The Structural System

On the surface, the structural system--primarily consisting of the bones, muscles, and skin--seems to be fairly simple.  However, it performs other functions than we do not normally give it credit for.

Common Concerns of the Structural System
Infections and inflammations (arthritis, gangrene, tetanus, warts, dermatitis, cold sores, ringworm, psoriasis, acne, ulcers), muscular dystrophy, tumors and fibroids, cramps, fibromyalgia syndrome, and autoimmune disorders (arthritis, lupus).

Fact:  Did you know that back problems are the most common physical complaints among American adults?

Functions of the Structural System  
Primarily, the structural system acts to protect the rest of the organs in the human body, provide a framework for them to reside in, and move as needed.  Secondarily, the structural system takes on some functions usually thought to be the job of other systems.  For example, it is possible to absorb nutrients and oxygen through the skin, functions normally associated with the digestive and respiratory systems, respectively.

How Does it Work?
We often think of bones as being "dead", but in reality, they are full of living cells.  The skeleton, which acts as the framework of the body, is made up of 206 bones.  They act as independent, moveable levers controlled by the muscles.  They are actively involved in the immune system, in creating/circulating immune cells.  The marrow in the bones also produces red blood cells.  Knowing that bones need lots of nourishment, Nature's Sunshine has formulated Skeletal Strength, a formula providing minerals and nutrients that the bones need--including Vitamins A, C, D, B6, B12, as well as calcium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, copper, manganese, potassium, and boron.  

Undoubtedly, you have probably already heard about the necessity of calcium for bone health.  The fact is that calcium is needed for many body organs and processes--not just bones.  It is needed for hormonal systems, heartbeat, muscle contractions and more.  The bones act as "storage bank" or "depository" to store excess calcium and other minerals until they are needed by some other part of the body.  When that happens, the hypothalamus gland signals the body to "withdraw" calcium (and sometimes other minerals) from the bones to fill the need.  The best time to store up our body's calcium stores and bone density is from infancy to young adulthood.  However, as we get older, the body loses its ability to store calcium.  When that happens, one must continually intake enough to meet the body's needs. There are many common things that rob the body of its calcium stores--alcohol, smoking, soft drinks, caffeine, high-fat diets, high-sugar diets, stress, inactivity, and many others.  Conversely, there are things that are helpful to calcium assimilation--mainly weight-bearing exercise.  Exercise is known to help increase bone mass at maturity, and decrease bone mass loss in later years. There seems to be some debate on the value of milk in giving the body calcium.  This class will not delve into this debate, except to say that, fortunately, milk is not the only option in getting the body the calcium (and Vitamin D) that is needed for the bones.  Nature's Sunshine has several options--Herbal CA and the Concentrated Herbal CA are combinations of herbs that are calcium-rich.  When putting together a calcium supplement, it is important that there be magnesium with the calcium.  Supplements should have a 2:1 ratio of calcium to magnesium (by mass, not US RDA).  Coral Calcium (available also in capsules), Calcium-Magnesium SynerPro, & Liquid Calcium all contain the correct amounts of calcium and magnesium.  Calcium Plus also contains Vitamin D.  One seemingly common supplement that people sometimes take for calcium is calcium carbonate--which is used in many common over-the-counter antacid medicines.  This form of calcium is very hard for the body to assimilate, and should not be used as a calcium supplement.

There is various connective tissue that joins the bones together.  As a general term, we call these joints.  Arthritis, one of the most common ailments associated with the structural system, is an inflammation of the joints.  It is interesting to note that inflammation in the body--including arthritis--is usually an indication of something else wrong in the body.  When inflammation is present, the body is not eliminating toxins correctly.  These toxins eventually find their way into the affected area, causing inflammation.  That is why colon cleansing and liver cleansing are extremely important. (Learn more about the intestinal system)  Other contributors are an acidic diet leaching important minerals from the bones/joints, lack of water, lack of essential fats needed for lubrication, etc.  Joint Support is a combination of herbs and minerals useful for reducing joint inflammation and pain.  Another excellent combination is Everflex--which combines Glucosamine, Chondroitin, MSM, and Devil's Claw.  Glucosamine acts a lubricator--relubricating the joints by replacing synovial fluid (helping shock absorption properties).  Chondroitin is a substance that collects and holds moisture in the joints.  MSM is best known and an anti-inflammatory, although sulfur is also used by the liver for detoxification.  Devil's Claw is another anti-inflammatory.

