JointGems Glucosamine Connective Tissue Formula

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JointGems

In our product, JointGems™, we have combined MSM with Glucosamine. Glucosamine is required by the body for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). MSM is found by many people to be even more effective in healing cartilage when combined with Glucosamine, as it is a natural substance found in high concentrations in our joint structures. GAGs are long chains of modified sugars that make up many body tissues, including tendons, ligaments, cartilage, mucus membranes in the digestive and respiratory tracts, and structures in the eyes, blood vessels, and heart valves. Researchers have found that Glucosamine is the key precursor for all the various sugars found in GAGs.

120 Capsules

Our Price: $25.77

Product Code: 44-120

Description

Ingredients

Precautions

Description:

Additional Info
MSM provides a ready source of bio-available sulphur that is easily absorbed and transported within the body. The matrix of cartilage is like a sponge that draws in water to act as a cushioning support. Sulphur compounds are an essential part of the "sponge". MSM also plays a part in production of collagen, the tough fibers within cartilage that provide its tensile strength. Being involved in all aspects of cartilage formation, it is not surprising that MSM is found by many people to be even more effective in healing cartilage when combined with Glucosamine, as it is a natural substance found in high concentrations in our joint structures. In issues such as tennis elbow, tendonitis, sports injuries, and sprains, MSM can be particularly helpful. MSM, Glucosamine, & Other Beneficial Nutrition

Glucosamine is part of the structure of cartilage, ligaments and tendons. It is made by the body, for which sulphur in an organic form is required. The rate of Glucosamine production may be limited by diet or age. Glucosamine is a much larger molecule than MSM and so less readily absorbed in the intestine. Because of this it may be more efficient to take MSM with Glucosamine to boost the body's own production of Glucosamine, than to take Glucosamine alone. Clinical evidence supports taking a combination of both MSM & Glucosamine for best effect.

Although there are several products on the market containing both Chondroiton and Glucosamine, studies show that Chondroiton sulfate consists of derivatives of Glucosamine sulfate, which are partially hydrolyzed (called glycosaminoglycans), which are further attached to sugars. These are long chemical strings, 50-100 times the size of Glucosamine sulfate. Based on their size, according to recent studies, these chemical strings will pass through a healthy human intestinal lining with only 0 to 13% of the Chondroiton being ingested. Chondroiton is quite expensive; a quality product with both Glucosamine and Chondroiton would retail for about $45-$50 for 100 capsules. That equates to expensive urine!

Certain vitamins may play a part in healing degenerated joints, and taking these with MSM is likely to give greater benefit than taking either independently. Vitamin C, like MSM, is very important in tissue repair, and it is known to play a major role in making collagen. Vitamin E assists the body's natural control of inflammation. A combination of MSM and Vitamin E may be of great benefit, especially in rheumatoid arthritis. B Vitamins have been used with success for arthritic conditions in some clinical trials.

Essential oils of the omega-6 and omega-3 types can boost the body's "firefighting" against inflammation too. Evening primrose oil and cod liver oil may be very helpful especially in the short term. Regular use of seed oils like sunflower oil, and oily fish in the diet is recommended. For anyone not eating fish, fish oil capsules are well worthwhile (or flax oil for vegans). Of the trace minerals, boron and manganese have been found to protect against osteoarthritis and may help to recover joint health.

Glucosamine & Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, also known as Degenerative Joint Disease, is the most common form of arthritis and is one of the most prevalent diseases in the Unites States today, affecting some 40 million Americans. The joints most often affected are the weight bearing joints, such as the knees and hips and the small joints of the hands. The pain, deformity and limitation of movement in these joints are the result of cartilage destruction (a progressive degeneration of cartilage glycosaminoglycans) and the subsequent hardening and formation of bone spurs. There are a number of reasons why osteoarthritis occurs, the main reason being the cumulative effects of years of use of the joints compounded by the inability, as we age, to restore joint cartilage. Most of this reduced function can be directly related to the nutritional status of the individual.

