Often times, the greatest change happens as a result of someone becoming overly frustrated with the way things are, prompting them to find or create a better way.

So when Dr. David Katz was offered the opportunity to help create a new joint compound. He seized the opportunity to build something new that could offer superior joint relief.

Dr. Katz is recognized by peers throughout the entire medical community as a thought leader in nutrition, prevention/health promotion, weight management, and integrative wellness. Founding Director of the Integrative Medicine Center at Griffin Hospital.

With such extensive knowledge, experience, and passion, there are few experts more qualified to take a stand against the joint epidemic we’re facing.

Dr. Katz worked closely with a leading supplement developer and came up with a carefully curated selection of the most cutting-edge joint ingredients in the precise amounts backed by scientific studies.

“Each ingredient was selected based on the latest clinical studies, research, and plenty of scientific evidence to support maximum effectiveness.

The first ingredient we chose is a patent-pending, highly concentrated form of Boswellia Serrata called ApresFlex®. Boswellia Serrata can switch off pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, which helps relieve joint soreness. By addressing inflammation, which is at the source of discomfort, it’s a powerful ingredient for overall joint care.

In addition, one particular study on ApresFlex showed subjects experienced significant relief in as little as 1 week of taking it. Next was a patented type of undenatured collagen called UC-II® with some rather intriguing effects on stiffness and mobility. A recent Harvard study showed that people suffering from joint conditions who took undenatured type II collagen experienced substantial relief.

UC-II collagen is considered to be a much more powerful alternative to glucosamine chondroitin. In fact, studies show that 40 mg of UC-II in certain aspects is two times more effective than 1,500 mg of glucosamine and 1,200 mg of chondroitin in promoting joint health.

With that kind of evidence, our team agreed it made the cut for our new formulation. This also meant we didn’t need glucosamine, which was a goal from the beginning. So many individuals have developed allergies to shellfish, in addition to those who find glucosamine chondroitin supplements to be ineffective for joint relief.

Another nutrient that’s gained a lot of attention lately due to its broad spectrum of benefits is Resveratrol. A natural polyphenolic compound that’s found in the skin of red grapes and berries, Resveratrol helps ease joint tenderness and protect tissue and ligaments for optimal joint structure and function. This was a super concentrated ingredient that would complement the formula well. Resveratrol has been studied for its anti-aging effects, and thus may offer health benefits beyond the joints- and is very safe.

Finally, I approved an extract derived from black pepper called BioPerine®. What makes BioPerine so valuable is the fact that it greatly increases the bioavailability of a variety of nutrients through increased absorption. In other words, it promotes optimal absorption of the UC-II, ApresFlex and Resveratrol-leading to maximum results.

Combining ingredients this way is what makes this formulation so impressive to me. There is careful sourcing, attention to detail, and really creative thinking about how nutrients work in together.

• Improve joint flexibility & stiffness
• Provide fast relief from joint tenderness
• Enhance mobility during daily activities
• Just one tiny, daily capsule

It’s called Instaflex Advanced and it sets an exciting new standard for joint supplements.

In order to get the word out about this revolutionary, new product, samples of Instaflex Advanced are being rushed to consumers who qualify online. You can find Instaflex Advanced in GNC stores and Walgreens Pharmacies, but the sample offer is only available online.

If you are suffering from mild to major joint discomfort, or just want to support healthy joints as you age, click here to claim your sample of Instaflex Advanced and see how powerful it is for yourself!

The first is “What’s the difference between Instaflex Advanced and the original Instaflex formula?” And the simple obvious answer is the new one is more advanced. But, I can do a little bit better than that. The new formulation contains UC-II® collagen, which is a unique undenatured form of collagen that provides support for joint structure and AprèsFlex®, which is a unique form of Boswellia Serrata. These replace Willow Bark Extract in the original formula and Glucosamine sulfate. Glucosamine is derived from shellfish and so one particular issue there is people with shellfish allergies can’t take that. Both products are available. Both products contain great combinations of ingredients. But frankly, we think the new product really is at the cutting-edge for joint support and therefore is more advanced.

