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Clues for Healthy Joint and Bone Support
by Dr. Gloria Gilbère N.D., D.A. HOM., PH.D. NATURE'S BONE-BUILDING COMPOUNDS Bone health is not simply a matter of which type of calcium and how much to take —it's much more involved. When our "minerals" are "out-of balance," the calcium is either not absorbed, or is "stored" in unhealthy amounts in various organs. A natural mineral combination is vital for maintaining proper chemical balance and keeping the calcium in solution (fluid); preventing it from depositing in the joints and other areas. Another critical factor in bone-health is the link between acid pH and osteoporosis. Research has confirmed that the standard American diet, high in meat and low in alkalizing fruits and vegetables, generates an acid residue associated with bone loss and low bone density. Therefore, it's critical that we supplement with a substance that will provide maximum absorption from a whole food source. DISCOVERING NATURE'S GOLD-RUSH The only mineral complex I found that supports bone health, muscle integrity and neutralizes acid waste better than any other form, are minerals derived from fresh, freeranged, goat-milk whey. It is said that in parts of Eastern Europe, goat-milk whey is sold for more money per pound than gold. In addition to containing more than 20 naturally occurring minerals, goat-milk whey contains healthy amounts of sodium to control the acid/alkaline balances, essential for healthy muscles and bones. This naturally sweet brown powder is so concentrated, that it takes 23 ounces of fresh goat-milk whey for each one ounce of mineral whey powder. The rich minerals are naturally occurring (nothing added) in ratios that are recognized and utilized by the body with ease. This type of goat-milk whey has been used for decades to promote bone density as well as for its ability to relieve aching, painful joints and connective tissue pain. COLLAGEN: ITS ROLE IN BONE HEALTH Collagen—is the principle structural protein in cartilage. The body relies on this critical nutrient to assist in maintaining healthy cartilage and connective tissue, which surrounds and supports many of the major systems in the body. WHERE IS CARTILAGE FOUND? Cartilage is part of the skeleton, found in the nose, ribs, ears, throat, between the vertebrae, and covers surfaces of bones. It is composed mainly of water, collagen, and a group of compounds called glycosaminoglycans— the main one being chondroitin sulfate. Cartilage has no blood supply; therefore it is difficult to transport new material to where it is most needed. In addition, the body's ability to produce its own chondroitin sulfate can be impaired by age, environmental factors or destruction by disease—diminishing the capacity of cells to retain moisture and transport vital nourishment throughout the body. When cartilage erodes, it can lead to disorders like osteoporosis, arthritis and fibromyalgia. Nourishing connective tissue and cartilage is essential for cushioning joints and preventing erosion. WHAT ARE SOURCES OF COLLAGEN? The popular choice of collagen in supplementation is generally bovine (cattle trachea) and shark cartilage. I am not comfortable recommending either source mentioned because of new information regarding heavy metals in marine life and diseases such as mad cow in cattle. PREFERRED COLLAGEN SOURCE IS WHOLE FOOD CONCENTRATE The source of collagen that I use and recommend is called Type II Chicken Collagen. This collagen is derived from free-ranged chickens, where they are never given growth hormones, antibiotics or subjected to feed contaminated with pesticides or herbicides—the best assurance of a healthy source. This whole food concentrate has no known side-effects and provides maximum absorption. When a whole food source is used, the body absorbs it with ease because it's in a recognized natural state. THE ROLE OF GLUCOSAMINE AND CHONDROITIN SULFATE IN BONE HEALTH Glucosamine makes up the building blocks in the body. It repairs cartilage, eases the pain of fibromyalgia (connective tissue) and arthritis (bone), and acts as a natural anti-inflammatory. It is usually extracted from crab, lobster or shrimp shells—a potential source of heavy metal contamination. Studies show that chondroitin supplementation slows joint degeneration, improves function and eases pain. Research indicates that chondroitin sulfate can assist the body in its ongoing production and repair process. It's imperative that the source of glucosamine is fully absorbable and, most of all, from a natural whole food source. Type II Chicken Collagen possesses both sulfates, glucosamine and chondroitin in their natural state. WHAT ABOUT JUST TAKING ANTI-INFLAMMATORY DRUGS? According to Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D. author of From Fatigued to Fantastic, "Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs do not slow down the progression of arthritis and may actually make the arthritis worse." Glucosamine may actually help heal the arthritic joint, and benefits often persist even after the glucosamine is stopped. NATURAL OPTIONS FOR PAIN AND INFLAMMATION There are many "safe" options that are conventionally over-looked in the investigation for non-drug solutions. The following are some of the most effective, in my opinion:
Silica is found in high concentrations in the strong tissues such as arteries, tendons, skins, nail, ligaments, teeth, hair, connective tissue and collagen. It helps increase bone collagen and strengthens the connective tissue matrix. Oat juice (gluten-free) is a unique natural source of silica and enhances any bone health product. Bone health is a complex problem with simple solutions. Before you automatically assume calcium alone provides protection from osteoporosis and other bone and joint disorders, or that all Glucosamine and Chondroiton is the same, investigate the facts, Naturally. |
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