After running less than 30 miles in the whole month of December, I’ve slowly but surely increased my mileage in each of the 8 weeks in 2008 (see graph below), and last week managed to log 54 miles – not a huge total by some people’s standards, but only about 10 or 15 away from the highest mileage I’ve ever logged.
Way back in 2004 when I trained for my one and only Ironman Triathlon, I would take 4 Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) tablets every day to help repair damaged tissue and reduce inflammation. Despite the high volume of training and large number of workouts involved, my recovery time was excellent and I was able to train once and twice a day for a solid 7 month period. Looking back at my training log I don’t think I missed a single workout – I was training scared and desperate to complete the arduous multi-sport event.
Anyway, to get back to the point of the post, after a dismal December, I was keen to increase my mileage but slightly nervous of how my joints would hold up – after all, I’m not getting any younger! Enter, Tissue Rejuvenator, by Hammer Nutrition – a powerful, dual-purpose product, supplying your body with nutrients that provide the raw materials it needs to promote rapid tissue repair, while also helping to reduce inflammation, soreness, and pain-without requiring you to over-rely on NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug).
WHAT’S IN TISSUE REJUVENATOR:
Glucosamine sulfate is classified as an amino sugar, a type of carbohydrate used for structural tissues instead of as an energy source. It is the basic building block/raw material in joint cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Glucosamine sulfate plays a major role in the synthesis of collagen, cartilage, bone, skin, and various lubricating fluids in joints. Glucosamine sulfate helps promote elasticity of joint movement and also functions as a mild anti-inflammatory.
Chondroitin sulfate is a natural component of several tissues in the body. Like glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate is one of the important building blocks for the repair of damaged cartilage. One of chondroitin sulfate’s important functions is its ability to block the activity of enzymes that break down cartilage. This helps reduce inflammation and protects cartilage from further damage. Chondroitin sulfate also promotes lubrication and cushioning in the joints.
Methylsulfonylmethane, better known as MSM, is a metabolite of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a well-known solvent, which has been used topically as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory. MSM is an organic form of sulfur, which is necessary for proper synthesis and maintenance of tissues such as skin, hair, nails, tendons and cartilage. MSM has been reported to reduce arthritic joint pain, enhance wound healing, and reduce allergic symptoms.
Tissue Rejuvenator’s Enzyme Blend of peptidase, bromelain, papain, amylase, lipase, cellulase, and phytase not only aids in the complete absorption of the nutrient components in the product, it provides its own potent anti-inflammatory benefits.
Boswellia serrata is an Ayurvedic herb that has been extensively as an anti-inflammatory for the treatment of arthritis. Its primary active ingredients are triterpene acids, which may also be useful for treating exercise-induced asthma and irritable bowel syndrome.
Devil’s Claw is a South African herb containing substances called iridoid glycosides that have anti-inflammatory properties. It is also purported to help relieve mild stomach upset.
Yucca Root is frequently used to combat osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. It contains high levels of beneficial phytochemical compounds known as saponins, which may provide anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial benefits as well.
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) contains a substance called curcumin, which has not only anti-inflammatory properties but also liver protecting, antibiotic, and antioxidant properties as well.
Quercetin is a water-soluble flavonoid typically found in onions, apples, leafy vegetables, and other food sources. It is both a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory and may also act as an antihistamine.
Undenatured Type II Collagen (UC-II™) is a patented, extensively studied dietary ingredient derived from chicken sternum cartilage. Through a complex process called oral tolerization, UC-II™ works with the immune system to promote healthy joints and increase joint mobility and flexibility.
For the last 6 weeks I’ve been taking 4 capsules per day (usually all in the morning, but sometimes splitting 2 early in the day and 2 at night), and must say my joints have felt fantastic. I would definitely attribute my current ability to quickly bounce back after a tough workout or race to Tissue Rejuvenator and will continue to take the joint health supplement for as long as I’m training at this level.
More detailed Tissue Rejuvenator information can be found on the Hammer Nutrition website, but please feel free to email me (steve dot speirs at gmail dot com) with any questions about the Hammer range of products.
Don’t forget you can save 15% on your first Hammer Nutrition purchase. Feel free to contact me for a referral code.
Happy Training and make sure you look after those joints!
Great blog. Man you are in shape. What other things do you recomend for joints. I was a Carpenter for 26 years and climbing ladders wasnt good to me.
They say cod liver oil is good too…
Thanks for the comment,
–Stev
62 and still kicking butt. Road cycle 2-250/week, snow board and 15 miles/week run + strength training to induce and max calcium uptake. It works recent scans show density going + instead of minus.
Recently started using Tissue Rejuvenator because of arthritis in the lower joint of my left thumb. Two months now and have not used NSAID these past 5-6 weeks.
I’ve been taking schiff glucosamine msm for quite sometime now. Since my condition is not related to that (spinal stenosis), I’ve stopped taking it. Its really the inflamation that takes a toll when I run. I just got this today, hopefully it will make a difference with my training. Im just in week 2 of my marathon training. Doing 5 42 kms from October to December. Im doing this series since Im missing the Bataan Death March Tribute Ultra Marathon 2 here in Marviles Philippines. Wife is giving birth to our second around that time 🙂 Thanks for this post, hope it works. Tired of using non steroidal anti inflam