Holistic Review J: joint and cartilage support for natural health. Last revised May 1, 2008. (Minor changes Saturday, May 24, 2008.)

    1. Glucosamine is a natural ingredient of joint building that is proven to work, but many doctors have given preference to "pain killers". 

Pain killers can be necessary, but they are not joint builders. It is absurd to make pain killers the only treatment. However it is much easier to maintain your joints than to rebuild them. Everyone who walks on two legs should consider taking some glucosamine for prevention.

    2. "Anti inflammatory" drugs can reduce joint destruction, but there are natural anti-inflammatories such as cherry juice and omega oils. 

Cherry juice and omega oils have no side effects and also help to reduce uric acid. Uric acid levels may be "normal" in tests, but still contribute to inflammation. Cherry capsules are especially effective for long term uric acid control, and may be alternated with celery seed capsules which have similar benefits. The advantage of omega oils is that they are also lubricants, as well as basic for heart support. Everyone should consider one capsule daily of fish oil, the best known omega oil. However for spoonful doses, flax oil is equally effective and is more digestible.

    3. Other important joint building materials include collagen, cartilage and "reduced molecule" hyaluronic acid (HA). 

Every car mechanic knows that the brakes of your car need more than one material. This includes ball bearings, brake fluid, lubricant and rubber. Everyone also knows that it is foolish to do nothing until your brakes are screaming. If you want to move around well in your old age, please consider a similar level of preventive maintenance.

Product guide j1: the best basic joint-building supplements

    *   Vegetarian Glucosamine HCL with MSM by Now Foods. 

There are two standard forms of glucosamine: "sulfate" and "HCL". The advantage of "sulfate" is that organic sulfur is a major synergist. The advantage of the HCL version is that more fits in a pill. MSM (Methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a superior form of sulfur, reknowned for joint support in its own right. Glucosamine HCL with MSM thus combines the best of all three choices.

    *   Advanced Shark Cartilage by Twinlab. 

Cartilage seems the safest form of chondroitin, the second most recognized joint building material. There is some slight but intriguing evidence that refined chondroitin may promote prostate cancer. Cartilage supplies chondroitin safely and has a history of use for joint support. This seems the only brand that is standardized for easy digestion. However, sharks may be in danger of extinction. We believe that shark supplements are made from waste materials and do not cause sharks to be killed. Nonetheless we urge you to ask any manufacturers that donations for the repopulation of sharks be added to the cost. For more discussion visit http://HolisticReview.com/i/sharks.php or click here: Holistic Review: Sharks may be an endangered species.
To contact Twinlab see:
www.Twinlab.com/contact.cfm.

    *   Arthred low molecular weight collagen powder by Nutricology. 

Any collagen source may support the natural cushions of the joints, including supermarket gelatin. However Arthred is the most refined for maximum absorption.

    *   Chicken Collagen Type II capsules by Doctor's A-Z. 

This appears to be the most clinically studied form of collagen. The capsules are expensive and tend to reduce the dosage, but are convenient for travel.

    *   Skin Glow split molecule HA by Nutricology. 

Just as car brakes need brake fluid, HA (hyaluronic acid) is the fluid that supplies nutrition to the joints. This product is called "Skin Glow" because HA also reduces wrinkles. Skin Glow is one of the first HA products and remains one of the few that split the large HA molecule for absorption. In addition to swallowing, capsules may be nipped open with scissors or teeth, to apply to knees, feet, spine and face.

    *   16 oz. Fluid Motion by Health Direct and 16 oz. Joint Elixir by Dynamic Health. 

These two products both include collagen, glucosamine and chondroitin all in one convenient liquid. Joint Elixir is less expensive, but Fluid Motion is the highest quality and at least one bottle a year should be considered.

Product guide j2: primary synergists for joint support

    *   Exercise. 

Excercise often wears down the joints, but the joints also rebuild in response to stress. Do not "jog" but walk with long strides. Swimming is good, jumping rope is not good, and football is a form of suicide. If you already have joint problems, consult a physical therapist.

    *   Cider Vinegar. 

Cider vinegar, preferably organic, can reduce acidity and improve digestion. Thus it can be helpful for both "rhumatoid" and "osteo" arthritis. Add 2 tablespoons of raw honey (preferably tupelo) to a pint of cider vinegar. Then add 1 or 2 tablespoons of this mixture to 4-6 ounces spring water. Sip frequently, with or before meals. If you do not like the taste, add stevia (chapter F). Cider vinegar capsules are also available, but it is very uncertain whether they will be effective.

    *   Black Cherry Capsules and Celery Seed Capsules. 

Cherries, green grapes, and celery all help to metabolize uric acid. Cherry capsules may be the most effective, and usually do not contain much natural sugar. However celery has an advantage in not being sweet at all. For long term support, we suggest 2 cherry capsules in the morning and 2 celery capsules in the evening, with or without food. However more cherry may also be taken when needed.

    *   High Lignan Flax Oil by Now Foods. 

Important for lubrication and uric acid control. Fish oil is equally effective and one or two capsules should be taken daily (see chapter H). However flax oil is more digestible so that one or two tablespoons can be added to cereals and salads. Especially synergistic with yogurt or cottage cheese. Precaution: flax oil settles and spoils rapidly. Shake well and store upside-down in the freezer. (Not just the refrigerator.)

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