Structural Health (NSP Article)
May is National Arthritis Month. Spearheaded by the Arthritis Foundation, it’s a time to increase awareness of this leading cause of disability. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, arthritis is the most common cause of disability in the United States, limiting the activities of nearly 19 million adults. By the year 2030, 67 million (25%) adults aged 18 years and older will have doctor-diagnosed arthritis.
The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation. Arthritis comprises more than 100 different rheumatic diseases and conditions, the most common of which is osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease caused by the breakdown of joint cartilage, the connective tissue that cushions the joints. Other frequently occurring forms of arthritis include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia, and gout. Although arthritis is more common among adults aged 65 years or older, people of all ages (including children) can be affected.
Joint supporting nutrients such as glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, hyaluronic acid, and devil’s claw help support optimal structural health.
Glucosamine is an amino sugar required for the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans, carbohydrate-containing compounds that are the major structural components of cartilage.1 Studies demonstrate that glucosamine is also capable of protecting connective tissues, relieving pain, and reversing the progression of joint degeneration.1,2
MSM is a naturally occurring sulfur compound. Sulfur is required for the production and repair of cartilage.3 MSM is also thought to have soothing and pain-reducing properties.4 Although MSM is found in many fresh foods, it is easily destroyed in cooking and processing. Thus, it makes sense to supplement the diet with MSM to ensure an adequate supply in the body.
Chondroitin is a sulfated glycosaminoglycan that is important in maintaining the structural integrity of connective tissue. Chondroitin sulfate is produced by chondrocytes and performs the important function of attracting fluid into the cartilage.1 This gives cartilage its spongy-like form, making it a good shock absorber. Evidence suggests that chondroitin sulfate protects cartilage and helps prevent cartilage breakdown.1,5
Hyaluronic acid (also known as HA or hyaluronan) is a non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan that occurs naturally throughout the body.6 It is found most abundantly in the skin, cartilage, synovial fluid, and eyes.1 Hyaluronic acid plays a major role in joint lubrication and is critical in maintaining joint health. Research indicates that hyaluronic acid may prevent joint inflammation, and the breakdown of cartilage.7,8
Devil’s claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) is named for the tiny hooks that cover its fruit. Devil’s claw root has been used for thousands of years in Africa for pain reduction.9 Devils claw root contains phytochemicals known as iridoid glycosides, including harpagoside, that have soothing, and anti-inflammatory effects.1 Studies show that taking devil’s claw root significantly reduces pain and improves physical functioning in people with joint pain.9
Something for Everyone
With over 600 products, Nature's Sunshine has something to fit just about every health need. Our 475 unique formulas give you more choices than any other company. We skillfully combine the right herbs and nutrients in special blends to maximize potency and ensure safety.
EverFlex® w/Hyaluronic Acid (60 tabs)
Benefits:
• Promotes joint health and normal function.
• Helps lubricate joints.
• May increase shock absorption in the joints.
• Enhances flexibility.
• May contribute to healthy cartilage.
EverFlex® with Hyaluronic Acid [Structural] offers the benefits of glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, hyaluronic acid and devil’s claw in one convenient tablet. Glucosamine helps maintain the integrity, lubrication and mobility of joints. Chondroitin promotes cartilage tissue generation and attracts fluid into the cartilage, making it more shock absorbent.
Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is a form of biologically active sulfur that is found in the human diet. Sulfur is important to joint health for a wide variety of processes. Hyaluronic acid is an important component of cartilage that plays a crucial role in joint motion and homeostasis. HA promotes the viscosity and elasticity of the fluid surrounding the joints.
Each 2-tablet serving provides a 1,900 mg proprietary blend of glucosamine hydrochloride (from crab shells), MSM (methylsulfonylmethane), chondroitin sulfate, hyaluronic acid and Devil’s Claw root.
Adults: Take 2 tablets twice daily with a meal.
Skeletal Strength® (150 tabs)
Benefits:
• Helps rebuild and preserve bone and muscle tissue.
• Supports stressed nerves.
• Provides balanced nutrients for best utilization.
Skeletal Strength® [Structural] is the key product formulated to provide nutrients necessary for proper structural system function. Skeletal Strength provides materials that the body uses to manufacture bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and skin.
Adults: Take 2 tablets with a meal twice daily.
Calcium Plus Vitamin D (200 tabs)
Benefits:
•Provides nutrients that support the structural system, especially the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and skin.
•Supports the body’s efforts in maintaining a balanced pH.
Calcium Plus Vitamin D [Structural] supplies nutrients required for both the structural and nervous systems. Combined with other trace minerals needed by the body, NSP Calcium helps replenish bone tissue that is constantly being replaced.
