Collagen, joint disorders, osteoarthritis and arthritis

The history of strength sports is closely linked to joint problems , osteoarthritis and arthritis, even though athletes generally talk about them quite little. Whether in amateur or professional sports, painful joints are often part of the daily life of bodybuilders and powerlifters. The recurrence of heavy weight training sometimes contributes to premature wear of joint cartilage, leading to inflammations called arthritis. Let's say that these inflammations of the ligaments or cartilages are quite similar to those experienced by sedentary people with age.

In this case, rest is often recommended to allow time for connective tissue to regenerate. However, talking about rest to an athlete who trains seriously and regularly is often quite frowned upon in the world of strength training. Let's just say that the overtraining is never far away when joint tissues begin to suffer. However, one is not necessarily linked to the other but it is often a bad warning sign from the body. In this case, is it not possible to maintain joint and connective tissues adequately in relation to resistance exercises performed regularly?

What nutrients are involved in the strength of joints, tendons and ligaments?

First of all, you should know that joint pain can be treated at any age, but naturally, it will take longer if you are older. In any case, it is always possible to recover and reduce joint problems caused by osteoarthritis or arthritis. But before discussing this or that nutrient, you must first think about staying well hydrated. Since water is a large part of joint tissue, hydration is therefore essential for daily joint health. As you know, minerals play a role in proper joint function. Naturally, there are other factors that will affect joint health. One of these factors is related to the presence of glycine in the body and dietary intake of this particular amino acid.

As you know, glycine is involved in the synthesis of collagen, an essential structural protein, along with elastin. This structural protein would not exist without glycine. However, a problem arises here, given that our body does not necessarily have enough glycine to meet all of its needs. Glycine is involved in the synthesis of creatine, bile, certain antioxidants and collagen, which explains why it is so important. Our diet is not necessarily very rich in wisteria, A daily supplement will help meet the needs of collagen synthesis. As demonstrated by numerous scientific experiments, 5 to 8 grams of glycine per day is beneficial for joint health by acting on endogenous collagen synthesis.

Collagen is a protein that strengthens most organic and structural tissues

As for collagen itself, it is the most abundant structural protein in the human body. It literally shapes the human body, between organs, muscles, and connective tissues. It is found everywhere, in connective tissues, skin, muscle mass, bones, and joints. Collagen strengthens the structure and strength of these tissues essential to physical integrity. However, dietary intake of collagen is particularly low in our time. To date, a significant number of clinical studies prove that collagen, as well as gelatin, another source of collagen and wisteria , are of interest in strengthening joint and ligament tissue. But when it comes to joint disorders such as osteoarthritis in athletes, what exactly are we talking about?

How should osteoarthritis be defined in the context of strength sports?

Osteoarthritis is defined by a set of microtraumatic injuries and/or acute joint trauma. However, it is also a complex problem since intense resistance training can cause osteoarthritis but, on the other hand, moderate physical activity can strengthen tendons, ligaments and joints . Let us add that certain endurance sports where the frequency of impacts is sustained are also likely to generate osteoarthritis. Assuming that joint pain is present in strength athletes, what would be the attitude or precautions to adopt in this case?

Collagen and glycine, food supplements against joint disorders, osteoarthritis and arthritis

In this problematic situation, a nutritional intake of collagen (approximately 15g/day) or glycine (4 to 8g/day) already constitutes a functional aid that can give good results over several weeks. Let us add that in fairly severe cases of osteoarthritis, it would undoubtedly be interesting to combine a collagen intake with glycine so that the amino acid contributes to joint regeneration but is not completely mobilized by collagen synthesis. In addition, practicing a sport where joint stress is considered low (swimming, cycling, walking, etc.) could contribute to reducing symptoms.

Generally speaking, a glycine intake or collagen will help reduce the appearance and frequency of joint disorders and osteoarthritis in particular. Collagen itself will provide the amino acids necessary for joint maintenance, but if pain persists, supplementing with glycine will help reduce the problem. Glycine is a fairly versatile supplement, but nutritional needs for joint maintenance are significant and often difficult to meet, precisely because of deficiencies in this amino acid.