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Six Steps to Stronger Cartilage
If you are 50 or older, the chances are that you have primary osteoarthritis. Its key feature is a progressive
degeneration of the normally smooth and shiny cushion of cartilage that protects and lubricates the ends of the joints.
The affected joints have less cushioning and more friction, causing the bones to grate against each other over time.
It is never too late to become proactive about saving and strengthening your cartilage.
1. Hormonal changes are a primary factor in cartilage degeneration. And women are lose 4 times more
cartilage than men do. Discuss estrogen balancing therapies with your doctor. Also consider supplementing your
diet with DHEA, which is the precursor of all the sex hormones, including estrogen.
2. Most adults are significantly out of alignment. This results in disproportionate stress on knees
and the lower back, which take on more than their share of the load. Even total joint replacement will not last if your
alignment is not corrected. In addition to chiropractic evaluation, you may want to check out the 'e-cises' program
of stretches and gentle movements to correct your alignment at www.egoscue.com.
3. Loss of bone density contributes to cartilage loss because cartilage's strength and smoothness is dependent on how solid the underlying bone is. Combat this problem by giving your bones the nutrients they need: calcium, magnesium, zinc, silica, boron, and vitamins C and K. |
