News Letter
JOINT PAIN
New research shows the benefits of a glucosamine and chondroitin and Omega 3 fish oil supplements to a healthy diet!
Why should we take Glucosamine?
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most widespread joint problem, suffered by approximately 8 million people in the UK. It has now been shown that by adding a daily supplement (which should contain high quality glucosamine and chondroitin) to a healthy diet, the damage caused by OA may be halted or in some cases even reversed. Research has shown that during the early stages of OA cartilage cells, which protect the joints, are very active and repair mechanisms produce new tissue that can often counteract the damage.
The Glucosamine Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) co-ordinated by the University of Utah is the largest ever research trial carried out on this supplement, early results show a positive effect of glucosamine in combination with chondroitin for the treatment of OA.
The GAIT study involved 1,500 volunteers, who having experienced knee pain for at least six months preceding the trial, were randomly assigned to take a daily supplement of either, (1) 1,500mg of glucosamine (2) 1,200mg of chondroitin (3) a combination of both (4) a pain killer (5) a placebo.
Success was measured by a 20% improvement in pain scores following six months of treatment, the volunteers who benefited most in this study had the highest pain scores at the beginning of the trial period. It was found that using a combination of glucosamine and chondroitin gave better results than using pain killing medication.
Although medication for OA with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces pain, it does nothing to enhance joint repair mechanisms; it may also lead to irritation of the gastrointestinal tract and ulceration of the stomach. In contrast reports show that in those patients who received treatment including glucosamine and chondroitin, not only was progression of OA reduced but in some cases reversed.
When looking for a dietary supplement which contains glucosamine and chondroitin it is our recommendation that where possible it should be one which contains “glucosamine hydrochloride” as research has shown varieties which contain “glucosamine sulphate” may lead to poor absorption in some individuals and may also lead to gastrointestinal upset and diarrhoea.
Available in capsule form such as Synoflex or as a liquid from Healthcraft or other sources.
Why should we take Omega 3 Fish Oil?
The media is full of articles stating the benefits of these fish oils and why it is important to have adequate levels in a modern diet. We have selected a number of extracts from referenced articles in peer reviewed journals that explain their positive influences on the body.
Back pain and disc herniation: Fish oils aid in the inhibition of inflammatory factors which will aggravate and cause low back pain or sciatica. (Miyamoto, Nov 2002, SPINE)
Osteoarthritis: Supplementation with a high quality omega 3 has been shown to reduce the release of chemicals which increase the effects of degeneration in bones and joints. (Curtis, Oct 2002, ARTHRITIS and RHEUMATISM)
Contraindications: Fish oils thin the blood and should not be combined with blood thinning drugs such as Warfarin, always consult a pharmacist or your medical doctor if you are currently taking blood thinning medication.
The following products have shown to be of high purity and are therefore recommended:
1. MOR EPA 2. IQ 3. EFA MARINE
Look for an EPA to DHA ratio of 2:1 and consume approximately 1mg per day.
WHAT ABOUT COD LIVER OIL?
Cod liver oil does contain EPA and DHA, it also has the added value natural forms of vitamin A and D, however we must keep in mind the role of the liver in the body. The liver is the main detoxifying organ; it filters out chemicals and impurities in the blood which have entered the body via the food we eat. The cod’s livers are then made into oil which we consume as a way of getting desired levels of omega 3. Pharmaceutical grade fish oil is only from the flesh of oily fish. |