The current treatment of osteoarthritis includes the use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen. These medications provide only the short-term benefits in the relief of both the pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, a side effect associated with these medications, though not often mentioned, is their inhibition of cartilage repair and acceleration of cartilage destruction. Simply, aspirin and NSAIDS suppress the symptoms but accelerate the progression of the disease.

There may be an alternative for all those arthritis sufferers. It is a natural substance found in high concentrations in our joint structures known as Glucosamine. Numerous double blind studies have shown that Glucosamine produces better results in the treatment of osteoarthritis than traditional drug therapy. The main function of Glucosamine is to stimulate the manufacture of substances necessary for joint repair. It appears that some people lack the ability to manufacture Glucosamine and this has been suggested as one of the major factors leading to the development of osteoarthritis. European researchers were the first to study the link between Glucosamine levels and osteoarthritis. The results are phenomenal.

MSM, Glucosamine, & Fibromyalgia

The combination of MSM & Glucosamine serves as a natural analgesic or pain fighter. Therefore it is commonly recommended by many physicians to relieve chronic pain caused by arthritis and/or Fibromyalgia.

As humans age the amount of Glucosamine normally synthesized by the body declines, leading to a deficiency in the production of these important biological chemicals that form the major cushioning ingredients of the joint fluids and surrounding tissues. This further leads to specific tissue weakness as tissues in the joints become damaged and the lubricating synovial fluids in the joint spaces become thin and watery. The normal cushioning is lost leaving the bones and the cartilage to scrape against each other inside the joint space.

These problems also occur in the spinal column where the individual vertebrae are stacked on top of each other, separated only by the cushioning disc. The space between the vertebrae is where many nerves leave the spinal cord. Any injury to this part of the back can cause the gelatinous cartilage to soften, putting pressure on the nerves, causing damage and loss of nerve function. Glucosamine Sulfate has been shown to help increase the thickness of the gelatinous material, creating more support for the joints and vertebrae.

Glucosamine Studies and Research

Glucosamine works to stimulate joint function and repair. It is most effective in treating osteoarthritis, the most prevalent type of arthritis. A number of studies over the last 20 years have shown this. For example, a 1982 clinical study compared usage of the NSAID ibuprofen with Glucosamine sulfate, for osteoarthritis of the knee. During the first two weeks, ibuprofen decreased pain faster, but by the fourth week the Glucosamine group was well ahead in pain relief. The overall results showed 44% of the Glucosamine group had pain relief compared to 15% for ibuprofen. Because Glucosamine is not an anti-inflammatory drug, it takes longer to start working, but it works equally well.

Brain

Another 1982 open trial study with 252 doctors and 1,506 patients conducted in Portugal provided good clinical information on appropriate dosage and usage of Glucosamine sulfate for osteoarthritis. For 50 days, patients took 500 mg of Glucosamine sulfate three times a day. The results showed 95% of the patients benefited from the supplement, as it reduced their pain whether they were resting, standing, or exercising. This study also showed the effects of Glucosamine on obese patients, however, they may require higher dosages to offset the joints' reaction to the stress from obesity Those patients also taking diuretics or suffering from peptic ulcers were also studied regarding the effect of, and their tolerance to, Glucosamine. The former might require higher dosages and the latter need to take Glucosamine with food.

Another osteoarthritis study of the knee, in 1999 at the University of Liege in Belgium, involved 212 patients worldwide. These patients were randomly given either Glucosamine or a placebo for three years. The patients' pain was measured every four months and X rays were taken of their knees. The placebo group had more pain and narrowed joints, while the Glucosamine group had no narrowing of joints and their condition improved. This was one of the first studies to show how Glucosamine works by stopping the joints from narrowing. It was also the first long-term study conducted.

Since then, the University of Utah received a $6.6 million grant (September 1999) from the National Institutes of Health for another major ongoing Glucosamine study.

Harvard Medical School conducted a somewhat unorthodox study where patients scheduled for hip surgery were given ground chicken bone supplements. After two weeks of taking these supplements, their pain was reduced considerably.

Suggested Usage: Dosage is generally in the range of 1.5-8 grams per day in 2-3 divided doses. We suggest beginning with 2 capsules twice daily.

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