Joint health

Joint structure



Our musco-skeletal system comprises 206 bones, about 100 joints and 600 muscles. The ligaments secure the bones firmly to give structure and protect vital organs whilst muscles are attached to the bones by a group of connective tissues called tendons that pull on the joints to allow motion. In between lies the white, shiny cartilage to provide friction-free movement lubricated by the synovial fluid to function smoothly without pain, catching or grinding. This fluid also provides nutrients and oxygen to the cartilage cells for survival.


Basically, all the pieces must come together or any structural defect can cause pain, swelling and immobility.


Back pain

4 out of 5 adults experience significant low back pain during their lifetime and becomes the most common medical problem. Your backbone or spine is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae which protects your spinal cord and allows you to stand and bend.


Spinal problems which typically inflicts pain on people aged 40 and above are increasingly common among patients in their 20s and 30s. Hitting hard are office workers who spend countless hours staring at the computers ending with more than just a backache. It can accelerate the normal wear and tear of the spine into spondylosis* at an early age. It can also be caused by an accident, a fall or lifting a heavy object or can develop over time as a result of age-related changes to the spine.

The host of problems mentioned can change the structure of the spine or damage it and surrounding tissue which are the interconnected network of spinal muscles, nerves, bones and discs. *Spondylosis is a degenerative disc condition where the joints and intervertebral discs that form the backbone wear out, generally due to ageing. It occurs mainly in the neck or lower back.

Typical sources of lower back pain include:

The large nerve roots in the low back that go to the legs may be irritated

The smaller nerves that supply the low back may be irritated

The large paired lower back muscles may be strained

The bones, ligaments or joints may be damaged

An intervertebral disc may be degenerating

Poor posture

Lack of nutrients like calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D that weaken the bones over time. 

Signs and Symptoms

+ Stiff and painful neck

+ Lower back pain and tenderness

+ Stiffness and difficulty moving the back

+ Tingling sensations in one or both arms, hands, legs or feet

+ Numbness and weakness in one or both arms, hands, legs or feet

+ In severe cases of nerve pinching, difficulty in walking, unbalanced or unsteady gait with a tendency to fall especially when climbing stairs

+ Poor bladder control

+ Headaches and occasionally giddiness

 

Tips to protect your spine
 

Majority of the population will suffer from back or neck pain when they reach adulthood. Hence, early prevention is best to avoid unbearable pain later.
 

+ Take short frequent breaks away from the computer. If possible, move around and stretch every hour.

+ Do regular stretching and strengthening exercises.

+ Keep the top of the computer screen at eye-level. Viewing the screen at a 15-20 degree angle is less strenuous on the neck.

+ Adopt a good sitting posture. Sit upright and put both feet on the floor with the elbows, knees, hips and ankles are a 90 degree angle. Better if a cushion is placed against the back of the seat to support the lower back. When typing for prolonged periods, rest the elbows on the desk to relieve stress from the shoulders and neck.
 

Medical Treatment
 

+ Initial treatment for spondylosis is always nonsurgical. The individual should take a break from the activities until symptoms go away, as they often do. Doctors usually recommend muscle relaxants and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen to relieve the pain and stiffness. This is often combined with physiotherapy to stretch and strengthen the spine and lower back and neck muscles to help in preventing future recurrences of pain.
 

+ If an MRI scan showed the slippage not significant, no surgery is required yet. A Precision Spine chiropractor may be able to restore your spine’s normal curvature and remove the excess strain.
 

+  Surgery to remove bone spurs or affected discs is recommended for patients experiencing severe neurological problems such as weakness, pain and numbness in the arms and legs, affecting their normal living. Procedure can include a spinal fusion performed between the lumbar vertebra and the sacrum. At times, an internal brace of screws and rods is used to hold together the vertebra as the fusion heals.

Considerations
 

Though spinal problems caused by cervical and lumbar spondylosis are not life-threatening, but if left untreated, can lead to increased pain and, decreased flexibility and mobility. When nerves are pinched, damage to the nerves often occurs, resulting in permanent pain, numbness, weakness or poor coordination.
 

Advances in medical technology have made minimally invasive spinal surgeries possible for patients with even with severe spondylosis. These patients can expect less post-operative pain and faster recovery.

Nutrition should play an important role in the overall treatment plan with proper medication and appropriate activity. Important minerals for maintaining healthy joint function and support normal tissue repair are: Glucosamine sulfate, chondrotin, calcium, collagen, cartilages and methylsulfonyl methane (MSM). Sulphur is needed for the repair and rebuilding of bone, cartilage and connective tissue.

ARTHRITIS


Arthritis is a condition of swollen and inflamed joints arising from injury or degeneration, overstretched joints, obesity, enzyme deficiency, high uric acid, autoimmune disorder etc. 


Owing to wear and tear, degenerative diseases affect mainly the older people. It usually appears in middle age occurring equally in both sexes. After age 55, the rate increases to five folds for women because they are no longer protected by the hormone estrogen. By 70, almost everyone has both problems in critical condition.


However in recent times, teenagers are also experiencing symptoms associated with arthritis such as back pain, shoulder pain and muscle weakness due to obesity, applying excess weight on joints repeatedly and wearing high heels. Occupational health hazards such as workers exposed to repetitive movements like typing or staring at computers also stand high risk of arthritis.


The common types are gout, rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis which can be mild or severe, affecting one or more joints, causing pain, swelling, warmth or stiffness in the affected joint.

Some people find the condition incapacitating whilst others have very few symptoms. Those badly affected can suffer in silence even at resting mode. The cycles are more in line with activity, mood and the weather change. Most sufferers complain of joint stiffness and pain in the morning or after exercise. There may be audible cracking or grating noises when the joint moves.


OSTEOARTHRITIS

For most degenerative cases, the primary site of damage is in the articular cartilage referred to as Osteoarthritis. Once there is damage, the cartilage breaks down and tiny particles are released into the joint. As a result, the lining of the joint is inflamed and with too much fluid released, the joint swells and become deformed, stiff and painful. The tendons, ligaments and muscles holding the joint together become weaker too. The major ones affecting, namely the knees, hips and back whilst less serious are hands and knuckles.


Causes


Apart from diet and lifestyle, it is mainly related to wear and tear of aging.

* Tends to run in families

* Being overweight and lack of exercise increase the risk

* Fractures or other joint injuries can lead to osteoarthritis later in life

* Long-term overuse at work or injury in sports

Medical conditions that can lead to osteoarthritis include:

* Bleeding disorders that cause bleeding in the joint

* Disorders that block the blood supply near a joint
* An inherited defect in the protein that forms cartilage.

* Other types of arthritis, such as chronic gout or rheumatoid arthritis


Symptoms


There are people with OA without the accompanying symptoms below:


+ Deep aching joint pain that gets worse after exercise or putting weight on it, and is relieved by rest

+ Pain that is worse when you start activities after a period of no activity

+ Over time, pain is present even when you are at rest

+ Grating of the joint with motion

+ Increase in pain during humid or moist weather

+ Joint swelling

+ Limited movement

+ Muscle weakness around arthritic joints

Further risks

+  Fractures become an increasing risk because osteoarthritis makes the bone brittle.


+  Further advance see development of bone growth called spur that can be detected only by X-ray.

+  Gradual loss of height with compression of spine.

