• Blog
  • Podcast
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

Fredrickson Health Solutions

A detailed review of OsteoArthritis and natural solutions for pain relief.

health· natural

31 Dec

Research and credit to Dr. Tom Guillams- Osteoarthritis a Natural Approach- The Standard 1999.

Arthritis refers to nearly 100 different rheumatic diseases of the areas in and around the joints. Conditions as different as fibromyalgia, scleroderma and gout have often been included with the classic arthritic conditions: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis is now our nation’s leading cause of disability and is projected by the CDC to effect nearly 60 million Americans (20% of U.S. population) by the year 2020. By far the most prevalent type is osteoarthritis, accounting for one half of the 40 million Americans currently suffering from these conditions. Osteoarthritis (OA), often called degenerative joint disease (DJD), is characterized by the degeneration of the cartilage protecting the ends of bones at the joints. We will discuss the underlying problems associated with osteoarthritic joints as well as review the standard of care and natural alternatives.

The term arthritis implies to an inflammatory process; which in fact may not necessarily be involved in many of the cases of osteoarthritis. It is for this reason that many use the term arthrosis or degenerative joint disease (DJD) for this condition. Unlike rheumatoid arthritis, which usually effects the respective joints symmetrically (both knees, both hands etc.), OA often occurs in one joint without similar pathology in its symmetrical equivalent. Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by a slow and gradual onset, usually starting with morning stiffness in a few weight-bearing joints (especially the knees). Eventually, pain is associated with movement leading to loss of joint function. Signs include joint tenderness, intermittent inflammation, joint crepitus and Heberden’s nodes (when fingers are involved). X-ray analysis will often show a narrowing in the joint space and irregularity (osteophytes) and increasingly dense bone surface. These findings are the result of the wearing away of the articular cartilage covering the ends of the bones at the joint and the irregular compensation of the bone ends. While not considered inevitable, OA is certainly related to the effects of time and gravity (bats and sloths are the only mammals with no history of OA) and is often called wear and tear arthritis. To protect the integrity of the bones meeting at synovial joints, the ends are covered by articular cartilage. This cartilage is made of collagen fibers, giving it tensile strength, and proteoglycan molecules (especially chondroitin sulfate), to cushion impacting pressure.

The proteoglycan molecules are made from a linear core protein with several hundred molecules of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs, primarily chondroitin sulfate and keratin sulfate) attached at right angles. These protein core molecules are attached to a hyaluronic acid framework, which acts in a network to make up the articular cartilage. This unique structure allows proteoglycan molecules to absorb synovial fluid when uncompressed and then expel the fluid as it is compressed. This compression and decompression of the proteoglycans allows for the exchange of fluids and nutrients in the joints, where a direct blood supply is not available. Active exercise leads to the compression and decompression of the articular cartilage and is beneficial in preventing OA, as inactivity will lead to nutrient and fluid deprivation of the articular cartilage, hastening its degeneration. Properly hydrated articular cartilage is one of the most frictionless surfaces known. Cells known as chondrocytes are responsible for forming articular cartilage. Like CNS and muscle cells, chondrocytes have an extremely long cell cycle and do not divide very often. It may be the triggering of the chondrocytes to divide, and a coordinated osteoblast bone synthesis that may be responsible for many of the hardening and irregularly formed bone ends. Under normal circumstances, chondrocytes produce proteoglycans by polymerization of the monomers derived from glucose (glucuronic acid and N-acetyl glucosamine) and galactose. Modification of enzymes in these pathways, reduced levels of precursors, or preventing those precursors from entering the chondrocyte (sedentary lifestyle) will decrease the formation of articular cartilage and increase the incidence of OA. (The Standard, 1999).

