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The Structural System
The Bones, Muscles, & Connective Tissue

Framework for the Body

In a city, we see buildings in various phases of construction. Some have only the foundation. Others have the girders in place. And some are completely finished, so that we can?t see the internal framework. But we know it's there; otherwise, the building couldn?t stand. Our own structural system is no different.

Our structural system consists of bones, muscles, and connective tissue. This system is what gives our body form and the ability to move about. Without it, the body would collapse under its own weight.

The structural system also houses all the other systems of the body and protects them from the outside environment.

The skeleton accounts for only 14 percent of body weight and is made up of 206 bones. The skull is the most protective mechanism in the body. It is supported by the spine, which stands the stresses of bending and stretching while supporting body weight. The skeleton is also the foundation for the muscles.

The muscles comprise about 40 percent of body weight. They convert chemical energy into force and mechanical work. Movement is one of the main functions performed by 620 muscles in the body. They also help maintain proper posture and produce a large portion of body heat.

There are 30 other muscles that perform functions such as moving food through the digestive system, circulating blood, and operating other internal organs.

Connective tissue consists of ligaments and tendons which connect muscles and bones.

Factors in Structural Health

Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, comprising 1.5-2 percent of an adult's body weight. But calcium deficiency in the U.S. is not as rare as might be expected in a modern nation. The Department of Agriculture lists calcium as one of the four nutrients most missing in the American diet.

The body is constantly using calcium from the diet to replace old bone tissue with new tissue. When the calcium supply in the blood is low the body takes calcium from the bones without replacing it, causing them to become weak and porous.

A growing health concern is bones that become weak and soft from calcium and other deficiencies. Such deficiencies can cause bones to break easily, or leave a person with a stooped and shortened stature. It is estimated that 5 million women and 1 million men exhibit some effect of calcium loss from their bones.

Bone loss appears to begin about age 35 and is of special concern to women. Lack of exercise and decreased secretion of the hormone estrogen after menopause have been related to calcium loss. A calcium loss is only visible in X-rays after the loss is acute. It is estimated that up to 60 percent of the mineral content of bone may be gone before the loss can be detected.

Physical activity helps to increase bone volume and density. Weight control can also take some strain off bones and muscles so they can perform better. Of course, the structural system requires a balanced diet with a healthy supply of minerals.

Skeletal Strength (formerly SKL Formula?) is a combination of the vitamins and minerals your skeletal system needs for optimal strength, in a base of herbs that lend nutritional support to the skeletal system.

Skeletal Strength contains calcium, the major mineral needed for healthy bones. Since calcium does not work alone, the formula also includes magnesium, manganese, iron, beta-carotene, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, and vitamin D. The body uses all of these in forming strong matrices and cartilage.

Coix herb, ma huang herb, horsetail herb, valerian root, and parsley herb also lend their unique benefits to the SKL formula. Considering your skeletal system has the constant task of supporting you, give it what it needs-with Skeletal Strength.
Stock No. 1806-7 (150)

EverFlex. We've long known the advantages of glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM for joint health. Now you can get the health benefits of all three of these nutreints plus devils's claw herb in one convenient tablet. EverFlex tablets cost 28% less than purchasing glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM separately, and you get Devil's Claw for FREE! Give your joints the one-two-three punch now found in NSP EverFlex.
? Promotes Joint Integrity
? Maximizes Flexibility & Mobility
? Helps Lubricate Joints
Stock No.: 925-5

Target Endurance Formula?, developed to target the needs of the muscular system, is based on the concept that true health begins on a cellular level. Keeping the muscular system healthy helps us stay active and ensures proper function of muscles surrounding organs such as the heart, liver, and lungs.

Each of the body's cells contains a tiny engine, called a mitochondrion, which burns nutrients to produce energy. This energy metabolism is particularly important to muscle cells. Target Endurance contains certain essential minerals and vitamins necessary for the mitochondria.

It includes the minerals zinc, potassium, copper, and calcium in amino acid chelates. The vitamins B6, B12, and C are added for their importance to muscle function. They are combined in a whole food herbal base to nutritionally support the circulatory and nervous systems, in addition to the muscular system.
Stock No. 2809-8 (90)