Joint Support
Everyone old enough to walk appreciates the value of flexibility
and ease of movement. Unfortunately many of us take such good
things for granted. A famous folksinger sang, "You don't know
what you've got till it's gone." That's certainly true for
millions Americans who live with stiff and uncomfortable joints.
Fortunately there are a number of nutrients available that
provide the vital components of healthy joint structure and
function and ease of mobility. These nutrients are referred to
as "chondroprotective agents," and include glucosamine and
chondroitin, which supply the raw material necessary to produce
new cartilage, and may even help rebuild worn cartilage. Other
chondroprotective nutrients and herbs, like Cetyl Myristoleate,
MSM, and Boswellin, work synergistically with glucosamine and
chondroitin and further support normal joint function.
To understand how chondroprotective agents work, one must first
understand how joints work. The key element in human joints is
articular cartilage, the shock-absorbing tissue that connects
two bones together and allows pain-free movement. Articular
cartilage is comprised of two different molecules, collagen and
proteoglycans, with the remainder composed primarily of water
(65-85%). Collagen, a protein that binds tissue together,
provides elasticity. Proteoglycans, composed of sugars and
protein, absorb water, which provides lubrication and
resiliency, nature's shock absorber for your joints. Both
compounds are produced by chondrocytes, caretaker cells
responsible for the formation and maintenance of cartilage. A
deficiency in any one of the above constituents will increase
the likelihood of wear and tear on articular cartilage, which
can eventually lead to compromised joint function. Glucosamine
and chondroitin are safe, natural and effective nutrients that
support healthy joint function by supplying the materials needed
to produce collagen and proteoglycans.
Arnica Native to Europe and southern Russia, Arnica
montana is a perennial plant with bright yellow, daisylike
flowers. Some of its common names include leopard's bane, wolf's
bane, and mountain tobacco. Arnica montana has a long history of
use in herbal healing, as do other arnica species grown in the
western part of North America. The dried flower heads and
occasionally the underground stems and roots are the source of
medicinal arnica.
* Muscle strains and sprains. Arnica is widely applied to ease
the inflammation and pain of muscle strains and sprains caused
by overuse or injury. Although results have been contradictory,
some studies concluded that for a short period immediately
following a marathon run, arnica reduced muscle soreness. The
effect was only temporary, however.
* Arthritic joints. Inflamed and painful joints are said to
benefit from arnica as well. Using the herb in a hot, moist
compress may be helpful for arthritis pain, though it is not
known whether it is simply the heat or the arnica that provides
the relief.
* Psoriasis and eczema. Numerous herbal formulas for these
persistent skin disorders contain extracts of arnica, which may
help given its anti-inflammatory and numbing qualities.
* Insect bites. Because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic
effects, topical arnica is believed to reduce the swelling and
pain caused by insect bites. It may also help prevent infection.
Celadrin is a medically and clinically proven pain
management compound developed through a proprietary process of
esterifying oils. Celadrin is a novel, all natural ingredient
which has been medically shown to reduce inflammation and pain
with no side effects. Celadrin systematically enhances and
lubricates cell membranes throughout the body providing youthful
cell fluidity and elasticity. This includes the enhancement of
fluids that cushions your bones and joints to maintain
flexibility and mobility so that you can move with ease and pain
free. Celadrin has been proven to provide cumulative (continuous
and restorative) benefit. In a double blind clinical trial, oral
Celadrin showed significant benefit beyond the arthritic
medication the subjects were taking - with cumulative
improvement shown throughout the study.
Chondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of
molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Chondroitin sulfate
is a major constituent of cartilage, providing structure,
holding water and nutrients, and allowing other molecules to
move through cartilage--an important property, as there is no
blood supply to cartilage. The only significant food source of
chondroitin sulfate is animal cartilage.
Glucosamine is composed of glucose (a sugar) and
glutamine (an amino acid). It is utilized by chondrocytes to
form glycosaminoglycans (GSG) and proteoglycans (PG). Both of
these constituents attract and bind water into cartilage,
increasing resiliency. Research indicates that glucosamine may
actually help your body repair damaged or eroded cartilage. A
number of studies have been conducted on glucosamine sulfate and
glucosamine hydrochloride, with a preponderance of positive
results. Glucosamine sulfate is considered the more effective of
the two.
For a long time, glucosamine dominated the market among
supplements used to ease joint pain. Now, many practitioners
prefer to use a combination of both glucosamine and chondroitin
sulfate. Many have found this combination to be effective,
particularly for runners, who tend to develop problems with
their knees. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are well
absorbed by the molecules that make up cartilage. They are not
available from food. It is not uncommon to have to take these
supplements indefinitely to continue to experience relief.
MSM Methyl-sulfonyl-methane is a naturally occurring
sulfur compound found in our bodies as well as in many common
beverages and foods, including milk, coffee, tea and green
vegetables. In its purified chemical form, it is an odorless,
essentially tasteless, white, water-soluble crystalline solid.
It is one of the safest substances in biology, similar in
toxicity to water.
Recent research has shown that the results of arthroscopic
surgery for osteoarthritis in the knee is no different than that
of placebo. This gives people further reason to at least give
supplements, such as chondroitin sulfate, a try before enduring
more invasive, expensive approaches.
Benefits of Joint Support Formulas
* helps rebuild and repair worn cartilage
* support healthy joint function by supplying the materials
needed to produce collagen and proteoglycans
* eases joint pain