Winter is here. And, unfortunately, for many people that means winter joint pain, especially for those with osteoarthritis. The cold, damp weather affects joint fluid thickness and can increase joint stiffness and pain. Staying active, which helps keep joints lubricated, can also be harder in cold winter weather.

More than 400 million people are affected by joint and bone problems. Of people interviewed about chronic pain, two-thirds said they felt weather affected their pain. Most report being able to feel the changes even before the weather changed, often experiencing increased pain the day before a storm arrived.

One way you can help combat winter joint pain is with glucosamine supplements. Glucosamine is produced in the body and found in the fluid around the joints. Levels of glucosamine drop as you age and can cause a gradual deterioration of the joint. There are no natural food sources of glucosamine, so mtaking supplements is the only way to increase your glucosamine levels.

Some studies have shown that, taken over time, glucosamine supplements can reduce the pain of osteoarthritis in the knee about as well as acetaminophen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen, but without any side effects. There is also strong evidence that long-term use of glucosamine may slow the breakdown of joints in people with osteoarthritis.

Unlike the majority of glucosamine supplements on the market, NutraSense Glucosamine-ES is not produced from shellfish or shellfish waste. NutraSense Glucosamine-ES is formulated with Cargill’s Regenasure® brand, which is produced using a patented corn fermentation process. It’s produced without the contaminants and environmental impact issues associated with marine creatures and shellfish farming operations. NutraSense Glucosamine-ES made exclusively with Regenasure® is the only commercially available U.S. FDA-approved, non-animal, non-shellfish, vegetarian, and Kosher/Halal certified glucosamine.

NutraSense Glucosamine Plus Chondroitin is another great option. Chondroitin sulfate helps inhibit the degeneration of critical joint components and facilitates the production of fluid necessary for proper tissue and joint function. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that a daily combination of glucosamine plus chondroitin helps ease symptoms particularly in people with moderate-to-severe joint pain.

In addition to glucosamine supplements, some other things you can do to help avoid winter joint pain include:

• Stay active and maintain a regular exercise program. Consider low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga.
• Stretch before and after exercising to help keep your joints fluid and flexible.
• Maintain a healthy weight to avoid the extra pressure that extra pounds can put on the joints.