Treatment


1. Medical treatment - Patients with mild OA may be treated only with pain relievers and topical cream. Most patients are given non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) which include compounds such as ibuprofen. They are able to relieve slight inflammation and pain but may experience side effects, like stomach ulcers, sensitivity to sun exposure, kidney disturbances, and nervousness/anxiety or depression. Some OA patients are treated with corticosteroids, which are injected directly into the joints to reduce inflammation. Hyaluronic acid, naturally found in the joints (for lubrication), may run low and need to be injected to protect the joint every 6-12 months. In severe osteoarthritis, surgery to repair or replace the affected joint may be recommended. However, note that artificial cartilages placed can last for about 10 years only.

2.  Weight Control - Overweight puts more pressure to the joints and makes it more susceptible to injuries. Hence, losing some weight will reduce the strain on the hips and knees. Maintaining an ideal body weight at all times is advisable to reduce the burden on the joints.

3. Physiotherapy and exercise - Physiotherapist can work out exercises to maintain strength in the muscles around the joints and reduce stiffness in the affected joints. Even after a surgery, keep to exercise routines that help to increase muscle and tendon capability, strengthen the joint cartilage and assist in bone density. Choose activities which emphasize on muscle strength maintenance such as swimming, yoga, running or cycling to help in improving joint stiffness and enhancing the flow of synovial fluid. For those "less abled", choose exercises like swimming which do not strain your joints too much.

4. Heat Treatment and Medication - Warm baths and heating pads are soothing to painful joints. At times the physiotherapist may use a form of electrical treatment to help relieve your pain and stiffness. Your doctor may also prescribe some medicines for the pain.

5. Walking Aids - Good footwear and a walking stick can help you move around more comfortably.

6.  Supplements -  As the main components of cartilage are glucosamine, chondroitin and collagen, adding these nutrients directly to the diet for overall joint health maintenance is crucial for recovery, and extra doses for the elderly and those who tend to overuse the joints. The chronic inflammatory disorder can be alleviated with consumption of omega-3 derived from deep sea fish source or dietary supplements like fish oil. Natural antioxidant nutrients such as vitamin A, C and E are useful in clearing free radical damage around the joints.

Glucosamine is a mineral that occurs naturally in the fluids around the joints. Thus, it is effective on osteoarthritis of the knee, as well as hip and spine. Those who fall short of glucosamine can supplement to slow the breakdown process. Some evidence suggest that people who take glucosamine sulfate might be less likely to need total knee replacement surgery.  However, note the difference between glucosamine sulfate and those drugs in the time it takes to reduce pain. The NSAIDs, such as Motrin, Advil and Feldene - relieve symptoms and reduce pain usually within about 2 weeks, whilst glucosamine takes about 4-8 weeks and effects vary for different individual.


RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease whereby the body tissues are attacked by its own immune system. An overactive immune system is just as harmful as a weak one. In this case, it improperly identifies the synovial membrane as foreign and launches an attack. Inflammation results, damaging cartilage and tissues in and around the joints. Other parts of the body that can be affected are muscles, lungs, skin, blood vessels, nerves and eyes. 


The affected parts are usually the small joints, especially of the wrists, hands and feet. It causes pain, stiffness and swelling which is worst in the morning. Later, other joints like the shoulders, elbow, hips, knees and ankles my also be involved. The patient can barely manage daily chores like gripping utensils, turning taps, dressing or writing. 


In most instances, the damage is so severe that the bone surfaces are also destroyed as the inflammation triggers the production of enzymes that slowly digest adjacent tissues. The body responds by replacing the damaged tissues with scar tissues, filling up the space between the joints. As a result, it creates stiffness, swelling, fatigue, anemia, weight loss, fever and crippling pain.


Note it knocks people below 40 as compared to OA on those above 40 but both tend to affect ladies more than men. While OA affects only single joint, RA tend to hit all the synovial joints.


Causes


The main contributory factors are physical and emotional stress, malnutrition and bacterial infection. Health reading on 'rheumatoid factors' can indicate whether antibodies are present in the blood of the RA sufferers upon the invasion of infecting bacteria travelling to the joint through the bloodstream from an infected source.


Treatment


+  Occupational therapy and physiotherapy - Changes have to be made to improve the ability to function independently for daily activities eg. specially designed tools like large-handled spoons are required to take meals.

+  Heat/cold remedies and medication - Warm water or a heating pad can ease stiff joints whilst cold packs or water is more effective for a hot, painful joint. For a start, medications is required to alleviate the pain and swelling of the joints.


+  Surgery - If all attempts failed, surgery is the last option to repair badly damaged joints.


+  Supplements - Damage on the bone, cartilage and muscle tissue can be reconstructed with nutrients like protein, folic acid and zinc. On a longer term basis, the mineral germanium can reduce the impact of auto-immune disorder.

GOUT

Gout, an acute form of inflammatory arthritis, usually occurs in overweight people and/or those who overindulge in rich foods and alcohol with resulting high content of uric acid - a waste byproduct formed from the breakdown of purines normally excreted from the kidneys.  The excessive uric acid if not cleared forms crystals which are deposited inside the joints. Such deposits cause swelling, redness, and a sensation of heat and excruciating pain especially around the fingers and toes.

Gout hits men more than women due to their dietary habits.


Treatment


Though gout is treatable, if left unattended can cause kidney stones which may lead to kidney damage.

1.  Rest - During an attack, bed rest is necessary.


2.  Heat/cold treatment - A hot compress or ice pack to the affected joint can relieve the pain.


3.  Drink more water and avoid alcohol.


4.  Diet - Watch your diet as detailed below

Avoid eating high-purine foods eg.
+  organ meats like liver, kidney and brain
+  small fish like ikan bilis, sardines and fish roe
+  meat extracts, yeast extracts (eg Marmite) and stock cubes
+  seafood like crab, cockles, prawns, scallop


Take less of moderate-purine foods eg.
+  asparagus, cauliflower, mushrooms and spinach
+  peanuts, beans and peas
+  chiku and custard apple
+  wholegrain breads and cereal
+  soybean products like bean curd


NUTRITIONAL REMEDIES


If it is true that 'you are what you eat' then what is the link between diet and arthritis?

Thinning down the acidity in the blood is top priority. All foods and supplements alkaline in nature are best combating agents.


Some arthritis patients appear to have low levels of vitamins and minerals in their bodies. Research also indicated that some natural supplements may be able to play a part in relieving joint pain. Hence, nutrition should play an important role in the overall treatment plan with proper medication and appropriate activity.


Important minerals for maintaining healthy joint function and support normal tissue repair are: Glucosamine sulfate, chondrotin, collagen, cartilages and methylsulfonyl methane. Sulphur is needed for the repair and rebuilding of bone, cartilage and connective tissue.


GLUCOSAMINE SULPHATE - Found naturally in our joints and muscle, this amino sugar is vital for joint health, especially to manufacture new cartilage for damaged joints. One clinical study of 212 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee found significant improvement in pain and mobility in patients who took one 1500 mg supplement of Glucosamine sulphate once a day. Other clinical studies show that taking 1500 mg of this Glucosamine daily can improve joint symptoms linked to sports injuries and arthritis by 40% - 70%. 


There are some common side effects to observe when taking glucosamine:


+  Gas, soft stools, upset stomach, drowsiness, insomnia, headache, skin reactions, sun sensitivity and nail toughening.

+  May experience a temporary increase in blood pressure and heart rate, including palpitations.

+ It is not clear whether glucosamine affects blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes or patients who are hypoglycemic (low blood sugar) are advised to be cautious when taking glucosamine.

