Dietary supplements for strengthening joints and ligaments in athletes: Full directory
Section 1: Anatomy and physiology of joints and ligaments in athletes
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Introduction to the athlete musculoskeletal system:
Sports activity, especially professional, imposes increased requirements for the musculoskeletal system. The joints and ligaments, being the key elements of this system, are subject to significant loads, which increases the risk of injuries and wear. Understanding their anatomy and physiology is extremely important for the development of effective prevention and recovery strategies.
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Joint anatomy:
Joints are the joints of two or more bones that provide skeleton mobility. There are several types of joints:
- Synovial joints: The most common type, characterized by the presence of a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid. Examples: knee, hip, shoulder.
- Joint cartilage: Smooth, elastic fabric covering the articular surfaces of the bones. It provides slipping and depreciation, reducing friction and distributing the load. Cartilage consists of chondrocytes (cartilage cells) and intercellular substance, including collagen, proteoglycans and water.
- Synovial fluid: A viscous fluid filling the joint cavity. It acts as a lubricant, providing smooth movement, and also nourishes cartilage and removes metabolic products.
- The joint capsule: A dense fibrous membrane surrounding the joint and holding the bones together. It consists of an outer fibrous layer and the inner synovial layer producing the synovial fluid.
- Blues: Durable strips of fibrous tissue connecting bones and strengthen the joint. They limit the amplitude of movements and prevent excess displacements.
- Meniski (in the knee joint): Carty gaskets located between the femoral and tibia bones. They improve the congruence of the articular surfaces, amortize the loads and stabilize the joint.
- Fibrous joints: Compounds of bones connected by dense fibrous tissue. They provide limited mobility or complete absence of movement. Examples: seams of the skull, connections between the vertebrae.
- Cartilage joints: Compounds of bones connected by cartilage fabric. They allow little mobility. Examples: intervertebral discs, pubic symphysis.
- Synovial joints: The most common type, characterized by the presence of a joint cavity filled with synovial fluid. Examples: knee, hip, shoulder.
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Anatomy of the ligaments:
Links are strong strips of connective tissue, consisting mainly of collagen fibers. They connect the bones to each other, ensuring the stability of the joints and limiting the amplitude of movements. The ligaments have some elasticity, but with excessive stretching can be damaged.
- Collagen: The main protein that makes up the ligaments. It gives them strength and resistance to stretching.
- Elastin: Protein providing elasticity and elasticity of ligaments.
- Fibroblasts: Cells synthesizing collagen and other components of the intercellular substance of the ligaments.
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Physiology of joints and ligaments:
- The role of articular cartilage: Depreciation of shock loads, decrease in friction between the joint surfaces, the provision of smooth sliding.
- The role of synovial fluid: Lubrication of articular surfaces, nutrition of cartilage, removal of metabolism, depreciation.
- The role of ligaments: Ensuring the stability of the joint, limiting the amplitude of movements, prevention of excess displacements.
- Adaptation to physical exertion: Joints and ligaments are able to adapt to physical exertion, increasing their strength and stability. However, excessive or incorrect loads can lead to damage.
- Age changes: With age, there is a decrease in water content in cartilage and ligaments, a decrease in collagen synthesis, a decrease in elasticity and an increase in the risk of damage.
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Risk factors for damage to joints and ligaments in athletes:
- High intensity of training: Excessive loads without sufficient recovery.
- Incorrect exercise technique: Non -compliance with the correct biomechanics of movements.
- Insufficient warm -up and stretching: Unsupportion of muscles and ligaments to the loads.
- Incorrectly selected equipment: Insufficient support and depreciation.
- Previous injuries: Increased risk of repeated damage.
- Age: Reducing elasticity and strength of tissues with age.
- Malnutrition: The deficiency of the necessary nutrients for the restoration and maintenance of joints and ligaments.
- Genetic predisposition: Individual features of the structure of the joints and ligaments.
Section 2: common injuries of joints and ligaments in athletes
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Knitting joint injuries:
- Damage to meniscus: Gaps of meniscus arising from twisting movements or direct strikes.
- Damage to the ligaments: Breaks of cross -shaped ligaments (front and rear) and side ligaments (medial and lateral).
- Chondromation of the patella: Softening of the cartilage on the back of the patella.
