Shackled by joint problems
JOINT pain and arthritis are restrictive conditions that confine its “victims” by inflicting pain and discomfort. It also restrains them from doing what they enjoy.
Contrary to popular belief, joint problems occur not just because of wear and tear exhausting the layer of cartilage cushioning the joints.
Joint problems or arthritis is also a condition resulting from a biochemical imbalance
One of the key causal agents of this imbalance is the presence of joint ageing enzymes – scientifically known as matrix metalloproteinases or MMPs – in joints.
Everyone has certain levels of MMPs in the joints that exist in a balanced state.
Joint problems manifest when the levels of these enzymes become far increased, resulting in joints breaking down faster than they can rebuild.
MMPs further provoke the immune system to trigger inflammatory responses leading to inflamed, swollen, painful joints, which can lead to formation of bone spurs, causing limited joint movement and pain
Although drug companies are eager to formulate drugs that are able to inhibit these enzymes, side effects have deterred them.
Historical records showed that native Maoris living along the coast of New Zealand did not suffer from joint problems or arthritis owing to their diet of fresh, raw New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel.
In the 1970s, an extract from these mussels was produced, providing arthritic relief across the world.
As its mechanism of action could not be proven back then, it was branded a sham.
Only in the last 10 years, with advancements in biotechnology that it was possible to prove why the extract worked so well.
It was found to be a natural MMP inhibitor that helps control enzymes in a balanced state. When these enzymes are controlled, joints can begin to repair and “clean up” areas of damaged joint surfaces, including bone spurs.
The substance also has antioxidant properties and demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory actions, including preventing immune cells from indiscriminately attacking joints.
Although there is no cure for arthritis, it is possible to control the condition from surfacing too early or destructively.
The extract helps slow arthritis from progressing by controlling the MMPs in all joints – from knees to shoulders, neck, back and fingers.
As the mussel extract is not an analgesic, it has to be taken with painkillers before the benefits kicks in. In the long run, when the joint ageing enzymes are in balance, patients can stop taking painkillers.
The additional advantage is its stomachprotecting properties as the extract helps protect stomach when taken together with painkillers, leading to a reduction in gastric lesions by more than 50%.
This extract is used by medical prescribers in more than 25 countries worldwide and is now available in Malaysia.
This article is brought to you by the Nuvaceuticals Division of Nuvanta Sdn Bhd.
References
Lajeunesse D, Reboul P. Subchondral bone in osteoarthritis: A biologic link with articular cartilage leading to abnormal remodeling. Curr Opin Rheumatol. 2003;15:628–633
Nuki G. Osteoarthritis: A problem of joint failure. Z Rheumatol. 1999;58:142–147
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