If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard of a relatively new over-the-counter remedy called Glucosamine. But what is Glucosamine, and how does it work to relieve arthritis? In this article, I'll introduce you to this new treatment and provide you with the pros and cons of its use. By the time you've finished reading this article, you'll be able to make an informed decision on whether or not Glucosamine is right for you.
What is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine, together with a related ingredient called Chondroitin, are substances which exist naturally in your body. It is believed that glucosamine helps to build and repair cartilage (the soft, spongy material between your joints), while chondroitin lends to the elasticity and flexibility of joints. A deficiency of either one can lead to increased wear and tear on the joint, and cause redness, swelling and stiffness as a result. When used together, glucosamine and chondroitin act as a tag-team of arthritis fighters, improving flexibility, soothing inflammation and reducing swelling caused by achy joints.
Where Can I Buy Glucosamine and Chondroitin Supplements? You can find these products in virtually any pharmacy or health goods store. The downside to this is, like other herbal and alternative medicines, supplements are not regulated by any governing body. That's why you'll need to do a little bit of research to find the best, most potent brand for your needs. Here's what you need to know when comparison shopping for a glucosamine supplement:
? You should expect to pay anywhere from $1-3 per pill when taking glucosamine daily. Since insurance companies rarely cover supplements of any kind, you'll most likely be paying for them out of pocket.
? Read the ingredients label on the bottle to determine the dosage. Approximately 1500mg of glucosamine and 1200mg of chondroitin have been safely used in clinical trials. Depending on your individual medication tolerances and the severity of your arthritis, you should consult your physicial or rheumatologist to find the right dose for your individual needs.
? Select supplements manufactured by a well-known, reputable company. Recommended brands include: Osteo Bi-Flex, WholeHealth, Flex-A-Min, MoveFree and individual pharmacy brands.
Are There Any Side Effects I Should Know About? As with any medication or supplements, there are a few warnings you should know:
? If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, as no long-term studies have been done to gage what materials (if any) are passed on to the baby either internally or through breast milk.
? If you are diabetic, chondroitin (a form of sugar) may cause your blood sugar to rise.
? Chondroitin also acts as a mild blood thinner. Therefore, if you are taking any heart medication or are taking an aspirin regimen, have your blood clotting time checked more frequently by your doctor.
? Glucosamine/Chondroitin supplements should not be taken by children since no studies have been done to determine their effect (if any) on the child's development.
(Please note: The information contained within this article is not intended to replace or substitute for that of an experienced physician. Remember to check with your doctor or rheumatologist before starting daily glucosamine/chondroitin supplements, and don't stop or reduce any of your current medications (whether they're for arthritis or not) without first talking with your doctor).
Emily Clark is editor at lifestyle health news and lifestyle health news where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
tidy up service Glenview ..According to Dr John Scurr leading Consultant Vascular Surgeon and... Read More
Flavones are the latest big supplement to hit the market.... Read More
A deficiency of vitamins can lead to a variety of... Read More
You've probably been eating blueberries since you were a little... Read More
Nutrients form the basis for your body, emotional and spiritual... Read More
Vitamin supplement - why is it important?Vitamin supplement or supplements... Read More
1. Do not refrigerate vegetables and fruits (raw and uncut)... Read More
Fish oil is oil derived from the tissues of fatty... Read More
If you break the word apart, Nutra has to do... Read More
Best liquid calcium with boronNo longer is the search for... Read More
A 2002 study reported, funded by the Swiss National Science... Read More
At some time or another, most people have taken some... Read More
In a 2002 study, a group of researchers used oral... Read More
There is a generation called the baby boomers that make... Read More
Weight Lifting Supplement ? what is it?The term "weight lifting... Read More
Over the past few years, Coral Calcium has received a... Read More
Are you not feeling any results from your nutritional supplements?Here... Read More
Mineral Supplement ? be healthy.Why is mineral supplement so important?... Read More
"But I eat healthy," you might say. That may be... Read More
HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of... Read More
Whey protein is a high quality powder made from cow's... Read More
Vision is one of our most precious senses. Without it... Read More
Most people understand the concept of vitamin and mineral supplementation,... Read More
Much of what we hear and read in the media... Read More
A healthier diet is very much in the news these... Read More
maid service near Winnetka ..This article provides three easy tips for selecting a quality... Read More
Hormones are chemical messengers made up of amino acids and... Read More
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body... Read More
For years now we have heard that supplementing our diets... Read More
In part one of this series, titled "Take Back Your... Read More
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a role... Read More
Fiber supplements can be tremendously beneficial for IBS sufferers. Although... Read More
As the name suggests, muscle milk is a supplement that... Read More
During the past few years, I've become more interested in... Read More
The body needs a minimum amount of vitamins and minerals... Read More
Do you ever wonder why the experts keep saying that... Read More
Creatine ? The most researched performance enhancing nutritional supplementDoes creatine... Read More
Rarely has a fruit that has been so unknown to... Read More
In today's modern world most people, like us, just do... Read More
Do you spend at least some time in your day... Read More
There are numerous herbal supplements on the market today that... Read More
Turmeric, in all honesty is not a vitamin, but it... Read More
Fetuses and infants simply must get enough omega-3 oils for... Read More
Health Supplement ? what is it?So what is a health... Read More
It's absolutely crucial that your body gets the nutrients it... Read More
It's green, it's valuable, and it can vastly improve your... Read More
Finding out a little about amino acid basics enables you... Read More
It would seem that everyone is looking to squeeze the... Read More
AMLA ( EMBLICA OFFICINALIS ) FOR HEALTH AND BEAUTYAMLA, proudly... Read More
I began a quest to examine over 25 "leading products"... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |