Support your Joints & Bones this Winter

By Isabelle, Head Nutritionist


There are about 10 million people currently experiencing symptoms of arthritis in the UK alone. Joint health problems are a common complaint in GP surgeries and are especially made worse during the cold, Winter months.

It is wrong to think that it is only a concern amongst the elderly. In fact, joint degeneration and indeed autoimmune related joint concerns such as rheumatoid arthritis can begin at any stage. It is important to look after our joints from a young age, through dietary and lifestyle measures, since this can be a powerful preventative measure as well as effective support for existing conditions.

Stress, Nutrition and Exercise

Stress can in fact, increase the rate ‘oxidative damage’ linked to joint health issues. Preliminary research has shown a link between autoimmune inflammatory conditions such as psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis and stress. Moreover, stress not only impacts on some very important nutrients for bone health, such as vitamin C, but can also affect our health and general recovery

Managing our stress levels can help play an important role for general wellbeing but also to care for our joints and bones.

Supporting your customers in managing a healthy weight through a balanced diet and active lifestyle can help countless areas of our health. Weight loss can help, particularly when overweight and suffering from osteoarthritis. Changes can be made on an individual basis, provided customers are supported by the right health care professionals.

A Few Nutrition tips from our Head Nutritionist

Nutrition tips from our Head Nutritionist, Isabelle include:

  • Staying hydrated: This is such a vital component to healthy joints. Consuming regular amounts of water helps to naturally eliminate metabolic waste and dead cells that are produced in higher amounts, when inflammation is present. Fluids also help to deliver nutrients to our cells and tissues. Herbal teas such as nettle, ginger, green tea or even Matcha tea can be great suggestions.

  • Eating a rainbow of foods: The more colours, the more nutrient dense the food is! Often high in Vitamin C, vegetables and fruits can help provide essential support for collagen production and the health of cartilage. Advise on enjoying them raw, steamed, in smoothies, broths or soups to maximise on the nutrient density intake and phytonutrient profile. The deeper root vegetables are also excellent sources of trace minerals, which are required for immune support and bone density. Most particularly in cases of osteoarthritis or osteopenia.
  • Adding spice to meals: Cayenne, Ginger or Turmeric have powerful, naturally anti-inflammatory active compounds and can be enjoyed in meals while providing variety to the palate.
  • Consume regular intakes of healthy fats: Sources of oily fish such as Mackerel, Salmon, Herring or Anchovies, along with vegetarian friendly sources such as avocado, unroasted and unsalted seeds, nuts and their derivatives can all help provide great amounts of healthy fats. These naturally help lower inflammatory processes, which may reduce aches and pains and support the lubrication of joints. Nuts and seeds can also be excellent sources of Magnesium, Zinc and Calcium that are important to bone health.

Natural Remedies and Supplements

Several supplements are helpful for joint health. Since different things can work for different individuals, it is best to recommend between one and three of the following types of supplements and try them for about 3 months at the recommended dose, before judging whether they are the most helpful for your customers’ lifestyles and symptoms before re-evaluating.

  • Turmeric

Research shows that Turmeric’s biologically active compounds, and most particularly those found in the rhizome (root) of the plant, have a profound effect on lowering the inflammatory processes linked to joint and bone pain. Turmeric clinically provided support in improving individuals’ quality of life and ability to perform daily tasks.

Nature’s Answer Turmeric-3 is available in an alcohol-free liquid extract (SKU1396) and in capsules (SKU 1560). These offer the three most active constituents, Curcumin, Demethoxycurcumin and Biodesmethoxycurcumin, standardised for 95 % Curcuminoids. Unlike many other supplements on the market, Nature’s Answer® uses a Bio-Chelation™  ‘cold extraction’ process, allowing raw plant materials to be extracted without being exposed to heat or harsh solvents, methods traditionally used in the industry. This helps to capture and preserve the Holistic Balance® of Turmeric. Each serving provides a concentrated, safe and authentic dose of Turmeric-3 compounds at 5,000mg per serving.

  • Collagen

Research has shown Collagen to be useful as joint support, including both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

Neocell’s Collagen range provides a wide choice of options. Collagen 2 in particular can help provide the essential nutrients to support and maintain healthy joint function. Type 2 is the structural protein in cartilage tissue and deteriorates as we age. This formula (sku 1685) includes clinically studied ingredients such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Hyaluronic acid for joint lubrication.

  • Vitamin C

Plays an important role in the maintenance of collagen and cartilage, while also providing support for the normal functioning of our immune system.

Garden of Life provides a wholefood, certified organic and non-GMO project verified source of Vitamin C, in spray form that is suitable for vegans. It is not only convenient but tastes delicious in its orange-tangerine flavour!

Alternatively, EpiFytosome™ Liposomal Vitamin C provides an efficient and well-absorbed form of Vitamin C at 1000mg per serving .The latter uses a unique technology developed to help deliver vitamin C to where it is needed the most in the body. Suitable for Vegans and is free from Soy, GMO’s or Gluten.

  • Calcium, Vitamin D and K

Those suffering from osteoporosis, have been advised they generally have low levels of vitamin K. Low Vitamin K intake and impaired Vitamin K status are associated with lower bone mass and a higher risk of hip fracture in older men and women.

Vitamin D and Calcium are two very important nutrients that work in synergy for bone health. When we reach the age of 40, bone loss exceeds bone formation and bone mass gradually decreases! The loss of bone tissue can lead to osteoporosis, a condition where bones are fragile and there is an increased risk of fractures. However, it is also important to help optimise bone mass in adult life to reduce the risk of complications such as osteoporosis developing in later life.

Garden of Life Plant Based Calcium provides wholefood, certified organic and non-GMO project verified forms of Calcium, Vitamin D3 and Vitamin K, in well–absorbed forms that are gentle on the stomach. Suitable for vegans, this formula is ideal to take on a regular basis.

Nature’s Answer Coral Calcium combined with Vitamin D3 drops  can alternatively help top up your levels. Nature’s Answer Vitamin D3 drops are suitable for vegetarians, and provide a high dose of 4000 IU per serving.

 Supporting joint and bone health requires a multidisciplinary approach. We look forward to hearing from you, if you need any further support from our team at Kinetic Enterprises Limited.