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.
cleaning help near Mundelein ..Taurine is the second most abundant amino acid in the... Read More
Flavones are the latest big supplement to hit the market.... Read More
A 2003 study by the Health Sciences Department of the... Read More
Vitamins and Minerals Can Improve SleepTaking proper vitamins and minerals... Read More
Currently, there are no known side effects for most hyaluronic... Read More
If you read my last article about bitter orange, it... Read More
1. Do not refrigerate vegetables and fruits (raw and uncut)... Read More
The benefits of whey protein are so numerous and apply... Read More
Bovine Colostrum is the form of "milk" taken from dairy... Read More
Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is responsible for numerous deaths in... Read More
"They", the "experts" all say how important vitamins are -... Read More
Tribulus terrestris is a herb that comes from a plant... Read More
There are a number of pros and cons for vitamin... Read More
Not many years ago the liquid vitamin supplement was unheard... Read More
BROCCOLI Good Healthy Food, for Natural Healing, Good Health and... Read More
Since coral calcium is one of he hottest products on... Read More
Since its discovery in the late 1950???s Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)... Read More
Vitamins and minerals play a major role in becoming healthy... Read More
Did you know?? 20% of Australian children reported symptoms of... Read More
As consumers, we are faced daily with choices about what... Read More
Vitamin B1 also called as thiamine is one of the... Read More
A fat burner supplement operates by breaking down body fat... Read More
Nutritional supplements can play a key role in the health... Read More
You've probably been eating blueberries since you were a little... Read More
MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a nutritional supplement derived from natural organic... Read More
reliable maid service Wilmette ..There is a lot of confusion about weight loss supplementation,... Read More
For years now we have heard that supplementing our diets... Read More
A deficiency of vitamins can lead to a variety of... Read More
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the human body... Read More
Calcium Supplement ? why calcium.Why is calcium supplement so important?... Read More
Vitamin C may be the most famous vitamin. Tens of... Read More
Are you concerned about taking care of your body before... Read More
There is a huge market when it comes to vitamins.... Read More
How many pills do you have to take every morning?... Read More
Not many years ago the liquid vitamin supplement was unheard... Read More
Three Important Nutrients - Vitamin E, Selenium, and Sodium and... Read More
When selecting a brand of Colostrum, you should be sure... Read More
Whey protein is a high quality powder made from cow's... Read More
Hormones are chemical messengers made up of amino acids and... Read More
Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce... Read More
As much as we would like to deny it, the... Read More
Did you know that when you take vitamins and minerals... Read More
As you may have already experienced, figuring out how to... Read More
Supplementing with relatively small amounts of riboflavin (vitamin B2) may... Read More
A lot of people actually pay a good deal of... Read More
Will common sense ever prevail? We've all seen stories on... Read More
Nutrients form the basis for your body, emotional and spiritual... Read More
I began a quest to examine over 25 "leading products"... Read More
There are two basic types of constipation - organic and... Read More
During the past few years, I've become more interested in... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |