You may not have given it much thought but staying healthy during a vacation should start before you leave. Fortifying the immune response prior to leaving is the best health insurance you can have and will go a long way to ensure you enjoy your vacation and stay healthy and strong after you return home. When the immune system is working well, it protects us from a variety of infectious agents like bacteria, viruses, parasites, even tumors. The biggest disappointment for travelers, even more so than losing their luggage or getting sunburn, is having their vacation spoiled by illness. Imagine enduring the line-ups for the washroom on the flight home, plagued with a case of dysentery! How does one best ensure good health while traveling? The answer: fortify your immune response for two weeks before the trip, during the time away & for two weeks after you arrive home. What products would best suite your needs in this regard?

There are many immune boosting formulas on the market that are used to prevent or lessen the severity and duration of infection. The most important aim of an immune boosting or cold & flu product is to ensure that the body’s innate immune response is put on high alert 24/7. This will maximize your body’s immune response to infection and minimize your chances of becoming ill. A mixture of superior Beta-Glucans (1,3-D/1,6) derived from the cell wall of bakers yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and agaricus blazei murrill mushrooms has been garnering recent attention. This precise Beta-Glucan mixture with the added benefit of the immune boosting minerals zinc and selenium, with balanced copper is essential. The ingredients can be taken separately if they are in the right proportions; copper must be added as zinc depletes the body’s copper stores. However, you may find it more convenient to just get all of them together as fovinal. Add N-acetyl-L-cysteine as an antioxidant and glutathione precursor that breaks down mucus, boosts the immune system and has anti-inflammatory properties and you have an unbeatable formula.

On September 11th 2001 an event took place that forever changed the world as we know it; the infamous 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York City. That tragedy spawned national security efforts in every NATO country around the world, with a view to tighten up homeland security and prevent terrorist attacks. That tragic event also gave rise to unprecedented clinical research in immunology in an effort to fortify the human immune response should a terrorist attack of anthrax poisoning, bacteria warfare, or radiation poisoning from nuclear fall-out, occur. Much of the research was done by the US Military. The research was thorough and credible; they wanted to know what would best fortify the immune response; there was no corporation funding the research with pre-determined results in mind. The simple objective was to learn what substance would offer the safest and most effective protection. After testing hundreds of products, that substance, by a substantial margin, was Beta~Glucans (1,3-D/1,6). The results achieved with Beta-Glucans were so significant that some researchers believe an immune or cold & flu formula without Beta-Glucans, would now be considered irrelevant.

The research also concluded that not just any Beta~Glucans would work, the Beta-Glucan source must be of a high quality and not less than 70% pure, with the vital 1,3-D/1,6 linkage in their structure. The most effective & potent sources of Beta-Glucans are bakers yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and agaricus blazei murrill mushrooms. Today the largest stock piler of Beta-Glucans is reported to be the US Military. An exciting aspect of Beta-Glucans is the way they affect the human immune response to infection. Just how Beta-Glucans work to protect the body will be the subject of another article. Those looking to fortify their immune response effectively should look for products containing quality sourced Beta-Glucans or preferably fovinal, which has quality Beta-Glucans with the added benefit of zinc, copper & selenium.

Dr. T. Stokes, PhD Biochemistry, BSc;  natural products researcher.

No one wants to be sick but we all get run down from time to time. Some of us seem to catch every bug that comes around while others seem forever healthy. What makes some of us more susceptible to infection?  The answer lies not only in our different life styles but also in the body’s immune response.

We all know that we should wash our hands frequently and keep them away from the face where the eyes, nose and mouth are entry points for infection. We also know that eating nutrient rich foods and getting regular exercise is important. Stress can also predispose us to disease. Learning to relax is subjective; what is found stressful for one person may not be nearly so stressful for another. What can we do if we do not always eat right, get regular exercise or are unable to relax? The answer is we can fortify the immune response by supplementing with Beta Glucans, Selenium, Zinc and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. These nutrients are essential for a strong immune response to fight disease and infection.  As we age our body’s ability to fight pathogens deteriorates, this makes supplementing the immune response all the more important.

Dr Paul Clayton says in his article Bird ‘Flu and Beta Glucans:

The beta glucans’ ability to activate macrophages has been extensively tested and has been shown to protect animals such as mice against otherwise fatal infections. Trials have shown the same substantial protective effects in human infections also. Looking at the references above shows that most of the key studies had already been completed by the mid-1990s; but the work was not thought to be commercial and was not developed for clinical use. Antibiotics still ruled the roost and were highly profitable for the drug companies, while yeast/fungi extracts were cheap and belonged to everybody. This meant that none of the drug companies were interested in investing in them. The US Army, however, was taking careful note. Starting in the late 1980s, it ran an exhaustive test programme to measure the immuno-protective effects of beta glucans and over 100 other immuno-stimulants, and as recently as 2004 reported that the beta glucans were the most effective of them all. Not only did they protect against infection with bacteria and viruses, they also conferred protection against radiation injury.

The collective use of Beta Glucans, Selenium, Zinc and N-acetyl-L-cysteine can help prevent a cold or flu from taking hold in the first place and will lessen the severity and duration of a cold or flu if it does take hold. These natural ingredients will strengthen your immune response to reduce the incidents and severity of a number of bacterial and viral infections including zoster, shingles, cold sores and herpes outbreaks. Those diagnosed with HIV are well advised to fortify their immune response with Beta Glucans, Selenium, Zinc and N-acetyl-L-cysteine. This does not mean we should ignore the basics of washing our hands, exercising and eating well– add Beta Glucans, Selenium, Zinc and N-acetyl-L-cysteine to this routine to fortify the immune response and enjoy supreme health.

Dr. T. Stokes – Natural Health Clinical Researcher / PhD Biochemistry

Est-ce vraiment une formule rhume et grippe?

