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.
limo prices to midway Crystal Lake west of Randal .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareA ranch house, a zip lock bag and some ordinary... Read More
Sports Supplement ? what is it?We are all aware of... Read More
Some fitness adherents are supplement crazy and spend money like... Read More
I began a quest to examine over 25 "leading products"... Read More
In parts one, two and three of this series, titled... Read More
Fiber supplements can be tremendously beneficial for IBS sufferers. Although... Read More
A fat burner supplement operates by breaking down body fat... Read More
No Money in PreventionI have been recommending a wide variety... Read More
Colloidal Silver might just be a wonderful thing and here's... Read More
Three Important Nutrients - Vitamin E, Selenium, and Sodium and... Read More
If you suffer from arthritis pain, chances are you've heard... Read More
Because whey protein products have a wide variety of uses... Read More
Are you concerned about taking care of your body before... Read More
Our bodies change as we age, and to remain vigorous,... Read More
Every minute of every day the cells of our... Read More
Vitamins and Minerals Can Improve SleepTaking proper vitamins and minerals... Read More
Many people find that after a few weeks, the gains... Read More
When it comes to personalized weight loss programs and their... Read More
A deficiency of vitamins can lead to a variety of... Read More
The muscles of the body actually depend heavily on the... Read More
A lot of people actually pay a good deal of... Read More
The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and... Read More
Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD) is responsible for numerous deaths in... Read More
If I read 1 good valid murder mystery book, would... Read More
Vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid was first isolated from lemons... Read More
taxi o'hare Auburn ..Haven't heard of fucose? Think it's the latest teen dance... Read More
The benefits of whey protein are so numerous and apply... Read More
It's never too late to change your habits, and if... Read More
Should I Take Vitamins With My Low Carb Diet?Most low... Read More
Undoubtedly calcium has become a hot topic of controversy. We... Read More
Before you read the rest of this article I want... Read More
Vitamins seem to be so good for everything. The newly... Read More
L-carnitine is a nutritional supplement that has been touted by... Read More
Biological oxidation involves transferring electrons from one oxygen molecule to... Read More
Our system uses a free-form gas called Nitric Oxide as... Read More
What Is Nitric Oxide (NO)?Nitric oxide (NO) is produced by... Read More
HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of... Read More
Every day, it seems like we are living in an... Read More
Ideally, humans would eat wholly nutritious diets rich in protein,... Read More
In part one of this series, titled "Take Back Your... Read More
A 2002 study reported, funded by the Swiss National Science... Read More
Simply stated, the Greek word glyco refers to "sweet." Hence,... Read More
When I first started down this path I was looking... Read More
Discount Supplement ? what is it?Discount supplement is a term... Read More
Myocardial infarction is a technical term used to describe an... Read More
"Anybody who tells you that disease has only one cause,... Read More
Can you treat a headache or stomach ache externally, without... Read More
I've been feeling a tired and slow lately. Just don't... Read More
The more I study health and fitness, the more convinced... Read More
Vitamin E is an absolutely vital nutrient in your body,... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |