Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
Due to its high antioxidant content, tart cherries have been studied for their numerous benefits including joint, heart and muscle health. Here’s why tart cherry extract is such a superior ingredient.
Photo by Akhil Chandran on Unsplash Turmeric is a fine, bright-yellow spice that been used in Indian culture for thousands of years for both its healing properties and cosmetic benefits. It is available as a spice, has been included as a potent ingredient in numerous …
Glucosamine and chondroitin are supplements commonly used to support joint health. But a new study reports that these supplements may also support colon health via anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
Data from the Nurses’ Health Study and Health Professionals Follow up Study published in the International Journal of Cancer, report that these two supplements were associated with a 23% reduction in the risk of colorectal (colon) cancer.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of inflammatory joint disease, characterized by the degradation of articular cartilage (found on many joint surfaces), with periarticular (tissues surrounding a joint) bone response often damaging the end of bone. Clinical manifestations of OA of the knee include pain in and around the joint, stiffness of the joint after rest, crepitation (crackling sound) on motion and limited joint motion, among others.
Lifestyle changes including exercise, weight loss, an anti-inflammatory diet and other therapies have been recommended but typically acetaminophen and NSAIDs are used to manage the symptoms of arthritis, especially pain. The long-term use of these drugs, however, is associated with enhanced risk for gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, hypertension, congestive heart failure and renal insufficiency. People suffering from arthritis have turned to nutraceuticals or natural products to ease their pain and discomfort. A number of these nutraceuticals have been studied and used for many years and have proven to be well tolerated, as well as safe. Supplements can assist in regenerating healthy joint cartilage, and address the pain and inflammation that otherwise trigger a cascade causing further break down of healthy cartilage.
Glucosamine is naturally found in the human body and is involved in the creation of the molecules that form cartilage. Numerous clinical studies show glucosamine greatly benefits individuals suffering from osteoarthritis, as it has been shown to strengthen cartilage. As we age, exercise, and/or gain weight, the wear-and-tear of joints increases for many individuals, leading to occasional pains and discomfort in the knees, hips, back and elbows.
Chondroitin is also naturally found in the body in cartilage and bone. Numerous clinical studies show it may reduce pain and inflammation and support joint function, also benefitting individuals suffering from osteoarthritis. Together, Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been shown to help sustain abilities to take part in daily activities without joint pain.
Strong evidence that Glucosamine with Chondroitin Protect Adults from Colon and Rectal Cancers
Researchers report, “Results of this study suggest a potential beneficial effect of glucosamine and chondroitin supplementation on risk of colorectal cancer, and further support the previously observed association between use of these supplements and risk of colorectal cancer in the VITAL study. Additional studies are needed to better understand the association between the use of glucosamine and chondroitin and risk of colorectal cancer, and the mechanisms by which these supplements may affect risk of colorectal cancer.”
The study analyzed data from 68,466 women and 27,934 men, which yielded 672 cases of colorectal cancer. Researchers found the use of glucosamine was associated with 21% reduction in risk, while use of chondroitin was associated with a 23% reduction. The use of the two supplements together was “significantly associated with a 23% reduction in risk”, according to Dr. Elizabeth Kantor and her co-workers from the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York.
Jerry Hickey is a pharmacist and radio personality and fills the esteemed role of Scientific Director and President of Invite Health. He has spent his professional life analyzing nutritional information and medical studies with the aim of creating the highest quality and most natural nutraceuticals …
Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is inflammation in the joints, mainly due to a breakdown of cartilage. Osteoarthritis frequently occurs in the knees, hips, spine, and the fingers. Common medical treatments do not usually improve healing or change the path of this condition. …
Osteoporosis is a health condition where your bones are weak and brittle. Health risks of osteoporosis may include an increase of fractures of the hip, wrist and spine. Generally speaking, osteoporosis is bone loss and, every day since the day we are born, our bones are becoming weaker and weaker. Before our thirties, the breakdown of “old” bones are slower than the production of “new” bones, so the skeleton grows in both size and strength. After that point, bone density slowly declines in both men and women. Women after menopause are at the highest risk, while millions of American men are also suffering from osteoporosis. The primary cause in men is age-related and becomes an issue usually after the age of 65. There are various kinds of osteoporosis treatment available, which can ease the symptoms, but the majority of those who develop it do have to lead less active lifestyles in order to protect themselves from damage.
Seventy-five percent of seniors are at risk for a fracture related to bone loss. Twenty-five percent of women over the age of 65 have full blown osteoporosis and another 52% have osteopenia. For men, six percent have full blown osteoporosis and 44% of older men have osteopenia; a smaller level of bone loss than osteoporosis but it still increases the risk of fracture. For men, the rate of bone loss at the age of 65 is 1-2% per year, so by the age of 75 men, men have lost 10–20% of their bone. Medication, obesity, and other lifestyle habits can accelerate this loss. Additionally, calcium absorption decreases on average by 0.21% per year after the age of 40.
The use of medication is one of the most popular contributi ng factors in the development of osteoporosis. Glucocortioid medications, commonly used to treat asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and severe inflammation, have strong effects on bone triggering bone loss. Prednisone and other drugs in this family when used long term cause the loss of calcium, vitamin D, magnesium, and potassium in the urine contributing to bone fragility. Other medications including, but not limited to diuretics and laxatives also can have adverse effects on bone health. Consult your doctor about your osteoporosis concerns, especially if you are a man over 70 years old. Be sure you are taking the correct dosage of medications, calcium and vitamin D supplements.