Many people consider OA or DJD to be irreversible. When conservative treatment fails, joint replacement is often necessary. Emerging research has come out lately with various injections into the joint including viscosuplmentatiion, PRP, and as of recently stem cell. While some results are promising more research is needed. There are several pharmacological agents like NSAIDS that help to ease the pain, but studies have shown that they affect cartilage metabolism and are toxic to the liver when used long term. NSAIDS work by blocking the COX 1 pathways, but in the process they really put a big burden on the liver, which leads to more side effects than most people want including stomach bleeding. “One of the interesting findings of the use of aspirin, NSAIDS, and steroid drugs for osteoarthritis is their effect on articular cartilage metabolism. NSAIDS have been shown to suppress proteoglycan synthesis by chondrocytes. To date, contradictory findings show that some NSAIDS block proteoglycan synthesis at certain concentrations while seeming to stimulate synthesis at other concentrations. has been shown to block an enzyme involved in elongation of chondroitin sulfate molecules.

It seems that the very drugs used to mask the pain caused by articular cartilage loss, may be preventing the joints from effectively replacing it.” (The Standard, 1999).

So what do we do?

You have heard of glucosamine correct? Most people have, but usually it is from a mass marketed retail product with poor quality raw materials.

The product that I personally love and use regularly is Chondro-Flx from Ortho Molecular Products. I really believe in the research behind it, and also believe its leaps and bounds superior to other glucosamine/chondroitin products out in the retail and professional channel today.

Chondro-Flx combines glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, vitamin C and bromelain, all of which have a long history of use and a large body of research highlighting their role in supporting joint health. As the key precursors to cartilage formation, the ingredients in Chondro-Flx provide full support for joint integrity and movement and a normal inflammatory balance. The formula also includes bromelain to enhance the absorption of chondroitin and vitamin C, an antioxidant that reduces free radicals and is a cofactor to enzymes critical for the synthesis of new collagen.

Glucosamine sulfate is a naturally occurring precursor for collagen synthesis and is a basic building for the smaller structures in joint tissue like glycolipids, glycoproteins, hyaluronate, and proteoglycan. What we have known about the science behind glucosamine is now showing up in the research: In early double blind, placebo-controlled studies with 80 participants with OA, the group with glucosamine improved 71% over the placebo group. Lastly, a 2013 study of data from a French database of 11,772 adults taking a glucosamine supplement showed a significant positive effect in joint health, functional limitation and quality of life.

Chondroitin Sulfate

As the major glycosaminoglycan associated with articular cartilage, chondroitin sulfate (CS) is designed to draw water into the joint tissues and hydrate them, allowing for compression when pressure is put on the joint and to rehydrate when the pressure is released. There is a growing body of research supporting the benefits of chondroitin for joint discomfort. A review of seven clinical trials (327 total patients in which CS  compared with placebo for 120 days or more) revealed it to be significantly superior to placebo. Key research in the use of chondroitin sulfate confirmed the use for knee, and finger joint benefits. A one year, randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study of patients with knee discomfort showed a significant positive effect in joint health and mobility in patients taking CS (800 mg/day) compared to placebo. CS has also been shown to maintain normal inflammatory balance, with an affinity to synovial cartilage and to have metabolic effects on synthesis of hyaluronate and cartilage proteoglycans. CS has also been shown to inhibit cartilage degrading enzymes (collagenase, elastase, proteoglycanase). (Uebelhart D)

It is well established the size and weight of chondroitin sulfate are very important is absorption of chondroitin. A study at the University of Maryland examining random retail chondroitin sulfate products showed that the majority of products use large molecular weight, acid-hydrolyzed chondroitin particles. These are inconsistent in size and too large to be absorbed in the intestine.

The chondroitin sulfate in Chondro-Flx is enzymatically processed providing consistently small, highly absorbed chondroitin molecules ensuring the best results.The analogy I like to use for most retail brands of chondrotin is that they use a Acid Hydrolysis process, (Imagine hitting a rock with a sledge hammer and seeing all the pieces you get from hitting it),  enzymatically processed creates uniformity in size, like perfect pearls in a sequence, which particle do you think gets absorbed better? Ortho Molecular gets it Chondrotin Sulfate from Bioiberica (SPAIN), which is one of the top raw material suppliers of CS in the world.