Est-ce la formule rhume et grippe que vous prenez est vraiment pour le rhume et la grippe ou est-ce seulement une autre formule immunitaire stimulant? La plupart des formules rhume et grippe n’ont rien en eux qui s’adresse aux rhumes ou symptômes de la grippe, la plupart sont conçus pour améliorer le système immunitaire, qui logiquement nous garde sains et moins susceptible d’attraper un rhume ou une grippe. Un système immunitaire fort peut bien sûr raccourcir la durée d’un rhume ou la grippe. Une vrai formule contre le rhume et la grippe devrait non seulement renforcir la réaction immunitaire, mais aussi traiter les symptômes spécifiques du rhume et de la grippe. Par exemple la N-acétylcystéine est un ingrédient sûr, naturel, dérivé de l’acide aminé cystéine simple. N-acétylcystéine est un précurseur du glutathion, qui, elle soulève les niveaux de glutathion. Les lymphocytes (petits globules blancs) dépendent du glutathion pour le bon fonctionnement du système immunitaire. En plus de jouer un rôle important à fortifier la réponse immunitaire, la N-acétylcystéine contribue à la décomposition du mucus, ceci en soulageant la pression, ce sentiment étouffant dans la tête, la poitrine et les sinus. Cet ingrédient est obligatoire pour tout médicament contre le rhume et la grippe.

Pour renforcir la réponse immunitaire encore plus, aucune formule ne devrait pas être sans bêta-glucanes, qui est probablement le facteur le plus important pour stimuler la réponse immunitaire des microbes, virus, bactéries et autres agents pathogènes. Le système immunitaire a deux composants, la réponse immunitaire innée et la réponse immunitaire acquise. Dans le système immunitaire inné, les bêta-glucanes se lient avec les macrophages (un type de globules blancs dont le rôle est de détecter des intrus et de coordonner la défense du corps contre eux). Lorsqu’il est activé par le bêta-glucane, les macrophages vont en état d’alerte élevé et leur capacité à identifier et détruire les pathogènes envahisseurs est intensifiée. La recherche montre que les macrophages fortifiée par des bêta-glucanes sont les meilleurs à rallier les défenses du corps. La santé et la force de votre système immunitaire affecte directement votre corps dans sa capacité de se protéger. Les bêta-glucanes vont soutenir votre système immunitaire et l’aider à atteindre des performances optimales. Pour véritablement renforcer la réponse immunitaire, assurez-vous que le médicament contre le rhume et la grippe ait une bonne source de bêta-glucanes.

Quelles sont donc les meilleures sources de bêta-glucanes? Deux écoles de pensée tout aussi valable soutiennent les bêta-glucanes provenant soit de levure ou de champignons. Bien sûr, cela soulève la question évidente, quelle source de levure est le mieux et quelle est la meilleure source de champignons? La réponse brève est la Levure de Boulanger (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) et le champignon Agaricus blazei.  La teneur en bêta-glucanes dans la levure de boulanger est plus élevé et supérieur à la levure de bière. La levure de boulanger contient a la fois les branches 1,3-D1, tandis que la levure de bière manque les branches 1,6 vital. Le champignon Agaricus blazei, originaire du Brésil et maintenant transplanté au Japon a longtemps été connu pour ses propriétés immunitaires  rehaussé et son contenu supérieur de bêta-glucanes. Il est important que vous vérifiiez la source pour être sûr que vous obtenez des bêta-glucanes efficaces de l’une ou l’autre de ces deux sources.

Il est bien prouvé que le zinc et le sélénium sont deux des minéraux les plus importants pour améliorer un système immunitaire sain. Ces deux minéraux sont également une obligation dans votre formule stimulant immunitaire. Gardez à l’esprit que le zinc a tendance à appauvrir la réserve de cuivre. Il serait avantageux de compléter avec du cuivre, ou venir chercher du médicament contre le rhume et la grippe qui a déjà une bonne quantité de cuivre ajouté. Le ginseng est également connu pour ses propriétés fortifiantes immunitaires. La racine de ginseng nord-américain (Panax quinquefolium) est supérieure et de loin le type le plus efficace du ginseng pour fortifier la réponse immunitaire du corps. Dans plusieurs études cliniques, l’ingrédient actif ginsénosides du ginseng Nord Américain améliore la fonction des cellules jouant un rôle dans l’immunité.

Qu’en est-il de l’échinacée, vitamine C, extrait de pomme de pin, Andrographis, arabinogalactane, etc? Ce sont tous de bons choix secondaires à envisager de prendre, avec le zinc, le sélénium, le bêta-glucanes, ginseng nord-américain et de N-acétylcystéine pour le rhume et la grippe et l’amélioration du système immunitaire. Rappelez-vous la prévention est toujours mieux que guérir; envisagez de prendre un bon médicament immunitaire pour fortifier pendant la saison des rhumes et des grippes avant d’attraper quelque chose et surtout si vous voyagez à l’étranger ou allez en vacances ou voyage d’affaires. Rappelez-vous aussi de vous laver les mains fréquemment.

Dr T. Stokes, Ph.D. biochimie, BSc, chercheur produits naturels.

Research shows that an extract from the New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus) is effective in relieving the symptoms of both rheumatoid and osteo forms of arthritis. These important studies used laboratory and clinical trials, and treated both human and animal subjects. How the modest mussel does so is an interesting story, and is one of the indications of the powers of nature, in particular those powers occurring in our seas, to provide remedies for many diseases.

The mussel extract, called GlycoMarine, has natural anti-inflammatory properties; inflammation is linked to all forms of arthritis. The important thing about the extract’s antiinflammatory activities is that it works at a low or moderate level. This sounds strange since it might be thought that having potent, high activity would be ideal. However, a therapy that provides a range of anti-arthritic activities at a lower level can be significantly more effective because it addresses the disease slowly and progressively and, equally important, does not create serious adverse side effects. It is sometimes the extreme power and intensity of a medication that, while giving rapid relief of disease symptoms, triggers other undesirable outcomes. An analogy might be if you replaced the regular gasoline in your car with aviation fuel to speed-up the commute home and in doing so, ruined your engine shortly after in the process.

