During your childhood, teens and 20s your bones and joints mature.  By age 30 your bones are at their strongest and most dense.  As you continue to age you can begin to lose this bone density.  Your bones may weaken and have problems absorbing vitamins and minerals from your digestive tract.

The cartilage lining your joints can also begin to thin, making joints stiff and more susceptible to disease.

Chemical changes in your protein ingestion can make your ligaments lose elasticity and this adds to joint stiffness. Back problems are also common with age when tissues are stretched at vulnerable points. Living with joint pain and bone deformity is not necessary however.

Time taken now to take care of your skeletal system will help you maintain an active, independent life for the years to come.

Joints

Rheumatism and arthritis

Pain and inflammation around your bones, muscles or joints. Rheumatism is a chronic autoimmune disease, often with marked bone deformities. A trigger attacks the synovium, releasing cytokines that in turn stimulate an inflammatory reaction that can lead to the destruction of all components of a joint.

Gout

Uric acid builds up in the body resulting in excess uric acid deposits in the joints causing inflammation. It can be immensely painful as the upon movement of the affected area.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

A condition commonly causing numbness and pain in the hands, caused by increased pressure on the median nerve that enters the hand, usually from swelling of the median nerve lining.

The median nerve sends messages to your brain to enable you to move your muscles. It also provides sensation to your thumb, index finger and middle finger. The most common cause is swelling or thickening of the lining of the median nerve, often through repetitive flexing and extending of the tendons.

Fibromyalgia

Tender points of the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms and legs, causing muscular pain and fatigue, resulting in major discomfort, including a tingling or numbness in the hands and feet. Tender areas in the muscles form "knots" and create muscle spasms and tightness. Fibrous dysplasia is a related progressive condition where multiple muscles begin to form bone.

Sprains and Strains

A sprain is an injury to a ligament, where your ligaments are stretched or torn, usually from a fall, twist or knock, but also from systemic weakness.

A strain is an injury to your muscle or tendon, where your muscles or tendons are stretched or torn, usually caused by a twist or pull.

Both can result in prolonged pain, muscle spasms and weakness, swelling and muscle cramps.

Bursitis

Occurring when a bursa (small fluid-filled sacs that lubricate and cushion pressure points between your bones, tendons and muscles) becomes inflamed, causing pain on movement. The cause may be from an infection, or a rheumatic condition, but is often the result of repeated pressure, friction or other injury.

Bone Cancer

Two main types of bone cancer are found. These are primary (cancer that stems from the bone) and secondary (cancer that stems from another organ but spreads to the bone).

Types of bone cancers (tumors) include:

• Sarcomas (developing from bone, muscle and tissues)
• Benign tumors (non-cancerous), and
• Malignant tumors (cancerous), e.g. Osteosarcoma (of the bone itself); Chondrosarcoma (of cartilage cells) and Fibrosarcoma (from "soft tissues" such as ligaments and tendons)

Infections

Bone and joint infections can damage cartilage and tissue rapidly.

Osteomyelitis is one such debilitating infection, caused by a variety of microbial agents usually occurring from an injury, other infections from elsewhere in the body and from bacteria in the blood.

If Osteomyelitis is left untreated it can result in a loss of blood supply to the bone and the eventual death of bone tissue.

Bone and joint inflammation

Particular areas of bone or certain of your joints can become hot, red, swollen and extremely painful, often without a particular or recalled trigger.

The inflammation doesn’t respond to rest or recuperation.

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• In 2005 around 2,570 new cases of bone and joint cancer were diagnosed, with osteosarcoma being 50% more common in males than in females
• Osteoporosis affects around 25 million Americans per year, 80% of whom are women

• Every 3 minutes someone in the UK has a fracture due to osteoporosis 1 in 2 women and 1 in 8 men over 50 will have an osteoporosis-related fracture in their lifetime
• Ankylosing Spondylitis affects around 129 out of every 100,000 people in the US alone
• More than 43 million people have some form of arthritis
• Musculoskeletal conditions account for approx 102 million healthcare visits each year
• Degenerative joint disease affects 80% of people over the age of 60
• Carpel tunnel syndrome is more common in women than in men and affects up to 10% of the population
• Osteomyelitis affects around 2 out of every 10,000 people.

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The most prevalent cause of weak bones and joints is nutritional deficiency.  This is not just from dietary insufficiency, but also from underlying illness and natural body chemical and hormonal imbalances that have developed from years of nutritional misuse.

Bacteria, viruses, fungi and other germs are able to invade the body more easily as a result, causing infection.

Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus and ankylosing spondylitis can take hold in a weakened system, and all of these in turn can greatly increase risks of other serious conditions such as fibromyalgia.

Certain treatments used for joint conditions can cause bone density loss, e.g. from taking Prednisone (used for some forms of arthritis and asthma), along with many lifestyle issues such as high alcohol intake, smoking, low vitamin D and calcium, prolonged inactivity, thyroid over activity and inherited factors.

