Archive for December, 2009
Ladies, Get Your Daily Dose of Calcium
As women age, their bones become fragile and brittle and maintaining bone health is crucial. Osteoporosis is a legitimate threat, and its prevention should be foremost in one’s mind. Once this bone disease is allowed to proliferate, it weakens and reduces bone mineral density considerably. The net result is that bones are much more susceptible to fracturing. Although exercise regimens and drinking milk can have something of a positive effect, they are often not enough.
The real key is to provide the body with sizable doses of calcium and vitamin D. In order to maximize absorption of calcium, it’s best to take a few small doses each day. Additional preventative measures, such as shoring up tub mats and reducing the likelihood of slipping and falling, can make a sizable impact as well. Still, calcium supplements remain the most effective way to combat osteoporosis down the road.
The Benefits of Glucosamine
Studies have shown since the first clinical trials in 1980 that glucosamine can have benefits for arthritis sufferers, easing joint pain. Glucosamine originates from shellfish, and there are two major varieties of glucosamine available on the market-glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride (HCL). Which form of glucosamine is superior quite literally depends on which study you are reading.
At any rate, glucosamine may be easier on the digestive tract than anti-inflammatory drugs, and medications such as Celebrex have been linked to blood clotting, which is alarming to some.