What is Glucosamine?
It is a naturally-occurring substance that is found in high concentrations in the joints and is known to stimulate the formation of cartilage that is essential for joint repair and provides cushioning to the tips of the bones and strengthens and protects the joints from stiffness and pain. While it is normally synthesized by the body, studies have shown that levels of Glucosamine can be increased by taking supplements and with this in mind, people across the globe are now taking these to ease joint pain and improve the range and motion of their joints in the knees, hands, hips, and spine.
It can sometimes be found in combination with another substance called Chondrotin Sulfate, which is supposed to enhance the repair of the cartilage thus enhancing the over-all action of Glucosamine.
Yes it is not really a cure for arthritis, but recent studies have shown that Glucosamine is even more effective in relieving pain and inflammation caused by arthritis than most anti-inflammatory drugs in the market. And since it does not cause harmful side-effects compared to aspirin and ibuprofen, the use of Glucosamine has now become very popular.
Glucosamine
It may be important for you to know that despite what it can do, for very severe cases of arthritis wherein the cartilage has been completely destroyed, there is nothing that Glucosamine can do anymore. Bear in mind that these will only be beneficial to patients suffering from mild to moderate forms of arthritis and cannot perform miracles beyond it.
Nevertheless, apart from the part it plays in the relief of joint pains, it also has been found useful in the prevention of arthritis and other forms of age-related joint diseases. In fact, they have become very popular for use by athletes to prevent muscle injuries and to speed up the healing process of injuries.
Taking Glucosamine
Regardless of what you are taking, it is very important that you read the label first. But normally, the recommended daily dosage for Glucosamine is 500mg three times a day, or 1500mg a day. Taking it on a regular basis is very safe, although unlike normal pain killers, it should take 8 weeks before they start showing significant effects.
It is available in capsule form, as well as in cream and skin patches, and also come in the form of tablets. They are readily available in most pharmacies and health food stores and are still under the classification of a “dietary supplement” under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act passed in 1994 by Congress.
If you are suffering from any medical condition, discuss the option of taking Glucosamine first, before anything else. Supplements very rarely present themselves with side-effects, but it is still wiser to always be on the safer side of things.
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