Facts on Glucosamine

1. Why Do We Need Glucosamine?

Our bodies naturally produce glucosamine. This compound combines glucose in the body with glutamine, an amino acid. Our bodies produce less of glucosamine as we age. Without glucosamine, our bodies can't produce glycosaminoglycan. Without that, our bodies can't form and repair cartilage and other delicate tissues of the body. It's like a cushioning gel in our joints.

2. Glucosamine Helps With Osteoarthritis

Supplements of glucosamine are primarily used as treatments dealing with osteoarthritis. Pain due to osteoarthritis in the knee is an area where doctors receive complaints from patients and recommend the use of glucosamine. It's also used to treat other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, those suffering with inflammatory bowel disease, patients of Crohn's disease, those with chronic venous insufficiency and even some conditions dealing with the skin.

3. Cushion Your Joints With Glucosamine

Glucosamine works particularly well for arthritis related joint conditions as it's thought that it helps to repair cartilage damaged by supplementing the body's natural supply of it. The cartilage is the rubbery cushion in the joints. When it loses its elasticity and becomes stiff, the joint becomes prone to damage and injury. This situation causes joint pain, swelling of the joints, less ability to move and general breakdown of the joint. These supplements show great promise in reducing pain and swelling from osteoarthritis as well as rebuilding some of the joint cushion. More good news: glucosamine shows promise in slowing down the progression of osteoarthritis.

4. Stock Up and Get Started on Glucosamine

Glucosamine is readily available in health food stores and drug stores. It's often combined with chondroitin sulfate, which also helps with the joints by providing elasticity in the cartilage. Many sport drinks include glucosamine in the ingredients, as sports and pain in the joints seem to go hand in hand. There are even liquid versions of glucosamine available for those who don't like to swallow pills.

5. Glucosamine Offers More Enjoyment of Life

Taking glucosamine supplements regularly over time helps osteoarthritis patients, rheumatoid arthritis patients and many others that suffer from joint pain. They have more range of motion in their joints, have less joint pain and less swelling. They are able to move easier, become active again and enjoy life much more. The freedom to start moving again helps with other areas such as easing signs of depression and the ability to start exercising more for overall better health.

Last updated on: Nov 18, 2009

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