MSM provides a ready source of bio-available sulphur that is easily
absorbed and transported within the body. The matrix of cartilage is
like a sponge that draws in water to act as a cushioning support.
Sulphur compounds are an essential part of the "sponge". MSM also plays
a part in production of collagen, the tough fibers within cartilage that
provides its strength. Being involved in all aspects of cartilage
formation, it is not surprising that MSM is found by many people to be
even more effective in healing cartilage when combined with Glucosamine,
as it is a natural substance found in high concentrations in our joint
structures. In issues such as tennis elbow, tendonitis, sports injuries,
and sprains, MSM can be particularly helpful.
MSM, Glucosamine, and Other Beneficial Nutrition: Glucosamine is part
of the structure of cartilage, ligaments and tendons. It is made by the
body, for which sulphur in an organic for is required. The rate of
Glucosamine production may be limited by diet or age. Glucosamine is a
much larger molecule than MSM and so less readily absorbed in the
intestine. Because of this it may be more efficient to take MSM with
Glucosamine to boost the body's won production of Glucosamine, than to
take Glucosamine alone. Clinical evidence supports taking a combination
of both MSM & Glucosamine for best effect.
Although there are several products on the market containing both
Chondroiton and Glucosamine, studies show that Chondroiton sulfate
consists of derivatives of Glucosamine sulfate, which are partially
hydrolized (called glycosaminoglycans), which are further attached to
sugars. These are long chemical strings, 50-100 times the size of
Glucosamine sulfate. Based on their size, according to recent studies,
these chemical strings will pass through a healthy human intestinal
lining with only 0 to 13% of the Chondroiton being ingested. Chondroiton
is quite expensive; a quality product with both Glucosamine and
Chondroiton would retail for about $45-$50 for 100 capsules. That
equates to expensive urine!
Certain vitamins may play a part in healing degenerated joints, and
taking these with MSM is likely to give greater benefit than taking
either independently. Vitamin C, like MSM, is very important in tissue
repair, and it is known to play a major role in making collagen. Vitamin
E assists the body's natural control of inflammation. A combination of
MSM and Vitamin E may be of great benefit, especially in rheumatoid
arthritis. B Vitamins have been used with success for arthritic
conditions in some clinical trials.
Essential oils of the omega-6 and omega-3 types can boost the body's
"firefighting" against inflammation too. Evening primrose oil and cod
liver oil may be very helpful especially in the short term. Regular use
of seed oils like sunflower oil, and oily fish in the diet is
recommended. For anyone not eating fish, fish oil capsules are will
worth while (or flax oil for vegans). Of the trace minerals, boron and
manganese have been found to protect against osteoarthritis and may help
to recover joint health.
Glucosamine and Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis, also known as
Degenerative Joint Disease, is the most common form of arthritis and is
one of the most prevalent disease in the United States today, affecting
some 40 million Americans. The joints most often affected are the weight
bearing joints, such as the knees and hips and the small joints of the
hands. The pain, deformity and limitation of movement in these joints
are the result of cartilage destruction (a progressive degeneration of
cartilage glycosaminoglycans) and the subsequent hardening and formation
of bone spurs. There are a number of reasons why osteoarthritis occurs,
the main reason being the cumulative effects of years of use of the
joints compounded by the inability, as we age, to restore joint
cartilage. Most of this reduced function can be directly related to the
nutritional status of the individual.
The current treatment of osteoarthritis includes the use of aspirin
and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen.
These medications provide only the short-term benefits in the relief of
both pain and inflammation of osteoarthritis. Unfortunately, a side
effect associated with these medications, though not often mentioned are
their inhibition of cartilage repair and acceleration of cartilage
destruction. Simply, aspirin and the NSAIDS suppress the symptoms but
accelerate the progression of the disease.
There may be an alternative for all those arthritis sufferers. It is
a natural substance found in high concentrations in our joint structures
known as Glucosamine. Numerous double blind studies have shown that
Glucosamine produces better results in the treatment of osteoarthritis
than traditional drug therapy. The main function of Glucosamine is to
stimulate the manufacture of substances necessary for joint repair. It
appears that some people lack the ability to manufacture Glucosamine and
this has been suggested as one of the major factors of leading to the
development of osteoarthritis. European researchers were the first to
study the link between Glucosamine levels and osteoarthritis. The
results are phenomenal.
MSM, Glucosamine, and Fibromyalgia: The combination of MSM &
Glucosamine serves as a natural analgesic or pain fighter. Therefore it
is commonly recommended by many physicians to relieve chronic pain
caused by arthritis and/or Fibromyalgia.
Suggested Usage: Dosage is generally in the range of 1.5-8 grams per
day in 2-3 divided doses. We suggest beginning with 2 capsules twice
daily.
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