Products

LB17 live probiotics

Flax Hulls

Heavy Metals Tests

Free Radical Test

pH Indicators

10-P Test

HMT Detox

VitaC Plus

FLEXICOSE Liquid Glucosamine

A high quality liquid glucosamine formula and one of the most effective osteoarthritis and joint health care products on the market today with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane).

• Chondroitin Sulfate
  Chondroitin Sulfate is a component of cartilage. It is made up of amino sugars, sugar acid and galactosamine (which is a precursor to glucosamine) and is a naturally occurring product found in animal cartilage. Supplemental chondroitin is derived primarily from bovine (cow) cartilage, particularly the cartilage rings of the trachea. It is also derived from shark and whale cartilage. The source does not appear to have any impact on its effect. Though for ecological reasons, many consumers prefer bovine sources.
  
  
• Methylsulfonulmethane (MSM)
  MSM, also known as methylsulfonylmethane, is a major supplier of sulfur, the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It is related to another sulfur compound, DMSO. MSM is found in every cell of every animal and plant and is a pure, natural, stable, white, odorless crystalline powder without the unpleasant taste or odor of DMSO. MSM is not a drug or medicine, and is unrelated to sulfa drugs, to which some people have an allergy.
  
  In animal studies, joints affected by osteoarthritis have lower sulfur content. Mice with arthritis, when given MSM, experience less joint deterioration. The results of a preliminary double-blind trial stated that patients with osteoarthritis found that MSM reduced pain after six weeks.
  
  MSM may help relieve joint pain and swelling - without the stomach damage, rebound pain, and joint damage associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), such as ibuprofen.
  
  
• Manganese
  Manganese is essential for chondroitin sulfate synthesis, which is critical to the organic matrix of bone. Many enzymes required for the synthesis of polysaccharides and glycoproteins require manganese to be active. It is a mineral essential to the formation of connective tissue (such as cartilage). Therefore manganese is extremely helpful in combating Arthritis but there is also evidence that it promotes keeping bones strong and contributing towards the prevention of Osteoporosis. The symptoms of manganese deficiency are silent heat, enlarged foot joints, perosis and disorders of the nervous system.
  
  
• Omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA)
  Essential fatty acids (commonly called EFA’s) are fat based nutrients that every mammal needs to maintain healthy function and structure of smooth muscle organs (heart/reproductive system), to protect and build liver cells, and to maintain healthy skin, coat and strong joint tissues. They have also been linked to retinal development and antioxidant activities, and they are responsible for the synthesis and modulation of various biochemicals that serve as mediators of the body’s various physiologic processes.
  
  In other words, if a body does not receive sufficient amounts of EFA’s critical body functions can be severely disrupted. Dogs and cats that are deficient in EFA’s typically develop chronic skin and coat disorders, digestive problems, cardiovascular disease, degenerative eye disease, and allergies. Even animals who show no obvious signs of chronic disease will often display dramatic benefits from an EFA-enriched diet very quickly. A shinier and softer coat, less shedding, healthier skin, fewer fleas, and better tolerance to flea bites and other allergens can be seen within just a few weeks of first feeding.
  
  Omega EFA's, especially Omega 3, reduce soreness, increase blood flow as well as promote the reduction of Coronary Heart Disease. Omega 3 (EPA and DHA) should be taken everyday even if one does not have arthritis.
  
  
• Vitamin A
  Vitamin A plays an important role in bone formation and may also help to reduce the symptoms of Osteoarthritis. Other functional dependency on Vitamin A include vision, resistance to infectious diseases, epithelial cell integrity (scaly skin syndrome from lack of Vitamin A), and reproduction functions. Lack of or low Vitamin A may lead to reduced bone mass and consequently osteoporosis and blindness.
  
  
• Vitamin C
  Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin needed for the repair and growth of tissues in all parts of the body. Vitamin C is essential for the repair and maintenance of cartilage and bones as well as healing of wounds. It is essential to form collagen, an important protein used to make tendons, cartilage, ligaments, skin, blood vessels, and scar tissue. It also acts as an antioxidant to offset the damage of free radicals. Other important roles of Vitamin C in the body include the biosynthesis of the amino acid carnitine and the catecholamines that regulate the nervous system. It also helps the body to absorb iron and to break down histamine, the inflammatory component of many allergic reactions
  
  
• Vitamin E
  Vitamin E or alpha tocopherol, is a fat and oil soluble vitamin belonging to the group of compounds, the tocopherols that can prevent oxidation. Drs. Stephen Davies and Alan Stewart in their book Nutritional Medicine, Avon Books, state "It is now becoming evident that free radical reactions in mammalian systems are probably responsible for such diverse physiological processes as inflammation, aging, drug induced damage, degenerative arthritis, alterations in immunity, cancer and cardiovascular disease."
  
  Antioxidants such as vitamin E counter this process and helps in the prevention and the treatment of Osteoarthritis (pain relief and increased joint mobility). Vitamin E was tested against a NSAID (diclofenac) and was found to be equally as effective.
  
  
• Yucca
  Yucca root is used as a herbal remedy to relieve inflammation. It has a long history of use to reduce pain and inflammation caused by arthritis and rheumatism as well as reducing joint inflammation. A constituent of yucca called a phytosterol is responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. Yucca may also work by blocking the release of intestinal toxins that inhibit normal formation of cartilage.
  
  
• Bromelain
  Bromelain is a mixture of protein-digesting enzymes containing active substances that aid digestion and help reduce inflammation. It may also help with Rheumatoid Arthritis. Long-standing use of bromelain suggests that this enzyme may be helpful as part of the treatment for other connective tissue disorders including scleroderma (build up of tough scar-like tissue in the skin and, at times, internal organs), bursitis, and tendinitis.
  
  
• Boswellia
  Boswellia is an Ayurvedic plant that contains anti-inflammatory triterpenoids called boswellic acids. Boswellic acid and its derivatives have anti-carcinogenic, anti-tumor, and blood lipid lowering activities. Dried extracts of the resin of the Boswellia serrata tree have been used in India to treat inflammatory conditions.
  
  Boswellia is probably best for Rheumatoid Arthritis, but due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it is also effective for Osteoarthritis. Boswellia inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators in the body, such as leukotrienes. Research indicates that long-term use of Boswellia, as opposed to NSAIDs, does not appear to cause irritation or ulceration of the stomach. Animal and laboratory studies suggest possible efficacy for inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis.
  
  
• Aloe Vera
  The plant steroids in Aloe Vera can relieve inflammation, help to regenerate new cells and disperse damaged tissue without unsightly scarring. Animal studies show that drinking soothing aloe vera can reduce swelling and soreness in arthritic joints. It has been used since early recorded history for its first-aid like properties. Aloe Vera is one of the only known natural vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12, and it contains many minerals vital to the healthy function and growth process of all the body's systems.
  
  
• Niacinamide in a uniquely concentrated Flexibility ComplexTM
  This particular form of vitamin B3 may enhance glucocorticoid secretion, a naturally produced anti-inflammatory adrenal hormone. In clinical trials, it has clearly been more effective than placebo and it has very promising effects for arthritis. William Kaufman, M.D. published detailed observations on many of his patients with osteoarthritis who took niacinamide. He documented improvements in joint function, range of motion, increased muscle strength and endurance.
  
  

• For smaller dogs, yowling or grumbling when lifted or handled
• Lameness
• Stiffness
• Increased sensitivity to touch or handling
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Hiding or disappearing from sight
• Whining or making noises for no other reason
• Reluctance or slowness in getting up from a lying or sitting position
• Marked decline in energy during walks, play or runs.