In order for our musculoskeletal system to function properly we need healthy bones, joints, and muscles. Incorrect nutrition, insufficient movement, and unequal load distribution create a number of illnesses, which can impact one, two, or all three areas. Chronobiology has recognized for a long time that certain substances, which are used at the correct time of day to guarantee optimal effectiveness, can keep the musculoskeletal system healthy, improve symptoms, and can generally prevent illnesses.

Joints

Humans have around 100 joints which allow them to have flexible mobility. Joints serve as the connection points between bones. Smooth cartilage envelopes joint surfaces, enabling a frictionless gliding motion. The joint and cartilage are wrapped in a capsule which, on the one hand, holds the joint together and on the other hand supplies it with nutrients. If a joint is damaged, then a number of rheumatic illnesses are the consequence. Arthrosis is the most common joint illness worldwide. Arthrosis results from an imbalance between the use of the joint and its natural load capacity. This leads to a gradual destruction of the cartilage in the joint, which can even finally result in bone changes. This natural wear process is partially dependent on aging, and can affect all joints. In the USA the number of those affected by this illness lies at around 21 million adults. The first symptoms often appear between age 50 and 60, and sometimes even earlier. Over the age of 60 one in two women and one in three men battle this disease. Arthrosis is dependent on many factors, among which the exact mechanism is not yet clear. High demand through hard work, obesity, unequal load distribution, environmental factors, genes and pre-existing joint diseases can play a role in its development. Additionally, increasing age lessons the regenerative capability of the body. Important endogenous cartilage is no longer produced adequately, which is why joints gradually wear out. There are two different things which counteract this process:

Bones

The most important forces in bone formation are endogenous hormones. The metabolism of the bones is controlled by these tiny hormone molecules which provide for continual dismantling and formation. To keep our bones healthy we need Vitamin D, which is also seen as a hormone nowadays, as well as calcium, in other words two substances which play a central role in bone metabolism. Calcium functions as a building block for bones. To enable the absorption of this most important mineral in an adequate amount sufficient Vitamin D is necessary, which is responsible for the regulation of the calcium and phosphate metabolism and contributes to the stabilization of bones. Consequently Vitamin D encourages the absorption of calcium, but it also supports its integration into the bones. Sadly many people exhibit a Vitamin D deficiency, especially older people.The reason for this is a low supply in nutrition. The body is capable of producing Vitamin D itself through sunlight, but after a certain age the endogenous production is limited. Changes in hormones such as estrogen in old age are especially responsible for loss of bone mass, which weakens the bones and renders them porous and brittle. Additionally, there are a number of other factors that have a negative impact on bones which include illnesses such as diabetes, eating disorders, as well as gastrointestinal diseases. Poor nutrition especially in conjunction with too little exercise place a burden on the bone structure just as much as excessive alcohol consumption and the ingestion of drugs containing cortisone over a long period of time. These influences can lead to the formation of a number of bone diseases.