Hyaluronic Acid Benefits: More than Just Joint Care

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is an important component of healthy connective tissues that provides the body many benefits apart from joint health. Other important Hyaluronic acid benefits include healthy skin, hair, gums, vision, and treat mitral valve prolapse.

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is the important nutrient present in the cells which is responsible for the delivery of nutrients and removal of toxins. It is considered a very important substance for joint health since cartilages has the most abundant supply of this very special acid. HA makes the cartilages more flexible and increases the supply of synovial fluid, the joint’s lubricant. Needless to say, HA keeps the joints in their perfect shape and helps them perform all their functions. HA has established its credibility in taking care of joints and connective tissues, but the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid don’t end there.

Many HA researches discovered its potential on promoting overall health by giving the body more than joint care.

Hyaluronic acid benefits the skin by making it look younger and softer, that’s why it is called the “new fountain of youth”. The skin tissues have high concentrations of HA, both in the dermal and the epidermal areas. Hyaluronic Acid in the skin works by promoting water retention to keep the skin continuously hydrated. There are liquid hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid cream, injectable hyaluronic acid, and other forms of hyaluronic supplements available for skin care. Hair loss and brittle hair are problems which Hayaluronic acid also works for. The scalp tissue is similar in structure with the skin tissue, rich in Hyaluronic Acid. HA nourishes and hydrates the scalp to foster healthy hair follicles and promote hair growth. A healthy scalp and hair follicles produce healthy and lustrous hair.

Healthy levels of Hyaluronic Acid in the lips make it plump and hydrated. HA works by binding to water to create the gelatinous fluid responsible for hydrating tissues and collage in the lips. This gelatinous fluid also protects the lips from dryness and damage.

Hyaluronic Acid benefits the eyes by maintaining normal levels of vitreous humor. Vitreous humor is the gel like fluid that delivers nutrition to the eyes and acts as its shock absorber is highly concentrated with HA. When you reach the age of 50 years old, the levels of vitreous humor start to decrease leading to vision problems.

HA promotes healthy gums. Gums are also made up of connective tissues (ligaments) containing HA that attaches the teeth in the jaw bone. HA works by hydrating and nourishing these ligaments so it can secure the teeth.

Hyaluronic Acid supplements have been clinically proven to improve a condition called Mitral valve prolapsed, a life threatening heart disease.

Natural Hyaluronic acid isn’t hard to find, they present in the cells, some dietary sources, and food supplements. Food sources of Hyaluronic acid include tofu, potatoes, cartilages and tendons in meats. Hyaluronic acid capsules, pills, and other supplement forms are widely available in the market to provide standardized dosage of HA.

Astaxanthin: The Most Powerful Antioxidant

Astaxanthin is the most powerful antioxidant. According to studies, this lipid soluble carotenoid is better than Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and more potent than the beta carotene's.

According to eye specialists, astaxanthin is most potent carotenoid antioxidant that delivers direct protection for the eyes, brain, and heart. A carotenoid antioxidant is a plant pigment capable of rendering protection against the destructive free radicals. Accumulation of free radicals may lead to degenerative diseases of the eyes, brain, and cardiovascular system. According to studies, Astaxanthin is 6000 time stronger than Vitamin C, 550 times stronger than Vitamin E, and 4 times better than beta carotenes. It also exceeds other antioxidants like lycopene, tocotrienols, resveratrol, coQ10, and even lutein. Its extraordinary ability is being able to penetrate all parts of a cell, which not most antioxidants can do.

Astaxanthin is produced by Haematococcus pluvialis, which are microscopic marine algae that serves food to fishes and crustaceans. Haematococcus pluvialis gives crabs, shrimps, lobsters, and fishes their red color. Salmon is the most consumed of all these astaxanthin sources. Nowadays, astaxanthin is extracted from the microalgae itself to obtain higher concentrations and are manufactured as supplements. Compared to eating seafood, astaxanthin supplements provide higher levels so the body can gain more astaxanthin benefits.

As a very powerful antioxidant, astaxanthin benefits reaches out up to the cellular level. It protects the cell membrane and other cell structures from damages. Having the ability to cross the blood brain barrier, it is readily available for the eyes and the central nervous system. It renders these organs protection from oxidative stress which may cause age-related disease like macular degeneration, glaucoma, and dementias. This lipid soluble carotenoid enhances immune function and delivers anti-inflammatory properties. It provides better cardiovascular health by preventing formation of plaques in the blood vessels which may constrict blood flow that leads to heart and circulatory problems. Astaxanthin is known to relieve symptoms of both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. It renders the body protection against the ultraviolet light from the sun which may cause sunburn and skin cancers. High level of astaxanthin is beneficial to both male and female fertility and libido.

Sam-e and Depression

Sam-e or S-adenosyl-L-methionine is an alternative treatment for depression. Sam-e is a naturally occurring chemical in the body which acts by increasing the production of serotonin and dopamine, the neurotransmitters involved in elevating the mood.

Sam-e or S-adenosyl-L-methionine is a dietary supplement widely used in Europe for a variety of ailments, but it’s most notable benefit is being an effective alternative treatment for depression. Compared to other supplements, Sam-e is not a nutrient, vitamin, mineral, enzyme, or hormone. It is a naturally occurring chemical in the body formed from the mixture of Adensosine Triphosphate (ATP), the energy in cells, and the amino acid methionine. Sam-e is produced by the liver and is used by the brain, joints, and the liver itself.

How sam-e works for depression? There isn’t a concrete explanation on how sam-e curbs depression but the most acceptable hypothesis is that sam-e participates in the synthesis of important neurotransmitters that elevates the mood – dopamine and serotonin. It is a well accepted fact that Depression is directly linked to dopamine and serotonin deficiency. Another mood enhancing benefit of sam-e is increasing melatonin production. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates the body’s normal wake and sleep cycle. Mood and behavior is negatively affected by abnormal sleeping patterns. A study of major depression in both children and adolescents discovered that depressed patients have significantly low concentrations of melatonin.

Recently, a groundbreaking study on sam-e revealed that it may help depressed patients who do not respond to prescription anti-depressants. According to statistics, more than 50% of patients with depression are not treated with prescription medications only. Medical professionals are looking for alternative treatment for these “nonresponders”. Sam-e is what doctors were looking for. The same research also revealed that sam-e combined with the traditional anti-depression medications showed promising results on relieving the symptoms of depression.

Sam-e supplements are perceived to work the same way as the conventional medications for depression, minus its undesirable side effects. Common anti-depressant side effects include sexual dysfunction, headaches, and insomnia. Sam-e side effects are mild and are experienced if it’s taken in excessive doses. Reported sam-e side effects include nausea, heartburn, and flatulence.