How and why it works:
First, let me tell you about my own results with
glucosamine chondroitin
Click to listen highlighted text!
glucosamine chondroitin
for joint health are remarkable. This combination is most often used for arthritis, and a common type called osteoarthritis. Arthritic issues develop over time and progress, but typically it becomes apparent in middle age. What happens is the cartilage, which serves as a cushion between the bones, breaks down causing joints to hurt and stiffen. (I can verify this!)
If you’re interested in supplements for joint health, like me, you’ve probably heard of glucosamine and chondroitin. These two supplements are often taken together, as they are thought to be more effective when used in combination. But what do they actually do?
The ingredients in glucosamine chondroitin supplements are thought to help reduce inflammation and pain associated with osteoarthritis.
- Glucosamine is an amino sugar that occurs naturally in the body, while
- Chondroitin is a compound found in cartilage
- both are thought to protect cells called chondrocytes
Chondrocytes are responsible for creating and maintaining cartilage. Cartilage is a type of connective tissue that cushions the joints.
Research on the efficacy of glucosamine and chondroitin is mixed. Some studies show positive effects, while others show no significant benefits. However, many people report feeling relief from taking these supplements (like me), and they are generally considered safe to take.
My results: I have been taking supplements of glucosamine chondroitin for joint pain for a number of years. My findings are that they are very beneficial for this. However, it isn’t healing or reversing my joint pain, it is merely controlling the pain, and helping suppress progression. I said merely control pain, but that fact, in and of itself, is significant to me, since continual pain is not something I want to endure. I’ve had hip pain of some degree ever since my teen years. So, relief is a huge benefit to me.
Additionally:
- These supplements are sometimes taken for other conditions, such as joint pain, back pain, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Glucosamine and chondroitin are often added to pet foods as supplements. These ingredients are thought to promote joint health in dogs, as well!
How and why our cartilage breaks down
Cartilage breaks down due to wear and tear, age, or injury. When cartilage breaks down, it can lead to joint pain and stiffness. Glucosamine and chondroitin are thought to help slow down the breakdown of cartilage, which may in turn help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
These two substances are thought to help maintain healthy joints by lubricating them and preventing wear and tear. Glucosamine is thought to stimulate the production of cartilage, while chondroitin is thought to help keep cartilage healthy and prevent it from breaking down.
What are Glucosamin Chondroitin Supplements?
- Glucosamine comes from the shells of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp
- Chondroitin comes from the cartilage of cows, pigs, and sharks
- Glucosamine and chondroitin are also found in bone broth and organ meats
Definitely not vegan! (And now you know why there is a picture of shrimp in this post – LOL)
Glucosamine and Chondroitin for Joint Health plus MSM
Some people believe that glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM work together synergistically to promote joint health. Others believe that MSM may not be necessary if you’re taking glucosamine and chondroitin separately. Ultimately, there’s no definitive answer to whether or not the addition of MSM is needed.
What is MSM?
MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a sulfur-containing compound that’s often added to glucosamine and chondroitin supplements. It is thought to help reduce inflammation and promote joint health.
MSM is found naturally in some foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish. It’s also available in supplement form. MSM is sometimes added to glucosamine and chondroitin supplements because it’s thought to help reduce inflammation and promote joint health.
Tumeric is also beneficial for joint health – so is one or the other better?
Recently, science has begun to back up what the Indians have known for years – that turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent.
One of the main active ingredients in turmeric is curcumin, which has been shown to inhibit the production of inflammatory enzymes. This means that turmeric may be more effective than glucosamine and chondroitin at reducing inflammation and joint pain.
If you are considering taking a supplement for joint pain, turmeric is a safe and effective option that is worth considering.
On the other hand, glucosamine and chondroitin have been shown to be effective in reducing joint pain because glucosamine works by increasing the amount of fluid in the joints, while chondroitin helps to reduce inflammation.
Glucosamine and chondroitin are found in healthy cartilage. Glucosamine helps to repair and maintain cartilage, while chondroitin inhibits enzymes that break down cartilage.
Either way, turmeric is an anti-inflammatory agent that can help relieve pain. It is also a powerful antioxidant that scavenges harmful free radicals.
How to Take Glucosamine Chondroitin for Joint Health
Glucosamine and chondroitin are available in pill, powder, and liquid form. It’s best to take them with food, as this can help reduce stomach upset. (I don’t experience this problem but some might.)
They can also be found in some topical joint-pain products.
You can expect these supplements to take up to four weeks to work for joint health from when you start. And, I need to mention, you have to take them consistently to continue to experience the benefits. I’ve missed a day or two here and there, and noticed that I have done so. Fortunately, I start taking them regularly again, and they are back to work within a day or two. Be consistent if you decide to take them, and the benefits are worth it to you.
The recommended dose of glucosamine is 500 mg per day, while the recommended dose of chondroitin is 400 mg per day. However, it’s always best to talk to your doctor to see what dose is right for you. (You can see what I take, and how much, below.)
The Safety of Glucosamine Chondroitin for Joint Health
Glucosamine and chondroitin are generally considered safe to take. With that said, side effects are possible. These include upset stomach, nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. (Again, I have not experienced any of these.)
Precautions:
Glucosamine and chondroitin are supplements that are often taken together in order to support joint health. I repeat, while these supplements are generally considered safe, there are some people who should NOT take them.
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid taking glucosamine and chondroitin. These supplements have not been studied in pregnant women, so it is not known if they are safe.
- If you have a history of glaucoma you should avoid taking it. These supplements may increase the pressure inside the eye, which can lead to or worsen glaucoma.
- If you have any bleeding disorders you should avoid taking them. These supplements may increase the risk of bleeding.
- If you are taking blood-thinning medications avoid taking them.
- If you are allergic to shellfish you should not take glucosamine period!
Note: If you’re interested in supplements for joint health, as with any supplement, it’s always best to talk to your doctor first to see if they might be right for you.
As promised, here are the supplements I take (and cover all my bases with this combo!)…
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NutriRise Glucosamine Chondroitin Turmeric Quercetin & MSM – Joint Flex – 90ct – 2100mg Triple-Strength Joint Comfort Supplement for Women & Men with Boswellia & Bromelain, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO |
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