Herniated or Bulging Discs Get Healing Support With Nutritional Supplements

Herniated or Bulging Discs Get Healing Support With Nutritional Supplements

Boost Back Pain Healing and Spinal Health with Diet

At Back Clinics of Canada, Dr. Ron Nusbaum sees firsthand how nutritional supplements affect results for patients undergoing Spinal Decompression care. Patient suffering from low back pain who take doctor-recommended nutritional supplements may experience higher healing success with nutritional support.

To best understand the role that nutrition plays in better spinal health its important to review some spinal anatomy and the mechanism of serious spinal injury. The spine is made up of 24 moveable bones (vertebrae), each separated by a soft-tissue shock-absorbing spacer pad called the disc. Damage to the spinal disc soft tissues is often the root cause of severe back and neck pain. When the disc is traumatized it usually triggers the formation of inflammation. Over time, if uncorrected this inflammation often leads to disc degeneration and even bulging and herniations, causing pressure or irritation against the delicate nerves that pass through the spinal column. This is the source of the profound pain that so many feel.

Spinal Decompression directly addresses the damaged disc from an external perspective. It creates a specific healing environment for the disc that can actually cause re-hydration of the disc and simultaneously retract the bulge or herniation off of the nerve.

Eat Right for Your Spine

Nutrition plays a very important and direct role in spinal health, and in healing the discs and surfaces of the spinal joints from an internal biological perspective. Regarding the spine, a calcium rich diet is a bone-healthy diet. Keep your bones strong with such foods as:

milk

low-fat yoghurt

cheeses like Edam, Cheddar and Parmesan

vegetables like curly kale, okra, red kidney beans, baked beans

nuts like almonds, hazelnuts, walnuts, and sesame seeds and tahini paste

fish like whitebait, sardines (in oil, tinned) and salmon

figs and apricots

tofu, soy bean, eggs

Glucosamine sulfate- Found naturally in the body, is essential for the maintenance and repair of collagen (the primary component of discs). The body uses glucosamine sulfate to form the chemicals it needs to repair cartilage, tendons and ligaments, and synovial fluid (the naturally occurring fluid that bathes the spinal joints). Collagen helps to maintain and repair spinal joint cartilage

Antioxidants- increase naturally occurring collagen.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids- have collagen-forming properties and are used by the body to repair and prevent damage to cartilage and discs caused by inflammation

Sulphur rich foods which accelerate protein and collagen production

Anti-inflammatories naturally reduce swelling

Soy products are high in genistein (a substance called an isoflavone). Genistein is believed to be responsible for collagen production and also acts to block any naturally occurring enzyme responsible for breaking down collagen.

Fibre helps digestion to remain smooth and not place strain on the discs that are vulnerable to increases in pressure in the abdomen.

Boost healing of your spine at the cellular level with such super foods as:

Shellfish: crab, shrimp, prawns and oysters

Dark green vegetables: kale ( a type of a cabbage), spinach, collards (relative to Kale), asparagus

Red Fruits and Vegetables: red peppers, beets, stewed or fresh tomatoes, dark berries like blueberries and blackberries

Soy Products: soy milk, soy cheese and tofu

Black olives

Red onions and apples (naturally high in a substance called quercitin which has natural anti-inflammatory properties)

Flaxseeds, chia seeds

Beans: navy beans, kidney beans, soy beans etc.

Cold Water oily Fishes: anchovies, herring, sardines, salmon and mackerel

Winter Squash

Olive oil

Fruits, nuts, vegetables and grains

Clear Water: Keep yourself super-hydrated. Its always important to give your body water necessary for the re-hydration process in the healing of degenerated discs. Ideally, drink 8 10-ounce cups of clear water per day.

These spine-healthy super foods are easy to find at any grocer or health food store. The foods are delicious and packed with healing nutrients your body will love!