- The tendonite of the knee joint (inflammation of the tendons): “Knee of Jump” (tendonite ligaments of the patella), tendonitis of the quadriceps of the thigh.
- Bursitis of the knee joint (inflammation of synovial bags): Prespeatellar Bursitis, infrapatellar burgit.
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The shoulder joint injuries:
- Spliting shoulder: Displacement of the head of the humerus from the articular hollow of the shoulder blade.
- Damage to the rotational cuff of the shoulder: Ruptures or inflammation of the tendons of the muscles of the rotational cuff (innocent, pious, small round and subscapular).
- Tendinitis Biceps: Inflammation of the tendon of the long biceps head.
- Bursis of the shoulder joint: Inflammation of synovial bags in the shoulder.
- SLAP syndrome (damage to the upper lip of the articular hollow of the shoulder blade): The rupture or exfoliation of the upper part of the joint lip.
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Extra joint injuries:
- Exercise of the ligaments of the ankle: Damage to the ligaments that occur when the foot is incapable.
- Lodges fractures: Fractures of the tibia and fibula in the ankle joint.
- Tendonite Achilles tendons: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
- Exercise damage to the ankle joint: Osteochondral damage.
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Hip joint injuries:
- Imperial-syndrome of the hip joint (Femoroacetabular impedation): The conflict between the femoral bone and the swivel.
- Rupers of the joint lip of the hip joint: Damage to the cartilage surrounding the swivel.
- Bursis of the hip joint: Inflammation of synovial bags in the area of the hip joint.
- Tendonite iliac and clarity muscles: Inflammation of the tendon of the iliac-loving muscle.
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Injury mechanisms:
- Direct blow: Direct impact on the joint or bunch.
- Twisting: A rotational movement exceeding physiological limits.
- Across: Excessive ligament stretching.
- Excessive load: Repeating microtraumas leading to gradual tissue wear.
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Symptoms of joint injuries and ligaments:
- Pain: Acute or aching pain in the joint or ligament.
- Edema: The swelling around the joint.
- Mobility restriction: Difficulty movements in the joint.
- Instability: A feeling of instability in the joint.
- Cruste or click: Sounds that occur when moving in the joint.
- Hematoma (bruise): Hemorrhage under the skin.
Section 3: The role of dietary supplements in the prevention and restoration of joint injuries and ligaments
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Overview of the main dietary supplements for joints and ligaments:
Bades (biologically active additives) can play an auxiliary role in maintaining the health of joints and ligaments, especially among athletes subjected to high loads. They are not a replacement for full nutrition, proper training process and medical treatment, but can help improve restoration, reduce inflammation and support the structure of tissues.
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Glucosamine and chondroitin:
- The mechanism of action: Glucosamine and chondroitin are structural components of cartilage. Glucosamine stimulates the synthesis of glucosaminoglycans, the main components of the intercellular substance of the cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate inhibits enzymes that destroy cartilage, and helps to keep water in cartilage, ensuring its elasticity and depreciation properties.
- Scientific research: The research results are contradictory. Some studies show that glucosamine and chondroitin can reduce pain and improve joint function in patients with osteoarthritis, especially in the early stages of the disease. Other studies have not revealed a significant effect.
- Recommendations for use: The recommended dose of glucosamine is 1,500 mg per day, chondroitin – 1200 mg per day. It should be taken long courses (at least 3 months) to evaluate effectiveness.
- Possible side effects: Glucosamine and chondroitin are usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. Glucosamine should be avoided for people with allergies for seafood.
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Collagen:
- The mechanism of action: Collagen is the main protein that makes up the connective tissue, including cartilage, ligaments and tendons. Reception of collagen in the form of dietary supplements can stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the body, strengthening and restoring damaged tissues.
- Types of collagen:
- Type and: The main type of collagen contained in the skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
- Type II: The main type of collagen contained in cartilage.
- Type III: Contained in the skin, muscles and blood vessels.
- Scientific research: Studies show that collagen intake can reduce joint pain, improve their function and increase bone density.
- Recommendations for use: The recommended dose of collagen is 5-15 grams per day. Take on an empty stomach to improve assimilation.
- Possible side effects: Collagen is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea and heartburn.
