November 5, 2007

Quiet Creaky Knees A lot of the dull pain men feel in their knees stems from the fact that they sit around in office chairs all day, and the joints aren't being effectively lubricated. But there's a simple remedy -- a 10-second exercise called quad pumps. Basically, they cause the cartilage to secrete a fluid that bathes the joints in nutrients. Here's how to do them: (1) Sit and extend your legs straight out so that your heels are resting on the floor. (2) Tighten your quadriceps, the front-thigh muscles just above your knees. Hold the contraction for 2 seconds, then release. Repeat five times. Then do another set. Quad pumps will also help keep your knees from cracking and creaking when you walk up and down stairs. (Men's Health)

How Does Glucosamine Work? By providing relief from the pain and discomfort of arthritis, as well as working to strengthen joints and rebuild cartilage, glucosamine is a promising supplement in the fight against arthritis. Glucosamine is a simple molecule that the body uses to create more complex molecules that are used to build cartilage. Although the body does produce a small amount of glucosamine, which is found concentrated in the joints and connective tissue, research indicates that supplemental doses of glucosamine are more effective than the amount produced by the body. In fact, one study of supplemental glucosamine, in the form of glucosamine sulfate, resulted in a 50% rate of success for participants, especially those suffering from osteoarthritis, by relieving pain, stiffness, inflammation, and by increasing range of motion. However, glucosamine has been found to be useful only for those suffering from mild to moderate arthritis, not more severe cases of the disease. (LifeScript)

What Is Thiamin? Otherwise known as vitamin B1, thiamin was the very first B-vitamin discovered. As a part of that family, thiamin is mainly involved in energy metabolism – turning the foods you eat into a useable energy source for the body, otherwise known as ATP (adenosine triphosphate). All of the b-vitamins work together to produce ATP, and each different vitamin is also involved in more specific aspects of the human body. Thiamin helps support healthy nerves and a healthy heart, may positively influence mood, and may also be a useful tool for soothing heartburn. (LifeScript)

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