August 2009 Archives

Glucosamine is the precursor to Glycosaminoglycans, amino acids that are naturally produced in your body to help form cartilage. Based on this, Glucosamine, in supplement form, is being used to treat joint pain stemming from osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is becoming vastly popular among arthritis sufferers as it is easily available at health food stores and pharmacies and is less expensive than some prescription drugs for joint pain. Although there seems to be mixed opinions in the medical world about how effective Glucosamine really is, patients have been singings its praises.

Is it safe?

Studies show that as a treatment for minor osteoarthritis pain, Glucosamine has been proven relatively harmless, though long-term use or use in large doses has not been studied enough to have any conclusive results. Some concerns you may wish to bring up to your doctor are if you are diabetic, as high levels of Glucosamine may interfere with blood glucose levels; if you are nursing or pregnant; or if you have a shell fish allergy. Many Glucosamine supplements are made from the shells of shellfish, and while an allergy usually occurs from eating the flesh of said fish, you may want to take precautions when using a supplement derived from the shells. There have not been any recorded problems from allergies recorded, but it is always best to monitor yourself to play it safe. As always, read the directions of the manufacturers and consult with your physician as well.

Does it work?

Early clinical tests in Europe were not well conducted, leaving dubious results; however, recent studies are proving to be promising to those with joint pain. Many doctors are skeptical of Glucosamine's healing abilities, as the clinic results look as though it works for "some" people "sometimes," but are not opposed to a person trying it, as it couldn't hurt. Full clinical studies are available online for you to examine the results for yourself. Other doctors are enthusiastic about its possibilities and would recommend it by itself or in combination with Chondroitin, which is often combined with Glucosamine in a supplemental form. When used in combination with physical therapy and other forms of pain management, these supplements can be very helpful. Often, patients will report that they don't notice a significant benefit to Glucosamine until after they have missed using it for a day or two. Many people, despite lack of scientific evidence, swear by Glucosamine and its benefits.

Conclusion?

Since Glucosamine is considered safe and has promising clinical study results, it would make sense to at least try it and see if you notice any significant difference in your joint pain. If it doesn't work for you, you can then try other more aggressive treatments for osteoarthritis pain and consult with your doctor. However, if it does work, you'll feel less pain in your joints and will be able to resume every day tasks without as much pain and stiffness. The risk is minimal, and the benefits could be substantial.

Experience lasting relief from joint pain! Check out the authors website at www.celadrinclub.com for more information you need to know on the latest medical breakthroughs.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - How Does Glucosamine Help Joint Pain?

Milk thistles are thistles of the genus Silybum Adans., flowering plants of the daisy family (Asteraceae). They are native to the Mediterranean regions of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. The name "milk thistle" derives from two features of the leaves: they are mottled with splashes of white and they contain a milky sap.^[1] However, it is the seeds of milk thistle that herbalists have used for 2000 years to treat chronic liver disease and protect the liver against toxins.^[2][3] Increasing research is being undertaken on the physiological effects, therapeutic properties and possible medical uses of milk thistle. ^[4]

Description and classification

Members of this genus grow as annual or biennial plants. The erect stem is tall, branched and furrowed but not spiny. The large, alternate leaves are waxy-lobed, toothed and thorny, as in other genera of thistle. The lower leaves are cauline (attached to the stem without petiole). The upper leaves have a clasping base. They have large, disc-shaped pink-to-purple, rarely white, solitary flower heads at the end of the stem. The flowers consist of tubular florets. The phyllaries under the flowers occur in many rows, with the outer row with spine-tipped lobes and apical spines. The fruit is a black achene with a white pappus.
Only two species are currently classified in this genus:

• Silybum eburneum Coss. & Dur., known as the Silver Milk Thistle, Elephant Thistle, or Ivory Thistle
  • Silybum eburneum Coss. & Dur. var. hispanicum
• Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertner, the Blessed Milk Thistle, which has a large number of other common names, such as Variegated Thistle.

The two species hybridise naturally, the hybrid being known as Silybum × gonzaloi Cantó , Sánchez Mata & Rivas Mart. (S. eburneum var. hispanicum x S. marianum)

A number of other plants have been classified in this genus in the past but have since been relocated elsewhere in the light of additional research.

