ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints. Cartilage, which is about 65 to 80% water, is the smooth substance attached to the ends of bones, and reduces the friction caused by bone rubbing against bone. Arthritis can dry out the cartilage, eroding this protective buffer. Pain, stiffness, joint crackling & deformity can result. Glucosamine Sulfate can help the body repair damaged cartilage. Glucosamine is a major building block of proteoglycans, which are large water-binding molecules, and the major building blocks of cartilage. Basically this means that water will be attracted to the area and held there, and healing can take place. Chondroitin Sulfate also helps attract water to the proteoglycan molecules, and also inhibits enzymes that degrade cartilage. Recent information from several labs has indicated that the chondroitin molecule may be too large to be absorbed into the collagen matrix, and absorption may be limited. Since it doubles the cost of the supplement, we suggest you try using glucosamine sulfate alone, and see if you get good results. MSM is organic sulfur, a mineral element critical to the normal function and structure of the body. This safe, natural, nutritional supplement is very effective for pain relief. MSM lessens inflammation, increases the blood supply, inhibits pain impulses along nerve fibers, reduces muscle spasms, and softens scar tissue. It can also act as an antihistamine, and provide relief from allergies. It also really helps hair and nails to grow. We recommend you start slow, and take 2 grams (2000mg) per day. Work your way up to 4 grams (4000mg) if necessary. If you take too much MSM you may develop minor gastrointestinal discomfort, and in that case simply cut back a little. Flaxseed oil, a source of omega-3 fatty acids, is a great natural inflammation fighter. Prostaglandins are hormone-like substances that regulate the inflammatory response in the body. Omega-3 oils naturally temper these inflammatory prostaglandins, resulting in a decrease in painful inflammation. In a healthy diet, omega-3's permeate every one of the bodies 100 trillion cells, and are essential for optimum health. Herbs are also helpful for treating arthritis. Alfalfa, the father of all foods, has been used to neutralize uric acid in the body (people with arthritis often are over-acidic in their body chemistry). It cleanses deep into the cells, and helps relief pain and inflammation. Other helpful herbs include boswellin, curcumin, celery seed, and yucca.