On the converse, there are foods you are wise to avoid. Nitrates, sugars and fats can exacerbate the inflammation and pain associated with back pain. In general its a good idea to avoid

Processed foods high in nitrites (think, processed meats).

Foods high in sugar, saturated and trans fats.

Any foods containing high fructose corn syrup.

Every food or drink you put into your body directly impacts your health. Give your body an extra boost of healing power by eating wisely. And while your low back pain or neck pain will not go away with food alone, you can further your bodys innate healing power.

Nutritional Supplements

There are times when your health-care professional may recommend nutritional supplements. This is because it is not always possible to naturally ingest the quality or quantity of nutrients that your body needs to heal and function optimally.

Dr. Nusbaum offers patients at his Toronto back clinic Disc Renewal PlusTM. Formulated by Dr. Nusbaum, this is a proprietary, ultra-pure, highest quality combination of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Glucosamine Sulfate + MSM, and Collagen nutritional supplements. Disc Renewal PlusTM delivers this unique combination of nutrients to help support the healing of damaged connective tissues, the primary component of discs. Back Clinics of Canada patients strive to have the best fighting chance to heal the cause of their pain which is often due to damaged discs. Healing has the potential to be more robust when support occurs internally, on the cellular level. Disc Renewal PlusTM nutritional supplements are only available from Back Clinics of Canada.

fibrocartilage is a type of cartilage which is very rich in type I collagen, and found in areas such as the meniscus of the knee, the pubic symphysis, and the vertebral discs. This type of cartilage is especially strong and durable, so it appears in areas where these traits are needed. It can injure in the form of tearing, with surgery often being required to repair a tear of fibrocartilage or to stabilize the area where the tear occurs so that healing can take place.

This form of cartilage is characterized by the bundles of tough collagen which are clearly viewable under a microscope when it is examined. The bundles are interspersed with clefts which contain cartilage cells, and the cartilage includes a mixture of types I and II collagen, along with other components of cartilage. The bundles of collagen are part of what makes fibrocartilage so tough; while individual strands may break, others will retain their strength and supportive structure to keep the cartilage from being compromised.

Along the spine, fibrocartilage is needed to create padding between the vertebrae while also offering some protection to the spinal cord. Having a jointed spine is what allows organisms to bend, but it also creates vulnerability at each joint. Fibrocartilage supports the spine and the joints of the spine, absorbs shocks, and creates a surface for articulation so that the vertebrae can move smoothly when someone bends or twists the spine

In the public symphysis, the cartilaginous joint which comprises part of the pubic bone, fibrocartilage holds the joint together, but it can also soften and pull apart during pregnancy to allow the expanding uterus to fit. During labor and delivery, it pulls apart even further so that the baby can get out, before firming back up again after pregnancy to stabilize the pelvis. This softening occurs in response to the release of a hormone known as relaxin.

In joints such as the knee, fibrocartilage is involved in the articulation of the joint while also protecting the joint. This type of cartilage appears in several other joints which see a lot of use and may be subjected to heavy impacts, because it is less prone to tearing and separation than other forms of cartilage. Problems with the cartilage in a joint can lead to issues such as pain and soreness in the joint, stiffness, and eventual damage to the bone as the padding of cartilage is worn away.

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Because of its rigidity, cartilage often serves the purpose of holding tubes open in the body. Examples of this include the cartilaginous rings of the trachea, including the cricoid cartilage and carina, the torus tubarius at the opening of the pharyngotympanic/auditory tube, the ala of the nostrils, and the auricle/pinna of the ear.

Cartilage is composed of specialized cells called chondrocytes that produce a large amount of extracellular matrix composed of collagen fibers, abundant ground substance rich in proteoglycan, and elastin fibers. Cartilage is classified in three types, elastic cartilage, hyaline cartilage and fibrocartilage, which differ in the relative amounts of these three main components.[1] Chondroblasts that get caught in the matrix are called chondrocytes. They lie in spaces called lacunae with up to eight chondrocytes per lacuna.

