Healthy Living Makes a Difference

Healthy joints are a key factor in comfort, physical mobility, and maintaining a quality active lifestyle. Unfortunately, many people experience pain, inflammation and stiffness associated with joint damage. There are many natural supplement options to choose from when it comes the “pain & inflammation” aisle at your local health food store. Here is a summary of the main ingredients used in popular joint formulas and how they work in the body.

Glucosamine: Glucosamine sulfate is a natural joint support found in the fluid around joints. When ingested, it stimulates the formation of cartilage, reduces joint pain, protects against the deterioration of existing cartilage and connective tissue and increases cushioning to improve mobility and function. This makes glucosamine sulfate very useful to help slow the progression of joint degeneration. In addition, it helps reduce pain and inflammation, increases range of motion and promotes proper lubrication of joints.

Chondroitin: Chondroitin sulfate attracts water, including nutrient-rich fluid into cartilage, helping to prevent cartilage from becoming dehydrated and brittle. This reduces the risk of cartilage tearing under strain and also helps prevent pain and further joint degeneration. Also, chondroitin sulfate supplies the building blocks of connective tissue in the joints. And, lastly, it inhibits the formation of enzymes that break down joint tissue. Note that up to four weeks are needed for glucosamine and chondroitin to begin taking effect and the longer they are used, the more pronounced the benefits may be.

Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM): MSM may improve a person’s mobility by slowing the breakdown of cartilage, reducing inflammation and stimulating the formation of new joint and connective tissues. Can help improve the comfort and mobility of people with osteoarthritis. The analgesic properties of MSM have long been recognized. MSM and glucosamine are sulfur compounds that occur naturally in the body.

Collagen: Collagen is the single most abundant and key structural protein in the human body. Types 1&3 make up the majority of body’s total collagen supply and are the main collagen constituents in the ligaments, tendons, bones and muscles. Type 2 provides essential nutrients for joint support. It is needed to maintain and rebuild cartilage tissue. Note that the amino acids lysine and proline, along with vitamin C are directly responsible for producing collagen. Also, silicon (silicic acid) is a trace mineral required by the body to make collagen. It appears to be required for proper integrity of the ligaments, tendons, and bone.

Natural Eggshell Membrane (NEM): NEM provides a natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and calcium – nutrients that are essential for healthy joints. Therefore, it significantly relieves joint pain, stiffness, inflammation and improves range of motion. NEM also supports the production of type II collagen, a main component of cartilage and key factor in the protection and repair of cartilage. In addition, it improves production of the synovial fluid that lubricates the joints.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hyaluronic acid is a protective substance found in the fluid that surrounds the joints. It forms a thick gel that lubricates and protects joints. Therefore, it is essential for joint mobility. It acts as a shock absorber, reducing friction and lessens pain, facilitating movement and providing nourishment to the joints.

Celadrin: Celadrin is a unique matrix of cetylated fatty acids (CFAs) that have undergone a proprietary process. It is an effective all-natural anti-inflammatory compound that has been clinically proven to relieve both osteoarthritis pain and inflammation. Celadrin also lubricates joints, improving movement, and prevents further soft tissue and joint damage. The fatty acids in Celadrin hold moisture in place in the joints and prevent tissues from becoming dehydrated and brittle as a result of regular wear and tear.

Turmeric/Curcumin: Curcumin is the key component of turmeric root, and has been show to act as the “master off-switch of inflammation”. It has the ability to block more than 30 different inflammation pathways! It also offers potent antioxidant protection against free radicals. It is useful for relieving the pain in osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis. Note that the enzyme, bromelain (from pineapple), also possesses powerful anti-inflammatory properties and helps improve the absorption of turmeric.

Serrapeptase: Serrapeptase is a natural enzyme produced from bacteria that is originally found in the intestines of the silkworm. This proteolytic enzyme works like a “pac-man” to seek out and break down or “digest” dead or damaged tissue made of protein in the body, without harming living tissues. In addition, it is thought to reduce inflammation by thinning fluids formed, helping them to drain and speeding up tissue repair and recovery time. It also effectively relieves chronic pain by blocking the release of the body’s natural pain chemicals from inflamed/injured tissues. This way it halts pain pathways and restores the body’s inflammatory response to reduce swelling and improve circulation.

Boswellia: Boswellia decreases the activity of enzymes that destroy joint cartilage. It also helps mediate normal inflammatory processes.

Ginger: Ginger has mild anti-inflammatory properties and has been used to treat pain associated with inflammatory joint diseases such as arthritis.

SAMe: SAMe maintains cartilage health and contributes to the production of joint-supporting compounds (i.e. glucosamine and chondroitin). It has been used as support for arthritic pain.

Antioxidants: Antioxidants provide protection for the health of connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Examples include pycnogenol, manganese, resveratrol, Vitamin C, etc.

Green Foods & Mineral Blends: Supports gentle detoxification and alkalinity, creating a healing environment to help improve effectiveness of other joint supportive supplements.