Did you know?
* It is predicted that by the year 2020, 1 in 5 people over the age of 15 years in Australia and New Zealand will develop some arthritic complaint.
* Almost 1.6 million (5.5%) Australians were affected by osteoarthritis on 2004-2005.
* 42% of hospital costs in New Zealand relate to osteoarthritic complaints
* There are two types of osteoarthritis: Primary osteoarthritis is due to aging, while secondary osteoarthritis factors include genetics, obesity and sporting injuries
What are the symptoms of osteoarthritis?
Symptoms include pain, inflammation and stiffness which limits mobility and can even impact your daily life. These symptoms are caused when cartilage, the smooth covering over bones in the joints starts to break down over time and the bones come into contact with one another.
Long term maintenance is important to protect the health of your joints. It has been found that Glucosamine is highly concentrated in the cartilage and other connective tissues. The cartilage producing cells in our body can either synthesise glucosamine themselves or obtain it from circulating performed glucosamine (supplements). As we age, the body’s ability to produce glucosamine decreases. Supplementing with glucosamine sulfate may help to repair and rebuild worn or damaged cartilage, associated with osteoarthritis.
Glucosamine sulfate has been clinically proven to be as effective as a prescription medicine for the relief of the symptoms of mild to moderate osteoarthritis. But unlike pharmaceutical medicines that simply manage the symptoms, glucosamine helps to delay the progression of the disease. Furthermore, certain prescription medications have significant side effects.
Also Selenium and Manganese are essential minerals for the joints. Due to declining amounts of selenium found naturally in soil, it is important to supplement your diet. Selenium acts as a powerful antioxidant whilst manganese, is good for bone health and acts as a cofactor in several metabolic and enzymatic reactions.
Losing weight, proper diet, exercise and stretching are also important factors in maintaining healthy joints and avoiding painful and debilitating osteoarthritis.