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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).
1howto.com
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