Glucosamine is a substance that is commonly found in the body, according to the Mayo Clinic. It is an amino sugar and it helps to make the cartilage in your body stronger and more pliable. It is also a substance that is sold in most pharmacies and health food stores. Glucosamine has benefits and is used by arthritis sufferers who experience a great deal of discomfort caused by the disease.
Repairs Cartilage
Connective tissue or cartilage can become damaged or injured and can then lead to various types of arthritis. According to The Glucosamine and Osteoarthritis Resource Center, glucosamine is an important building block to help form protective tissues. Without glucosamine, the connective tissues become weak and lose their elasticity. Although the body makes glucosamine, it can also be helpful to some arthritis sufferers to take an additional supplement to help with these repairs.
Reduce Pain
According to The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, research shows that glucosamine provides significant relief to people who suffer from moderate to severe pain caused by osteoarthritis. It is believed that the extra oral supplement of glucosamine is absorbed by the body and offers an additional cushion for the joints, reducing the pain level of the person. However, glucosamine may not be as beneficial for people who suffer from milder pain.
Reduce Inflammation
Sometimes tissues at the site of arthritic bones and joints can become inflamed. Arthritic bones or joints can also cause distortions on parts of the body. For example, a person experiencing severe arthritis in the hands may have fingers that appear to be crooked. This distortion may cause additional inflammation at the site, and this can lead to swelling of the tissue around the site. The Glucosamine and Osteoarthritis Resource Center, reports that taking a supplement of glucosamine can help to prevent this. It helps by supplying your bones and joints with the extra glucosamine that is needed to lubricate these areas properly.
References
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Efficacy of Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate May Depend on Level of Osteoarthritis Pain
- The Mayo Clinic: Can Glucosamine Supplements Help Rebuild Cartilage in People with Osteoarthritis?
- The Glucosamine and Osteoarthritis Resource Center: Benefits of Glucosamine
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