Welcome back to Dr. Quinn Hand's blog series on krill oil!

In what health conditions has krill oil been studied?

Health Condition #1: Chronic inflammation and Osteoarthritis

EPA is known to be anti-inflammatory, and krill oil sources have proven to provide similar or greater benefit than fish oil. Krill oil was investigated in ninety patients suffering from chronic inflammation and arthritic symptoms. Patients were tested for a marker of inflammation known as CRP (C-reactive protein). They also rated their pain, stiffness and functional ability on a special scale called the WOMAC (Western Ontario and McMaster University). Measures were made at 7, 14 and 30 days. After 7 days of treatment with 300 mg of krill oil, CRP fell by 19.3% compared to 15.7% in the placebo group. After 14 and 30 days of treatment, CRP was further decreased by 29.7% and 30.9% respectively, while CRP levels increased in the placebo group.

WOMAC scores showed significant reduction at all 3 intervals.  After 7 days of treatment, reduced pain scores by 28.9%, reduced stiffness by 20.3% and reduced functional impairment by 22.8% were observed. This study demonstrated that 300 mg of krill oil daily, significantly inhibited inflammation and reduced arthritic symptoms in a short treatment period.  

In a study of experimental rheumatoid arthritis in mice, krill oil and fish oil supplemented diets significantly reduced arthritis scores and swelling when compared to control diets without EPA and DHA. However, late in the study, better results in the arthritis score were seen in the krill oil group. Mice in the krill oil group also had less movement of inflammatory cells into their joints.

Come back tomorrow to learn about the relationship between other health conditions and krill oil.

Read Dr. Quinn Hand's entire series on krill oil:

• Krill - The Magic Pill?
• The Science Behind Krill
• Krill Oil & Cholesterol 
• Krill Oil & PMS 
• Krill Oil vs. Fish Oil
  

Image source: http://www.activehealthinstitute.com

As more and more people, like Scarlett Johansson, take to the streets in bare feet, or "barefoot runners," Webber Naturals wants to know: What do you think of this fitness trend?

You've seen it on the streets, possibly in the news and even more possibly in magazines featuring the latest celebs trying out this novel way of running: barefoot. Barefoot running was first brought to my attention a little over a year ago when I came across a photo of Scarlett Johansson jogging with then beau, Sean Penn, in a pair of pink Vibram FiveFingers. While not all barefoot runners are the same, the ones that Johansson sported looked, to me, like toe socks. Which led me to ask the question, "Can those really be better to run in than running shoes?"

It appears as though there are both pros and cons to hitting the pavements in bare feet. Information given out in favour of running barefoot seems to highlight that running barefoot strengthens your muscles, prevents injuries and allows you to run easier and faster. On the other hand, skeptics of the trend say that running barefoot may increase muscle strain and offer little protection for your feet. However, everyone seems to agree that if this is a trend you wish to try, it is important to ease into it.

Other celebs that are into this fitness trend include, Matthew McConaughey, Kate Hudson, and Channing Tatum. Personally, being flatfooted, I'm a little hesitant to try this trend myself, however, I do find the concept intriguing! What do you think about it? 

If running (regardless of footwear) has your joints causing you pain, try webber naturals Joint Ease products. You'll be back on track in no time!

Image source: http://www.sodahead.com/living/scarlett-johansson-in-barefoot-running-shoes-fashion-forward-or-fashion-fail

We know that joint issues can be a pain, which is why Webber Naturals expert, Dr. Joyce Johnson, would like to help you discover which Joint Ease products are right for you.

Not too long ago, baseball legend, Joe Carter, explained in one of our posts that webber naturals Joint Ease products, Canada's #1 Joint Care Brand*, help him with his joint pain - and that they can help you with yours too! But, with the multiple joint support products that webber naturals offers, you may have been asking yourself, "Which Joint Ease products are right for me?"

So, we thought we would let Dr. Joyce Johnson explain our Joint Ease products in order to help you decide which ones are right for your aches and pains.

*Based on sales. Source: Nielsen MarketTrack, National All Channels, 52 Weeks Ending July 31, 2011.