Throughout life a diet high in Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D and other minerals is essential for healthy bone growth and development and to prevent bone diseases such as osteoporosis. Regular weight bearing exercise is also essential to stimulate continued replacement of bone mass.

 

Osteoporosis is the most common bone disease in western society. Osteoporosis is characterised by low bone mass and deterioration of bone structure. Low bone mass means the bones have less than optimal amounts of calcium and other minerals that make them strong, as a result bones become weaker and can fracture more easily. 

 

Movable joints, such as those in the wrist, fingers, elbow, knee and ankle are more susceptible to pain and inflammation and joint disorders such as arthritis. Arthritis refers to a group of conditions that affect the health of the bone joints in the body. Arthritic diseases include rheumatoid arthritis which is an autoimmune disease and the more common osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease. Arthritis can be caused from strains and injuries caused by repetitive motion, sports, overexertion, and falls. Rheumatoid arthritis is the immune system setting up a chronic inflammatory attack in the joints, causing severe inflammation and joint damage. Unlike autoimmune diseases, osteoarthritis largely affects older people and results from degeneration of the joint cartilage and fluid leaking out, this triggers inflammatory changes that cause pain, stiffness and swelling, limiting the joints ability to move freely.

 

Rather than covering over the symptoms of joint disorders it is important to treat the cause by providing, anti-inflammatory support and nutrients to rebuild and maintaining healthy joint tissue to reduce pain and stiffness and optimise freedom of movement. Herbs such as Turmeric and Boswellia have been found to help reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) such as those found in Fish Oil also have anti-inflammatory actions on the body. 

 

We have almost 600 muscles in our bodies and the muscles make up at least 40% of the weight of a normal person. The most common disorder of muscles is spasm. Calcium and particularly Magnesium are important in preventing muscle cramps. Adequate levels of magnesium help relax and repair muscles after exercise.