NADH: Nourishing the Protective Gel Surrounding Joints
In my new book, Cancer and the New Biology of Water, to be published mid-September, I examine the role water plays in the etiology and treatment of cancer. But cancer is not the only illness connected to the structure of water in our cells and tissues.
As I have repeatedly pointed out, water is the only known substance that exists in four phases. The fourth phase of water — a gel or structured state — is in many ways the basis of our health. The vast preponderance of intracellular water is in this gel state, and it is responsible for the distribution of minerals inside and outside of the cell, as well as for the “voltage charge” in our bodies, which is the foundation of life itself. Again, I go into great detail about the nature of this intracellular water and how it functions in the new book.
Intracellular structured water is formed in a way analogous to the formation of the common dessert Jell-O. That is, one starts with gelatin proteins, adds water and then heats this mixture. The heat unfolds the gelatin proteins and makes them able to attach to water. When these gelatin-water complexes cool, they form the characteristic gel.
In our cells, a similar process happens. Proteins within the cell play the role of Jell-O’s gelatin proteins. The water is obtained either through metabolism or through the consumption of water or food. The role of heat is replaced in our cells by a molecule called ATP. Increasingly, scientists and doctors are suggesting that ATP deficiencies are the root of many common diseases. They claim that ATP is the energy source for mammalian cells, and that an ATP deficiency leads to an energy deficit and then diminished function and disease. In the cancer book, I present evidence that ATP is not the source of energy as is commonly thought, but instead plays the role of heat in making gel. ATP attaches to the ends of the intracellular proteins, unfolding them and making possible the formation of intracellular gels. Without ATP, the intracellular structure deteriorates, and disease ensues. So, while we agree that an ATP deficiency is a crucial step in disease formation, we disagree about the mechanism.
An example of this dynamic is the progress of osteoarthritis, a very common disease of elderly Americans. Fundamentally, the defect is the progressive deterioration of the gelatinous sac that protects and nourishes the joints. Furthermore, this negatively charged (all gels are negatively charged) gel sac that encases our joints ensures smooth movement as the two opposing gel sacs repel each other on either side of the joint. The deterioration of the gel sac allows the cartilage to erode, and any movement becomes painful and inefficient. If we could restore the gel protection of the joints, we could decrease the pain and even allow the joint to recover.
Typically, ATP deficiency is the limiting factor in our ability to form gels. And, the limiting factor in the production of ATP in our cells is linked to NADH, the main hydrogen donor in our mitochondria. Without sufficient NADH, the oxidative phosphorylation pathways that produce ATP fail to work. Then, the loop closes: Without sufficient ATP, we cannot form gels properly, and all our vital functions become less efficient, including the ability to form protective gel sacs in our joints. Joint replacement can help some people, but, clearly, one wants to avoid this major surgery whenever possible.
Today we are introducing NADH Arthros, which combines the patented hydrogenated and bioavailable form of NADH, along with glucosamine and chondroitin, two substances that nourish the joints by providing the raw materials the joints need to form healthy gels. This is a very safe medicine, one that can be used by anyone looking to improve the health and function of joints.
As always, please consult with your healthcare practitioner before taking this or any other new medicine or supplement.