Metabolic Research

Metabolic research into the causes of joint disease in animals has yielded many clues as to how to fight this crippling disease. It has long been known that natural metabolic processes contribute to the aging of the cells in both humans and animals. Exploring how these processes affect joint health gives us an understanding of some of the factors that cause arthritis pain. New solutions to the problem of joint disease arise from this research.

The Findings Of Metabolic Research

One of the most important discoveries in the study of aging has been the existence of free radicals. Free radicals are groups of unstable atoms that can damage cells that they come into contact with. They are responsible for much of the damage done to the body that is regarded as natural signs of aging. Examples of this are loss of skin elasticity, diminishing organ function and diseases such as cancer. Another is osteoarthritis.

Free radicals are natural by-products of the body's metabolism. This being the case, the body has a built-in defense against them. When free radicals attack the cells, antioxidants are released to fight them. Antioxidants are another find of metabolic research, and their discovery has led to new possibilities in the fight against disease. A major factor in dog arthritis is the fact that an aging dog starts to lose his ability to fight the free radicals that attack cartilage. Nutritional supplements can boost the body's natural defenses and provide the antioxidants necessary to eliminate free radicals.

Advances in metabolic research have led to a better understanding of the causes of dog arthritis. If the damaging effects of free radicals can be minimized, then the dog's body can start to heal itself. Providing the cells with the nutrition they need to effectively fight free radicals is an important step in the treatment of joint disease.