Osteo Bi-Flex Natural Joint Pain Relief

If you suffer from joint pain from osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis or any other inflammatory joint condition, you will no doubt have sought medical advice and be receiving treatment. Treatment for these conditions is not aimed at curing the problem, as neither of these conditions have a cure, but rather is aimed at easing the symptoms. Sufferers of arthritic joints suffer from pain, a lack of flexibility and swelling, and the widely used treatment methods involve NSAID’s, or non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. Whilst these have clearly proved to be effective at reducing inflammation and therefore the pain, they are often not well tolerated and can be particularly harsh on the stomach. Especially bad considering that they need to be taken on a long term basis.

Unsurprisingly, many people seek a natural alternative to NSAID drugs, and with many natural compounds available as dietary supplements, there is certainly no shortage of choice. Nutritional and dietary supplements may not be treatments, and rarely have a decent amount of research completed on their benefits, but for many people that can be of considerable benefit.

Getting the right pills which will help to ease pain and inflammation in the joints can be a long, laborious and expensive process, not to mention the fact that all the while there is constant pain. With such a wide choice on the market it is a blessing, but often the choice can be somewhat bewildering. There are late night TV adverts aplenty, and a new miracle natural joint pain relief supplement released frequently but what really works for the majority of people?

Whilst different strengths, variations, new and revised formulas, and combinations of compounds are available, you should look out for the proven active ingredients. By proven, I do not mean scientifically proven beyond all shadow of doubt, because you will not find anything, but those which have proved to be effective with sufferers, and preferably also in a clinical trial or two. The following summary includes the most common compounds found in dietary supplements to help ease the pain from arthritis, protect against further damage, and help to improve cushioning in the joints and increase mobility.

The following four compounds are found in the human body, especially in the joints. Taking supplements with these in the right concentrations is believed to help improve joint health, mobility, prevent enzyme destruction of cartilage, and also to promote the regeneration and repair of cartilage cells.

• Glucosamine
• Chondroitin sulfate
• MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane)
• Hyaluronic Acid
• Vitamins and Minerals (especially Vitamins C, B6, & D and manganese, copper, boron & selenium)

Glucosamine is probably the most well known of these actives and has been used in natural supplements for joint pain relief for many years. It is often combined with chondroitin sulphate in dietary supplements. Both of these compounds are important for joint function, and help to prevent the breakdown of cartilage cells by enzymes, as well as being important building blocks for strong and healthy joints. Production in the body slows with age, hence the reason why many people take these as a supplement.

MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) is an excellent anti inflammatory agent and can help ease gastrointestinal upsets, which helps when taking supplements, but its real role is to reduce inflammation in the joints, and is reported to offer substantial and long lasting relief.

Hyaluronic Acid is an important biological acid which has many uses in the body, but it has two very important roles. First, it helps to get waste products away from tissues which do not have a good blood supply such as the cartilage cells, and it also helps to bind water. It is present in the synovial fluid in high quantities and helps to improve viscosity for greater cushioning. It is usually injected directly into the knee joints as a therapy, although it now features in many oral supplements. With the latter it is not clear how effective it is.

The following compounds are not found in the human body, but are still 100% natural and have all shown that they can be of great benefit in maintaining great joint health, increasing the range of movement, improving joint cushioning and preventing the breakdown of cartilage.

• Omega 3 Fatty Acids
• Boswellia Serrata
• 5-Loxin

Omega 3 fatty acids are not produced by the body and come from the diet. They are present in fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and fish. Many people take these as a separate supplement and are well known to benefit the joints. Boswellia Serrata is also known as Indian Frankincense, and contains a number of important biologically active acids which can help to reduce inflammation, whilst having analgesic properties.

5-Loxin is a patent pending compound containing the extract from this plant, which is enriched with the most important of these biologically active acids and has shown great promise for easing painful joints. It is believed to work by blocking the enzyme activity which destroys cartilage, whilst also helping to reduce inflamed joints.

When it comes to easing inflammation and pain, Osteo Bi-Flex™ has to be one of the best known and most effective dietary supplements. It is well tolerated and works in just 7-10 days with most people. There are many varieties, with the product being constantly tweaked to improve the formula. It now contains virtually all of the above compounds in high enough doses to really make a difference.

Whilst the original strength pills are still available, it is the more recent varieties which are proving to be most effective, now that the glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate has been augmented with first MSM, and more latterly also with 5-Loxin – the more active and beneficial patent pending complex of Boswellia Serrata offering 10 times the concentration of most Boswellia Serrata extracts

With all of the options below, the dosage of each of the important actives is relatively constant, with around 1500mg of glucosamine, 1200mg of chondroitin and 100mg of MSM.

The pills have been reported to offer help with osteoarthritis pain, rheumatoid arthritis, bursitis and fibromyalgia. The brand is also the number 1 prescribed brand by doctors* and pharmacists** according to the manufacturers, and two published studies from 2009/2010. Whilst this does not mean that the product is endorsed by doctors and has the medical seal of approval, it is a good indication that the product is seen, at least by some medical professionals, to be a worthwhile dietary supplement for joint pain.

The latest release appears to be the best by far, thanks to the addition of 5-Loxin. Whilst standard Boswellia Serrata is effective, 5-Loxin is 10 times as potent, and alongside the glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM and a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals Osteo Bi-Flex™ Triple Strength Advanced with 5-Loxinoffers the best combination of actives to give your joints all the nutrients, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents they need to give excellent joint pain relief, and in only 7-10 days in most cases.

This may seem like an eternity when you have a painful arthritis flare up, but you have to remember that these are not drugs, just dietary supplements. When it comes to natural pain relief that is incredibly quick. What’s more, customers report that they help to prevent flare ups and offer long lasting protection. These pills will need to be taken every day forevermore, but the relief that customers claim from these make it more than worthwhile. These pills will cost around 42 cents per daily dosage, which is $12.78 a month. Not a bad price for great natural joint pain relief it has to be said! The downside? The 2 pills are quite large, but that’s about it, as they are well tolerated with very few side effects. That being said, please read the warning below.

As with any dietary supplement, they do not work for all of the people all of the time, but they can be a great help. Speak to your doctor about these supplements and get their opinion on whether they are a worthwhile choice, and whether they may help with your own problem, and whether there are any reasons why they should not be taken. It pays to be cautious after all.

As with any new supplement it is important to seek medical advice first, especially if you suffer from serious conditions such as heart problems, circulatory problems, diabetes or if you are pregnant or lactating. Glucosamine is an amino sugar and can raise blood sugar and also comes from marine sources, so if you have a shellfish allergy they should not to be taken.

According to the manufacturer, the warning is....

Pregnant or lactating women should consult a doctor before using any product. Avoid this product if you have allergies to shellfish or sulfur. Consult doctor before use if you have, or have had, diabetes, hypoglycemia, prostate disorders or if you are taking ANY PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur, including gastrointestinal discomfort or allergic reactions. NOT INTENDED FOR USE BY PERSONS UNDER THE AGE OF 18

* According to The National Disease and Therapeutic Index (NDTI) Oct 2009-Sept 2010

** According to a Pharmacy Times Survey in 2010