Traditional doctors support Glucosamine

For a long time, doctors pooh-poohed the sometimes extravagant claims of supplement manufacturers. To be sure, there are a lot of questionable products, with claims ranging from instant weight loss to overnight improvement in virility.

On the other hand, even traditional doctors have come to realize that some supplements have earned their place alongside conventional drugs.

Glucosamine is one such supplement

Glucosamine is a good example. It was initially dismissed by the medical community as snake-oil treatment, but studies in the last ten years have shown that it does in fact help the body repair damaged cartilage.

Rheumatologists and orthopedists now routinely recommend it to people who need relief from arthritic joints.

Glucosamine - two main functions

Glucosamine sulphate has two main functions: promoting regrowth of damaged cartilage and reducing inflammation and pain in arthritic joints.

The protective layer of cartilage covering the bony surfaces of joints is damaged and destroyed by osteoarthritis. Loss of this cartilage results in roughening of the bony surfaces, pain and swelling in affected joints and immobility.

Glucosamine has been used in Europe since the early 1980s, and many clinical studies have demonstrated its ability to relieve pain and swelling , and also to reverse some of the damage done to the cartilage in arthritic joints.

Previously dry, thin and brittle cartilaginous tissue becomes thicker, smoother and more pliable after just one month of taking the supplement.

Glucosamine for Athletes

Glucosamine is a natural chemical derived from sugars. Very little of it comes from food, and it is largely manufactured by the body.

It is essential for the manufacture of glycosaminoglycan, which is an essential component of cartilage. There is evidence that the body produces less glycosamine with age.

Many athletes now use glycosamine in supplement form to overcome damage to cartilage structure of weight-bearing joints. This is particularly important for gymnasts, ballet dancers and long-distance runners.

Extra glycosamine also offers a degree of protection against degenerative damage, as well as pain reduction, which improves mobility.

Glucosamine for pain control and joint repair

Medications are always developing and advancing.

Arthritis was once a condition with severe joint pain that could not be controlled. Then along came the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Naprosen and Ibuprofen. These drugs have become household names.

Unfortunately the large amounts needed to control the pain often left the patient with other bothersome side effects. Gastric bleeding and liver failure may both occur if these drugs are taken for long enough.

Glucosamine relieves pain and repairs damage

The latest drug on the scene to control arthritis pain is glucosamine. It does not have the side effects like the other drugs but most impressively unlike the non-steroidalanti-inflammatories it does more than control the pain. It helps to repair the damaged joint cartiledge so eventually less pain relief will be required and more normal function of the joint will be achieved.

This is a huge step forward in the treatment of arthritis.

Glucosamine - good for your pets too!

We all produce glucosamine but as we grow older we tend not to produce enough for our bodies needs. This results in the cartiledge in our weight bearing joints becoming destroyed. Eventually the joint will become painful and deformed. Movement will become increasingly difficult.

Osteoarthritis has developed.

Glucosamine is an effective treatment in the control of osteoarthritis. It will ease the pain and enable the cartiledge to recover and the joints to repair.

Glucosamine is an effective treatment for humans but now is becoming an equally popular choice of treatment for our aging pets who are suffering from the same ailment - osteoarthritis.

Glucosamine derivatives

Glucosamine is an amino derivative of glucose occurring in many glycoproteins and mucopolysaccharides.