Arthritis Chronicle July 2004

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The latest round of European studies regarding the use of glucosamine is not surprising. While these studies focused on post-menopausal women, there are important findings for men as well.

The Post-Menopausal Woman
As many of you may not know, glucosamine is a "prescription medication" in some European countries. In these studies, glucosamine sulfate was used to determine what impact it had on women who were post-menopausal. We will discuss that further below. It has been widely acknowledged that women over age 50 are prone to osteoarthritis of the knee. The researchers have speculated that this is caused by the loss of estrogen although there are no firm medical studies to confirm that fact. For purposes of this study, only women who had a diagnosis of osteoarthritis of the knee were studied. In this case study, 414 women were studied and most had entered menopause.

The Results?
What these studies found was that the use of glucosamine helped protect cartilage; slowed the progression of the OA; and, diminished symptoms such as joint pain. That, in itself, is significant but not surprising. However, these studies also confirmed some other interesting facts.

Knee X-rays
Although x-ray imaging is not perfect, the researchers found that those taking glucosamine did not demonstrate further loss of cartilage. Those in the "placebo" group did. As well, those in the latter group got worse. As this study confirms, glucosamine not only stopped the disease from progressing, but as well, it possibly reversed it. (I might caution that this was a three-year study so don't expect miraculous x-ray results short term.)

Those who were not taking glucosamine experienced a result that was opposite of those that did. Namely, their stiffness and other symptoms progressed.

Glucosamine Sulfate vs. Glucosamine Hydrochloride
These scientists concluded that it should not make any real difference if glucosamine sulfate or hydrochloride was used. The prescription glucosamine sulfate used in these studies was very similar to that sold over-the-counter in the U.S. Some products sold in the U.S. contain both.

Capsules vs. Liquid
It should be of interest that this study used a "capsule-form" of glucosamine. As any regular reader of this column knows, I strongly advocate the use of the liquid form for its greater bio-availability and absorption into the body.

The Impact of this Study for Both Sexes
While this particular study focused on post-menopausal women (since post-menopausal women have a high incidence of OA in the knee) the importance of these findings apply to men as well. It is simply part of the growing acceptance within the medical community that glucosamine plays a major role in maintaining joint health.

As these researchers pointed out, not only did OA of the knee improve with the use of glucosamine, it also benefited all joints in the body.

Learn more about glucosamine formula Syn-flex, our recommended glucosamine product.

Have Questions? Email me
I hope these tips have helped. Do not give up on the fight against your arthritis. I know pain can be extremely difficult, exhausting, and depressing. Please email me if you have any questions. I can be reached at . I will do my best to answer all questions within two weekdays.

We invite you to participate in our Arthritis Message Board Community. You can learn about arthritis, ask questions, get feedback, make friends, and build a support network of fellow arthritis sufferers. Visit the Arthritis Message Boards today!

Gazpacho
Vegetables are a must in every persons diet and for people with arthritis its a vital part. Vegetables are boring you say? Well, despair no more, here is a cool way to eat your vegetables! (Not too mention its a GREAT summer dish!)

2 tomatoes, chopped
2 cucumbers, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, chopped
2 8-ounce cans tomato juice
2 10-ounce cans consummé
1/3 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
Pepper and garlic salt to taste
Lemon juice to taste

Combine tomatoes, cucumbers, onion and green bell pepper in bowl; mix well. Stir in remaining ingredients.

Chill, covered, for 12 hours. Stir

Ladle into chilled soup bowls.

Gazpacho

Serves 6.

Per Serving:
Calories 158; Fat 10 g; Cholesterol 0 mg; Fiber 3g; Sodium 955 mg

Find this and other recipes at The Arthritis Foundation

These past months in The Arthritis Chronicle, I've talked about my Eight Day Arthritis Ecourse that I had written. I had originally intended to give this informational course away free for only one issue, but due to the tremendous response and good word of mouth this course has brought, I have decided to give it away at no charge.

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This concludes the July Issue of The Arthritis Chronicle. Look for the next issue in your inbox on August 1st, 2004! Please forward to any friends you know who have arthritis and would be interested.

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This newsletter may be republished article by article or in whole as long as credit is given to author and link is provided to http://www.arthritis-glucosamine.net/

Please note:
As readers of this Chronicle are aware, prudent exercise benefits those who suffer from arthritis. Most of the exercise recommendations made here are low impact in nature and designed to assist those who suffer from arthritis. Nonetheless, we always recommend that you consult with your physician before engaging in any type of exercise program.