Unlike other connective tissues, cartilage does not contain blood vessels. The chondrocytes are supplied by diffusion, helped by the pumping action generated by compression of the articular cartilage or flexion of the elastic cartilage. Thus, compared to other connective tissues, cartilage grows and repairs more slowly.

Following the initial chondrification that occurs during embryogenesis, cartilage growth consists mostly of the maturing of immature cartilage to a more mature state. The division of cells within cartilage occurs very slowly, and thus growth in cartilage is usually not based on an increase in size or mass of the cartilage itself.[2] Articular cartilage function is dependent on the molecular composition of its extracellular matrix (ECM), which consists mainly of proteoglycans and collagens. Remodeling of cartilage is predominantly affected by changes and rearrangements of the collagen matrix, which responds to tensile and compressive forces experienced by the cartilage.[3] Cartilage growth thus refers in most circles to matrix deposition, but can include both growth and remodeling of the extracellular matrix.

Cartilage has limited repair capabilities: Because chondrocytes are bound in lacunae, they cannot migrate to damaged areas. Therefore cartilage damage is difficult to heal. Also, because hyaline cartilage does not have a blood supply, the deposition of new matrix is slow. Damaged hyaline cartilage is usually replaced by fibrocartilage scar tissue. Over the last years, surgeons and scientists have elaborated a series of cartilage repair procedures that help to postpone the need for joint replacement.

Bioengineering techniques are being developed to generate new cartilage, using a cellular "scaffolding" material and cultured cells to grow artificial cartilage.[6

Collageena by Tiffany Mattessich, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

What is Collagen?

Collagen is an essential bodily protein and it accounts for 30 % of total protein in the human body. It is vital to interconnective and supporting tissues including cartilage and overall skin elasticity.

As we age collagen levels plummet, especially in women as they go through menopause and estrogen levels fall causing reduced elasticity, sagging skin, dry eyes, reduced bone matrix and joint flexibility. Men do not experience the same substantial lose in collagen levels however, as testosterone acts as a collagen supporter, also maintaining bone density and muscles strength.

A good test of your collagen levels is a simple bone density test as reduced collagen levels will reduce your bone density.

We know Collagen is beneficial, but what is Hydrolyzed Collagen?

Hydrolyzed collagen protein (HCP) is a modified version of the collagen protein that has been broken down by enzymes from animal based collagenous tissue such as bone, hide, and hide split to ease its integration and digestion. Other than enzymatic hydrolysis, purification, concentration, drying, and sterilization are also forms used to obtain HCP. This break down eases the digestion and absorption of amino acids by the intestine. HCP supplements are known to improve joint health, nourish cartilage, maintain bone density and assist in athletic injuries.

Benefits

On average today, men consume 90g of protein per day and women 80g, however even with this significant amount of animal and plant proteins in our diets, it is common to have a deficit in both proline and glycine collagen characteristic amino acids. Glycine and proline amino acids are essential to the stabilization and regeneration of the cartilage metabolism. This deficit can lead to a variety of serious degenerative joint diseases characterized by the destruction of joint cartilage such as osteoporosis.

Radiology studies show that osteoarthritis is a serious risk; 4.3% of men and 7.5% of women between the ages of 55 and 64 develop some form of it. Once over 65, this figure rises; 8.7% of men and 19.5% of women find themselves experiencing pain and reduced joint functioning.

However, this can be prevented by getting a balanced nutrition high in hydrolyzed collagen proteins. Hydrolyzed collagen is superior to other proteins as it has three times the glycine and proline as other proteins. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that a long-term diet high in hydrolyzed collagen (10g daily) acts as an osteoporosis therapy and plays a beneficial role in enhancing your joint cartilage metabolism and synthesis. This works by increasing proline and hydroxyproline in plasma.

Don't get it from every-day life, why.

