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)

Tags | downside, flexibility, glucosamine, governing, insurance, joints, medicines, stiffness, supplement, tolerances