+ Glucosamine is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

+ Glucosamine may increase the risk of bleeding in certain patients, especially those with bleeding disorders and on blood-thinning medications. They should have their blood clotting time checked more frequently to monitor the situation and adjust Glucosamine dosage if necessary.

+ Glucosamine is sold as a dietary supplement with most extracted from animal tissue, specifically crab, lobster or shrimp shells. Patients who are allergic to shellfish should avoid such products. Extract from chicken is a better choice.


Is advisable to take this mineral after a meal to prevent digestive complications


CHONDROITIN:  This element, naturally found in the body is used as a building block for larger structures known as proteoglycans, which are vital component of cartilage tissue. Many studies have found it to be effective in joint repair, help prevent the erosion of joint space and ease pain.

+  It inhibits the enzymes that break down cartilage.
+  It helps to raise the level of hyaluronic acid that is essential in binding joint tissues firmly together for a strong structure and higher resistance to damage.
+  It is able to draw in more fluids which act as a shock absorber and thus protects joints from further damage.

Recommended dosage to start off is 1500 mg of glucosamine and 1200 of chondroitin daily for 6 – 8 weeks. With improvement, the dosage can be reduced to 1000 mg of glucosamine and 800 of chondroitin or less. For chronic sufferers, result can be more noticeable within a few months. 


MSM (Methylsulphonylmethane): Another vital building block for cartilage formation, it contains sulphuric content which has therapeutic properties crucial for the healing of injuries.


TURMERIC: Its active ingredient - curcumin is believed to be thrice more effective in reducing inflammation and easing pain than aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen as it can shut down an enzyme responsible for a stream of pain-producing hormones. As a potent antioxidant, it helps to protect our cells against damage from harmful free radicals. No toxic side effects have been reported with this spice.


FISH OILS (Omega3): It can counteract the overproduction of toxins that impair the body's production of prostaglandins, which are natural anti-inflammatory compounds.


Other nutrients that are useful:



Vitamin C - A potent antioxidant that can prevent free radicals from damaging the joint tissue and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.


Vitamin B - The B vitamins help in pain relief especially B5 (pathothenic acid) and anti-inflammatory especially B6.


Chicken Collagen Type II - Collagen is a fibrous protein that comprises about 25% of the protein in our body and can be found in bones, cartilage, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues. There are more than 10 different types of collagen, with Type II being the most predominant. Chicken Collagen obtained from sternum of chickens, offers a rich source of collagen type II and is naturally rich in proteoglycans such as glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate.


Shark cartilage - Sharks have an endoskeleton comprised entirely of cartilage consisting about 6% of the body weight of sharks. This type of elastic tissue mainly made of collagen, also contains a rich source of calcium and phosphorus which are the important elements for bone protection. Its benefits  include relieves arthritis pain, reduces the stiffness and strengthens the immune system.


Boswellia - This ayurvedic herb derived from the resin of the plant is used traditionally to treat arthritis, rheumatism, coughs, sores, bronchitis and asthma. The major component is boswellic acid which has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects.


Siberian ginseng - Siberian ginseng has been used traditionally as an adaptogen, performance enhancer and immune-stimulant. It is not a species of ginseng, but seems to have comparable activities. Active components are thought to include several eleutherosides and polysaccharides. It has been shown to reduce stress symptoms in general, boost immune system response and enhances the body’s overall resistance to infection. Thus, it may beneficial to support the joint system to function efficiently.


More comments



+  Taking foods containing the amino acid histidine (eg rice, wheat, rye) can help to remove excess metals from the body. This is crucial for arthritis patients tend to have high levels of copper and iron in their bodies.


+  Beware that many of the suppressant drugs on the shelves can cause biological changes such as stomach ulcer, severe gastrointestinal bleeding, kidney and liver damage. There is a high probability of depletion of nutrients leading to development of other ailments.


+  In several countries Glucosamine is widely available as health supplement but no check on its purity. As a result, many products commercially available are found to be not up to standard and thus are unable to deliver results. In USA and Canada, random samples taken found the glucosamine level in the range of 0% - 82% of label claims.

Imagine you lose the mobility to walk and need to be helped around. Joint health is so vital to our daily life. Start your joint maintenance work early!


VIVA corner

VIVA has a host of products to tackle all types of arthritis.

 

+  VIVA Green Barley helps to strengthen detoxification process in the body by excreting uric acid. 
+  VIVA Flexiguard is a proprietary nutraceutical formulation, containing glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin, bovine cartilage, chicken cartilage, MSM and other proprietary ingredients like boswellia powdered extract, Siberian ginseng and wheat sprout.  In combination, this formulation works synergistically to provide the body with the right nutrients to help in maintaining healthy joint function and flexibility.

+  VIVA Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D helps to strengthen bone, relieve back pain and improve muscle contraction in most arthritis cases. Thus it can prevent and improve bone fracture and osteoporosis, and assists in the transmission of nerve impulses.
+  VIVA Ageguard provides the essential amino acid for the reconstruction of tissue damaged.

+ VIVA Vivaguard contains abundant SOD precursor that can help to flush out waste products in the body and speed up the healing power. This is beneficial for various muscoskeletal problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, injuries, inflammation, bone spur and frozen shoulder. It can be used during the healing process and to prevent recurring injury due to exercise, accident and surgery.

+ VIVA Omega 3 works to reduce inflammation and lubricates the joints.
+ B-easy provides full range of vitamin B for production of hydrochloric acid, which helps to prevent bone spur by aiding calcium absorption. It also aids in maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Make no BONE about CALCIUM

Bones form our body frame or musco-skeletal system to support the various organs. Imagine without which how our body endures vicious injury and shock?


Major functions of bones

• Provide structural support for the body
• Provide protection of vital organs
• Provide an environment for marrow (where blood cells are produced)
• Act as a storage area for minerals (such as calcium)

Components of bone

Bones are essentially made of calcium and protein. Cells called osteoblasts combine protein, calcium and phosphate to harden into bone. When required, small amounts of bone tissue are dissolved by these cells to convert into calcium. The outer crust, including collagen is protein-based. A substance inside the bone known as hydroxyapatite stores mainly calcium. In the centre of the bone is the marrow where specialised cells are in charge of producing blood cells. (red and white)

Importance of calcium


Our bones are constantly restoring themselves. Bone itself undergoes continuous remodeling, with constant reabsorption and deposition of calcium into new bone. The balance between bone reabsorption and deposition changes with age.


*  Bone formation exceeds reabsorption in growing ages:
-  Babies lacking in calcium tend to have late teeth formation and feet with O and X shape;
-  Kids must take adequate calcium to develop elongated and dense bones.


*  Bone formation and reabsorption process are relatively equal in early and middle adulthood. However, anyone with a diet high in protein, fat, caffeine and sugar should note that the calcium uptake is reduced and should increase its intake.


*  In aging adults, particularly among postmenopausal women due to decreasing amounts of estrogen, bone breakdown exceeds formation, resulting in bone loss that increases the risk of osteoporosis over time. Coupled with low calcium intake and lower absorption rate (higher dosage required)compromise the density of the bones. You may not detect the problem until bone breaks due to a minor fall. Osteoporosis is often associated with fractures of the hip, vertebrae, wrist, pelvis, ribs and bones. For them, a lack of calcium intake can also cause postmenopausal symptoms like hot flush, nerve twitching and emotional imbalance. 


*  A bone spur is a bony growth formed on normal bone when the body tries to repair itself in response to continual pressure, abrasion or stress over a prolonged period. For instance, there is an injury to an ankle joint and calcium is withdrawn from bones to heal the injury to the affected bone. The body may over-compensate and in the process causes calcium build-up which forms an outgrowth or bone spur.