Most of the anti-inflammatory activity in GlycoMarine is due to a carbohydrate complex which has the ability to stop neutrophils and Tcells from emigrating from blood vessels. This means that your immune system’s soldier cells (neutrophils and T-cells) won’t be able to escape from the bloodstream to mistakenly attack the body’s own cells when an inflammatory stimulus is present. Though the function of neutrophils and T-cells is vital for human survival to ward off invaders, they can “overshoot” requirements, creating inflammation where it’s not appropriate. Reducing their activity therefore helps to lessen inflammation and reduce arthritis symptoms. This same mechanism is performed by some anti-inflammatory drugs.

The second anti-inflammatory activity of GlycoMarine is due to the effect of the natural content of some long chain fatty acids on specific enzymes within the body. The body uses these cyclo-oxygenase (COX and LOX) enzymes to make necessary chemicals called prostaglandins, prostacyclins, thromboxanes and leukotrienes. There are two forms of COX enzymes. COX-1 is a natural component of healthy tissue. It performs important functions in our body. The other form, COX-II, is induced when a disease, such as arthritis, occurs in the tissue and it produces pro-inflammatory prostaglandins. Another type of enzyme creates pro-inflammatory leukotrienes. Again though these chemicals are vital to create inflammation, which is the body’s natural method of fighting disease and infection, it is desirable to reduce these enzyme activities when the body is over-reacting and has waged war on its own cells.

Once again, it is very important that inhibiting these enzymes is done at a moderate level, not a high level. The reason is that the COX-1 functions also produce thromboxanes which can cause cardiovascular problems. The COX-II form also happens to produce prostacyclins and these help to reduce the effects of the undesirable thromboxanes! These immune- and enzyme-related functions are critically involved in arthritis; and it is important to help balance the opposing sides, but at a moderate and conservative level.

In addition to these activities, because it is from the sea, GlycoMarine contains natural mineral salts that are soluble and easily absorbed by the body. Some of these minerals such as boron, manganese and copper are anti-inflammatory in their own right.

GlycoMarine has also been found to have natural gastro-protective properties. This means that not only does it not damage the delicate stomach lining as some drugs do, but actually provides protection. Thus the mussel extract is able to relieve the inflammatory symptoms associated with arthritis while protecting the stomach from the damaging effect of some pain-relieving medications.

GlycoMarine also naturally contains glycosaminoglycans, which is the name for a group of polysaccharides (complex sugars). Glycosaminoglycans are used by the body  to create compounds called proteoglycans. The proteoglycans have a very strong affinity for water molecules in the joints, to which they bind and form very large, slippery molecules. The function of these large molecules is to act as shock absorbers and also as lubricants in the joints. There is a possibility that these glycosaminoglycans found in the mussel extract might also help to rebuild the body’s cartilage.

To maximize the effectiveness of this natural medicine, GlycoMarine works well in combination with other ingredients, particularly Kolla2 (unhydrolyzed Type II Collagen), Myrisitn (Cetyl-myristoleate) and Hyaluronic acid. It is the combined effects of the natural bioactive components in these ingredients that provide antiinflammatory activity, protection for joints and the stomach lining, and natural lubrication to reduce the degenerative processes in the joints.

JE Croft, LRCS, MRSNZ, FRSH, is a Licenciate of the Royal Society of Chemistry (London, UK), a Member of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Fellow of the Royal Society of Health (London, UK), a published author and specialist in marine-based natural therapy.

One of the most natural ways to help slow down the degenerative, deforming, and disabling effects of arthritis is to improve your body’s overall nutrition. Most people today are significantly lacking in the essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that the body needs to maintain all areas at healthy levels. The role of nutrition cannot be understated, as our immune system relies on these to repair imbalances in the body. With the right nutrition and lifestyle, cartilage will not thin or degenerate nearly as quickly, if at all. As well, a strong immune system will keep inflammation, bacteria, and viruses, at bay.

Even people who have already developed arthritis can benefit from lifestyle changes. Eating the proper foods and taking nutritional supplements can repair, rebuild, and strengthen the cartilage that protects your bones from rubbing together. It is said that 60% of people who are diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis, will become disabled within ten years. By simply changing, as early as possible, how they treat their body, many would be helped to continue with normal life activities beyond that average. Some have reported that their arthritis has actually reversed. If your arthritis is caused by infections, proper dietary considerations to address those problems may be needed.

The best changes you can make to your daily eating habits involve reducing or eliminating simple sugars and starches, adding more fresh fruits and vegetables, and eating healthy proteins and fats. Many people feel making dietary changes is a difficult thing for them to do, but once they start feeling the beneficial effects, they are usually amazed and become completely devoted to those new changes.

In addition to boosting your nutrition levels, adding exercise is almost universally recommended as a natural way to treat arthritis symptoms and side effects. Low impact exercises which work to move and strengthen your joints without jarring or stressing them are the best. Swimming for example is an excellent all body exercise method, as is walking – and neither activity is overly stressful on the arthritic joints. Most of the body’s joints are avascular, meaning they do not have their own blood supply to provide nutrients and remove waste; the only way this essential process occurs is through the kind of regular movement we get from exercise.

You can also boost your body’s nutrition levels, to help clear up joint problems faster, by supplementing your dietary changes with natural medicines designed to clear up the synovial fluid, lubricate the joints, repair cartilage. These natural medicines can act as a natural anti-inflammatory without eroding the stomach lining. GlycoMarine™, an extract of the New Zealand greenlipped mussel Perna canaliculus, Kolla2® unhydrolyzed Type II collagen, hyaluronic acid, white willow bark extract and Myristin®, a cetylated fatty acid more commonly know as cetyl-myristoleate, are examples of the kinds of natural medicines that have such properties and are thought to be among the most effective in bringing the joints back to health.

