Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has reported roughly one in four women over the age of 65 have osteoporosis of the hip and spine, a painful and debilitating bone disorder. Yet, this disorder only plagues less than 6% of men over the age of …
A new study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research has conducted a telephone survey of adult residents in Canada during 2011 and 2012. Researchers “examined the responses of 3,933 adults aged 18 and above participating in the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health’s Monitor …
FEATURED IN INVITE® HEALTH’S SUMMER 2015 CATALOG
Suddenly, one morning you wake up with a stiff, swollen, and painful joint. You most likely have arthritis. In the United States, more than 50% of individuals over 60 years of age have osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis followed by Rheumatoid Arthritis (1). Arthritis can be defined as inflammation in the joint, and is usually coupled with degeneration of the cartilage tissue. Arthritis pain generally worsens with weight-bearing activities such as exercising, stairs, walking uphill or even walking on a flat surface. These activities are all a part of daily living; which may lead to a decrease in quality of life.1 Undenatured type II collagen is a functional, natural product that may support joint degeneration due to normal wear and tear. More Americans are switching to natural products to slow progression of cartilage degeneration and promote healing.
The framework of human joint cartilage is primarily Type II collagen. Undenatured Type II collagen (UC-II) is derived from the sternum of chickens, and sourced and manufactured in the United States, where it is now available in a once a day capsule. Type II collagen for joint support was discovered decades ago. However, the use of chicken collagen was discovered in the early 2000s by researcher Dr. Moore, who was searching for a naturally safe treatment for his daughter in her 20s, suffering from incredible joint pain. His investigation and research led to the development of the correct preparation of type II collagen from chickens that proved most effective for his daughter’s joints. It is important that the sternum cartilage is undenatured, as cooking the cartilage destroys the therapeutic effects.1 UC-II is prepared using a low-heat, non-enzymatic process. The scientific preparation of glycosylation preserves the biological activity and therapeutic benefits of UC-II and is designated as GMP-certified and GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe).1,2
Mechanism of UC-II
Chronic, strenuous mechanical stress on chondrocytes causes breakdown of cartilage, inflammation and the release of type II collagen into the blood stream. Because type II collagen is not supposed to be in the blood stream, it is recognized as foreign and is attacked by killer T-cells. These immune cells also attack type II collagen in the joints, which can lead to further inflammation. UC-II has been shown to slow the progression of arthritis via oral tolerance, a mechanism that works with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT or immune tissue) of the small intestine. When UC-II is orally administered, it interacts with the GALT to release T-regulatory cells that dramatically slows inflammation and deactivates killer T-cells.2,3
Clinical Trials
In one study, 40mg of UC-II was compared with 1500mg of Glucosamine Chondroitin. UC-II was found to be more effective than Glucosamine Chondroitin against stiffness and pain in the knee in climbing stairs, up from sitting, walking on a flat surface and even night pain. At the end of the 90-day study, UC-II reduced stiffness and pain 40%, whereas Glucosamine Chondroitin was 15%.1 Another study looked at joint pain from strenuous exercise on healthy joints. This was the first study of its kind. These experts felt that joint pain from strenuous exercise may indicate possible future joint problems. Their hopes were that UC-II might prevent damage to joints and preserve joint health. Subjects taking UC-II were able to exercise longer before experiencing any joint discomfort, and extended the offset of joint discomfort after exercising. Studies show fewer inflammatory makers with the use of UC-II.2 7 In these human clinical trials, UC-II showed statistically significance compared to placebo and glucosamine-chondroitin at only 40mg daily. In dogs, UC-II also shows significant decline in pain, stiffness over time, with no adverse effects.4,7
Current pharmacologic strategies for joint pain and degeneration mainly address anti-inflammatory and immune suppression mechanisms, both of which have limited success. Many studies support UC-II supplementation for joints to improve overall quality of life and activities of daily living.1 It supports arthritic, healthy joints, and joints that endure strenuous activities. Joint support is now in a convenient dose of one capsule a day. Take 40mg on an empty stomach prior to bedtime.1 UC-II has undergone rigorous third-party research and testing, and is proven effective, safe, and well-tolerated with no adverse effects.4,5,6,7 Now you can plan for long walks, adventurous hiking trails, or start training for the marathon.