Functions of calcium 


Primarily for bone metabolism, a mere 1% of calcium is required for normal biological functions like protein absorption, fat transfer, muscle contraction, heartbeat regulation, blood vessel expansion and contraction, blood clotting, secretion of hormones and enzymes, control of blood acid-alkaline balance and transmission of nerve impulses. When your body is forced to prioritize its use of available calcium, it uses it for nerve and muscle functions, rather than for supporting your bones. As such, the calcium in the blood is constantly replenished from the stores in bones and teeth when the need arises.


Sources of calcium

+  Incorporate in our daily diet calcium-rich foods like anchovies, dairy products, tofu and dark leafy vegetables. Other rich sources are jackfruit, kiwifruit and beans. By combining the multiple forms of calcium in the form of gluconate, citrate, lactate and carbonate we can see desirable results in the shortest possible time.  (see below for details)


+  Calcium carbonate from coral, shellfish, unrefined oyster shell and dolomite are generally known as non-food source of calcium due their low bioavailability and poor assimilation in the body, making digestion and absorption difficult that can lead to the formation of gallstone and kidney stones. Such calcium supplements may contain significant amounts of lead and other toxic metals harmful to the body. For information, lead content per 800 mg calcium is only 0.92 ug in refined calcium carbonate as compared to 11.33 ug in bone meal.


+ Traditionally, bone broths have become the nourishing recipes amongst older Chinese, believing that animal bones contain high level of calcium. In fact, the amount of calcium content is generally low, with less than 50 mg derived. Even adding few drops of vinegar does not yield much more – opposed to what most believe in. 


How much calcium to take? 


How much calcium intake is determined by many factors, of which the most important are child-bearing, puberty and old age period of one's lifetime. During childhood, more bones are added than removed, tend to grow bigger and denser. From adolescence onwards, our bones stop growing but continue to become denser till around 30. Come 35, more bones are lost than replaced with average loss of between 0.3-0.5% yearly.


Broadly, the three main causes are:

(A) Hormonal changes (for both menopause/andropause)

For women, the bone mass decline accelerates after menopause losing about 1.5 inch for every 10 years if calcium intake is found lacking. As such, they are the most vulnerable with estimates put at 1 in 3 women older than 50 will suffer a fracture bone in their lifetime. Note that men suffer the same fate mostly in their 70s.

(B) Dietary deficiency especially calcium, magnesium and vitamin D.

- A traditional Chinese diet tends to be low in calcium. Average calcium intake is further reduced as most Asians are lactose-intolerance (unable to digest milk) as compared to the Westerners. Postmenopausal women should get 1300 mg of calcium each day.

- Magnesium increases the uptake of calcium and aids in nervous reaction and muscle contraction.

- Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and thus proper bone development and maintenance. A daily dosage of 600 IU is recommended for adults aged up to 70 and 80 for older people. Avoiding sun exposure amongst Asian women is another reason for the lack of Vitamin D essential to improve calcium absorption.

(C) Drug-induced medications such as chemotherapy drugs, thyroid hormone, cortiocosteroids and anticonvulsants unrelated to this illness.


Recommended Intakes


Intake recommendations for calcium and other nutrients are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies (formerly National Academy of Sciences). DRI is the general term for a set of reference values used for planning and assessing the nutrient intakes of healthy people.


Table 1: Adequate Intakes (AIs) for Calcium

Age	Male	Female	Pregnant	Lactating
Birth to 6 months	210 mg	210 mg
7-12 months	270 mg	270 mg
1-3 years	500 mg	500 mg
4-8 years	800 mg	800 mg
9-13 years	1,300 mg	1,300 mg
14-18 years	1,300 mg	1,300 mg	1,300 mg	1,300 mg
19-50 years	1,000 mg	1,000 mg	1,000 mg	1,000 mg
50+ years	1,200 mg	1,200 mg

+ The two main forms of calcium in supplements are carbonate and citrate. Calcium carbonate is more commonly available and is both inexpensive and convenient.  Although both the carbonate and citrate forms are similarly well absorbed, individuals with reduced levels of stomach acid can absorb calcium citrate more easily. It is commonly found in some fortified juices. The body absorbs calcium carbonate most efficiently when the supplement is consumed with food, whereas the body can absorb calcium citrate equally effectively when the supplement is taken with or without food. Other calcium forms in supplements or fortified foods include gluconate, lactate and phosphate.

+ Calcium supplements contain varying amounts of elemental calcium. For example, calcium carbonate is 40% calcium by weight, whereas calcium citrate is 21% calcium. The percentage of calcium absorbed depends on the total amount of elemental calcium consumed at one time – as the amount increases, the percentage absorption decreases. Absorption is highest in doses ≤500 mg at one go. So, split 1,000 mg/day of calcium supplements into 500 mg each and allow 4 to 6 hours between doses.

+ Some individuals who take calcium supplements might experience gas, bloating, constipation or a combination of these symptoms. Such symptoms can often be resolved by spreading out the calcium dose throughout the day, taking the supplement with meals, or changing the brand of supplement used. Mild constipation may occur especially when taken with another supplement or medication that binds the stool.

The calcium you consume from your diet or as a supplement is absorbed by the body in the small intestine. Not all the calcium taken is absorbed, with residue passing through the body and be excreted as waste. How much calcium is absorbed by the body depends on the type of calcium you consume, how well the calcium dissolves in the intestines and the existing amount of calcium in your body.


Other useful guides -


+ Take vitamin C like an orange together with a calcium supplement for better absorption of calcium. Calcium carbonate is usually added to vitamin C supplement to reduce its acidity on the stomach especially for those with gastric disorder.

+ Foods high in the amino acid lysine include eggs, fish, lima beans and soy products aid calcium absorption.

+ Take a sunbath without sunscreen for 15 minutes, three times a week. Sunshine is the easiest way to get vitamin D, which is essential for proper absorption of calcium. Stay out of the sun when the rays are strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

+ As minerals represent about 4-5% of body weight and calcium should be about half, watch other macro-minerals that can be present. For examples -

- Combine calcium with magnesium in a 2-1 ratio. A calcium with magnesium supplement is better because magnesium oxalate is 567 times more soluble than calcium oxalate and a million times more soluble than mercury oxalate.
- Taking iron and calcium together reduce the efficacy of both minerals. Highly insoluble iron oxalate plays a major contributory role in gout. It usually appears after age 40, when ferritin levels in blood exceed 100 ng/dl. A warning here – beer is rich in oxalate and iron, and ethanol increases iron absorption and magnesium elimination, so beer intake greatly increases the risk of a gout attack.
- Avoid taking large doses of zinc with calcium. At high doses, zinc can interfere with calcium absorption.
- Avoid soft drinks as they are high in phosphorus that can lead to calcium excretion in your urine.

+ High intake of animal-based proteins causes increased amounts of calcium to be excreted in your urine due to the high acidity. Worst if such proteins are combined with another culprit - sodium as in bacon.

+ Junk foods, alcohol, caffeine and white flour lead to an excessive loss of calcium from your body and a decreased rate of absorption.

+ Excessive amounts of wheat bran can interfere with calcium absorption.

+ Certain prescription medications such as glucocorticoids can interfere with calcium absorption.


Symptoms of calcium deficiency


Overweight people tend to be less bone porous as more calcium is conserved to support the additional weight.


