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Joint Restoration, Pain Relief &
Reducing Inflammation
Beyond Traditional Glucosamine & Chondroiton Supplementation
By Christine Dreher, CCN, CCH
 Lately,
it seems like we keep hearing conflicting reports on whether
Glucosamine & Chondroiton are nutrients that we can count on for
repairing and rebuilding joint cartilage and promoting joint health.
So what is true?
As we age, our joint cartilage tends to thin,
predisposing it to damage the bones that make up the joints. In an
attempt to repair the damage, the body’s immune cells create
inflammation. The inflammation often becomes misdirected, chronic and
unhealthy, and can actually increase the damage to the joints. A good
analogy for inflammation is to think of your joint as a house on fire.
You must first put out the fire before you can rebuild the house, or
your efforts will be in vain.
Inflammation affects tens of millions of Americans
and millions more around the world. It can wreak havoc not only with
joints but throughout the entire body, even the brain. The health of
every major organ system – cardiovascular, immune, neurological,
musculoskeletal, even your metabolism – is intimately dependent upon a
healthy inflammation response.
How does Glucosamine and Chondroiton work?
Glucosamine is an amino sugar that plays an
essential role in the building of cartilage that cushions and protects
the body’s joints. The body uses glucosamine sulfate, a natural
glucosamine compound, to stimulate cells to create one of the main
building blocks of joint cartilage- proteoglycans. Chondroiton sulfate
attracts and holds large amounts of water to the cartilage-building
proteoglycan molecules. Since cartilage has no blood supply, this
fluid is necessary to nourish and lubricate joints. Glucosamine and
Chondroiton work together to supply the building blocks to stimulate
joint cells to create new joint cartilage.
I believe that the efficiency of Glucosamine and
Chondroiton effectiveness depends on two important factors:
1. The source of the nutrients (isolated nutrients
vs. whole food sources)
2. Controlling the inflammation (natural herbs vs.
prescription drugs)
Source of Nutrients – Whole Foods vs. Isolates
There has been much discussion and studies on the
effectiveness of whole food sourced nutrients over the isolated,
laboratory extracted nutrients. Whole food sources of nutrients
provide a vast array of additional support nutrients known as
cofactors or micronutrients that are missing in isolated nutrients. So
in addition to these whole food micronutrients providing more
nutritional support, they also enhance the effectiveness and
absorption of all the nutrients. For more information on whole food
sources of nutrients versus isolates, see my article entitled
“Cultured, Whole Food Vitamins and Supplements – Best Source of
Dietary Supplementation.”
A good example of whole-food sourced nutrients would
be Chicken Collagen (Type II) because it contains naturally occurring
Chondroiton and Glucosamine sulfates. It is the principal structural
protein in cartilage that provides strength, flexibility and support
and contains anti-inflammatory properties. Type II chicken collagen
has been clinically demonstrated to decrease pain and discomfort
stemming from joint disorders. The compounds in Chicken Collagen
provide the structural support of healthy joints by promoting new
cartilage synthesis and by reducing oxidative damage to the joints.
This whole food source of Chondroiton and Glucosamine is much more
effective at building joints, reducing pain and inflammation than
isolated forms of these same nutrients. 
For best results, I suggest using a joint formula from whole food
nutrition sources that contains Type II chicken collagen like the
complete bone and joint formula called
CapraFlex by
Mt. Capra or the comprehensive joint and tissue formula called
FYI – For Your Inflammation by
Garden of Life.
Controlling and Reducing the Inflammation
(Naturally vs. Prescriptions)
Since inflammation is a naturally occurring process
with joint degeneration, it is important to quench the fires of
inflammation in order to allow the joint tissues to regenerate. If we
have a choice to reduce inflammation with drugs that have side-effects
or a natural, herbal alternative that is free of side-effects, I think
the choice is obvious. Scientists have discovered many herbs that, if
sufficiently concentrated and intelligently blended, can safely,
powerfully, and naturally modulate inflammation. For more information
on inflammation prevention, I suggest reading the article called
“A Partnership in Anti-Aging & Wellness through a Balanced
Inflammation Response.”
 One
of the most impressive herbal therapeutic formulas for non-chronic
inflammation management is called
Zyflamend by
New Chapter. Zyflamend is a unique patented herbal formula
that represents a scientific breakthrough in the maintenance of a
healthy inflammation response. Zyflamend is recommended by leading
experts and practitioners in the field of integrative medicine.
Zyflamend contains ten tonic herbs expertly blended
by world renowned herbalist, Paul Schulick. Not only does Zyflamend
safely promote a healthy inflammation response and maintain normal
cell growth, it also promotes cardiovascular health and supports a
healthy gastrointestinal tract. It continues to undergo impressive
clinical trials at some of the most respected research institutions in
the world. Recent research studies suggest daily Zyflamend
supplementation may be an effective strategy to modulate inflammation
and promote healthy joint and prostate function, normal cell growth,
and healthy heart function.
Conclusion:
In my opinion as a Clinical Nutritionist and
Herbalist, the best and most effective approach to joint health
requires both the presence of building blocks for new cartilage and a
healthy inflammation response. Zyflamend helps with modulating joint
inflammation; while Glucosamine and Chondroiton (from natural sources
like Type II chicken collagen in Capra Flex or FYI) work together to
supply the building blocks to stimulate joint cells to create new
joint cartilage.
Resources:
For more information on the nutritional and herbal
products mentioned in this article, click on the following links:
The statements contained in this article have not
been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information
contained here is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent
any disease. Suggestions and ideas presented in this document are for
information only and should not be interpreted as medical advice,
meant for diagnosing illness, or for prescriptive purposes. Readers
are encouraged to consult their health care provider before beginning
any cleanse, diet, detoxification program, or any supplement regimen.
The information in this document is not to be used to replace the
services or instructions of a physician or qualified health care
practitioner. |
