Glucosamine, Nature’s Joint Pain Healer?

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Glucosamine, Nature’s Joint Pain Healer?

Wednesday, April 30th, 2008 Subscribe To Our Feed

by Jamaal Harrison

Glucosamine is naturally present in the body. It consists of glucose as
well as the amino acid glutamine. Glucosamine is necessary in the
formation of a molecule that aids in the development and restoration of
cartilage as well as various other tissues in the body. The speed at which
we produce Glucosamine decreases with age.

It is an amino sugar and a well known precursor in the biochemical
combination of glycosylated proteins and lipids. Glucosamine makes up a
very significant part of the exoskeletons of crustaceans as well as other
arthropods. It is present in fungi and various higher organisms, and it
is one of the most bountiful monosaccharides. Glucosamine is made
commercially by the hydrolysis of crustacean exoskeletons.

Glucosamine is a popular and effective treatment for arthritis, or
inflammation and deterioration of the joints. It is sold as a supplement in
liquid or capsules, but is also used in some cosmetics and some sports
drinks.

Glucosamine is often combined with Chondroitin Sulfate, a molecule
naturally present in cartilage. Chondroitin grants cartilage elasticity and
is believed to halt the erosion of cartilage by enzymes. Glucosamine
is sometimes mixed with Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) in dietary
supplements. Glucosamine supplements are commonly used for osteoarthritis -
specifically, osteoarthritis affecting the knees. This condition causes
cartilage to become stiff and unbendable, which can lead to joint damage
and swelling.

Since the body’s natural glucosamine is used to make and repair joint
cartilage, having glucosamine as a nutritional supplement is considered
to help repair injured cartilage by supplementing the body’s
contribution of glucosamine. There is hopeful proof that glucosamine may decrease
pain symptoms of knee osteoarthritis and possibly slow the succession
of osteoarthritis. Still, doctors often suggest a three month
experiment of glucosamine and discontinuing it if there is no progress after
these three months. A usual quantity for osteoarthritis is 1,500 mg of
glucosamine sulfate on a daily basis.

Check out Jamaal Harrison’s free video on joint pain.

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