Some visible signs of calcium deficiency are:
+  Insomnia
+  Muscle cramps
+  Loosened or decaying teeth due to lack of calcium or lead deposited in the bones
+  Back pain (mostly due to spine out of alignment)
+  Elevated blood cholesterol, heart palpitations, hypertension, nervousness, numbness in the arms/legs, depression
+  Brittle nails
+  Eczema
+  Rheumatoid arthritis


How calcium deficit can worsen conditions -

+ wrong posture = scoliosis
+ sports injury/lifting heavy objects = bone spurs
+ pregnancy = tooth loss, back pain, leg cramps, high blood pressure
+ fall/collision = bone fracture
+ taking excessive caffeine/carbonated drinks/meats = calcium leach
+ menstruation = menstrual pain
+ others such as insomnia, hunchback, backache, muscle cramps, eyelid twitches

Excessive calcium causes kidney stones?

Oxalic acid interferes with calcium absorption and can be found in foods like almonds, beet greens, cashews, chard, kale, rhubarb and spinach. It combines with divalent metallic cations such as calcium and iron to form minute crystals which are then excreted in urine. However, these oxalates can form larger kidney stones that can obstruct the kidney tubules which account for 80% of kidney stones formed from calcium oxalate. As such, patients with kidney disorders, gout and rheumatoid arthritis are thus advised to avoid foods high in oxalic acid. Studies done on rats showed that right calcium supplements given along with foods high in oxalic acid can cause calcium oxalate to precipitate out in the gut and reduce the levels of oxalate absorbed by the body (by as much as 97% in some cases).


Also calcium carbonate and calcium acetate are being used to reduce phosphate levels in people with kidney disease as well.

However, choice of calcium is important. Calcium from non-food source not dissolved can turn into calcium stones too. Plant-based sources of calcium are generally more absorbable than non-food sources because they are more easily broken and utilised. For this reason, vegetarians are seen to retain more calcium from foods than non-vegetarians. Generally, a person on vegetarian diet high in minerals (such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium) and fiber, and low in fat tend to have lower blood pressure.

What should we do?

1. Taking calcium is not enough. The correct balance of magnesium, boron, potassium, folic acid and Vitamins C, D, E and K all play vital roles in battling osteoporosis, as does protein. The above elements help in calcium absorption and build bone mass. Some research showed that high intake of animal protein may cause an acid imbalance (high in phosphorus), which the body tries to counteract by releasing minerals from the bones, including calcium. On the other hand, not getting enough protein is associated with loss of bone mineral density in the hips and spines of old people. Vitamin C deficiency affects the synthesis of collagen and if inferior quality can cause bones to become brittle and new bones cannot properly formed.

2. When the body gets regular weight-bearing exercise (including walking), there is more deposition of minerals in the bones, especially the weak points hips, spine and legs. Exercise has been shown to boost bone density by 1-2% in randomised trials though its main benefit lies in increasing muscle mass and the resulting improvement in balance and strength - both help in preventing falls and fractures.

3. Cut down on smoking and drinking as they suppress the absorption of calcium and Vitamin D.

4. Cut back on caffeine as it results in calcium leeching from the bones.

5. Soft drinks contain high phosphorous content. The ratio to maintain for calcium/phosphorus is 2:1. To correct this imbalance, calcium is leaked from the bones.


6. Eat plenty of foods high in calcium and vitamin D. Otherwise take a good supplement. Consume whole grains and calcium foods at different times because the former prevents the uptake of calcium. Best to take calcium during bedtime when is best absorbed and aids in sleeping.

7. For menopausal or postmenopausal women with osteoporosis, take more soy products as it contains phytoestrogens, a substitute for the body's own estrogen running at low level. Those on thyroid drug should increase the amount of calcium by 25-50%.

People prone to Osteoporosis

+ Small, thin frame (risk of malnutrition and loss of oestrogen)

+ Advanced age

+ Family history

+ Early menopause (before 40) or abnormal absence of menstrual periods and for men, low testosterone levels (calcium leaking in the urine)

+ Eating disorders

+ Low calcium intake

+ Smoker, drinker and steroid and drug users

Other comments

In extreme cases, Miacalcic nasal spray is recommended for postmenopausal women with osteoporosis suffering from severe spinal fracture. This substance contains the active ingredient salmon calcitonin which is a synthetic form of the natural hormone calcitonin produced by the thyroid gland cells responsible for controlling the amount of calcium in the body, by regulating the formation and breakdown of bone. The synthetic form has the same effects as the natural human hormone in inhibiting the action of the osteoclasts. This slows the increased breakdown of bone in osteoporosis, and thus helps keep the bones strong.

When administered Miacalcic nasal spray into the nose, the calcitonin is rapidly absorbed through the lining of the nose into the bloodstream. Watch out for possible side effects that can affect some people such as nasal irritation, inflammation of the lining of the nose causing a blocked or runny nose, sneezing, dry nose, nasal swelling, nose ulcers, nausea, nosebleeds, inflammation of the sinuses and throat, flushing, dizziness, headache, diarrhoea, musculoskeletal pain, face swelling, hypertension and abdominal pain.

Intensive research by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) has established that long-term use of calcitonin is associated with a small increased risk of cancer of various types. It has concluded that due to this, the benefits of calcitonin no longer outweigh its risks in the long-term treatment of osteoporosis.


Other comments  

High quality calcium-rich foods helps to guard the calcium reservoir and prevent bone loss. If we can keep to a constant replenishment of calcium, magnesium and vitamin D as well as regular exercise (both aerobic and resistance) there should be lesser fear of breaking bones throughout our life cycle.

Do not wait till old age to top up calcium level as the absorption rate is on decreasing scale.


VIVA corner


Other viva products to aid in strengthen the musco-skeletal system are:

VIVA Flexiguard provides nutritional support for forming and strengthening joints, ligaments and tendons. The sulphur content helps to reduce inflammation and for joint and tissue repair. VIVA Vivaguard offers protection to fluid in the joints from destruction by free radicals and speeds up recovery.

VIVA Omega3 supplies essential fatty acids that increase production and activity of anti-inflammatory prostaglandins.


VIVA CAL-MAGNESIUM & D is a special formulation that contains calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, calcium carbonate and calcium citrate that are extracted from plants and thus easily absorbed by the body. Most importantly, both vitamin D3 (absorbable form) and magnesium are added to further enhance the calcium absorption. Zinc is also added as epidemiological studies showed that those who with osteoporosis are often zinc deficient. This synergistic formulation helps to promote calcium absorption for a healthy cardiovascular and musco-skeletal system.


Finger Injury (testimony)  


A year ago I had a terrible fall that almost took away my left index finger….

One evening I went down flat on my wet kitchen floor. Instinctively my left hand tried to brake when my body was falling backward.  Before I realised it the entire body was landing on my palm heavily.  I felt a sharp pain and noticed that the index finger was bloated rapidly. The next morning it turned purpish and swelled to double the size.

An x-ray was performed and showed the tiny bones inside were fragmented.  The clinic helped me to embalm and pre-arranged for orthopedic treatment in a private hospital for necessary treatment the following day.

That night I took high dosage of VIVA OMEGA 3, VIVA FLEXIGUARD, VIVA CALCIUM-MAGNESIUM and VIVAGUARD hoping to improve the condition.


When the orthopedic removed the dressing, it was not purplish anymore but pinkish. However, he recommended immediate surgery which I was not in favor.  He was not too pleased but I prefer to let my finger heals the natural way. A metal support was placed on the finger so it would not fall off.  I continued taking the above products in large dosage daily.


