilage provides strength and cushioning for our joints. Combine this with Hyaluronic Acid which is the primary component of synovial fluid which lubricates the joints, and turmeric which is shown to promote healthy inflammatory response, and you can see what makes NeoCell Joint Bursts so amazing!

Along with taking NeoCell supplements for preventing damage to joints and improving your general quality of life, it is also important to follow these healthy tips as well:

1. Lose extra body weight. Nobody wants to be lectured on their diet or weight loss, but maintaining a healthy weight is very important to our overall health.  Extra body weight creates strain on our joints, particularly the knee joints and can cause other health issues as well. We all want the quick fix, but the safest and best way to lose weight is to watch portion sizes, eat healthy foods and exercise.  

2. Eat healthy foods.  An anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of omega-3 fatty acids is also very important. Eating fatty fish like salmon, two times per week is recommended. Leafy green vegetables like broccoli and kale are good sources of calcium and Vitamin D. Low levels of vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, which produces an aching pain in our bones as the bone weakens. Low vitamin D also causes muscle weakness, which can lead to falls and fractures as we age.

3. Keep moving. Anytime you are moving or exercising, you are strengthening muscles that support your joints. The exception to this rule is high-intensity exercise which can damage joints and ligaments and lead to pain, inflamation and arthritis. Walking, yoga and other forms of exercise will protect and strengthen your joints.  Did you know that Christie Brinkley does lunges (squats) while brushing her teeth? Weight-bearing exercises such as squats and walking will help to maintain bone density and help strengthen muscles that support joints and help keep them flexible.

4. Warm up before exercising. A gradual warm up is important to increase the blood flow to the working muscle which will decrease muscle stiffness. Joint pain can also be reduced or eliminated altogether by stretching and warming up before exercising as the muscle becomes more flexible and able to handle the added weight or stress we put on them.

5. Change exercise routines. Avoid repetitive impact-style exercising which can put stress on the joints. Yoga and water-based workouts are low-impact activities that will add strength to your muscles without placing stress on joints.

6. Wear proper shoes. Women who wear high-heeled shoes have a greater chance of developing joint pain and other osteopathic issues. High heels put the foot at an angle which pulls muscles and joints out of alignment, causing pain and discomfort. Choose comfortable shoes that support the arch of your foot, and if you still feel the need for heels (like me!), look for a shoe with a platform under the ball of the foot. 

7. Change positions. Sitting or standing all day can cause stiffness and joint pain. Changing our routines to give our bodies and joints rest periods will help to prevent aches and pains. Simply getting up and moving around throughout the day keeps our bodies happy.

Joint Bursts, Move Matrix and other fine NEOCELL products can be found at your better health and natural product retailers like GNC, Vitamin Shoppe, Whole Foods Market, CVS and Walgreens. To find a location near you, visit HERE. Also, follow along on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates and promotions!

As with all supplements, consult with your physician or nutritionist to ensure the best regimen for your personal wellness needs.