Osteoarthritis Pain Relief and Prevention Information

Do you know?

* It is said that by 2020, 1 out of 5 15-year-olds in Australia and New Zealand will develop some complaints of arthritis.

* Nearly 1.6 million (5.5%) Australians were affected by osteoarthritis in 2004-2005.

* 42% of New Zealand hospital costs related to osteoarthritic complaints

* There are two types of osteoarthritis: primary osteoarthritis due to aging, while secondary osteoarthritis factors include genetics, obesity and sports injuries

What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?

Symptoms include pain, inflammation and stiffness that limit mobility and can impact your daily life. These symptoms are caused when the cartilage, the adhesive to the joint bone, breaks down over time and the bones come in contact with each other.

Long-term maintenance is important to protect the health of your joints. It has been found that Glucosamine is highly concentrated in cartilage and other connective tissue. The cartilage that produces the cells in our body can either synthesize glucose by itself or obtain it from circulating glucosamine (supplements). As we age, the body's ability to produce glucose is diminished. Combining with glucosamine sulfate can help repair and rebuild worn or damaged cartilage, which is associated with osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine sulfate has been proven clinically as effective as a prescription drug to relieve symptoms of mild and moderate osteoarthritis. But unlike pharmaceutical drugs that only manage symptoms, glucosamine helps slow the progression of the disease. In addition, certain prescription drugs have significant side effects.

Also Selenium and Manganese are important minerals for joints. Because the amount of selenium is naturally lowered in the soil, it is important to supplement your diet. Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant in manganese, good for bone health and acts as a cofactor in several metabolic and enzyme reactions.

Losing weight, proper diet, exercise and stretching are also important in maintaining healthy joints and preventing painful and debilitating osteoarthritis.

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