There are 620 muscles in the human body.  We normally think of them as the entities responsible for movement by their relaxation and contraction.  However, they have lots of secondary functions.  They produce heat, maintain posture, and increase blood pressure by squeezing the arteries (which helps get nutrients where they are mostnneeded--in turn affecting metabolism).  When exercised, they produce endorphine--a hormone that gives a sense of well-being.  High muscle mass also acts as a damper against, and thus reduces the chances of, many chronic conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, etc.

Muscles can also get inflamed due partially or mainly to toxins that are not eliminated by the intestines and liver.  MSM/Glucosamine Cream can be applied topically to for inflammatory relief.  The glucosamine is in the form of glucosamine sulfate.  It is interesting to note that the liver uses sulfur as another detoxification agent.  Thus many people believe that the sulfur in MSM and the glucosamine sulfate helps the liver detoxify the body--thus attacking the inflammation in that way as well.  Garlic and onions are two good edible sources of sulfur.  Of course, processed carbohydrates and stored fats are going to aggravate the inflammation.

When the diet makes the body lack energy-producing fuel, it breaks down muscle protein to create energy, causing fatigue, pain, and other problems.  Fibromyalgia has these symptoms, and doctors have found that people with this condition tend to respond to malic acid and magnesium.  Magnesium is essential to muscle function, and malic acid helps its assimilation.  Nature's Sunshine put these two ingredients into a formula called Fibralgia.

The skin is the most exposed organ of the human body; it is obviously also the most exposed.  Not only does it provide a covering for the other organs, but it acts as a cooling system for the body--conserving heat & moisture and regulating internal body temperature.  It also plays a role in the immune system, and can absorb nutrients and oxygen.  It also eliminates toxins through its sweat glands and oil glands.  In fact, this elimination of toxins creates various skin conditions.  Body odor and irritation often happen when toxins are eliminated through the sweat glands.  Acne and other similar conditions occur when toxins are eliminated through the oil glands.

Many skin problems are related to such things as impurities/toxins in the liver and blood, or improper function/overloading of the liver.  Often those problems need to be addressed to clear up the skin.  The blood purifier BP-X is a combination of a dozen herbs that help purify and cleanse the blood--thus helping support proper liver function and help the skin. The condition of acne occurs when oil glands get clogged.  Usually a bacterial infection occurs, leading to the formation of pus.  Certain things contribute to the problem--such as eating trans-fatty acids, hydrogenated oils, etc.  These substances tend to go rancid, creating toxins that the body tries to eliminate through the skin.  Tea Tree Oil is an excellent antiseptic and antibiotic, which can be used topically to prevent bacterial growth and infection.  Paw Paw also has excellent antibiotic properties.  It works by keeping invasive organisms such as bacteria and fungi from creating energy needed to live and multiply.  Eczema is basically a chronic condition of dermatitis--inflammation of the skin.  It is usually related to food or environmental toxins.  Psoriasis is a skin condition brought on by over-proliferation of skin cells, causing a "scaling" effect.  For either of these conditions, it is very important to keep the skin moist and supple.  Pau d'Arco is a good blood purifier that helps clear up toxins in the skin.  It is available in Pau d'Arco Lotion, as well--an excellent topical help with good emollient properties.

Silica is an important mineral that is missing from our diets.  It is very important in the structure of hair, skin, and nails.  It can be obtained from peelings of fruit and vegetables.  Silica is one of the additives used in steel production--making the steel more "springy", flexible, and resilient.  It has a similar effect on nails and hair.  The product HSN-W, is an excellent herbal combination of Dulse, Horsetail, and other silica-rich herbs.  It helps to encourage strong, flexible fingernails; shiny, healthier hair; and healthier skin.  It also helps strengthen bones and joints.

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Note:  The notes on this class are copyrighted and may NOT be reproduced without the expressed, written consent of Healthy Sunshine, Inc.