View source for Bone and Joint Protect

== What Does It Mean? ==
Bone and joint protection refers to maintaining optimal bone density, cartilage integrity, and joint mobility to prevent conditions such as osteopenia, osteoporosis, arthritis, and degenerative joint disease. Functional medicine focuses on reducing inflammation, optimizing mineral balance, and supporting collagen production to ensure long-term musculoskeletal resilience.

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes & Contributing Factors: ===
• Chronic Inflammation & Oxidative Stress – Accelerates bone loss and cartilage degradation.

• Hormonal Imbalances (Estrogen, Testosterone, Cortisol, Thyroid Dysfunction) – Directly impacts bone remodeling and density.

• Nutrient Deficiencies (Calcium, Vitamin D, Magnesium, Vitamin K2, Collagen, Boron) – Lead to weak bones and poor joint integrity.

• Poor Gut Health & Malabsorption – Reduces calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D uptake.

• Sedentary Lifestyle & Lack of Weight-Bearing Exercise – Weakens bones and joints due to low mechanical stimulation.

• Toxin Exposure & Heavy Metals – Lead, cadmium, and fluoride contribute to bone demineralization.

• Autoimmune or Chronic Joint Conditions (RA, Osteoarthritis, Lupus, Gout) – Inflammatory cytokines drive joint destruction.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===
• Joint stiffness, pain, or reduced mobility

• Increased risk of fractures, weak or brittle bones

• Loss of height or poor posture (kyphosis, spinal compression fractures)

• Joint cracking or popping (crepitus)

• Fatigue and muscle weakness

• Chronic back pain or frequent sprains

== How Do We Treat It? ==

=== Functional Medicine Approach: ===
The goal is to reduce bone and joint degradation, optimize mineral balance, and enhance structural integrity.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita-D 
|Supports bone strength, immune function, and overall health
|1 capsule with food, daily
|-
|Osteo-Prov
|Supports bone health
|2 capsule with food, daily
|-
|V-Inflamma
|Reduces systemic inflammation
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Vascuzyme
|Supports healthy circulation, inflammation balance, and tissue recovery
|2 capsules without food, daily
|-
|V-Collagen
|Supports gut lining & joint health
|1 scoop of powder without food, daily
|-
|Vita Buffered C Powder
|Immune & antioxidant support
|¼  scoop of powder with food, twice daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===
• Weight-Bearing & Resistance Training – Stimulates bone formation and maintains joint function.

• Increase Dietary Collagen & Gelatin – Supports cartilage and bone matrix strength.

• Optimize Gut Health – Address dysbiosis and malabsorption issues affecting nutrient uptake.

• Reduce Processed Foods & Sugar – Lowers inflammation and oxidative stress.

• Sunlight Exposure & Vitamin D Optimization – Essential for bone health and immune regulation.