ARTHRITIS today drives millions of sufferers to their physicians each year seeking relief from the pain, immobility, and deformity it can cause. By the age of 40, nine out of 10 people have X-ray evidence of arthritic changes, and many later develop joint pains and stiffness. The significant sign of arthritis is pain and swelling in a single joint or multiple joints in the body. The symptoms common in most joint diseases is an incurable condition that causes the disintegration of the cartilage. When the bones rub against each other disintegrating the cartilage, it causes stiffness, pain and loss of movement in that joint.
While no drug has been found to cure arthritis, many drugs reduce pain and inflammation, and some have shown promise in slowing the progression of the disease. The arsenal of drugs being used to provide relief from the debilitating symptoms of arthritis include Analgesics, or painkillers, as well as corticosteroid therapy, non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immuno-suppressants, biologic response modifiers, and drugs genetically engineered to interfere with the immune response. However, relief may come at a high price, as all of these types of drugs can cause serious side effects. Weighing the potential benefits and risks presents a challenge for both the patient and the doctor.
As new scientific research uncovers the mysteries of the Seas, the New Zealand Green Lipped Mussel (GLM), a shellfish found off the coast of New Zealand seems to contain the therapeutic agents needed to treat one of the most debilitating diseases of our time. This revolutionary therapy has already benefited millions of users around the world and is now also available in India. According to Dr. John Croft, a marine scientist associated with research on the GLM says, the reason for the benefit of GLM is because it contains anti-inflammatory agents, immune modulators and many essential proteins, minerals, glycosaminoglycans and marine long chain fatty acids, all naturally occurring substantial therapeutic agents known to maintain joint mobility and well-being. All these agents are needed to rebuild collagen, proteoglycans and synovial fluid found in all the joints, ligaments and tendons of the body.
Since its discovery in 1974, Green Lipped Mussel Extract (GLME) has now been subjected to more than forty years of quality scientific research and proven in laboratory and clinical trials, to be effective in relieving the symptoms of both rheumatoid and osteo forms of arthritis.
This edible shellfish has been a major part of the diet of the local population of New Zealand. In 1974 an American research program studying marine molluscs for anti-cancer properties found GLM to be a potentially natural remedy for arthritis. It naturally contained the components the body required to effectively give relief from the symptoms of arthritis without the adverse side effects associated with drug therapies and pain killers.
The benefit comes as relief from joint pain, swelling and improvement in general mobility. Usually the improvement in these conditions is gradual and progressive, it is also usually long lasting and not temporary. Normally, the first thing to be noticed is a reduction in pain & swelling, which is then followed by gradual improvement in grip strength, freedom of movement or other mobility.
GLME is manufactured by Vitaco Health (NZ) ltd in a multi-million dollar manufacturing facility located in Auckland and is available in India through their Authorised representatives – Perma Healthcare. The cost for this therapy of 1000mg/day comes to approx. Rs 50/- per day for first three months, which can be later reduced to 500 mg/day, i.e. ~Rs 25/- per day.