You must bear in mind that a disorder that took 30 years to develop will not be remedied overnight. In fact the changes you make to address your arthritis disorder may be needed for life. However depending on the severity, you can expect to be on a 3 to 4 year program of supplementing your improved diet and life style with a combination of these natural medicines in order to bring you joints back to health.

Dr. T. Stokes – Natural Health Clinical Researcher / PhD Biochemistry

La sensation de brûlure lorsque vous pliez les genoux, ou la hanche enflammée quand vous marchez plus d’un bloc, sont tous des symptômes trop familiers pour ceux qui vivent avec l’arthrite jour après jour. Il est important de prendre contrôle pour gérer votre douleur si vous souffrez d’arthrite.

L’exercice? Serait-ce jeter de l’huile sur le feu?

Croyez-le ou non, La Société de l’arthrite recommande l’exercice comme un moyen pour aider à maintenir des articulations saines, il devrait être considéré comme un des éléments d’un programme de traitement. Le cartilage articulaire n’a pas son propre approvisionnement de sang pour lui apporter les nutriments et éliminer les déchets. Ce travail est doublement fait par un mouvement musculo-squelettique, qui provoque la compression et l’expansion dans l’articulation. Le cartilage articulaire peut être comparé à une éponge assis sur la plage. Lorsque le mouvement de votre jointure est utilisé dans sa gamme complète, c’est comme si le courant des marées viendrait laver les nutriments du cartilage. Lorsque vous déplacez l’articulation, il éprouve une pression mécanique qui écrase les déchets. Si le cartilage articulaire n’est pas régulièrement alimenté en nutriments, il meurt de faim et s’effrite. La zone autour de l’articulation est chargée de muscles, tendons, ligaments et autres tissus mous assortis. Si ceux-ci ne font pas assez d’exercice, ils rétrécissent, se raidissent, s’affaiblissent et, malheureusement, causent des douleurs. C’est pourquoi l’exercice est essentiel pour gérer la douleur. Courir les marathons et faire de l’escalade ne sont pas recommandés, mais la marche et le jardinage sont des choix possibles. Travailler avec un entraîneur personnel peut être bénéfique à fournir un programme d’entraînement personnalisé qui répond à vos besoins médicaux. Parlez-en à votre médecin au sujet d’un programme d’exercice approprié dans le cadre de votre traitement.

Les suppléments, que peuvent-ils faire pour vous?

Il y a des substances naturelles qui gagnent du terrain comme des ingrédients importants de deuxième génération qui peuvent soulager les symptômes de l’arthrite. Recherchez ces ingrédients actifs lors de l’achat de vos suppléments de santé.

GlycoMarine est composé d’un élément anti-inflammatoires appelé complexe glycogène. Ceci a été démontré par des techniques pharmacologiques, utilisées dans l’évaluation des produits médicinaux, à avoir un effet important pour supprimer l’inflammation. Ce composé protège contre la dégénérescence du cartilage des articulations et améliore sa fonction articulaire et sa mobilité grâce à ses propriétés uniques chondro-protectrices. Une autre caractéristique importante de GlycoMarine est qu’il n’endommage pas la paroi délicate de l’estomac et fournit effectivement une fonction de protection pour elle. GlycoMarine aide à soulager les symptômes inflammatoires associés à des maladies arthritiques. Simultanément, il protège l’estomac contre les effets négatifs de certains analgésiques, si une personne devait en prendre au même moment.

Kolla2 est le collagène non hydrolysé du type II. Celui-ci fournit les acides aminés essentiels qui préservent l’eau dans la matrice intercellulaire du tissu conjonctif. Il contribue à l’élasticité de la peau, les yeux, les articulations et le système cardiovasculaire. La recherche a démontré que le collagène du type II est perdu progressivement dans la polyarthrite rhumatoïde et l’arthrose. Kolla2 offre le composant complet pour la bonne santé du cartilage et des articulations.

Myristiques (cétylique Myristoleate, également appelé CM ou OCM) a été découvert en 1964 par le chercheur Harry Diehl W., qui a travaillé pour le US National Institutes of Health. La molécule CM est un ester d’acide gras de l’alcool cétylique et de l’acide myristoléique, à ne pas confondre avec de l’acide myristique. Il semble avoir les mêmes caractéristiques que les acides gras essentiels, inolenic linoléique et alpha, sauf qu’elle est plus forte et plus durable. Ces acides gras sont appelés acides gras essentiels (AGE) car le corps humain ne peut pas les faire et nous devons les ingérer dans notre alimentation. L’utilisation des AGE sur une longue période de temps a démontré la diminution de la douleur arthritique et de l’inflammation, ainsi que l’amélioration de la mobilité.

L’acide hyaluronique (HA) joue un rôle essentiel pour maintenir et régulariser l’humidité dans les tissus, facilite le transport des nutriments dans les cellules et élimine les déchets métaboliques. HA se trouve dans tous les tissus du corps. Les plus fortes concentrations se trouvent dans la matrice extracellulaire de la peau et le liquide synovial qui baigne les articulations et le cartilage. HA a les plus grandes propriétés lubrifiantes de toutes substances; une molécule d’HA a la capacité d’attirer 1000 molécules d’eau. Un niveau optimum de HA est essentiel pour la santé des articulations et du cartilage. HA rétablit la lubrification et l’amortissement des articulations.

Quelle que soit la cause de l’arthrite, il s’agit d’un type de douleur lancinante, raidissante, et flamboyante que les malades s’efforcent d’apprivoiser. La Société d’arthrite suggère que les thérapies complémentaires, comme l’acupuncture et des exercices légers, peuvent être bénéfiques. Les patients sont incités à consulter leurs médecins et faire une recherche approfondie sur les thérapies complémentaires qui peuvent fournir un allégement supplémentaire.