Your nutrition is vital to your health, eating the right foods and getting the right combination of vitamins and minerals is essential to ensuring that you do not develop diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, or become obese. Currently, 65% of the US adult population is obese, and this number is growing. The vast numbers of fast-food chains serving overly-processed foods don't help.

Even with nutrition necessities gaining attention in the medical field today there is a growing population of people suffering from vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Take meat processing for example; nutritional collagenous parts are removed from the meats, even with the food abundance industrialized countries have there are deficits in collagen content. With the media's promotion of being thin and the increase in vegetarianism today, meat consumption has fallen considerably.

Recommended Use

Based on clinical studies, we recommend that you take a daily dose of 10g of hydrolyzed collagen for a period of 3 months or more to achieve optimal results. We advise that to maintain your joint cartilage metabolism and prevent the onset of osteoporosis, hydrolyzed collagen be taken daily and habitually.

Are there any risks involved?

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements present no health risks, as they are not a pharmaceutical drug but a food free of additives and preservatives. The US federal Drug Administration (FDA) has even rated collagen products (including hydrolyzed and collagen) at the highest safety category upon clinical testing: GRAS (generally recognized as safe), a category comprising sugar, vitamins, and salt. As with all foods, both native and modified, there is a potential of increased cancer vulnerability if administered over longer periods. This potential issue has been studied in depth, the results confirm there is no increased mutagenicity or carcinogenicity resulting from administering HCP over long periods.

There is no evidence of any serious intolerance reactions, clinical tests show that no allergic reactions to hydrolyzed collagen. Further, there is no evidence suggesting any food incompatibility that is common among other proteins resulting from enzyme intestinal defects. In the recent international Moskowitz study, the most significant complaint was diarrhea.

Allergy tests are recommended prior to any invasive administrations of collagen, such as wrinkle treatments, however oral hydrolyzed collagen supplements have had no reports of allergic reactions or gastro-intestinal reactions.

Hydrolyzed collagen supplements can be taken with any other medications, the US FDA has imposed no restrictions on its use.

Is it right for you?

According to the data compiled in practice and as a result of studies, hydrolyzed collagen might be effective and meaningful for:Prophylaxis of degenerative joint disease, especially for risk groups such as:- The elderly- Those whose families have suffered from joint disease in the past or present- Adipose persons and those who are slightly overweight- Those involved in heavy manual work in their professions, sports or hobbies- Patients with existing orthopedic conditions (including secondary osteoarthritis) and false positioning of joints- Those who are following false or extreme diets- Those going through growth phases- Rehabilitation- Intensive training- Support during symptomatic treatment (relief of pain, reduction of functional restrictions, anti-inflammatory therapy) in:- Existing osteoarthritis, in particular coxarthritis, gonarthritis, polyarthritis of the finger and vertebral joints)- Other degenerative diseases of the vertebral column (e.g. Scheuermann's disease)- Chondropathy (e.g. chondropathy of the patella)- Growth disturbances- Consequences of trauma - Pain resulting from excess stress on joints- Prevention of deficits of certain amino acids (glycine, proline) in chronic digestive disease and, generally, in the case of preferred, highly-processed (i.e. lacking adequate amounts of collagen) foods, in extreme, meatless diets and for general optimization of nutrition.- Special indications such as subcutaneous application in cosmetic operations (e.g. injection of wrinkles) or intravenously as hypoallergenic plasma expanders.

The excellent tolerability of hydrolyzed collagen enables a wide range of therapeutic applications without narrow dosage limitations. Collagen Supplements

Sarah Quadri, Bachelor of Science in Biomolecular ScienceAppendix from Prolotherapy: Living Pain Free

Introduction

The word "collagen" is derived from kolla, the Greek word for glue. It is the strong fiber that weaves throughout the body for strength and support to literally hold the body together like glue would. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body with about 14 or so known types.

