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:

Anti-Aging Supplements Made From Goji Berries Show Great Results ...
MarketWatch - 3 hours ago
Feelgoodforlife.com has more information on Goji juice and other antioxidant-rich anti-aging supplements. What exactly is a Goji berry? ...


Tech supplements on Travel
ITvoir, India - 1 hour ago
If you are planning to go for outing in this summer, then you must be equipped with a few technical gadgets. These technical gadgets will facilitate you ...


Anti-aging Supplements Vitamins C and E Reduce Risk of Alzheimer’s
The Open Press (press release) - 11 hours ago
Feelgoodforlife.com provides additional information on which anti-aging supplements help Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. ...


UNPA alliance aims to build science behind supplements
NutraIngredients-usa.com, France - 16 hours ago
By Lorraine Heller 23-Jul-2008 - Trade group United Natural Products Alliance (UNPA) has joined forces with another supplement testing lab, in a move that ...


The You Docs: Protect yourself from pollution
Seattle Post Intelligencer - 11 hours ago
We recommend taking 2 grams of distilled fish oil supplements a day, or 600 mg of DHA supplements. We do. Just one alert: If you already have a heart ...


Fish Oil, Red Yeast Rice Cut Cholesterol
WebMD - 11 hours ago
By Kathleen Doheny July 23, 2008 -- Supplements of fish oil and red yeast rice, coupled with lifestyle changes in diet and exercise habits, ...


Food supplements good for athletes, says UK Sport
NutraIngredients.com, France - Jul 22, 2008
By Shane Starling 22-Jul-2008 - UK Sport has reversed its position in regard to the use of food supplements and now says supplements such as whey, ...


Elemental Analysis Suggests Irradiation Testing for Supplements
Natural Products Industry Insider, AZ - Jul 22, 2008
Elemental Analysis Inc. released a white paper examining purity testing levels and methods for dietary supplements. The study, “Using Non-Destructive Purity ...


BFAD urged to probe drug supplements claiming cure for diabetes
Philippine Information Agency, Philippines - Jul 22, 2008
Some of the diabetic patients that shifted into herbal supplement found out that their sugar level decreased not knowing that their other organs are already ...


Drugs, supplements may not mix
Baxter Bulletin, AR - Jul 22, 2008
Misuse of medication and health supplements is common, says Dr. Danny Ponder, pharmacist with Ponder Health. "One reason we are at risk is we don't take the ...

Supplements - Google News

home | site map
© 2006