FACTS

One out of seven Americans will get osteoarthritis, also known as "wear-and-tear" arthritis, which is caused by the wearing sown of cartilage, the protective covering that cushions bones. As the cartilage is destroyed, bone rubs against bone, and that can be as uncomfortable as it sounds. Common symptoms of arthritis include stiffness,

swelling, and pain in the joints, particularly in the hips and knees. If you complain about arthritis pain, your doctor will probably recommend one of several nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that help reduce the pain but do little to cure the underlying condition that causes the problem: the loss of cartilage. Until recently, it was widely believed that it was impossible to regrow cartilage, but there is compelling new evidence that cartilage can be regenerated. What is even more exciting is the fact that the arthritis "cure" is not some high-tech, expensive medicine concocted by drug companies but a combination of three inexpensive supplements that are sold in natural food stores: chondroitin, glucosamine, and pregnenolone.

Chondroitin, which is found in high concentration in the gristle around the joints of animals, draws fluid to the cells in the joint; that fluid provides lubrication and helps bone glide smoothly with each movement. In addition, chondroitin works with glucosamine to replenish collagen and other components that provide the building blocks for cartilage. Several clinical studies, all performed outside the United States, clearly showed that when arthritic patients were given chondroitin sulfates, they not only experienced significant relief in pain and an increase in mobility but felt positive effects long after they discontinued taking the chondroitin. This is good evidence that the treatment did not simply mask the pain but actually helped to restore lost cartilage.

Several other supplements in the Hot 100 can also help reduce the inflammation and pain typical of arthritis, and they can be used with glucosamine, chondoitin, and pregnenolone. If you are relying on NSAIDs to control your pain, I recommend that you try these natural remedies. Unlike NSAIDs, they do not cause stomach distress or other unpleasant side effects.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS

• Reduces arthritic pain.
• Regrows cartilage.

THE RIGHT AMOUNT

Take two 500-mg. tablets or capsules twice daily.

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