Joint Structure and Cartilast...
It’s simple, healthy cartilage equates to healthy joints. Watch how children effortlessly bend, lift, jump, twist, run, squeeze and turn. As adults, maintaining this same kind of joint fitness will help us age well.
Cartilage is a soft and flexible connective tissue found in our bronchial tubes, ears and nose, between vertebrae in the spine, at the ends of ribs, and in joints between bones such as elbows, knees and ankles. Cartilage is designed to:
- Cushion joints and reduce friction between bones
- Help support our weight when running, bending and stretching
- Hold bones together
- Form the structure of body parts like our ears and windpipe.
Three types of cartilage reside in the body:
- Elastic cartilage is supple and flexible; it comprises the outer ear, some of the nose and trachea.
- Fibrocartilage is tough and inflexible, located between vertebrae, in the knees, hip, and pelvis.
- Hyaline cartilage is prevalent throughout our bodies. Offering flexibility and support, it acts as a shock absorber and creates a low-friction surface for joints to glide on. Hyaline cartilage resides between the ribs, movable joints, and windpipe.
Injury or natural wear from age damages cartilage. Pain, inflammation and frequently some degree of disability results because stiff joints cannot move as freely. Since cartilage does not contain blood vessels or nerves, its cells are unable to heal without medical intervention – either by increasing blood supply or grafting tissue.
To slow down cartilage breakdown, it is essential we maintain a healthy weight, exercise for flexibility and strength, and avoid overtraining and overexertion.
The good news is that in the future, new techniques under investigation may help damaged cartilage restore functionality.
We know when it comes to joint health, one size does not fit all. Several natural ingredients have exhibited the ability to support healthy joints without side effects. That’s why QOL offers three joint health formulas, each targeting a specific aspect of joint health and wellbeing.
Let’s talk specifically about QOL’s Cartilast® with Avocado Soy Unsaponifiables (ASU)!
This supplement is meant to support healthy cartilage and joint function. It protects existing cartilage and may help rebuild new cartilage.
ASU is a natural vegetable extract and central component of this formula made from avocado oil and soybean oil. Research shows ASU blocks pro-inflammatory chemicals, prevents synovial cells that line the joints from deteriorating, and may help regenerate normal connective tissue.
It has been routinely used and accepted in Europe as an osteoarthritis treatment. Several clinical studies showed ASU slowed the breakdown of cartilage, improved pain and stiffness from hip and knee osteoarthritis, and reduced the need for NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
QOL Cartilast® contains:
- AvoVida®, a proprietary blended extract of ASU. It contains concentrated phytosterols to protect existing cartilage from erosion and encourage the synthesis of collagen and proteoglycans.
- Vitamin D3 in the form of fat-soluble cholecalciferol helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorous properly, build and protect strong bones, and help delay neurodegenerative decline.
- Vitamin K2 is found in leafy greens, olive oil, and miso. VitaMK7® as menaquinone-7 is derived from natural natto molecules. This easily absorbed form of vitamin K helps blood clot and assists with bone formation.
- Boron is a trace mineral found in all plant foods. In the form of bororganic glycine, easier absorption and bioavailability are achieved. Boron helps reduce inflammation, fight osteoporosis, and strengthens bones and joints.