S. marianum is by far the more widely known species. Milk thistle is believed to give some remedy for liver diseases (e.g. viral hepatitis) and the extract, silymarin, is used in medicine. Mild gastrointestinal distress is the most common adverse event reported for milk thistle. The incidence is the same as for placebo.^[5] A laxative effect for milk thistle has also been reported infrequently. ^[6]

Milk Thistle Nomenclature

Traditional milk thistle extract is made from the seeds, which contain approximately 4-6% silymarin.^[7] The extract consists of about 65-80% silymarin (a flavonolignan complex) and 20-35% fatty acids, including linoleic acid.^[8] Silymarin is a complex mixture of polyphenolic molecules, including seven closely related flavonolignans (silybin A, silybin B, isosilybin A, isosilybin B, silychristin, isosilychristin, silydianin) and one flavonoid (taxifolin).^[9] Silibinin, a semipurified fraction of silymarin, is primarily a mixture of 2 diasteroisomers, silybin A and silybin B, in a roughly 1:1 ratio.^{[10] [11]} In clinical trials silymarin has typically been administered in amounts ranging from 420-480 mg per day in two to three divided doses.^[12] However higher doses have been studied, such as 600 mg daily in the treatment of type II diabetes and 600 or 1200 mg daily in patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus.^[13][14]. An optimal dosage for milk thistle preparations has not been established.

Health benefits

For many centuries extracts of milk thistle have been recognized as "liver tonics.".^[15] Research into the biological activity of silymarin and its possible medical uses has been conducted in many countries since the 1970s, but the quality of the research has been uneven.^[4] Milk thistle has been reported to have protective effects on the liver and to greatly improve its function. It is typically used to treat liver cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis (liver inflammation), toxin-induced liver damage (including the prevention of severe liver damage from Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushroom poisoning), and gallbladder disorders.^[16].^[17] Reviews of the literature covering clinical studies of silymarin vary in their conclusions. A review using only studies with both double-blind and placebo protocols concluded that milk thistle and its derivatives "does not seem to significantly influence the course of patients with alcoholic and/or hepatitis B or C liver diseases."^[18] A different review of the literature, performed for the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, found that, while there is strong evidence of legitimate medical benefits, the studies done to date are of such uneven design and quality that no firm conclusions about degrees of effectiveness for specific conditions or appropriate dosage can yet be made. ^[19]

A review of studies of silymarin and liver disease which are available on the web shows an interesting pattern in that studies which tested low dosages of silymarin concluded that silymarin was ineffective^[20], while studies which used significantly larger doses concluded that silymarin was biologically active and had therapeutic effects.^[21]

Toxin-induced Liver Damage

Research suggests that milk thistle extracts both prevent and repair damage to the liver from toxic chemicals and medications. Workers who had been exposed to vapors from toxic chemicals (toluene and/or xylene) for 5-20 years were given either a standardized milk thistle extract (80% silymarin) or placebo for 30 days.^[22] The workers taking the milk thistle extract showed significant improvement in liver function tests (ALT and AST) and platelet counts vs. the placebo group.

The efficacy of silymarin in preventing drug-induced liver damage in patients taking psychotropic drugs long-term has been investigated .^[23] This class of drugs is known to cause liver damage from oxidation of lipids. Patients taking silymarin in the study had less hepatic damage from the oxidation of lipids than patients taking the placebo.

Amanita Mushroom Poisoning

The efficacy of thirty different treatments was analyzed in a retrospective study of 205 cases of Amanita phalloides (death cap) mushroom poisoning.^[24] Both penicillin and hyperbaric oxygen independently contributed to a higher rate of survival. When silybin [silibinin] was added to the penicillin treatment, survival was increased even more. In another 18 cases of death cap poisoning, a correlation was found between the time elapsed before initiation of silybin therapy, and the severity of the poisoning.^[25] The data indicates that severe liver damage in Amanita phalloides poisoning can be prevented effectively when administration of silybin begins within 48 hours of mushroom intake. In a recent 2007 event, a family of six was treated with milk thistle and a combination of other treatment to save them from ingested poisonous mushrooms. While five of the six made a full recovery, the grandmother showed liver recovery but was overcome by kidney failure related to the poisonous mushrooms. ^[26]

