OCSCAND said:
I am currently increasing my running regiment and was wondering if people suggest using any type of multi-vitaming or other pills for joint health. I hear mixed reviews on this and was wondering if anybody has any personal accounts. Basically I just want to do what I can to ensure strong joints and healthy knees. Thanks for any input.
I'm no health expert at all, zees ees just my opinion.
I pretty much take one Centrum a day (not continually though, dont want to risk too big a buildup of fat-soluable vitamins). Anyway, Centrum is cheap, a bottle of 180 tablets lasts a half a year at least, and it has just about every vitamin and mineral under the sun. There are other supplements out there to be sure, but this is the only pill I take consistently.
I've read that glucosamine and condriotin supplements do virtually nothing for your cartelige and joint health when healthy (in case you are considering it). It appears it can possibly have a positive effect for those with osteoarthritis, but for joint health, I'd just say treat them right and dont abuse them. Listen to your body when exercising, and if something is painful, stop.
Go to a professional running store and get a gait analysis (they should be free, else go somewhere else). That will help you get running shoes with proper support for the way you run. I, personally, am extremely over-pronated when running, and need a lot more arch support than the typical running shoe provides. When I got good shoes though, my run times dropped, and my feet stopped getting cramped 2 miles into a 5+ mile run. Good shoes will make a whole lot of difference in keeping your body healthy when running.
Dont worry too much about this stuff though. Unless you are going to be a world-class athlete, you will get most of your required vitamins, fats, proteins, etc. from a normal, sensible diet. Just be sure to keep hydrated. Vitamins and such aren't going to hurt, just don't go buying snake oil without doing some homework on what you're putting in you.
~Nate
PS - I was actually reading through workout supplements today since I'm working out pretty hard presently. Be careful for enhancements that say they will boost your performance for a limited period of time with their special herbal blend (or something like it). Same with rapid weight loss... Reading the ingredients often reveals the herbs contain the same caffiene content of 2 strong cups of coffee. Of course caffiene will up your performance for a limited time, but it can be a risk. Just an FYI...