Human movement is a rather complex phenomenon that involves the intervention of various components, among which we mainly recall a "control mechanism", represented by the nervous system, the "motors" represented by the muscles, a "frame" represented by the skeletal system and the "connection" structures that allow the motors to act on the frame represented by tendons and ligaments.
But something is missing from this picture, a series of very complex structures that allow the “frame” to move when the “control mechanism” activates the “motors”.
Let's talk about joints
Joints are very complex structures that allow the main movements of the human body. They are distinguished by being divided into different types based on the degree of movement they allow.
The complexity of joints
What all joints that allow for the main movements, whether fine or gross, have in common is complexity.
To perform these functions efficiently and effectively, the joint requires significant structural complexity: a bony base covered by a tissue capable of maintaining a high level of hydration, cartilage, which is surrounded by additional tissue capable of producing the "lubricant" (in which the joint surfaces are immersed).
The joint is in turn stabilized by tendons, ligaments, and, for more complex joints, by a sort of "adaptor cushion," the menisci. This complexity, on the one hand, is a huge advantage because it allows for remarkable versatility in terms of movement, but on the other, it can be a significant disadvantage in the event of an injury.
Joint injuries
Because we find a series of tissues with very different characteristics: on the one hand, bone is richly supplied by blood vessels and shows good recovery and adaptation capabilities, while cartilage and ligaments are nourished by more "passive" mechanisms, absorbing from the surrounding environment and therefore, once damaged, show decidedly more limited recovery and adaptation capabilities.
This means that to effectively intervene on such a complex structure, made up of such different tissues, it is very interesting to use a nutraceutical characterized by the presence of different substances, each with specific functions and characteristics, combined with the aim of providing 360° support to the joint structures.
What substances are present in the joints?
- Hydrolyzed collagen: a nutraceutical substance with remarkable potential, capable of acting through a dual mechanism. The first and more "trivial" mechanism is to provide ample amounts of the substances the body uses to produce collagen, a key component of cartilage, bone, tendons, and ligaments. The second mechanism is achieved when the raw material is processed through a biological hydrolysis process. In this case, the resulting small amino acid chains, through a phenomenon called "molecular mimicry," are able to activate the production of new collagen, as they are recognized as indicators of "structural damage," all in the absence of actual damage. In practice, the system is tricked into detecting the "debris" resulting from the damage to collagen-rich structures, thus stimulating the production and deposition of new collagen, strengthening existing structures, even in the absence of damage.
- Methylsulfonylmethane: a source of zinc in an organic form (i.e., highly absorbable and therefore bioavailable). A micronutrient useful both in cartilage synthesis and in modulating inflammatory processes.
- Glucosamine hydrochloride: a fundamental element in the composition of cartilage tissue, responsible for the cartilage's resistance to compression and for maintaining a correct state of hydration and joint lubrication.
- Vitamin C: A vitamin with extremely high antioxidant power that also acts as a fundamental coenzyme for the production of new collagen, proving extremely useful in complementing the action of hydrolyzed collagen.
- Hyaluronic acid: a substance capable of binding with large amounts of water, responsible for hydration, joint lubrication, and the ability of connective tissues to maintain their shape. It is an essential component of synovial fluid, the primary lubricant of capsulated joints.
- A balanced, comprehensive, and well-formulated use of these components is essential for both injury treatment and prevention, providing a comprehensive solution that addresses all needs related to joint health.
