Health problems associated with pain, swelling and limited movement in joints and muscles have become so widespread that the United Nations and the World Health Organization (WHO) have designated 2000-2010 as the
“Bone and Joint Decade.” The conventional medical treatments for these conditions vary, and include drug therapy, exercise, rest, use of heat and cold packs, joint protection techniques and sometimes even surgery. The most common medications used include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as aspirin. These block pain and halt inflammation in many cases, but they have potentially serious side effects. NSAIDs can cause nausea, cramps, diarrhea, nervousness, confusion, headaches, ulcers, sore throat, fever, high blood pressure, stomach ulcers, kidney damage and toxicity to auditory nerve cells which effect hearing and may cause potential harm to other organs. Newer drugs, referred to as Cox II Inhibitors, avoid some of the destructive tendencies associated with NSAIDs, but still have serious side effects such as kidney damage.
While drug therapy does not claim to cure these conditions, scientific studies show that they actually may worsen the disease process if used continuously over a long period of time. One side effect of NSAIDs is the inhibition of cartilage repair and acceleration of further destruction of cartilage. NSAIDs increase “leaky gut syndrome”, a well-documented cause of joint pain that is treated by holistic practitioners but virtually unrecognized by mainstream medicine.
Clinical studies of one particular substance, Glucosamine, continue to demonstrate that this amino sugar is an effective treatment for helping with symptoms as well as causative factors linked to joint and muscle pain. Glucosamine is naturally found in the body with high concentrations in the joints. It is the “building block” of proteoglycans, the cells found within cartilage that absorb water and make cartilage resistant to shock. Glucosamine also increases the formation of lubrication materials inside the joints and slows the activity of enzymes that cause joint destruction. As people age, glucosamine levels decrease, leading to increased joint breakdown and slower repair. Oral glucosamine supplements are made from chitin, a material extracted from exoskeletons of shellfish. Scientific studies have shown that glucosamine supplements increase glucosamine levels and improve cartilage status within the joints. This leads to marked pain relief. Scientists believe that it stimulates the formation of cartilage, which is essential for joint repair. Compared to NSAIDs which offer only symptomatic pain and swelling relief, glucosamine goes to the cause, not only improving the symptoms but helping the body repair damaged joints. Several double-blind studies have shown that glucosamine produces as good or even better results than NSAIDs in relieving pain and inflammation. Glucosamine may need to be used consistently for a month to 6 weeks to begin to feel pain relief. The use of Glucosamine has no known toxicity. Some individuals may experience slight gastro-intestinal upset which can be helped by taking glucosamine with food.
Nature’s Answer® offers two outstanding formulas featuring glucosamine. Glucosamine with Herbs is an alcohol-free liquid combination formula featuring Glucosamine HCl (hydrochloride) (500 mg/dose) with (1:1) extracts of Devil’s Claw, Meadowsweet, Yucca and Turmeric, herbs traditionally used for their anti-inflammatory properties, in a natural cherry flavor. What makes this product unique is the synergistic blend of glucosamine hydrochloride with key herbs that have been scientifically shown to be beneficial in promoting healthy muscles and joints. In addition, because these nutrients are in a liquid form, they are more readily absorbed by the body than tablets or capsules for faster-acting support. Joint PhytoNutrition™ Herbal Food Concentrate, part of Nature’s Answer®’s exclusive ArthroNutrition™ Program, is a delicious, tangy food medicament which blends Glucosamine HCl with high sources of bioflavonoids (necessary for joint health) such as Hawthorn, Bilberry and Rose Hips.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.