Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM

FORM: 90 Tablets

How do we treat the pain and suffering of joint diseases naturally? Over 40 million Americans are thought to suffer from pain and loss of mobility due to a painful degenerative disease called osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a condition that refers to the start of what eventually may become rheumatoid arthritis over time. Osteoarthritis is a disease where the cartilage that covers the bones in our joints is slowly destroyed allowing the bones to rub against each other. The result of this action is extreme pain, and it’s that pain that most modern arthritis treatments try to alleviate (with limited success and side affects). This is where glucosamine (as a supplement) comes in. Glucosamine is found in the body largely in cartilage, it is one of the components discussed above that covers and protects the joints. As we age, and the abuse on our joints begins to take its toll, it can lead to thinning of protective cartilage and degradation of the joint itself, which can be very painful. Many of the medications that are currently being offered on the market do not offer true relief, they only mask the pain. But glucosamine in conjunction with other synergistic nutrients such as chondroitin have been shown to help rebuild the joint tissue and alleviate the pain that the loss of cartilage causes.

Chondroitin has also been shown, in numerous trials to relieve painful symptoms and possibly slow the progression of, or reverse osteoarthritis. Chondroitin works because it consists of repeating chains of molecules called glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) which are what is known as glycoproteins. These glycoproteins are some of what is found in the base matrix that makes up the articular tissue in the joint. According to the research, taking the right form of this ingredient can assist in the rehabilitation of the connective matrix that is associated with aging and joint abuse. More recent studies have indicated that chondroitin may even promote healing of bone tissue, primarily because of the fact that a majority of these glycosaminoglycans found in bone consist of chondroitin sulfate.

Chondroitin assists the soft tissue in our joints in their ability to hold water and nutrients internally, and helps the circulation of other molecules so they can move freely throughout the cartilaginous matrix. This is a very important function in that there is no blood supply to cartilage. And since chondroitin is a major constituent of cartilage that provides structure to the articular surface of the joint, it is extremely important in maintaining its structural integrity preventing weaknesses that can cause accidents and injuries to occur.

So, are all Glucosamine products the same? A good choice of ingredients that makes any joint product better is the addition of MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) in the formula. MSM is a source of organic sulfur, a naturally occurring compound in the human body. In its purified form, it's an odorless white crystal with a slightly bitter taste. At moderate levels, it helps to ensure the proper functioning of various bodily processes, including maintaining healthy skin, nails and hair. At a higher level of intake, it can function as a pharmaceutically active agent for a variety of uses, including treatment for allergies and asthma, parasites, digestive disorders, arthritis, muscle soreness and cramps. Other research hints at the use of MSM in diabetes, mood disorders and other applications. MSM is derived from DMSO (dimethylsulfoxide) and related to DMS (dimethylsulfide) which are sources of nearly all of the sulfur in humans, plants and animals. †

REFERENCES:

1. Deal CL, Moskowitz RW. Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis: the role of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen hydrolysate. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 1999; 25: 379-95.
2. McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, Gulin JP, Felson DT. Glucosamine and chondroitin for treatment of osteoarthritis: a systematic quality assessment and meta-analysis. JAMA 2000; 283: 1469-75.
3. Reginster JY, Gillot V, Bruyere O, Henrotin Y. Evidence of nutraceutical effectiveness in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 2000; 2: 472-77.
4. Constantz RB. Hyaluronan, glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: roles for therapy in arthritis? In: Kelley WN, Harris ED, Ruddy S, Sledge CB, eds. Textbook of rheumatology. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1998.
5. Jacob, Stanley W. M.D., Lawrence, Ronald M. M.D., Ph.D., Zucker, Martin. The Miracle of MSM; The Natural Solution for Pain. New York: Berkley Books, 1999.
6. Mindell Earl L. The MSM Miracle, Enhance your health with organic sulfur