Joint Health PackJoint/Connective Tissue Function*
Joint Health Pack combines several joint-supportive products in one convenient package. It supplies essential vitamins, minerals, herbs and other nutrients, including hyaluronic acid, designed to support the entire joint and musculoskeletal system.*
Rehab Support Formula contains not only the base formula of Douglas Laboratories' Ultra-Specific Nutrition 2000 Series that offers intensive support for the healthy functioning of the body in general, but also a blend of herbs and additional nutrients specifically formulated to expedite the healing process that follows injury to tissue structure and function. Rehab Support Formula provides a broad spectrum of synergistic proteolytic (protein-specific) enzymes: bromelain, trypsin and chymotrypsin. Proteolytic enzymes, also called proteases, are continuously active in reshaping the tissues throughout the body. Trypsin and chymotrypsin also participate in the normal wound healing process.*
In addition to proteolytic enzymes, Rehab Support Formula provides several nutritional cofactors that have important biochemical roles in normal wound healing. Vitamin C and bioflavonoids have functions in the formation and maintenance of healthy connective tissue. Zinc is important for normal immune function. Manganese as well as hydroxyapatite, mucopoly-saccharides, and chondroitin sulfate are involved in bone and cartilage repair. Bromelain, a protease from the pineapple plant, reduces the production of proinflammatory prostaglandins by modulating the arachidonate cascade. Its modulation of normal inflammatory processes may reduce the discomfort associated with injuries. Similar action is provided by chamomile and capsicum.*
Resvera-Gold combines several ingredients that help support healthy regulation of the inflammatory pathways, including resveratrol(a non-alcoholic polyphenolic constituent of red wine), curcumin (antioxidant compounds found in turmeric), quercetin, green tea and boswellia. Recent studies have demonstrated that resveratrol can modify normal inflammatory responses in human and animal cells by way of inhibition of the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways. In addition to the inhibition of these pathways, resveratrol was also found to induce significant inhibition of the adhesion of certain inflammatory cells, thus giving way to the assertion that it plays a major role in joint health.*
Studies have shown that curcumin, a naturally occurring biologically active group of compounds from Curcuma longa (Turmeric), can function as efficient antioxidants and can help regulate the body's normal response to inflammatory processes. Derived from various plant sources, including citrus fruits and eucalyptus, bioflavonoids, including quercetin, assist in keeping joints and collagen in a healthy condition. Inhibiting both cyclooxygenase and leukotrienes, bioflavonoids can assist the body in supporting joint and connective tissue health.*
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has been used for many centuries as a popular beverage worldwide. The polyphenols contained in tea, often referred to as catechins, appear to provide the primary health promoting benefits associated with green tea. One such catechin, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has many antioxidant properties, in addition to supporting the body's normal response to inflammatory processes as well.*
Preparations of the Boswellia plant have been used in traditional Indian medicine for joint health for hundreds of years. It is derived from the gum resin of the Indian frankincense plant. Studies have shown it to be supportive of both lung and liver health. Its usefulness is thought to be due to its ability to help support the body's normal inflammatory processes. Research shows that it appears to inhibit the lipoxygenase pathway, thus making it valuable tool in joint health.*
As joints age, hyaluronic acid, the fluid that provides lubrication between joints and connective tissue, begins to break down. Hyaluronic acid(HA) is a large polysachharide found in connective tissue. HA forms large, bulky molecular chains that allow joints to move smoothly and provides a cushion between the joints. Over time, this fluid begins to lose its bulkiness and often leaks from the joints, with the resulting friction causing discomfort. Initial (but as of yet unpublished) studies on horses and humans indicate that the oral form of HA may be useful for joint health.*
Glucosamine is a naturally occurring amino sugar found ubiquitously in glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans. Glycosaminoglycans, formerly named mucopolysaccharides, are an integral component of all connective tissues. Connective tissue, a fibrous type of body tissue, has various functions. It supports and connects internal organs (ligaments), forms bone, cartilage, and the walls of blood vessels, attaches muscles to bones (tendons), and replaces tissues that have been damaged following injury.*
Chondroitin sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan formed in the body, is also used for the synthesis and maintenance of connective tissue, primarily within the cartilage matrix. In addition, chondroitin sulfate protects existing cartilage by reducing water loss from the matrix and by inhibiting the enzymatic breakdown of the cartilage. Dietary MSM serves as a versatile donor of metabolically active sulfur for the synthesis of numerous organosulfur compounds and proteins in the body. As such, MSM helps maintain normal immune response, lung function, connective tissue metabolism, and muscle contraction.*
The degradation of arachidonic acid to certain leukotrienes and prostaglandins via the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways can cause an imbalance in normal inflammatory markers. By inhibiting the enzymatic activity of certain pro- inflammatory cytokines such as cyclooxygenase, the body's normal response to inflammatory markers can be moderated. Research indicates that astaxanthin, a natural carotenoid, may play an important role in the moderation of the body's normal inflammatory response. Human studies also have reported its usefulness in maintaining normal joint and connective tissue structure and function. As a powerful antioxidant, it also can help protects cells from oxidative and free radical damage.*
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