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If you’ve ever dreamed of striking it lucky with Lotto or Powerball, you know the odds are stacked against you –about 1 in 38 million. But there’s a set of odds you should pay much closer attention to. The chance of developing knee osteoarthritis is about 50%.
Osteoarthritis, a common joint disease, isn’t just a matter of ageing – it’s a progressive condition where cartilage, the tissue cushioning your joints, gradually breaks down.
Cartilage may seem lifeless, but it is living tissue maintained by remarkable cells known as chondrocytes. These cells work tirelessly to produce and repair cartilage, ensuring joints move smoothly and bones are protected from impact. However, chondrocytes are susceptible to harm from free radicals and destructive enzymes, and when damaged, their ability to maintain healthy cartilage diminishes resulting in osteoarthritis.
Fortunately, nutritional therapy offers real support. Certain supplements, especially chondroitin sulphate, can help fortify chondrocytes. Chondroitin not only stimulates these cells to produce more cartilage matrix but also protects them from harmful enzymes, free radicals and inflammation. It’s so vital that European doctors regularly prescribe this at doses of about 800mg, though most over-the-counter joint supplements contain little or none, likely due to its very high cost.
For optimal joint health, combining 800mg high-grade chondroitin with glucosamine and water-soluble curcumin (derived from turmeric) can be highly effective. Pairing these supplements ingredients with an anti-inflammatory diet could make a significant difference in managing osteoarthritis and maintaining mobility. The odds may not be in your favour for Lotto, but with nutritional support you can gain more comfortable and mobile joints.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner. To read more by John and the Abundant Health products, visit: www.healthhouse.co.nz, call 0800 140 141, or email: john@healthhouse.co.nz.