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Hyaluronic acid:
- The mechanism of action: Hyaluronic acid is the main component of the synovial fluid, which lubricates the joints and ensures their smooth movement. The intake of hyaluronic acid in the form of dietary supplements can increase the content of hyaluronic acid in the synovial fluid, reducing friction and improving the function of the joints.
- Scientific research: Studies show that taking hyaluronic acid can reduce joint pain and improve their function in patients with osteoarthritis.
- Recommendations for use: The recommended dose of hyaluronic acid is 80-200 mg per day.
- Possible side effects: Hyaluronic acid is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea and headache.
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MSM (methyl sulfonylmetatan):
- The mechanism of action: MSM is an organic compound of sulfur, which is contained in many foods. Sure is necessary for the synthesis of collagen and glucosaminoglycans, and also has anti -inflammatory properties.
- Scientific research: Studies show that MSM can reduce joint pain, improve their function and reduce inflammation.
- Recommendations for use: The recommended dose of MSM is 1500-3000 mg per day.
- Possible side effects: MSM is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea and headache.
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Omega-3 fatty acids:
- The mechanism of action: Omega-3 fatty acids contained in fish oil have anti-inflammatory properties. They can reduce joint inflammation and improve their function.
- Scientific research: Studies show that the intake of omega-3 fatty acids can reduce joint pain and improve their function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
- Recommendations for use: The recommended dose of omega-3 fatty acids (EPK and DGK) is 2-3 grams per day.
- Possible side effects: Fish oil can cause nausea, diarrhea and fish taste in the mouth.
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Vitamin D:
- The mechanism of action: Vitamin D plays an important role in maintaining the health of bones and joints. It contributes to the absorption of calcium and phosphorus necessary for the formation of bone tissue. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to weakening of bones and increasing the risk of fractures.
- Scientific research: Studies show that vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of osteoarthritis and joint pain.
- Recommendations for use: The recommended dose of vitamin D is 600-800 IU per day. The dosage can be increased on the recommendation of a doctor if there is a deficiency of vitamin D.
- Possible side effects: Taking high doses of vitamin D can lead to nausea, vomiting and weakness.
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Vitamin C:
- The mechanism of action: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals. It is also necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which is the main component of connective tissue.
- Scientific research: Studies show that vitamin C can contribute to healing of wounds and restoration of tissues after injuries.
- Recommendations for use: The recommended dose of vitamin C is 75-90 mg per day.
- Possible side effects: Taking high doses of vitamin C can lead to diarrhea and abdominal pain.
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Curcumin:
- The mechanism of action: Kurkumin is an active component of turmeric with anti -inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can reduce inflammation in the joints and improve their function.
- Scientific research: Studies show that curcumin can reduce joint pain and improve their function in patients with osteoarthritis.
- Recommendations for use: The recommended dose of curcumin is 500-1000 mg per day. To improve the assimilation of curcumin is often combined with piperin (black pepper extract).
- Possible side effects: Curcumin is usually well tolerated. Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
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The need to consult a doctor:
Before taking any dietary supplements for joints and ligaments, it is necessary to consult a doctor or a sports nutritionist. They will help to determine the most suitable additives and dosages, taking into account individual needs, health status and medications taken. It is important to remember that dietary supplements are not a replacement for medical treatment and cannot cure joint injuries and ligaments. They can only help improve restoration and maintain tissue health.
Section 4: Strategies for the prevention of joint injuries and ligaments in athletes
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Proper warm -up and hitch:
- Warm up: Preparation of muscles and ligaments for upcoming loads. The warm -up should include aerobic exercises (running, jumping), dynamic stretching and special exercises for warming up the joints.
- Hitch: Reducing the intensity of training and a gradual return to a normal state. The hitch should include light aerobic exercises and static stretching.
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Stretching:
- Static stretching: Hold the stretched position for 15-30 seconds.
- Dynamic stretching: Controlled movements with full amplitude.
- Regularity: Stretching should be performed daily, especially after training.
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Power training:
- Strengthening the muscles surrounding the joints: Strong muscles provide joint stability and protect them from damage.
- Balance between antagonist muscles: Development of both bending muscles and extensor muscles.
- Correct technique for performing exercises: Compliance with the correct biomechanics of movements.
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Proprioceptive training:
- Improving a sense of balance and coordination: Exercises on unstable surfaces (balancing pillows, barefoot).
- Development of neuromuscular communication: Improving muscle reaction to changes in body position.
