Stiffness upon waking, discomfort after a day on your feet, discomfort after a exercise : our joints are put to the test every day. With age, physical activity, certain repetitive movements, or even body weight, they can become more sensitive.
Taking care of your joints depends above all on healthy lifestyle habits. Dietary supplements can, in some cases, supplement nutritional intake.
In this article, we’ll help you better understand how joints work, the healthy habits to adopt in your daily life, and the factors to consider before choosing a dietary supplement.
Joints: Understanding How They Work and What They Need
What are joints for?
Joints are the hinges that connect your bones. They enable movement (walking, running, writing, climbing stairs, etc.) and absorb shock thanks to their components:
- Cartilage : an elastic tissue that covers the ends of bones and helps joint surfaces glide smoothly
- Synovial fluid : a viscous substance that lubricates the joint
- Ligaments and tendons : contribute to stability and movement
These components work together to enable movement and minimize friction during motion.
Why do joints become sensitive?
Over time, cartilage thins, joints become less flexible, and may become painful. The main causes are:
🔹 Aging : collagen and cartilage production decreases with age
🔹 Repetitive movements : in sports, manual labor, or prolonged postures
🔹 Being overweight : which puts extra pressure on the knees and hips.
🔹 Joint diseases : osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and tendinitis that require medical supervision.
Occasional joint discomfort does not necessarily mean there is an underlying condition. However, certain symptoms should prompt you to seek medical advice.
Warning signs that should prompt you to seek medical attention
- Pain that persists (especially at night or while resting) or worsens
- Discomfort or pain resulting from a blow or injury
- Significant stiffness, loss of mobility
- Cracking or a grinding sensation in the joints.
- Swelling or redness around a joint.
- Fever or unusual fatigue
Tips for Taking Care of Your Joints
Eat a varied and balanced diet
A varied diet helps provide the nutrients necessary for the body to function normally.
On a daily basis, it is recommended that you prioritize:
- a variety of fruits and vegetables;
- protein sources tailored to your needs;
- fish, eggs, legumes, or dairy products, depending on your dietary habits;
- high-quality fats, such as vegetable oils, nuts, or seeds;
- regular hydration.
Certain nutrients, such as vitamin C, contribute to normal bodily functions. In particular, vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation to ensure normal cartilage function, provided there is an adequate intake.
Maintain a healthy weight
Body weight affects the stress placed on the joints, particularly the knees, hips, and ankles. Maintaining a weight appropriate for one’s individual circumstances can help limit excessive mechanical stress.
Get regular exercise
Exercise is important for maintaining joint mobility and strengthening the muscles that support the joints.
Gentle or low-impact activities may be beneficial depending on the individual: walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, Pilates, mobility and stretching exercises.
Listen to your body
Occasional discomfort after physical activity is normal. However, persistent, recurring, or limiting pain should not be ignored.
Adjusting the intensity of your activity, taking breaks, varying your movements, and correcting repetitive postures can help you better manage the daily strain on your joints.
The Role of Dietary Supplements in Circulation
Dietary supplements are food products intended to supplement the diet. They are not medicines and should not be marketed as capable of preventing, treating, or curing a disease. They may be considered to supplement certain nutritional needs.
PharmaSmile dietary supplements to help meet your nutritional needs
PharmaSmile Naticol Marine Collagen®
PharmaSmile Naticol Marine Collagen® is a formula containing, among other ingredients, Naticol®, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and zinc.
Who is it for?
You may be interested in this supplement:
- adults who wish to supplement their diet as part of a nutritional routine;
- people who engage in regular physical activity;
- adults looking for a formula that combines several ingredients, including vitamin C and zinc.
Key ingredients
- Naticol® hydrolyzed marine collagen
- Vitamin C
- Hyaluronic acid
- Zinc
PharmaSmile InsaFlex
PharmaSmile InsaFlex is a formula that contains, among other ingredients, AvoVida®, a compound made from a combination of avocado and soybean unsaponifiables derived from plant extracts.
This supplement can be part of a comprehensive approach to joint health, in addition to a balanced diet and appropriate physical activity.
Who is it for?
You may be interested in this supplement:
- working adults;
- people whose jobs require them to stand for long periods of time;
- adults who want to incorporate a dietary supplement into their daily routine.
Key strengths
- AvoVida® : A patented ingredient consisting of a combination of unsaponifiable compounds from avocado and soy, obtained from plant extracts.
PharmaSmile Joints
PharmaSmile Joints is a formula that contains glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, harpagophytum root, and zinc, among other ingredients.
Zinc helps maintain normal bones and protect cells from oxidative stress, provided that the amount present in the product allows for the use of these claims.
Who is it for?
You may be interested in this supplement:
- adults who wish to supplement their nutritional intake;
- people who engage in regular physical activity;
- adults looking for a formula that combines several ingredients traditionally used in dietary supplements designed to support joint health.
💬 Need help choosing? Feel free to ask your pharmacist, who can help you find the formula best suited to your situation
Important reminder
Dietary supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.
They are not a substitute for medical treatment and should not be used to treat pain, inflammation, or joint disease.
Follow the recommended daily dose. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Keep dietary supplements out of the reach of young children.
If you experience severe, persistent, or unusual pain, consult a healthcare professional.
Conclusion: Your joints deserve the best
- Taking care of your joints requires a holistic approach: a balanced diet, appropriate physical activity, maintaining a stable weight, staying hydrated, and listening to your body’s signals.
- Dietary supplements can support this process when used properly, in accordance with the precautions and recommendations listed on the packaging.
- To choose a product that suits your needs, ask your pharmacist or a healthcare professional for advice.
