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.
reliable maid service Bannockburn ...In July of 1995, the United States Department of Agriculture... Read More
As consumers, we are faced daily with choices about what... Read More
Selenium is a type of trace mineral which supports healthy... Read More
Most parents' think their children are eating a fairly healthy... Read More
BCAA stands for branched chain amino acids and is increasingly... Read More
HMB stands for beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate. It is a metabolite of... Read More
A fat burner supplement operates by breaking down body fat... Read More
Most people understand the concept of vitamin and mineral supplementation,... Read More
I began a quest to examine over 25 "leading products"... Read More
There are a number of pros and cons for vitamin... Read More
You read about a supplement that allegedly "Boosts your mood... Read More
The Challenge of Free Radicals to Your BodyYour body is... Read More
Unfortunately nobody can tell that question over the internet, but... Read More
Herbal supplements have become hugely popular over the years, and... Read More
If I read 1 good valid murder mystery book, would... Read More
Vitamins and Minerals Can Improve SleepTaking proper vitamins and minerals... Read More
Since ancient time bee pollen has been considered as an... Read More
Vitamins are organic compounds that the human body cannot produce... Read More
The last year hasn't been a good one for vitamin... Read More
Vitamin C may be the most famous vitamin. Tens of... Read More
Protein Supplement ? whey protein.Why is protein supplement important? Protein... Read More
Most people are becoming more health conscious. Many of the... Read More
MSM (methyl-sulfonyl-methane) is a nutritional supplement derived from natural organic... Read More
Hyaluronic acid, a key component of human tissue, aiding the... Read More
Should I Take Vitamins With My Low Carb Diet?Most low... Read More
professional cleaning service Deerfield ...Over the past few years, Coral Calcium has received a... Read More
You may feel 30, but your body keeps reminding you... Read More
Taking vitamin and mineral supplements is perhaps one of the... Read More
As much as we would like to deny it, the... Read More
Unfortunately nobody can tell that question over the internet, but... Read More
Vitamin C may be the most famous vitamin. Tens of... Read More
Ecdysterone is a powerful compound that can help to maximise... Read More
Herbal supplements have become hugely popular over the years, and... Read More
The findings, published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and... Read More
The mankind has never stopped searching for the scerets of... Read More
People accept arthritic disease as a 'natural part of the... Read More
Many millions of people are affected by pain and suffering... Read More
L-tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that plays a role... Read More
Vitamins and minerals play a major role in becoming healthy... Read More
The body needs a minimum amount of vitamins and minerals... Read More
Difficulty sleeping can affect many aspects of life. People who... Read More
Hyaluronic acid is available in a variety of products ranging... Read More
Did you know that vitamin B-1 has two other widely... Read More
The initial success of penicillin generated an assumption which has... Read More
Since the 1960???s there have been numerous controlled clinical trials... Read More
OK, first let's get something straight here...If you think that... Read More
This article provides three easy tips for selecting a quality... Read More
HGH is produced naturally, in everyone, by the pituitary gland.... Read More
Can you treat a headache or stomach ache externally, without... Read More
When selecting a brand of Colostrum, you should be sure... Read More
Nutritional Supplements |