Other uses

Beside benefits for liver disease and treatment claims include:

• Used as a post (oral steroid) cycle therapy for body builders^{[citation needed]} and/or in the hopes of reducing or eliminating liver damage^{[citation needed]}
• Lowering cholesterol levels ^[27]
• Reducing insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes who also have cirrhosis ^{[28] [29]}
• Reducing the growth of cancer cells in breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.^[30]
• Used in many products claiming to reduce the effects of a hangover^[31]
• Used by individuals withdrawing from opiates, especially during the Acute Withdrawal Stage.^{[citation needed]}
• Used by those taking oral steroids

By Dr. Ronald M. Klatz

Thanks to today's contemporary lifestyle of fast foods, our 24/7/365 accessibility, and the growing pressures of many of us in our professional and personal lives, we have become a population of toxemics. "Toxemia" is the medical term that defines a condition in which our bodies accumulate poisonous substances to such a point that levels exceed the ability of our body systems to cleanse them away.

The liver is one of the most important components of the GI system, and may be considered as a vast metabolic factory. It processes proteins, carbohydrates, and fats, and synthesizes bile, glycogen and serum proteins that the body uses for metabolism. Most importantly, the liver is the key organ responsible for detoxification. A properly functioning liver protects the individual from both environmental and metabolic poisons.

The liver's role in detoxification is activated through the coordinated effort of two families of enzymes, known as cytochrome p450s and conjugation enzymes. Both types of enzymes require activation, and their levels must be kept in proper balance. The enzyme families work together as a team to progressively detoxify the body. The cytochromes p450s actually generate free radicals in order to accomplish their task. Left unchecked these can become harmful. The conjugation enzymes capture these free radicals, and inactivate them and prepare them for excretion.

Once a quarter (every three months), anti-aging physicians commonly recommend that their patients embark on a detoxification program. For liver purification, important nutrients include:

Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum, Carduus marianus): Used medicinally for more than 2,000 years, the well-known 17th century pharmacist Nicholas Culpeper recommended the plant for the treatment of jaundice as well as citing its use for opening "obstructions" of the liver and spleen. The active ingredient in milk thistle is silymarin, a mixture of bioflavonoids that is the most potent liver-protecting substance discovered to-date. On an intracellular level, silymarin inhibits liver damage in four key ways, and it stimulates the production of new liver cells. Studies demonstrate that administration of silymarin improved bilirubin levels of acute viral hepatitis patients in just five days. Studies have also shown it to benefit chronic viral hepatitis patients, reversing liver cell damage, increasing protein levels in blood and lowering liver enzymes, while ameliorating the discomfort and malaise commonly associated with hepatitis.

Studies since the 1930s, conducted mainly in Germany, confirmed that silymarin works to stabilize liver cell membranes and act as an antioxidant to protect liver cells from free radical damage. Sonnenbichler and Zetl demonstrated that it helps regenerate healthy liver cells and boosts the liver's ability to filter toxins from the blood. Results of studies by Ferenci et al and Velussi et al suggest that it may improve the quality of life, and possibly even life expectancy, of people with liver cirrhosis.

N-Acetyl L-Cysteine (NAC): A modified form of cysteine, an amino acid that is manufactured in the liver. N-Acetylcysteine is a powerful antioxidant that serves three functions: (1) it helps protect the liver from free radicals, (2) it is the nutritional precursor to the body's own vital glutathione and (3) it can act as a Phase II detoxifier. Glutathione, another amino acid, helps rid the liver of several potential toxins. As we age, eat poorly, incur stress and infection, glutathione levels decrease. NAC has been successfully utilized in treating acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity, and confers important immune-enhancing and antioxidant properties. There is also preliminary evidence to suggest that it may help to prevent colon cancer.

Proanthocyanidins: Bagchi et al found that proanthocyanidins present in grape seed extract were far superior to vitamin C and beta carotene in preventing DNA damage in liver tissue (47% protection by grape seed extract, versus 10% by vitamin C and 11% by beta-carotene).

