Hi, this is Amy Wallace. I will be a contributing writer to the Arthritis Chronicle every now and then. I have suffered from osteoarthritis in my knees for a little over three years now. In this issue I will be writing about the benefits of taking calcium.

Calcium is a major player in weight gain; stronger bones; osteoporosis; and lessening arthritis pain.

For those of you who are overweight, this comes as a real surprise. Did you know that calcium could actually lower your body fat? In clinical trials, females who were taking 1,000 mg. of calcium daily and were also consuming less than 1,900 calories had less body fat that those not ingesting calcium.

Why this happens is no medical mystery. Calcium serves to shut down certain hormones, which result in less fat being produced by the body and at the same time, increase the breakdown of fat. Of course, those who take adequate amounts of calcium have stronger bones and the odds of preventing osteoporosis are increased.

If you enjoy milk, you are not only gaining that all-essential calcium, you are also receiving Vitamin D that helps to ease the pain of arthritis.

If you are lactose intolerant, buy that group of products at your local grocery store. If you are not restricted, we recommend either no-fat or 1% low fat milk; yogurt (non-fat or fat free); and any reduced fat cheeses. Other great sources of calcium are fruit juices that are fortified with calcium. If you are not crazy about dairy products, black beans and spinach are also excellent sources of calcium.

In addition to calcium I have also used glucosamine with success. I use a product by the name of Syn-flex® and have had great results. (My knees certainly feel better.)

Glucosamine is able to rehabilitate cartilage, stimulate the production of synovial fluid, reduce inflammation and stiffness, and prevent arthritis from developing in other areas.

J.R. Rogers is the founder and President of Activex America, Inc. makers of Liquid Glucosamine Formula Syn-flex®