Dr T. Stokes – Chercheur de santé naturels clinique / Biochimie doctorat

Si vous êtes un “bébé-boumeur” la vérité douloureuse est que, plusieurs d’entre vous probablement ont déjà ou vont avoir de l’arthrite. Nous sommes tous familiers avec le mot arthrite, mais est-ce que vous pouvez reconnaître quelques indicateurs de son impact? Vos doigts sont raides, vos genoux sont douloureux lorsque vous vous penchez, il y a une douleur harcelante dans vos épaules et vos hanches commencent à faire mal lorsque vous marchez plus qu’un coin de rue.

La maladie de l’arthrite a une variété de causes possibles, et elle est souvent associée à l’âge ou causée par une blessure ou du surmenage chronique musculoquelettique. L’arthrite peut aussi être causée par une anormalité de la structure squelettique, une accumulation de calcium et/ou une formation de cristal d’acide urique dans les jointures. De plus, le dysfonctionnement du système immunitaire et les infections des jointures, ou infection du rein, cœur, foie, thyroïde ou des poumons peuvent aussi contribuer au problème de l’arthrite.
Plusieurs produits naturels incluant de la glucosamine, du chondroïtine et du MSM (méthyle sulfonyle méthane) sont sur le marcher depuis de nombreuses années comme traitement de l’arthrite. Il y a cependant d’autres substances naturelles, plus efficaces, mais peut être moins reconnues, qui gagnent du terrain comme combattants de deuxième génération dans la guerre contre l’arthrite. Des substances comme du GlycoMarine, un extrait de la moule aux orles verts de la Nouvelle-Zélande, Perna canaliculus, Kolla2, un collagène type II provenant du cartilage de poulet, Myristine (cétylique myristoléate), qui est un acide gras ester d’alcool cétylique et d’acide myristoléique, et un lubrifient puissant appeler Acide Hyaluronique une substance trouvée dans notre corps.

GlycoMarine

Le GlycoMarine est un glycogène complexe qui cible la douleur de l’arthrite et les maladies de jointures. Le GlycoMarine est supérieur au produit de base sulfate glucosamine-chondroïtine parce qu’il est multifonctionnelle et a une activité anti-inflammatoire sensiblement plus grande. Le composant anti-inflammatoire principal dans l’extrait est un glycogène complexe, qui a démontré, par des techniques pharmacologiques standards utilisées dans l’évaluation des produits médicaux, d’avoir un effet significatif dans la suppression de l’inflammation. Ce composé démontre uniquement des propriétés chondroprotecteurs, qui défendent les jointures contre la dégradation du cartilage et améliorent la fonction et la mobilité des jointures. Une autre caractéristique de grande valeur du GlycoMarine est qu’il a des propriétés naturelles gastro-protectrices. Ce qui veut dire que, non seulement il ne dommage pas la muqueuse fragile de l’estomac; il fournit en fait une fonction protectrice pour celle-ci. Donc ce produit est capable de soulager les symptômes de l’inflammation associés à la maladie de l’arthrite tout en protégeant l’estomac des effets néfastes de certains analgésiques, si la personne trouve nécessaire de prendre ces derniers en même temps.

Kolla2
Le collagène Type II est la structure protéïnique la plus abondante trouvéé dans les jointures. Le Kolla2 un collagène Type II non hydrolisé qui alimente nos jointures avec des acides aminés vitales (la protéine construit des blocs de cartilage), glucosamine, chondroïtine, et de l’acide Hyaluronique (HA) pour maintenir l’eau dans matrice intercellulaire de tissue connectif, qui contribue à l’élasticité de la peau, la flexibilité des jointures et supporte la santé cardiovasculaire. Les recherches ont démontré que le collagène de Type II diminue progressivement, tout comme le mucopolysaccharides chez les patients qui ont de la polyarthrite rhumatoïde et l’arthrose. L’arthrose est la forme la plus connue d’arthrite et affecte plus de 40 millions de Nord Américains, il est caractérisé par la dégradation des jointures, perte de cartilage, changement de l’os subchondrial et le dommage à la matrice extracellulaire. Prendre un supplément qui contient du Kolla2 va aider à ralentir ou renverser le processus. Le Kolla2 offre les éléments complets pour la santé du cartilage et jointures.

Myristine
La Myristine (Cétyle Myristoleate aussi appelé CM ou CMO) a été découvert en 1964, par un chercheur nomme Harry W. Diehl lorsqu’il travaillait pour L’institut de Santé des États-Unis. La molécule Cétyle Myristoleate est un acide gras ester d’alcool de cétyle et acide myristoleic, ne pas confondre avec l’acide myristique. L’acide Myristoleic est trouvé en petite quantité dans tous les gras et huiles. Historiquement, plusieurs de ces produits étaient utilisés dans l’industrie des cosmétiques à cause de leur habileté à agir comme lubrifiant. Étant un acide gras ester, il semble avoir les mêmes caractéristiques que l’acide gras essentiel, l’acide linoléique et alpha linoléique, sauf qu’il est plus fort et dure plus longtemps. Ces acides gras sont repérés comme étant des acides gras essentiels (EFA’s) étant donné que le corps humain ne peut pas les produire donc on doit les avaler. L’utilisation des EFA lors d’une longue période de temps a démontré une diminution dans la douleur et l’inflammation, de l’arthrite, et l’amélioration de la mobilité. Il est spéculé que le Myristine stimule la production d’immunoglobulines et séries 1 et 3 prostaglandines, donc agit comme un immunomodulateur, ce qui peut expliquer pourquoi il a tellement un effet efficace dans les maladies auto-immune et les conditions inflammatoires.

Acide Hyaluronique
L’acide Hyaluronique, (HA) joue un rôle intégral dans le maintien et la régulation de l’humidité dans les tissues et facilite le transport des nutriments dans les cellules et se charge des déchets métaboliques. HA est trouvé dans tous les tissus du corps avec la plus grande concentration située dans la matrice extracellulaire de la peau et du liquide synoviale qui baigne les jointures et cartilage. Le niveau optimal de HA est essentiel pour la santé des jointures et cartilage. HA répare la lubrification et le cousin des jointures.

