Glucosamine Fact Or Fiction!

Glucosamine Fact Or Fiction!

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Osteoarthritis is by far the most common type of arthritis, and the percentage of people who have it grows higher with age. An estimated 27 million Americans age 25 and older have osteoarthritis.1 A part of the community thinks of Glucosamine as a means to improving their joint health. Millions of consumers use glucosamine supplement as a way of dealing with crippling pain associated with Osteoarthritis.
Why is Glucosamine perceived as a wonder drug to rid the human body of pain and stiffness and aid in mobility? Has science ever proven what people claim to have experienced with Glucosamine, or is it just the case of mind over matter Lets unravel the mystery. Over the years, people have claimed wonders and written volumes as testimonials in favour of Glucosamine. Science now begins to unearth the truth behind the G-Effect. Recent studies concluded have shown conflicting results and have drawn the attention of people worldwide towards facts that were never published earlier.
Understanding Joint pain associated with Osteoarthritis Joint pain and stiffness are the primary symptoms associated with Osteoarthritis. Cartilage is the tissue that surrounds the ends of the bones in a joint. Healthy cartilage facilitates bones mobility and flexibility. In osteoarthritis, there is deterioration of the cartilage and hence it is called as degenerative joint disease. In the attempt to repair the damaged cartilage, bodys own immune cells create inflammation. The resulting inflammation causes pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion and swelling in the affected joint.
Understanding Glucosamine Glucosamine and Chondroitin, alone or in combination are perceived as effective supplements for joint pain. Glucosamine, an amino sugar, is thought to promote the formation and repair of the cartilage that cushions and protects the bodys joints. Chondroitin, a carbohydrate, is a cartilage component believed to attract and hold water and inhibit the enzymes that break down cartilage. Both the ingredients are naturally found in the body..
Research suggests that Glucosamine may stimulate production of cartilage-building proteins. Some human studies in the past have demonstrated that Glucosamine supplementation may help relieve joint pain and stiffness while recent studies have shown no related benefits. In 2006, National Institutes of Health sponsored Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) reported that neither glucosamine hydrochloride nor chondroitin sulfate, alone or together, reduced pain and other symptoms significantly better than a placebo. Another clinical study sponsored by Erasmus Medical Centre (The Netherlands) was conducted in 222 patients with hip osteoarthritis, diagnosed as per the American College of Rheumatology clinical criteria, also demonstrated that Glucosamine sulfate was no better than placebo in reducing symptoms and progression of hip osteoarthritis. Glucosamine efficacy results are conflicting and the best-designed studies are negative.
Managing Joint Pain associated with Osteoarthritis Joint pain is to the result of joint inflammation. It is important to reduce inflammation in order to allow the repair or prevent further damage to joint tissues. Inflammation can be reduced with drugs which are accompanied with side effects or with herbs which have been scientifically proven and blended to work on inflammatory pathways. These herbs safely work to help to reduce joint pain and inflammation. There are number of herbs like Boswellia serrata, Commiphora mukul, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale which are conventionally used as well as scientifically studied to improve joint health. Natural herbs or clinically proven herbal blends work on several pathways to assist in reducing joint pain and minimize joint stiffness.
If you are taking glucosamine supplements and think they help, continue with them, but consider checking other natural alternatives to see if theres a difference. You will see the difference. Or maybe you could start take some other herbal anti-inflammatory products alongside your favorite glucosamine/chondroitin and then slowly phase out the glucosamine and see the difference. May be you will be fine without the glucosamine!

About the Author:
If you are taking glucosamine supplements and think they help, continue with them, but consider checking other natural alternatives to see if theres a difference. You will see the difference. Or maybe you could start take some other herbal anti-inflammatory products .



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