Second question was “How does Instaflex Advanced work to provide relief for people who suffer with joint symptoms and to enhance ability?” Well, there are a number of mechanisms that impact joint health. If you combine ingredients that are safe and that work along these different pathways, you can maximize support. So, UC-II collagen is to provide support directly to joint structure. So really, combination of ingredients working across the spectrum of pathways to optimize joint health and ability.

Third question was “What makes Instaflex Advanced better/differentiates it from other products on the market?” Well, it is unique in providing this undenatured form of collagen, UC-II collagen, which studies suggest is directly supportive to joint structure as other products are not. And again, what really is unique is the overall formulation of Instaflex Advanced where we’ve got Resveratrol and we’ve got UC-II collagen and we’ve got Boswellia … we’ve got a combination of ingredients, including an extract of black pepper to enhance the uptake of these other ingredients, that are just put together in an uniquely thoughtful, powerful, complementary way where each element in this formulation supports the other.

Fourth question is “What are the benefits of long-term, continuous use?” Well, potentially there is fairly quick relief with Instaflex Advanced. But, the available data suggests that that relief continues to improve mobility, joint ability continues to improve for a full 90 days. We don’t have data going out further than that. But, because of the way this product is intended to act, supporting joint structure and so forth … logically, one would think the benefits would actually continue to increase over time. So, really, we’re looking for that. Both quick relief because people who are suffering from joint symptoms now, want relief right away. But, on the other hand, if you’re directly targeting the mechanisms that are interfering with joint function, you can anticipate continued benefit over time and accumulate benefit over time.

And finally for today, the fifth question sent is was “Is it safe to take this product with other medications and supplements?” Now as a physician, the best answer for me to give any individual about that is check with your doctor because they’re actually online indexes that can be used to check for interactions between drugs and drugs, supplements and supplements, supplements and drugs. And these days, most physicians have access to those. So really, the safest thing to do because of course, there are new medications all the time and you could be taking something I’ve never even heard of by the time you get this video. So the safest thing to do is to check your specific list of supplements and medications against the ingredients in Instaflex Advanced. But, here’s the good news, the ingredients in Instaflex Advanced are extremely safe and to the best of my knowledge, don’t have adverse interactions with any other supplements or with any drugs. So almost certainly safe. But this kind of advice is always best individualized, so check with your doctor. Well, I’m sure there will be more questions, but that’s it for today. So until next time, this is Dr. David Katz wishing you well.

Before we go any further, there is no scientific evidence to support that being cold leads to catching colds or the flu. They’re both caused by viruses that just seem to be more prevalent during cold weather. Keeping those hands washed along with sleep, a balanced diet that includes natural foods and supplements could boost your immune system to help you fight.

Here are some remedies to consider the next time you’re feeling under the weather:

• Hong Kong – Lizard Soup: popular cure for the common cold akin to chicken noodle
• Iran – Turnips: acts as an expectorant
• Japan – Pickled Plum: used to prevent and heal colds
• The Netherlands & Northern Germany – Salty Licorice: used as a cough remedy
• Australia – Eucalyptus Oil: used to fight cough, fever, and headaches due to cold & flu
• Russia – Hot Water and Dry Mustard: foot soak used presumably to sweat the cold out
• India – Ginger Tulsi: used for medicinal remedies for 5000 years
• China – Ai Ye: dried leaves are burned to prevent germs from spreading
• Finland – Hot Black Currant Juice: used to treat colds & flu

Work hard. Play hard. Take the time to reset. It’s important not to overwork your system or let stress overwhelm you. A little self-care goes a long way to curing what ails you. Or you could always try one of those remedies we mentioned …

There is evidence from several sources, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), to suggest that we can live healthier, for longer by eating the right foods.

Here’s a list of the foods you need to add to your grocery list:

• Protein – The right amount is key for maintenance of healthy weight and protection from frailty.
• Fiber – A fiber-rich diet, preferably from whole grains, will boost your health.
• Dark, Leafy Greens – Nutrient-dense without added calories for improved health.
• Fish – High levels of omega-3 fatty acids protects the heart; at least one serving per week.
• Nuts – Just a handful helps with satiety, blood sugar spikes and provides both protein & fiber
• Mediterranean – Harvard researchers link this diet of fish, nuts, olive oil and red wine to longevity.
• Berries – A high concentration of polyphenols make these healthy. The micronutrient has been shown to prevent degenerative diseases.
• Probiotics – Not only do these gut-busters protect digestive health, they also improve your hair and skin.
• Coffee – One cup of joe a day is a rich source of antioxidants.
• Spice – Chinese research says capsaicin, the heat behind the spice, gives healthy benefits like anti-obesity, antioxidant, anti-inflammation and anticancer properties.

