Hyaluronic acid (HA) may be a significant factor in reversing
arthritis. ABC News’ Connie Chung once highlighted a Japanese village named
Yuzuri Hara, renowned for its residents' remarkable longevity and youthfulness.
Many villagers live into their 90s, maintain wrinkle-free skin, and suffer less
from typical aging-related conditions.
Local physicians believe the villagers' diet contributes to their
health and youthful appearance. Unlike other rice-growing regions in Japan,
Yuzuri Hara’s hilly terrain favors root vegetables rich in HA. This compound
plays a crucial role in human health, and the villagers’ high intake of HA
demonstrates its positive effects.
What is Hyaluronic Acid and Its
Benefits?
Hyaluronic acid is a
sticky mucopolysaccharide produced naturally by our bodies. It is a key
component of the extracellular matrix, providing structural support to our
skin, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Although HA is present in nearly
every cell, it is especially concentrated in skin tissue, making up about 50%
of the skin's HA content.
As we age, our HA levels significantly
decrease—about 80% between ages 40 and 70. This decline contributes to
wrinkles, reduced skin elasticity, and dryness. Fortunately, supplementing with
HA (45–200 mg daily) has been shown to boost HA levels, supporting collagen
production and counteracting these aging effects.
HA and Joint Health
The reduction of HA in
joints is a significant factor in osteoarthritis (OA), marked by cartilage
degeneration. HA, along with glucosamine sulfate and collagen, is essential for
healthy cartilage. The drop in HA around age 40 is a primary cause of cartilage
deterioration for many.
Viscosupplementation, which involves injecting
HA into OA-affected joints, has shown positive effects on pain, joint function,
and symptoms. However, oral HA supplements can also effectively increase HA
levels and improve OA symptoms.
Evidence from Clinical Studies
Three double-blind,
placebo-controlled studies support the use of HA supplements. In one study, 20
OA patients received either 80 mg of HA or a placebo daily for eight weeks.
Those in the HA group experienced significant pain relief compared to the placebo
group. Another study with 60 OA patients revealed that those taking 200 mg of
HA daily for eight weeks showed significant pain reduction, especially among
those with severe pain. A third study at JR Tokyo General Hospital found that
OA sufferers aged 40-70 who took 200 mg of Hyabest (a purified form of HA)
daily for 12 months saw notable symptom improvements.
Fighting Osteoarthritis
Research indicates
that the body continually tries to repair itself, and successful repair is
possible with the right building blocks. For those with OA, focusing on
therapies and supplements that slow damage and promote cartilage repair and
regeneration is crucial. Natural agents like HA can be extremely beneficial in
achieving these goals.
Sources:
- ABC News on Yuzuri Hara
- JR Tokyo General Hospital Study
- Research on Hyaluronic Acid and
Osteoarthritis
By incorporating HA
into your diet or supplement routine, you can support joint health, reduce OA
symptoms, and maintain youthful skin.