Curcumin: A compound found in the Indian spice turmeric, curcumin has strong Phase II conjugation activity. It is also anti-viral and a strong antioxidant. New research demonstrates that curcumin may be able to slow down and destroy the blood cancer known as multiple myeloma. Researchers at the University of Texas Cancer Center discovered that curcumin down-regulated the nuclear factor kappa-B, present in all multiple myeloma cells and suspected to be the activator of this type of cancer. The researchers suggest that curcumin may help to both prevent and treat multiple myeloma, as lead researcher Dr. Aggarwal states that that "curcumin is an agent known to have very little or no toxicity in humans."

The liver is a miraculous component of the human body. Safeguard and maintain your body's well-being, reduce your susceptibility to infectious diseases, and regain energy and stamina by employing a simple program to promote the health of these unseen and underemphasized organs. A physician-supervised program for anti-toxemia also serves as an anti-aging regimen, as caring for the liver increases the odds of living a longer and healthier life.

REFERENCES:

A4M. Anti-Aging Desk Reference, appearing in Anti-Aging Therapeutics volume VII, 2005.

Assessment and Management of Hepatobiliary Disease, ed. L Okolicsanyi, G Csomos, G Crepaldi. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1987, 265-272

Bagchi D, Bagchi M, Stohs SJ, Das DK, Ray SD, Kuszynski CA, Joshi SS, Pruess HG. Free radicals and grape seed proanthocyanidin extract: importance in human health and disease prevention. Toxicology. 2000 Aug 7;148(2-3):187-97.

Blood 2003;101:1053-1062.

J Hepatol 1989;9:105-113.

J Hepatol 1997;26:871-879.

Ronald Klatz, M.D., D.O. and Robert Goldman, M.D., Ph.D., D.O., FAASP

http://www.MyLongLife.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dr._Ronald_M._Klatz
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Over recent years, glucosamine supplementation has obtained significant credibility both within the medical profession and also the general population. Either taken by itself or in combination with chrondroitin, glucosamine is taken by many to reduce the pain and discomfort of arthritic joints. It has also been promoted to athletes recovering from soft tissue injuries that it may result in repair of cartilage tissue. However does the available research advocate the use of glucosamine?

What is Glucosamine and why might it be beneficial to our joints?

Most brands of glucosamine supplements are produced from chitin, a naturally occurring polymer found in the shells of particular shellfish. Chemically, it is an amino monosaccharide, synthesised from L-glutamine and glucose within the body. It is normally purchased in one of three forms namely, glucosamine sulphate, glucosamine hydrochloride and N-acetyl-glucosamine and can be in the form of either a tablet or liquid supplement.

One hypothesis for the beneficial impact of glucosamine supplementation is that glucosamine is an amino sugar which is the critical building block of proteoglycans. These proteoglycans are large protein molecules that may behave in a similar way to a sponge to hold water providing connective tissues elasticity and cushioning effects. This permits a buffering action to assist protection against excessive joint wear and tear. With insufficient glucosamine in our bodies then our tendons, ligaments, bones and other body tissues would not be able to form properly.

Under normal circumstances it is believed we produce enough glucosamine from our diet to form the various building block compounds to produce the connective tissue and healthy cartilage. But either through reduced dietary intake or through the rate at which our bodies use glucosamine (because of activity, injury or age/chronic degradation), then a deficit can occur. When this arises then our bodies may not be able to produce sufficient glucosamine that can result in a decrease in the amount of synovial fluids, which help cushion joints.

Another hypothesis is that glucosamine may block the action of certain enzymes that may be indicated with osteoarthritis.

Researchers have been studying the effects of extra dietary glucosamine supplementation. Initial indications were that glucosamine was easily absorbed and did not have the side-effects associated with NSAIDs. However some animal research has indicated that glucosamine may worsen insulin resistance.

Research Results

To date there have been no research studies that definitively answer of how glucosamine actually works within the body. There has been no direct evidence of replacing or repairing cartilage or supplementation to the synovial fluid by any method. Some champions of glucosamine claim that there is a reduction in pain and inflammation but it is unclear how this happens and may just be a placebo effect.

There may well be some logic behind the view that if people with osteoarthritis are deficient in some component of cartilage formation then attempting to replenish the missing components may provide some benefits.

