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Nutritional Supplements |
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| Nutritional intervention may well
give relief to many sufferers of these debilitating conditions.
Good nutrition is important to good health for everyone and
for someone who has arthritis, good meals and nutritious food
are even more important to help the body cope with the stresses
of this long term disease. In all forms of arthritis, the most
helpful diet is a normal diet that is nourishing and well balanced.
The following natural agents may be incorporated into a regime
to help relieve the pain and inflammation associated with degenerative
joint disease, concentrating mainly on osteoarthritis. |
| Green Lipped Mussel
Extract |
| Green Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus)
is a shellfish found off the waters of New Zealand. For centuries
this edible shellfish has been a major part of the diet of local
populations. 1n 1974 it was found to be potential natural remedy
for arthritis.
Numerous animal & human studies published since then
have indicated that that this product from the sea might offer
safe and effective relief from the debilitating symptoms associated
with both Osteo & Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Click here
to learn more about GLME.
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| Glucosamine &
Chondroitin Sulphate |
| Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate
are naturally occurring substances found in the connective tissues
of the body, including the cartilage that covers the ends of
bones in the joints. |
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| Glucosamine Sulphate |
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It functions as the primary building block for proteoglycans,
large molecules in cartilage that give it viscoelastic (buffering)
properties. When taken orally, glucosamine sulfate is absorbed
readily into the system and can be traced to cartilage as
soon as four hours after consumption.
Similar to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs,
such as Cox-2 inhibitors), glucosamine sulfate has been shown
to have unique anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, in
some laboratory tests, the supplement demonstrated a protective
effect on the cartilage as well. These studies suggest that
Glucosamine sulfate may inhibit the breakdown of cartilage
and may have the potential to help build-up cartilage.
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| Glucosamine Hydrochloride |
| Another form of glucosamine available
as a nutritional supplement, is considered to be as effective
as the sulfate form. This hydrochloride form is more available
to absorption into the body, so a smaller dose delivers an equivalent
amount in the system. |
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| Chondroitin Sulphate |
| It is a larger molecule also found
in cartilage. Chondroitin sulfate has been studied much less
extensively, but early results show that it also seems to work
as an anti-inflammatory and reduces pain. Some laboratory studies
suggest that chondroitin sulfate may slow cartilage breakdown
and even spur cartilage growth. |
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| Boswellia Serrata |
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It has traditionally been used for a myriad of disorders
and today its major use is as an anti-inflammatory agent for
musculoskeletal problems.
Research has compared Boswellia with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
agents and it has been shown to be as effective with fewer
side effects. Non-steroidals such as ibuprofen can cause gastrointestinal
side effects, but Boswellia has no such activity.
The mechanism of action of Boswellia is still not fully understood,
but it is thought to be due to the Boswellic acid and its
derivatives exerting anti-inflammatory effects by reducing
the inflammatory and immune response, which leads to faster
healing.
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| Biomelain |
| It is is a digestive enzyme extracted
from papaya and pineapple that serves to reduce soft tissue
swelling and pain. The enzymes also reduce the accumulation
of inflammatory exudates in the joint, which further compromise
joint function. |
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| MSM |
| (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane) is an
organic salt found in plants and animals and manufactured in
the body from sulphur-containing amino acids. It is a primary
sulphur donor, which has antioxidant properties. Studies have
demonstrated the efficiency in reducing the signs of arthritis
in animals. It may also inhibit autoimmune reactions. |
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| Vitamin E |
| It is a vitamin which has an anti-inflammatory
action due to its effect on prostaglandins and leukotrienes
formation and it acts synergistically with other anti-oxidants
as a free radical fighter. It inhibits the enzymatic breakdown
of cartilage and stimulates cartilage synthesis. |
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| Eicosapentaenoic Acid |
| Supplementing the diet with fish
oils that provide EPA enhances the formation of anti-inflammatory
prostaglandins (PG3 series) and inhibits the formation of the
inflammatory leukotrienes. |
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| Gammalinolenic Acid |
| It is the active constituent of
oil of evening primrose and acts in the body in a very similar
way to EPA. By enhancing the production of anti-inflammatory
prostaglandins (PG 1 & 2 series) evening primrose oil minimizes
arthritic pain. |
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