JOINT PAIN?

I remember a holiday in Cancun, Mexico, where I was invited to attend a service at a local Baptist church. It was a lovely experience — a blend of music, joy and warm-hearted people. During the service, it is customary to walk around and greet one another with a handshake. Both children and adults take part, and it is truly a beautiful tradition.

When I reached out my hand to greet an elderly woman, I gave her a firm and friendly handshake — and then something unexpected happened: she let out a loud, pained “oh!” She was clearly in a lot of discomfort. I felt startled and looked down at her hand. It was beautiful in its own way, but also rough and worn, and you could see it had been shaped by many years of hard work.

It stayed with me. Because pain in the joints and body can affect any of us — and it doesn’t always happen because we have done something wrong. Sometimes pain is simply a sign that the body needs more care and support than before.

Why do we get joint pain?

There can be many reasons for joint pain. As we get older, our joints often become more vulnerable, but age itself is not always the main cause. Pain can result from physically demanding work, sport, overuse, old injuries, or simply a lifestyle where the body does not receive the nourishment and movement it needs.

Over time, it is usually the cartilage in the joints that becomes affected. Cartilage acts as a protective “cushion” between the bones, allowing the joints to move smoothly and without friction. When cartilage gradually breaks down, you may experience stiffness, tenderness and pain — and in some cases, this can develop into more persistent discomfort.

It is often the joints that are used the most that suffer the most: hands, knees, hips, ankles and the back. That is why athletes frequently experience these kinds of issues — marathon runners, footballers, tennis players — but also ordinary people who have simply used their bodies a great deal throughout life.

Keep your body moving – as well as you can

I know joint pain all too well myself. That’s why I do a lot to make sure it doesn’t take over my life. For me, it’s important to be able to go for walks, stay active and feel a sense of freedom in everyday life. I walk a great deal, and I’m careful not to carry anything too heavy — and in general to respect my body, especially when it sends small signals that it needs a break.

As we get older, our backs can also lose flexibility. Many people find themselves becoming slightly more rounded in posture and a little more stooped. That can be age-related, but I also see many young people with poor posture because they spend so much time in front of screens. And you really can feel it — not just in the back, but also in the neck, shoulders and hips.

I practise straightening up. And I’ve told my friends and family that they’re very welcome to remind me if they notice I’ve forgotten. Luckily, they’re quite good at it!

When we talk about joint pain, it’s not only about “wear and tear”. It’s also about the body’s internal environment — especially inflammation. And this is where diet plays a much bigger role than many people realise.

I often say: be very mindful of what you choose to put into your mouth.

A good place to start is by cutting back a little on sugar. Not because you should never enjoy a treat — but because sugar can contribute to increased inflammation in the body and make discomfort worse.

If you fancy something sweet, you can opt for a little dark chocolate, some organic fruit, almonds or a small amount of dried fruit. And especially dark berries — they are wonderful for the body.

Supplements – when the body needs extra support

Supplements can never replace a healthy lifestyle, but they can be an important form of support. Especially as we get older — or when we are physically active, under strain, stressed, or not getting everything we need from our diet.

Green superfoods

When the topic is joints and discomfort, many people also talk about superfoods such as chlorella, wheatgrass and barley grass. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and plant compounds, and can be used in smoothies or mixed into juice. Some people find wheatgrass tastes a bit “grassy”, so it can be blended with apple juice or citrus. These superfoods are also available in ready made blends if you prefer a simple and practical option.

Glucosamine, MSM and chondroitin

If you experience significant joint discomfort, it may be helpful to support the body with glucosamine. It is often available in combinations with MSM and/or chondroitin. If you have a shellfish allergy, be sure to choose an alternative product.

MSM

MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is also a natural compound. Many people use MSM on its own or together with glucosamine. A general rule of thumb some follow is 1 g of MSM per 20 kg of body weight — but always start with a lower amount and increase gradually.

Devil’s claw and other natural supports

Devil’s claw is a traditional, well-known plant that many people use for stiffness and discomfort. There are also many other interesting options: fish oil / Omega-3, ginger, turmeric, boswellia and rosehip. Sometimes it can be helpful to try different approaches and see what your body responds to best.

Collagen and joints

As we age, the body’s natural production of collagen declines, and this can be noticed in several ways: the skin loses elasticity, and joints, tendons and connective tissue may begin to feel more vulnerable. For this reason, a collagen supplement may be beneficial — especially if you want to stay active and mobile.

Type 1 collagen supports skin, bones and connective tissue. Type 2 collagen mainly supports the joints and cartilage, and this is where many people notice the greatest difference if they experience stiffness or discomfort. MoveFlex Collagen combines type 2 collagen (UC-II®) with Boswellia serrata, manganese, copper and vitamin C.