Now there have been multiple studies about numerous chondroitin sources, and how they do no meet label claim. They looked at the 32 manufactures of chondroitin and looked at all the materials.  A material or the top quality had very little variance, and the highest permeability, while the others showed much less permeability and much higher variance, basically a crap shoot. Most of the competitors come from china and are bigger size and do not get through the caco 2 cell membrane, and also use the hammer and rock process of acid hydrolysis that I described earlier.

Now we know about the effects of bromelain and that is comes from pineapples, but bromelain also aids in increasing the absorption of chondroitin sulfate, and it also acts as a natural anti-inflammatory.

Vit C is also added at a low dose because studies have shown that together all of these materials combined can have a synergistic effect.

Dosing is 3 capsules per day and research now shows you can take them all at once or separate them 3x per day and still have the same absorption. It is recommended to take on a empty stomach, as bromelain is also a proteolytic enzyme

You can find Chondro-Flx at a functional/integrative medical clinic, or independent pharmacy near you.

If you do not have provider you can find it at our store (link below) under the MSK protcols tab. us.fullscript.com/welcome/fredrickson

References

Uebelhart D et al. Effects of oral chondroitin sulfate on the progression of knee osteoarthritis: a pilot study.

Osteoarthritis and Cartilage 1998; 6(Suppl A):39-46.

Thomas Williams: Osteoarthritis a Natural approach 1999.

Leave a Comment

Recent Comments

  • Kimberly Ward on TOP 11 Inflammatory Markers
Previous Post: « Rotator Cuff Rehab Exercises
Next Post: BACOPA MONNIERI to enhance MEMORY AND COGNITION? »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Latest on Instagram

fredricksonhealthsolutions

fredricksonhealthsolutions


Is your magnesium supplement helping you increase
Is your magnesium supplement helping you increase your magnesium stores? Or merely making you rush to the bathroom?

Is your magnesium glycinate actually a strong bond, or actually just magnesium and the amino acid loosely mixed together?

In a new free webinar @dr.robertfredrickson goes over the in’s and outs of what a good quality mineral chelate is, and what to look for in your next supplement. Check out the webinar on YouTube to learn more! Search mineral chelation and Dr. Robert Fredrickson and it should pop up 🤩#magnesium #magnesiumanswers

Struggling with Mold? Here are some natural based
Struggling with Mold? Here are some natural based tips!

Increasing Ability to Detoxify from Mold Exposure Naturally

✅Supplementing L-Glutathione
Infared Sauna 2-4x per week
✅Magnesium Supplementation and Magnesium Rich Foods
✅B-Vitamins from food and supplements
✅Eating and supplementing with Chorella and Chorlyphyll.
Drinking plenty of mineral-rich waters.
✅Eating cleaner sources of coffee, nuts, and berries and minimizing mold-containing foods.
✅Completely avoiding tobacco and vape-like products.
✅Minimizing alcohol consumption during your detox period.
✅Use short-term binders like shilajit, activated charcoal, zeolite clay, fulvic and humic acids, etc for additional support. (Most providers advise taking these away from supplements, as the binders have broad binding properties).

While mold exposure can be challenging to avoid altogether, it’s vital to be aware of the potential health effects and ways to help your body detoxify at its full potential.

To read this full article, check out the blog post at FredricksonHealthSolutions.com

Do you know your vitamin D Levels?

We always talk
Do you know your vitamin D Levels?

We always talk about the importance of vitamin D for immune health, reducing cardiovascular risk, and improving bone density, yet almost half of the population doesn’t even know their levels.

And most who do know their levels have levels lower than 30ng/DL even if they are out in the sun alot.

It’s of general consensus in most new literature that the current ranges for vitamin D are off, and that the optimal range is somewhere between 50-70ng/ml.

There is some variance from practitioner to practitioner on this, and some will strive for even higher levels in some treatment strategies for specific conditions as well.

Work with your integrative practitioner today to find out what your levels are get on the appropriate regime to get to optimal vitamin D status ASAP!

Follow and share this post if you found helpful.

