Joints. They're Holding It All Together.

Morning!

We hope your May is blooming with all the good stuff; a little sunshine, a little movement, and hopefully no creaky knees on the stairs. This week, we’re taking a look at the joints in our bodies, the role that they play on our health, why they deteriorate and what you can do to keep them in their best form.

Seems like a pretty complete edition, and it is, so let’s get right into it.

CORE

What Exactly Are Joints?

Joints are where two bones meet, sort of like the hinges on a cabinet. Well, not where, rather its what connects two bones. Without them, movement would be… well, a lot less graceful. Our bones would rub together directly, which is about as unpleasant and painful as you think it is.

Some joints don’t move at all (like those in your skull), others move just a bit (like between your vertebrae), and then there are the stars of the show: synovial joints, the kind that let you stretch, twist, and salsa-dance your way through life. Think shoulders, knees, fingers, and hips.

These joints are little masterpieces of design. Each one has:

• A capsule filled with a slippery synovial fluid (nature’s WD-40)

• A soft cushion of cartilage to prevent grinding

• Strong ligaments and tendons that hold it all together and let muscles do their thing

When everything’s working right, we don’t think twice. But like any well-loved machine, our joints can wear down.

Why Do Joints Start Acting Up?

Over time, and with repeated use (or lack of it), joints can get tired. Maybe you played tennis, maybe you sat at a desk for 20 years, maybe you crouch a lot to garden; it all adds up.

This wear-and-tear can lead to issues like osteoarthritis, where the cartilage thins out, leaving bones a little too close for comfort. It seems like one of those situations that will happen ‘later’ on in life, but note that over 15% of adults over 30 experience it.

On the other hand, we also have tendinitis, which is when tendons get inflamed from repeated use. This often starts with small tears, which, fortunately, are typically harmless and go away after some time, but if they occur repetitively they can end up causing tendonosis, or a degeneration in the physical integrity of your tendons. Yikes!

Even if you’ve never been particularly sporty, everyday habits can still chip away at joint health. Desk jobs can stress the wrists and back. Long commutes strain the hips. Even the way we sleep can create tightness that affects joint health.

PRODUCT MENTION

PRODUCT MENTION

If you’re looking for a practical way to support your joints OceanElements is a smart pick. It delivers highly-absorbable magnesium, along with robust amounts of silica (continue reading to see how these are key in joint health). Together, these, and our signature 70+ minerals, work with your body to strengthen and repair your joints.

With OceanElements, you get 2 months worth of joint support. Just add it to water, your favorite beverage, or even your meals (check out our Recipe Book for some ideas), and enjoy the luxury of healthier joints.

*Interested in knowing exactly what minerals are in OceanElements? Check out the second image on the product page to see.

CORE

So What Can You Do?

There’s a saying in health science, “What you don’t use, you lose.” Your joints are no exception.

Staying active helps keep joints lubricated, tendons strong, and ligaments flexible. But it’s about the right kind of movement. Start with low-impact exercises like walking, biking, swimming, or gentle strength training. These keep your joints moving without smashing them like a car going over potholes.

We couldn’t have an honest conversation about joint health without brining up excess weight. One of the many negative health effects that it causes are the increased strain and wear on joints like hips, knees and back. The harder you grind two things together the more they will break down.

Ok, you got us. Whats with the contradiction? Is exercise good or bad for your joints? The answer, as you may have guessed, is it depends. If you’re returning or planning to return after a hiatus from exercising, going all in too quickly can put unnecessary stress on your joints and lead to injury. But on the other hand, a gradual, well-structured exercise routine can actually help strengthen the muscles around your joints, improve flexibility, and reduce long-term pain or stiffness.

The key is moderation and smart progression.

The Nutrients Your Joints Need

It’s not just about movement, what you feed your body also matters. Your joints are made of living tissues that need the right ingredients to stay springy, strong, and well-lubricated. Here’s the short list:

Collagen – This is the scaffolding of cartilage. Without it, joints get stiff and brittle. Read more about this protein in our Collagen Edition.
Magnesium – Helps with muscle relaxation, regulates nerve communication, and even shows up in the (synovial) fluid inside your joints.
Vitamin C – Supports collagen synthesis and protects joint tissue from inflammation.
Calcium – You know this one — bones need it, and so do joints.
Silica – A natural mineral that is crucial in strengthening connective tissue and supports the forming of the collagen fiber matrix. And, yes, the same fortifying mineral that is in OceanElements.

ENDNOTE

Final Thoughts

Your joints do a lot for you, and they deserve some care in return. Movement, smart nutrition, and a little extra support (like OceanElements) can go a long way in keeping you flexible, comfortable, and confident in your body.

Thanks for spending your morning with us, and remember, small steps lead to lasting strength.

Until next week!