Articles:
Glucosamine and Osteoarthritis
by J.R. Rogers
Information on how glucosamine actually works, the science backing glucosamine, and how to select the best glucosamine product...
As I stated in my article "Osteoarthritis Explained" healthy cartilage requires four things. These are:
1. Water for lubrication and nourishment
2. Proteoglycans to attract and hold water
3. Collagen to hold proteoglycans in place
4. Chondrocytes to clean away old proteoglycans and collagen plus produce new ones.
The Info on Glucosamine
One of the most effective supplements for osteoarthritis is a compound called glucosamine. Glucosamine is an amino sugar produced from the shells of chitin (shellfish) and is a key component of cartilage. Glucosamine works to stimulate joint function and repair. It has been proven effective in numerous scientific trials for easing osteoarthritis pain, aiding in the rehabilitation of cartilage, renewing synovial fluid, and repairing joints that have been damaged from osteoarthritis.
Each person produces a certain amount of glucosamine within their bodies. When people grow older, their bodies lose the capacity to make enough glucosamine. Having ample glucosamine in your body is essential to producing the nutrients needed to stimulate the production of synovial fluid, the fluid which lubricates your cartilage and keeps your joints healthy. Without enough glucosamine, the cartilage in their weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, and hands deteriorates. The cartilage then hardens and forms bone spurs, deformed joints, and limited joint movement. This is how the debilitating disease of osteoarthritis develops.
So How Does Glucosamine Figure Into Healthy Cartilage?
Glucosamine is…
1. A major building block of proteoglycans
2. Needed to make glycosaminoglycans, proteins that bind water in the cartilage matrix
3. A source of nutrients for the synthesis of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans
4. A stimulant to chondrocytes
5. A key factor in determining how many proteoglycans are produced by the chondrocytes
6. Needed to spur chondrocytes to produce more collagen and proteoglycans
7. A regulator of cartilage metabolism which helps to keep cartilage from breaking down.
In addition, glucosamine has been shown to reduce pain for osteoarthritis sufferers and improves the joint structure.
As you can see, glucosamine is a very important factor in maintaining healthy cartilage and rehabilitating cartilage that has deteriorated. However, glucosamine products can be very different.
When purchasing glucosamine, you must make sure you look for a product which:
1. Is the highest quality glucosamine available
2. Is a liquid - for quicker and fuller absorption
3. Contains other beneficial ingredients like chondroitin, boswellin, bromelain, manganese, yucca, etc.
If you have been putting off buying glucosamine, I would very much encourage you to not wait any longer. If you've tried glucosamine in capsule form or are currently taking glucosamine in capsule form, I would very much recommend giving a liquid glucosamine product a try.
Additional Information:
Q. Why is Syn-flex considered to be one of the most effective glucosamine products on the market today?
A. We have taken the utmost care to ensure we provide the highest quality, most effective product. To do this, we use only the highest quality and purest ingredients. In fact, we use 98% pure liquid glucosamine with ten other high quality synergistic arthritis-fighting ingredients in a premium formula developed for maximum absorption and relief. In addition, each batch of Syn-flex undergoes a laboratory analysis to ensure ingredient quality and efficacy plus is issued a certificate of analysis.
In the very high quality liquid form, you will absorb much more glucosamine (and other ingredients) than you would with products in pill or capsule form.As a result, most users are able to notice results in about 10-20 days instead of 6-10 weeks (or at all with capsules or low-grade liquid products.)
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. Syn-flex is a very safe product. There are a few things you need to know, however.
- Consult your doctor before taking glucosamine if you are currently pregnant or nursing.
- If you are diabetic, be sure to check your blood glucose regularly, as glucosamine has been shown to increase blood sugars.
- If you allergic to shellfish you should monitor your reaction and discontinue if any adverse affects occur.
- A small percentage of people who take glucosamine may encounter light diarrhea or stomach upset. This can be avoided by splitting dosage between morning and evening.
