Shark Cartilage for Elbow Pain
Research into certain aspects of joint pain, and especially blood-vessel growth and autoimmune responses, indicates that shark cartilage may be beneficial in treating elbow pain.
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Angiogenesis
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A typical cause of joint pain is angiogenesis, which translates to a proliferation of blood-vessel growth in an area where unusual growths appear, such as tumors or polyps that can result from joint dysfunction. This is a natural autoimmune response, as the body sends more nutrients and oxygen to feed the new growth. This increased blood-flow activity adds to the irritation in an affected area.
Polypeptides
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Polypeptides (proteins derived from amino acids) are released from cells that form in tumors and other unusual growths. Studies by rheumatoid arthritis researchers at the University of California at San Diego indicate that polypeptides associated with arthritis joint pain assimilated the proteins found in E. coli. The presence of arthritic polypeptides triggers the release of T-cells (antibodies), which leads to further irritation and joint pain, and, as a consequence, elbow pain.
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Shark Cartilage
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Conclusions by these researchers, as well as others, found that the proteins in refined shark cartilage were beneficial in reducing angiogenesis. Dr. Robert Langer, Ph.D., from the Harvard Medical School, released a report in 1983 based on his studies of the effects of shark cartilage in inhibiting blood-vessel growth. The use of shark cartilage in these studies was partially based on the fact that sharks rarely develop neoplasms, such as tumors. Dr. Langer's conclusions suggested that shark cartilage was one of the more effective sources of anti-angiogenesis factors available.
Shark-Cartilage Benefits
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The key ingredient that is most beneficial for elbow pain and joint pain is chondroitin sulfate. This compound, along with glucosamine, has become widely used in treating symptoms of osteoarthritis. These elements have been found to be beneficial in reducing swelling and inflammation, one of the symptoms of elbow pain.
Warnings
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According to Chris Woolston, M.S., who writes for "Hippocrates" magazine, there can be negative side effects from using shark cartilage to treat symptoms of elbow pain. These include nausea, dizziness and abdominal disorders. The high levels of calcium in shark cartilage can lead to an overload in the blood, especially for those who take calcium supplements. Additionally, he cautions pregnant women not to take shark cartilage, as it could affect normal fetal growth.
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