Osteoarthritis results from traumatic injury or overloading on a joint. Over time, the precursors to the collagen system (or connective tissue) breaks down and the loss of cartilage leads to the bone ends rubbing together, but co-lateral extension of the joint surfaces changes the mechanics of function and limits the range of motion. But if normal cartilage resistance is weakened, just normal joint function seems to initiate the degenerative process.

A second type of arthritis is from bacterial infection such as streptococcus, staphylococcus and other invasive diseases.
A third type is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) wherein joints become painful and swollen. The inflammation of RA is the result of the body's immune process at work. In an autoimmune disorder, the body develops antibodies against the constituents of the joint tissues. Several factors are thought to trigger this type of immune response. Nutritional deficiencies, poor digestion or assimilation, liver and kidney insufficiencies, lifestyle, food allergies, parasitic microorganisms, and low (acid) pH of interstitial fluid are among the factors studied.

Our main interest is the maintenance of the factors that produce normal cartilage and provides its resistance to wear and tear. In so doing, we address the natural replacement process of the whole connective tissue system.

What's Inside Dr. Ricketts' CJB Plus

GLUCOSAMINE SULFATE

Glucosamine sulfate appears to be nature's best remedy for arthritis. In the body, the main action of Glucosamine on joints is to stimulate the manufacture of connective tissue, the fibrous network that holds everything together and is the primary substance of cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate is a natural substance that the body already understands. The brain acknowledges its amino monosaccarides as a tool for collagen development. Glucosamine has been tested and confirmed in its ability to aid in healing damaged collagen of joints in arthritis. It has been the subject of more than 300 scientific investigations and is supported by over 20 double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. Glucosamine sulfate is registered in 70 countries worldwide as an aid to arthritis.

Vitamin C improves calcium absorption, important for bone building and maintenance. Using ESTER-C has advantages since metabolites in ESTER-C help get the vitamin into the blood stream faster and in lager amounts with less waste. ESTER-C is pH neutral, preventing bowel intolerance.

MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane)

MSM (methyl sulfonyl methane)
MSM is an essential nutritional form of sulfur, the third most abundant compound in the body. MSM is vital for many functions including new cell generation, wound healing, cell membrane permeability and connective tissue nutrition. One of the most significant applications is its ability to assist with inflammatory disorders such as those found in arthritis. MSM is a structural component of connective tissue and is required for restoration and repair. MSM feeds the immune system and is non-toxic.

ESTER - C®

Ester-C is a high powered, buffered form of vitamin C. Vitamin C is essential to health. Its primary function is to maintain collagen, the protein necessary for the formation of skin, ligaments, cartilage, bones, teeth, and for strength of blood vessel walls. It is an important antioxidant. Vitamin C is the primary nutrient used by the adrenal glands, the stress glands. Adrenals provide stimulus for the production of collagen and sex hormones. Unlike most other animals, humans cannot make their own vitamin C. With vitamin C being part of more

than 300 bodily functions, life itself depends on daily replenishment. Ester-C is a revolutionary form of vitamin C containing metabolites that help the vitamin get into the bloodstream faster and in larger amounts with less waste. Addition, these metabolites help the vitamin penetrate white blood cells more efficiently. White blood cells are known to have very high levels of vitamin C which they require for their metabolism, influencing their role as a critical component of the immune system. Ester-C with neutral pH, does not irritate the digestive system. Vitamin C decreases histamine levels and assists inflammation management. Dr. Haslock of Britain, observed elderly patients with joint disease who were also deficient in vitamin C. He noted this deficiency lead to excess blood in joints which promotes arthritis.

ARTHRED ®

The use of collagen therapies to support joint function and maintain joint integrity has been documented for nearly a thousand years. In 12th century nutritional therapy recordings, it was recommended that those with joint problems should drink soup containing similar raw materials to those used to make Arthred - hydrolyzed collagen. Hydrolyzed collagen has shown to have a positive effect on various forms of connective tissue. Arthred is a patented food form of collagen containing 19 amino acids and is clinically proven to naturally assist and maintain joints.

Diet has been strongly implicated in the many forms of arthritis for many years, in regards to both cause and cure.
In general, RA is not found in societies eating more whole foods, and is common in those with diets high in animal protein, cooked and processed foods, sugar saturated fat and refined carbohydrates.