Supplements Information

Easing Arthritis Pain with Glucosamine & Chondroitin Supplements


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 physician 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).

Arnel Ricafranca
Founder of Fitness VIP
Fitness Expert/ Qualified online personal trainer
http://www.fitness-vip.com

If you would like additional support and coaching along the way - I strongly suggest you take a peak at my online "member's only" site at http://www.fitnessgenerator.com/fitness-vip - as what we have for you there can definitely help you make progress fast.

Visit http://www.fitness-vip.com for more articles.


MORE RESOURCES:

National Post

Bengals LB Blackstock suspended 4 games
The Associated Press - 5 hours ago
The fourth-year veteran said in a statement that one of his nutritional supplements contained an ingredient banned by the league. ...
RB Watson rejoins Bengals NFL News
Watson re-signed; Blackstock suspended Cincinnati.com
Bengals re-sign Watson; NFL suspends Blackstock four games BengalsInsider.com
all 215 news articles


Supplements Continue to Be a Priority for Consumers
MarketWatch - Oct 6, 2008
When it comes to the downturn in the economy, many dietary supplement users don't intend on cutting back their supplement regimen. According to a new survey ...


Better Nutrition's Best in Supplements Award Goes to Maximum ...
NPIcenter (press release), Canada - 6 hours ago
Maximum LivingĀ® Quality Supplements has been bestowed with the highly prestigious Best in Supplements Award in the Mineral Category, as sponsored by Better ...


Age of Autism

Win $50 Free Autism Supplements from OurKidsASD!
Age of Autism, Trumbull - 3 hours ago
Our sponsor OurKidsASD is running a contest for $50 in free autism supplements (plus free ground shipping)! OurKidsASD is part of Lee Silsby Compounding ...


Ed Blonz: Fish-oil supplements not a risk for gout sufferers
Contra Costa Times, CA - 17 hours ago
Does that also apply to fish-oil supplements? I also read that high doses of vitamin C are not recommended. Can you shed any light on this? ...


Common Dietary Supplements Don't Help Arthritis
LiveScience.com, NY - 11 hours ago
The natural supplement combo of glucosamine and chondroitin, taken to relieve arthritis pain, has struck out again, proving to be no more effective than a ...


Try a supplement with multivitamin
Chicago Sun-Times, United States - 14 hours ago
So when you try a multivitamin again, also try taking a probiotic supplement. There's a chance that these helpful bacteria could restore the balance among ...


Supplement maker BSN wants to be `Gatorade of UFC'
MiamiHerald.com, FL - Oct 6, 2008
The party was hosted by Bio-Engineered Supplements & Nutrition, a Boca Raton company that has emerged as one of the leading manufacturers of sports ...


MedHeadlines

Avoid Vitamin C Supplements During Cancer Therapies
MedHeadlines, IL - Oct 6, 2008
One very potent antioxidant, vitamin C, is frequently taken in supplement form and in very high doses but the findings of a recent study conducted by ...


The Money Times

Study: Cartilage loss not slowed by supplements
Salt Lake Tribune, United States - Sep 30, 2008
Two popular dietary supplements do not effectively slow cartilage loss in the knees of patients with osteoarthritis, according to a study led by the ...
Study: Popular supplements ineffective against arthritis USA Today
Popular arthritis supplements may be of no use: study TheMedGuru
(Update 1) Two Supplements Fail In Fighting Arthritis dBTechno
MedHeadlines - The Money Times
all 83 news articles

Supplements - Google News

home | site map
© 2006