Cartilage loss

Osteoarthritis is all about loss of cartilage, subsequent inflammation and changes to bone and joint structure. The result is pain and loss of mobility. The ends of bones such as the femur are covered in tough, flexible articular cartilage. It may surprise that despite its tough appearance and texture it is actually 80% water which acts like a shock absorber.

Cartilage is a combination of living cells, the matrix they produce plus water. These specialised cells are called chondrocytes and their job is to secrete and maintain cartilage. They repair small amounts of damage as it occurs.

Osteoarthritis starts when chondrocyte cells die causing cartilage to breakdown.  While there are a number of things that can damage chondrocytes,  in most cases these are a combination of free radical damage from insufficient antioxidants and biochemical changes caused by trauma to the joint. While the triggers vary, the outcome is chondrocyte death and cartilage loss.

This is then followed by unwanted inflammation in the joint capsule that further damages cartilage. Eventually the bone itself becomes compromised and the net result is more pain and restricted mobility.

Nutritional therapy can help, especially in reducing inflammation, slowing the rate of cartilage loss and improving the function of existing cartilage. For example, therapeutic levels (800+ mg) of chondroitin can have significant effects on the health of chondrocytes and therefore cartilage protection and repair. Glucosamine also helps maintain cartilage while Curcumin from turmeric helps reduce inflammation and fluid accumulation.

An ex-builder contacted me two years ago with significant knee pain from advanced osteoarthritis. An orthopaedic specialist had recommended knee replacement. Two years on a personalised joint health programme and he now has very little pain and no longer needs surgery.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med.) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. If you have questions or need help you can contact John 0800 423559.  You can email John at john@abundant.co.nz.

Please note that the health advice given through this column is for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any health problem. © John Arts 2021

How can Bettaflex help?

Sore joints from osteoarthritis can result in pain and a loss of movement. BETTAFLEX has can help provide the glucosamine, chondroitin and turmeric extract needed to support joint health and joint flexibility.

BETTAFLEX is a special joint health formulation using well researched ingredients to support the Bodys natural joint repair processes. The power of BETTAFLEX comes from the synergy of well researched Chondroitin Sulphate, Glucosamine Sulphate, and a potent 95% Curcumin (from turmeric)) extract.

Recent research suggests that Chondroitin sulphate is needed at levels of 800mg can help support many aspects of cartilage function. In particular, Chondroitin sulphate helps specialised cartilage cells called chondrocytes to funtion normnally. Diminished chondrocyte function is now believed to be a major factor in osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine is a pre-cursor for new cartilage formation while chondroitin is a natural component of cartilage. Turmeric extract can help support anti-inflammatory processes as inflammation of joint tissue is part of osteoarthritis.

Benefits of BETTAFLEX:

  • Assists the rebuilding of cartilage to aid joint function and general mobility
  • Helps to maintain healthy cartilage and joints
  • Can assist by promoting joint repair processes
  • Bettaflex is safe to use with conventional treatments to aid joint lubrication and mobility
  • Bettaflex can help support anti-inflammatory processes in affected joint tissue.

Caution: Should not be used by those taking some anti-coagulant (blood thinner) medication, especially warfarin, without advice from your health professional

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