Q. Does Syn-flex interact with any drugs or medications?
A. Syn-flex is an all-natural product and should not interact with any drugs or medications.
Q. Is Syn-flex sold in stores?
A. Syn-flex is sold in a number of health food stores, health clubs, hair salons, chiropractors offices, veterinarian offices, and the like. However, Syn-flex is not available in any large retail stores at this time. We prefer to deal direct with our customers, and being the manufacturer of Syn-flex, we are able to offer you the best price and mail you the product free of charge (in the United States).
Q. Why is better, stronger, healthier cartilage important?
A. When your cartilage is damaged, either as a result of primary osteoarthritis or flowing from an injury (secondary osteoarthritis), you will suffer the consequences. Since cartilage protects the bones from coming into contact with one another, the opposite result is extremely painful. In a great many cases, it can result in the need for surgery.
As your cartilage begins to lose its “fluid-like” capabilities, the process of osteoarthritis begins. Whether the result of aging, genetics, over use or injury, some 40 million Americans suffer from with this debilitating condition. Whether you suffer this condition or are trying to prevent it, every step that you can take to avoid the consequences is well worth it.
Q. What exactly IS glucosamine?
A. Glucosamine, is a charged sugar molecule that is a key component of the extracellular matrix of cartilage (grout between the cartilage cells). It absorbs and releases water with each step, thereby acting as a shock absorber for the joints. With more glucosamine there, is more joint protection.
Glucosamine is a natural sugar produced by your body. It is the essential and principal ingredient that determines the quantity of proteoglycans (water-holding) molecules that also formed in the body. The greater the amount of glucosamine in the body, the greater the amount of proteoglycans. The proteoglycans are large, water-binding molecules made up of (both) proteins and sugars. It is important to understand that they are a major building block of healthy, vital cartilage. Glucosamine also stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans (GAG's) which are important proteins found in cartilage. They serve to "bind" the water within the cartilage matrix. Glucosamine supplements are made from the shells of shellfish.
Q. Is Syn-flex approved by the FDA?
A. Glucosamine products are nutritional supplements and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Q. Will I need to take this product daily for the rest of my life to keep my hip joint in repair or will I be able to reduce the dosage or even stop taking it at some point?
A. It is indeed advisable to maintain a daily dose of 1/4 oz. (1.5 teaspoons) per day. Those over 220 pounds or so may wish to maintain a higher dosage than this. For athletes, those using Syn-flex as a arthritis easing measure, or those with mild arthritis, we recommend using 1/4 oz. for the first 8 weeks, and then dropping the dosage in half. Of course, if any pains return or cartilage continues to deteriorate, increase your dosage. We recommend that mostly everyone take a double dose (1/2 oz. per day) for the first 7-10 days.
Q. My friend is allergic to shellfish, but has been taking glucosamine for four years now without any problem. Can she take Syn-flex?
A. Your friend can absolutely take Syn-flex. As long as glucosamine hasn't been a problem in the past, Syn-flex will be fine for her. (The antigen in shellfish that causes an allergic reaction has been removed from Syn-flex. Nonetheless, we encourage you to consult with your physician before using glucosamine.)
In fact, new research has shown that glucosamine is very unlikely to cause an allergic reaction in someone allergic to shellfish. In most cases, allergies are caused by proteins in shellfish, not chitin, a carbohydrate from which glucosamine is extracted. Furthermore, there is no crossover between the acid derived chitin from shells and the antigens that cause shellfish allergies since the acid process required to leach the chitin from the shell strips away the carbohydrate side chains that would be antigenic.
Q. I have never tried Syn-flex. What does it taste like?
A. Syn-flex has a tart green apple flavor. If you prefer you can mix it with your favorite drink. Some prefer to take a sip of water after using it.
Q. Is it true that Syn-flex will ease osteoarthritis pain in dogs, cats, and horses too?
A. Yes. Glucosamine was used to help with arthritis in horses many years before the beneficial effects for humans were known. Now with the high quality glucosamine, the liquid formula for maximum absorption, and the eleven other beneficial ingredients, your dog or cat's arthritis or hip dysplasia can be alleviated with Syn-flex.
Q. Do pets Like the taste of Syn-flex?
A. The large majority of dogs like the flavor and administration is very easy. In about 10% of cases, you may need to put the Syn-flex on a treat, mix it in with their food, or administer orally.