L’extrait d’écorce de Saule Blanc
Une autre substance naturelle qui doit être mentionnée est l’extrait d’écorce de Saule blanc (WWB). WWB qui contient de la salicine, que le corps change en acide salicylique et a le même effet que l’aspirine sans les effets secondaires. En effet, l’écorce de Saule blanc étant à la base de la synthèse de l’aspirine. Les avantages de l’écorce de saule blanc aujourd’hui est qu’il est un anti-inflammatoire allégeant les douleurs de jointures et muscles, il réduit la fièvre, est un analgésique, un anti-rhumatisme, et un astringent. Spécifiquement, il aide à soulager la douleur associée aux conditions inflammatoires comme le rhumatisme et l’arthrite. L’écorce de Saule Blanc contient du tannin et des flavonoïdes, ce qui est probablement responsables pour ses avantages. Il n’y a pas d’effet secondaire majeur connu. Armez-vous de ces médicaments naturelles qui sont sécuritaires et puissants maintenant et commencez le processus de combattre l’arthrite et regagner votre mobilité complète.

Dr T. Stokes – Chercheur de santé naturels clinique / Biochimie doctorat

If you’re a baby boomer, the painful truth is, many of you probably already have or will have arthritis.  We are all familiar with the word arthritis, but do you recognize some tell-tale signs of its onslaught. Your fingers are feeling stiff, your knees hurt when you bend, there’s a nagging pain in your shoulder or your hip begins to ache when you walk more than a block.

Arthritic diseases have a variety of possible causes, and they are often associated with one’s age or caused by injury or chronic musculoskeletal overuse. Arthritis can also be caused by skeletal structural abnormalities, calcium build up and/or the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. Additionally, immune system dysfunction and infection of the joint itself or an infection of the kidneys, heart, liver, thyroid or lungs can all contribute to arthritic disorders. There are more than a hundred different forms of this disease.

Several natural products including glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane), have been on the market for a number of years as treatments for arthritis. There are however other natural substances, more effective but perhaps less recognized, that are gaining ground as serious second generation fighters in the war on arthritis. Substances such as GlycoMarine, an extract from the New Zealand green lipped mussel, Perna canaliculus,  Kolla2, a Type II collagen from chicken cartilage, Myristin (cetyl myristoleate), which is a fatty acid ester of cetyl alcohol and myristoleic acid, and a powerful lubricant called Hyaluronic Acid a substance found our own bodies.

GlycoMarine

GlycoMarine is a glycogen complex that targets arthritis pain and joint disease.  GlycoMarine is superior to glucosamine/chondroitin sulphate based products because it is multifunctional and has significantly greater anti-inflammatory activity. The main anti-inflammatory component in the extract is a glycogen complex, which has been shown, by standard pharmacological techniques used in the assessment of medicinal products, to have a significant effect in suppressing inflammation.  This compound also uniquely exhibits chondro-protective properties, defending joints against cartilage degeneration and improving joint function and mobility. Another valuable feature of GlycoMarine is that it has been found to have natural gastro-protective properties. This means that, not only does it not damage the delicate stomach lining; it actually provides a protective function for it. Thus, the product is able to relieve the inflammatory symptoms associated with arthritic diseases while protecting the stomach from the damaging effect of some painkillers, should a person find it necessary to be taking these at the same time.

Kolla2

Collagen Type II is the most abundant structural protein found in joints. Kolla2 is unhydrolyzed Type II Collagen that supplies our joints with vital amino acids (the protein building blocks of cartilage), glucosamine, chondroitin, and Hyaluronic Acid (HA) to maintain water in the intercellular matrix of connective tissue, which contributes to the elasticity of skin, flexibility of joints and supports cardiovascular health. Research has shown that Type II collagen is lost progressively, along with mucopolysaccharides in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis patients. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis affecting more than 40 million North Americans, it is characterized by joint degeneration, loss of cartilage, alterations of subchondrial bone and damage to the extra-cellular matrix. Taking a supplement containing Kolla2 will help slow down or reverse the process. Kolla2 offers the complete building blocks for cartilage and joint health.

Myristin

Myristin (Cetyl Myristoleate also called CM or CMO) was discovered in 1964, by researcher Harry W. Diehl while working for the US Institute of Health. The Cetyl Myristoleate molecule is a fatty acid ester of cetyl alcohol and myristoleic acid, not to be confused with myristic acid. Myristoleic acid is found in very small percentages in all fats and oils. Historically, many of these products were used in the cosmetic industry because of their ability to act as lubricants. As a fatty acid ester, it appears to have the same characteristics as the essential fatty acids, linoleic and alpha linolenic acids, except stronger and longer lasting. These fatty acids are referred to as essential fatty acids (EFA’s) because the human body cannot make them and so we must ingest them. The use of EFA’s over an extended period of time has been shown to decrease arthritic pain & inflammation, and improve mobility.  It is speculated that Myristin stimulates the production of immunoglobulins and series 1 and 3 prostaglandins, thus acting as an immunomodulator, which could explain why it has such a potent effect in auto-immune and inflammatory conditions.

Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid, (HA) plays an integral role in maintaining and regulating moisture within the tissues and facilitates the transport of nutrients into the cells and the removal of metabolic waste. HA is found in all of the body’s tissues, with the highest concentrations located in the extra-cellular matrix of the skin and the synovial fluid that bathes the joints and cartilage. Optimum levels of HA are essential for the health of the joints and cartilage. HA restores lubrication and cushioning to the joints.

