Life expectancy has increased immensely over the last decade. With the advancement in medicine and improved human lifestyles, people are living longer than ever before. As a result, the population of people above 65 years keeps growing every day. The biggest issue is maintaining proper mobility at old age. The good news is that there are steps you can explore, including taking MSM supplements, to maintain proper joint and muscle function.
What is MSM?
MSM is an organic sulfur compound that occurs naturally in some primitive plants. The compound is marketed and sold as a dietary supplement. Several studies show that MSM can have positive health benefits, especially in treating oxidative stress and osteoporosis. The supplement has also been used in recent years to enhance joint health in older people.
Why Mobility Matters at Old Age
Mobility is often seen as the perfect indicator of how well a person ages. Senior citizens who can move around easily are not only independent, but they can also engage in physical activities important for their health.
Loss of mobility in old people is typically caused by deteriorating joints and muscles. However, the good news is that this process can be reversed using proper nutrition, physiotherapy, and the use of MSM supplements.
How Does MSM Enhance Mobility in Old Age
MSM is a preventative nutritional measure that helps to prevent muscle and joint damage. The supplement reduces oxidative stress by limiting the concentration of free radicals in the body. MSM is also known to modulate the redox balance and the activation of kB, a nuclear factor that triggers the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which have been linked to reduced joint function, loss of muscle strength, and the risk of disability.
But is MSM designed for everybody? Well, since it’s a natural supplement with no side effects, anyone with joint problems can use it. If you have occasional or persistent joint discomfort, MSM may be able to help.
However, even people who don’t feel any discomfort on their joints can still use the supplement. Remember your joints are central to your mobility. Even if they are functioning as normal, they are still exposed to immense stress every day, especially for people who engage in regular physical activities. Because of this, joints may start to break down over time.
Besides, as you get older, your joints become more exposed to potential injuries and deterioration. Each joint in our bodies has a cartilage that acts as a shock absorber. In essence, the cartilage cushions the joints from injury during strenuous physical activity. As you get older, this protective layer starts to thin out, something that exposes your joints to increased risk of damage. However, all these things can be prevented with proper joint health and MSM is highly recommended as part of your regiment.
What Else Can You Do to maintain proper Joint Health?
You can also combine MSM with other measures to keep your mobility and joint health at optimum levels. The first thing to do is to maintain a healthy weight. Losing a few pounds reduces stress on your joints, something that in turn reduces the risk of damage.
Exercise is also crucial. Strength training in particular helps to enhance muscle strength and function. However, do not overdo it. While strength training offers so many benefits, it also comes with potential risks of injury. That’s why it’s very important to be careful how you do it.
Finally, always make sure you’ve stretched out considerably well after every workout. Even if it’s a low-impact cardio routine, stretching out helps to alleviate the stress on your muscles and joints. This will not only accelerate recovery times but will also prevent possible injuries during your next workout session.