The situation is similar with osteoporosis, where many lifestyle traits and related physical conditions can increase your risk, for example:

• Early menopause
• Smoking
• Physical inactivity
• Unsuitable diet and insufficient nutritional intake
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Endocrine diseases
• Rheumatic disease, and
• Medications (e.g. Prednisone, Phenytoin, Thyroxine, Heparin).

Osteoporosis can also be caused by the leakage of calcium from your bones. This is caused by nutritional deficiency causing severe imbalance.

Calcium is lost from your bones as a result, accelerating the development of osteoporosis.

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Initially your practitioner will ask you about your symptoms and your medical history, as well as carrying out a physical examination for bone tenderness, swelling or redness.

Blood tests may be performed, along with imaging studies, x-rays and ultrasound where deemed necessary.

Tomography (CT scan) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are also options in diagnosis and may help to detect fluid collections around your joint, or any abnormal bone structures.

A bone mineral density (BMD) test is a measure of tissue in your bones. It helps your practitioner to estimate your bone strength.

BMD is commonly used to help diagnose osteoporosis, especially in post-menopausal women where BMD tends to fall with age and their decrease in estrogen.

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Symptoms of problems with your skeletal system can vary according to the specific condition and its cause. However, general and common symptoms of bone and joint disorders include: * Pain and stiffness * Inflexibility * General fatigue * Loss of appetite * Digestive disorders * Tenderness * Swelling * General discomfort * Numbness and tingling * Changes in gait * Bruising * A dull ache * Pins and needles. Indications of more severe or worsening conditions include: * Bowel or bladder disturbances * Pain down both legs * Weight loss * Fever * Sudden intense pains * Skin redness, warmth and tenderness * Irritability * Muscular wastage * Pain worse on lying down * Steroid use (e.g. Pednisone tablets for asthma or arthritis). *Patients aged 50 years and over should take particular care and should seek medical attention if experiencing any of these symptoms.

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A balanced lifestyle with regular exercise is important for you to maintain all round good health.

Eating a good diet, quitting smoking and keeping active are all helpful, but you need to take more specific measures to prevent bone and joint malfunction, and treat it just as specifically should it occur.

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Millions of medications are prescribed each year, but most (if not all) have underlying side effects that can be extremely dangerous to your health.

All of the below are used to treat (suppress) symptoms of the following:

Rheumatism, Arthritic conditions, Gout, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Sprains and Strains

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• Naproxen
• Indomethacin.

These can relieve your inflammation, pain and stiffness of many types of arthritis, gout, rheumatism, carpel tunnel syndrome...

They work by blocking Cox enzymes and reducing prostaglandins throughout the body.

Side effects include possible kidney failure with prolonged use, as well as fluid retention, potential liver failure, ulcers and prolonged bleeding.

Bone and Joint Inflammation, Bursitis

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs):

• Sulfasalazine
• Methotrexate.

They treat inflamed joints and other tissues. They work by slowing or stopping the immune system from attacking the joints.

They try to stop the cells in your immune system that cause pain and swelling.

Side effects can be quite severe with prolonged use and because of this it is always recommended that practitioners continually monitor the patient with regular blood tests.

Corticosteroids:

• Prednisone.

These may suppress inflammation and slow joint damage. They are strong drugs usually given by injection.

Side effects include potential for cataracts, high blood pressure, sleep problems, bruising, thinning of bones (osteoporosis), weight gain, susceptibility to infections, and more general side effects such as headaches, dizziness, colds and sinus problems, nausea and diarrhea.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers:

• Etanercept
• Infliximab.

The TNF is a cell protein that acts as an inflammatory agent. TNF blockers block this protein and help to reduce pain, stiffness and swollen joints.

They work by switching off the TNF.

Side effects can include serious infection, nervous system disease, blood problems, heart problems and allergic reactions.

Bone Cancer and Infections

Bisphosphonates:

• Disodium Pamidronate
• Ibandronic Acid
• Zoledronic Acid
• Etidronate
• Alendronate.

These help to protect your bones against some of the effects of cancer and general pain and weakness. They target areas of bone where osteoclast (cells that destroy bone) activity is high.

Side effects include potential falls in calcium levels, changes in kidney function, increased pain in the affected bone, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

Fibromyalgia

Tricyclic antidepressants:

• Amitriptyline
• Cyclobenzaprine
• Doxepin
• Nortriptyline.

These help to promote restorative sleep, relax painful muscles and heighten the effects of your natural endorphins (your body's natural pain-killers).

and

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs):

Often prescribed for people with fibromyalgia.

Side effects of these two drugs can include blurred vision, decreased sexual ability, drowsiness, headaches, weight gain, increased sweating, restlessness, shaking and trembling, fatigue, constipation, dry mouth and dizziness.

More serious side effect potentials include high blood pressure, chest pain, stiff or sore neck, fast or slow heartbeat, increased light sensitivity and nausea.

Benzodiazepines:

• Clonazepam
• Diazepam.

