Joint Health - Glucosamine & Chondroitin
- Date: 2008-07-08 - Word Count: 500
Share This!
Glucosamine and Chondroitin are both natural chemicals within the body that are used to develop cartilage. Cartilage in the body serves as a natural shock absorber of sorts within our joints, and this is what prevents all of our bones from rubbing together. While our bodies do create some Glucosamine and Chondroitin, taking supplements of both of these natural chemicals can boost the production of new cartilage within our bodies which is especially important as we age, and as our cartilage naturally begins to thin.
As cartilage in our bodies begins to thin, our bones can begin to rub together which creates problems relating to osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that pain associated with osteoarthritis can be relieved, and that cartilage function can be improved when supplements like these are taken in conjunction with pain relief medications. While the studies performed regarding the effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been limited, they have been high quality studies producing safe results with fewer side effects than a number of other medicines.
So what is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a sugar that the body naturally produces, and it is one of the building blocks that contributes to the development of healthy cartilage. There are two different forms of Glucosamine; Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Hydrochloride. Most Glucosamine supplement products are developed using the shells from crab, lobster and shrimp. Glucosamine supplements are available in liquid and tablet form, and are usually offered in combination with another supplement; Chondroitin.
Studies have shown that Glucosamine Sulfate reduced pain more than a placebo. Studies have also suggested that this supplement is capable of slowing down the breakdown of cartilage. Studies on Glucosamine hydrochloride show it may be able to contribute to the regrowth of cartilage, but it did not have as notable an effect on pain management.
So what is Chondroitin?
Chondroitin is also a natural substance that the body creates, and it is believed that Chondroitin is capable of drawing nutrients and water into the cartilage, which allows it to remain healthy and spongy. Chondroitin supplement products are Chondroitin Sulfate, which is commonly derived from shark or bovine cartilage.
Studies on the effectiveness of Chondroitin have been mixed relating to the reduction of pain, but much evidence has been shown that Chondroitin can slow the breakdown of cartilage and has had a positive effect on the repair of damaged cartilage. This in itself can reduce pain in the long run.
Why Combine Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Recent studies are beginning to show promising results regarding the effectiveness of a combination of Glucosamine and Chondroitin for pain relief and cartilage support. A combination of these two supplements has been successful at reducing both moderate and severe pain resulting from Osteoarthritis. While the results of some studies are not conclusive, these natural supplements are showing promising results for enhancing the growth of cartilage and slowing natural cartilage breakdown.
At present most studies have been conducted for knee joints, with other joints like the hands and hips also showing much promise.
As cartilage in our bodies begins to thin, our bones can begin to rub together which creates problems relating to osteoarthritis. Studies have shown that pain associated with osteoarthritis can be relieved, and that cartilage function can be improved when supplements like these are taken in conjunction with pain relief medications. While the studies performed regarding the effectiveness of Glucosamine and Chondroitin have been limited, they have been high quality studies producing safe results with fewer side effects than a number of other medicines.
So what is Glucosamine?
Glucosamine is a sugar that the body naturally produces, and it is one of the building blocks that contributes to the development of healthy cartilage. There are two different forms of Glucosamine; Glucosamine Sulfate and Glucosamine Hydrochloride. Most Glucosamine supplement products are developed using the shells from crab, lobster and shrimp. Glucosamine supplements are available in liquid and tablet form, and are usually offered in combination with another supplement; Chondroitin.
Studies have shown that Glucosamine Sulfate reduced pain more than a placebo. Studies have also suggested that this supplement is capable of slowing down the breakdown of cartilage. Studies on Glucosamine hydrochloride show it may be able to contribute to the regrowth of cartilage, but it did not have as notable an effect on pain management.
So what is Chondroitin?
Chondroitin is also a natural substance that the body creates, and it is believed that Chondroitin is capable of drawing nutrients and water into the cartilage, which allows it to remain healthy and spongy. Chondroitin supplement products are Chondroitin Sulfate, which is commonly derived from shark or bovine cartilage.
Studies on the effectiveness of Chondroitin have been mixed relating to the reduction of pain, but much evidence has been shown that Chondroitin can slow the breakdown of cartilage and has had a positive effect on the repair of damaged cartilage. This in itself can reduce pain in the long run.
Why Combine Glucosamine and Chondroitin?
Recent studies are beginning to show promising results regarding the effectiveness of a combination of Glucosamine and Chondroitin for pain relief and cartilage support. A combination of these two supplements has been successful at reducing both moderate and severe pain resulting from Osteoarthritis. While the results of some studies are not conclusive, these natural supplements are showing promising results for enhancing the growth of cartilage and slowing natural cartilage breakdown.
At present most studies have been conducted for knee joints, with other joints like the hands and hips also showing much promise.
Related Tags: glucosamine, chondroitin, amino acid supplements
GlucosamineYour Liquid Nutrition Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- Diet For Men - The Right Tips For A Healthy Body
Men should also focus on their diet when they're thinking about developing their muscles. When they' - Buying Organic Produce On A Budget
Recently, there has been so much information out there on the importance of organic produce. As part - Genf20 Plus: A Key To Battling Old Age
Old age definitely has its setbacks, and mostly, major ones. From the skin, to the eyesight, to the - Herbalife Health Nutrition Products - Enhance You Endurance And Concentration
Founded by Mark Hughes, Herbalife is a company with a vision to improve the lives of you and I throu - Strong Immune System Keeps Ailments Away
A weak immune system can attract ailments and diseases. Basically, the weak immune system is develop - What Is Colon Detox Drink?
Indications for the requirement of colon detoxification- The secret to good health starts from withi - Eating Junk Food Is Unhealthy - How To Stop Eating Junk Food?
Junk food is a term, applied to some foods that is unhealthy and has low or poor nutritional value. - Are You Running A (nutritional) Deficit?
Nutritional deficiencies are a real and common problem in North America. It's a matter of convenienc - The 2 Ways That Agriculture Has Caused The Current Decline In World Health
Archaeological findings continue to show the trend that health has declined ever since we developed - Fruit And Vegetable Death Trap? The Nutrient Scandal Explained In 3 Steps
The problem with fruit and vegetables stem from a number of sources. The whole process by which the
Most viewed articles in this category:
- The Amazingly Simple Solution to Malnutrition
Moringa leaves could wipe out malnutrition in the world. Malnutrition is caused by an improper or in - Preschool Nutrition
The guidelines that are set by the USDA "MyPyramid" provide a detailed nutrition program for prescho - Calcium Carbide-the Illuminating Chemical Compound
Just like with other calcium compounds that contains the suffix -ide in their names, calcium carbide - 6 Benefits of Low Carbohydrate Diets
Low carbohydrate diets are one of the easiest and simplest ways to trim down and have a sexy healthy - Cheese and Migraine Dilemma
Cheese is one of many people favorite's food. Cheese can be eaten alone, or in the mixing with other - Supplements: Do We Really Need Them?
People who wish they can just take a "magical pill" and all their health problems will be solved see - Why Crohn's Disease And Nutrition Go Hand In Hand
The biggest problem caused by Crohn's disease the impaired function of the digestive system. Because - Steakhouse Manhattan Will Give you a Taste of Real Steak
Manhattan is the commercial and the financial centre of the world, and several leading companies and - 5 Warning Signs Your Diet Isn't Working
Let me ask you a simple question: do you feel you're getting the best results from your current food - Stay Loose With Exercise And High-Fiber Foods
Are you miserable due to constipation? Don't want to talk about it? No one can blame you. It cert