PMID: 26090099
PMID: 25207384
PMID: 26435569

#vitamind #vitamindtest #vitaminddeficiency #magnesiumdeficiency #magnesiumanswers #getoutside


Increasing movement during the day with a busy sch
Increasing movement during the day with a busy schedule doesn’t have to be time consuming!

This chart from @instituteforfxmed gives some great ideas for incorporating movement and exercise into a busy day! Try some of these out and let us know how you feel!

#movementismedicine #movemore #fredricksonhealthsolutions #georgetowntx #georgetowntxsquare

Are you still cutting off or cutting into your win
Are you still cutting off or cutting into your wine bottle opener? 

I just learned this recently and thought I would share. Most wine covers can be easily pulled off with a little twisting.

Let’s make getting that occasional  glass of wine  a little easier! 🤣

All hacks aside, obviously drinking excessively and even regularly can negative health consequences.  In fact having just one glass of wine has shown to have a decrease in sleep quality based on my @ouraring 

I think having more days during the week that you don’t drink anything,  is a better a strategy for health and longevity then having 1 glass a night. Save the 🍷 for special occasions, or stressful kid days 🤣

Share this  if you found this  wine hack mind blowing like I did 🤯🙌

#winehack

Magnesium is truly the Swiss Army knife of mineral
Magnesium is truly the Swiss Army knife of minerals. With so many enzymatic reactions in the body depending on magnesium, being sufficient in this mineral is key to optimal health.

Not sure which magnesium type is right for you? Leave us your magnesium questions in the comments!

#magnesium #magnesiumdeficiency #magnesiumanswers

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Thankfu
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! Thankful for you!

#thankful #fredricksonhealthsolutions #georgetowntx

Happy Birthday To The Beloved Dr. Natalie Fredrick
Happy Birthday To The Beloved Dr. Natalie Fredrickson! Please show @drnataliefredrickson some love today, she deserves it! ❤️ 

#happybirthday #doctorbirthday

Wising you all a healthy and happy Halloween from
Wising you all a healthy and happy Halloween from FHS!

#fredricksonhealthsolutions #georgetowntx #halloween2021

One of the biggest factors that determines the suc
One of the biggest factors that determines the success of a stem cell treatment is not just the number of cells injected, but that those cells are viable productive cells. The cellular environment and having proper nutrient support are two keys to promoting stem cell longevity and maximizing cellular activity. CollaGEN can play a key role in helping support the quality of the outcome with any of these procedures. For this reason, I am supplementing 10grams of Type 2 collagen for 2-3 months while I recover from my stem cell procedure and ankle surgery. For any questions regarding the clinical grade collagen I am using, please send a DM!  #collagenpeptides #type2collagen #stemcells #stemcelltherapy #cartilagehealth #jointhealth #jointsupport

“I have been to over 30 different doctors, physi
“I have been to over 30 different doctors, physical therapist, chiropractors and personal trainers in my lifetime to improve my mobility. Dr. Fredrickson is one of two to significantly and effectively reduce my pain.”

We love helping others and would be honored to be apart of your health journey too! 

To schedule an Appointment ⬇️ www.painfix.janeapp.com

📞 512-399-3370

#improvehealth #takechargeofyourhealth #chronicpainrelief #healthissues #preventativecare #stretchtherapy #healthcomesfirst #healthhacks #painreliever #healthcareprofessionals #yourhealthmatters #movementislife #naturalhealthcare

In the episode of the Fredrickson Health Show we s
In the episode of the Fredrickson Health Show we speak with @drfrancescaleblanc on all things stress, cortisol, and testing. 

If your cortisol is extremely high in the morning, it doesn’t make sense to spike it even more with a high glycemic breakfast.

We talk about why Dr. LeBlanc doesn’t like fasting while some are healing from adrenal fatigue, and so much more! Check out this episode by visiting my YouTube channel or seeing it on any podcast player you use like Apple podcasts or spotify! 

