ARTHRITIS RELIEF THROUGH SUPPLEMENTATION?

Osteoarthritis, or stiffness, pain, and degeneration in the joints, affects an estimated one-half of the adult population and about 85% of those over age 70. The most common treatments, analgesics and anti inflammatory agents, do not work on the underlying degenerative process and often make the condition worse by interfering with cartilage metabolism. However, since the 1980s, numerous studies have proven that a naturally-occurring substance called Glucosamine can effectively manage, even improve, the symptoms of osteoarthritis, without any side effects.

Glucosamine may provide positive health benefits for those that suffer from arthritis of all forms, broken bones, torn ligaments, rotator cuff injuries, knee injuries, tennis elbow, tendonitis, among others.

Glucosamine is a substance normally present in the cartilage of the body's joints where it is essential for physiological processes. Clinical studies, comparing glucosamine (in sulfate or hydro-chloride form) with both placebo (a nonactive substance) and standard arthritis drugs (including Ibuprofen), showed that glucosamine outperformed both in reducing long-term pain, joint tenderness and swelling, and accelerating recovery, reversing cartilage damage, and helping to restore joint function, range of motion, and walking speed.

Glucosamine was rated "good" or "sufficient" by 95% of 1208 patients who used the substance for arthritic pain control. In fact, it is "fully tolerated" by 85% of users, with no irritation to the gastrointestinal tract. Further, glucosamine nearly doubled the speed and magnitude of the improvement in the ease of movement and flexibility in joints. In no study were any side effects or adverse reactions noted to the use of this food supplement in daily amounts of 500 mg, divided into 3 doses. A year's supply (at 750 mg daily dosage) costs about $175-$240, making it highly affordable.

European physicians felt no hesitancy in classifying glucosamine sulfate as a "potential disease-modifying drug for long-term treatments of osteoarthritis and other rheumatic disorders." In several countries, glucosamine is a first-line treatment for osteoarthritis. Although most U.S. physicians have, strangely, ignored glucosamine, American nutritionist M.F. McCarty contends that the substance "may offer a practical means of preventing or postponing the onset of osteoarthritis in older people or athletes."

Glucosamine is well known as an excellent natural supplement to support healthy joint function, partially because of a best seller book written by Jason Theodosakis, M.D. entitled The Arthritis Cure. This book is "must reading" for people who want more information on how to deal with Arthritis, Glucosamine and healthy joint function.
http://www.theolivebranch.com/amazon/arthri-a.htm

In his book Dr. Theodosakis explains the importance of maintaining healthy cartilage in our joints and how painful symptoms can result if it is not maintained. The book outlines a nine-point program that includes a combination of Glucosamine Sulfate and Chondroitin Sulfate to help the body restore healthy joint function as well as skin and connective tissue. He discusses how cartilage at the ends of the bones in our joints acts as a "cushion" helping us stay comfortable when we walk, move our arms, fingers, etc. It also acts like a sponge holding fluid, ensuring softness and joint lubrication. All this results in healthy joint function and mobility.

CONNECTIVE TISSUE CONSTITUENTS

The cartilage in our joints is made up of four basic substances: collagen, proteoglycans, special cells called chondrocytes, and water. Collagen is the fibrous structural protein constituent of bone, tendon, cartilage and other connective tissue. Proteoglycans are compounds in our cartilage that are large molecules consisting of a protein and sugar component that hold water. This results in good lubrication, mobility and freedom of movement. If adequate "water-holding" tissue (proteoglycans) is not present, our cartilage loses its ability to absorb shock. It becomes more susceptible to cracking, breaking and just disappearing, which leads to lack of joint mobility and discomfort.

The chondrocytes are miniature cells that produce new collagen and proteoglycans to maintain what is needed. Then as the collagen and proteoglycans age, these miniature cells produce enzymes that break the collagen and proteoglycans down to make room for the newly formed, more healthy and youthful collagen and proteoglycans.

Glucosamine plays a role in healthy cartilage maintenance because it is a major building block of the water-holding proteoglycans in cartilage. It is made by combining glucose with the well-known amino acid L-glutamine and is an important structural compound of bone, cartilage, hair, skin and nails and is involved in the structures of all body tissues.

In joints such as the knees, the elbows and the fingers cartilage serves as the hard yet flexible spongy tissue which is capable of compressive stiffness, and holding in critical lubricating fluids in our joints. Joint cartilage is in a constant state of growth and repair and so is its enzyme-induced breakdown.

The Glucosamine found in products should include the needed components for optimal bioavailability. Numerous studies suggest that supplementing with the specific nutrients may be of value to individuals who are simply concerned about maintaining normal healthy cartilage and related connective tissue in their joints and throughout the body, especially in the knees, elbows and fingers.

OTHER COLLAGEN SUPPORT PRODUCTS

Glucosamine is not the only nutrient available for joints and collagen. There are other synergistic products that might be good companions for providing additional benefits.

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Be Healthy!

The Culbreths
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Please note: the above statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. We make no claims, either expressed or implied, that any products mentioned in this newsletter will cure disease, replace prescription medication, or supersede sound medical advice.