Close your eyes and imagine that feeling of pure joy as you leap from the ground, reach for the monkey bars, and swing with a rush of adrenaline. As young children, we moved with the carefree ease of Tigger, bouncing through life with endless energy. But as we age, that energy diminishes, and the multiple impacts of ‘life’ start to bear on our joints, making once simple movements feel like extraordinary tasks. Can we all relate? This isn’t a doom and gloom scenario however, there are things we can do as we age to minimise the effects of aging on our joints.
Our bodies have 360 joints that connect bone to bone. Bone mass peaks in our late 20s and early 30s, after which we may experience a gradual decline in joint health. It could be that niggly knee that you never could quite shake off, or that sharp popping noise you hear when you’re standing up. If you’ve ever wondered why joint movement can become stiff and less flexible over time, it’s due to a combination of factors. These include the thinning of cartilage, reduced joint lubrication, and a tendency for ligaments to shorten. Think of joints like your car’s suspension system which helps absorb shock and maintain stability, our joints help absorb the impact of movement and maintain stability in the body. We’ve all experienced the large number of potholes on our roads, and just as these cause damage to our suspension, the wear and tear on our joints over the course of our lives can cause pain, discomfort and reduced mobility. It’s essential to take care of our joints, just as we do our cars, to keep them running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the road, and major overhauls.
The Great Outdoors
Lack of physical activity impacts people in several ways, and research has shown that moderate exercise can actually reinforce cartilage for long term joint health. Inactivity can also potentially lead to excessive weight gain and obesity, which puts more stress on the weight bearing joints. Your knees are subject to forces equivalent to 1.5x your body weight from walking alone. Take this as your cue to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, such as walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga. Better yet, why not take advantage of the incredible walking and nature opportunities New Zealand has to offer?
Holistic Wellness Coach & Les Mills Instructor Kayla Gordine emphasises the importance of regular movement, highlighting, “Movement is key, when we exercise a number of neurotransmitters are released including dopamine and endorphins that give us more energy and a feel-good attitude which stays with us for the rest of the day. However, one thing to bear in mind is excessive exercise can be detrimental because the cartilage in our joints can only adapt to a certain amount of stress before becoming damaged. So always work at your own pace and enjoy the journey!”
Unlocking the Power of Nature
Fortunately, nature provides us with powerhouse ingredients that have been extensively researched to help improve joint health. These include:
- Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) a naturally occurring fatty acid found in foods such as peanuts and egg yolks studied for its potential to support joint function and the body’s natural healing ability.
- Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM) is derived from the membrane that forms the inner lining of eggshells and has been scientifically shown to provide support for aching joints, in as little as 24 hours.
- 5-LOXINᵀᴹ is an extract of the Boswellia serrata tree known for its ability to support the preservation of cartilage, collagen and connective tissue in the skeletal system.
SRW Laboratories (Science Research Wellness) has developed Skl¹ Mobility, an all-natural robust joint supplement which contains a unique and synergistic combination of PEA, NEM® and 5-LOXIN to provide all the building blocks needed to support your body’s natural healing ability and the maintenance of healthy joints.
Founder of SRW Greg Macpherson says, “Skl¹ Mobility is by far the most comprehensive joint formula that I have come across and was developed in partnership with Dr. Cem Aydogan who is a leading joint health scientist. As with all SRW products, it is formulated, encapsulated and bottled in New Zealand to meet the highest quality standards”.
Skl¹ Mobility is available to purchase at www.srw.co and at selected pharmacies and health stores.