Much of the existing research is flawed and it is hard to draw definitive conclusions from research reviews because of inadequate sample size, lacking research methodology, different dose sizes, and, in some case, direct conflict of interest with the manufacturers.

Conclusion

The conclusions of research reviews are inconclusive. Glucosamine may have some beneficial effect in lessening the pain of osteoarthritis. Whether it offers advantages over NSAIDs or Cox-2 inhibitors has yet to be determined along whether any benefits are the result of physiological changes or merely placebo effect. Some medical professionals advise that clients take glucosamine sulphate (possibly in combination with chrondroitin) for around 12 weeks. If there are no significant reductions in symptoms after this time period then there is probably no point in continuing the supplementation.

There are a wide range of glucosamine products of significantly varying quality on the shelves so please read labels carefully and consult your health care professional before commencing taking any glucosamine supplements.

Richard Lane is a qualified remedial and sports massage therapist, providing mobile massage to the Inner West of Sydney. He provides website resources for Sydney Remedial Massage Therapists and also operates an Australian wide remedial massage directory including a listing for Massage Double Bay.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Benefits of Glucosamine

Nutrilite® Glucosamine Plus - 30-day supply

Improves joint function and builds cartilage.The only formula to address all three joint issues - discomfort, lubrication and cartilage.  Now you can feel the freedom! 180 tablets (30-day supply) Item #:103977

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By Keith Lewis

A vitamin is a complex mechanism. It is actually a working process of biological wheels within wheels of functional, interrelated, and independent components. A vitamin consists of not only the organic nutrients identified as the vitamin, but also enzymes, coenzymes, antioxidants, and trace element activators. Since enzymes are proteins, they must contain amino acids and trace minerals. In fact, every mineral needed by every living cell in our body is commonly found in a natural assemblage of vitamin concentrates. These activators or coenzymes may include trace elements such as manganese, cobalt, zinc, copper, molybdenum, selenium, vanadium, and so on. These components are effective only when in proper organic state. A vitamin supplement then cannot simply be an individual chemical or several chemicals. Supplements must be food concentrates, intact, integrated with their vitamin complexes incorporated so as to retain their functional and nutritional integrity. They must contain all the factors indigenous to the food that make up the vitamins organic unity in entirety. There are two general points of view when it comes to vitamin supplements. One, is the vitamin factors, as the parts can be made which could be synthesized, manufactured, and should be prepared in a chemically pure form in a high concentration or high potency. The result is a crystalline pure chemical, hardly resembling the original intricate vitamin complex. This is the principle followed by the drug or the pharmaceutical companies and most supplement companies. Unfortunately, most contemporary biochemical researchers and nutritionists believe and accept this fact the current published way of thinking that there is no difference between natural and synthetic vitamins, that the body knows not to know the difference. The other point of view, the natural vitamin point of view, is that vitamins are just like other food factors. They exist as extremely complex groups of associated substances of a synergetic nature and that if the complex is taken apart or fractioned, it no longer is capable of producing its normal nutritional and metabolic effect or function. In fact, these vitamin and mineral elements are so complex and multiplexed that their nutritional importance has been invariably discovered only by investigating the symptoms of physical degeneration and functional failures in animal and human subjects who are supplied with food, lacking some of these essential elements.

In summary, nature produces that which man cannot duplicate. Even when the chemical analysis is the same, there is still a difference that makes one alive, functional, and the other dormant, inactive, and basically dead. Synthesized vitamins and synthesized vitamin fractions are mirror image duplicates of just a portion of the real biologically active complex vitamin. Synthetic products of vitamins differ from natural products or vitamins in two basic ways. The synthetic product may resemble the natural product in one or more ways, but it is deficiency and definitely not the same thing. It is a false imitation. The synthetic product is always simple, isolated, chemical substance while the natural product is a complex mixture of related and similar and interdependent materials.

If you would like more information, you may visit our website at http://www.freehealthstrategies.com or consult your healthcare provider.

Dr. Keith E. Lewis, B.S.D.C. D.A.B.A.A.H.P., F.A.A.I.M.C. http://www.myhealthcart.com

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