When we hear the word hydration, most of us think of water consumption. And while quenching our thirst is an essential way to keep our bodies hydrated, it’s not the only form of hydration vital to maintaining overall health. 

In this first part of the series The 5 Pillars of Hydration, we’ll look at several forms of body hydration and how a miracle molecule called hyaluronic acid helps ensure that the water we consume reaches the places it’s needed most. 

What Is Hyaluronic Acid?

Despite the name, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a long-chain molecule built from repeating pairs of two common sugars: d-glucuronic acid and 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-glucose. Produced by the body, HA has an amazing affinity for water. A single molecule of HA can bind up to 1000 times its weight in water! When HA binds with water, it creates a clear, viscous gel. This gel enables the transport and use of essential moisture anywhere in the body—including our joints, eyes, skin, hair, and gums.

 

Hyaluronic Acid and Joint Health

Our joints are amazing machines that provide us with the mobility we need to live, work, and play. Some—like your hips, knees, and ankles—are also responsible for bearing your weight when you walk, run, climb, or jump. To function at their best, these essential joints require adequate cushioning and lubrication. 

That cushioning is provided by a substance called synovial fluid. 

Inside your joints, hyaluronic acid uses its amazing water-binding ability to produce synovial fluid, a thick liquid that lessens friction, protects the joint, supports range of motion, and supports overall healthy mobility. Without it, one could experience discomfort with normal daily activity and exercise.

The Role of Hyaluronic Acid Supplementation

HA itself is scarce in human food sources, so our bodies must produce it.  At any given moment, the average person’s body contains about 15g of HA. But our bodies’ ability to produce HA is not static, and decreases as we advance through the life cycle. 

In fact, a body in its 50s may produce only half the HA it did when it was 20. That means, as we age, we lose the ability to produce sufficient HA to fully take care of our joints.

Fortunately, we are able to supplement our bodies’ supply of Hyaluronic Acid. Hyalogic, a Leader in Hyaluronic Acid, has spent two decades studying the science of human hydration and the ways hyaluronic acid supplementation can better support joint health. In that time, Hyalogic has learned a lot about the way HA functions in the body. It’s also developed premium hyaluronic acid products to help you maintain more youthful levels of this miracle molecule. 

If you are experiencing joint concerns with normal daily exercise and activity,  Hyalogic’s joint support products may be helpful. They use a high-molecular-weight HA, the type your body already produces naturally. This helps the hyaluronic acid  to work more efficiently, helping support your joint, tendon, ligament and bone health. 

Hyalogic hyaluronic acid is produced through a natural fermentation process. No animal products are used in the manufacturing process, making it vegan friendly.

Check out our full line of Hyaloigic joint care products and discover how they may help you stay active and healthy!