DRietz

Good afternoon cycling nutritionists! I am here today to inquire about what foods or healthy supplements are going to be good for my joints.

I'm only 15, but I am an avid road cyclist, with the occasional single speed mountain race here and there. I am a brisk young lad, don't get me wrong, but there are days where I get back from a solid jam session on the road and my ankles and knees are pretty sore. I know that this comes with the territory, but I am interested in making my diet joint friendly. So, any suggestions?

I already drink a crapload of milk.

Thanks.

late

No such a thing for kids.

What you need to do is to make your legs stronger and more resilient.
And to be frank, a single speed mtn bike race? That's a recipe for sore knees.

DRietz

Who doesn't like a good single speed singletrack race?

How do I go about making my legs stronger and more resilient? Like I said, I drink a lot of milk. When I come back from a ride, I get a quart of the stuff and go to town.

enfilade

lots of athletes take Glucosamine to help with the joints. my doctor, who takes it himself said there's no hard evidence it works.. but many people say it's helped to improve bad joints.

buy it on ebay, it'll be much cheaper than getting it from the high street

socalrider

I have used Flex Now Joint Formula and definitely seemed to help with my creeky knees..

Carbonfiberboy 

You're only 15. There's a reason for junior gearing:
https://www.usacycling.org/forms/rule...DJUSTMENTS.pdf

Quit the SS work. Your connective tissue is too young. Replace your big ring on the road bike with a 45T. Concentrate on spinning and perfect pedalling. You'll want to be still strong and fast when you're old. You may not think much about that now, but believe me, you will in another 50 years. Forget special foods and supplements. Just work on your spinning and climbing in the saddle.

You know how every once in a while you'll see some geezer out there doing pretty well? You're seeing the survivors. Be a survivor.

DRietz

Alright. I didn't do much single speed anyways.

I don't race road bikes, just a few loops a week. And my chain ring is a three ring. My components are from a cross bike.

Carbonfiberboy 

And why not? Do the real thing. Let it all hang out. You're only young once. See what you got! And check your roll-out. Gotta be under 26'. Road bike racing will make you way faster on the MTB, too.

You do something, maybe your parents will help you with better gear. But you don't need the great gear to do well, just a little talent and a lot of work. Have fun, though.

DRietz

Alright, so essentially there is no fruit or vegetable that is naturally good at bulking the joints?

I've considered road racing. My high school's cycling club does junior races, so I'll look into it.

My road biking has really helped with my mountain biking. Road riding was how I was able to start single speed.

And as for great gear, a local pro sold me one of the kits that he's no longer allowed to wear due to sponsors, and the road bike I'm building is equipped with Chorus components. Had to get a summer job for those pups.

AnthonyG

The best food to feed growing bones and joints in bone stock. Ie, simmer beef, chicken, pork etc bones all day long to make a soup stock. This stock is then rich in calcium, magnesium and other minerals and nutrients that your body needs. When it comes to milk maybe you are drinking too much. You need to balance your intake of calcium vs magnesium. Leafy green vegetables are a good source of magnesium and calcium too. The processed milk we buy is stores these days is overrated as a source of calcium.

Anthony

hemprider

Lots of sprouts, they have 10-30 times the nutrition of leafy green vegetables and there a lot easier to eat imo.