Many of us are aware that as we age we will likely be joined
by new aches and pains. Despite how common joint pain is, enduring the pain
instead of seeking help can lead to an increase of pain and a worsening of
symptoms. We all want to feel great as we age, but that can sometimes feel like
a difficult task. By taking care of ourselves and our joints at all ages and
stages of life, we’ll be able to feel strong and radiant throughout all of our
years.
Factors that May be Contributing to Your Knee Pain
The view that joint pain is simply the result of aging can
be a very dangerous thought for many people. This thought can lead people to
endure their pain rather than seek the medical advice of a doctor. Joint pain
can be a sign of a much bigger problem, and continuing on undiagnosed can lead
to more medical problems in the future.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and it
occurs when the protective cartilage on the end of bones wears down. It can
happen on any part of the body, but it most commonly affects the joints in the
hands, knees, hips, and spine. Symptoms of osteoarthritis can’t be reversed,
but they can be managed[1].
If you are experiencing knee pain it is important that you
consult a doctor to deduce if it is caused by osteoarthritis, which is
generally associated with aging.
Injury
When a part of the body is injured, particularly around the
joints, it is possible for the pain symptoms to continue even after the initial
period of healing.
Post-traumatic arthritis is a common form of osteoarthritis
which occurs from an injury to the joint and it affects approximately 5.6
million people in the United States[2].
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D is a crucial nutrient for strong bones. It helps
to maintain blood calcium levels and it regulates calcium and phosphorus, which
keeps bones and teeth hard. A deficiency in vitamin D causes brittle bones and
weak muscles. Other symptoms include fractures hip and pelvis, bone pain and
tenderness, tooth decay and even hearing loss[4]. Try these Vitamin D soft gels
from NOW.
Whatever the culprit of your joint pain may be, there is one
magic ingredient that will help to decrease your pain and strengthen the
cartilage around your joints: Gelatin. While most of us are familiar with
gelatin as an ingredient in Jell-O, we aren’t all aware of the artificial
sweeteners and colors that go into the jiggly food, making it not-so-healthy to
eat. Luckily, with our all natural drink recipe you’ll be able to receive the
benefits of gelatin without ingesting unhealthy ingredients.
Gelatin Can be Used as a Strength-Builder
If you’ve ever wondered why jello is distributed for nearly
every meal in a hospital, then you may not have considered the health benefits
of gelatin, one of its main ingredients.
Gelatin is made from the boiling of animal bones, cartilage,
and skin to extract the collagen. Collagen is the fibrous material that
connects muscle, bones, and skin in animals and when it’s processed it becomes
what we call gelatin[3].
It has a high amino acid profile, and because it is made up
of 98-99% protein it has many healing properties for the human body. Ingesting
gelatin has been proven to improve bone and joint pain, which makes it a
valuable tool for those who looking to strengthen the cartilage around their
joints[3].
Gelatin is available in many different forms, from pill to
powdered. Gelatin, or Collagen, is an animal product that is generally sourced
from marine, bovine (beef), porcine (pork), or chicken. Here are the different
types of powdered gelatin and collagen:
Gelatin Powder – This is best used in recipes. It comes in
flavored and unflavored varieties.
Collagen Powder – This type of powder is best used for
mixing into hot and cold liquids, and is even used for cooking. Collagen is
often used as a supplement because it is easy to mix.
Marine Collagen – Marine collagen works similarly to
collagen powder but it is made from the bones, cartilage, and skin of marine
animals. This is a good option for those wishing to avoid beef or pork.
When choosing a gelatin brand, as with all animal products,
it’s important to look for the highest quality possible. Pay attention to:
1. Where it is
being sourced – The animals should ideally be grass-fed and free range.
2. The country
it is being sourced from – Closer to home is typically better.
3.The quality
of the pasture – Avoid pastures that are treated with chemicals and pesticides.
Gelatin and collagen powder typically have minimal flavor,
but they can be added to a number of recipes to enhance the taste while still
reaping the benefits.
Natural Drink Recipe to Rebuild Cartilage and Strengthen
Joints
If you are experiencing joint pain, the first step in
healing is to consult a doctor to deduce if your pain is caused by a primary
medical problem, like osteoarthritis. Whether this is the case for you, or you
are experiencing primary symptoms of joint pain, incorporating gelatin into
your diet can help to rebuild cartilage and strengthen your body.
Luckily there is a simple (and delicious) way that you can harness
the benefits of gelatin with this natural drink recipe.
Ingredients:
.1 cup of
oatmeal
.1 teaspoon of
cinnamon powder
.2 teaspoons of
unflavored gelatin powder
.1 cup of
natural orange juice (avoid using orange juice with added sugars)
.8 ounces of
crushed almonds
.1 teaspoon of
organic honey
.8 ounces of
water
(This makes 2 servings)
Instructions:
1. Boil the
oatmeal for 10 minutes then allow it to cool down
2. Add the
cinnamon powder, unflavored gelatin powder, orange juice, almonds, and honey
3. Mix
thoroughly in a blender until the mixture is smooth
This recipe makes enough for two servings. You can drink the
first glass in the morning, then store in a sealed container in your fridge
until after lunch. Drink the mixture twice a day for 15 days in total.
Storage:
After making your drink it can be stored in a sealed
container inside of your fridge. Be sure to shake the mixture well before
ingesting.
Many people view aging from a negative perspective. But,
living in constant fear of potential pain will stop you from living your life
in the now. Educating yourself will not only allow you to live without
unnecessary pain, but it will also help you to feel better on a daily basis,
both emotionally and physically. You deserve to feel good every day of your
life, and this tasty recipe will help your joints to carry you through each day
happily and healthily.
Sources: [1] Mayo Clinic Staff. Osteoarthritis. [2] Cleveland Clinic Foundation. (2014, Oct. 22).Post-Traumatic Arthritis. [3] Eman M. Hegazy, Nabil H. El-Sayed Khamis.(2014). Effects of Fresh Garlic and Ginger on the Shelf-Life of Gelatin WasteUsed For improvement of Plant Growth. [4] Otesa Middleton Miles. Vitamin D:Why We Need It, How to Get It.
