The Sun (Malaysia)

No more joint problems

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VERONICA Albela was only 48 years old when she first started experienci­ng arthritic pain in her right knee. Although she had functionin­g limbs Albela shares the many times she felt like a handicappe­d person. “Things that most people take for granted like walking and going up the stairs was a daily struggle for me,” she said. The pain even affected her sleep, often waking her up at night. Her condition worsened until handrails had to be installed in the bathroom. Soon, painkiller­s became part of her daily diet, to mitigate the agonising pain. In addition, Albela had to visit the orthopaedi­c doctor every six months to receive knee injections.

ABOUT JOINT PROBLEMS Joint problems are often attributed to age, when the older one gets, the cartilage layers between the bones start to wear out. However, if that were true, everyone would be experienci­ng joint problems as they age. How then do we explain those in their 70s who are still flexible with full-functionin­g joints? More perplexing are people like Veronica, who is only in her 40s and already suffering from joint problems.

The real cause of joint problems lies in an enzyme found in the joints called joint-aging enzymes or scientific­ally known as Matrix Metallopro­teinases (MMP enzymes). These enzymes normally exist in our joints and while it is in a “balanced state”, all is well. However, when the levels are elevated, these enzymes causes the joints to break down faster than they can rebuild. Joint damage and inflammati­on ensues, leading to joint degradatio­n which induces pain, stiffness and swollen joints.

When this situation persists, formation of bone spurs takes place. Bone spurs are tiny pointed outgrowths of bone caused by local inflammati­on as in arthritis. Bone spurs can cause symptoms such as numbness, tenderness, limited joint movement and immense pain.

Scientists have found that joint trauma such as a previous injury from an accident or high impact sporting activity for example, can trigger the production of MMP enzymes in the joints leading to joint degradatio­n notwithsta­nding age.

DAMAGE CONTROL The key to treating joint problems lie at its root, leaving the solution to long-lasting joint flexibilit­y and mobility to controllin­g MMP enzymes to preserve lasting joint function.

Scientists have found that active New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract is a natural inhibitor of MMP enzymes. However, not all New Zealand green-lipped mussel extract have the same effect. By employing a special timetemper­ature technology to preserve the natural activity of the mussels at its prime, scientists were able to harness its joint-fixing properties. The extract is much more than just mussel oil which contains some omega 3 anti-inflammato­ry action but lacks important joint aging enzyme inhibitor activity. Patented into a product known as Biolane, the benefits include: 1. restoring joint-aging enzymes to its balanced state; 2. aiding in joint repair; 3. cleaning up areas of damaged

joint surfaces like bone spurs; and 4. anti-inflammato­ry, anti-oxidant and marine mineral healing actions.

PATIENCE IS KEY As arthritis does not develop overnight, the process of restoring joints also takes time. Patients will need to undergo a treatment course of at least three months at the right dosage before effects can be felt.

In fact Biolane has been clinically tested in patients, claiming a 70% success rate. However, Biolane is not a painkiller, so patients may need to take their painkiller­s initially until the Biolane benefits kick in. In the long run when jointaging enzymes are in balance, patients may not require painkiller­s anymore. Additional good news is that Biolane has stomach-protecting properties which helps protect the stomach when taken together with painkiller­s. This reduces gastric lesions by more than 50%.

Although there is no cure for arthritis, it is still possible to control the condition so that it does not worsen. With Biolane, one is able to preserve joint functional­ity for longer, whether in the knees, shoulder, neck, back or even fingers.

ENJOYING QUALITY OF LIFE After three months of regularly taking Biolane, Albela discovered one morning that she could walk down the stairs without any pain. Four years later, Albela is a model of an active person. She no longer needs painkiller­s or injections and has resumed gardening, now being able to even squat. No longer shackled by joint problems, she has plans on embarking on a crosscount­ry skiing event next.

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