To protect your joints and reduce arthritis glucosamine chondroitin sulfate /

Osteoarthritis is perhaps the fastest growing form of arthritis in the United States. According to the Arthritis Foundation, one third of American adults have radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis. Last year, more than 7 million physician visits related to osteoarthritis, which is second to cardiovascular disease in the United States. As we age, this number will increase unless we take steps to stop arthritis. Over the years, researchers have developed medications to help relieve pain, but did not address the underlying causes of joint destruction. In this article we examine the characteristics of osteoarthritis, and currently available treatments. In addition, we will search for natural alternatives that can help improve the quality of life.
Osteoarthritis is a disease that involves some bones and joints in the body. A joint is where two bones are connected and composed of cartilage which is surrounded by muscles and tendons. Some joints have a limited range of motion, like a rib in the rib cage and others have a much broader movement like the hips, knees, elbows, wrists and thumbs. The widest ranges of movement joints are called synovial joints. (1) The synovial joints have a unique structure. The bones that connect to synovial joints are included in a tough fibrous tissue called cartilage. Cartilage hard tissue between the bones is called the joint capsule. The capsule is an internal cavity that is surrounded by an inner membrane called synovium. With this membrane is fluid called synovial fluid, a thick, slippery, which fills the small spaces between and around the two bones connect. The liquid is filled with a substance that lubricates joints and facilitates movement. (1.2)
This cartilage serves two purposes. First, it allows a smooth surface to support the heavy weight and easy movement of the joint during movement. Second, the articular cartilage absorbs shock and distributes the forces and mechanical stress on bone connected to the joint.
common function is subjected to mechanical stress in continuous movement and the ability to resist common stress reflects your state of health. If the stress becomes too mechanical articulation, physical changes in the articular cartilage covering the bones. (1.2)
Cartilage is tough and strong as some in the complex nature of water, complex proteins called collagen and proteoglycans. (3) When the arthritis was diagnosed in one patient, the cartilage began to weaken and frayed. Over time the cartilage breaks down the exposure of both bones of the joint. When two bones rub all types of damage can occur. Pieces of bone and cartilage break off and float in the common area. When the joint is folded, usually with a gritty sensation that is painful grinding. Over time, bone spurs can become more in the cartilage and surrounding tissues causing great pain and decreased the amplitude of movement in the joint. As arthritis progresses, pain and discomfort is increased creating sleepless nights and days unhappy.
Although the exact cause of osteoarthritis is unknown, researchers know that is not related to age. The researchers found that the same change destructive disease in patients diagnosed younger have not been observed in elderly people without the disease. (2,4,5) Researchers have found that some conditions seem to trigger or aggravate the disease.
Families with frequent occurrence of osteoarthritis tend to rely on the idea that it might be a genetic factor. Osteoarthritis of the hands is often regarded as genetic. (2) People who are very active physically demanding or have a higher incidence of developing osteoarthritis. In addition, people who have certain bone disorders are also prone to osteoarthritis. People with more weight are at risk. Due to excessive weight, these individuals tend to develop osteoarthritis in the knees and feet. In overweight individuals generally denser than the bones do not absorb shock as thin bones could cause more damage to the articular cartilage.
There is currently no way to prevent osteoarthritis, but may help slow progression, with some changes in lifestyle. The Arthritis Foundation suggests that people who are prone to osteoarthritis should maintain a healthy weight and lose weight if necessary. They also suggest that these people must exercise regularly to prevent disease. (4) The consumption of calcium and other vitamins such as vitamin A, C, D and E may also help. (6-8)
Treatment of osteoarthritis is usually centered around reducing or mitigating the pain experienced by an individual and to maintain or improve circulation to reduce permanent disability. (2) Your doctor prescribes a drug that normally non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, which is only effective in the treatment of pain. Unfortunately, these NSAIDs have side effects that can be severe. NSAID induced gastrointestinal complications cause more than 100,000 hospitalizations and about 16,500 deaths each year in the United States. The long-term use of NSAIDs can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestinal tract, the acidity of the product and abdominal pain. These drugs may interfere with blood clotting and even cause kidney damage. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is sometimes prescribed to relieve pain, but acetaminophen does not reduce inflammation and similar side effects than most NSAIDs in high doses can cause liver damage. (9)
The new drugs available to the public are called COX-2 inhibitor analgesic for pain and anti-inflammatory effects of other adverse effects of NSAIDs. (11,12) In some cases, COX-2 cases can cause damage and bleeding in the stomach. (13,14) All these drugs can relieve, but does nothing to slow or stop osteoarthritis. This drug has no effect on the disease itself. (10)
After considering all the side effects of medications available, some believe that glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are best for osteoarthritis and glucosamine and chondroitin actually improve synovial joint health without side effects life threatening . (3)
Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate work and treatment of osteoarthritis that doctors recommend regular basis. Glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate are natural compounds present in human joints. (15.16) When used in the right combination can actually reversing the damage in joints affected by osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is a natural substance present in the synovial fluid is the basic component of proteoglycans, one of the compounds in cartilage synovial fluid. The Europeans have used glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for more than 10 years to help alleviate joint pain. Only in recent years, researchers from America and Europe have worked together to find out how it works. The researchers found that glucosamine sulfate reduces synovial inflammation that is why people feel better after taking the supplement.
