| Glucosamine is the precursor to Glycosaminoglycans, | | | | recorded, but it is always best to monitor yourself to |
| amino acids that are naturally produced in your body to | | | | play it safe. As always, read the directions of the |
| help form cartilage. Based on this, Glucosamine, in | | | | manufacturers and consult with your physician as well. |
| supplement form, is being used to treat joint pain | | | | |
| stemming from osteoarthritis. Glucosamine is becoming | | | | Does it work? |
| vastly popular among arthritis sufferers as it is easily | | | | Early clinical tests in Europe were not well conducted, |
| available at health food stores and pharmacies and is | | | | leaving dubious results; however, recent studies are |
| less expensive than some prescription drugs for joint | | | | proving to be promising to those with joint pain. Many |
| pain. Although there seems to be mixed opinions in the | | | | doctors are skeptical of Glucosamine’s healing |
| medical world about how effective Glucosamine really | | | | abilities, as the clinic results look as though it works for |
| is, patients have been singings its praises. | | | | “some” people “sometimes,” but are not |
| Is it safe? | | | | opposed to a person trying it, as it couldn’t hurt. Full |
| Studies show that as a treatment for minor | | | | clinical studies are available online for you to examine |
| osteoarthritis pain, Glucosamine has been proven | | | | the results for yourself. Other doctors are enthusiastic |
| relatively harmless, though long-term use or use in large | | | | about its possibilities and would recommend it by itself |
| doses has not been studied enough to have any | | | | or in combination with Chondroitin, which is often |
| conclusive results. Some concerns you may wish to | | | | combined with Glucosamine in a supplemental form. |
| bring up to your doctor are if you are diabetic, as high | | | | When used in combination with physical therapy and |
| levels of Glucosamine may interfere with blood | | | | other forms of pain management, these supplements |
| glucose levels; if you are nursing or pregnant; or if you | | | | can be very helpful. Often, patients will report that they |
| have a shell fish allergy. Many Glucosamine | | | | don’t notice a significant benefit to Glucosamine until |
| supplements are made from the shells of shellfish, and | | | | after they have missed using it for a day or two. Many |
| while an allergy usually occurs from eating the flesh of | | | | people, despite lack of scientific evidence, swear by |
| said fish, you may want to take precautions when | | | | Glucosamine and its benefits. |
| using a supplement derived from the shells. There | | | | |
| have not been any recorded problems from allergies | | | | Conclusion? |