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If you want to ensure that your joints are healthy and pain-free for the rest of your life, then you better focus on the wellness of the two most important components of your joints; your cartilage and your synovial membrane.

The cartilage is basically responsible for providing protection to the tips of the bones that link up in your joints. It functions like a layer that shields or cushions the ends of the bones from tremendous friction caused by your movements. The cartilage is a very smooth and flexible material which is perfect for guarding the bone tips from deterioration. It also allows your joints to pivot and turn effortlessly.

Cartilage is composed of a few compounds that are made by cells known as chondrocytes. One of these compounds is called proteoglycans. Well, do not let the fancy name scare you, but this compound is responsible for locking cartilage fibers, necessary minerals, and water together.

The synovial membrane, on the other hand, envelopes the joints and secretes synovial fluid which serves as the lubrication for the joints. Through this fluid, the synovial membrane can directly supply the cartilage with much needed lube that will reduce the friction as you move along. Since your cartilage does not have blood vessels, nutrients get into it along with the lubricating synovial fluid.

You may not see it, but your joints undergo a constant process of deterioration and repairing. Nevertheless, the aging process can take its toll on the way your joints are repaired. As you grow older, the rebuilding of your joints becomes slower until the deterioration process surpasses the repairing mechanism. When this happens, your cartilage becomes corroded due to excess friction; then you get all sorts of problems in your joints.

Arthritis is the most common form of disorder in your joints. And unsurprisingly, this disease can be prevented and even reversed. If you want to put an end to the pain in your joints or you want to avoid suffering arthritis later in life, you need to boost the strength and the stability of your joints. As you grow older, avoid putting excessive stress to the joints in your hands and legs by abstaining from heavy and strenuous activities and make it a point to provide your joints with the nutrients they need, such as the ones listed below.

Glucosamine

When doctors think about joints and cartilages, they also think about glucosamine. A substance secreted in the body, glucosamine is a mixture of glucose and an amino acid known as glutamine. This mixture is important in the overall formation and restoration of cartilages and other tissues in the body.

Again, as your body ages, its production of glucosamine decreases. Hence, you may need to augment the presence of this compound in your body by taking supplements made from chitin; which is found in the shells of lobsters, crabs, and shrimps. You can also find traces of glucosamine in sports drinks.

Chondroitin

Another important compound for the health of your joints is called chondroitin. This substance is actually present in your cartilage. It is responsible for the smoothness and flexibility of the cartilage in your joints. Most importantly, chondroitin helps avert damages to the cartilage caused by enzymes in your body.

Chondroitin is typically mixed with glucosamine in creating the building blocks for the formation of new cartilages and insuring peak health for the existing ones. Unfortunately, rarely will you find dietary sources for chondroitin; hence, the best way to increase the presence of this compound in your body is via supplements.