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Arthritis is one of the most common and painful physical ailments faced by men and women. But unlike in the past, there is something we can do about arthritis and joint pain besides accepting and enduring it.

A few facts about arthritis:
• It is our leading cause of disability
• There are more than 100 kinds of arthritis, with osteoarthritis the most common
• Osteoarthritis strikes women three times more often than men
• It is estimated that 90% of those over 40 already have the beginnings of arthritis
• 70% of people age 65 and over have significant symptoms, yet 3 out of 5 people with arthritis are younger than 65
• If you are 20 pounds or more overweight, you are likely to have osteoarthritis
• Direct medical costs are more than $15 billion per year; indirect costs may be $65 million annually

Traditional medicine typically treats arthritis either with drugs such as NSAIDS (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen sodium) and COX-2 inhibitors (Celebrex and Vioxx), or by replacing the affected joint with an artificial one. While both have their benefits, they have considerable downsides as well.

But our goal in dealing with arthritis should be wholeness, including an effective preventive plan, not simply symptom control. There are natural compounds that not only address the pain and inflammation in the joints but can also support the health of the cartilage itself.

In fact, God has provided the same COX-2 inhibitors for relieving pain and inflammation in natural compounds – and without bothering your stomach. Turmeric root (or curcumin), Tart cherry and Holy basil leaf (not the common herb basil) have all been used for centuries as pain-killers and anti-inflammatories, and research has confirmed their effectiveness.

Frankincense, the prized fragrance that was one of the three gifts presented to baby Jesus by the wise men, is a resin that comes from the boswellia tree. Its extract has been clinically shown to block the chemical in the body that leads to inflammation, decreased joint mobility, and misshapen or deformed joints. It can be applied topically, or taken as an oral supplement.

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Three of God’s compounds from the sea also have a role in supporting joint health. Among the many benefits of Fish oils, or omega-3 fatty acids, are their anti-inflammatory properties.

Substances in the marine animal sea cucumber have been shown to be beneficial for musculoskeletal inflammatory diseases, including arthritis. It plays a role in blocking the buildup of inflammation, and also contains nutrients that are often lacking in people with connective tissue disorders and arthritis.

Research on glucosamine, a natural substance from the shells of deep-sea animals, has shown that it may actually get to the root problem of cartilage loss. It produces compounds that maintain the thick cushioning in cartilage by attracting water.

Another compound that works directly on the joint tissue is chondroitin sulfate, a complex carbohydrate that helps cartilage retain water and keeps it elastic.

Lastly, vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin which is necessary in the body to form collagen in bones and cartilage.

These natural substances that God has given us can all be used together and in fact work best when used in tandem. That is why these ingredients – all except the fish oil – have been combined into our Joint Support formula, to provide a comprehensive way to nutritionally support your joint health.

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