These relax tense, painful muscles to relieve symptoms of restless legs syndrome. They are also good for treating anxiety, but are usually required in fairly high dosages and therefore need monitoring closely by your practitioner.

Side effects include the potential for addiction, drowsiness, memory problems, dizziness and an increased risk of accidents due to concentration loss.

Osteoarthritis - A Special Note

Osteoarthritis is mainly a female condition associated with the Menopause. HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) is often given to women during the menopause to help prevent diseases such as osteoarthritis.

It works by replacing declining sex hormones with estrogen and progestogen to reduce symptoms of the menopause.

Side effects can include nausea, cramps, bloating, weight changes, tender breasts, PMS, fluid retention, jaundice, rashes, changes in sex drive, depression, headaches, dizziness and leg cramps.

More serious side effects could potentially be a slight increased risk of breast cancer and deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Other drugs used to help treat/prevent osteoarthritis include Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs), e.g. Raloxifene. These act like the hormone estrogen in the bones and heart. Side effects include hot flashes and an increased risk of blood clots.

 

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A regular daily intake of key nutrients will greatly improve your bone health and joint function. Selected nutrients will help avoid deficiencies that can lead to the loss of valuable bone minerals, and the same nutrients also help to build those losses back up should you find yourself already in a disease state.

The most common mineral loss is calcium, mainly because it is the most abundant. However, taking mega doses of calcium is not the answer.

Maintaining a broad based intake of nutrients is the key.

There are many natural ingredients known to help properly maintain your bones and joints and keep your overall health balanced too.

There are also ingredients that will help build and maintain the health of your cartilage and further minimize inflammation.

As with any ingredients these are all individually significant, but more importantly when combined together correctly in researched dosages their formula effects can be enhanced dramatically.

• Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
• Mangosteen
• Coral Calcium
• Turmeric
• CMO (Cerasomal-cis-9-cetylmyristoleate)
• Vitamin K2
• Vitamin B3, Vitamin D3, Vitamin E
• Lycopene
• Piperine
• Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM)
• Selenium
• Chondroitin Sulphate
• Glucosamine
• Rutin
• Omega 3 Fish Oils
• Zinc
• New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel extract
• Copper
• Boron

Xtend-Life products containing these, and more ingredients are recommended below.

The vitality of these ingredients and the relating Xtend-Life products have been shown to be further enhanced with the addition of Xtend-Life Omega 3/DHA Esters to their daily regime, as per the below recommendation.

Xtend-Life Arthrite-Eze contains specific ingredients to control and reverse debilitation and inflammation, and is an added protocol for specific treatment together with our Coral Calcium and Phytonutrient formula and our new improved New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel Extract, formulated in combination with our high potency Omega 3/DHA Fish Oils.

Thousands of people the world over have found that by following these recommended protocols for a period of time they have been able to meet their personal objectives.

There is a choice of natural protocols to suit you as an individual, depending upon the nature of your problem/concern. We have categorised these here.

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We propose different protocols for different conditions.

Protocol 1 - For bone and joint disease prevention

Xtend-Life Bone-Protec formula and Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil Esters are recommended if you have no specific problem but want to give your bones and joints the best possible chance of health and reduced risk of deterioration:

Product	Quantity Per Day	You Need
Xtend-Life Bone Protec	3 capsules per day	1 bottle per month
Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil Esters	2 soft gels per day	1 bottle per month

Protocol 2 - For optimum bone and joint disease prevention and maintenance

Xtend-Life Bone-Protec formula, plus our Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil Esters and Total Balance are recommended for optimum protection, disease prevention and for long-term bone and joint health and flexibility:

Product	Quantity Per Day	You Need
Xtend-Life Bone Protec	3 capsules per day	1 bottle per month
Omega 3/DHA Fish Oil Esters	2 soft gels per day	1 bottle per month
Xtend-Life Total Balance	Adults: 6 tablets per day Teens: 3 tablets per day	2 bottles per month 1 bottle per month

Protocol 3 - Inflammation

A good protocol for the inflammation of sore joints, such as knuckles, etc, is Xtend-Life's GLM-Omega 3 Plus. It not only contains a high potency New Zealand Green-Lipped Mussel extract, but also the full daily dose of Omega 3 Fish Oils.

It can also be combined with Total Balance for maximum efficacy.

For more severe inflammatory problems add Xtend-Life Arthrit-Eze:

Product	Quantity Per Day	You Need
GLM-Omega 3 Plus	2 soft gels per day	1 bottle per month

All forms of Arthritis

Another set of protocols is available which is specifically directed toward sufferers of any form of arthritis or severe inflammation.

Details can be found in our dedicated Arthritis section.

Please note that we develop our formulas in a way that minimizes possibilities of interaction. However, as with all natural supplements there is still potential for ingredients to interact with prescription drugs. You are advised to either check with your physician or Contact Us with details of your medicines so that we can check our databases for potential problems. Please also check our legal notices found in About Us.

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