After 2 weeks another X-ray examination was carried out and showed the bones are forming up well.  The hospital was surprised with the good result.  The orthopedic took the metal support away and placed a band to bind with the 4th finger for support and capped the injured finger to prevent further damage. 


Another X-ray examination was arranged 2 weeks later.  This time the finger showed almost full recovery but stiff having been wrapped up for too long. Few sessions of physiotherapy treatments helped to regain flexibility. 


My little finger was saved with timely medical attention and most importantly those wonderful VIVA products I have been taking consistently are working again!

Leonard (Administrator)

Sport injuries

  

Those who are involved in sports should read this article….

Sports injuries are injuries that occur to athletes participating in sporting events. In many cases, these types of injuries are due to overuse of a part of the body when participating in a certain activity. For example, runner’s knee is a painful condition generally associated with running, while tennis elbow is a form of repetitive stress injury at the elbow. Other types of injuries can be caused by a hard contact with something. This can often cause a broken bone or torn ligament or tendon.

Injuries are a common occurrence in professional sports usually under a team leader’s supervision with close connection to the medical community. There are decisions made that could threaten a player’s long-term health for short term competitive gain.

TYPES

Sports injuries can be broadly classified as either traumatic or overuse injuries. Injury can be in the form of:

-  A bruise where damage to small blood vessels causes bleeding within the tissues.
-  A muscle strain is a small tear of muscle fibers and
-  A ligament sprain is a small tear of ligament tissue.

Overuse injuries

Exercises put repetitive stress on many parts of your body such as muscles, tendons, bursae, cartilage, bones and nerves which lead to micro-traumas — minor injuries that would heal with enough rest.  If you exercise regularly, make sure the body has ample time to recover, best within 48 hours. If micro-traumas is allowed to build up over time, you become prone to overuse injuries, such as:

+  Damage to elbow cartilage in athletes who throw.
+  Heel bursitis and stress fractures in runners.
+  Nerve entrapment in rowers.
+  Kneecap tendinitis in volleyball players.

Traumatic injuries

Traumatic injuries account for most injuries in contact sports such as soccer, rugby and basketball due to the dynamic and high collision nature of these sports. These injuries range from bruises and muscle strains, to fractures and head injuries.

To build strength and endurance from exercise, you must slowly and gradually push your body beyond its limits. Attempts to quick start can result in traumatic injuries such as sprains and fractures. Many seasonal sports injuries occur when athletes rush their reconditioning, overstretching their bones, joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles which are ignored in the off-season. In most instances, the experience in the initial five day period immediately following the traumatic incident is inflammation.


SIGNS & SYMPTOMS


Inflammation is characterized by pain, localized swelling, heat, redness and functional loss. To reduce swelling, apply ice for no longer than 20 mins.  Do not use heat immediately following an injury.  Apply ice intermittently every 4 hours for the first 1-2 days. When the inflammation has subsided, heat can then be applied for 20 min periods 2-3 times a day. For significant swelling, seek medical consultation right away.  Injuries with wrists and ankles may need x-rays to ensure the bones are not broken. 


MECHANISM

All of these traumatic injuries cause damage to the cells that make up the soft tissues. The dead and damaged cells release chemicals, which initiate an inflammatory response. Small blood vessels are damaged and opened up, producing bleeding within the tissue. In the body’s normal reaction, a small blood clot is formed in order to stop this bleeding and from this clot special cells (called fibroblasts) begin the healing process by laying down scar tissue. If the early inflammatory response is excessive, the healing process takes longer and a return to activity is delayed. Hence, it delays the overall healing process, both internally and externally.


PREVENTION


Injury can be minimised by doing an effective warm up exercise to rev up your pulse, to follow by sport specific dynamic stretches (stretches whilst moving). Currently, most fitness experts agree static stretching before exercise is futile and potentially damaging as by over-stretching, a muscle is being pulled hard, resulting in our body thinking it is at risk of being over-expanded and thus compensates by contracting instead. As such, warm-up techniques like light jog or sport-specific exercises are preferred. Before a game of tennis, few serves can increase the heart rate and blood flow to the muscles, warming up the body temperature ready for a full range of motions.


Doctors believe fatigue can be a contributing factor in sports injuries because it is more difficult for the body to protect itself when fatigued. As such stopping an activity at the first sign of fatigue can prevent sports related injuries.


RISK FACTORS 
In general, you are more likely to be injured if:

+  The duration, intensity or frequency of your exercise is excessive or rapidly increasing.
+  The terrain or weather conditions are extreme or irregular.
+  You use incorrect equipment including athletic shoes.
+  You have been injured in the past.
+  You smoke, drink or have led a sedentary lifestyle.
+ You have low aerobic or muscle endurance/low or imbalanced strength/ abnormal or imbalanced flexibility.
+  You have high arches in your feet, bowed legs or legs of different lengths.
+  You run with your heels landed first were found to be two times more likely to suffer from repetitive stress injuries than those who landed on the forefoot.  Such injuries include foot pain, shin splints and stress fractures. 


RECOVERY

It is difficult to return to competitive athletics after any serious injury, but knee injuries takes a lot longer to get over and often end a career.  Athletes in contact sports are 10 times more likely to have a serious knee injury than in non-contact sports, with knee injuries accounting for approximately a quarter of the injuries and generally taking two to three times longer to recovery than injuries to other parts of the body.

Leg bones are connected to the kneecap by four strong ligaments.  Around 60% of ligament tears are Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) - which provides stability and controls stress across the kneecap and keeps the knee from rotating too much or moving too far forward.  It does not heal on its own and requires a reconstruction surgery which usually take 6 to 9 months to recover.

Exercise with care. Enjoy the process and build a strong endurance gradually.

Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sports_injury

Why muscle SORE after Exercise?

  

People who work out rigorously with weights, muscle tears and rebuilds form part of the natural growth and conditioning process.  Unfortunately, active sporting people are not taking this problem seriously and thus subject to more significant injuries including muscle strains, sprains and even serious tears.


As for inactive people who have not been exercising for a long time and decide to go for a run to wake up the next morning with two heavy legs.  Why?


Characteristics


The soreness is perceived as a dull, aching pain in the affected muscle, often combined with tenderness and stiffness. The pain is felt only when the muscle is stretched, contracted or put under pressure, not when it is at rest.  Although there is variance among exercises and individuals, the soreness usually increases in intensity in the first 24 hours after exercise, peaks from 24 to 72 hours, then subsides and disappears after about five to seven days after exercise.


Cause


The soreness is caused by eccentric exercise, that is, exercise consisting of eccentric (lengthening) contractions. Isometric (static) exercise causes much less soreness, and concentric (shortening) exercise causes none.

When a muscle lengthens against a load – like in weightlifting the flexed arms attempt to catch the loaded weight and the muscle contraction is said to be eccentric. In other words, the muscle is actively contracting, attempting to shorten its length, but it is failing. These eccentric contractions have been shown to result in more muscle cell damage than is seen with typical concentric contractions, in which a muscle successfully shortens during contraction against a load.  Aerobic exercises can also involve many eccentric contractions, such as downhill running where body impact on the legs is intense, even without any noticeable burning sensations in the muscles during the event.

Mechanism


As our bodies perform strenuous exercise, we begin to breathe faster as we attempt to shuttle more oxygen to our working muscles. The body prefers to generate most of its energy using aerobic methods, meaning with oxygen.