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Correct technique for performing exercises:
- Training in the correct biomechanics of movements: Using the help of a coach or physical therapy specialist.
- Avoiding excessive loads: A gradual increase in the intensity of training.
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Equipment:
- Correctly selected shoes: Ensuring depreciation and support of the foot.
- Using protective devices: Crites, slabs, bandages.
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Nutrition:
- Sufficient protein consumption: Protein is necessary for the restoration and growth of muscles and connective tissue.
- Optimal carbohydrate consumption: Carbohydrates provide energy for training.
- Healthy fats: Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties.
- Vitamins and minerals: Vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium.
- Hydration: Maintaining water balance.
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Rest and recovery:
- Sufficient sleep: Sleep is necessary to restore muscles and tissues.
- Active rest: Light aerobic exercises to improve blood circulation.
- Massage: Improving blood circulation and relaxation of muscles.
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Timely seeking a doctor during injuries:
- Do not ignore pain and discomfort: Take a doctor when the first signs of injury appear.
- Early diagnosis and treatment: Increasing the chances of full recovery.
Section 5: Recommendations for the choice of dietary supplements for athletes of different sports
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General principles:
The choice of dietary supplements should be based on the individual needs of the athlete, the sport, the intensity of training and the presence of any nutrient deficits. It is important to consider that dietary supplements are not a universal solution and should be used in combination with proper nutrition, training process and medical supervision.
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Sports associated with a high shock load (running, jumping, basketball, volleyball):
- Recommended dietary supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen (type II), hyaluronic acid, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids.
- Justification: These dietary supplements help maintain the health of cartilage tissue, reduce inflammation and improve the amortization properties of the joints.
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Strength sports (heavy athletics, powerlifting, bodybuilding):
- Recommended dietary supplements: Collagen (type I and III), MSM, vitamin C, protein, creatine.
- Justification: These dietary supplements help strengthen ligaments and tendons, maintain collagen synthesis and improve muscle restoration after training.
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Sports that require flexibility and mobility (gymnastics, yoga, dancing):
- Recommended dietary supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, MSM, Kurkumin, omega-3 fatty acids.
- Justification: These dietary supplements help maintain joint health, reduce inflammation and improve their mobility.
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Swimming:
- Recommended dietary supplements: Vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants (vitamin C, vitamin E).
- Justification: These dietary supplements help maintain the health of bones and joints, reduce inflammation and protect the cells from damage caused by chlorinated water.
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Cycling:
- Recommended dietary supplements: Glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen, vitamin D, electrolytes.
- Justification: These dietary supplements help maintain joint health, reduce the risk of dehydration and provide the necessary electrolytes to maintain muscle function.
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Individual recommendations:
It is important to remember that these recommendations are general. To obtain individual recommendations, consult a doctor or a sports nutritionist. They will help to determine the most suitable dietary supplements and dosages, taking into account your individual needs and features.
Section 6: Criteria for choosing high -quality dietary supplements
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Reputation manufacturer:
- Explore the company: Check the reputation of the manufacturer, its history and consumer reviews.
- Certification: Make sure that the manufacturer has the necessary quality certificates (GMP, NSF).
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Product composition:
- Ingredients: Carefully study the composition of the product. Make sure that it contains the necessary ingredients in a sufficient concentration.
- Lack of harmful additives: Avoid products containing artificial dyes, flavors and preservatives.
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Output form:
- Capsules, tablets, powders, liquids: Choose the form of release, which is most convenient for you.
- Absorption: Keep in mind that different forms of release can have different digestibility.
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Dosage:
- Recommended dose: Follow the dosage recommendations indicated on the packaging.
- Consultation with a doctor: Consult a doctor or sports nutritionist to determine the optimal dosage.
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Price:
- Compare prices: Compare the prices of similar products of different manufacturers.
- Quality: The highest price does not always mean the highest quality.
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Consumer reviews:
- Read reviews: Read the reviews of other consumers to find out about their experience of using the product.
- Consider different opinions: Pay attention to different opinions and criticisms.
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Quality certificates:
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice): A certificate confirming that production meets quality standards.
- NSF International: An independent organization testing and certifying products for the food industry and healthcare.
- USP (United States Pharmacopeia): An organization that establishes quality standards for drugs and food additives.
