The Tribune

By Dr Betty Adderley

Osteoarthritis is caused by breakdown of cartilage in one or more joints. When cartilage loss occurs, the joint can deteriorate to the point of having bone rubbing against bone, causing severe chronic pain, loss of mobility and sometimes disability.

For many years professionals have prescribed anti-inflammatory medication to patients suffering from osteoarthritis. Arthritis in any form can be extremely painful and debilitating, leaving those who suffer from it with no choice but to take whatever medication is prescribed for them.

Fortunately, a new study recently revealed that chondroitin sulfate could be equally if not better at supporting joint health, and delaying the progression of osteoarthritis than leading anti-inflammatory drugs .

The most common form of arthritis worldwide is osteoarthritis. In America alone there are approximately 27 million individuals of all ages affected by osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease in which cartilage around the joints weakens and breaks down, causing mild to severe pain and swelling around the joints. It most commonly occurs in the knees, hips, hands, fingers, feet, spine and shoulders.

The condition can become more painful over time, even crippling, and severely affect mobility.

Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are treatments that can help alleviate the pain, bring relief and comfort, and slow the process. Aside from the anti-inflammatory medications that often come with unwanted side effects, there is now compelling research that shows that chondroitin sulfate has the same ability as Celecoxib (a popular anti-inflammatory medication).

A study done in US recruited 194 persons suffering from osteoarthritis, who were either given 2,00mg per day of chondroitin sulfate or 200mg per day of Colecoxib. When the results were revealed, not only was chondroitin sulfate equally as effective as managing pain and stiffness, it also slowed the progression of the condition.

Youngevity Ultimate Gluco Gel, for example, combines 2,000mg of glocosamine with 1,200mg of chondroitin to help support healthy bones and joints naturally. When combined with the essential 90 nutrients, gluco gel could be extremely beneficial to those suffering from bone and joint problems in addition to support a long healthy life. Consuming the necessary amount os calcium, vitamin D and multi-minerals helps prevent osteoarthritis, and prevention is always better than cure.

• For more information, contact Dr Betty Adderley at 361-5435 or e-mail bett_on@yahoo.com. Dr Adderley is a veteran educator, trained counsellor, certified nutritionist, network marketing coach, weight loss consultant and motivational speaker.