Degenerative Joint Disease & Arthritis

The following statements have not been evaluated by the food and drug administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat or prevent any disease. The information below is provided for educational purposes only and is intended for the doctor’s learned consideration in the nutritional care of their patients. The purpose of the information presented here is to educate and in no way is it intended to substitute as medical counseling for individuals.

Osteoarthrosis… Hypertrophic Osteoarthritis… Degenerative Joint Disease… DJD… Osteoarthritis… OA…

No matter what you call it, Osteoarthritis is:

• The most common joint disorder
• The greatest cause of joint disability
• One of the top 10 disease burdens worldwide

Understanding the Causes of Degenerative Joint Disease: Degenerative Joint Disease is not an inevitable consequence of growing older. It develops when trauma, chemical stress and/or biochemical changes trigger a shift between joint cartilage synthesis and degradation.

Two important factors seem to play a role: reduced proteoglycans production and increased inflammatory catabolic cytokines in the chondrocytes and synovial cells. Low Vitamin D levels are now linked to Degenerative Joint Disease of the spine and chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Assessment of Degenerative Joint Disease: Diagnostic assessment of OA is still clinical observation and radiographic changes. However, new ultrasensitive C-reactive protein (hsCRP) has proven useful. One study found that patients with erosive OA averaged hsCRP levels of 4.7mg/L and individuals with nonerosive OA averaged 2.2 mg/L. Both patient groups were above the threshold for increased risk of systemic inflammation and the erosive OA group was well above the significant risk profile

1. Improve joint function by improving a patient’s diet and lifestyle:
Suggest walking 20 minutes a day. Reduce saturated animal fats from their diet; rich in arachidonic acid they produce a pro-inflammatory state in tissues. (See www.whfoods.com)

2. Have them eat a low glycemic diet rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients from fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Remove margarine, partially hydrogenated oils or transfatty acids from their diet; which are pro-inflammatory. Have them use high-quality oils; e.g. Olive Oil or Canola Oil.
Have your patients stop or at least reduce smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke:

3. Tobacco smoke contains 50 carcinogens and numerous pro-oxidants that cause chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can worsen the disease process.
As part of a healthy diet, provide your patients with a nutritional program to promote healthy joint tissue.

Management of Inflammatory Catabolic Cytokines:

Inflam-95: A highly concentrated blend of Standardized Herbal Extracts formulated to synergistically manage inflammation, reduce oxidative stress and reduce the catabolic cytokines and prostaglandins involved in the pain, swelling, and cartilage destruction of OA. An ideal product for DJD conditions; especially when combined with chondroprotective agents such as Glucosamine, Chondroitin and MSM. DOSAGE: 2 tablets 2 times daily

Super Omega-3: Improve your management of inflammatory prostaglandins by combining Inflam-Rx with Super Omega-3. This combination helps to promote a balanced and healthy eicosanoid synthesis improving OA management. DOSAGE: 3 to 6 soft gels daily

Vitamin D-1000: Current research has shown individuals develop DJD more readily when they have suboptimal tissue levels of Vitamin D. Suboptimal levels of Vitamin D have also been linked to chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders and increased systemic inflammation. DOSAGE: 1 tablet 2 times daily

Then Add One of the Following 3 Formulas……

Proteoglycans Production and Cartilage Synthesis:

Maximum-GCM: Provides clinically proven ingredients that support collagen synthesis, lubrication of the joints and assists in the inhibiting of many enzymes that break down the cartilage matrix. Ideal for OA management especially when combined with Inflam-Rx. DOSAGE: 3 to 4 tablets daily

Glucosamine 1000: Supplies concentrated levels of easily absorbed pure Glucosamine Sulfate which stimulates the synthesis of GAGs, proteoglycans and collagen. Supports healthy synovial fluid through synthesis of hyaluronic acid. Clinically effective dose in just two capsules daily. Combine with Inflam-Rx for better OA management. DOSAGE: 1 capsule 2 times daily

Chondroprotective Agents Combined with Herbal Extracts:

Bio-Flex II: A comprehensive blend of three chondroprotective agents; Glucosamine Sulfate, Chondroitin Sulfate and Methylsulfonyl-Methane (MSM), plus 5 Herbal Extracts to reduce inflammation and pain. Our best selling joint formula! DOSAGE: 2 tablets 2 times daily