#adrenalfatigue #hpaaxis #cortisolcontrol #cortisolmanagement #fredricksonhealthsolutions #fredricksonhealthshow #dutchtest #testdontguess #stressrelief

Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a natural and versatile
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a natural and versatile antioxidant that can support blood sugar, peripheral neuropathy issues and make other antioxidants like vitamin c, vitamin e, and glutathione function better!

Lately, ALA has been getting a lot of press on its anecdotal ability to help regain smell in some individuals on social media. 

While studies are minimal regarding alpha-lipoic acid and regaining smell function, a 2002 study is worth mentioning.

The study included 23 adults with a mean ( average) age range of 57 years old; each participant was given 600mg daily for 4.5 months. While 7 participants saw no change after the study, 14 patients saw moderate to remarkable olfactory function at the end of the trial.

Conclusions:  Researchers concluded, “The results indicate that alpha-lipoic acid may be helpful in patients with olfactory (smell) loss after upper respiratory tract infection.” PMID: 12439184

Since ALA has been studied extensively in nerve pain, some hypothesize that ALA can help some of the smaller cranial nerves as well. Have you tried ALA before?

For more info on ALA check out my latest blog post link in bio. 🙌

Disclaimer: For information purposes only. Always seek counsel for individual health advice.

#alphalipoicacid #ala #cantsmell

Hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather today!
Hope everyone enjoyed the beautiful weather today! Glad Texas got the memo for once. 🍁 ☕️ 

#moveyourbody #healthylifestyle #georgetowntexas #georgetowntxchiropractor #vitamind

Over time, lifestyle factors can cause friction on
Over time, lifestyle factors can cause friction on joint cartilage. This can lead to less motivation to keep moving. Chondro-Flx provides high-quality glucosamine and chondroitin to support lifelong joint health! #chondroflx #jointhealth #cartilage #glucosamine #chondroitin #exercise #activelifestyle #OrthoMolecularProducts

Different forms of Magnesium!

Magnesium is the Sw
Different forms of Magnesium!

Magnesium is the Swiss Army knife of minerals. Being involved in over 800 enzymatic bio-chemical reactions in the body makes this a mineral you do not want to be deficient in.

Now before you run to your local grocery store to buy Magneisum in a buy 1 get 1 special, make sure to read the back of the label and know exactly form you are getting.

All magnesium has benefits on cardiovascular health, sleep, mood, energy, regularity, and more. But some forms have greater affinity for different effects. 

Mag Oxide- Most common form, also cheapest. Known to cause GI upset in some, and low bioavailability.

Magnesium Citrate-lots of studies showing it’s benefits on constipation.

Magnesium Taurate- studied for heart health 

Magnesium Malate- great for muscle pain, tension,fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue- one of my favorites to take in the morning! 

Magnesium Glycinate- very well absorbed and gentle on the GI. Always a safe bet to try. Great for sleep and anxiety.

Magnesium L-Threonate- very cool studies on this form relating to brain health, memory, cognition, and helping prevent early Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

While there are more forms out there, these are some of our favorites! Remember magnesium is a required nutrient that we need to get daily from our diet and also from supplements!

If you have questions on anything related to magnesium, let us know in the comments! 

#magnesiumanswers #magnesium #magnesiumcitrate #magnesiumtypes #magnesiumcitrate #magnesiumglycinate #fredricksonhealthsolutions #magnesiummalate #mineralfix #optimalhealth #magnesiumfoods


Vitamin D is all the rage right now, and yet many
Vitamin D is all the rage right now, and yet many are still deficient and don't know their levels, and others are popping vitamin D tabs like candy. 🍭

Vitamin D is getting a lot of publicity for its effect on the immune system. A 2021 meta-analysis looked at 14 studies with 91,000 studies and found those with low vitamin D levels had a much higher risk of C19 infection. PMID: 33748066

I hear about people taking vitamin D all the time, but I don't hear much about the vitamin D3 and magnesium connection. It's sad because research shows over half of the adult population are deficient in both vitamin D and magnesium, and over 80-90% are estimated to have subclinical deficiencies in Magnesium PMID: 29387426

Magnesium is a required cofactor for eight steps of activation and conversion to active vitamin D3. What this means is, without optimal magnesium stores in the body, it's going to be harder to get the optimal function of Vitamin D3. Want to know something even more surprising? Since magnesium is essential in vitamin D metabolism, taking large doses of vitamin D can induce (cause) severe depletion of magnesium. Therefore, magnesium needs more popularity and consideration in its relationship to vitamin D.

