Loss of Chondroitin Sulfate Is Detrimental

The loss of Chondroitin Sulfate (CS) is detrimental. CS is the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) constituent of the human intervertebral disc that stimulates synthesis of the disc. CS is GAG, the chemical of the disc that imbibes water to 9 times its own volume. Poor nutritional supply has a long-term effect on disc degeneration with low CS and water content in the human intervertebral disc. (53) Disc nutrient concentrations may fall to levels that are inadequate to maintain cell activity or viability which results in cell death and disc degeneration, a major cause of biologic changes in disc cells. (54, 55) CS being a natural GAG is found in the cartilage and extracellular matrix. (56) GAG loss plays a central role in disc degeneration. (57) Lower GAG accompanies disc degeneration and disc disorders (disc protrusion and extrusion). (58) Low proteoglycan (CS/GAG) concentrations in all the discs of a spine precede disc degeneration. (59) Cell number and GAG formation dramatically decrease with aging. (60) Yet human disc degeneration occurs as early as adolescence, so early supplementation is indicated to protect disc cells. Adding nutrient and biomechanical factors help retard or reverse disc degeneration and repair or regenerate degenerated discs. (55) Research shares the benefits of CS—as well as glucosamine (GS)—for the body as anti-inflammatory, long-lasting, cell and nerve health protective, and pain reducing and function improving.

Chondroitin sulfate and disc herniation and degeneration is a large topic to study. Dr. Cox wrote another short article on reversing this condition even with proper disc nutrition. 
 

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