Scientific studies have found that glucosamine sulfate can help stimulate growth of cartilage cells, inhibit the degradation of proteoglycans, and rebuilding the damage caused by osteoarthritis. (17,18), glucosamine sulfate can not only feel better, but also repairs of damage caused is all automatic. Glucosamine is only used in all studies was glucosamine sulfate. When the body digests between glucosamine sulfate and forms a salt called ion sulfate ions. This sulfate ion is essential for the body to synthesize proteoglycans. (17)
Researchers believe that chondroitin sulfate works similar to glucosamine sulfate and should be consumed with glucosamine sulfate. Several studies investigated the action of chondroitin sulfate and determined to get better results should be taken together. However, if your provider healthcare provider suggests taking one or the other it is best to follow their professional advice.
other vitamins and minerals are beneficial for people suffering from osteoarthritis. Suck that folic acid and vitamin B12 can increase joint mobility and vitamins A, C and D and E can prevent the progression of the disease and prevent osteoarthritis altogether. (8,19,20) In several clinical studies used the plant Boswellia serrata which contribute to inflammation and also proved successful. capsaicin or cayenne ointment may help elevate the pain associated with osteoarthritis. Cayenne depletes nerves of a neurotransmitter called substance P. This substance P transmits pain messages to the brain, so that Cayenne is very effective in relieving the pain of osteoarthritis.
With supplements, exercise is important to help keep joints mobile and healthy. For those who suffer from arthritis, water aerobics may be an option as it is low impact and offers the opportunity to flex the joints of applying too much weight on the joints.
It is easy for those who do not feel good for yourself diagnosis. If you think you have a common health problem, an evaluation by a qualified health professional before taking steps to improve their situation. Some of these symptoms may be linked to other diseases which require different treatment. Only a doctor can be sure that you have osteoarthritis. With exercise and supplements can reduce the constant stiffness and pain associated with osteoarthritis, which can lead to a healthier life without pain. All the supplements mentioned can be found at your local store or food web.
References:
1. Siedel HM, Ball JW, Dains JE, Benedict GW. Classification of joints. In: Handbook of physical examination Mosby. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, 1999: 695.
2. Bancroft DA, Pigg JS. syndromes osteoarthritis. In: Porth CM. Pathophysiology: Concepts of altered health states. 5th edition. Philadelphia, Pa: Lippincott, 1998: 1133-1138.
3. McCarty MF. Enhanced synovial production of hyaluronic acid may explain rapid clinical response to high-dose glucosamine in osteoarthritis. Medical Hypotheses 1998, 50,507-510.
4. Arthritis Foundation. Osteoarthritis. Available at: www. arthritis. org / answers / diseasecenter / AP. Accessed on June 26 November 2001.
5. The National Institutes of Health. Osteoarthritis. Available at: www. NIH. gov / NIAMS / HealthInfo / AP / osteohandout_breaks. html. Accessed July 3, 2001.
6. Tiku ML, Shah R, Allison GT. Evidence linking chondrocyte lipid peroxidation degradation of matrix proteins in cartilage. Possible role in cartilage aging and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis. J Biol Chem 2000, 275:20069-20076.
7. Sowers M, L. Lachance, Vitamins and arthritis. The role of vitamins A, C, D and E. Rheum Dis Clin North Am 1999, 25:315-332.
8. McAlindon TE, Jacques P, Zhang Y, et al. No antioxidant micronutrients protect against the development and progression of osteoarthritis of the knee? Arthritis Rheum. 1996, 39:648-656.
9. Graumlich JF. Prevention of gastrointestinal complications of NSAIDs. Risk factors, recent advances, and latest strategies. Postgrad Med May 2001; 109 (5) :117-20, 123-8. Full article available online at: www. postgradmed. com/issues/2001/05_01/graumlich. htm.
10. Lehne RA. Acetaminophen. In: Pharmacology for Nursing. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders W. B., 1998: 705-706.
11. A Ballinger, G. Smith, COX -2 inhibitors vs. NSAIDs in gastrointestinal damage and prevention. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2001, 2:31-40.
12. Goldstein JL, Correa P, Zhao WW, et al. Reduce the incidence of peptic ulcers with celecoxib, a novel inhibitor of cyclooxygenase-2, compared to naproxen in patients with arthritis. Am J Gastroenterol. 2001, 96:1019-1027.
13. PR Colville-Nash, DW Gilroy. Potential adverse effects of inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2: results of animal models of inflammation. Biopharmaceuticals. 2001, 15:1-9.
14. Laudanno OM Cesolari JA, Esnarriaga J, et al. celcecoxib gastrointestinal damage and rofecoxib in rats. Dig Dis Sci 2001, 46:779-784.
15. Uebelhart D, Thon EJ, Zhang J, Williams JM. Chondroitin protective effect of exogenous 4,6-sulfate in the acute degradation of articular cartilage in rabbits. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 1998, 6:6-13.
16. Leeb BF, Schweitzer H, Montag K Smolen JS. A meta-analysis of chondroitin sulfate in the treatment of osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol. 2000, 27:205-211.
17. Deal CL, Moskowitz RW. Nutraceuticals as therapeutic agents in osteoarthritis. The role of glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate and collagen hydrolysates. Rheum Dis Clin North Am May 1999, 25 (2): 379-95.
18. Glucosamine sulfate. Monograph. Altern Med Rev. 1999; 4:193-195.
19. Adebowale AO, Cox DS, Liang Z, et al. Analysis of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate content in marketed products and the Caco-2 permeability of chondroitin sulfate raw materials. JAMA. 2000, 3:37-44.
Of 20. G. Croll E. D’Este Glucosamine sulfate for the management of osteoarthritis: a controlled clinical investigation. Curr Med Res Opin. 1980, 7:104-109.

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