White Willow Bark Extract

Another natural substance worth mentioning is white willow bark extract (WWB). WWB contains salicin, which the body converts to salicylic acid and has the same effect as aspirin without the side effects. In fact, White Willow Bark was the basis for the synthesis of aspirin. The benefits of White Willow Bark today are that it is an anti-inflammatory alleviating joint & muscle aches, a fever reducer, an analgesic, an anti-rheumatic, and an astringent. Specifically, it helps to relieve pain associated with inflammatory conditions like rheumatism and arthritis. White willow bark contains tannins and flavonoids, which probably account for some of these benefits. There are no major side effects known. Arm yourself with these safe, powerful natural medicines now to begin the process of defeating arthritis and re-gaining the full range of your mobility.

Dr. T. Stokes – Natural Health Clinical Researcher / PhD Biochemistry

The Green Lipped Mussel (Perna Canaliculus) from New Zealand has proven its effectiveness for 15 years and remains one of the most time honoured natural arthritis remedies.  The flesh of the mussel is made of 9 different glycosaminoglycans (GAG’s) and is more effective than a glucosamine or a chondroitin alone.  In herbal medicine we believe that the adjunct effect of 9 different ingredients in small amounts is more powerful than a large amount of one single ingredient.  In the past 20 years, I have seen Perna work better than glucosamine alone.  The first generation of mussel supplement was made by dry freezing and lyophilizing the flesh of the mussel and was marketed under the name of “Perna Caps®” by VetriScience.   These are still highly in demand.  

The second generation that is now available in Canada (Maori Miracle®) utilizes an extract from the mussel called GlycoMarine™ that has anti-inflammatory, Cox-2 inhibitory, chondroprotective and lubricative properties. Thus, not only does it bring about pain killing benefits, it also improves joint structure and mobility.   Contrary to drugs, it actually promotes gastro-intestinal mucosal integrity.   The glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid contents are reinforced by Collagen Type II (patented as Kolla2®) refined from chicken sternum cartilage.  Kolla2 repairs cartilage and lubricates the joint.  The third component in Maori Miracle is a fatty acid ester called Cetyl-Myristoleate (Myristin®).  This is not only a joint lubricant but also an immune modulator so it is effective also for rheumatoid arthritis which is a systemic auto-immune disease.    The fatty acid ester also mediates histamine and leukotrene response hence it controls the damage caused by inflammation.  The fourth component is a popular herbal pain-killing and anti-inflammatory agent called salicin extracted from White Willow Bark.   These 4 components in Maori Miracle form a strong team in the fight against arthritis.  The only contraindications are allergies to shell fish and aspirin.

If you want to make this combination even stronger, the 2 elements I suggest you can add to Maori Miracle® are MSM and anti-oxidants.  Many successful formulae are made of the 3 classical ingredients: glucosamine, MSM and antioxidants.   Anti-oxidants reduce the MSM into active sulfonyl groups which in turn activate the glycosaminoglycan pathway in lubricating and repairing the joint.  This cascade of events is being utilized in many successful formulae such as Recovery®.   What is missing in Recovery® is a direct pain-killer.  So if you compare the formula of Maori Miracle with that of Recovery, you will find that the two products are in fact complementary to each other.  I encourage my clients to try either one of the two and add the other one if necessary.  

In case all of the above still does not give you enough relief from your sufferings, you can add a catalyst that activates both the healing process and the anti-inflammatory effect.  This would be either in the form of an enzyme or a homeopathic medicine.
 
Dr. Henry Cheng: medical graduate of the University of London, England; Bachelor of Medicine( M.B.); Bachelor of Surgery (B.S.); Post-graduate Degree in Diagnostic Radiology (D.M.R.D.); 2 year course in complementary medicine with Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine; Certified Natural Products Advisor (C.N.P.A.); practiced family medicine & radiology for 12 years; trained in orthodox/western medicine and herbal/homeopathic medicine;

If you have arthritic joints or feel you may be susceptible to getting them in the future, for your own benefit it’s best to learn as much about arthritis as possible.

Arthritis is usually associated with aging; however it is frequently caused by injury or chronic overuse of your musculoskeletal system (skeleton and muscles attached to the skeleton that give you the ability to physically move). You may know that arthritis can be caused by abnormalities in your skeletal structure, by calcium build up, and/or uric acid crystals that can form in the joints. You may not have heard, though, that immune system dysfunction, infection of the joint itself, and an infection of the kidneys, heart, liver, thyroid or lungs can all contribute to arthritic disorders. There are more than a hundred different forms of this disease; all are labeled arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is the natural wear and tear of joint cartilage and occurs even in active younger adults. One in every three people over the age 60 suffers from osteoarthritis. Type II collagen is the protein needed to maintain and rebuild cartilage tissue. As you age your body’s ability to make type II collagen slows down.

However, you can supplement what your body isn’t making and rebuild your cartilage tissue using natural-source type II collagen. There is now a patented collagen supplement called Kolla2, available in different brands of arthritis formula, which supplies the necessary nutrients to help the body support joint health and repair worn and damaged cartilage. Therefore it also helps relieve the pain and swelling associated with arthritic diseases. Kolla2 contains 65 to 70 percent type II collagen (protein). It also contains 25 to 30 percent carbohydrates including chondroitin, glucosamine and hyaluronic acid, which are the major components of joint cartilage. Kolla2 is made using a low-temperature process to maintain the integrity of its delicate molecules and long chain amino acids, ensuring that the body’s own enzymes recognize the genetic code of the supplemented collagen for maximum absorption.

GlycoMarine, another ingredient found in several natural arthritis remedies, defends joints against cartilage breakdown or degeneration, and improves function and mobility of joints. GlycoMarine is a unique green lipped mussel extract that has shown significant results in treating arthritic disorders. GlycoMarine has also been found to have gastro-protective properties, meaning that not only does it not damage the delicate stomach lining, it actually protects the stomach. Thus, GlycoMarine is able to relieve the inflammatory symptoms associated with arthritic diseases while protecting the stomach from the damaging effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s). GlycoMarine is used for rheumatoid and osteo forms of arthritis as a complement to other treatments or alone as an alternative treatment.

