Arthritis

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Arthritis

Although European doctors have been successfully treating arthritis patients with natural therapies for many years, mainstream American physicians use corticosteroids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Unfortunately, the only beneficial property of these drugs is they alleviate pain ..and, they do so at a very high cost. For example, not only do NSAIDS cause dangerous side effects like liver and kidney damage, they exacerbate cartilage breakdown and inhibit the body's natural repair mechanisms.

Supplements talk about on This Page
Collagen
Glucosamine
MSM
DMSO
Bromelain

Further, chronic use can result in complete joint immobilization. Normal, healthy joints consists of bones and connective tissue called articular cartilage. This cartilage is located at the ends of the bones. It is 60-85 percent water and has two major functions: 1) reducing friction between the bones in the joint, and 2) absorbing trauma to the bones. Strong and resilient, cartilage consists of four constituents: collagen, proteoglycans, water, and chondrocytes.

Collagen, often called the "glue" of both connective tissue and bone, holds the tissues together and provides elasticity to cartilage.

Proteoglycans are large molecules of protein and sugar that actually form the ground substance or matrix of cartilage. (Glycosaminoglycans, the water holders, are distributed within this substance).

Water gives cartilage its gel-like nature and stock-absorbing properties. It also carries nutrients to cartilage which has no blood supply. Without water, it would be brittle and fragile.

Chondrocytes and cells that make new cartilage (collagen and proteoglycans). Chondrocytes also release enzymes to digest cartilage that is no longer useful.

NSAIDS deter cartilage repair by interfering with the formation of glycosaminoglycans or GAGS. Without these compounds, cartilage loses its ability to hold water. At this point, the chondrocytes get the message to clear up (get rid of) the damaged cartilage. If the essential nutrients are not available for rebuilding, the chondrocytes cannot make enough cartilage to keep pace with the breakdown. In severe cases, the chondrocytes may totally stop making cartilage. Click here for Arthritis and Joints Products

TARGET NUTRIENTS for ARTHRITIS

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Glucosamine

Glucosamine sulfate is one and only form of glucosamine that has been tested and confirmed in its ability to heal the damaged joints of osteoarthritis. It has been the subject of more than 300 scientific investigations, and is supported by over 20 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. It is the only form of glucosamine that has been used by millions of people worldwide and the only one registered in over 70 countries as an aid to osteoarthritis. Glucosamine sulfate (GS), chondroitin sulfate (CS) are part of the internal process of building and maintaining healthy joints and connective tissues. Glucosamine gives flexibility and resilience to connective tissue and arteries by providing the framework for collagen, softens arteries to prevent blood fats from being deposited and building up. Glucosamine may help in lowering serum cholesterol, raises clotting time, reduce cardiac events and lower mortality rate of events. Because GS is missing sulfur which is fundamental to the formation of connective tissue and known to be an important part of the action of GS, taking a combination of glucosamine and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) may be more useful. This combination has never been tester. Glucosamine is usually effective in 4-8 weeks (as long as 6 months in people over 65) and is taken in does of 500 mg. three times daily.

DMSO

Dimethyl Sulfoxide is a clear liquid known for its ability to permeate living tissue. It is believed to help stimulate cellular processes. It has a distinctive and slightly unpleasant odor, but Dr. Morton Walker, in his book, DMSO: The New Healing Power, describes how it appears to help block pain, reduce inflammation, kill bacteria and funguses, reduce blood clotting, improve circulation, neutralize free radicals, stimulate the immune system, and hasten the healing of wounds. DMSO Products

Product Recommendations

Glucosamine Liquid 36 oz.	Liquid Glucosamine Formula - Pain Relief - Anti-Inflammatory - High Absorption Rate - Lemon Lime. 1 oz. contains: Glucosamine Sulfate. 500 mg, Chondroitin Sulfate. 400 mg. MSM 500 mg 36 Servings.
	Ultra Bromelain 1500 is the highest potency and highest quality Bromelain supplement ever formulated. Each tablet supplies an unprecedented 1500 mg of pure pineapple source Bromelain concentrate. It has never been easier to receive the numerous benefits of this powerful proteolytic enzyme.
	2 tablets contains 600 mg. Chondroitin, 1010 mg. Glucomine. Special 50% off
	99.9 % Pure DMSO 90% Concentration with 10% Aloe Vera $6.99
	Ultra Strength - Non Staining. Pain Relieving ointment for Sore Muscles, Overexertion, Joint pains, Backaches, Arthritis, Stiffness, and Sprains. The key ingredients are: Oil of Cajuput, Cassia, Clove, Mint, Menthol, Camphor.

MSM

MSM is used as a dietary supplement to provide our bodies with needed sulfur. The following discussion will focus on the role of sulfur in our health. SULFUR AND ARTHRITIS. Arthritis is the inflammation of joints, characterized by pain, stiffness, swelling, and a restricted range of movement. All joints are similar in that they are comprised of two (or more) adjoining movable bones, whose adjacent surfaces are covered with a layer of cartilage, and are surrounded by a fluid-filled capsule encasing ligaments. More that 55 million Americans suffer from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related conditions. One of the most significant applications of organic sulfur is its ability to alleviate pain associated with systemic inflammatory disorders, such as arthritis. People with arthritis report substantial and long-lasting relief while supplementing MSM in their diet in daily amounts ranging from 100 to 5,000 mg. This is admittedly a very large range, but individual results vary dramatically. The beneficial effect is due in part to the ability of MSM to sustain cell flow-through, allowing harmful substances to flow out while permitting nutrients to flow in, and thereby preventing pressure buildup in cells that causes inflammation in the joints and elsewhere, and translates to pain. Click here for Aches and Pains Ointment

Bromelain

Bromelain is an enzyme derive from the stem of the pineapple plant. Bromelain has been studied and found useful in the treatment of many stress related conditions ranging from acute inflammation from accidents, surgery and chronic inflammation such as inflammatory diseases of arthritis, hemorrhoids, thrombophlebitis and gastrointestinal diseases of ileitis, diverticulitis, gastritis, colitis and ulcers. The proper dosage is essential for good results. The following dosages are given merely to give an ideal of the range required in various conditions.

Surgery	To reduce inflammation of surgery the usual dose is 600 to 1,000 mg. in divided does starting two to three days before surgery and continuing five to seven days after surgery.
Dentistry	To reduce swelling of dental surgery, 400 to 800 mg. per day in divided doses starting one to two days before surgery and continuing three to four days after surgery.
Cardiovascular	Dosages vary widely when used to stop platelet clumping. Inhibitory effects on clumping have been observed at doses as low as 80 mg. per day. Prevention of angina attacks has been accomplished at 600 to 1,000 mg. per day given in divided doses.
Arthritis	Doses of 900 to 1,100 mg. per day in divided doses may be necessary. When beneficial effects are observed a slow gradual reduction should be started to determine the smallest effective maintenance dose.
Digestive	Start with a low dosage of 150 mg. per day in divided doses gradually increase to a level where results are obtained.
Geriatrics	The dosage depends upon the condition treated and the response of the patient. Usually 450 mg. per day in divided doses is sufficient. More is usually needed in arthritic inflammations and less in gastrointestinal disturbances.