Hyaluronic acid has been researched since
the 1960's. Also, Hyaluronan was first used to
treat degenerative arthritis (osteoarthritis) in the
1960’s. In 1997, two brands of hyaluronan
were approved by the FDA as devices to treat
osteoarthritis of the knee: Synvisc and Hyalgan. In
a review by R. W. Moskowitz from Case Western Reserve
University entitled “Hyaluronic acid supplementation”
and published in 2000, he states that “Hyaluronan
preparations have been shown to decrease pain and
increase function in patients with osteoarthritis of the
knee.” HA seems to work through several mechanisms of
action including restoration of more normal synovial
fluid with improved viscoelasticity, effects on cartilage
biosynthesis and degradation, anti-inflammatory effects,
and direct analgesic effects.
In a ABCNEWS story
called "Could Hyaluronic Acid Be an Anti-Aging
Remedy?", the hyaluronic acid is considered
the secret ingrediant to the Yuzuri Hara community
anti-aging success. Dr. Toyosuke Komori, the town
doctor who has studied and written books on longevity in
Yuzuri Hara, believes these locally grown starches help
stimulate the body’s natural creation of a substance
called hyaluronic acid, or HA, which aging bodies
typically lose. This may ward off the aging process by
helping the cells of the body thrive and retain moisture,
keeping joints lubricated, protecting the retina in eyes
and keeping skin smooth and elastic. More than 10
percent of the population of his village is 85 or older
— 10 times the American norm. The residents of Yuzuri
Hara are not only living longer, but they are also quite
healthy. Rarely do they have any reason to see a doctor,
and they are hardly affected by diseased like cancer,
diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Many have even managed to
keep their skin from showing signs of aging.
Hyaluronic Acid : Side effects, Interactions
Diarrhea; headache; itching of the skin; large, non-elevated
blue or purplish patches in the skin are occurrences in a
very small percentage of users of the FDA prescribed drug
Hyalgan.
In the supplement form, the above mentioned side effects
are minimal or non-existent.
Hyaluronic Acid :
Health Benefits
- Provides structural
integrity to the cellular matrix that inhibits
bacteria and viruses from reaching cells.
- Functions as a powerful antioxidant for inflammation,
protecting against tendon and joint strain and
chronic degeneration (osteoarthritis).
- Restores elasticity
and hydration (moisture) to skin, giving it a more
youthful appearance
- Cuts healing time in
wounds by as much as 40% and helps regulate the repair
process of any injured body tissue.
There
are many good products available which only contain
Hyaluronic Acid. Other products contain Hyaluronic
Acid and other ingredients
such as Ester-C, Glucosamine and Chondroitin. One such
product which has received good results is Free & Easy
for People. Free and Easy for People contains
quality amounts of hyaluronic acid to ensure your daily
needs are met.