As we age, the body's ability to make collagen protein and its different complexes slows down. In time, a collagen deficiency occurs in the skin, joints, and other parts of the body, weakening the connective tissues, that holds us together. The remaining collagen fibers may also lose their moist texture and become rigid, mainly due to free radical damage. The combined lack of collagen and dehydrated collagen can manifest itself as wrinkles; joint pain; brittle hair, skin and nails; and other connective tissue conditions. To replace lost and replenish dried out collagen, external lotions and creams have been popular for years. Collagen injections for wrinkles are also popular. Recently, however, attention has shifted to the use of collagen as an oral supplement.

Oral supplementation of collagen provides a way in which the body can be provided vital amino acids and proteoglycans (specialized sugars in the body) important to maintenance of connective tissues. Currently, two main collagen supplements are being utilized - a combined collagen type I & collagen type III oral supplement and a collagen type II supplement, as these are the most abundant types in the body.

Collagen type I & collagen type III are the chief collagen types in hair, skin, nails, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, teeth, eyes, and blood vessels. Although their presence is beneficial in joint tissues, collagen type II is the true major component of joint cartilage. Collagen type II (particularly from chicken sternal cartilage) supplies vital amino acids, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin, and glucosamine for optimal articular (joint) cartilage support.

Collagen Type I & Collagen Type III Studies have shown that more than 90% of the collagen found in the body is collagen type I & collagen type III, which are naturally found together as fibril forming or tissue forming collagens.

The protein composition consists of nineteen amino acids responsible for growth, maintenance, and repair of the body, with unusually high proportions of the amino acids glycine and proline, as well as hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine (two amino acids unique to collagen) all found in particularly high concentration in tendons ligaments, bone, organ capsules, skin, fibrous cartilage, blood vessels and fascia.

Collagen type I provides a great deal of mechanical strength to structures like bones because of its ability to resist tension, while collagen type III is involved in the maintenance of expansile organs, wound healing, and tendon and ligament attachments.

Due to the importance of the roles of collagen type I & collagen type III, it would be logical to provide a supplement which is geared towards providing the building blocks to support collagen in the body, and this is where collagen oral supplementation fits in.1.Collagen type I & collagen type III supplements can be made from bovine (beef), porcine (pork), or fish sources. When made from these sources, the product is best utilized when it is hydrolyzed, (broken down into smaller pieces on the molecular level by the addition of enzymes for better absorption.) Bovine skin offers one of the best sources of collagen type I & collagen type III with the following breakdown of amino acids*: Alanine 8.5% Arginine 7.9%Aspartic Acid 5.70%Cystine 0.08%Glutamic Acid 9.50%Glycine 22.80%Histidine 0.77%Hydroxyproline 13.00%Hydroxylysine 0.70%Isoleucine 1.30%Leucine 2.9%Lysine 4.2%Methionine 0.78%Phenylalanine 2.0%Proline 13.80%Serine 3.30%Threonine 1.90%Tyrosine 0.40%Valine 2.40%*represent average grams amino acid per 100 grams, amounts may vary.

Note: the high levels of glycine and proline offer ideal building blocks for repair of muscles, tissues, and skin. By supplementing this natural ratio of amino acids, rather than large, random amounts of certain amino acids, an individual can receive more balanced collagen support.

Oral supplementation of collagen type I & collagen type III can be used not only for aesthetic concerns like hair, skin, and nails, but also to address damage such as a torn meniscus, back muscle problems, and even nutritional support for muscle and collagen diseases like fibromyalgia and Ehlers Danlos syndrome.

In fibromyalgia, a disease involving unexplainable muscle pain, some speculate that some sufferers may have low amounts of collagen type III in their bodies, and this may be addressed with supplementation and nutrition. Interestingly enough, collagen type III is especially important in that it is the earliest collagen laid down by the body in the connective tissue healing process. In the genetic disease Ehlers Danlos syndrome, individuals lack the chromosomal marker for making collagen and suffer pain as a result. Individuals supplementing their diets with collagen type I and collagen type III have seen some relief in their symptoms.