It’s not always easy to get on the road to good health. But, it is a journey that you must start if you want to get the most quality out of life. Get healthy and give yourself the energy and support to tackle any and all challenges that come your way.

Dr. Katz earned his BA from Dartmouth College in 3 years, his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and his MPH from the Yale University School of Public Health. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine, and Preventative Medicine/Public Health.

With a deep passion for providing evidence-based, holistic care through a unique combination of traditional medical practices and naturopathic approaches, Dr. Katz founded the Integrative Medicine Center (IMC) at Griffin Hospital in Connecticut. The IMC is the site of one of the nation’s few residency training programs in Integrative Medicine, ensuring that Dr. Katz’s passion­—and legacy—continue on.

It was this intense dedication and forward thinking that ultimately led Dr. Katz to his latest project—teaming up with experts at Direct Digital to provide formulation assistance any curate content in the health and wellness space.

Today I want to talk about key ingredients in major new joint formulas and why they were chosen. Two of those ingredients are AprèsFlex® and UC-II collagen. And in some formulas, these replace glucosamine and chondroitin.

Now glucosamine and chondroitin have been around for a long time with some studies suggesting they are effective for joint relief and other studies suggesting that maybe they’re not. But even in the studies where they do tend to work, they tend to work slowly over a long period of time.

AprèsFlex®, which is derived from Boswellia Serrata, a plant native to India, has actually been shown in research to confer joint benefit in as little as one week, and then those benefits continue to grow over time. So you get both the quick results that you’re looking for and increasing benefit over time.

UC-II collagen is derived from cartilage, as is chondroitin, but in the case of UC-II collagen, the basic structure of the cartilage is preserved. And recent studies suggest it’s much more effective than both chondroitin and glucosamine combined. In fact one recent study shows it to be twice as effective.

Another advantage to the combination of AprèsFlex® and UC-II collagen is that to the best of our knowledge, they have no side effects whatsoever.
In the case of glucosamine, people with shellfish allergies generally can’t take it, because it’s derived from the hard outer shell of shrimp or crab or lobster. And you don’t have that problem with UC-II collagen, so pretty much anyone can take this product safely.

Another advantage is the high potency of these ingredients. In the case of glucosamine and chondroitin, in order to get an effective dose, it often requires three fairly large pills a day. But because of the high potency action of both UC-II collagen and AprèsFlex®, they both can be combined at effective dosing in a single pill taken once daily. One product that combines them well is Instaflex Advanced.

Until next time, wishing you well.

Instead, I’m going to cut to the chase and let you in on a little secret…

Scientists and doctors agree that there are several key areas to focus on for better joints no matter what your age, and these four can be done all by yourself from the comforts of home.

1. Take a load off. What you may not know and will be shocked to find out is that every extra pound of body weight you carry is equivalent to around 4 pounds of excess pressure on your knees and other joints. That means if you’re just 10 pounds overweight, that’s an extra 40 pounds of unnecessary pressure placed on your joints. Take a load off with regular diet and exercise.

2. Use it or lose it. Although you may limit movement to keep your stiffness and discomfort from flaring up, long periods of inactivity can weaken muscles, which means your joints are doing all the work when you do move. Research suggests that low-impact aerobic exercise can actually help reduce joint tenderness.

3. Don’t forget to stretch! AFTA Certified Personal Trainer, Lisa Amburgey, believes a few minutes of stretching every day will help prevent stiffness or injuries. She recommends the knee extension, performed while sitting on a chair with your back supported and the balls of your feet and toes touching the ground. Slowly extend your right leg in front of you until it is parallel to the floor and your leg is straight out. Flex your foot, hold about 3 seconds, and then slowly return it to the floor. Repeat on your left leg, then alternate legs for 8-12 sets.

4. Supplement for success. What about that sore, aching feeling in your knees and other hot spots that you can’t seem to extinguish no matter what you try? A high-quality joint formula like Instaflex can deliver powerful ingredients and benefits you won’t get elsewhere.

