Most appreciate the value of flexibility and the ease of movement on their weight bearing joints. Unfortunately, most take it for granted, this until they begin to develop pain difficulties. This is certainly true for those who develop stiff uncomfortable joints.
Fortunately, there are nutrients that are available which provides the vital components of healthy joint structure and function, leading to the ease of mobility. These nutrients are referred to as chondroprotective agents which includes glucosamine and chondroitin.
What they do is they supply the raw materials which are necessary to produce new cartilage, and at times may even help in rebuilding worn cartilage. Other chondroprotective nutrients and herbs, such as like Cetyl Myristoleate, MSM, and Boswellin, all work synergistically with glucosamine and chondroitin, further supporting normal joint function.
To understand how chondroprotective agents work, what needs to be understood is how our joints work. The key element in human joints is the articular cartilage, which is the shock absorbing tissue which connects two bones together, and allows for pain free movement.
Articular cartilage is comprised of two different molecules, collagen and proteoglycans, with the remainder composed primarily of water. Collagen, a protein that binds tissue together, provides elasticity.
Proteoglycans, composed of sugars and protein, absorbs water, which provides lubrication and resiliency, which is nature’s shock absorber for your joints. Both compounds are produced by chondrocytes, which are the caretaker cells responsible for the formation and maintenance of cartilage.
A deficiency in any one of these constituents increases the likelihood of wear and tear on the articular cartilage, which can eventually lead towards compromised joint function.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are completely safe, natural and effective nutrients which supports healthy joint function, this by supplying the materials needed to produce collagen and proteoglycans.
Natural Sources For Inflammation
Arnica montana has a long history of use in herbal healing, as does the other arnica species grown in the western parts of North America. The dried flower heads and occasionally the underground stems and roots are the source of medicinal arnica.
Muscle Strains And Sprains
Arnica is widely applied to ease the inflammation and pain of muscle strains and sprains which is caused by overuse or injury. Although results have been contradictory, some studies concluded that for a short period immediately following a marathon run, arnica reduced muscle soreness. The effect was only temporary, however.
Arthritic Joints
Inflamed and painful joints are said to benefit from arnica as well. Using the herb in a hot moist compress may be helpful for reducing arthritis pain, though it is not known whether it’s simply the heat or the arnica that provides the relief.
Psoriasis And Eczema
Numerous herbal formulas for these persistent skin disorders contain extracts of arnica, which may help, given its anti-inflammatory and numbing qualities.
Insect Bites
Since it has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic effects, topical arnica is believed to reduce the swelling and the pain which are caused by insect bites, while also helping to prevent infection.
Effective Compounds For Joint Relief
• Celadrin – Celadrin is a medically and clinically proven pain management compound which is developed through a proprietary process of esterifying oils. Celadrin is a novel, all natural ingredient which has been medically proven to reduce inflammation and pain with no side effects.
Celadrin systematically enhances and lubricates cell membranes throughout the body, providing youthful cell fluidity and elasticity. This includes the enhancement of fluids which cushions your bones and joints to maintain flexibility and mobility, so that you can move pain free with ease.
It’s been proven to provide cumulative and continuous restorative benefits. In a clinical trial, oral Celadrin proved superior beyond the arthritic medication the subjects were administered, with cumulative improvement shown throughout the study.
• Chondroitin – Chondroitin sulfate consists of repeating chains of molecules called glycosaminoglycans. Chondroitin sulfate is a major constituent of cartilage, providing structure, holding water and nutrients, allowing other molecules to move through the cartilage, which is an important property.
Since there’s no blood supplied to the cartilage, the only significant food source of chondroitin sulfate is animal cartilage.
• Glucosamine – Glucosamine is composed of glucose which is a sugar, and glutamine, which is an amino acid. It’s utilized by chondrocytes to form glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans.
Both of these constituents attract and bind water into cartilage, increasing resiliency. Research indicates that glucosamine may actually help your body repair damaged or eroded cartilage.
A number of studies have been conducted on glucosamine sulfate and glucosamine hydrochloride, with a preponderance of positive results. Glucosamine sulfate is considered the more effective of the two.
For a while, glucosamine dominated the market among supplements used to ease joint pain. Now, most practitioners prefer to use a combination of both glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.
Many have found this combination to be effective particularly for runners, who tend to develop problems with their knees. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are well absorbed by the molecules that make up the cartilage.
They are not available from food. It’s not uncommon to have to take these supplements indefinitely to continue experiencing relief.
• MSM – MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound that’s found in our bodies, as well as in most common beverages and foods, including milk, coffee, tea, and green vegetables.
In its purified chemical form, it is an odorless, essentially tasteless water-soluble crystalline solid. It’s considered one of the safest substances in biology, similar in toxicity to water.
Recent research has shown that the results of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis in the knee is no different than that of placebo. This gives those further reason to at least give supplements, such as chondroitin sulfate and MSM, a try before enduring more invasive, expensive approaches.