Myristin is an organic compound made from cetyl alcohol (a form of alcohol) and myristoleic acid (omega-5 fatty acid), which is found in very small amounts in all fats and oils. Myristin has often been used in the cosmetic industry because it’s a lubricant, but is now also used worldwide for nutritional arthritis formulas. Myristin appears to have the same characteristics as the essential fats omega-3 and omega-6 except that it may be stronger and longer lasting. The use of EFAs over an extended period has been shown to decrease the pain, inflammation, and limitation of motion of arthritis. It is thought that Myristin may stimulate the immune system’s cells and therefore has potent effects on autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. Myristin has been shown to decrease stiffness and pain, and increase flexibility and range of motion in test subjects with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. (When tested by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Myristin had the highest amount of the essential ingredient cetyl myristoleate than any other alternative.)

Hyaluronic acid plays an integral role in maintaining and regulating moisture within the tissues. It helps transport nutrients into cells and removes metabolic waste. Hyaluronic acid is found in all of the body’s tissues, with the highest concentrations located in the skin and the synovial fluid that bathes the joints and cartilage. Optimum levels of hyaluronic acid are essential for the health of joints and cartilage. Hyaluronic acid can be found in everything from chicken soup to pate, but to obtain it in high enough amounts to ease flexing of the joints and restore cushioning, a supplement is required. It is suggested that those who are beginning to see the first signs of wear and tear on their joints supplement with hyaluronic acid.

Another natural substance worth mentioning is white willow bark extract, which contains salicin that the body converts to salicylic acid. This has the same effect on the body as aspirin without the side effects. In fact, white willow bark was the basis for making aspirin. This plant has anti-inflammatory effects and reduces fever; it also acts as an analgesic, an anti-rheumatic and an astringent. Specifically, it helps to relieve pain associated with inflammatory conditions like rheumatism, arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome and alleviates muscle aches and pains. The tannins and flavonoids it contains probably account for some of these benefits.

For effective relief from arthritis, I recommend that you look for at least two of these natural ingredients on your arthritis formula labels.

Dr. Henry Cheng: medical graduate of the University of London, England; Bachelor of Medicine( M.B.); Bachelor of Surgery (B.S.); Post-graduate Degree in Diagnostic Radiology (D.M.R.D.); 2 year course in complementary medicine with Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine; Certified Natural Products Advisor (C.N.P.A.); practiced family medicine & radiology for 12 years; trained in orthodox/western medicine and herbal/homeopathic medicine

For more than 30 years the clean waters of the South Pacific Ocean around the coast of New Zealand have been farmed for the cultivation of the New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel (Perna canaliculus). A complex extract from this unique shellfish called GlycoMarine has been proven to provide significant benefit for both human beings and animals suffering joint and mobility problems. For the production of the GlycoMarine extract it is essential that strict quality control of the cultivation of the mussels is exercised and therefore the mussels are not taken from natural beds but are cultivated on licenced marine farms. The marine farms are very strictly controlled by the New Zealand government and the regulations are such that it is possible to trace an individual batch of GlycoMarine back to the time of day, the specific farm and from which batch the mussels were harvested.

The mussels are grown on special ropes which hang down from horizontal lines at the surface. These horizontal lines are supported by buoys at each end and other buoys are added at intervals along their length as the mussels grow and increase the weight on the lines. They are usually harvested between 14 and 18 months from being seeded. No fertilizers or herbicidal type agents are involved in this farming as it merely optimizes the natural properties of the sea water column by having the shellfish suspended vertically throughout the water column. New Zealand is fortunate in having, clean, unpolluted coastal waters which are highly productive and of an excellent temperature range for cultivating a variety of marine species.

New Zealand also has a highly effective monitoring program to ensure that the mussels are not contaminated by blooms of certain marine algae that might contain toxins. All farming sites are monitored on a regular basis and the regulatory authority prohibits the harvesting of any shellfish from any farms within a suspect area. This program, in addition to the other monitoring and quality assurance programs carried out by governmental regulatory authorities ensures that New Zealand shellfish are always perfectly safe. As the GlycoMarine mussel extract is used all around the world for the safe and effective relief of painful, inflammatory joint problems this assurance of the safety and quality of the mussels from which the extract is produced is very important.

Myristin (Cetyl myristoleate), is another effective aid in the relief of joint and mobility problems that is manufactured with great attention to quality control. Myristin is a fatty acid ester that functions as an immunomodulatory agent and anti-inflammatory reported to inhibit aberrant T-cell activity.

Kolla2 is the registered trade name for 100% Type II collagen derived from unhydrolyzed chicken sternum cartilage. This is another product worthy of investigation by anyone looking for relief from arthritis. The unique and patented low-temperature process used to manufacture Kolla2 results in a high quality finished product. Several clinical studies conducted with human subjects and have indicated various levels of benefit for relief of the classical symptoms of both rheumatoid arthritis and osteo arthritis. The mechanisms by which type II collagen appears to mediate these symptoms is by a combination of oral tolerization (T-cell and cytokine mediation) with angiogenesis inhibition and potential chondroprotective functions due to the natural content of glycosaminoglycans in the product.

Hyaluronic acid is also worth consideration as an effective natural component in the war on arthritis and joint disorders. Hyaluronic acid is widely distributed in the body and has a major role in the maintenance of joint health.

A balanced combination of GlycoMarine, Myristin (cetyl-myristoleate), Kolla2, and Hyaluronic Acid would undoubtedly be an extremely effective arthritis remedy.

By J.E. Croft, LRCS, MRSNZ, FRSH, is a Licentiate of the Royal Society of Chemistry (London, UK), a member of the Royal Society of New Zealand, a fellow of the Royal Society of Health (London, UK) and a published authour whose specialty is marine-based natural therapy.