Calcium comprises half of all the minerals in the body. This formula also contains phosphorus, the second most abundant mineral in the body. It works with calcium.
This formulation provides calcium and phosphorus at a 2:l ratio. Magnesium is also added in the same 2:1 ratio with calcium. Without these important ratios, the body begins to lose one or more minerals before it can utilize them. Calcium is needed by the immune system and is critical to muscle contractions.
Phosphorus works synergistically with B vitamins to help maintain a proper fluid balance in the body. Vitamin D is added to help calcium do its job. At least 400 IU of vitamin D is needed on a daily basis, especially for those not getting enough sunshine (D is the “sunshine vitamin”).
These nutrients come in a base of alfalfa herb and contain no sugar, starch, artificial coloring or flavoring.
Adults: Take 1 tablet with a meal three times daily.
Joint Support (100 caps)
Benefits:
• Provides nutrition to the joints and bones.
Joint Support [Structural, Nervous] provides a host of nutrients beneficial to the structural system. Individual ingredients in this formula are traditionally used for the following:
maintaining joint tissues, supporting the body during physical stress to joints, helping the body clear uric acid, promoting normal muscle health, supporting a balanced nervous system, promoting protein digestion, nourishing the nervous system and more.
It contains:
Alfalfa aerial parts Horsetail stems and strobilus Bromelain fruit Catnip leaves Celery seed
Black cohosh root Yarrow aerial parts Capsicum fruit Slippery elm bark
Valerian root Hydrangea root extract Yucca root extract White willow bark
Burdock root Sarsaparilla root
NOTE: Pregnant or lactating women should consult their health care provider prior to taking this supplement.
Adults: Take 2 capsules with a meal three times daily.
For best results, use with MSM, Calcium–Magnesium and MSM/Glucosamine Cream.
EverFlex® Pain Cream (2 oz. jar)
Benefits:
•Enhances joint mobility and flexibility through pain reduction.
•Relieves muscle and joint pain.
•Provides penetrating, fast-acting help.
EverFlex® Pain Cream [Structural] features the cooling relief of menthol plus a unique combination of cetylated fatty acid esters (cetyl myrsitoleate, myristate, palmitoleate, oleate, palmitate and laurate), olive oil and MSM. MSM is a great source of sulfur, an important structural component, while menthol is an approved active ingredient in many pain-relieving topical creams. This cream is easily absorbed through the skin for fast-acting structural support.
NOTE: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If condition worsens, or if symptoms persist for more than seven days or clear up and occur again within a few days, discontinue use of product and consult a physician. Do not apply to wounds or damaged skin. Do not bandage tightly. Keep out of reach of children.
Adults and children 2 years of age and older: Apply to affected area not more than three to four times per day.
Children under 2 years of age, consult a physician.
References:
1. Jellin JM, Gregory PJ, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al. Pharmacist’s Letter/Prescriber’s Letter Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. 9th ed. Stockton, CA: Therapeutic Research Faculty; 2007.
2. Reginster JY, Deroisy R, Rovati LC, Lee RL, Lejeune E, Bruyere O, Giacovelli G, Henrotin Y, Dacre JE, Gossett C. Long-term effects of glucosamine sulphate on osteoarthritis progression: a randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Lancet. 2001 Jan 27;357(9252):251-6.
3. University of Maryland Medical Center. Sulfur. 2007. Available at: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/sulfur-000328.htm Accessed April 20, 2010.
4. Kim LS, Axelrod LJ, Howard P, Buratovich N, Waters RF. Efficacy of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in osteoarthritis pain of the knee: a pilot clinical trial. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2006 Mar;14(3):286-94. Epub 2005 Nov 23.
5. Baici A, Bradamante P. Interaction between human leukocyte elastase and chondroitin sulfate. Chem Biol Interact. 1984 Sep 1;51(1):1-11.
6. Laurent TC, Laurent UB, and Fraser JR. The structure and function of hyaluronan: an overview. Immunol Cell Biol 74:A1-A7, 1996.
7. Balazs E: The physical properties of synovial fluid and the specific role of hyaluronic acid. Disorders of the Knee. Edited by Helfet AJ. Philadelphia: J B Lippincott; 61-74, 1982.
8. Dougados M. Sodium hyaluronate therapy in osteoarthritis: arguments for a potential beneficial structural effect. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 2000 Oct;30(2 Suppl 1):19-25.
9. University of Maryland Medical Center. Devil’s Claw. 2007. Available at: http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/devils-claw-000237.htm Accessed April 20, 2010