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Third -party laboratory research:
- Check the availability of research results: Some manufacturers publish the results of third -party laboratory tests confirming the quality and purity of the product.
Section 7: Interaction of dietary supplements with drugs
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The importance of consulting a doctor:
Before taking any dietary supplements, especially if you take any drugs, you need to consult a doctor. Some dietary supplements can interact with medicines by changing their effectiveness or causing undesirable side effects.
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Examples of interactions:
- Glucosamine and warfarin: Glucosamine can enhance the effect of warfarin (anticoagulant), increasing the risk of bleeding.
- Omega-3 fatty acids and anticoagulants: Omega-3 fatty acids can also enhance the effect of anticoagulants.
- Vitamin K and Warfarin: Vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin.
- St. John’s wort and many medicines: St. John’s wort is a powerful inducer of liver enzymes and can reduce the effectiveness of many drugs, including antidepressants, contraceptive tablets and immunosuppressants.
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Recommendations:
- Tell the doctor: Tell your doctor about all the dietary supplements you accept.
- Avoid simultaneous reception: Do not take dietary supplements simultaneously with drugs.
- Follow your health: Carefully follow your health and inform the doctor about any side effects.
Section 8: Studies and prospects in the field of dietary supplements for joints and ligaments
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Current research:
Currently, numerous studies are conducted aimed at studying the effectiveness of various dietary supplements for joints and ligaments. Researchers study new forms and combinations of dietary supplements, as well as their effect on various aspects of joint health, such as a decrease in pain, improving function and restoration of cartilage.
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Promising directions:
- Personalized approach: Development of dietary supplements taking into account individual genetic features and needs of each athlete.
- New ingredients: The study of new natural ingredients with potential properties to maintain joint health and ligaments.
- Nanotechnology: The use of nanotechnologies to improve the digestibility and delivery of dietary supplements to the joints of the joints.
- Combinations of dietary supplements: Development of optimal dietary supplements to achieve the maximum effect.
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The importance of a critical approach:
It is important to approach information about dietary supplements critically and rely on scientific data, and not on advertising statements. It should be borne in mind that the results of research can be contradictory, and the effectiveness of dietary supplements can vary depending on individual characteristics.
Section 9: Myths and errors about dietary supplements for joints and ligaments
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Myth: Dietary supplements can completely cure joints of joints and ligaments.
- Reality: Bades are not a medicine and cannot replace medical treatment. They can only help improve restoration and maintain tissue health.
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Myth: The larger the dose of dietary supplements, the better the effect.
- Reality: Reception of high doses of dietary supplements can be dangerous and lead to side effects. It is necessary to follow the recommendations for the dosage indicated on the packaging and consult a doctor.
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Myth: All dietary supplements are equally effective.
- Reality: The effectiveness of dietary supplements can vary depending on the manufacturer, product composition and individual characteristics. It is important to choose high -quality dietary supplements from reliable manufacturers.
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Myth: Bades are safe because they are natural.
- Reality: Some natural ingredients can interact with drugs or cause side effects. It is necessary to consult a doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
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Myth: Bades are necessary for all athletes.
- Reality: Bades can be useful for athletes subjected to high loads, but they are not necessary for everyone. Proper nutrition, training process and rest are the main factors of maintaining the health of joints and ligaments.
Section 10: Examples of D FAC reception programs for different sports (examples)
These are only examples and require consultation with a doctor and nutritionist.
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Begun program (prevention of knee injuries):
- Morning: Glucosamine (500 mg), chondroitin (400 mg), collagen (5 g).
- Dinner: Omega-3 fatty acids (1 g).
- Evening: Vitamin D (1000 ME).
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Program for powerlifter (strengthening the ligaments):
- Morning: Collagen (10 g), vitamin C (500 mg).
- After training: Protein, creatine.
- Evening: MSM (1500 mg).
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Gymnasts program (flexibility support):
- Morning: Hyaluronic acid (100 mg), turmeric (500 mg).
- Dinner: Omega-3 fatty acids (1 g).
- Evening: MSM (1500 mg).
IMPORTANT!
This article is informational in nature and is not a replacement for consultation with a qualified medical specialist. Before using any dietary supplements, it is necessary to consult a doctor, especially in the presence of chronic diseases, pregnancy or medication. Self -medication can be dangerous for your health.