About the ingredients

Glucosamine HCL: Glucosamine is an essential component of the building material of joints and of the cellular 'glue' that holds the whole body together. Joint cartilage contains the highest concentration of glucosamine. Many researchers now believe that glucosamine hydrochloride may be the best form, as it has a slightly higher concentration in the molecule (83 % versus 80 % versus 80% for glucosamine sulphate) and is more stable. The glucosamine HCL in the Naturo-Flex joint support formula comes from vegan sources and is also bioavailable in food form, for maximum absorption and use by the body.

MSM: MSM is short for Methylsulphonyl Methane, which is a source of the essential mineral sulphur. Sulphur is involved in a multitude of key functions in the body, including pain control, regulation of inflammation, detoxification and tissue building. In many cases, joint pain is caused by pressure changes in the cells, which in turn affect the nerves that feel the pain. If the cells swell as a result of an excessive accumulation of fluid or a drop in the pressure surrounding them, the nerves register the pain. MSM can promote the fluidity of cell membranes.

Rosehip and Montmorency cherryMontmorency cherries (also known as sour cherries or tart cherries) are considered a superfruit because they are packed with nutrients, including powerful antioxidants and flavonoids. They have been used as herbal remedies for centuries. For example, cherries (in the form of bark, root or fruit) were used by the Amerindians as a natural painkiller. Similarly, rosehips are naturally rich in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.
Antioxidant nutrients help to reduce inflammation levels in the body.

Nettle leafNettles are naturally rich in chlorophyll (a powerful phytochemical), vitamin C (a powerful antioxidant), serotonin, histamine, acetyl-choline and beneficial minerals, including iron, calcium and silica.

Ginger and turmericTurmeric and ginger are both herbs that work to naturally help reduce the levels of leukotrienes that cause pain and inflammation in the body. Turmeric's bright yellow pigment also contains the active compound curcumin, while ginger is rich in antioxidants.

Korean Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng, also known as Asian ginseng or Korean ginseng, is a species of plant whose root is the main source of energy. It is a perennial plant that grows in the mountains of East Asia. It contains two important compounds: ginsenosides and gintonin. These compounds complement each other to offer a whole range of potential health benefits, such as antioxidant activity and anti-inflammatory actions.

Apple cider vinegar: Experts suggest that joint pain and arthritis may be linked to toxins accumulating in the joints, as metabolic waste products are often stored in connective tissue. Furthermore, people suffering from joint pain tend to avoid physical activity, which can lead to an even higher toxic load. The pectin in apple cider vinegar can help to absorb toxins and eliminate them from the body, while the acids can help to eliminate toxins from the body.

Bromelain: Bromelain is an enzyme derived from pineapple juice. It helps to reduce inflammation levels in the body by stimulating the production of plasmin (a compound in the body that breaks down fibrinogen, a substance involved in localised swelling). What's more, it does so without triggering the gastrointestinal upset so often associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Bromelain is also becoming increasingly popular with athletes who suffer frequent injuries due to wear and tear on their joints.

HorsetailThis common herb promotes the absorption and utilisation of calcium, silica and mineral salts (including potassium, manganese, magnesium, sulphur and calcium). Silica deficiency tends to precede calcium loss, which leads to bone demineralisation.

Kelp: Kelp can be useful when joint pain is caused by an accumulation of toxins in the body. It is a powerful detoxifier, injecting alginates into the body that bind to toxic chemicals and allow them to be safely flushed out through the digestive tract.

Papain: Papain is a non-animal enzyme derived from papaya, which aids the digestive process. "Arthritis Today", the consumer health magazine published by the Arthritis Foundation, states that papain is beneficial for people suffering from both inflammatory and non-inflammatory types of arthritis.
Inflammatory arthritis, or rheumatoid arthritis, can benefit from papain supplements through an increase in the body's own analgesia, rapid recovery from injury and a reduction in the circulating cellular attacks that lead to painful inflammation. People suffering from osteoarthritis or non-inflammatory diseases can benefit from papain's ability to help eliminate cellular waste that accumulates in the joints.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C (in the form of ascorbic acid) has been added to this formula because it is a cofactor in collagen synthesis. It contributes to the normal formation of collagen for the normal function of blood vessels, bones, cartilage, gums, skin and teeth. It also contributes to the maintenance of normal immune system function, as well as normal energy metabolism, normal nervous system function, normal psychological function, protection of cells against oxidative stress, reduced fatigue, regeneration of the reduced form of vitamin E and increased iron absorption.
Bones and joints are under constant strain and can be put to the test by a number of factors, including injury, repetitive strain, age, hormonal imbalances, high homocysteine levels, sport, inflammation (for example, as a result of allergies and immune system sensitivities or infection), diet (for example, a diet high in acid-forming foods, such as dairy products and animal proteins) and medical conditions, such as heart disease and health problems, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. In fact, by the age of 60, 9 out of 10 people suffer from arthritis.

Whatever the cause, the onset of arthritis is generally accompanied by inflammation that causes pain, redness and swelling. What's more, the osteoporosis epidemic (particularly prevalent at the menopause) has prompted many women to give serious thought to the health of their bones.

It is a silent 'thief' that destroys up to 25 % of the skeleton by the age of 50. It also increases the risk of bone fractures, which occur in 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men by the age of 70.

Few people think about nourishing their skeleton. Yet our bones, like every other part of our body, are constantly being rebuilt. They are structures of protein and collagen, which collect mainly calcium, plus phosphorus and magnesium.

Naturo-Flex is a formula for supporting joints, collagen, bones, cartilage and general suppleness, containing a special blend of nutrient- and plant-based ingredients.