Q. What's the difference between Syn-flex and Syn-flex for pets?
A. In fact, they are the exact same product. The only difference is the dosage amount. The reason why we have separate "products" on the order form is so we can keep track of our sales.
Q. I am an athlete. Can Syn-flex benefit me?
A. Absolutely. (See our website and review the comments of some world-class athletes who use it.)
Q. Who is Activex America and how did you come up with Syn-flex?
Activex America was founded in 1999 by J.R. Rogers. In 1993, J.R. fell off a two story building and ended up with Spinal Stenosis and Secondary Arthritis in his neck. He tried pretty much everything he could find, but little helped and what did help often had very serious side effects. A friend of his was using a prototype liquid glucosamine to treat his thoroughbred horses and was using something very close to the Syn-flex formula to ease arthritis in his horses. J.R. tried some of the formula and within four days he noticed that his pain had been significantly reduced. Within about 15 days, his inflammation had subsided and he had much greater mobility in his neck.
J. R. began passing out samples to his friends and they were astounded by the results they were getting. He knew that this product was one that belonged in the hands of everyone who suffered from OA. He founded Activex America and beginning in July of 2001, Syn-flex was first made available to general public worldwide. It has been an incredible success with a rapidly growing audience of direct purchasers and wholesale buyers. In fact, Activex America is the largest direct-to-consumer retailer of liquid glucosamine in the world.
Q. My doctor specifically recommended taking Syn-flex. Are there many doctors who recommend Syn-flex?
A. Almost all doctors now are recommending glucosamine, and many are indeed specifically recommending Syn-flex. Generally they either use Syn-flex themselves or have heard great things about Syn-flex from their patients.
Q. I see that Syn-flex contains both Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine HCL. Why is Glucosamine HCL added to your product?
A. A medical study released in January of 2001 confirmed that glucosamine sulfate is clinically proven to assist those who suffer from arthritis. However, that is only part of the picture. Another medical study conducted several years ago compared the two ingredients. That study found the HCL form of glucosamine created even more cartilage components and may have a higher bio-availability. We have combined both ingredients to ensure you benefit from both. In fact, Syn-flex contains 1250mg of glucosamine per daily 1/4oz. dose.
Q. I know a lot of people who use it and they all swear by it. What makes Syn-flex so effective?
A. Certainly the ingredients themselves play a major role here. As well, it should be clear that a liquid formula is going to provide the greatest possible absorption into your system.
Q. What if there is NO cartilage left in a joint.... what can Syn-flex do....??
A. When there is no cartilage left, Syn-flex will regenerate as much cartilage as is possible. However, when a bone on bone situation has occurred it is very challenging.
Syn-flex will be your best shot at saving any cartilage that may be remaining and easing your pain. Additionally, if your cartilage in one joint has disappeared, you should be taking liquid glucosamine to protect other joints throughout your body.
If you are currently using NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors, I would suggest not taking these as you are putting yourself at risk for many severe side effects. Furthermore, there is recent research suggesting taking these will actually hasten the deterioration of your cartilage.
Q. I have noticed that pills and capsules usually contain both glucosamine and chondroitin. Does Syn-flex have chondroitin in it?
A. Yes. The shark cartilage is comprised of approximately 20% chondroitin sulfate.
Q. Why do you use Shark Cartilage to derive the Chondroitin Sulfate in Syn-flex?
A. The two most common compounds that are used for Chondroitin are Bovine (Cow) Trachea and Shark Cartilage. We chose to use shark cartilage over Bovine due to the risk of BSE (Mad Cow Disease).
Q. I know that most joint products contain glucosamine. What are some of these other ingredients all about?
A. All of the ingredients contained in Syn-flex are there because they assist in building healthy joints. Without going into a lot of detail about them, boswellin, yucca, and omega 3 & 6 fatty acids each contribute to joint health and fight inflammation. Manganese and ascorbic acid are added to aid your body's ability to produce and absorb glucosamine.
Q. Are there any special instructions other than what is on the label? Also, why are there slight changes in the color of the product?
A. You should not refrigerate Syn-flex. It has a shelf life of two years so you can certainly store it at a room temperature for that long. A slight change in color happens sometimes. It is simply something that happens naturally as a result of exposure to light.
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