Some circumstance like lifting heavy weights require energy production faster than our bodies can adequately deliver oxygen. In those cases, the working muscles generate energy anaerobically. This energy comes from glucose through a process called glycolysis, in which glucose is broken down or metabolized into a substance called pyruvate through a series of steps. When the body has plenty of oxygen, pyruvate is shuttled to an aerobic pathway to be further broken down for more energy. When oxygen is limited, the body temporarily converts pyruvate into a substance called lactate, which allows glucose breakdown, and thus energy production to continue. The working muscle cells can continue this type of anaerobic energy production at high rates for one to three minutes, during which time lactate can accumulate to high levels. 


A side effect of high lactate levels is an increase in the acidity of the muscle cells, along with disruptions of other metabolites around them.  The body starts to complain about tiredness and needs to recuperate to prevent further or permanent damage.  Once the body is allowed to slow down, oxygen becomes available and lactate reverts back to pyruvate and clear off other metabolites along the way, allowing continued aerobic metabolism and energy for the body’s recovery from the strenuous event.


Prevention/Treatment

+  Delayed onset muscle soreness can be reduced or prevented by gradually increasing the intensity of a new exercise program, thereby taking advantage of the repeated-bout effect.

+  Soreness can theoretically be avoided by limiting exercise to concentric and isometric contractions, but this may also not be practical depending on the mode of exercise.  Eccentric exercises are advisable for stronger individuals or the weaker ones certified fit by medical practitioners to undertake on gradual basis.

+  Stretching or warming up the muscles does not prevent soreness.  Instead, overstretching can by itself cause soreness.

+  Taking a hot shower can relax the muscle for faster recovery.

+  By soaking three times each week in a warm tub scented with 10 drops of peppermint oil, your muscles will relax, whilst the peppermint oil soothe your nerves. The effect can be 25% more effectively than over-the-counter painkillers, and cut the frequency of future flare-ups in half.

+  Taking enough vitamins and other nutrients can aid in recovery from muscles injuries.

-  Co-enzyme Q10 may boost athletic performance and reduce muscle injury according to a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition measuring elite practitioners of the Japanese martial art kendo.  Besides helping the body to utilise oxygen and generates energy, it also plays an important role in preserving levels of vitamin E and vitamin C.

-  Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can neutralise free radicals produced during strenuous exercise.  Thus, it may reduce muscle pain and expedite recovery following intense workouts.  For weightlifters, it helps to avoid injury because of its ability to produce collagen for a stronger connective tissue.

-   Vitamin E is another potent antioxidant that may neutralise free radicals leading to muscle damage.  It is much needed for rebuilding and repairing muscles between workouts.

-   Glutamine is a popular amino acid amongst weight trainers.  It is known to boost glutathione, an antioxidant that helps the body to recover from intense workouts and prevents muscle breakdown.  Hence, it is a great supplement for overall muscle recovery and health. 


-  Nitric acid - Increasing nitric oxide has become the new secret weapon for athletes and bodybuilders. Supplements with L-arginine and L-citrulline promote production of nitric acid that support the flow of blood and oxygen to the skeletal muscle as well as facilitate the removal of exercise-induced lactic acid build-up for faster recovery.



VIVA corner


Over-exercise can cause muscle fatigue due to eccentric contractions and excessive buildup of lactic acid. Taking good supplements can help to mitigate the negative effects.

+  VIVA Guard’s antioxidant enzyme formulation prevents free radical damage and aids in recovery of injuries (eg. pain and inflammation) and removes lactic acid expeditiously.

+  VIVA Oxypower, with its strong Coenzyme10 element lessens the risk of injury due to excessive exercise as the muscle cells are able to uptake more oxygen effectively.  The exclusive antioxidant formulation includes Vitamin A, C and E.

+  The free form amino acids in VIVA Ageguard provides the body the necessary nutrients to rebuild healthy tissues arising from muscle wear and tear during the exercise process.  Glutamine is available as one of its key ingredients. Its high arginine content helps to boost nitric acid level as enumerated above.

Turning back the body's BIOLOGICAL clock

Human growth hormone (HGH)

Hormones are tiny chemical messengers continuously secreted in the bloodstream to enable the body to regulate the activities of the vital organs. The word ‘hormone‘ is derived from a Greek word meaning ‘to stimulate’.

Growth hormone is one of many endocrine hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, melatonin and DHEA that are responsible for our normal growth and deter some aging effects.

HGH is produced in the master or pituitary gland located in our brain, and it secretes hormones influencing growth of cells, bones, muscles and organs throughout our lifetime. It promotes growth in children, peaks in their adolescence and plays a pivotal role in adult metabolism.


Every 3 years or so around 90% of our 100 trillion cells undergo dying and regeneration. Although only the brain retains its original cells, new proteins are continuously being produced to store memories of every new experience. Overall intelligence, memory and learning ability are dependent on adequacy of growth hormone to function properly.

With aging, the pituitary gland releases less growth hormone. This declining level has a strong correlation with increasing aging process. Related symptoms such as wrinkling of the skin, increased body fat, decreased muscle mass, increased cholesterol, decline in stamina and energy level, reduced mental function and loss of libido are natural phenomenon but the extent of which varies with individuals.

Research history


In 1958, HGH was put on experiments to help children suffering from dwarfism to grow normally having discovered that their pituitary glands were either defective or not functioning at all. For treatment purpose then, HGH was extracted from pituitary glands collected from post mortem of corpses in Africa. Thousands of brains of the dead had to be harvested to yield just a few drops of HGH. Results were so amazing that 10 years later FDA approved the usage of HGH in treating any person suffering from growth hormone deficiency.

In 1985, a new breakthrough successfully produced large quantities of HGH through micro-biological replication by inserting human DHA into microorganisms. This technique of genetic engineering marked a new milestone in anti-aging treatment with many clinical studies backing.

A pioneer scientist, Dr Daniel Rudman indicated in his 1985 publish in the New England Journal of Medicine that “human aging is a result of HGH deficiency, and is not the commonly accepted view of inevitable natural phenomenon” and “that by stimulating the pituitary gland with HGH, the gland could be made to recover its function to secrete HGH again” won him many patients – including celebrities, corporate executives, renowned doctors, specialists and scholars at that time.






Biological activities


Growth Hormone stimulates the liver to produce IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor) which in turn stimulates growth in cells throughout the body, leading to growth and development (as in the womb and through adolescence), strengthening of tissues (improving bone density, building muscle), and healing (skin, bones, gut lining etc.), depending on where is needed. An average individual should have 350 IU per litre. For those below average especially on unhealthy diet over prolonged periods, tend to look older than their actual age. The natural substances extracted from foods provide nutritional support for the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland. Hence, a balanced diet comprising about 40% complex carbohydrates, 30% protein and 30% fat is crucial for normal development.

Synergistic nutrition like precursors, stimulants (eg. vitamin B3) and synergists (eg. DHEA) help to support growth hormone levels. Some precursors include amino acids glycine, tryptophan, arginine, omithine, glutamine and lysine provide the substances to stimulate the production of the growth hormone.

Like the other endocrine hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone and DHEA that decline with age, raising the output of HGH can retard biological aging. At the same time, it can reverse a wide range of the signs and symptoms associated with aging. So even though it is impossible to revert to the growth hormone level at age 25, stimulating the pituitary gland sufficiently can yield good results in nourishing all organs and rebuilding them.


In 1991 a Dr Robert PhD in Biomedical Engineering developed an oral delivery system for Growth Hormone. His studies showed an average increase of 30% in IGF-1 levels every 30 days and by 90 days, most of the test subjects had doubled their IG-1 levels.

