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Keep Your Hip Strong, Your Joints Healthy

Take a step. You just moved 62 bones in your pelvis area, legs and feet. One of the joints that absorbs tremendous forces in the human body is the hip joint. But the hip, along with the knee joint, can also be the source of numerous problems – especially pain associated with arthritic changes.

HIP FUNDAMENTALS

The hip joint, known as a "ball-and-socket" joint, is among the most flexible joints in the human body. But due to weight bearing and the forces of walking, tremendous stress is placed on the joint. As a result, it has special needs to keep it functioning normally. It's necessary to have a smooth, hardwearing surface where the two bones – the thighbone (femur) and the pelvic bone (ilium) – come together. This "cushioning" between the bones is called cartilage. Cartilage alone, however, is not enough, as lubrication is also needed to keep the joint moving properly. This lubricating liquid is called synovial fluid. Although the hip joint is incredibly durable, wear and tear on the cartilage can cause osteoarthritis. Being overweight places added stress on the joint and accelerates the problem. With this added wear and tear, each step can produce joint pain and stiffness – particularly in the morning. In severe cases, the joint literally wears out to the point that bone is rubbing on bone. If preventative measures aren't taken, joint replacement may often be required. In fact, over a quarter of a million people each year in the United States have total joint-replacement surgery. Therefore, we must be aware of – and guard against – deterioration of this cartilage.

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DAMAGE CONTROL

One of the most beneficial exercises in the fight against cartilage deterioration is simply walking. Walking tends to keep the cartilage softened and lubricated. It also helps us maintain a healthy weight, preventing added stress to our joints. At the first sign of any joint pain, you need to see your doctor. A physician can make a proper diagnosis, enabling you to pray and take authority over it. If symptoms turn out to be the beginning of cartilage deterioration, then you need to try more aggressive, natural measures such as taking glucosamine (along with chondroitin sulfate to be even more effective) to help prevent any further damage. A study presented by the American College of Rheumatology shows that glucosamine sulfate is a very effective supplement in promoting joint health. In the study, 212 patients were divided into two groups – those taking glucosamine and those taking a placebo (an inactive substance). In the individuals taking glucosamine, cartilage deterioration actually stopped; but deterioration of the joint continued in the placebo group. It's worth emphasizing: The glucosamine (a non-prescription supplement) actually halted progression of joint damage! More importantly, those taking the glucosamine enjoyed significant improvements and reduced symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness, and an improved ability to walk. In the placebo group, the symptoms continued to worsen. The recommended dosage of 1,500 milligrams taken in two or three divided doses daily was used in the study.

PROTECTION FOR PERFECTION

Your hip joints, along with other joints in your body, are vital in nearly everything you do throughout the day. You must protect and guard them! Hip replacement surgery has made great advances, but it is still a major surgical procedure. Joint replacement can be helpful if the cartilage has totally deteriorated, but you must try to avoid this and address the problem early. Man-made artificial joints usually last for 10 to 15 years, but the natural joint made by our Creator can last a lifetime when properly cared for by exercising regularly, maintaining a normal weight and taking natural supplements that contain protective nutrients. I encourage you to take a supplement that combines glucosamine with chondroitin, a nutrient that has been shown to regenerate joint tissue (both of which are in my Joint Support formula, along with other nutrients shown to nourish and protect your joints). It may take two to three months before effects are noticeable, so don't be discouraged if you don't feel better immediately. Don't worry. It will be well worth the wait! Just think: Before long, you just may be able to walk away from joint pain! Keep Your Hip Strong, Your Joints Healthy Take a step. You just moved 62 bones in your pelvis area, legs and feet. One of the joints that absorbs tremendous forces in the human body is the hip joint. But the hip, along with the knee joint, can also be the source of numerous problems – especially pain associated with arthritic changes.

HIP FUNDAMENTALS

The hip joint, known as a "ball-and-socket" joint, is among the most flexible joints in the human body. But due to weight bearing and the forces of walking, tremendous stress is placed on the joint. As a result, it has special needs to keep it functioning normally. It's necessary to have a smooth, hardwearing surface where the two bones – the thighbone (femur) and the pelvic bone (ilium) – come together. This "cushioning" between the bones is called cartilage. Cartilage alone, however, is not enough, as lubrication is also needed to keep the joint moving properly. This lubricating liquid is called synovial fluid. Although the hip joint is incredibly durable, wear and tear on the cartilage can cause osteoarthritis. Being overweight places added stress on the joint and accelerates the problem. With this added wear and tear, each step can produce joint pain and stiffness – particularly in the morning. In severe cases, the joint literally wears out to the point that bone is rubbing on bone. If preventative measures aren't taken, joint replacement may often be required. In fact, over a quarter of a million people each year in the United States have total joint-replacement surgery. Therefore, we must be aware of – and guard against – deterioration of this cartilage.

DAMAGE CONTROL One of the most beneficial exercises in the fight against cartilage deterioration is simply walking. Walking tends to keep the cartilage softened and lubricated. It also helps us maintain a healthy weight, preventing added stress to our joints. At the first sign of any joint pain, you need to see your doctor. A physician can make a proper diagnosis, enabling you to pray and take authority over it. If symptoms turn out to be the beginning of cartilage deterioration, then you need to try more aggressive, natural measures such as taking glucosamine (along with chondroitin sulfate to be even more effective) to help prevent any further damage. A study presented by the American College of Rheumatology shows that glucosamine sulfate is a very effective supplement in promoting joint health. In the study, 212 patients were divided into two groups – those taking glucosamine and those taking a placebo (an inactive substance). In the individuals taking glucosamine, cartilage deterioration actually stopped; but deterioration of the joint continued in the placebo group. It's worth emphasizing: The glucosamine (a non-prescription supplement) actually halted progression of joint damage! More importantly, those taking the glucosamine enjoyed significant improvements and reduced symptoms of pain, swelling and stiffness, and an improved ability to walk. In the placebo group, the symptoms continued to worsen. The recommended dosage of 1,500 milligrams taken in two or three divided doses daily was used in the study.

PROTECTION FOR PERFECTION

Your hip joints, along with other joints in your body, are vital in nearly everything you do throughout the day. You must protect and guard them! Hip replacement surgery has made great advances, but it is still a major surgical procedure. Joint replacement can be helpful if the cartilage has totally deteriorated, but you must try to avoid this and address the problem early. Man-made artificial joints usually last for 10 to 15 years, but the natural joint made by our Creator can last a lifetime when properly cared for by exercising regularly, maintaining a normal weight and taking natural supplements that contain protective nutrients. I encourage you to take a supplement that combines glucosamine with chondroitin, a nutrient that has been shown to regenerate joint tissue (both of which are in my Joint Support formula, along with other nutrients shown to nourish and protect your joints). It may take two to three months before effects are noticeable, so don't be discouraged if you don't feel better immediately. Don't worry. It will be well worth the wait! Just think: Before long, you just may be able to walk away from joint pain!

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