One of the most important ways to deal with day-to-day struggles is not physical or medical—but psychological. In short, it’s all about attitude. Having the right attitude towards life is extremely important. Here are some ways to develop and maintain a healthy attitude.

1. Seek counseling from a psychologist or spiritual counselor.
2. Join a support group either in person or online. There are national support groups for many lifestyles and medical conditions.
3. Talk about your struggles with others.
4. Ask your physician about the psychological aspects of dealing with negative thoughts.
5. Ask for support and understanding from friends and family.
6. Take inspiration from others who have successfully dealt with struggles.
7. Learn everything you can about your condition.
8. Understand that conquering each day requires a total approach: mental, diet, physical.

• Aim for 8 hours of sleep a night.
• Keep your sleep schedule regular and consistent.
• Go to bed and wake up at the same time.
• Napping is acceptable but keep naps to 30 minutes or less.
• If you’re experiencing insomnia, talk to your physician, and see what options you have.
• Make sure you get plenty of sunlight during the day.
• Do not watch TV before going to bed—the light can keep you from falling to sleep.
• Establish a bedtime routine and make sure the bedroom is dark.
• Keep the bedroom quiet. This can mean using earplugs. Or you can mask sounds with a fan or by playing recordings of light noises.
• Make sure the bed is comfortable and the bedroom is cool.
• Exercise during the day can promote sleep.
• Before bedtime, stay away from big meals, alcohol, and caffeine.
• Smoking disrupts sleep because nicotine is a stimulant.

Exercise can significantly help people who want to sleep easy. However, too much exercise can lead to fatigue. So it’s important to find a balance and make sure you get enough rest between exercise sessions.

What can you expect during a physical therapy visit?

1. The physical therapist will start with a review of medical history—including joint discomfort and the cause of joint discomfort.
2. Total evaluation of flexibility, posture, gait, balance, and other physical factors.
3. Establishment of a plan based on your condition and goals.
4. Ongoing assessment.

Importantly, your physical therapist can also assess your work requirements and make suggestions to help you avoid motions at work that may lead to additional joint discomfort. The physical therapist may recommend special equipment like insoles. Then the therapist will also give you ‘homework’ so you have exercises to perform at work and home. The treatment plan will be fully customized to your specific needs and requirements.

Massage Therapy

While massage therapy directly treats muscles, it can help to alleviate joint discomfort. However, if the discomfort is acute during a flare up, massage therapy may not be effective. Massage can release the tension in tight, cramped, or strained muscles that may be exerting additional pressure on joints. Massage therapy helps restore optimal health to muscles which means they can deliver nutrients to joints—especially important when you’re using a nutritional supplement like Instaflex. Maintaining optimal health is a proven way to help ease joint discomfort—and massage can help you achieve optimal health. If you choose to try massage therapy, let your therapist know about any joint discomfort and medical issues.

Alternative Medicine and Therapies

Many people who are suffering from joint discomfort have tried, or are actively using, ‘alternative’ medicine to help with the discomfort and achieve a higher level of health. Meditation, yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and acupuncture are popular choices.

Yoga Poses to Relieve Joint Discomfort

Yoga has many benefits, especially when it comes to flexibility. So it’s an option you should consider. It’s important to complete the exercises properly, using the correct form. So you may want to take personal yoga instruction or work in a small group. Remember: everyone had a first time trying yoga.

Pilates

An alternative or complement to yoga, Pilates is an exercise system based on building strength without bulking up. Pilates can also help to improve flexibility and agility plus prevent injuries. Pilates is named after Joseph H. Pilates, who was a physical trainer and founder of The New York Pilates Studio.

Pilates is based on controlled movements organized to engage body and mind. Many instructors use specifically designed exercise apparatus. Initially organized for rehabilitation, professional dancers and athletes discovered Pilates and today, millions benefit from Pilates. Correct movement of the spine is a focus and initial lessons begin with gentle exercises—sitting or lying down. The benefits include flexibility, core strength, and correct breathing. People who enjoy Pilates frequently gain a body that’s strong and supple plus a flat belly, balanced legs, and strong back.

Joseph Pilates opened a gym in New York City in the 1920s which he operated until 1967 when he passed away age 87.