Inflammation is the body’s normal response to assist in the removal of toxins, to ward off invading pathogens, and to remove damaged cells. Progressive destruction to tissue can occur when the inflammatory process becomes chronic. In the case of joints, a host of medical problems arise from chronic inflammation, causing osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, temperomandibular joint disorder, to name a few. Poor joint health is becoming increasingly commonplace, and millions of people worldwide have turned to prescription pain killers to relieve joint swelling and pain. Yet, the recent withdrawal and revised labeling on COX-2 inhibitors gives cause for concern. In this article we review the therapeutic value of various joint support nutrients, many of which have additional benefits for anti-aging purposes.

    Glucosamine sulfate is a leading natural therapeutic employed in the treatment of joint inflammation. Glucosamine is a substance found naturally in the joints. However, as we age, and lacking proper nutrients, the body may produce less of it over time. Glucosamine is also a precursor to chondroitin, a key component in cartilage. As an oral supplement, glucosamine stimulates the production of glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans, two key building blocks essential in the formation and repair of joint cartilage. Due to its cartilage rebuilding capacity, glucosamine has been shown to slow or halt the progression of osteoarthritis. In addition, glycosaminoglycans are polysaccharides that are major components of the extracellular matrix(ECM), necessary to maintain cellular hydration and cellular membrane elasticity throughout the body.

    Scientists have observed that mitochondrial function declines and mtDNA mutation increases in an age-dependent manner. Age-related impairment of enzymes not only decreases ATP synthesis but also enhances production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through increased electron leakage. When our mtDNA are subjected to high levels of ROS and free radicals, it becomes susceptible to oxidative damage and mutation. More than 100 human clinical conditions are now associated with elevated levels of ROS - not only arthritis, but atherosclerosis, heart disease, cerebrovascular incidents, diabetes, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and aging itself. New research published demonstrates that deletions within the mitochondrial DNA occur with increasing frequency in age and in disease. Now identified as the 4977 bp deletion or “common deletion” and suspected to result from ROS damage, these alterations are most pronounced in tissues of the brain, heart and skeletal muscle-tissues with the greatest demand for cellular energy. Antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E, selenium, and OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) are particularly valuable for their ability to reduce ROS damage to cells. As a result, antioxidants can reduce the body’s inflammatory processes. In people with rheumatoid arthritis, serum levels of antioxidants typically are quite low, and thus oral supplementation is thought to be an important way in which to raise such stores.

    Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple, has been used successfully for a wide variety of inflammatory conditions of the joint, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Studies demonstrate that bromelain inhibits the production of proinflammatory prostaglandins while simultaneously inducing favorable (non-inflammatory) prostaglandins. As a result, inflammation, swelling, and pain are reduced. For anti-aging purposes, bromelain functions as a natural anticoagulant that breaks down the blood-clotting protein, fibrin; clinical trials suggest that the enzyme can help to improve the symptoms of angina and thrombophlebitis. As well as thinning the blood, bromelain also thins mucus, and thus maybe of benefit to asthmatics and people suffering from chronic bronchitis.There is also evidence that bromelain can trigger beneficial changes in white blood cells, and thus may improve immune function.

    The flavonoid quercetin, found naturally in apples, onions, beans, broccoli, and green tea also acts as a potent anti-inflammatory. Quercetin also helps to reduce two contributory factors in the onset of inflammation, namely body acidity (most arthritic individuals tend to be very acidic) and food sensitivities (ingestion of certain foods by those with arthritis causes symptoms such as increased joint pain and swelling, constipation, diarrhea, headache, and/or fatigue).

    The essential mineral sulfur, in the form of MSM (methylsulfonylmethoane), can act as an anti-inflammatory and pain reliever. Sulfur is the fourth most common element in the human body, and has many functions, all of which result from cellular-based detoxification. Over time, MSM deficiencies occur as a part of the aging process. Several animal studies have found that MSM appears to protect against cancer, however these findings have not been replicated in human studies. At moderate levels, MSM helps to maintain healthy skin, nails, and hair.

    Anti-aging physicians and health practitioners employ vitamin supplementation in their treatment of patients who seek to prolong their healthy, vital, fit lifespans.


References
A4M Anti-Aging Desk Reference, appearing in Anti-Aging Medical News Fall 2003. Klatz R and Goldman R.

The New Anti-Aging Revolution. Basic Health Publications, 2003.