Magnesium should serve as an essential mineral to consider supplementing or eating in addition to any vitamin D therapy. PMID: 28471760

Did you find this vitamin D and magnesium connection helpful? If so please like this post, comment, and share with a friend! 🙌
For more magnesium related information, I encourage you to subscribe to my monthly newsletter by visiting: https://robertfredrickson.ck.page/magnesiumanswers

Let’s Make Magnesium Great Again! 🇺🇸 

#magnesiumbenefits #magnesium #vitamind3 #vitd3 #vitaminddeficiency #magnesiumanswers

What is "correct" posture? While research still de
What is "correct" posture? While research still debates what correct posture actually means, We believe Good posture means your head, neck, and trunk are in a vertical line with your ears directly over your shoulders. Your shoulder blades should be flat against your back and your pelvis tucked under so that you're not leaning forward or backward.

What should be your posture when you sit at a desk? What about when you drive or play golf? The correct answer is, "it depends." Posture varies according to the activity. A good way to remember what that proper posture looks like is by using postural cues—visual images that direct you toward the best possible positioning of your body. For example:

When you sit at a desk, imagine someone pulling your head up by a string attached to the top of it. You should be sitting very straight with your shoulders back.

NEXT POSTURE CUE- Driving: Imagine yourself as a marionette puppet with an invisible puppeteer holding the strings attached to the top of your head and pulling them towards opposite shoulders. You should be sitting up straight with your shoulders back.

Don't let poor posture take away from your enjoyment of life. Be mindful of cues that help you remember proper positioning. Find your "good posture" and stick with it! Also remember that motion is lotion, and try to move throughout the day as much as possible. 

 If you are having trouble with tight or weak muscles that are causing a lot of pain that you think is related to posture, come book an appt with us! We would love to be a part of your solution.

#postureexercises #posturecorrection #posturematters

Your environment impacts both your physical and me
Your environment impacts both your physical and mental health. We cannot control everything in our environment of course, but one thing you can control is the environment in your home. 

Is your living environment optimized for your well-being? 

Think about all the products and chemicals you use or come into contact with on a daily and weekly basis. Hand soap, makeup, skincare, haircare, kitchen utensils, air fresheners, cleaning supplies...Once you start thinking about it, there’s A LOT of potentially harmful toxins, aren’t there? The first thing you want to do is identify what products are toxic and then swap them out with non-toxic alternatives.

What are you favorite non toxic products? What products have you switched or swapped lately? Let us know in the comments ⬇️

#healthyhome #nontoxicliving #nontoxicbeauty #nontoxicskincare #naturalalternatives #holstichealth #fredricksonhealthsolutions #chemicalexposure

“I can do hard things” is a mantra I repeat to
“I can do hard things” is a mantra I repeat to myself when self-doubt creeps in. We are often capable of more than we believe at the moment. Our minds are so powerful and set the tone for our daily intentions. So whether your “hard things” consist of getting to the gym and eating healthy, fitting in your home rehab exercises to your already overwhelmed schedule, or simply trying not to lose your cool when your toddler has a meltdown in the checkout line at Target….just remember…”You Can Absolutely Do Hard Things!” What “hard things” have you been working to overcome lately? Leave us some of your favorite tips and tricks in the comments. 

#moveyourbody #strongmom #healthylifestyle #healthandwellness #georgetowntexas #georgetowntx #georgetowntxchiropractor #functionalmovement #manualtherapy #myofascialrelease #painrelief #thepainfix #lowbackpain #neckpain #shoulderpain #hippain #kneepain #elbowpain


Load More...



Follow on Instagram


  • Blog
  • Podcast

Copyright © 2023 · Refined Theme on Genesis Framework