Health benefits

Studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine and other journals showed that HGH may reverse human biological aging and tested effects over 6 months-

* Restoring muscle mass – has substantial effects on muscle building (by 81%), strength (by 88%) and endurance

* Decreasing body fat – revs up the metabolism to reduce fat and increase muscle mass (by 72%)

* Thickening the skin – becomes more elastic and hydrated (by 71%), and can heal burn skin and close ulcerated wounds too

* Reducing wrinkles – antioxidant activity can remove free radicals (by 61%)

* Restoring hair color and growth – usually appears fast and thicker (by 38%)

* Increasing energy and vitality – reinvigorates the mind, concentration and thinking power

* Increasing sexual function – restores sexual potency and sexuality

* Improving cholesterol profile – helps especially menopausal women as their bad cholesterols rise whilst the good cholesterols diminish.

* Restoring size of liver, pancreas, heart and other organs that shrink with age

* Improving vision - strengthens the eye muscles

* Improving memory – stimulates the rejuvenation and repair of brain cells

* Elevating mood and improving sleep – acts as an anti-depressant, raising endorphin levels and lowering dopamine

* Normalising blood pressure

* Increasing cardiac output and stamina

* Improving immune function - increases the production of new antibodies, T-cells and interlukin 2, induces the proliferation of disease fighting white blood cells, stimulates bacteria fighting macrophages and improves production of red blood cells

Dr Rudman concluded: “The effects of 6 mths of HGH on lean body mass and adipose-tissue were equivalent in magnitude to the changes incurred during 10-20 years of aging.”

HGH and Women

The average age of menopause is 50. A resultant drop in hormone disrupts the normal function of the ovaries, causing irregular cycle or lesser volume during the menstruation and can even grind it to a halt. Other accompanying effects include hot flash, night sweat, emotional disturbances, dry skin, wrinkles, weak bladder control, osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease.

Other comments

+ Aging is now considered a disease and not just a normal occurrence which goes unchecked. Scientists, geneticists and pharmaceutical companies are racing against time to find more effective biological technologies to slow the aging process. To-date, there is no other substance known to man to possess such far-reaching ability and the medical field has to be contented with HGH. Of course, discipline in diet and exercise are two biggest physical weapons against aging and disease.

+ Hormone of all hormones, consistent use of HGH stimulates a very natural process in the human system whereby one’s pituitary gland resumes secretion of growth hormone at levels which occurred during youth, thereby regulating the entire endocrine system, including modulation of hormones, blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

+ Growth hormone is circulated throughout the body by the blood every nite between 11-1 am. If one stayed up late or misses the sleep period, benefits from the naturally secreted growth hormone are lost. Night time is also when the body carries out muscle repair and growth, so providing an adequate supply of 'light' protein is crucial for this purpose. For instance, those who lift weights tear myofibrils, the tiny sinews of tissue that make up the muscles and takes up to 48 hours to repair themselves.

+ Since time immemorial, no one can achieve immortality. However, scientists now believe that in the near future the average life expectancy of humans will be 100-120 years. The improvements in medicine, nutrition and vitamin supplements can make it possible.  However, to truly enjoy quality of life, HGH should be added to experience positive changes in body composition to remain healthy and youthful into our golden era.

It is never too young or too old to combat the signs of aging. Start today!


CAUTION!!!

Avoid turning to HGH therapy to reverse or retard age-related symptoms of physical and mental decline.  Artificial hormone through injection may work counterproductive if not properly administered and can have side effects too.


VIVA corner

VIVA Life Science came up with an unique formulation to help jumpstart your internal journey back to a move youthful state.

The free form (unchained for easy absorption) amino acids in VIVA Ageguard from soy and rice protein with unique ingredients make up the proprietary formulation which can be used to promote the natural secretion of HGH safely. Note that only those labelled 'L" or left spin are extracted as they fit into the cell receptors nicely.

Some of the amino acids are:

+ Arginine found in it blocks the action of somatostatin which inhibits the production of HGH. 200 mg is enough to elicit a GH (growth hormone) response (800 mg in 6 caps). Even at age 70, it can boost GH levels by 3 folds. Other benefits are:

- 10 gms of Arginine combined with 3 mins of weight-lifting daily resulted in loss of 25 lbs of fat and 5 lbs of muscle gain in 6 weeks

- Reduces the growth of tumor cells significantly and metastasis cancer, especially in breast cancer

- Normalises and prevents high blood pressure and reduces the damage associated with congestive heart failure and stroke as well as in cerebral and carotid arteries

- Reduces effects of glaucoma, chronic hepatitis, kidney and liver disease

- Helps in improving sperm motility and enhanced fertility

- Improves immune functions and wound healing

+ Ornithine improves quality and longevity of life, reduces impacts of major illnesses like lung carcinoma, prostate cancer, colon and breast cancer

+ Glycine promotes muscle growth into old age, stimulates the secretion of human growth hormone, and prevents loss of cartilage in joints

+ Isoleucine protects the central nervous system and brain from toxins

+ Histidine exhibits protective effects on cardiac and brain function circulation

+ Lysine reduces herpes occurrence (core sores, fever blisters, genital herpes), rheumatic disorders, migraine headaches, post operative pain and improves wound healing

+ Tryptophan improves Parkinson disease, schizophrenia and depression

+ Glutamine has a wide range of applications such as:

- improves adrenal function, asthma, immune function and reduces tumor growth

- prevents radiation injury in patients undergoing radiation therapy by protecting normal tissue

- exhibits strong anti-tumor activity against leukemia and melanoma

- prevents onset of diabetes and improves glucose tolerance

- reduces occurrence of infections and improves liver function

+ Methionine reduces lead poisoning and toxicity and thus prevents liver damage

5 other major herbal ingredients in the Ageguard formulation:

- Tribulus terrestris - saponins in this plant have a dilating action that helps to improve circulation and enhance physical performance

- Dandelion root - helps to reduce cellular water retention and congestion in the liver and gallbladder

- Milk thistle - contains constituents like silymarin, which protects the liver from chemical damage and helps the body cope with environmental toxins

- Saw palmetto - strengthens and tones the body's reproductive organs in both sexes and improves bladder muscle function

- Licorice - provides various health benefits to the body which include counteracting stress, detoxifying the liver, soothing the stomach, purifying the blood and reducing capillary permeability.

Supplement facts: Serving Size 6 Capsules

Amount Per 6 Capsules L-Isoleucine** 273 mg* L-Leucine** 546 mg* L-Lysine** 780 mg* L-Valine** 273 mg* L-Arginine 806 mg* L-Glutamine 90 mg* L-Ornithine 684 mg* OKG (L-Ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate) 120 mg* Proprietary Blend:soy protein (bean), tribulus terrestris (fruit), dandelion (root), licorice (root), milk thistle (seed), saw palmetto (fruit) 470 mg*

NOTE: AGEGUARD CONTAINS NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS OR BY-PRODUCTS (like glandulars and organ parts), OR SYNTHETIC HORMONES.

How to take:

+ For best result, take 6 capsules before bedtime or during the daytime as an energy booster

+ After a workout by athletes for better recovery

+ You can choose to take 5 days in a row and break for 2 days on continuous basis or daily for 6 months and break for a month.

In conclusion.....

We should always ensure that sufficient amount of growth hormone is available throughout our lifetime in order to maintain the body's metabolism in optimum level and thus achieve the desirable health status.