Glucosamine, Methylsulfonylmethane, Type II Collagen and CM8 are all common components of natural joint supplements. So what is each of these compounds and how do they work to alleviate joint pain? Here’s a breakdown of each.
Glucosamine is one of the most popular natural substances used in joint supplements. It is a compound that is found naturally in the body. It’s made from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. It is needed to produce glycosaminoglycan, a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage and other body tissues. As we get older, the production of glucosamine slows down significantly. This may be one reason why more seniors are finding success with natural supplements that include glucosamine as one of the main ingredients.
People dealing with various forms of joint pain and cartilage damage are turning toward glucosamine as it is available in a variety of nutritional supplements. The general consumer can easily find it in health food stores and many drug stores. In many of these supplements, you may find that glucosamine is combined with methylsulfonylmethane, or MSM.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is promoted as a natural source of sulfur by the supplement and health food industry. Some researchers have suggested that MSM has anti-inflammatory effects. It occurs naturally in some plants and is present in small amounts of various foods and drinks. MSM is sold as a dietary supplement and is commonly used (often in combination with glucosamine and/or chondroitin) for helping with the nourishment of joints.
MSM, glucosamine and Type II Collagen have been found to be extremely effective when used together.
Type-II collagen is the major protein that is found in your cartilage. It holds together the cartilage and helps provide elasticity within the joints. It makes up 50% of all protein in cartilage and 85-90% of collagen of articular cartilage. Type II collagen is non toxic and considered a safe alternative to NSAID’s. It used by those suffering from various forms of arthritis and is believed to replenish the lack of cartilage that leads to arthritis.
CM8™ (cetyl myristoleate) functions in three different ways. First, it acts as a highly effective lubricant in the joints, muscles and other tissues, allowing them to move smoothly. Decrease or loss of morning stiffness is commonly noted shortly after commencing treatment. Next, CM8™ functions as an anti-inflammatory. Relief from swollen joints is often seen after the 4th or 5th week of usage. Third, it is also an immune system modulator, which can be effectual against autoimmune diseases, such as arthritic conditions. CM8™ nourishes the joints, reducing inflammation and irritation of the joints and tissues. It also has been helpful for many sufferers of muscle tension. All of these characteristics make CM8™ the most important ingredient in Flexcin.
Products carrying these four natural ingredients have been proven to be successful in supporting healthy joint function and may prevent joint deterioration due to over use or injury.
One warning to note: Glucosamine supplements are manufactured from a substance found in the shells of shrimp, crab, lobster, and other sea creatures. Therefore, people with shellfish allergy or iodine hypersensitivity may have an allergic reaction to glucosamine products. However, some research suggests that there is not enough shrimp allergen in glucosamine supplements to trigger reactions in patients. Still, it’s good to talk to your doctor first if you fall into this category.
Those who are suffering from arthritis can greatly benefit from the informative articles found on About.com in the Arthritis section. It is managed by Carol and Richard Eustice. They were both diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the prime of life. Together, they have over 57 years combined experience living with arthritis. Carol is also a writer and patient advocate for people living with arthritis and chronic illness. Carol is the author of the The Everything Health Guide to Arthritis, published by Adams Media
They have many articles discussing the different types of arthritis, symptoms, pain relief treatment, and articles all about coping with the disease. Arthritis affects people in different joints, mainly in the knees, wrists, hands, feet and shoulders. This website has many articles on how to deal with certain conditions.
Symptoms of Arthritis on About.com
Diagnosis of Arthritis on About.com
Treatment of Arthritis on About.com
There are also opportunities to discuss arthritis with experts.
Check out there Arthritis Forum, where you can talk with others about Arthritis issues and concerns that you may have:
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&webtag=ab-arthritis
About.com is a great resource for researching all topics. It is especially helpful in linking to all aspects of arthritis.
In our last post we told you all about the Arthritis Foundation’s “Get Moving Campaign”. One of the most common forms of joint pain that can keep you down is Osteoarthritis. When you feel stiff and achy and your joints hurt, there’s a good chance you have osteoarthritis or OA. Often known as the “wear and tear” kind of arthritis, osteoarthritis is a chronic condition characterized by the breakdown of the joint’s cartilage. Because cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of the bones and allows the joint to move easily, when it breaks down, bones rub against each other, causing stiffness, pain and even loss of movement. There are many options for natural arthritis pain relief, with vitamin supplements like Flexcin being the number one choice for many people. It’s also important to stay active and keep moving. For more information on OA, check out the Arthritis Foundation’s “Fight Arthritis Pain” website HERE.
So how do you stay active and incorporate movement into your daily routine?
Whether you are juggling, jumping, dancing or swimming – now is your chance to show off your favorite moves! It’s a fun way to join the “Get Moving Campaign”.
Inspire others by sending The Arthritis Foundation a video of how you keep moving for better health! Once they check out your moves, they will post it on letsmovetogether.org and its Show Us Your Moves YouTube page for everyone to see!
To submit your video, send an e-mail to ShowUsYourMoves@hotmail.com.
Need ideas? Check out other video submissions at our Show Us Your Moves YouTube page. Or for more ways to move click here. Good Luck!
