"Doctor, every joint in my body hurts-what can I do about it?"  This question has been a common complaint in my office every day for the past 27 years.  Most medical doctors prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's) for the pain and inflammation.  However, long-term use of these drugs can cause serious side effects such as stomach ulcers and internal bleeding.  As a Doctor of Chiropractic, I have always been nutritional and self-help minded.  But it wasn't until I had excruciating joint disease that I woke up to the fact that if I didn't change, a total knee replacement would be inevitable.  Fortunately, I found OsteoProCare with Glucosamine and Chondroitin.  It has changed my life!

After reading every book and article I could find on glucosamine, I started my own quest for a source of glucosamine that could help me the most.  After trying numerous tablets, capsules and powders, I found Osteo-ProCare with Glucosamine and Chondroitin.  The combination of highly bioavailable liquid nutrients, including calcium orotate, gave me the greatest relief.  All I can tell you is that I can walk without pain for the first time in 32 years.  Most patients want to know how this product works.  In order to answer this question you must understand the history of glucosamine.  In the mid 1950's, a Japanese researcher discovered glucosamine, an active nutrient associated with cartilage regrowth.  At the time, medical science attributed arthritis and other degenerative joint problems to a lack of calcium in the diet.  The Japanese researcher felt that replacing calcium was obviously important, but he also postulated that if you could stop the friction within the joint space, you could stop the heat and demineralization from occurring.  Friction, heat and demineralization lead to the degenerative process that we call arthritis.

Even though his theory sounded like a simple solution to degenerative bone diseases, science proved him right.  International scientists began to investigate the chemical substances found in cartilage.  They came to the conclusion that glucosamine was an active ingredient found in cartilage but not found in our diet.  Upon intravenous testing of glucosamine, it was noted that cartilage tissue was in fact regenerated within the joint.  Further tests were conducted with oral glucosamine and the same results were found.

In our body, glucosamine is found primarily in cartilage, but also contributes to the formation of connective tissue, including skin, tendons, ligaments, and even the cornea of our eyes.  Connective tissue literally holds us together.  Scientists believe that glucosamine works by stimulating the production of large complex molecules called proteoglycans.   

Cartilage and other connective tissues are made up of numerous proteoglycans that interact with fiber-like collagen and chondrocytes to maintain resiliency and health.  As we get older, our body produces less glucosamine and other substances that make up cartilage, causing eventual thinning and deterioration.  With the loss of cartilage, more friction occurs in the joint space, which eventually leads to degenerative bone disease, or better known as osteoarthritis.  Glucosamine restores damaged cartilage cells and helps reduce inflammation.  When taken over a long period of time, people with arthritis usually feel a decrease in swelling, inflammation and an increase in flexibility.

OsteoProCare also contains chondroitin sulfate.  Chondroitin is composed of repeating units of glucosamine.  Recent studies indicate that chondroitin works synergistically with glucosamine.  They are preferentially taken up by cartilage and other joint structure.  Once in the cartilage, they initiate the production of more chondroitin, thereby stimulating cartilagenous growth and repair.  Unlike NSAID's, studies done with glucosamine hydrochloride and chondroitin sulfate indicate that there are no relevant side effects.

Because OsteoProCare is in liquid form, it is easier for the body to digest and assimilate.  Assimilation begins in the mouth with the secretion of the enzyme pytalin.  For optimal results, I tell my patients to swish OsteoProCare (and other liquid products manufactured by Life Force) around in their mouths for a few seconds before swallowing.  Thanks to OsteoProCare and Life Force, I'm feeling great and so are thousands of my patients.

Dr. Leroy Perry, President of the International Sportsmedicine Institute in LosAngeles, is Co-chairman of the Life Force Medical Advisory Board.  He is also a world renowned Sportscientist, Chiropractor, Educator, Five Time Official Olympic Doctor and Doctor to the Stars.