After 50 and in High Heels
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| (Supplements and heels not to scale) |
Ginger Rogers did everything that her partner Fred Astaire did,
but backward and in high heels.
Unfortunately for Ginger Rogers, supplements had yet to become mainstream.
This year, I turned 55 and running around in high heels is pretty much slowing me down!
I ask myself, "Is it more important to look good or to feel good?"
Okay, there has to be a balance, right?!? That journey has led me to supplements.
Do they work? Who needs them? Which ones do I need?
Of course, anything to do with your health, consult with your health care professional!
I sat with my doctors, discussed my health care needs, and generated a list of supplements that I am taking. So far, they are working. But this is key:
They have to be taken consistently, and taken as directed, to feel the full effects.
In order to find balance in my heels, practice being vegan, and stay on my toes after 50,
I'm gonna need a little help.
The list of supplements ("the rainbow" as my daughter calls it) I take:
Fish Oil
It is known that the Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil are nutrients proven to prevent and manage heart disease. There is strong evidence that taking
three grams of fish oil a day contain enough nutrients in the Omega-3 fatty acids to help to reduce inflammation in joints, thereby reducing the intensity of joint trouble like stiffness, tenderness, and swelling! That claim has not been evaluated by the FDA, but so far, it's working for me. Again, talk to your doctor. I was cleared by my physician, but there is a nice warning label for folks with coagulopathy...
maybe be tested first?
Turmeric
Turmeric has long been used as an effective supplement for inflammation and arthritis, but there are also lots of other claims to what conditions turmeric can treat. Lots of claims. That lead me to WebMD, so very helpful in explaining what was LIKELY a cure for many conditions or not. Currently, I am only interested in reducing joint pain, specifically in my hips, and this is what WebMD had to say,
"Tumeric contains the chemical curcumin, which might decrease swelling (inflammation).
Because of this, turmeric might be beneficial for treating conditions that involve inflammation."
This brand's formula, with its amazing ratings, includes black pepper (when taken in conjunction with curcumin, apparently super-charges the anti-inflammatory effects). This must be taken with fatty food (think avocado) to properly absorb into your body. Oh and WebMD has a host of warnings about taking too much for too long, so check with your doctor about supplements.
Glucosamine
This is what started it all for me. I heard Glucosamine was as good as Advil (ibuprofen), but heard it took a lot longer to feel effects. At the time, I was taking enormous amounts of ibuprofen for pain and knew it wasn't good. Glucosamine is an amino sugar that your body produces naturally and is found in and around the fluid and tissues that cushion your joints.
This tissue is called cartilage.
The breakdown of cartilage as you get older is called osteoarthritis.
Chondroitin is found in human cartilage and is a component of human connective tissue. Chondroitin supplements are intended to enhance shock absorbing characteristics of collagen and together with Glucosamine, they seem to help block enzymes that break down cartilage, helping to retain water and reversing cartilage loss. Got it? Doesn't squishy, well-lubricated joints sound better than bone on bone? It's working for me, but it took a lot longer than I anticipated (three times a day, every day, for about two months) for the effects to fully register. By reducing the inflammation, reducing the loss of cartilage surrounding the joints, the pain was also significantly reduced as well.
Green Tea
Studies show that green tea drinkers are likely to live longer than non-green tea drinkers. Given that information, why not incorporate green tea into your routine? Of course, the tea drinkers probably have a healthier lifestyle, but think about it. Coffee is an acid and inflames the body. Green tea is anti-inflammatory. Green tea is a powerful source of anti-oxidants, which may help reduce the risk of cancer and lower cholesterol. And......green tea can increase your metabolic rate, burning up to 100 more calories a day, promoting weight loss.
Naproxen
I know, it's not a supplement, but I want full disclosure here. I brought my concerns to my doctor since I was starting to take supplements and didn't want any adverse interactions. She said it was okay to take, if needed, to continue moving. Naproxen is the generic name for Aleve and provides quick pain relief and is safer to take more for longer periods if your symptoms last. Since starting my journey over 90 days ago, I am so pleased to report that I still have a bottle naproxen, but it's the same one.
It's important to mention that supplements are just that, supplements, and can not replace a colorful diet of high water content fruits and vegetables, picking an exercise that will stick, and choosing to get a good night's sleep.
Well, that's all I know. Drink lots of water and I hope this finds you well. -julie