References:
Photo by Miguel Bruna on Unsplash Aloe Vera, a well-known soothing herb, can be traced back to ancient cultures. In fact, this plant has played a major role in natural medicine for over 5,000 years! Aloe Vera is part of the lily family, Liliaceae, alongside …
Seventeen year old Grant Virgin of Palm Desert, California, has recently been revived from a devastating coma – and his family credits fish oil supplements for his miraculous recovery. Grant was involved in a near-fatal car accident last year, suffering fractures in his skull, clavicle, …
In the world of loud cities, headphones, and loud concerts, tinnitus is becoming a bigger issue. Too often, young adults listen to loud music using head or ear phones, not realizing that continuous exposure to loud noises can damage nerve cells and increase the risk of hearing loss. I interviewed Dr. Millie Lytle, Naturopathic Doctor at our InVite® location in New Hyde Park and this is what she had to say about your hearing!
This sound is the result of cellular damage to the inner ear. It can happen at any age but is more associated with conditions of aging. It is brought on by several known factors, including frequent exposure to loud noises. It is generally exacerbated by stress, insomnia, depression and certain medications and food additives.
Tinnitus is a condition by which a person experiences an abnormal sound in their ear. It can be perceived as high pitched ringing, clicking, low buzzing, roaring or whooshing tones in the ear. It can be continuous or intermittent, coming and going on a daily or hourly basis.
Tinnitus is caused by several factors such as persistent or frequent exposure to loud noises, acute viruses or chronic medical conditions which cause damage to the inner ear. Less commonly, tinnitus is brought on by conditions of the auditory nerve itself, or damage to the hearing center of the brain.
In many cases of tinnitus, sound waves put pressure on the cells of the inner ear, causing the tiny hairs that conduct sound, to move. Permanent bending and breaking of these hairs can occur over time. Once this damage has been done, irregular electrical impulses escape and signal the brain to perceive abnormal and irritating sounds. Continual exposure to more than 80 decibels may be dangerous. The longer the ear is exposed to loud noises, the more damaging it may be. Also, the closer to the source of intense noise, the worse the tinnitus may become.
We know that loud and persistent noises lead to tinnitus. However, there are many other causes of tinnitus ranging from ear and respiratory infections, aging, blood vessel and blood pressure disorders, ear-bone changes, inner ear disorders such as Meniere’s disease, head and neck injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder, ear wax build-up, nutrient deficiencies, conditions related to aging, to certain medications and food additives.
Tinnitus is strongly associated with chronic illness, depression, insomnia and stress. Though they may not be the direct cause, correcting these problems may also help relieve tinnitus. A common list of medications that may result in tinnitus are as follows; antibiotics, cancer medications, diuretics/water pills, quinine/chloroquinine and Aspirin in high doses. Certain food additives are also linked to tinnitus. The four main culprits are refined sugar, salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and Aspartame (Equal, Nutrasweet, Spoonful, etc.).
Dietary Supplements
Diet:
Since tinnitus usually comes hand-in-hand with other illnesses, many supportive courses of supplementation, as well as diet and lifestyle changes may be advised by a knowledgeable health practitioner for best treatment.
|
DECIBEL RATINGS AND HAZARDOUS TIME EXPOSURES OF COMMON NOISES |
||
|
Typical Level (Decibels) |
Example |
Dangerous Time Exposure |
|
0 |
Lowest sound audible to human ear | — |
|
30 |
Quiet library, soft whisper | — |
|
40 |
Quiet office, living room, bedroom away from traffic | — |
|
50 |
Light traffic at a distance, refrigerator, gentle breeze | — |
|
60 |
Air conditioner at 20 feet, conversation, sewing machine | — |
|
70 |
Busy traffic, office tabulator, noisy restaurant. At this decibel level, noise may begin to affect hearing if you are constantly exposed | Critical level begins |
|
80 |
Subway, heavy city traffic, alarm clock at 2 feet, factory noise. | More than 8 hrs. |
|
90 |
Truck traffic, noisy home appliances, shop tools, lawn mower. As loudness increases, safe time exposure decreases. | Less than 8 hrs. |
|
100 |
Chain saw, boiler shop, pneumatic drill Exposure may be dangerous at 100 dB, and with every 5 dB increase, the “safe time” is cut in half. | 2 hours |
|
120 |
Rock band concert in front of speakers, sandblasting, thunderclap. At 120 dB, exposure can injure the ear. | Immediate danger |
|
140 |
Gunshot blast, jet plane. Noise at 140 dB may cause actual pain in the ear. | Any length of exposure time is dangerous |
|
180 |
Rocket launching pad. Without ear protection, noise at this level causes irreversible damage. | Hearing loss inevitable |
Permission to reprint by: American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Inc. 1101 Vermont Avenue, NW, Suite 302, Washington, D.C. 20005