Suggestions on nutrition ?

[Rookie]

I just started digging around the "net" in search of information on fortifying/sustaining cartilage, tendons, connective tissue in general.
I'm trying to find out what I should be eating to help keep from wearing myself down in preparation for a hike OR after a hike for rebuilding.

I'd like to hear what other people do whether it be based in scientific research or just personal opinion (what works for you ?)

So far, I'm just taking a daily vitamin and eating more than the usual amount of yogurt,nuts, cheese, eggs, fish.

[Kevin]

Joints are tough because they're going to wear down over time regardless of how well you maintain them. By design they have a limited number of years of use, which is why arthritus is more common today than ever since people live longer/use their joints longer.

I was told kneee braces (good ones) help relieve some of the stress.

http://www.cnn.com/HEALTH/library/AR/00015.html

[Lhakpa]

Knees and other joints

I use trekking poles religiously. They help take quite a bit of stress off the knees especially on descents. I make sure my flexibility is where it should be through daily yoga and ride a bike quite a bit during the warmer months.

[Sparky]

I use trekking poles and ACE knee braces on the way down, helps to keep your knees from over extending or over-compressing.

ACE

[Little Rickie]

I take vitamin c 500mg before, during and after the hike/climb. I think it helps minimize the stress and enhances my recovery.

I also take 2 extra strength aspirins when I've peaked in anticipation of my knees complaining on the way down a mt.

If it's been a tough day I'll take 8 hr Tylenol before I go to sleep so I can get through the night without waking up. Especially if I've slept on the ground for a few days.

I tried bee pollen when I was younger and running. I can't remember if it did much good. Does anyone use it now?

I'm also thinking of replacing most of my sugars with honey. Are there any honey users out their?



Little Rickie